MDK FAQ by Tim Tang
1. GENERAL QUESTIONS
1.1 Who makes Mad Dog Knives??
1.2 Are Mad Dog Knives hand made??
1.3 Are Mad Dog Knives custom knives??
2. THE GRIP
2.1 What kind of handle materials are
found on Mad Dog Knives??
2.2 Why does Mad Dog Knives use these grip materials??
2.3 Why are Mad Dog Knives grips designed the way they are??
2.4 Are the grips all the same??
2.5 How are the grips made??
2.6 What good is the thong hole??
2.7 I don't like the thong hole. Can I order a knife without it?
2.8 Can I use the end of the grip as an impact tool??
3. THE BLADE
3.1 What is the steel used on Mad Dog
Knives blades??
3.2 What stock thicknesses are available on Mad Dog Knives?
3.3 What is the type of grind/bevel used on Mad Dog Knives blades??
3.4 Why is this type of grind/bevel used?
3.5 Why is the choil so long??
3.6 What coatings are found on Mad Dog Knives blades??
3.7 How durable is hardchrome??
3.8 How are Mad Dog Knives marked??
3.9 How are Mad Dog Knives shaped and ground??
3.10 How are Mad Dog Knives blades heat treated??
3.11 What are the benefits of a selectively tempered blade??
3.12 What does selective tempering entail and how does it compared to
differential hardening??
3.13 What are Mad Dog Knives false edges like and what are their
functions??
3.14 How are Mad Dog Knives blades sharpened??
3.15 Are Mad Dog Knives available with serrations?
3.16 What are the Mad Dog Knives serrations like?
4. THE SHEATHS
4.1 What materials are the sheaths made
out of?
4.2 What types of sheaths are there and what are their functions?
4.3 When can I order extra sheaths for my knives?
4.4 Are extra sheaths necessary?
1. GENERAL QUESTIONS
1.1 Who makes Mad
Dog Knives??
Kevin "Mad Dog" McClung is in charge of the production
of Mad Dog Knives and is responsible for a large portion of the creation of each knife.
Kevin grinds all the blades and shapes all the handles. Other tasks such as blank cutting,
heat treatment, handle material bonding, and sheath making are accomplished with the help
of co-workers under Kevin's supervision. Hard chroming is
outsourced.
1.2 Are Mad Dog Knives hand made??
Mad Dog Knives are 99.9% hand made. Why do I say 99.9%? Because the ATAK blade blanks are
water jet cut. Aside from that, all other processes are controlled by human hands. ALL
blades are hand ground by Kevin on a belt grinder, handles parts are machined on a hand
steered milling machine, and all grips are finished by Kevin with a hand held file. All
other procedures, although not necessarily carried out by Kevin himself, are completely
accomplished by hand.
1.3 Are Mad Dog Knives custom knives??
Some of them are. To understand this, let us first define a custom knife. A custom knife
is a knife made to one's specifications. That's all there is to it. Let's not confuse a handmade
knife with a custom knife. A handmade knife is a knife that's
made by human hands. All Mad Dog Knives are handmade. With that said, the majority of
knives that comes out of Kevin McClung's shop are not custom
knives. There is a set catalog of models from which customers can order. These knives were
designed by Kevin to specifications suitable for their intended functions. They are
produced in numbers greater than one (1).
Kevin also makes custom knives. If you don't find anything in
the current range that fits your needs, you can ask Kevin to build a custom knives made to
your specifications. If Kevin has the time and if this knife is in line with Mad Dog's design theory, he will do it. Such a knife is expensive ($100.00 USD per
blade inch up to 12 inches) but it is indeed a custom knife built the Mad Dog way to your
specifications. A custom knife may become a production knife as in the case with the
Voodoo Child and Shrike.
2. THE GRIP
2.1 What kind of handle materials are found on Mad Dog
Knives??
Two handle materials are found on Mad Dog Knives. They are 1) black glass
fabric/epoxy composite and 2) black shrink fit elastomer.
Glass fabric/epoxy composite can be thought of as hi-tech lasagna. Sheets
of fabric woven from glass fibers are layered with epoxy (colored with black
pigment) in between. Pressure and heat are applied until the epoxy is cured. The final
product is the material you find on most Mad Dog Knives handles. If you look carefully at
the handle from the back, you will see hundreds of lines which mark each layer of the
phenolic material. Looking at the handle from the side, you can also see a "tree
ring" type phenomenon where the handle tapers. This "wood-like"
appearance results from grinding the layered material from an angle.
