Sammi Stinner Design Panthera II from Black Fox Tactical Knives

Sammi Stinner Design Black FOX Tactical Panthera II from Fox Knives

BF-707B FX Cutlery

Black FOX Panthera II BF-707B is a large fixed blade knife with an approximately 185mm long cutting surface, 5mm spine thickness and ergonomic textured and designed G10 handle scales.

The Panthera II BF-707B has a refreshing narrow profile, not of the seemingly norm today of wide bodied blades intended for outdoor usage. What this translates to is a knife which is not overly heavy despite its large size and also a knife which has a reduced frictional surface area for its size, ie for easier penetrating and cutting ease (there's just less blade to enter and exit materials).

The Black Fox BF-707B Panthera II is modelled upon the same Knife model (name) from Austrian Knife Designer and Biologist, Professor Sammi Stinner, the man behind "Pi knives". The differences between this knife his production version are the following: The blade material is 6mm D2 Böhler K110), the scales are bolted to the tang and there is a short section of serrations placed upon the upper edge of the tip of the knife. The overall shape is identical and the handle material and shape almost identical. The handle has been designed to be ergonomic and so far, my impression is this. The Original model is marketed as a Military knife and not one intended for civilian use. The Black Fox BF-707B comes with a fire steel as well.

Blade material is 440C (note only 440 is laser engraved on the blade but the written material* from Fox Knives, lists this knife material as 440C and a HRC of 57-59. Non magnetic (probably aluminium alloy rivets) are used to attach the G10 scales to the tang. I note that several models within the Black Fox line only show "440" engraved upon the blade but are in fact 440C. I would have preferred to see the use of stainless steel rivet but this of course would increase the overall production cost of this knife and defeat the purpose of mass production.
*(ref pg. 129 of the 2019 catalogue from FOX Knives)

Black Fox Tactical is the line of knives from FOX knives intended specifically for the outdoors persons usage in camping, hunting and fishing; professional people like rescue teams; fire fighters; police and law enforcement. Amongst the Black Fox branding are numerous models which have been designed by world famous knife designers and martial artists. I have tested several Black Fox models and found them to be well-made of quality materials and knives which hold a good edge and are aimed at a price point which is reasonable for the build quality. The BF-707B carries some slight modifications of the original military designed and intended knife, which make this blade more suitable for civilian usage such as: camping; hunting, hiking and fishing activities. Removal of the upper spine serrations and utilizing the high carbon stainless steel 440C, now makes it not necessary to remove the handle scales (unlike with D2 which is not as corrosion resistant) to clean this knife. 440C has a very good resistance to corrosion.

440C just again for those of you who are not familiar with this "work horse" knife alloy:

As a high carbon stainless steel alloy, 440C can also be found in numerous application in industry, such as bearing etc. High hardness and good corrosion resistance are its key features.

5mm/0.196 inches wide ergonomically placed finger/thumb gimping.

The spine is 5mm thick 440C with what appears to be some sort of PVD surface coating. Unfortunately the literature whilst listing the blade coating as TC, they omitted this in the key of blade coatings in the reference section of the current catalogue. I believe the letters TC to stand for Titanium Coated.

The Panthera II is a large outdoor knife with a blade shape not unlike the "Yatagan" knife/sword which was a common design during the Ottoman Empire rule in Europe. (see this blog here). The slightly recurved section can be seen in many such knife and sword designs of this era.

The butt end has a milled pattern in the G10 scales but this has been omitted in the actual end of the tang, probably to reduce the overall cost of this mass production knife.

The handle has supposedly been designed with human hand ergonomics in mind. Certainly it is very comfortable and grippy in dry or wet hands.

A "pancake" style Kydex scabbard with a good lock up/retention and a quick release "Tek Lok" style fully adjustable (see image below) belt clip is included in the cost. A short length of Paracord-like cord was supplied with this knife.

Easy opening but lockable fully adjustable bely clip

The BF-707B Panthera II also includes a generously sized fire steel and striker held in place by the elastic nature of the Kydex retention "tube" which has been cut in such away as to keep tension upon the steel.

The end rivet hole serves as a convenient tie in point for a lanyard hole. The Titanium finish provide an anti-reflective coating to the blade surface.

Overall the Panthera II is a quick handling knife and this is a reflection of it's original end usage in the military. In this case however, the Panthera II makes for a sturdy large outdoor knife for one who is after good corrosion resistance,  durability in the field and a narrow blade profile which is not heavy in the hand. The slightly recurved section is a bonus for easy cutting of fibrous materials. As this section is not overly recurved, I do not envisage any problems or difficulties in keeping the Panthera II sharp in the field with a ceramic rod or narrow profile ceramic block.

As usual I will be putting the Panthera II through the paces in the field and reporting my findings on BushCampingTools, so stay tuned!