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Tommaso Rumici Rethinks Tactical Knives with the Maserin Nimrod

March 23, 2018

Tommaso Rumici is teaming up with Maserin for the second time to produce the Nimrod folding knife. The latest offering from the Italian knife designer takes a sophisticated approach to tactical knives.

Italian knife manufacturers have a reputation for luxurious, high-end knives that sometimes feel like the knife equivalent of a sports car. But Rumici is quick to point out that the Nimrod was made to find its way into the pockets of those who intend on putting it to work. He wanted to renew the idea of a tactical knife for legitimate users. “I designed the Nimrod after discussions with special police operators – real ones, not internet wannabes,” he says.

Rumici tells us the overbuilt approach to tactical knives is no longer viable for many such operators. “They asked for a knife with a long blade, to be used mainly for cutting tasks, and are tired of big, bulky, handles and heavy knives.” Even though his designs are stylish, Rumici notes they are always function first. “I’m the first user of my knives, so I could never force the ideal shape due to aesthetic reasons.”

This user-first philosophy also extends to the locking mechanism. In a world of liner locks, frame locks, and proprietary mechanisms, the lock back seems to have been left behind. But Rumici tells us it was a perfect fit for the Nimrod project. “I designed it for operators and dangerous situations,” he explains. “You need it to be as ambidextrous as possible because you never know which hand you’ll be using, and sometimes you don’t have a chance to visually check what you are doing. Liner locks and frame locks are good options, but not for this project in particular.” A lock back also requires less in terms of liners for support, so Rumici was able to shrink them down to contribute to weight savings on this large knife.

“I designed something that could be carried comfortably for hours, that was thin and light, with a blade strong and long enough, without spiky textures and with an ergonomic handle,” he tells us. Whether users opt for the Micarta, G-10, or carbon fiber configurations, the lock back Nimrod weighs 4.3 oz. and comes with a broad, 3.75-inch drop point blade made of M390 steel.

This is Rumici’s second collaboration with Maserin after the L.E.O. fixed blade. He describes himself as a freelance knife designer and says that we can expect to see more of his work throughout the rest of the year. “I’m always working on several ideas, and some of them are ready for production. I hope to have some news in the next months.”

Knife featured in image: Maserin Nimrod Production Prototype

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