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It would appear that the action in the knife field has shifted from fixed–blades to folders—no surprise, since today’s folder is so much more user–friendly than yesterday’s: it typically rides on the edge of the pocket on a clip, can be opened and closed with one hand, and locks open during use.  There are many who would argue that South Africa–born Chris Reeve makes the superlative example of that folder, in his integral–lock, titanium–handle Sebenza and derivative models.  I tend to agree, although I haven’t handled ’em all. But Chris’ work rightfully stands out in fixed–blade land as well, and it’s one of what Chris appropriately calls his One Piece Range that I want to discuss now.

These are the models that Chris first made, and which earned him his initial reputation: solid, sharp and precise are three words that describe them all.  Over the years since the OPR began, Chris has added—and taken away—many models; you can see many of them on the used–knife tables at shows, and the remainder are for the most part probably still in daily service.  Today’s range reflects a winnowing of the models to align better with sales and usage patterns.

Somewhere in the middle of the current OPR is the Sable IV model.  Some specs will follow shortly, but first a little tactile and visual pleasure.  Drawing it out of its leather sheath for the first time one is impressed with its solidity, weight and fine finish.  Even Reeve fans still marvel at the finish and Chris’ attention to detail.  Like all of its OPR brothers the Sable is made from a solid billet of steel, following the same principle Michaelangelo applied to sculpture: simply remove everything that isn’t supposed to be in the final product.

The first knife that Chris made, during his South African military service, had a separate wooden handle which so ever on loosened and separated from the blade.  Perhaps this is why he seized upon the notion of a one–piece knife whose handle could never come loose.  The only non–integral piece in an OPR model is the aluminum cap which screws down into the hollow handle, sealing it with an O–ring.  Were the handle not hollow the smaller OPR models would be too handle–heavy. Since the cap could serve as a hammerhead in an emergency, having it a separate part means it can easily be replaced if damaged by pounding. In the event such use is required Chris recommends tightening the cap until it contacts the handle, allowing it, rather than the screw threads, to take the force of the blows.

Now to the personality of the Sable IV. It is 10.5" inches in length, has a 5.5" blade, and weighs 11.5 ounces.  In years past Chris made the Sable I (9" blade), Sable II (7") and Sable III (4") in addition to the Sable IV.  About five years ago when he rationalized the OPR, he retained only the next–to–smallest model IV.  It has the only upswept or trailing point shape in the entire current range, as well as a high hollow grind.  Although most of the models share a distinctively military look, this one looks like a hunting knife.

A large part of the knife’s appearance is due to a protective coating called Kalgard, which is supplied in a liquid form.  Chris applies it on the knives with a conventional spray gun at low pressure, then bakes in a domestic oven to allow the Kalgard to cure on.  The result is a low–reflectance dull gray finish that reminds me of the appearance of many modern German and Austrian pistols.  In addition to its industrial coatings, Kalgard also supplies molybdenum disulfide–based lubricants for automotive and sporting use; feel free to visit the company’s web site at www.kalgard.com.

In the Sable and all other OPR models Chris uses A2, an AISI–designated tool steel that, along with its brothers A3 through A10, combines high carbon content with moderately high alloy content:

Element	Percent
Carbon (C)	0.95 - 1.05
Chromium (Cr)	4.75 - 5.50
Manganese (Mn)	1.00 max
Molybdenum (Mo)	0.90 - 1.40
Nickel (Ni)	0.30 max
Silicon (Si)	0.50 max
Vanadium (V)	0.15 - 0.50

AISI (the American Iron and Steel Institute) recognizes about nine major groupings of tool steels, of which the A group represents air–hardening, cold–work steels (these do not require plunging into liquid to harden, an advantage because radical cooling from the austenitizing temperature can cause fractures and internal stress).  The combination of manganese, chromium and molybdenum make possible this air–hardening capability.  The chromium content is optimized for this latter purpose, not to make the steel stainless: at least twice that percent would be required to move this steel into the stainless category.  Hence the use of Kalgard coating.

The A2 alloy is intended to provide qualities somewhat different from those Chris designs into his folders.  Shock absorbency and the ability to be sharpened readily in the field rank high in the OPR models.  Since Chris provides corrosion resistance via Kalgard, chromium may be lowered to reduce abrasion resistance (both in fabrication and in sharpening).  In addition these knives are heat treated to 55-57 RC, providing the needed balance between hardness and toughness.

A conventional black leather sheath is provided.  It’s well–made, holds the knife securely, looks quite durable, and has that wonderful aroma that, it seems, only leather has.  Given that the OPR models are largely intended for field use, many users would rather have a sheath of almost–indestructible Kydex.  Such a design would also probably eliminate the annoying need for a keeper—anything that snaps or ties in order to retain the knife in its sheath.  The problem with keepers is that they usually require the non–using hand to push and hold them aside whenever the knife is put into the sheath, lest the edge either cut the keeper or hit a metal attachment such as a snap. In addition, Kydex sheaths often provide the user with innovative carry positions.

The Sable IV, and indeed all Reeve knives, come with a valuable warranty.  In addition to the warranty each OPR model comes with some advice on its care: again, these knives are not stainless and their exposed edges require care.  I would add that Kalgard can only protect what it covers, so exposed metal anywhere on your knife (including the all–steel handle) is a potential corrosion site and requires care.

Because Reeve knives are so perfect in appearance when they come out of their boxes, you might be tempted not to use it so it will keep its original finish.  But remember that the purpose of knives is to cut, so use your knife.  It comes with a very sharp edge that you can use without a need for de–shouldering or other re–engineering.  Use an effective sharpener such as the Spyderco Sharpmaker.  If you’re used to sharpening stainless steels you’ll notice differences between them and A2. As knifemaker Bob Terzuola says, if your knife isn’t getting dull you probably aren’t using it enough.

After a long enough period of real–world use your knife may have many patches of exposed steel. To preserve it from corrosion, and maintain the knife’s value, Chris will restore it, even the Kalgard finish, for a small fee.  This is one collector’s item that you can use.

A2 Steel - Composition