The Blackhawk Crucible FX2 fixed blade knife.
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The Blackhawk Crucible FX2 fixed blade knife is not new to the market, but this knife offers a great deal of potential for law enforcement, military, and first responders. It is our firm belief, every cop needs to have a dependable and durable knife on duty. There are just too many tasks requiring a knife not to have one handy on the job. The Blackhawk Crucible FX2 is a solid knife, featuring high-quality AUS8A steel and G10 handles. The Crucible is a very dependable knife capable of a wide range of uses in the harshest of conditions.
The Blackhawk Crucible FX2 knife design comes from highly respected close-combat instructor Kelly McCann (a.k.a. Jim Grover), a world-renown expert in anti-terrorism and counter-terrorism. A one-time Master Instructor for anti-terrorism and personal protection for the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. State Department, McCann designed the Crucible to meet the needs of armed law enforcement needing a knife for self-defense and utility purposes. McCann runs Team Crucible in Virginia, a GSA approved training provider.
Holding the Blackhawk Crucible FX2 felt well-balanced, and comfortably secure.
Crucible FX2 Fixed Blade Knife
The Blackhawk Crucible FX2 is the fixed blade version of the popular Crucible II folding knife. Both knives offer an outstanding AUS8A steel blade, capable of enduring harsh conditions and use while maintaining a sharp blade edge. AUS8A is roughly the Japanese equivalent of American 440 stainless steel, both popular knife blade materials.
The AUS8A differs from AUS8 steel with the inclusion of a heat treatment process – the material make-up is the same. This extra heat treatment strengthens the steel and makes it more durable. The steel itself is reasonably rust and corrosion resistant, but Blackhawk adds a PVD coating for extra protection and longevity. The blade type is a very nice drop point, with a flat ground or “V” edge. An optional half-serrated blade is also available.
The full tang design with quality AUS8A steel blade is PVD finished providing strength and durability.
A full tang design is used on the Crucible FX2 ensuring the strongest and most reliable function for a fixed blade knife. The pommel end extends slightly above the curved grip giving the user a hard impact edge or glass-break option. The handles on the Crucible FX2 are made with highly popular and very durable G10 (high-pressure fiberglass laminate), featuring a robust but comfortable basket-weave texturing. Gripping the Crucible FX2 is both very positive and comfortable, even when the knife or hands get wet or dirty.
The G10 handles have three gently rolling and wide finger grooves for extra support. Unfortunately, the finger grooves did not match up with my medium-sized hands, so I found I had two fingers vying for space in the middle slot. However, this did not affect the comfort of my grip or the function in controlling the knife during common movements. In addition, the bottom of the handle has aggressive downward curves to keep the hand firmly in place even with hard strikes or stabbing motions.
While the company is not generally thought of as a knife manufacturer, I’ve been impressed by some of the blades Blackhawk makes. The Blackhawk Be Wharned, for example, is an excellent Michael Janich design with a Wharncliffe design similar to the Spyderco Yojimbo 2.
Specifications
- Blade Material: AUS8A steel
- Grip Material: Textured G10
- Blade Coating: Black PVD
- Blade Type: Drop point, razor edge or partially serrated
- Blade Length: 3.2 inches
- Overall Length: 7.9 inches
- Weight: 0.385 pounds
- MSRP: $89.99
Textured G10 grip panels provide comfortable grip assurance. Note serrations on pommel for reverse grip.
Moderately aggressive serrations on the spine provide superior grip control.
Serrations at the bottom, front of the grip provide stability in both traditional and reverse grips.
The reverse grip is a preferred method for self-defense by some knife experts.
Finally, there are moderately serrated grip assists on the top of the Crucible FX2 spine, on the front finger groove, and at the top of the pommel. Each serration is specifically designed to provide excellent gripping control for the most common cutting or stabbing movements, including the highly effective reverse grip.
The Crucible FX2 has the option of an injection molded sheath with the TCCS (Tactical Concealed Carry Solutions) hardware kit. The unique TCCS system enhances concealed carry by keeping the knife as close to the user’s body as possible. This system offers a sheath, inside-the-waistband belt loop, paddle and belt-carry. In addition, the TCCS is compatible with all Blackhawk CQC holster mounting hardware.
The Crucible II (top) is the folding version of the Crucible FX2 fixed blade (bottom). Photo from YouTube.
Crucible II Folding Knife
The counter-part to the fixed blade Crucible FX2 is the Crucible II folding knife. The Crucible II features most of the same materials and features as the FX2. Instead of a full tang, the Crucible II uses a flush ground liner-lock mechanism. This type of locking mechanism is very popular, easy to use, and a proven way to secure an open folding blade. Like the FX2, the Crucible II knife uses Phillips head screws to secure the grips, allowing easy maintenance. The Crucible II offers the same TCCS system as the FX2 fixed blade option.
The optional half serrated blade is available to both the Crucible II and FX2. Photo by Blackhawk.
Specifications
- Blade Material: AUS8A steel
- Blade Type: Drop point, plain razor or half serrated edge
- Blade Coating: PVD
- Blade Length: 3.25 inches
- Grip Material: Textured G10 scales
- Overall Length: 8.0 inches
- Folded Length: 4.75 inches
- Weight: 0.385 pounds
- Pocket Clip: Left, right and tip-up or tip down option
- Option: Injection molded nylon sheath
- MSRP: $89.99
Gently rolling finger grooves help with grip, even though not perfect for everyone’s hands.
BSD Final Thoughts
The Blackhawk Crucible FX2 fixed blade knife is an outstanding option for law enforcement, military, or other first responder users. The blade is made from high-quality steel and the textured G10 handles are sculpted for superior grip. This knife feels very nice in my hands, despite the finger grooves being slightly off for a perfect fit. The balance is excellent and provides a confident feel for simple cutting or more serious self-defense work.
Overall, I found the Blackhawk Crucible FX2 an excellent selection. Normally we tend to steer away from recommending fixed blade knives for patrol offices, but under the right circumstances, they can be the best option. I’ve heard some knife experts call folding knives “broken knives,” because even with excellent locking mechanisms there is still a potential for failure in a critical moment. The Crucible FX2 leaves no room for concern. The shortened blade is actually perfect for self-defense in close-quarters altercations, and easy to use for cutting as well. If your policy or preference requires a folding knife, the Crucible II is a great choice.
Update
Blackhawk discontinued the manufacture of these two knives. I’ve not been able to find the fixed blade FX2 from any source. The folding Crucible II is available from Knife Country USA. If you are interested in buying one, please use our affiliate link here. I have no idea about how many the company may have left.
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