Max Knives FPGT — La Griffe in 100% anodised titanium, Fred Perrin

Overview

The design is the one Fred Perrin has been carrying since the early 1990s: a small fixed blade whose ring keeps hand and tool together. What changes here is entirely a matter of material, since the piece is made in 100% anodised titanium, blade and body alike, in one continuous part. It measures 119 mm overall for a 40 mm plain edge and 3 mm of thickness. A kydex sheath is supplied with the knife.

Why titanium

Titanium brings three things to a knife of this size. It does not rust, which simplifies life for an object meant to be carried against the body and to meet moisture. It does not take a magnetic charge, a property steel lacks. And it is markedly lighter for the same volume, over the same 119 mm, the same 40 mm of edge and the same 3 mm of stock as the steel FPGN. Anodising, finally, colours the surface electrochemically rather than by laying a coating on top of it.

Technical specifications

Blade and handle are titanium, one continuous piece. The blade shape is a claw, the plain edge measures 40 mm and thickness is 3 mm. Overall length reaches 119 mm. The surface is anodised. The knife ships with its kydex sheath. The dimensions are therefore identical to the FPGN in 440C steel, also quoted at 119 mm overall, 40 mm of edge and 3 mm of stock.

Care

Titanium calls for no anti-corrosion treatment: clear water, a soft cloth and careful drying are enough after wet use. Do avoid abrasives and polishing compounds on the anodised area, though, because the colour comes from a very thin oxide layer that abrasion takes off. Fingerprints lift with a dry cloth. The kydex sheath rinses under water and air-dries; let the knife dry too before it goes back inside.

Legal notice for international buyers. Carrying it in public without a legitimate reason is an offence in France and in most European countries. It is the buyer's responsibility to check the law that applies where the order is delivered before purchasing.