Soldier of Fortune Magazine The Journal of Professional Adventurers
Review by Greg Chabot
I’m always looking to upgrade my EDC when it comes to edged weapons. Preferring a fixed blade over folders it can sometimes be difficult to find a knife that has mounting options and ease of concealability that a folder can give. I believe I have finally found the perfect EDC fixed blade, the MDV Plus One from Skallywag Tactical, a veteran owned company.
The MDV is made from a solid piece of D2 steel with a chisel grind for strength. The OAL is 7” with a 3” cutting edge. The blade is 3/16” thick with a weight of just 3.3 ounces. The sheath is made from kydex and incorporates a unique rhino horn which gives end users options for carry. The handle is bare metal for the thinnest profile possible for ease of concealability. It also allows end users to customize their blade to their preference. In the pictures you’ll see I added goon tape to mine for a little extra grip. Out of the box this knife is razor sharp and I noticed no defects in the grind or black cerakote finish.
The MDV was designed for pocket carry and that is my preferred way. The sheath design is optimized for this method. I had no issues drawing it or any worries of it falling out of my pocket. For those who prefer more traditional carry methods. A clip can be attached to the sheath, and they are available on the Skallywag site for purchase.
I also experimented with behind the belt at 12 o’clock and the blade is thin enough not to print or be uncomfortable while sitting. I had no problems carrying or deploying this knife while wearing gym shorts or sweatpants with pockets. The horn design gives many options and readers should experiment to find what works for them. If you go with pocket carry, I advise taking the sheath out of your pocket to re-sheath the blade trust me on this.
The knife balances and handles well in hand. Due to its size, it is quick to deploy with practice. I tested the strength of the tip and blade by stabbing it into hardwood and by opening a soup can. No damage to the tip and it held its edge. The MDV is a defensive blade, and it makes some nasty wounds while slashing and stabbing. I had no issues cutting or penetrating multiple layers of clothing.
The handle is well thought out and easy to hold on to. The design has jimping at key spots to prevent one’s hands from slipping and either cutting themselves or losing control of the knife. I used mineral oil to simulate blood and didn’t have problems controlling the blade. I added some goon tape as I wanted a tad thicker of a grip which works for me.
Final Thoughts
I have no regrets in purchasing this fine blade. It is, in my opinion, one of the best defensive fixed blades for EDC in all seasons. It offers options and versatility and is a well-thought out simple and practical design that virtually disappears on the body. Which is plus if one lives/works in an NPE. The MSRP is $150 USD, which is a fair price given how well made this knife is. If you are looking for an easy to conceal American made EDC fixed blade head over to Skallywag tactical they also have some excellent videos showcasing the MDV Plus One and their other offerings.
