TODAYS REVIEW
Fox DART EDC Tanto Knife (Direct Action Response Tanto)
PRIMARY PURPOSE / USE
This blade is an quick deploy EDC utility knife for purposes of self-defense
OVERVIEW
The Direct Action Response Tanto or DART is part of the Direct Action Response Knives or DARKseries by Doug Marcaida. It is based on the WIRES principles.
W for WAVE:
The Patented Emerson Wave Shaped Opening Feature (Patent #5,878,500) allows for the quickest deployment.
I for IMPACT:
The DART’s design can also be used as an impact self defense tool and comes with a none edged trainer (sold separately), what is deemed as a Impact Control Device (ICD)
R for RETENTION:
The ring feature allows for retention as found with most karambits.
E for EDC:
For the everyday carry knife. The compact size and grip with interchangeable ambidextrous clips makes it an ideal workmans blade.
S for STRAIGHT:
Blade theory. Karambits are mostly curved in nature. The straight blade allows for the same familiarity to use comfortably in both grips and has a less aggresive look for EDC carry in public. Doug Marcaida is an Edge Impact Weapons Specialist, he host “By The Edge” show with Funker Tactical. His Designs are based in his experties in the use of the blade which can be seen through his seminars, YouTube shows and his karambit dvd found in this site as well.
FEATURES:
– Ergonomic Handle Design fits Forward and Reverse Grip perfectly
– Can be carried for Reverse or Forward grip deployment
– Total Ambidextrous opening
SPECS:
Blade Specs:
Blade Style: Tanto
Blade Edge: Plain (V Grind)
Blade Finish: Teflon Coated Black Finish
Blade Length: 2.5″
Steel Type: N690 Co Stainless Steel
Length Open: 7.375″
Length Closed: 4.75″
Weight: 3.5 oz.
Thickness: 0.12″
Pocket Clip: Black Ambidextrous Tip-Up
Handle Material: G-10 (Composite Material)
Handle Color: Black
Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
Manufacturing Country: Italy/USA
Retail Price: MSRP: $178.95 / MAP: $138.95
PROS:
- Price at $138
- Quality of craftsmanship from head to toe
- Emerson WAVE feature
- Very comfortable retention ring
- Compact with a nice feel to it
CONS:
- Can find one at this point
MY THOUGHTS:
I don’t actually remember how I originally found out about the Fox DART. It was probably part of the many hours I spend getting sucked down the gear rabbit hole while researching online. At the time that I found this knife I was carrying my Emerson Karambit as my EDC. A friend of mine had an Emerson with a tanto blade on it and I really liked that configuration. The problem is that you could no longer find it anywhere at that time. So when I came across the FOX DART I decided to go ahead and take a leap of faith and shell out the $140 in hope that it was as good of quality as the Emerson.
The second I opened the packaging and revealed the FOX DART I knew it was gonna be my new favorite EDC blade. It fit my hand beautifully and wasn’t as bulky feeling as the Emerson. It had a nice weight to it but was not too heavy. The materials used to build it were balanced perfectly.
The retention ring / impact weapon ring in the back was much better than the Emerson mainly because it was much narrower in width. This allowed a very comfortable feeling with either your pointer finger (Reverse Deployed) or pinky finger (Forward Deployed) inserted.
The outer surface is a composite material with a knurling pattern that gives it a nice gritty grip feeling in your hand. The metal pocket clip can be put on either side of the body to allow you to either deploy the knife forward or reversed grip. i have carried this everyday for well over a year now and the pocked clip has stayed secured tightly the entire time.
The blade came razor sharp and despite using for utility purposes regularly it has maintained a very sharp edge. I have not sharpened since I bought it. One of the key features that make this blade stand out from most other knives is the Emerson WAVE feature. This is the hook shape on the top of the blade that allows you to deploy the blade quickly. the WAVE hooks onto your pocket and flip the blade open as it exits your pocket. Seriously fast!! You can also use the WAVE to deploy the blade on just about any piece of clothing you can hook it on. Go to YouTube and search for Doug Marcaida. He used the impact edge on an opponent then uses the opponents sleeve to deploy the blade for a force up situation. Brilliant!
As if everything I mentioned above wasn’t enough there is one more amazing thing about it. The Price. At $138 it out prices the Emerson CQC-7 Karambit ($270) by nearly half the cost. That means you can have two Fox DARTs for the same price as one Emerson and I feel it is a better product.
I have to give this product 5 Stars for its balance of quality, size, and durability.
Until I can find another blade that matches the DART’s feature rich platform and quality for price, I will be carrying the Fox DART as my EDC.