Fantastic Firetac! An Old-School Hinderer
Published: 5 days ago
Hinderer Firetac
https://www.rickhindererknives.com/shop-knives/
https://bladebinge.com/
The Hinderer Firetac holds a unique place as Rick Hinderer's first mainstream folding knife design, predating even the iconic XM-18. Though it is now a standard production model, it originated as a high-end custom-only piece in the early 2000s
Evolution and OriginEarly Roots: The Firetac's design is rooted in the "UFT-model" (Ultimate Field Tactical), which Hinderer began making as a custom blacksmith around 1986.
Custom Era: For nearly two decades, the Firetac was exclusively a custom build. It became a coveted "grail" knife for collectors during the early tactical knife boom.
Shift to Production: In April 2018, Hinderer Knives released the first full production run of the Firetac. This moved the design from the "art knife" scene into a more accessible tactical EDC (Everyday Carry) category.
The Hinderer Firetac Tanto is a premium, American-made tactical folding knife featuring a 3.55"–3.6" Tanto blade (CPM-20CV steel), a slim titanium frame lock handle with G10 overlays, and a thumb-disc opener. It is known for a robust build, great ergonomics, and the Tri-Way pivot system.
Key Specifications (Tanto Variants):
Blade Length: Approx. 3.55" - 3.6"
Overall Length: ~8.25" - 8.375"
Blade Material: CPM-20CV Stainless
Blade Style: Tanto with thumb-disc (manual)
Handle Material: Titanium lockside with textured G10 scale
Lock Mechanism: Frame Lock with Hinderer Lockbar Stabilizer
Weight: ~4.1 - 4.5 oz
Pivot System: Tri-Way Pivot System
https://www.rickhindererknives.com/shop-knives/
https://bladebinge.com/
The Hinderer Firetac holds a unique place as Rick Hinderer's first mainstream folding knife design, predating even the iconic XM-18. Though it is now a standard production model, it originated as a high-end custom-only piece in the early 2000s
Evolution and OriginEarly Roots: The Firetac's design is rooted in the "UFT-model" (Ultimate Field Tactical), which Hinderer began making as a custom blacksmith around 1986.
Custom Era: For nearly two decades, the Firetac was exclusively a custom build. It became a coveted "grail" knife for collectors during the early tactical knife boom.
Shift to Production: In April 2018, Hinderer Knives released the first full production run of the Firetac. This moved the design from the "art knife" scene into a more accessible tactical EDC (Everyday Carry) category.
The Hinderer Firetac Tanto is a premium, American-made tactical folding knife featuring a 3.55"–3.6" Tanto blade (CPM-20CV steel), a slim titanium frame lock handle with G10 overlays, and a thumb-disc opener. It is known for a robust build, great ergonomics, and the Tri-Way pivot system.
Key Specifications (Tanto Variants):
Blade Length: Approx. 3.55" - 3.6"
Overall Length: ~8.25" - 8.375"
Blade Material: CPM-20CV Stainless
Blade Style: Tanto with thumb-disc (manual)
Handle Material: Titanium lockside with textured G10 scale
Lock Mechanism: Frame Lock with Hinderer Lockbar Stabilizer
Weight: ~4.1 - 4.5 oz
Pivot System: Tri-Way Pivot System