The Mad Dog Frequent Flyer series are nonmetallic, nonmagnetic blades formed entirely out
of this composite material. As a side note, G10 and G11 are glass fabric/epoxy composites
too. Another layered composite material is micarta which utilizes canvas or cloth instead
of woven glass fabric.
Shrink fit elastomer grips are found on only a few Mad Dog Knives. They are the following:
Mongoose, Wombat, Mirage X Operator, MX Micro, MX Spook, MX
Microspook. This polyolephin material is basically what you find in shrink tube except the
stuff Mad Dog uses is much thicker. Heat cured adhesives are first applied to the handle
of the knives, and the elastomer material placed over the handle. Applied heat shrinks the
material onto the knife forming a skin tight wrapping over the shaped tang. The end is
then clamped and excess material ground off.
2.2 Why does Mad Dog Knives use these grip materials??
The glass fabric/epoxy composite grip material has a compressive yield strength of 79,000
psi and can withstand tremendous punishment with little or no damage. The grip is hard and
tough enough to be used as an impact tool. This material provides 1,000 volts per mil
(.001") dielectric strength that electrically isolates the user from the blade, a
very important feature when working near live electrical wires. In addition, it is also
nonabsorbent and impervious to virtually all chemicals and solvents.
2.3 Why are Mad Dog Knives grips designed the way they
are??
The ergonomic grip indexes the blade in the user's hand, thus letting the user know how
the blade is presented, even in the dark. The final beadblasting of the grip brings out
the natural grain in found in the glass fabric/epoxy material; this provides some grip
although not enough to wear against the skin of the hand when doing hard work. The grips
are also compressively bonded and epoxy rivetted (a unseen non-metallic rivet composed
entirely of cured epoxy) to the hidden full tang.
2.4 Are the grips all the same??
The basic design of all the grips are the same in that they all feature the index finger
groove, butt taper, and other sexy curvatures. They vary slightly, however, from model to
model. On models with slimmer blades (like the Shrike) you will find slimmer handles and
on models with wider blades (like the Panther) you will find wider handles. On models with
longer blades, you will find longer handles to provide increased grip and also hind weight
to balance the knife properly. The grip on the Kodiak/S.A.S/T.U.S.K. series of knives are
extremely specialized for chopping and are about twice as thick as normal handles. This
enhances the grip and also helps distribute the shock of chopping evenly in the hand of
the user.
2.5 How are the grips made??
Three pieces of glass fabric/epoxy composite make up the grip. Slots are milled out in the
guard piece and the two handle pieces. The tang of the clean hard chromed blade is slipped
through the guard piece and bonded together with the two handle pieces. The adhesive used
is the same used in the creation of the composite material and with heating and
compressive bonding forms an ugly rectangular monolith with a blade sticking out from the
black chunk. The grip shape is scribed out on the rectangular block and the outline is cut
out with a band saw. With this step complete, the rest of the handle finishing is up to
Kevin. Rough finishing is done free-handed on a belt sander and the approximate handle
shape materializes. Kevin then locks the blade in the vise and finishes each handle with a
hand held file. The finished product is sanded smooth to the touch and then bead blasted
for the final finish.
2.6 What good is the thong hole??
When working in wet or slippery environments, it is a good idea to tie a piece of 550
paracord through the thong hole and loop it around the hand. This way, if the knife slips,
you won't lose it.
2.7 I don't like the thong hole. Can I order a knife
without it?
Yes. Specify this at the time of order placement.
2.8 Can I use the end of the grip as an impact tool??
Yes, you can and it is designed so you could in emergency situations. However, it is
advised that when a hammer or other impact tool is available, USE IT!
3. THE BLADE
3.1 What is the steel used on Mad Dog Knives blades??
Starrett 496-01 is used on all Mad Dog Knives blades. It is a high carbon tool steel.
3.2 What stock thicknesses are available on Mad Dog
Knives?
Most Mad Dog Knives are available in 1/4" thick stock.
Since the last few years, a few models have become available in 3/16" stock. The small Lab Rat utility knife, is available in 1/8" stock.
