Knife maker Ed Halligan, designer of the popular K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) knife series, offers a smaller and more utilitarian version of his simplified engineering in the P.E.C.K (Precision Engineered Compact Knife). The PECK knife, less than one ounce light and only 2.625 inches in closed length, unfolds a 1.75″ beak styled razor sharp blade suitable for demanding everyday uses. The black epoxy coated “PECK in the Dark” version even has the look of the tactical knives that Columbia River markets.
Halligan’s unique approach eliminates most of the parts that cause trouble, like handle slabs that may separate and spring steel spines that may bind. The one sided grind of the blade allows the knife to close against the handle without gaps, safe and secure without all the fuss. It’s easier to understand when you see it.
With Halligan’s approach you lose weight but not function. The PECK opens with one hand, and locks in place when extended; you get the standard pocket clip, which in this small pocket version also doubles as a practical money clip. Without the bulk of a conventional handle there may be some issues with blisters if you do a lot of work with this knife, but for occasional use there should be no complaints.
Most knives today are double-ground, with metal honed away from both sides of the blade to form the edge. Halligan’s style is the one preferred by Native Americans from the frontier days and before, and also was seen in the specialized axes and other cutting tools of European craftsmen. It increases cutting efficiency and accuracy, but unless he makes a mirror image for the lefties among us it’s strictly for the right-handed.
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