Up for review today we have the Septimo – a knife designed by a combat veteran and Green Beret Jeremy Valdez.
According to CRKT – it “was designed by a seasoned Green Beret to be more than a knife—he forged it of experience and created it to serve as a lifeline. One unique Veff Serration pairs with a powerful design to act as a strap cutter, utility knife, and personal defense tool.
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Serving 14 years as an American hero culminated in this deployment-prepared powerhouse. Jeremy Valdez of Tampa, Florida brings combat experience and time serving in the 7th Special Forces Group to the aptly named Septimo; a tribute meaning “seventh” in Spanish.
The main motivation for this design arises from his 2009 deployment to Afghanistan. During combat operations, Jeremy was involved in a helicopter crash.
In the chaotic aftermath, the small folder he had failed to perform when he was cutting straps and moving debris while pulling fellow soldiers out of the burning, tangled chopper wreckage.”
And necessity, once again dear friends, is the mother of invention. Valdez linked up with CRKT to design a knife with utilitarian ideals but still with stylish looks. The black frame with rubberized plastic inlays feels good in the hand when it’s closed. But it won’t stay closed for long when you need it. The notch by the bottom of the blade, right after that vicious serration, is part of CRKT flipper opening system. Just flick that with your finger, and the blade swings into action.
It also serves a dual purpose as a pommel, protecting you front sliding forward and opening up your hand if your hands are sweaty or bloody. The frame also dons a reversible belt clip which rides low, not telegraphing the fact that you’re carrying a blade. SOG has been doing this for a while, and I prefer this low riding clip.
This elegant 3.6 inch razor sharp blade is held in place with a liner lock. You have two scalloped finger grooves which make holding the knife both easy and ergonomic. The blade itself comes to a gruesome tanto point, and the Veff serrations, which we also saw on the CRKT Sangrador definitely mean business. They make quick use of cutting tasks, specifically straps and cordage.
Overall, it’s a great folder to keep on a plate carrier or on your person. It’s quickly deployed, devilishly sharp, and ready for the task at hand.
Pros, what we like: Lightweight, sharp blade that is deployed quickly. Mean serrations and a low riding clip make it concealable and actionable.
Cons, what we don’t like: Not a huge fan of liner locks, or non-assisted openers. My SOG Auto’s spoiled me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Castiglione lives in Atlanta, and is an avid outdoorsman and competitive shooter.
Where-abouts include getting after it in his garage gym, practicing martial arts, hitting the trails, or running CrossFit and Strongman competitions for his non-profit, Barbells for Bullies, which holds fundraiser fitness competitions dedicated to aiding Bully breed rescues, dog rescues, or other non-profits with similar missions.
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