SPD STS-SFLT - Orange
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Overview
"The knife is made from a single, unbroken piece of MagnaCut steel... crazy lightweight, clocking in at just 2.8 ounces overall."
— Gear Patrol -
Reviews
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Specifications
Specifications:
Materials:
- MagnaCut
- Type-95 Nylon Cordage
- Thermoplastic PVC (Kydex)
- Blade Length: 4.25" / 108mm
- Overall Length 9.00" / 229mm
- Blade Thickness 0.124" / 3.15mm
- 2.8oz / 79g
- Skeletonized Construction
- Ceramic Bead Peened Matte Magnacut Blade
- OD Green-Camo Type-95 Cord Wrap Handles
- Classic Bowie Clip
- False Upper Swedge
- Includes 2 Spring Clips Left or Right Side Carry
- Kydex Sheath Slots for Optional Strapping / Carry Options
- SPD Logo
- Mercury Markers Mark
- Magnacut Mark
- MagnaCut
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FAQ
FAQ
What does STS-SFLT stand for?
STS-SFLT is PDW's internal designation for this knife. The SFLT suffix denotes the skeletonized, field-lightweight construction that defines this design — a single-piece CPM MagnaCut blade and handle at 2.8 ounces total. The name reflects PDW's Special Projects Division designation rather than a buyer-facing descriptor.
What is the blade steel and why does it matter for a field knife?
CPM MagnaCut — a powder metallurgy stainless steel that balances edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance better than most prior premium steels. For a fixed blade carried in the field, corrosion resistance matters more than in a pocket knife, because the blade is exposed to weather, humidity, blood, and vegetation. MagnaCut handles prolonged wet exposure better than S35VN or D2, making it the correct choice for a pack and field knife used in outdoor environments.
Is the entire knife — blade and handle — made from one piece of MagnaCut steel?
Yes. The STS-SFLT is a full-tang skeletonized construction machined from a single continuous piece of CPM MagnaCut. There is no separate handle material, no scales, and no fasteners joining blade to handle. The Type-95 paracord wrap is wound around the skeletonized handle section for grip and can be removed for use as field cordage without compromising the structural integrity of the knife.
Can the paracord wrap be replaced or removed?
Yes. The Type-95 nylon paracord wrap is wound onto the skeletonized handle and can be removed for use as emergency field cordage. It can be rewrapped with standard Type III 550 paracord or Type-95 cord. The three color variants — Black, Orange, OD Green — differ only in paracord color; all other specs are identical.
What is the kydex sheath carry configuration?
The included kydex sheath has two spring clip for right or left strong side belt carry. It is not a MOLLE-specific attachment, but the spring clip is compatible with standard belt widths. Kydex provides positive retention, is waterproof, and will not deform or lose retention in wet conditions — a key advantage over leather for field use.
Is this knife suitable for backpacking as a primary field knife?
Yes. At 2.8 ounces, the STS-SFLT is competitive with dedicated ultralight backpacking knives. Its MagnaCut steel handles food prep, campsite tasks, and emergency cordage cutting without the corrosion concerns of carbon steel in wet environments. The paracord wrap doubles as functional cordage reserve. For pure ultralight gram-counting, a shorter neck knife is lighter — but for a mid-sized field knife capable of more demanding cutting tasks, the STS-SFLT is the appropriate choice.