FOG HORN
2017 Twobirds Flying Publication
CRKT TECPATL A Michael R. Rodriguez Creation
Copyright 2017, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.
CRKT TECPATL - a Michael R. Rodriguez Creation
2017
CRKT TECPATL - a Michael R. Rodriguez Creation By: Sal Palma
You can’t call CRKT’s TECPATL a push dagger, and it can’t be evaluated as a utility knife because of its clear intended use, so I’ve decided to approach my review as an assessment of an artistic memoir of Michael R. Rodriguez, its designer. As such, it is one of the more challenging reviews I’ve written because of its unique expression of professional background and ethnicity. Michael Rodriguez resides in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he was one of only two Americans to ever graduate the Irish Army Ranger Wing Sniper Course which he did at the top of his class, and he's one of President George W. Bush's advisors. His experience as a combat veteran pivoted when he met Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical during a recovery period. It was then that forging knives and tools became a passion for him—one that is reflected in his products represented in CRKT’s Forged By War™ program.
Mike’s Mexican ethnicity is apparent in the TECPATL design; drawing on a rich Aztec culture that flourished circa. 1345 to 1521. Aztec warriors were able to dominate their neighboring states with weapons like the ancient TECPATL.
Their success in war permitted rulers such as Motecuhzoma II to impose Aztec ideals and religion across Mexico. It’s on this 5.813 inch crafted piece of steel that Mike Rodriguez tells his tale in interesting symbology. The handle design continues the Aztec influence emulating the dreaded skull of an animist society requiring human sacrifice.
There are continuing hints of the Aztec influence in the handle’s artwork; for example, the horns surrounding the cross which Mike describes as a symbol of his faith.
Copyright 2017, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
CRKT TECPATL - a Michael R. Rodriguez Creation
2017
military affiliations displaying the arrow and familiar three lightning bolts.
There are no specific anthropological hints on the exact meaning of these horns but they are associated with the Aztec death whistle which when blown sounds like a human scream in anguish.
Mike’s love for his three children is demonstrated by the heart and three drops of blood embellishing TECPATL’s already richly illustrated handle.
As I mentioned earlier in my review, the TECPATL is not a utility knife, it is a defensive tool designed to deliver a devastating thrust to an assailant or adversary. Its tip is extremely sharp and located precisely at the center of the blade’s longitudinal axis – essential placement designed to transfer the maximum amount of force to the subject. It’s unfortunate that U.S. laws limit double edge blade profiles, so it makes sense to design a plain edge fixed blade knife with a push dagger “motif.” Carbon steel requires a higher degree of maintenance especially in humid environments, so to mitigate the risk of corrosion, the TECPATL is powder coated from stem to stern. Overall weight is 5.6 oz. balanced towards the handle and the built-in lanyard hole will accommodate 550 mil spec paracord. I like the idea of using the TECPATL as a neck knife with a 550 paracord sling.
Other symbology reflects Mike’s military Green Beret background, from its OSS origins in World War II to present day symbology. The 3.375 inch SK5 carbon steel blade reveals symbols of his
Copyright 2017, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
CRKT TECPATL - a Michael R. Rodriguez Creation
2017
However, CRKT included a Kydex sheath that can be attached to a MOLLE panel or belt using the included clip accessory. Michael R. Rodriguez has taken a timeless combat tool and enriched it with Aztec lore and symbols of his military life. In so doing, he’s produced a unique edged weapon worthy of a place in CRKT’s Forged By War™ program. There’s nothing exotic about its design or construction but everything is fully functional and very effective. Once you know its art, the CRKT TECPATL takes on real meaning. I close with a suggestion that I’ve you’ve never heard an Aztec death whistle you should, as it captures the combat essence of Mike’s creation. -SP
Manufacturer’s Specification
Blade Length 3.375" (85.73 mm) Blade Edge Plain Blade Steel SK5 Carbon Steel, HRC 53-55 Blade Finish Black Powder Coat Blade Thickness 0.203" (5.16 mm) Weight 5.6 oz Handle Stainless Steel Style Fixed Blade Knife w/Sheath Sheath Material Kydex; Black Overall Length 5.813" (147.65 mm) M.S.R.P. $89.99
Copyright 2017, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved