**These will be sold by GORUCK on 12/20, beginning at 10:00am (ET)**

We are proud to collaborate with Goruck on the Aquila fighter. Richard Rice, a plank owner / member of Delta Force that heads up Gorucks military division approached us with an idea for a Vietnam style fighter. We certainly couldn't say no, first off, a large portion of our staff that are huge Goruck fans. Add that to a chance to make a rendition of a historical combat knife, there was no way we could say no!

From Richard Rice.....Combat tactics have evolved from sticks and rocks to laser guided missiles, but one type of weapon that’s always been around is the knife. Almost every military on the planet ensures their troops are equipped with knives of some sort. Fixed blade knives, machetes and some of the newer models of survival knives made in recent years are all variations of classic types of knives used for centuries.
When I think of knives, several iconic blades come to mind: the Bowie; Fairbain-Sykes; Ka-Bar; Gerber MK II and the MACV-SOG. Of these the Bowie, Ka-Bar and MACV-SOG use the Bowie style blade and are the ones with which I am most familiar. When I first joined MACV-SOG in 1969 I was issued a knife designed for this covert group during the Vietnam War. It was unmarked and untraceable to the country of origin in order to maintain deniability of covert operators in the event of their death or capture.

The GORUCK Aquila (Eagle) Knife takes its inspiration from the MACV-SOG knife I was issued, but is not a replica. The blade of the Aquila honors the bowie and incorporates a full tang with guard allowing for a neutral balance. Coupled with the textured, ergonomic Micarta handle, this knife has a comfortable, confident grip wet or dry and is an excellent all around field knife.

The knife is just over 12" in total length with a 7 3/8" blade made from 80CRV2 Carbon Steel. The 3/16" thick, oversized stock used for this knife is tough enough to handle anything you can throw at it. A long, deep fuller profile provides strength as well as a reduced surface area for deeper penetration. The knife is finished with a Gun Metal Gray Cerakote finish for added corrosion resistance and durability, while providing a low visibility look.

The full-tang handle features super durable and grippy 3D contoured Micarta handle scales. Micarta is a superior handle material compared to the old stacked leather handles or Bakelite style from back in the day. Micarta provides a sure grip in any weather or climate condition. A leather sheath is included that can be run on your belt and it is also MOLLE compatible.

Specifications

Overall Length: 12 1/2”
Blade Length: 7 3/8” Measured from the Handle
Edge Length: 6 3/8”
Blade Thickness: 3/16”
Handle Length 4 3/4”
Weight: 12.4oz without sheath
Blade: 80CRV2 Carbon Steel (HRC 58-59)
Handles: Micarta – Double Dyed Brown
Sheath: Leather