A REVIEW OF MIKE’S ARROW BY WORK TUFF GEAR

 

Mike’s Arrow was designed by knife designer and combatives instructor Waysun Johnny Tsai, and is manufactured by Work Tuff Gear out of Taiwan.  The knife is named for the late Mike Fuller, founder of Tops knives.   We will be looking at this knife as both a tool for law enforcement as well as civilians.  Let’s begin with the basics.   Mike’s Arrow is 7 inches overall with a 1 inch spear point, double edged blade.  The Arrow is made of Bohler K329 steel with a PVD retro washed finish.  The steel choice is a solid one, as it is known for its strength and durability.  Bohler K329 steel holds an edge well and is also rust resistant.  The knife comes with a Kydex sheath with belt clips.  The knife can be worn on the waist band, at chest level or as a neck knife with comfort.   Work Tuff Gear stands behind the knife with a 6 month warranty on the craftsmanship and materials. 

 

As a law enforcement tool the Arrow checks a lot of the boxes needed to be considered a good fit for officer carry.  The knife is small and light enough as not to be cumbersome. The sheath allows for adjustable carry and it fits nicely behind a primary firearm where is can be used for effective primary weapon retention.  The Arrow has a retention ring with bevels which can be used for pressure point and pain compliance tactics.  While the 1 inch blade in no way makes the Arrow less effective, it blade is particularly appealing from an optics stand point, as many departments frown on duty knives to begin with. 

 

As in most things, form follows function.  The Arrow is not a knife fighter’s knife.  Which is a good thing, as police officers are not supposed to be knife fighters.  This knife is rather designed to be what the designer calls a “Get off of me” knife.  It is a knife designed for non-knife fighters.  The knife’s design plays on the most basic of human instincts and maximizes the defensive capabilities of the untrained user.  Toddlers do not throw jabs and crosses, they throw hammer fists when they are being aggressive.  The hammer fist strike is the default setting for human beings.  If you can throw a hammer fist like a toddler, then you can effectively use the Arrow for defensive purposes.   With that said anyone with advanced training will also be able to pick up the Arrow and unlock a whole realm of possibilities.

 

Overall I cannot recommend this knife enough.  It has a great price point at around $140.00 USD.  In terms of materials and design it is an amazing dollar for dollar bang for your buck.  As a tactical tool the design maximizes the potential for instinctive use, which is a huge plus when it comes to officers who may receive little in the way of edged weapons training.   The Arrow can be purchased at www.worktuffgear.com

 

About the Author:

Fernan Vargas the founder of Raven Tactical International.  He is an edged weapons subject matter expert, law enforcement defensive tactics trainer and author.