Terry Renner, custom knifemaker and owner of TR Blades in Palmetto,
Florida, is becoming well-known for his high-end folders and art knives.
But he has a fertile mind, and the idea for the Neckolas came while he
was toying with an index-finger-ring folder design. He says, “Rather
than discarding the ‘Hole Idea,' I thought of the fixed blade format,
which led me to design a locking sheath which could be manipulated with
one hand."
The result is the Renner Neckolas knife/sheath system. We're offering
two models. The blue/black 2390 has a Razor-Sharp 2.0" drop point blade
with a sharp tip, and makes a lightweight survival and utility knife for
all kinds of tasks. The orange 2391 features a blunt tip and full
Triple-Point serrations for use as a whitewater and extrication knife.
It will quickly cut through cord and seat belts without tip penetration.
Both knives feature full-tang premium 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blades,
sandwiched between Micarta® scales and held securely by stainless steel
pins and the finger-ring insert. As a result of this skeletonized
high-tech construction, the knife weighs only 1.2 ounces.
The Neckolas sheath is really the secret to the system. Terry says, “I
wanted a retention system that would release and capture the knife with
the same motion. It occurred to me that composite materials would allow
the sheath to act as its own retaining spring. The key to easy
re-insertion is the thumb notch on the sheath top edge. Just insert the
blade into the sheath and ‘pinch.' The knife clicks into place. To
release the knife and draw it, just ‘pinch' the springbar extension with
your thumb, which allows the blade tang notch to clear the sheath's
retaining pin momentarily."
Terry also designed a reversible removable stainless steel clip system
which allows left or right hand carry. He says, “This knife can be more
handy than a folder, clipped to a T-shirt, pants or shirt pocket, or
boot. Any place you can clip something, you can store the Neckolas for
quick access." Together, the sheath and clip weigh only 1.0 ounce. The
included black nylon lanyard allows wear as a neck knife, as the
Neckolas name suggests.
For the Neckolas scales and sheath, we have chosen Micarta, often called
the “Cadillac of Plastics" because of its rigidity and excellent
strength-to-weight ratio. We believe it is the first Micarta sheath ever
made.
Specifications
Knife:
Blade: Length: 2.00" (51 mm)
Thickness: 0.06" (1.5 mm)
Steel: 8Cr13MoV, 58-59 HRC
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g)
Knife: Overall length: 5.38" (137 mm
Sheath:
Material: Micarta
Overall length: 3.75” (95 mm)
Width: 1.77” (45 mm)
Weight: 1.0 oz. (28 g)
About the Knife Designer
Terry Renner is an artist and mechanical designer who previously
designed and constructed tooling and fixtures for the bicycle industry
for thirty years. During that time, Terry developed a fascination with
edged objects, and a spare-time preoccupation with fabricating new and
different locking mechanisms for folding knives. He is also an
accomplished wildlife carver, and has done work for other knife makers.
Terry received his formal knife making training in the shop of R.D.
Nolen. In 2006, he went to full-time maker status with the creation of
his company, TR Blades, Inc. He is a member of the Florida Knifemakers'
Association. He regularly attends the Blade Show, at which he was
awarded the 2006 Best New Maker credits. Terry's knife designs feature
fast, sweeping, curvy shapes, and incorporate some truly innovative
locking mechanisms. He says, “I grew up with a knife in my pocket (age
6), and feel naked without one, and I'd love to see that notion return
as a part of our values and traditions." |