3.3 What is the type of grind/bevel used on Mad Dog
Knives blades??
Mad Dog Knives all have full flat grinds. This is a straight V grind from edge to spine.
3.4 Why is this type of grind/bevel used?
The full height flat grind provides the best compromise between edge geometry and blade
strength. The bevel is at the minimum angle possible while maintaining a symmetrical grind
(for cutting straight) and a full spine thickness (for lateral strength).
3.5 Why is the choil so long??
Current production Mad Dog Knives all feature a flying buttress plunge grind. This means
the blade tapers from a full height flat grind to the full thickness of the stock at the
ricasso. Because this taper usually draws out for 1" blade
length, Kevin designed the choil to be that long too. This choil/plunge design offers the
maximum strength transition between blade and tang. Since the area of the plunge is not
thin enough to sharpen, you're not really losing any cutting
edge. The choil also gives
you room to choke up on the blade if you choose to and also makes sharpening
easier. Lastly, it is a Mad Dog trademark.
3.6 What coatings are found on Mad Dog Knives blades??
Most of Mad Dog Knives are hard chromed. This plating technique applies a thick layer of
chromium alloy on the surface of the blade rendering the blade more abrasion and corrosion
resistant. It is grayish silver, really cool looking, and helps bring out the temper line
on the knives.
Another coating found on the steel knives is tef coat, a teflon based finish which is
baked on. The tef coat scratches easily and does not provide as good corrosion resistance
as the hard chrome. Unfortunately, it can not be applied over hard chrome because it does
not stick well. The tef coat is mainly for cosmetic purposes and is not recommended for
knives intended for heavy use. It can not be reapplied after the knife is handled and
complete. It is not currently available as a standard option.
3.7 How durable is hardchrome??
Hard chrome is hard, thick and extremely durable. You have to work really hard with lots
of sand paper to get it off the blade; you'll never have a
problem with it for hard use in realistic situations. When drawing the knife in and out of
the sheath, the Kydex will rub against the hardchrome and polish it. Do not fear, the
chrome is not falling off.
3.8 How are Mad Dog Knives marked??
Mad Dog Knives come standard with the words "MAD DOG"
deep acid etched on the blade. The consumer can also choose to have
his/her blade signed by Kevin himself in script with an electric pencil. Both look really
cool.
3.9 How are Mad Dog Knives shaped and ground??
Mad Dog Knives blades are scribed out on Starrett 496-01 precision flat stock and then cut
out on a band saw. They are then profiled on a belt sander and handground by Kevin.
3.10 How are Mad Dog Knives blades heat treated??
Mad Dog Knives are fully hardened to about 65-66 HRc and then fully tempered
and stress relieved for 9 hours to a hardness of 62-63 HRc. Then a selective
tempering process is used which brings the tip, spine, and tang down to 50-54 HRc's. The
edge retains the 62-63 HRc hardness rating.
3.11 What are the benefits of a selectively tempered
blade??
A selectively tempered blade provides a very hard edge that holds very well for cutting
tasks. The softer tip help prevent tip breakage. The more flexible spine and tang improve
the knife's lateral strength and keeps it from being damaged
when using the knife as a digging tool or pry bar in emergency situations.
3.12 What does selective tempering entail and how does
it compared to differential hardening??
Selective tempering means tempering a selected part of a blade. This means the blade is
first entirely hardened, then stress relieved, and then tempered so the spine and tang are
softer than the rest of the knife. Differential hardening means heating the blade to
hardening temperatures and only quenching (and thereby hardening) a selected part of the
knife (usually the edge). The unquenched part of the blade remains in the annealed
condition.
3.13 What are Mad Dog Knives false edges like and what
are their functions??
The false edges on Mad Dog Knives are ground after the full flat grind is complete. This
means that knives with false edges are much, much lighter than they look. The false edge
aids in penetration as it greatly decreases the knife's cross
sectional area and creates a second cutting edge. The false edge is also found on fighters
which need to be very quick in the hand; the weight loss with the addition of a false edge
makes that possible. False edge models are not recommended for utility knives for two
reasons: 1) false edges diminish tip strength, 2) a sharp edge on the spine of a knife
means the user can not use his other hand to push on the spine of the knife to aid in some
cutting tasks.
