Custom Empire with a Persian blade and black carbon fiber
A custom knife created by Jean-Pierre Martin specifically for the Paris SICAC exhibition — as evidenced by the inscription inside the handle. This flipper was acquired by Maria Stalina Knives at that prestigious show, personally from the master's hands.
Fans of Jean-Pierre's work will likely be surprised by the broader, uncharacteristically bold silhouette. The classic of European knifemaking decided to get a little playful and produced several folders of contemporary design, taking the Empire model by American designer Tashi Bharucha as his foundation.
Each Martin "Empire" is handmade and features unique decoration. Before you is an elegant EDC crafted from premium carbon fiber and elite CTS 40CP knife steel.
The custom's mechanics are flawless. A light press on the flipper tab effortlessly launches the blade from the handle. Once open, the folder is securely held by the titanium liner lock spring. Notably, the entire frame is formed from carbon fiber — a construction that reduces weight significantly, so despite its substantial size, the knife is barely noticeable in the pocket.
Admirers of Persian forms will immediately appreciate the blade's functional qualities. The curved edge noticeably extends the cutting zone, giving the Empire excellent slicing performance. The quality of the cut is further guaranteed by CTS 40CP steel from the American Carpenter corporation — a steel developed specifically for knifemaking, offering an ideal balance of strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The blade finish is Martin's signature hand-rubbed satin.
The knife's decoration is executed with extraordinary taste. The satin steel is echoed by stylish titanium hardware, pocket clip, and backspacer. The scales are crafted from carbon fiber — its woven texture creates a sense of warmth, while the velvety edge surfaces are pleasing to the touch. The handle shape is ergonomic and sits comfortably in the palm.
The refined Eastern silhouette and delicate European detailing, combined with the knife's light weight, speak to its gentlemanly, "dress" nature — yet its substantial size and robust blade unequivocally place it in the realm of EDC tactical. So here we have a rare fusion: an impeccable gentleman and a reliable tactical knife — the elite of EDC and a coveted prize for collectors. Speaking of which, collectors will likely be intrigued to learn that this custom bears the prestigious double-zero number — 006 — which, as you know, grants license to kill in the line of duty, automatically boosting its owner's success with the ladies well beyond that of Bond, James Bond, whose number comes next — 007.
