Introducing the new Systema HQ Survival Knife
The design was personally selected by Vladimir Vasiliev and is closely based on the original Russian classic combat knife used in World War 2, called Нож Pазведчика or Reconnaissance Knife. This knife model was very successful and a very modern weapon for its time, numerous legends have been associated with it and its fighting qualities.
With this new Systema HQ Survival Knife, the classic 1940’s design has been taken to a new level and fine tuned for martial arts and survival applications of today.
Whether you are an expert or novice, this will soon become the favorite knife you own.
– Police Officer, over 20 years experience
Manufacture details:
Damascus steel blade made with a rain drop pattern and a high carbon steel core.
Damascus steel is made by forge welding two types of steel – one with higher nickel content than the other – to produce a beautiful pattern that also has the practical application of making the blade stronger.
Sharpness is ensured with a Cryo-quenched hardened blade and a hollow (concave) blade grind. The high carbon steel core ensures the edge is extremely sharp and has excellent edge retention, minimizing the sharpening requirements in the field.
Two grooved sections on the blade. The top grooves on the spine of the blade are designed for scraping a ferro rod to start a fire. The grooved section next to the ricasso assists in holding the knife when performing precise work such as making wood shaves for a fire or sharpening a spear stick for fishing.
The guard is simple and grooved, with the right angulation to make the holding of the knife easy, safe and efficient. The knife is ideally balanced at the guard.
G10 military grade plastic handle has been added to improve durability. The handle makes the holding more secure, does not get marked by hits, and is waterproof. Machined grooves on the side of the handle and in the index finger section secure the grip. A lanyard hole made of stainless steel close to the hilt allows for the threading of a paracord to prevent dropping the knife when deployed.
Leather sheath is durable and water resistant, finished in oil dye with an extended belt loop to keep the knife straight while sheathed.
Size and weight specifications:
Knife Weight: 6.5 oz / 185 grams
Blade Thickness: 0.14” / 3.5 mm
Total Knife Length: 10 ¼” / 26 cm
Blade Length: 5 ¼” / 14.5 cm
Handle Length: 4 ½” / 11.5 cm
Sheath Weight: 2.2 oz / 63 grams
Sheath Length: 9 ½” / 24 cm
Total Knife Length with Sheath: 11” / 28 cm
Total Knife Weight with Sheath: 8.8 oz / 248 grams
Very limited quantity available.
Martin Szabo –
This knife feels like a powerful tool and a good friend when you hold it in your hand or have it on you.
Chris Peytier, France –
As the first European to own this knife, I have to say that it is very impressive, on three aspects.
1- The overall impression of quality is outstanding. The damas blade inspires respect and admiration when we look at the details.
2- The sharpness is amazing. I own over 20 knives, some of them with VG-10 and ZDP-189 blades (considered as medical-grade special steels) and none of them come close to the sharpness of this one.
And 3- The practicality: it is light, the G10 plastic handle feels really good in the hand and it has just the right grooves in the right places.
I end up with a great but contrasted feeling: On the one hand, it’s definitely the best designed and practical “survival knife” that I own (And I have a few…) but on the other hand, it’s highly symbolic for me and almost too beautiful to be used every day. In the ideal life, I would love to see this split in two models: an entry model (maybe with no Damascus blade?) and a high-end, collector model, with the Damascus blade and, why not, a wooden handle, and maybe Vlad’s signature carved on the blade. Now THAT would be a priceless collector item !
Jose Alvarado –
I have many other knives. Systema Survival blade is excellent. You can see the fusion of metals. I like how it is super sharp but light. The weight is very precise and feels great in your hand.
Police Officer (anonymous) –
I have over 20 years of law enforcement experience which includes survival and wilderness training and I absolutely love this knife. I have purchased many survival knives over the years and many of those purchases I regret. Some claim to be able to do everything but end up being way too bulky, overweight, unbalanced and not practical to carry in a hunting/camping or survival situation. The Systema knife is the perfectly balanced, light weight enough so you don’t even feel it or notice you are carrying it; but more importantly it is strong and durable so it can do what you want, when you want to do it. It is perfectly balanced, proportioned, and fantastically sharp and able to keep its edge when using it. If you are looking for the perfect knife to use in any situation then I would recommend the Systema Survival knife. Whether you are an expert or novice this will soon become the favorite knife you own.
Stefan Milne –
This knife is amazing. Extremely sharp much better than my Gerber survival and Morakniv. The finish looks great too with the Damascus full tang with a very secure handle and finger guard. This will now be my go to knife for camping and live edge Systema practice. Thank you for a truly worthy blade.
Adam Walton –
I own many knives, swords, clubs and other weapons both historical, custom and modern. I have also owned many more, but this is by far my favorite knife.
I could feel how good this knife was as soon as I touched it. When I saw Vlad had designed a knife, I bought 2. It is not only beautiful, it is extremely functional. It holds a good edge and you can see the 2 different metals. It is so well balanced that you relax and feel that it has no weight. I highly recommend this knife. The only problem is that Vlad did such a good job that I would like to see him design more weapons like a short sword or full size modern sword. Or a tomahawk(or a tomahawk dvd) I would also love to see some Systema Pants To go with the great cloths Systema Hq already has. I like Quality and Systema Hq has regularly exceeded my expectations and surprised me with their generosity.
They design great stuff for martial artists by martial artists. Have a great year.
Mischa Volman –
This knife feels so good, as if it was born into my hand. It can be thrown or cuts in any direction. Did you know that Damascus steel almost never needs to be sharpened? What a great item!
Stas R. –
There’s no noise when you’re extracting the blade from the sheath, and that’s very important for quick and subtle release.
Damascus steel is forged to be sharp.
The guard is so important on a knife. You will avoid the injury of cutting yourself.
This knife is dark and light enough that it is not obvious, yet visible, so you will not lose it.
The texture and colour of the handle is perfect. It doesn’t show blood when you’re cleaning your hunter’s catch.
I also like the opening on the sheath. Perfect for the strap or belt.