Welcome to Knife of the Week! Each week the Offgrid Editorial Team will highlight one of their favorite knives. These will range from time tested classics to the newest cutting edge designs. You won’t find any glorified box openers here, each featured knife will be a purpose driven outdoor, bushcraft, survival, or tactical tool that is ready to work when you need it the most! This week’s we have an Offgrid Basecamp Special Edition featuring the Auxiliary Manufacturing Karl Jr.
Auxiliary Manufacturing Karl Jr Specs
- Type: EDC/Tactical
- Configuration: Compact Fixed Blade
- Blade Length: 3 inches
- Blade Steel: AEB-L
- Handle Length: 4 inches
- Handle Material: Textured G1o
- Sheath: Kydex with multiple mount options
- Made in: USA
- MSRP: $239
Subscribe Today and Save!
A Smaller Version of an Award Winning Duty Knife
Back in 2022 Michael Jarvis, owner of Auxiliary Manufacturing, was awarded the “Best Custom Tactical Knife” by Blade Show. This full sized tactical was designed in in conjunction with a member of Chicago PD as a defensive duty tool. The Karl featured a 4-inch drop point blade and a 4.5-inch handle. The hand sculpted textured G10 handle scales combined with the “bird’s beak” handle shape provided exceptional hand retention in both forward and reverse grips. Beyond functionality, the Karl has a unique design aesthetic and attention to the small details that has become synonymous with Auxiliary Manufacturing.
The Karl is unquestionably a solid duty knife, but at 8.5-inches overall it is a bit large for everyday carry – enter the compact and capable Karl Jr!
Tactical Functionality, EDC Sized
When it comes to compact tactical knives there is often a trade off. Smaller knives are easier to carry and conceal, but they lack the function and “stopping power” of their larger counterparts. The Karl Jr, has found it’s way into retaining much of the functionality as its full sized brethren while remaining reasonably compact and easy to carry.
Carry and Concealment
At 7-inches overall, the Karl Jr is not a fairly compact Knife. The slender stream lined design allows it to be carried easily using the custom made kydex sheath and metal clip. I spent some time carrying the Karl Jr in my pants pocket, where it rode comfortably. The bird’s beak made getting positive retention on the handle for drawing the knife easy. After a while I opted to remove the supplied pocket and attached two soft loops to carry it in my preferred scout style on the front of my belt. The Karl Jr’s slim profile made concealing it with a t-shirt along my belt line simple, while still providing easy access.
The sheath is capable of accepting many different mounting options, chances are one of your favorites will work well allowing the Karl Jr to carry well on your belt, in your pocket, IWB, or mounted to your gear.
Functionality
The Karl Jr. doesn’t just carry well, it is designed and built to perform! The 3-inch blade has an a fine piercing tip and just over 2.6-inches of cutting edge. The nearly 4-inch handle and textured g10 handle scales provide a full hand grip for excellent control and retention. The Karl Jr is comfortable in forward grip, but truly shines in a reverse grip. In trained hands the Karl Jr is well suited as defensive tool despite its compact form factor.
Beyond the more obvious tactical uses, the Karl Jr is more than capable of use in a number of EDC tasks. Keep in mind the aggressive design may turn some heads in public, so it may be best to partner it with a less aggressive folding knife for utility tasks.
Materials and Build
The Karl Jr has a functional design that is only enhanced by the high quality materials used to build it. G10 has long been a favorite in the tactical knife space. It retains grip when wet, it is impact resistant, and will retain its durability when exposed to the elements or extreme temperatures. For all these reasons, G10 was an excellent choice for the Karl Jr, and the addition of the Auxiliary Manufacturing signature hand texturing further enhances the grip retaining qualities of G10.
The blade steel is AEB-L. While many consider this a mid-range steel, when properly heat treated, it is an ideal choice for any knife that is designed for hard use and/or tactical purposes. AEB-L is a stainless steel making it more corrosion resistant when compared to many high-carbon tool steels, but it is also tougher when compared to many other stainless steel options. While the edge retention may not be on par with higher end “super steel” options, the toughness ensures that the fine piercing tip of the Karl Jr won’t snap off under reasonable use. For a knife like the Karl Jr blade durability far exceeds the need for edge retention, but if you happen to dull the edge it is easy to sharpen at home or in the field.
Fit and Finish
As with all the Auxiliary Manufacturing knives I’ve had the opportunity to handle or test, the Karl Jr is a testament to the high level of quality and attention to detail that Jarvis is known for. The only part of the Karl that is sharp is the blade – all the edges are chamfered and the handle texture does not hurt your hand. The handle scale sit flush against the steel with no gaps or uneven portions. The blade is ground evenly and is very sharp right out of the box. The spine feature a hand ground jimping that is very similar to the texture of the handle scales. All these small details enhance the functionality and user experience – and makes the Karl Jr one good looking knife!
Final Thoughts
The Auxiliary Manufacturing Karl Jr is a solid knife that is designed and built to be at give you quick access to a defensive tool when it matters most. Despite it’s compact size, it has the capability of punching just as hard as many of it’s full sized competitors. Priced at $239 the Karl is far from a budget option, but the functional design, expert craftsmanship, and top notch materials make it worth every penny!
The Karl Jr is available through periodic drops on the Auxiliary Manufacturing website and through a number of authorized dealers. You can also find Michael Jarvis at The Offgrid Base Camp during CANCON 2023 in Phoenix April 10th through 12th!
For More Information on Auxiliary Manufacturing, CANCON, and Offgrid Basecamp Check Out These Links
Blade Magazine
Need more Knife Content? Check out Blade Magazine for the latest and greatest knife news!
STAY SAFE: Download a Free copy of the OFFGRID Outbreak Issue
In issue 12, Offgrid Magazine took a hard look at what you should be aware of in the event of a viral outbreak. We’re now offering a free digital copy of the OffGrid Outbreak issue when you subscribe to the OffGrid email newsletter. Sign up and get your free digital copy
