This is it. This is the knife named the A.T.A.K. (Advanced Tactical Assault Knife) and Mad Dog Knives received a U.S. Navy Sole Source Justification for its manufacture.
Mad Dog Knives was the company which won the 1992 "SEAL Trials" to supply the Naval Special Warfare Groups 1 and 2 with a fixed blade knife. The A.T.A.K. is only knife in US military history to be honored with sole source justification. Mad Dog knives make tactical fixed-blade knives, using Starrett 496-O1 high carbon tool steel which is then given a proprietary heat treatment. This process includes hardening, stress relieving, selectively tempering blade. As result, the blades have an edge hardness of 62-63 on the Rockwell C Scale, whereas the tip, spine, and tang have a hardness of 50-54. Treatment was devised to develop phenomenal edge retention while preventing tip breakage and a maintaining degree of flexibility. A softer spine improves toughness. The blades have a specially coated layer of hard chrome. This method provides great abrasion and corrosion resistance.
Mad Dog Knives utilizes a glass epoxy composite fiberglass for handle material on its knives. It can withstand long term heat in excess of 149 degrees Celsius (300 Fahrenheit), tractive force of 79,000 psi, current of 1,000 volts per mil (0.001") thickness and is impervious to salt water, diesel oil, benzine other caustic corrosive fluids.
Kydex sheath material specifications include "nonmagnetic metal rivets were used to manufacture sheath". Ergonomic grip indexes user's hand, thus letting user know how presented, even in dark conditions. Mad Dog Knives uses a compression bonded hidden full tang.
The knife in the picture is the actual one you will receive. The scratches are superficial only and come from drawing the knife in and out of the sheath. Knife is in perfect condition. If you are looking at this you know how extremely rare these knives have become.
Specifications:
Blade length: 7"
Blade thickness: .250"
Blade width: 1.375"
Overall length: approx. 12"
Weight: approx. 11 oz. (knife only)
Sheath: (1) ATAK sheath, and (1) Slip sheath - individually hand crafted shaped kydex composite