Ishi with Black Micarta - CPM-S45VN

Product Description for Ishi with Black Micarta - CPM-S45VN

Maker: Half Face Blades (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $365.00
Item num: 113865
Blade length: 3.90 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.50 in.
Total length: 7.90 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.04 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 4.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 8.8 oz.
Blade: CPM-S45VN stainless steel with a midnight bronze Cerakote finish
Handle: Sculpted black Micarta set on a full tang
Sheath: Kydex sheath with an Ulti-Clip
Description: The name of this knife is an homage to Ishi (c. 1861–1916), the last known member of the Yahi people, a Native American group from what is now California, whose community—along with much of the related Yana Tribe—was destroyed during the 19th-century California genocide. Having lived most of his life in isolation from modern society, he was the final known Native craftsman to make stone arrowheads. In 1911, at about 50 years old, Ishi emerged from seclusion near Oroville, CA, marking the end of an unbroken cultural lineage.
The blade is CPM-S45VN stainless steel with a Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish. CPM-S45VN is produced by Crucible Industries and is an upgrade to the S30V and S35VN family. S45VN has improved corrosion resistance, along with a minor upgrade in edge holding. These benefits are offset by a small decrease in toughness. This makes it an ideal steel choice for pocket knives and smaller blades where edge holding and corrosion resistance are desirable.
Black Micarta handle scales are secured to the full tang using titanium hex bolts. This allows the scales to be removed if cleaning or maintenance is needed. The sculpted handle provides a comfortable, non-slip grip. A lanyard can be added at the end of the handle for extra retention if desired.
A black Kydex sheath with an Ulti-Clip is included to keep the knife close at hand.
Made in the USA.
About the maker: Half Face Blades was born from a life lived outdoors—and refined through decades of service at the tip of the spear. Founded by Andrew Arrabito, Half Face Blades creates purpose-built knives, axes, and tools designed to perform when failure is not an option. Whether used in the field, the wilderness, the kitchen, or everyday life, each piece is made with reliability, intention, and respect for the craft.
Arrabito grew up hunting, fishing, and exploring the rugged landscapes of Northern California. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and went on to serve with SEAL Teams, where real-world operations and deployments overseas reinforced a hard truth: a blade must do far more than look good—it must work every time. That experience shaped the foundation of Half Face Blades and continues to guide every design decision.
At Half Face Blades, tools are engineered from end-use backward. Steel selection, heat treatment, blade geometry, thickness, and grind angles are all calculated based on how the tool will be used—whether for tactical applications, hunting and animal processing, camp and survival tasks, or daily utility. Nothing is added without purpose and nothing is built to be disposable.
Every Half Face Blades product is made in the United States, reflecting a deep commitment to American manufacturing, veteran-driven craftsmanship, and taking care of the people behind the work. Many designs incorporate rare or personally meaningful materials, creating a deeper connection between the user and the tool. These are not knives made for display—they are tools meant to be carried, relied upon, and passed down.
Integrity is as important as performance. Half Face Blades believes gear should earn its place in your hands, and that craftsmanship means honoring those who serve, those who build, and those who depend on their tools. A portion of sales supports charities and foundations that give back to the military and veteran community, reinforcing a mission grounded in service beyond the shop.
In a world saturated with mass-produced, short-lived gear, Half Face Blades stands apart by building tools with soul, discipline, and longevity. Each blade carries the weight of experience, the responsibility of trust, and the belief that purpose—when paired with precision—creates something that lasts.


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days