Hideaway Knife
I first read about the Hideaway Knife (HAK) in the May/June 2005 issue of American Handgunner. The concept was incredibly intriguing so I checked out the website which is extensive (http://www.hideawayknife.com/main.php)! Grab a cup of coffee before you start… Then in the Sep 2006 Surefire’s Combat Tactics HAK!, Darryl Bolke wrote another outstanding article on the HAK. At this point, I was already sold on the knife, but Darryl’s article was very good and to the point (literally)!
To make a long story short, the woman who designed the HAK felt the need for a knife that was easy to retain when used, easy to hide/carry, and easy to manufacture. Her design was/is revolutionary and ingenious. It became immediately popular with many operators and LEOs! She had no trouble getting several top custom knife makers produce knives for her to include Strider, Yurco, Brock and several others.
The basic premise of the knife is that you measure the diameter of the base of your first two fingers held together. The knife loop is then custom cut to fit your finger circumference. In reality, I believe they build them to a dizzying number of pre-set specs so if you go to their “Available Now” link, you will probably find one (or many) that fit you either with or without paracord lacing. Most of them will be from the custom makers so they will cost a bit more than the utility HAK. You can get them made of anything from S30V to titanium, in many different finishes. Many are almost works of art, but are still devastating tools/weapons! The trick may be finding the one you want. If it’s not there, you must order it. This is my only complaint area as custom orders can take many weeks/months (in my experience). I ended up canceling my second (custom) order to buy a utility HAK using the “Available Now” function as I was deploying very soon.
In both cases, I chose their basic “utility model” made of 440C stainless as I felt this quality would meet my needs. What I do like is that they started applying a coating called DLC (appears to be like Duracoat) to their 440C giving the finish a much better durability. I purchased my second one in OD green which was promptly zip tied to my OD green tactical thigh holster for my last deployment (where it still resides).
The mounting and carrying options are too many to mention here, but suffice to say you can clip the sheath into a pocket, hang it from a paracord “necklace” by a “Bro” clip (or bra clip for women – this is how my wife carries one), attach it to a belt, pin it to the underside of a collar, zip tie it to molle, etc. Check out their carry options link 
for more methods, or come up with your own!
My HAK “kit” came with the knife, a custom fit kydex sheath, the optional “Bro” clip, a small Ziploc baggie full of every color paracord you can think of, a peppermint life saver, and a Band-Aid. I laughed at the Band-Aid until I cut myself an hour later installing the paracord…
Due to the design of the HAK, you can easily hold onto it while you work with your hands, manipulate a firearm (mind that sharp blade!), hold a flashlight, or grapple with an assailant; even if all of those are happening at the same time! Since you have two of your strongest fingers through the “loop”, you can apply incredible force to a cut or stab with the knife.
The HAK is a great addition to my kit. I personally carry mine attached to a 550 cord “necklace” under my shirt. If I’m dressed, it’s on me; even doing physical training. I highly recommend this little blade. I don’t think it matters if you are military, LEO, or just a good ole civilian. This is a good piece to have on you at all times.
TOP
The basic premise of the knife is that you measure the diameter of the base of your first two fingers held together. The knife loop is then custom cut to fit your finger circumference. In reality, I believe they build them to a dizzying number of pre-set specs so if you go to their “Available Now” link, you will probably find one (or many) that fit you either with or without paracord lacing. Most of them will be from the custom makers so they will cost a bit more than the utility HAK. You can get them made of anything from S30V to titanium, in many different finishes. Many are almost works of art, but are still devastating tools/weapons! The trick may be finding the one you want. If it’s not there, you must order it. This is my only complaint area as custom orders can take many weeks/months (in my experience). I ended up canceling my second (custom) order to buy a utility HAK using the “Available Now” function as I was deploying very soon.
