I mentioned back in December that I commissioned Zombie Tools to do a couple knives for me. As with anything that is custom, there’s a bit of a wait. It was rewarded today. One of the things that added to the wait time was that I wanted (and paid for) different grips and finish than what they usually offer.
Years ago, when I was a teen, I used to stay up late and watch the rather bad “War Of The Worlds” television series. A mostly forgettable show but something that stood out for me was one of the characters (played by future ‘Predator’ trophy Richard Chaves) had a very distinctive knife that I thought was very cool.
Once Al Gore invented the internet, I was able to research it and see it was a Crain-designed knife that was called the “Battle Baton”. Licensed copies were made and they’re out there for sale.
Battle Baton by Crain for “War Of The Worlds”
Not sure what I liked about it. Probably its Roman legionnaire vibe it gave off. I never thought about really getting one, bit I liked the look of it. And then Zombie Tools, a local business, came out with their Centurion dagger:
Zombie Tools Centurion dagger
You can see the similarities, yes? Because I am an evil yuppie survivalist (Translation: someone who has a real job and doesn’t live in a van down by the river desert), I could ask for, and pay for, a few personal touches. Not a fan of the acid washed look, so satin finish please. Not caring for the aluminum-n-leather grip, so some green laminate please. And, while we’re spending money, perhaps a little personal touch of engraving. Mkay, thx.
Thus, we get this:
I am pleased. I don’t mind paying a lot of money if I get exactly what I want. This pretty much is exactly what I wanted. Practicality? Well, when the stores stop selling 9mm, or the zombies finally arrive, then this thing might prove its worth. But, for now, it’s like my BBQ gun…its something I have for no other reason except that I wanted it.
And..uhm…I may have put in an order while I was there for it’s big brother.
I have to hand it to the ZT guys… I know that custom stuff can be a pain to do. That’s why I expect to pay more. But they did a lovely job and I like my rather two-of-a-kind purchase. (The other one is a gift to someone I know.)
I expect the next order to be ready around May. We shall see. (And I really want them to make me a mek’leth.)
That is super cool! Congrats!
That’s a nice blade. Clean and uncluttered. No doubt effective.
What’s the cost, about an acre? I kid, I kid. Good on you, Zero.
Very nice, looks like it’s heavy. And just because you wanted it is a valid reason….its what I told my wife this weekend at the gunshow….😎
Something about the elegant simplicity of a knife. Since our Neanderthal kin learned to chip flakes off a rock, they have been on our belt. They are silent in their work, they don’t run out of ammo, jam or misfire. All they ask for in return for unconditional loyalty and the ultimate in multi-tasking is a bit of oil and to be run across a stone once in a while.
Since my time here grows short, I have considered which ones need to go to start thinning the herd, haven’t gotten rid of one yet.
WOW, what a blast from the past! It really was a bad show but I loved it too. Even the second season that was a lot more grittier with Adrian Paul and his single shot Desert Eagle. That Battle Baton is pretty cool, Colonel Ironhorse would give a nod in acceptance of it.
Here I thought that itch for a Crain knife had died down. Now I’m again looking at the very good replica’s Greg Wall of Texas makes of the Crain Life Support System knife made ‘famous’ by Arnie and Jerry Ahern. https://wallknives.com/shop/ols/products/crain-style-lss-1-predator-knife Sadly, last time I looked into it, it was a near 2 year wait time for one.
That is very cool. If you like Roman military pattern blades, this rendition from U.S. Gladius might be a smaller companion to that one.
https://www.usgladius.com/thraex
Lost me at the “Made In China”.
I note that they say “No shipping to: California, Massachusetts or New York City, New York” add NJ and they will have the full list.
Zombie Tools has made some pretty crazy videos showing off the capabilities of their products.
https://youtu.be/itE3_p7Fxwg?si=JXom-b1l-18XDw0S
My Buck 110 folding hunter serves all of my knife needs, but if I ever felt the need to engage someone up close, the Kukri would be my choice for any ‘wet work’.
Next will be a costume, a cape, and a mask, with your logo on the chest
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=always+be+yourself+unless+you+can+be+batman
Following. Yes, this is a highly appropriate accoutrement to one’s kit. There is a tactics and usage doctrine advancement when sporting a spicy sized Gladius styled blade. Your playing big leagues when there is extremities and limb removal capability as well as through and through body penetrations. You may become a ‘walker’ as in “the book of eli”, just trying to stay on your path. This will help in your travels. Somewhere, there was once a fellow in a tight spot, that sure could have used one of these. Stay frosty.
Super Dave would approve and I do too! Nice CZ!