TRC Knives K1 Field Assessment

TRC KNIVES K1

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Hi this is a quick preview review of TRC Knives K1. 

Andrius Tricius the name behind TRC Knives, kindly sent me the K1. Right now I'm in the field, well after I finish typing here LOL! doing a field test of the K1.

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I was very impressed as soon as I had the K1 in my hands. 

The K1 is a very well manufactured HAND GROUND KNIFE, and it has the finish and style that clearly says this. This image below shows the new Lithuanian  factory setup.

Click on image to see an enlarged view of TRC Knives factory setup

The blade design is a classic drop point too, big on function and practicality. 




 For example, the rounded finish to the tang which ever so slightly protrudes from the scales adding a nice touch not only to the overall look of the knife but also the feel in an un-gloved hand.

The thumb/ finger gimping is simply not roughly ground as an afterthought but delivered with smooth effective radiuses to each notch.

The Micarta scales are blasted to produce a roughened surface texture and they are held in place by tamper proof stainless steel Tri-hole spanner bolts. 




Even the finish here is neat with the bolt heads ever so slightly recessed from the micarta scales, no clumsy bolt head protrusions found on many knives.

TRC knives are hand ground knives, water jet cutters are used for blanks.

The Guts of the K1

The K1 is manufactured from Uddeholm's ELMAX powder metallurgical steel. 

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ELMAX is getting a lot of rave reviews from knifemakers world round and here's why:

ELMAX is a powder metallurgy product. This basically means that all the chemical elements constituting this alloy are very very carefully blended together to produce a homogeneous starting product. Powder metallurgy technology prevents the segregation of alloying elements normally occurring during normal steel production. The steel prior to final products is actually atomized in the process to produce very small particles that solidify very rapidly preventing (almost negligible levels-according to Uddeholm) segregation. This lack of segregation prevents brittle carbide "networks"  from forming in the steel. The result is that bend and fatigue strength are improved.

HRC is 59-60 Heat treatment and temper cycle includes  cryogenic treatment at -196C! That's the temperature of Liquid Nitrogen. This would be very rapid in terms of attaining the temperature of liquid nitrogen (LN), as LN boils with a 14C degree temperature difference and so such small objects and flat in profile such as the K1 will come to -196C fairly quickly.
The purpose of the cryo treatment is to achieve maximum dimensional stability in the finished piece. The cryo treatment is done directly after the hardening treatment preceding any tempering. According to Uddeholm, "1-3 hours treatment" can result in an increase of approximately 1-3 HRC. (see ELMAX PDF)

Here's a schematic of Uddeholm's steel making process (by the way using recycled materials too!)

Diagram courtesy of Uddeholms AB

The K1 is perfect for general camp tasks along with food gathering. I used it a lot for mushroom foraging. 
















Yes it's not a mushroom knife, no super thin blade but it will easily cut mushrooms without making a mess and the same blade can work wood and support light batoning.


























Cutting up fish and game is not a problem either










To round off this product his design of the Kydex sheath 



has a nice touch of an added thumb release area moulded very carefully between the two Kydex plates. 




Pushing your thumb into this region you can easily remove the K1 without a struggle and silently too I might add, if this is what you are looking for. On top of all of that, the sheath really grips the K1 perfectly, there is no need for a secondary retaining strap or like. There is NO chance of the knife coming loose accidently. This is a big feature I like in my sheath designs and will suit a lot of serious bow hunters who actively stalk game. The last thing you want is for your knife to rattle or come loose during crawling or running after game on the move. Because the belt loop 



is made from a piece of flexible seat belt webbing, which is not only tough and abrasion resistant but very strong; the whole scabbard can be placed in a comfortable position during a ground stalk. The last thing you want is a scabbard digging you in the side while you are trying to keep perfectly still for minutes on end! Well done here too! Also this loop is of course as you now no doubt not be surprised can be simply reversed (mine was set up for right handed carrying) for left handers.

Dimensions at a glance of the TRC K1 are:

4.8mm thick

Of course there is a generous lanyard hole.

23.5cm overall length

11.5cm long blade as measured from handle to tip

A Stone washed (this example) or satin blade finish is currently available.

TRC sell for K1 for 239 Euro at the time of writing.

Stay tuned to Bushcampingtools YouTube channel for the upcoming field  video review!