The CCK from HALFBREED BLADES

HALFBREED BLADES (HBB) offers the CCK-01 Gen-2 (Compact Clearance Knife), a further development of the original CCK-01. The CCK-01 was originally launched by sister company HARDCORE HARDWARE AUSTRALIA (HHA) in 2014 as the ASOT-01. Following customer feedback and minor design improvements, it was upgraded to the CCK-01 Gen-2. 

HBB  has kindly provided us with a bundle of each of the CCK-01 Gen-2 and the CCK-01 XL, which we will now present to you in detail.

The company

Jonathan Loftes has been professionally involved in designing and developing his own knives and tools since 2009. In 2010, he established his first company specialising in knives and tools: HARDCORE HARDWARE AUSTRALIA. In 2014, he founded HALFBREED BLADES. Having grown up with a passion for martial arts, especially Japanese bladed weapons, he was driven to combine Japanese design influences with his own unique aesthetic.

Subtle historical references can be found in his designs. These are reinterpreted and realised in a modern way. His focus has always been on producing extremely high-quality, oversized tools that cover a wide range of applications and are suitable for a variety of users. Each design is based on Jonathan Loft's own values and tailored to the specific needs of the end user.

The story of the Compact Clearance Knife (CCK)

Tools with cutting edges are among the earliest objects made by humans from raw materials. Over time, the design concept of a blade with two cutting edges and a point emerged, most clearly exemplified by daggers and swords. The inspiration for the CCK series of fixed-blade knives from HALFBREED BLADES dates back several centuries, to pre-Christian times. As the picture shows, the bronze dagger of the Cimmerians — an ancient East Iranian nomadic horse-riding people from around the 7th century BC — served as inspiration for the CCK. The most famous Cimmerian is the fictional character created by writer Robert E. Howard: Conan the Barbarian.

The ASOT-01 was first launched on the market by HARDCORE HARDWARE AUSTRALIA. In 2014, HALFBREED BLADES launched it as the CCK-01, and improvements have been made ever since. Customer feedback and experience from various conflict zones have been incorporated. The result is the CCK-01 Gen2, launched on the Australian market in 2020.

Was the CCK developed in cooperation with Greg Thomson from SOCP?

It is a clear and unequivocal 'no', despite what can be found on some internet pages. Jonathan Loftes and Greg Thomson have never collaborated within the framework of the CCK. US martial artist Greg Thompson developed the Special Operations Combatives Program (SOCP), which was adopted by the US Army and authorities following 11 September 2001. As part of the SOCP programme, Thompson designed several knives, including the SOCP Dagger, produced by the American company BENCHMADE.

The only collaborations were on the CCK-03 Gen-2 'Tuhon Raptor', developed with Special Operations CQC instructor Jared Wihongi, and the MIK-04 SOFMAK, developed with Joseph Teti — a former Force Recon Marine, Army Special Forces Green Beret, and former CIA Special Activities Division/Special Operations Group employee.

Scope of delivery

The knives are delivered in high-quality cardboard boxes, providing a positive unboxing experience. The knives are embedded in foam, making everything look very high quality.

The envelope contains a guarantee declaration and a certificate of authenticity. The package also includes stickers, patches, business cards and a product description.

We received the CCK-01 Gen2 and the CCK-01 XL in a bundle, i.e. each knife comes with a training knife. We will go into this topic in more detail in due course. Each knife from HBB is supplied with an injection moulded sheath.  All CCK-01 Gen2 and CCK-01 XL sheaths are equipped with two attachment options: either a belt clip or PALS/MOLLE mounting.

Difference between CCK-01 Gen2 and CCK-01 XL

Short and sweet: The CCK-01 XL is larger and ideal for users with larger hands. Here are the exact specifications:

The knives

The CCK-01 Gen2 has a total length of 197 mm and weighs 119 g, while the CCK-01 XL has a total length of 236 mm and weighs 137 g. Both models have a one-piece, full tang construction made from 6 mm thick Austrian Bohler K110 tool steel, which is characterised by extreme durability and toughness.

The textured handle scales are fastened with steel Torx screws. The USA-made G10 handle is ergonomically shaped for a secure grip.

