The Bob is a versatile full-tang survival knife designed by Shield Knife & Tool co-founder Brandon Zeider and named after Montana's legendary Bob Marshall Wilderness. Featuring a 6-inch CPM-3V steel blade with full-tang construction, The Bob is built as a one-tool solution for extended backcountry expeditions, bushcraft, and survival scenarios.
What Makes The Bob Special?
The Bob combines premium CPM-3V steel with thoughtful design features for serious backcountry use. The drop point blade with high flat grind provides exceptional cutting performance, while the integrated guard prevents hand slippage during hard use. At 11 inches overall length and 8.18 ounces (knife only), The Bob balances cutting power with packable weight for extended wilderness trips.
Blade Specifications
- Blade Length: 6.00 inches
- Blade Material: CPM-3V steel - superior edge retention, toughness, and wear resistance
- Blade Thickness: 0.156 inches at spine
- Blade Finish: Bead blasted satin or acid stone washed
- Blade Shape: Drop point with high flat grind for versatile cutting
- Hardness: 60-61 HRC (Rockwell Hardness) - optimal balance of edge retention and toughness
- Guard: Built-in guard prevents hand slippage during hard use
Handle & Construction
- Construction: Full-tang design for maximum strength and reliability
- Handle Material: Micarta and G10 composite scales - extremely durable with excellent grip in wet conditions
- Hardware: Black Nitride stainless steel screws - corrosion resistant and allow for scale removal/replacement
- Ergonomics: Contoured for extended use without hand fatigue
- Balance: Optimized for control during cutting, chopping, and detail work
Overall Specifications
- Overall Length: 11.00 inches
- Handle Length: 5.00 inches (calculated from overall length)
- Weight (knife only): 8.18 oz.
- Weight (with sheath): 12.18 oz.
- Manufacturing: Hand finished in Montana, 100% made in USA
Kydex Sheath System
- Sheath Material: Kydex thermoplastic - waterproof and extremely durable
- Sheath Weight: 4.00 oz.
- Retention: Strong and adjustable for secure carry
- Design: Slim profile, ambidextrous, fully modular, easy to clean
- Mounting Options: Grommets for Tech-Lock or MOLLE attachment systems
- Belt Carry: Nylon loop included for vertical belt carry
- Versatility: Multiple carry configurations for backpacking, tactical use, or everyday carry
Technical Specifications Summary
Specification |
Measurement |
Overall Length |
11.00" |
Blade Length |
6.00" |
Handle Length |
~5.00" |
Blade Thickness |
0.156" |
Blade Material |
CPM-3V Steel |
Blade Finish |
Bead Blasted Satin or Acid Stone Washed |
Handle Material |
Micarta & G10 |
Hardness |
60-61 HRC |
Weight (knife) |
8.18 oz. |
Weight (w/ sheath) |
12.18 oz. |
Sheath Material |
Kydex |
Made In |
Montana, USA |
What Is CPM-3V Steel?
CPM-3V is a high-performance tool steel specifically engineered for maximum toughness and wear resistance. It's widely considered one of the toughest blade steels available, making it ideal for hard-use survival knives that may encounter batoning, prying, chopping, and other demanding tasks. While CPM-3V requires regular maintenance to prevent corrosion, its exceptional durability and edge retention make it the preferred choice for serious backcountry users who need a knife they can depend on in critical situations.
Design Philosophy & Applications
The Bob is designed as a true one-tool solution for extended wilderness use. The 6-inch blade provides enough length for processing wood and building shelter, while the drop point shape with high flat grind excels at precision tasks like food preparation and carving. The built-in guard adds safety during aggressive cutting tasks, and the full-tang construction ensures the knife won't fail when you need it most.
Common Backcountry Tasks:
- Shelter construction and wood processing (batoning, carving, notching)
- Fire preparation (feather sticks, kindling splitting, fire bow construction)
- Game processing and food preparation
- Trap and snare construction
- Tool making and camp craft
- Emergency and bug-out scenarios
- General wilderness survival tasks
Who Should Buy The Bob?
- Backcountry hunters and wilderness guides
- Survival and bushcraft enthusiasts
- Backpackers and thru-hikers seeking a reliable field knife
- Preppers building emergency kits
- Outdoor professionals working in remote areas
- Anyone seeking a single, dependable knife for extended wilderness use
Named After Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness
The Bob is named after the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex in Montana - one of the largest and most pristine wilderness areas in the continental United States. Spanning over one million acres of rugged mountains, alpine meadows, and dense forests, "The Bob" represents true backcountry wilderness where self-reliance and proper equipment are essential. This knife embodies that same spirit of wilderness independence.
Designed by Brandon Zeider
Shield Knife & Tool co-founder Brandon Zeider designed The Bob based on years of backcountry experience in Montana's wilderness. The knife reflects practical field requirements rather than trends, prioritizing reliability, versatility, and durability for users who depend on their gear in remote environments.
Hand Finished in Montana, USA
Each Bob knife is hand finished in Montana and manufactured 100% in the United States, ensuring the highest quality standards and supporting American craftsmanship.
SKT Lifetime Warranty
The Bob is backed by Shield Knife & Tool's transferable lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship, materials, and manufacturing. No receipt required - if it has the SKT mark and something isn't right, we'll fix it or replace it. The warranty does not cover misuse, intentional damage, or normal wear and tear.
View full warranty details and process →
Free Spa Treatment Service
Every Bob knife includes lifetime access to our complimentary Spa Treatment service. Send your knife back to SKT for professional sharpening, blade finish restoration, and handle reconditioning - completely free. This service ensures your backcountry knife maintains factory performance after hard use in the wilderness.
Learn about Spa Treatment service →