3.14 How are Mad Dog Knives blades sharpened??
Mad Dog Knives are sharpened with a secondary bevel (that is a different angle than the
primary flat ground bevel). The secondary sharpening bevel is bare steel as it is ground
onto the edge at the completion of the knife.
3.15 Are Mad Dog Knives available with serrations?
Yes, they are. Serration patterns are designated by the numbers 1, 2, and 3. 1 means
forward serrated; 2 means rear serrated; and 3 means fully serrated. There are exceptions
to the rule such as the D.S.U.2 and T.U.S.K. both being fully serrated.
3.16 What are the Mad Dog Knives serrations like?
MDK serrations are chisel tooth and have a diameter of 1/4" inch.
They are ground on one at a time before heat treatment. They are large, effective, and
easily sharpened with the radiused edge of the Mad Dog India stone.
4. THE SHEATHS
4.1 What materials are the sheaths made out of?
Sheaths are primarily made out of 0.090" thick black
Kleerdex Kydex. This material is heat softened and formed over the actual knife to get a
custom it. Kydex is impervious to almost all chemicals and solvents.
Mad Dog Knives sheaths also use the highest quality military specification nylon, brass
snaps (for the ATAK Combat Sheath), Fastex plastic quick release snaps and triglides, and
high strength stainless steel rivets.
4.2 What types of sheaths are there and what are their
functions?
The ATAK Combat Sheath is available for all knives and is standard on the ATAK, Taiho,
Bayou Hunter, and Kodiak/S.A.S./T.U.S.K. series of knives. It is worn on the belt and
hangs from a 2.5" loop of seatbelt nylon. The knife is
double-retained in the sheath system by a Kydex retention lip which snaps over the guard
and a nylon loop/brass snap tie which secures the lower part of the grip to the sheath. It
has holes along the rivetted side for tying the sheaths to backpacks or other tactical
equipment and has a 1" slot at the bottom for a leg tie. A
right handed Combat sheath (also available in lefty) can be worn in a traditional belt
sheath fashion on the strong side or on the weak side for a right handed cross draw. It
can also be converted easily for IWB or small of back carry. The Combat Sheath when used
with knives with blade length less than 7" can be easily
concealed with the proper attire.
The Dundee Rig is designed for the concealment of large
knives. The setup places the blade at across the back and allows lightening fast
presentation in either saber or reverse grip. The rig uses only the highest quality Kydex,
stainless steel rivets, fastex buckles, and milspec nylon. Disappears under a light jacket
and ideal for fighters like the Panther.
The Highride sheath is made entirely out of rivetted Kydex. It features a rigid belt loop
which keeps the middle of the sheath (equivalent to approximately the guard of the knife)
at belt level. It can also be worn up-side-down for a pull down draw. This sheath is also
available in both righty and lefty models and is recommended for strong side carry only.
The IWB sheath is designed for Inside-the-Waist-Band concealment. It features a retention
lip and a nylon belt loop. This sheath provides comfortable IWB carry of blades under 7".
The slip sheath is a piece of folded and rivetted Kydex which fits over the blade only and
is held on by friction with the blade itself. It has no retention lip. This is a very
simple sheath which can be useful when you just want to tuck the knife under your belt or
drop it in your pocket. It can be worn the weak or strong side.
The cross draw sheath is designed for utility purposes. It is carries the blade
horizontally on the weak side ready for deployment by a cross draw motion. It can also be
carried on the small of back. The cross draw sheath is not recommended for tactical use.
It is available for knives with blades 6" or shorter.
The neck sheath is made with a piece of folded Kydex and a piece of adjustable black 550
paracord. There are no rivets in this sheath.
4.3 When can I order extra sheaths for my knives?
Sheaths must be ordered at the time of knife order because each sheath is custom fitted to
that knife. Each sheath costs extra. Please see price list for reference.
4.4 Are extra sheaths necessary?
A knife is only as good as its carry system. If you can't carry
the blade under all circumstances, then what good is it to you?
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If you have any questions you would like answered or if you have a question that you feel
should be in the FAQ, please email it to me. I
will answer it and will consider it for a permanent addition into the FAQ.
The MDK FAQ is the property of
Mad Dog Knives/Taiwan. Please do not duplicate in part or in its entirety without
permission of the author. Copyright 2000
