At Guinea Hog Forge, we make two SR-71 Silverbirds - a tactical version and an Elite Hunter.
We've had some questions about the similarities and differences, so here's the lowdown.
The SR-71 tactical comes with a scalloped Micarta handle and a belt-finished blade.
The Elite Hunter comes with a shaped handle (Micarta or wood) and a hand-sanded blade.
The Micarta scales on the tactical version are attached via screws.
The scales on the Elite Hunter are attached with mosaic pins.
All Silverbirds are made from 3V rust resistant carbon steel (which means they cut extremely well), but our tactical version has a heavier spine for strength,
while the Elite Hunter is slimmer for superior cutting.
The Elite Hunter is also 1/4 inch shorter than the SR-71 tactical
and has a tad more belly for skinning.
Both knives come standard with lined leather sheaths. The tactical Silverbird comes with a bushcraft sheath that can be worn on the belt or strapped to a pack/vest . . .
. . . while the Elite Hunter comes with a tooled drop sheath.
We have a few SR-71 tactical Silverbirds available on the website now,
and we'll have more available at Blade Show in Atlanta in June.
Our SR-71 Silverbirds and Blackbirds are hard-use tactical knives, but Scott wanted a higher-end cutter for his personal carry. Thus, the SR-71 Elite Hunter was born. The Elite is a 1/4-inch shorter than our standard SR-71s, has a little more belly, is ground a tad sharper, gets a shaped handle, and is generally hand-sanded. Check out these Elites made from 3V rust resistant carbon steel.
SR-71 Elite Hunter
Steel: 3V Rust Resistant
Overall Length: 8.75 inches
Blade Length: 4.125 inches
Handle: Linen Micarta
Sheath: Leather Drop
Green Micarta
Maroon Micarta
All dress in leather and ready to fly, these are sold, but we'll have more
at Blade Show in Atlanta (June 2-4) Table 13P.
Scott made his personal Elite in green Micarta and did a special carving on the sheath.
At Guinea Hog Forge, we hand-craft two versions of our popular SR-71 knife -
an SR-71 Blackbird and an SR-71 Silverbird.
Same great design, two different steels and finishes -
Which one is right for you?
The SR-71 Blackbird is the original Guinea Hog Forge knife design. Named after the famous SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, our Blackbird knife is Parkerized to turn the steel black and protect the blade from corrosion. If you want a fast, mid-sized blade with a stealthy finish, the Blackbird is an excellent choice. In addition, the Blackbird's flat ground O1 tool steel blade holds an edge extremely well and and is easy to sharpen in the field.
The SR-71 Silverbird is made of super-tough rust-resistant 3V carbon steel. If you want a fast, mid-sized knife with outstanding edge retention and toughness (and you prefer a brushed silver finish) this is the SR-71 for you. We've yet to find a tougher steel, and while 3V isn't as easy to sharpen as O1, it's hard to argue with a knife that holds an edge this well. It's also super easy keep this blade looking good.
SR-71 Blackbird vs. Silverbird
Steel: O1 Carbon vs. 3V Rust Resistant
Blade Finish: Parkerized vs. Belt
Overall Length: 9 inches
Blade Length: 4.25 inches
Sheath: Leather Bushcraft
All SR-71s come with a leather bushcraft sheath and your choice of scalloped handle.
You can choose from Green, Black or Maroon Micarta . . .
