Overview
This is a very special piece, an original ATAK that was made for and was carried by a retired F-16 Fighter Pilot. On the blade it is marked "S.E.A.L. A.T.A.K." "391". Has a black G-10 handle with lanyard hole. The black coating on the blade is coming off and has some scratches, but is still razor sharp. Comes with original kydex sheath with matching serial number. Good condition considering its journey. 6.75" blade 11.75" overall.Note from the seller:
MAD DOG S.E.A.L. A.T.A.K. #391 As a USAF fighter pilot assigned to flying duty rotations, multi-service task force missions, in Central America during the 1990s, I became motivated to seek a higher quality survival knife than the USAF issued and stored in our ACES II seat kits (survival kit nested in our ejection seat, Advanced Concept Ejection Seat).
A chance meeting in Arizona with the original craftsman that made MAD DOG knives for US Navy special warfare teams made me realize the quality and durability that was available in a knife. Though he made knives for the US Navy and not the USAF, an arrangement was made, and two knives (#391 became mine, another for a fellow squadron mate) were delivered in a few weeks. I carried #391 tied to my body and outer flight gear during each rotation in Central America and during other worldwide assignable missions during my flying career. #391 was also used for various other adventures, air and land, during which compromise in equipment was not an option.
#391 has proven itself to meet design and craftsmanship standards of its maker, and what the US Navy required from its suppliers of special warfare equipment. It also, I’m certain, exceeded standards never imagined when it pulled +9Gs and flew through the sound barrier a few times while along for the ride with me.
Respectfully, JTR, LtCol, USAF (ret.), Fighter Pilot, F-16
