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Fox Knives Teams Up with Systema Master for Hard Use Folder

July 31, 2017

Fox is bringing out the FX-532 Irves folder under its Military Division label. Designed by first-time collaborator and Systema martial arts instructor Andreas Weitzel, the Irves exhibits the body of a tactical folder but bears the soul of a working knife.

Weitzel has been a professional instructor of Systema, a system of Russian martial arts, since the 90s. “I was one of the first Systema instructors in Europe 20 years ago,” he tells us. Currently, Weitzel teaches students of all ages in his Augsburg, Germany Systema Academy. “Children and adults, men and women, amateurs and professionals. I teach them weaponless self-defense and weapon fighting – knife, sword, stick, chain and more.”

Experience at Systema shaped the Irves design, but Weitzel was also inspired by his other active pursuits. “My inspiration for the Irves knife was my experience in the outdoors, hunting, bowshooting, and as a martial art instructor.” So although the Irves has a tactical appearance, Weitzel didn’t design the hefty knife for fighting. “The Irves, for me, is a tool for hard work in different situations,” Weitzel tells us. “It’s a kind of all-arounder. It is a best friend, a helper in any case.”

Fox FX-532 IRVES

Fox and Weitzel outfitted the Irves with a 3.35-inch leaf shaped blade made from cerakoted N690Co steel. A sweeping fuller adds some visual interest and a forward finger choil enables the knife to perform precise cuts. The Irves implements a stainless steel liner lock covered by black G-10 scales. A short, wide, and reversible clip rounds out the package.

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The Irves’ unusual proportions, with a large handle and relatively short, wide blade, may seem odd at first. But they play into the knife’s ability to be pressed into harder cutting chores than most folders. “This knife has a very special and practical geometry,” Weitzel explains. Its unconventional dimensions and stout build make the Irves comfortable and durable enough for long, hard cutting. According to Weitzel, the 8.82 oz. weight deliberately feeds into such applications. “You can chop, split, and break down with this knife.”

Weitzel has put out knife designs in the past, including the Bellator with Eickhorn-Solingen Cutlery. Although this is his first project with Fox he says he hopes that it won’t be his last. “I would be proud to continue.” The Fox Irves is beginning to show up with European dealers now. It will make its way West soon for a price around $250.

Knife featured in image: Fox Knives FX-532 Irves

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