Once upon a time in his shop in Vine Grove, Kentucky, the late Kit Carson designed the original M16®. It would later skyrocket to popularity and become an iconic design celebrated by fans throughout the knife community. But before Kit would step into his role as an innovative knife designer, he would ambitiously climb the military ranks, dedicating the earlier part of his life to earning the prestigious title as Master Sergeant. Some might say that somewhere between Kit’s 20 years of military service and his respect for the outdoors, the M16® is just as tough as the designer who brought it to life.

Now, continuing Kit’s legacy, the M16®-02DB incorporates all the best components from the original tactically-inspired folding knife, only now featuring a more compact 3.12” tanto blade constructed of powerful D2 steel. And while it’s modeled after Kit’s time-honored design, the M16®-02DB is a triple threat of innovation, coming together to form a single, supreme carry. Working in tandem, Ken Onion’s lightning-fast Assisted Opening matches seamlessly with Flavio Ikoma’s IKBS™ ball bearing pivot system, achieving a super smooth and quick deployment action.
Besides its sheer speed, the M16®-02DB also tackles the test of strength. Thanks to Flavio Ikoma’s Deadbolt® technology, once the blade is locked into place, you can trust it to triumph over moments of hard stress and endurance. A true master of speed, stability, and strength, just one try with the M16®-02DB and you’ll know it means serious business.

After all, it can only get better when it hails from a classic.

How Assisted Opening Works
It's held securely closed in your pocket, but initiate the deployment, and part way through the rotation the blade opens at impressive speed for simple, powerful, one-handed opening.

How Deadbolt® Works
Steel bolts interlock with the blade when it’s deployed to yield incredible strength. A prominent button sits at the pivot point for simple, intuitive disengagement without fingers crossing the path of the blade.