EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – RoseCraft Blades has a new modern knife out and it is a beast.
The RoseCraft MA-12 has been out for a few weeks now. I would describe it as the company’s version of a tactical/hard-use knife.
This knife comes in three different colorways. The one I have is all black – a blacked-out AUS-10 steel blade and black-linen micarta handle.
It has a striking look.
This is a big beefy knife that feels like a workhorse.
The clip-point blade comes in at 3.2 inches but feels bigger than that.
The knife is 7.8 inches when open and 4.7 inches when closed. It weighs a robust 5.8 ounces.
Numbers only tell part of the story.
This knife is designed to be a worker that is easy to open one-handed.
That is another element of this knife that is a little different.
The knife has no flipper or thumb studs, like most modern knives do.
You open it and close it with the button lock and a flick of the wrist.
Normally, that is not my favorite method, but it works with this knife.
Andy Armstrong, the general manager and lead designer at RoseCraft, says this knife is specifically designed to be opened while wearing gloves.
The MA-12 is an update on the previously released MA-11. Andy says the new version is lighter with skeletonized liners. It is easier to open and close one-handed and its blade is more versatile than the tanto on the original MA-11, Andy added.
The opening and closing action is fantastic. In fact, it is downright fidgety.
The MA-12 also features some aggressive jimping on the spine of the blade allowing you to choke up and do some tighter, closer work.
Additionally, it has a lanyard hole for fans of that and a glass-breaker at the far end of the knife. Note: The glass-breaker can easily be unscrewed and put away, if that’s what you want to do.
I personally like the glass-breaker. It gives the knife a little bit more functionality and elevates it from strictly a work knife to a tactical one as well.
The pocket clip is reversible giving it even more versatility.
The version I have really pops with its all-black look. The only color comes from the steel button lock, some RoseCraft billboarding on the pocket clip and maker’s marks and company logo on the exposed part of the blade when it is closed up.
The handles are made of black-linen micarta. You can see the grains in it, giving it a really cool look and feel.
This knife is also available with OD green G10 handles and digi-camo G10.
RoseCraft has really set the knife world on its ear with its modern take on traditional slipjoint knives.
But its modern knives also are well made and really fly under the radar with knife enthusiasts and collectors.
Verdict: I like this knife. It is super easy to open and close and it is a beefy work knife that would be great around the yard or while doing odd jobs around the house.
It really seems like it is made for people like my friend Ed over at Red Beard Knife and Tool who work with their hands each and every day and need a versatile knife that is easy to open.
The look on all three of these is fantastic as well.
Another big hit for RoseCraft, in my humble opinion.
This knife is listed for $59.99 on the RoseCraft website. You can use code ROUGH10 for 10 percent off on non-sale items on the RCB website.
Here is a link to the knife featured in this column. Here is a link to RoseCraft’s homepage.
Here are some YouTube channels on knives and gear that I watch, enjoy and respect.
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