Candidly, when I first saw the ZT Mudd knife online, it didn't do anything for me. I thought that it was "interesting", but it just didn't float my boat. I already had a Kershaw Ram knife (another Hawk design) and wasn't particularly enthused with it. It's not that I disliked the design; it was really just a little too "little" for me.

A year-ish later (and a few hundred images viewed), this Grant and Gavin Hawk design kept whispering to me. If you are a knife collector, you know what I mean by that. I'm a big fan of ZT Knives and figured that I'd try the Mudd Knife out; so I ordered one.

Right out of the package, this knife impressed me. Fit and finish are exactly what I've come to expect from ZT...which is to say that it is freaking GREAT! The size fits my paw perfectly...and is everything it's smaller brother (Kershaw's Ram) wasn't. The opening action...and keep in mind that it hasn't been "broken in"...was nice and slick. The lockup...with the Hawk Lock...is tighter than an accountant's wallet! And do I dig that Locking system! Very cool! The handle scales...as you can tell from the photo...are super-textured G10. They are aggressive...and when combined with the handle's shape...nearly glue this brawny blade to your hand. The blade shape is ideal; drop point. 154CM steel...as I've experienced for years...works wonderfully. Speaking of the blade...check out that freaking thumb-stud design! These work wonderfully...and will function "better" with gloves than just about any folding knife that I can think of.

As for the aesthetics...well this uber-industrial design just reminds me of a freaking tank. Also...mine came with a very cool skull-bead lanyard from Para Cord.com. How's that for mean?

The Mudd knife gets it's name from it's sealed deployment system (which is supposed to be impervious to mud, sand, grit, grime, guts and crud).

Alright...enough already! I absolutely freaking dig this freaking industrial ZT knife! Should have gotten it a year ago!