Knives come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. However, every now and then, a knife comes along that still stands out amongst all the diverse options available. The Talon V2 from Revenant Corps is one such knife.
The Revenant Corps Talon V2
What sets it apart from the countless blades on the market is that it’s made entirely of Pikal G10. Its entire body, handle, and blade are non-metallic and highly durable for hardcore use.
The great people over at Revenant Corps sent the Talon V2 my way for an in-depth review of its unique properties and functionality. Did the Talon dig in deep and impress, or fail to reach above novelty status?
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Out-of-the-Pouch Impressions
I typically would give my initial thoughts on the sample knife, starting with the box it was packed in. However, the Talon V2 had no box, which in itself indicated a promising start to the Talon’s review.
You see, the Talon V2 was meticulously packed within a black, frilled paper pouch. It was secured with a length of black cordage, bow-tied, and accented with a Revenant Corps sticker. This presentation was both unexpected and intriguing at the same time.
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It presented well, and if you were to gift this knife to a knife-lover, it would certainly make a great impression. But the cord had to be cut, and it was.
Inside, I obviously found the Talon V2, complete with a thermoplastic sheath and belt clip. It featured a Tsukomaki wrap and rayskin underlay, giving it a Japanese sword-inspired look and feel. I was unexpectedly surprised by the inclusion of Revenant’s G10 Awl.
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After researching their website, I learned it was a Sharpie-style marker with a full-length G10 core and filled with marine-grade epoxy. Not a bad secondary tool for me to use in the future, I must say.
The Talon V2 In-Hand
Taking hold of the Talon V2 highlighted its surprisingly light weight. The combination of the knife and sheath didn’t feel off-balance or cumbersome to hold, thanks to its uniform construction of G10. Traditional steel knives can sometimes be heavier than needed, especially when combined with the sheath. As a result, they can be more difficult to carry during your everyday travels.
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Even without clipping this little number to my belt, I knew it wouldn’t have such issues. At only seven inches long and weighing less than two ounces, the Talon V2 already garnered my attention.
What Exactly is G10?
Before we go into various performance tests of the Talon V2, I just want to touch upon its G10 composition. G10 has been used for knife handles for many years. While many people prefer this material when choosing a knife, many don’t truly know what it is.
Simply put, G10 is a fiberglass-reinforced epoxy laminate. It is created by stacking layers of woven glass cloth that have been soaked in epoxy resin. Heat and pressure are then applied, which make the material highly corrosion- and chemical-resistant, ultra-durable, and electrically insulated.
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The material maintains its properties even under intense humid or moist conditions. This is why it makes a great handle for a knife that is meant to perform in harsh environments. The knifemakers at Revenant Corps know how invaluable G10 is for a knife. So they went one step further and made the entire knife from this tough-as-nails material.
Making the Cut with the Talon V2
The lightweight, non-metal Talon V2 knife is unique, and its Japanese-inspired wrapped handle is aesthetically pleasing. But in order for a knife to be a knife, it has to cut or pierce material. And it has to do it time and time again without fail. If not, it becomes a useless novelty and not worth your time to purchase or carry.
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I tested the Talon V2 in two categories. First, as a cutting and piercing tool, and second, as a defensive weapon.
Cutting cordage was first. I made the cuts both under tension and when the cord was slack. Its cutting ability on a relaxed length of cordage was not impressive. Not only did it fail to slice through on the first or second attempt, but it took considerable force after a half a dozen attempts. Under tension, it did cut quicker. However, compared to a steel-bladed knife, it was still much slower and required some muscle to back it up.
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The Talon V2’s blade shape mimicked that of a bird of prey’s own talon shape. Its stubby base contoured into a fine point. The rear of the knife offered a finger notch that cemented this as the Talon V2’s primary asset.
With a secure hold on the knife, I attempted to pierce stacks of cardboard, as well as fiberboard, and this is where the Talon stood out. With no effort at all, the Talon clawed deep into the cardboard, penetrating layer after layer. The fiberboard put up more of a fight. However, it too took the precision punch of the knife that was truly “locked” within my grip.
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Usefulness for Defense
The Talon V2 is an absolute beast when it comes to self-defense applications. Being versed in martial arts and self-defense, along with extensive bladed weapon use, I thoroughly enjoyed the Talon V2 during my simulated practice session.
Within my hand, with both a standard grip and a reverse grip, the claw-like blade felt natural, like an extension of my hand. This is the ultimate goal of any handheld weapon. Couple this with its natural lightweight properties and my own arm and hand speed, and the knife moved at an incredible rapidity.
Retrieval from the sheath on my belt was also very fast once I accounted for the sheath’s tight locking feature (which is a good thing).
Carrying the Talon V2
The Talon V2, as mentioned, came with a hard-shell sheath and belt clip, secured together with shock cord. The sheath’s locking mechanism offers the perfect balance between ease-of-removal and staying in place wherever you position it. No matter if it’s worn sideways on your belt or upside down around your neck, the Talon V2 will stay in place until you need it.
The belt clip is both simple to operate and secure once slipped over your belt. It is removed with equal ease. What I enjoyed most about this sheath and accompanying belt clip is their versatility and straightforward design, which get the job done without overthinking.
Handy Backup
When weighing the pros and cons of this knife, the scale is far more in favor of its pros. The knife is lightweight, impervious to water or moisture, doesn’t rust, and doesn’t set off metal detectors.
Its handle is both a work of art and a secure grip for your hand. The tip of the blade devastates material, and overall, the knife is ultra-durable. The few minor drawbacks I have include the length of the handle. I have a larger hand, and mine is just a tad bigger than the handle. So, I have to adjust my grip to find the perfect hold.
About an inch longer would have been the cherry on the cake for me. But again, it’s a personal drawback for me and not one to take away from this magnificent design.
With its G10 construction, this knife shouldn’t be your main cutting blade, as it’s not its forte. However, it is an ideal self-defense weapon. And, in this arena, the Talon V2 is a claw-full to be reckoned with.
Revenant Corps Talon V2 Specs
| Model | Talon V2 |
| Overall Length | 7.00 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.00 inches |
| Overall Weight | 1.66 ounces |
| Blade Material | G10 |
| Handle Material | G10 |
| Sheath Style | Belt clip |
| MSRP | $110.00 – $140.00 |
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