Sniper Bladeworks LPC — Frame Lock, CPM S35VN, OD Green G-10

The LPC — short for Lance's Personal Choice — won the 2013 Blade Show Tactical Folder Award and is the knife that put Sniper Bladeworks on the map. Designer Lance Abernathy spent more than a decade on a SWAT team before founding the company, and the LPC was drawn for soldiers, police tactical teams and anyone who wants a folder that is built rather than styled.

The 3.5-inch clip point blade is CPM S35VN, flat ground from 5 mm stock. That is thick for a folder, and deliberately so: the tip and spine will survive prying and hard cutting, while the flat grind still slices well. S35VN holds an edge a long time and resists staining without being difficult to sharpen.

The handle is shaped like a pistol grip, with a pronounced finger choil and a swell that locks the hand in place, wet or dry. OD green G-10 sits over a stonewashed titanium frame lock, and a steel combination overtravel device stops the lock bar from being forced too far. The blade runs on bearings and opens with a thumb stud; the clip carries tip-up.

A serious, heavy-duty folder at around 185 g, from a maker with almost no presence in South Africa.

Specifications

• Model: LPC (SBLPCODGSAT)
• Blade length: 3.5" (89 mm)
• Cutting edge: 3.0" (76 mm)
• Blade steel: CPM S35VN
• Blade finish: Satin
• Blade shape: Clip point, flat grind, plain edge
• Blade thickness: 5 mm
• Overall length: 8.38" (213 mm)
• Closed length: 5" (127 mm)
• Weight: approx. 185 g
• Lock: Titanium frame lock with steel overtravel device
• Opening: Thumb stud, bearing pivot
• Handle: OD green G-10 over stonewashed titanium
• Clip: Tip-up
• Designer: Lance Abernathy