Boasting an exquisitely comfortable yet functional handle design and a rock-solid CPM S45VN stainless blade, Defiant7’s Eagle automatic folder is a tactical knife with a proven pedigree
by Dexter Ewing; photos by Marty Stanfield, Marty Stanfield Photography
Defiant7 is a relatively new, made-in-the-USA microbrand of tactical knives. The company’s current offerings reflect strong industry partnerships with knifemakers and knife designers who we all know and respect. While the brand may not be a household name in the industry (yet), the founders and owners of Defiant7 are no strangers to dedicated blade fans. Defiant7 is based in Blue Springs, Mississippi. Blue Springs is also home to not one but two familiar names in the knife world: Chad Nichols and Les George. If you’re into knives to any degree, these two gentlemen certainly need no introduction.
Chad Nichols is the owner, founder, and proprietor of Nichols Damascus. Nichols makes high-quality stainless Damascus, carbon Damascus, Moku-Ti, and Zircu-Ti. He mainly supplies custom knifemakers with these materials who, in turn, use them on their knives.
Les George enlisted in the Marines in 1997 and held several positions, including working as an EOD technician (explosive ordnance disposal). His custom tactical knife designs are shaped by his Marine experience. He has collaborated with high-profile knife manufacturers such as Kershaw Knives, Zero Tolerance Knives, Pro Tech Knives, and Spartan Blades.
Nichols and George are also good friends and business partners in the Defiant7 brand. With these two well-known figureheads in the knife industry, you know the Defiant7 product line is nothing but stellar. We decided to check out one of their models, the Eagle automatic folder.
While the Eagle is an older design, its attributes have made it a solid performer. You might recall that Wilson Combat offered the Eagle in their knife line. Its handle was machined with a ray pattern that was both eye catching and functional. The company has since discontinued the Eagle, so Defiant7 brought the design back to life and it is now a part of the company’s core product line.
As far as design and dimensions go, nothing has changed. The blade is a sizeable 3.75 inches long and is of a drop point shape. The steel is CPM S45VN stainless for the ultimate in edge retention and corrosion resistance. There is a thumb ramp on the blade’s spine that provides a comfortable and secure place for you to rest your thumb when applying pressure for aggressive cutting. The blade is given a stonewashed finish that hides scratches. If stonewashed is not to your liking, the Eagle is also available with a black PVD coating. Both versions of the Eagle come only in a plain edge configuration.
The handle of the Eagle is where the magic happens. T6 6061 aluminum is the material of choice, as it is for a lot of companies making tactical folders. It is lightweight, rigid, and strong. The handle design is classic Les George. You have an integrated lower hand guard with a palm swell area in the middle. The rear of the handle expands slightly to help reinforce your grip and to prevent backwards sliding. It might not be evident in the photographs you see here, but if you were to pick up the knife you will feel there is a difference in-hand. By that I mean the handle just melts into your hand. This is the result of a little extra attention given to round the edges of the handle ever so slightly to take away any crisp corners that would cause hot spots in your grip. The handle edges feel “softer” in your hand. In all, it is a comfortable handle to hold — even for extended periods of use.
The Eagle soars in terms of performance. It’s S45VN steel blade holds an edge and goes the distance. With all the buzz about the latest premium steel — CPM MagnaCut — other high-end blade steels like S45VN seem to be forgotten. But that doesn’t mean they are any lesser of a high-end steel, and performance is excellent, so it’s still a highly regarded blade steel.
No problems were encountered with the handle configuration. It’s well designed with heavy use in mind. The ergonomics inspire confidence with its various grip features, primarily the integral forward hand guard.
The wide, spoon-shaped pocket clip, while maybe a bit “plain,” is functional and sturdy. It does a great job of holding the knife in place in your pocket.
The blade action is smooth and swift.
A concern about automatics is the firing button being something of a hair trigger and firing the blade with little pressure. The Eagle’s button requires a deliberate push to fire, so accidental deployment isn’t likely.
Overall, the Defiant7 Eagle is a well-executed automatic tactical folder. It’s made of premium materials and a proven design from one of the best tactical folder craftsman in this industry — Les George.
Finally, keep an eye on the Defiant7 brand. Although a relative newcomer, with industry veterans Les George and Chad Nichols at the helm, this brand is putting out some top-notch work that easily rivals that of the more established major knife brands.
The Defiant7 Eagle has an MSRP of $285 for the stonewashed plain edge blade as tested here, and $305 for the all-black DLC coated plain edge blade. The Eagle, of course, is made in the USA.
