Hinderer Eklipse - Harpoon Tanto Grind - First Impressions

Eklipse Tri-Way Flipper, Harpoon Tanto Grind, Orange G10
Rick Hinderer Knives

The Eklipse is known the world over as one of the toughest tactical folders regardless of your mission. Rick's focus when designing the Eklipse was a no-nonsense tactical tool ready for the simplest cutting tasks to high-speed low drag operations. The Tri-Way model incorporates a ball bearing pivot for supremely smooth flipping action and also includes a set of regular washers that can be installed if you so choose.

The Eklipse has a CNC flat ground blade that offers the best of both worlds offering maximum cutting potential in a blade that has a durable tip for prying. The blade thickness is a full 0.165" and can handle the toughest cutting chores. The blade locks up on a solid 0.25" diameter thumb stud which is press fitted into the blade. This makes for a very strong lockup as there is no loosening of the thumb stud which can happen with two piece designs. The fact that the thumb stud locks up against the frame adds an incredible amount of strength to the sideways torque of the blade as the sideways stresses are being stopped by a thick titanium liner, thus relieving the stress that would normally be put on the pivot.

Speaking of the pivot, Rick Hinderer makes his own 17-4PH stainless steel pivots on a state of the art CNC turning center thus guaranteeing precise accuracy. The pivot is a 0.25" barrel diameter with a 0.375" head. The pivot is drilled and tapped completely through and is mated with an in-house designed screw. This system makes for an incredibly strong pivot that is easy to adjust in the field. The Eklipse handle shape is designed to be very ergonomic and comfortable in a wide variety of user positions. Not everyone’s hands are the same size, and also grip varies greatly so the ergonomic handle design is a great fit for all users. The textured pattern used on the handle scale is extremely grippy but does not ‘bite’ the hand during use.

The high strength materials combined with the full titanium liner lock add strength and rigidity. The handle scales can be easily changed by the end-user if another color is desired. The standard finish on all Eklipse folders is a highly durable tumbled/stonewash that will stand up to hard use in all environments. The handle construction is an open back design utilizing huge standoffs. The standoffs are designed to add superior strength for lateral crushing of the handle case while still allowing the blade to nestle into the handle without touching the standoffs. This gives the knife the same strength as a solid back folder while offering the ease of cleaning due to the open design.
Specifications
Blade Length: 3.50"
Cutting Edge: 3.375"
Closed Length: 4.75"
Overall Length: 8.25"
Blade Material: CPM-20CV Stainless Steel
Blade Thickness: 0.165"
Blade Style: Harpoon Tanto
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Handle Material: Orange G10
Handle Thickness: 0.54"
Liner Material: Titanium
Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
Pivot Assembly: Bearings
Pocket Clip: Titanium (Tip-Up, Right Carry)
Weight: 5.1 oz.
Designer: Rick Hinderer
Made in the USA