The bevelled ring design allows for quick and easy drawing. The concave thumb recess with 'jimping' at the upper end of the ring provides additional grip. Jimping is a special type of ribbing designed to provide grip and prevent fingers from slipping off the contact surface.

The cutting edge is characterised by its sharpness and ease of maintenance. The hard-wearing Teflon coating minimises light reflections and protects against corrosion. The modified spear point design optimises piercing performance.

This ramp can easily be felt, even when wearing gloves. It serves as an index point, indicating which side the cutting edge is on. It also ensures a firm, non-slip grip in damp conditions and when using a Filipino/sabre grip.

The injection-moulded sheath holds the knife securely. It doesn't have to be made of Kydex.

This is a view of the sheaths from above. Regardless of which side the ramp is on, it accommodates the corresponding CCK. The knife snaps into place with a clear click, ensuring it is safely stored. All HALFBREED BLADES knife sheaths are suitable for skydiving.

The sheath is factory-fitted with a DOTS-MOLLE-LOK Large attachment. This allows it to be easily threaded onto your MOLLE/PALS loops.

A DOTS belt clip is also included in the delivery package. This fits belts with a width of up to 56 mm and a thickness of up to 6 mm.

The trainers

The CCK-01 Gen2 and the CCK-01 XL can be ordered as individual devices or as a bundle with training knives. To create realistic training conditions and internalise the correct pulling and supply procedure, it is advisable to use a training knife. This significantly reduces the risk of injury during training.

The one-piece, full-tang construction of the training knife is made from 6 mm thick, stainless 420 Japanese steel, which emphasises its quality and robustness. The simulation of the weight of a real knife enables a more realistic training experience. The HIVIS RED Teflon coating makes identification easier.

The blunt tip design ensures safety in training scenarios. As with the sharp counterpart, the ramp is also present on the trainer. This ensures an identical grip.

The CCK is perfect for a stab with a reverse grip, also known as an ice pick grip.

However, it is also ideal for making cuts, as demonstrated here with training cuts on a punching bag.

The Compact Clearance Knife in practice

The CCK-01 Gen2 and the CCK-01 XL are emergency defence tools characterised by their rapid deployment. The CCK is ideally attached to the front of a plate carrier or chest rig, between the magazine and equipment pouches, to allow access with either hand.

It is a close combat knife and an emergency measure for close combat if the opponent comes too close unexpectedly.

In close combat, the CCK enables you to keep your opponent at a distance. The keyword is 'use the pointy end'.

After a stab to the upper arm with the Compact Clearance Knife, the opponent will probably let go of you.

Then you can either flee or switch to a firearm.

The CCK-01 Gen2 and the CCK-01 XL are comfortable to use with either hand.

You can pull the CCK through the ring and guide it with your gloves on. Thanks to its design, you can also exert a lot of pressure.

The bevelled ring design, ribbed handle and ramp improve handling with the Filipino or sabre grip.

CONCLUSION

The CCK-01 Gen2 and the CCK-01 XL from HALFBREED BLADES are undoubtedly uncompromising close combat knives characterised by their robust construction and sharp blade. It is worth noting that this is a genuine development of the ASOT-01 and the CCK-01 Gen1, with the needs of users taken into account.

The CCK knives from HALFBREED BLADES feature a much larger heart-shaped ring that we really appreciate. The larger ring not only makes it easier to pull the knife out of the sheath, but also provides a more comfortable grip for those wearing gloves, or who have larger hands. It's great to see a knife manufacturer thinking about carrying options and including them in the package. Last but not least, the package includes a steel trainer that weighs the same as the knife. 

The HALFBREED BLADES catalogue contains many other exciting designs worth exploring. We are looking forward to introducing you to more of them soon.

The CCK-01 Gen2 and the CCK-01 XL from HALFBREED BLADES are available in black, ranger green, and dark earth from dealers who stock the brand. In Europe, the CCK-01 Gen2 costs 249 EUR, while the CCK-01 XLcosts 309 EUR. The training knives can be purchased individually or together with their sharp counterparts in a bundle.

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