ASL 6 COMBAT
My first impression on removing the ASL-6 from its packaging was how solid it felt – a reassuring heft with clean, functional lines and a comfortable, hand-filling grip. The “taco” style kydex sheath and belt-clip are likewise simple in their execution, yet highly flexible (and ambidextrous) in deployment. My initial, positive impressions were all borne out (and then some) over the following days as I put the knife through a modest range of tasks. The ASL-6 is no lightweight, but it balances very nicely across the double guard with a slight handle heaviness that lends welcome agility to the blade. The 3/16” 1095 blade itself is extremely robust with a nicely executed convex grind and a sturdy drop-point thicker than most yet still capable of fine cutting tasks. This is a knife that epitomizes the “KISS” principle with features that allow it to perform well in a broad range of tactical and bushcraft roles from functional fighter to baton-friendly splitter of firewood. In short, the ASL-6 has everything you need, and nothing that you don’t. The Canvas Micarta grip scales feature comfortable palm-swells which afford a very positive grip whether wet or dry. In keeping with the knife’s multi-role nature, the beveled pommel is equally at home breaking glass or crushing skulls while the lanyard hole provides retention or a third point for lashing the blade to a pole (together with the holes in either side of the guard).
ASL 6 COMBAT
In its sheath the ASL-6 allows for comfortable belt-carry not possible with larger blades or inferior sheath designs. Alternatively, the sheath’s clip and lashing points provide for near-limitless modes of carry on all types of load-bearing equipment. This is a knife equally at home in the local bush or the Hinu Kush. Its near-perfect blend of simplicity and functionality make the ASL-6 a terrific all-around performer. It is a capable fighter when necessary and an excellent camp knife in near every regard. Equally at home chopping wood, cutting rope or skinning game – whatever your task the ASL-6 is ready.
Mark Campbell
Major (Retired)
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light
27 years Mechanized and Airborne Light Infantry
