Expanding its duty-grade equipment legacy into automatic folding knives, Blackhawk has officially released the Sonar Push Button Auto Modified Drop Point. Engineered to deliver rapid one-handed deployment and high-end material performance in a lightweight everyday carry footprint, the Sonar combines rugged aluminum construction with a snappy push-button mechanism.
Core Technical Specifications
- Platform Architecture: Tactical automatic folding knife with button lock.
- Overall Length: 7.875 inches.
- Closed Length: 4.50 inches.
- Blade Length: 3.5 inches.
- System Weight: 4.0 ounces.
- Blade Material: D2 tool steel featuring a black finish.
- Blade Style: Modified drop point available in Plain Edge (Model: BHSN101BK) or Partially Serrated (Model: BHSN111BK).
- Handle Material: Lightweight aluminum handle with ergonomic profile and traction grooves.
- Deployment & Lock: Push-button automatic opener with a sliding button-lock safety system.
- Carry Configuration: Right-hand deployment with a reversible tip-up pocket clip (left/right configurable).
- Country of Origin: Made in the USA.
Mechanical Engineering & Metallurgy Science
The heartbeat of any tactical automatic knife is its lockup reliability and spring deployment energy. The Sonar utilizes a robust button-lock architecture paired with a sliding safety lock: users slide the button lock to the open position and depress the actuator to instantly snap the blade into a secure, rock-solid lockup.
The 3.5-inch blade is forged from D2 tool steel, a high-carbon, high-chromium alloy renowned for its exceptional wear resistance and aggressive edge retention. While D2 is technically a semi-stainless steel, its high chromium content provides solid corrosion resistance while maintaining the edge-holding toughness required for rigorous duty tasks. The black finish protects the underlying steel from environmental oxidation, while the lightweight aluminum handle chassis keeps overall system mass down to a nimble 4.0 ounces without sacrificing frame rigidity.
Tactical Utility & Field Integration
For military personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilian EDC carriers operating in high-stress environments, instant one-handed deployment can be a critical asset.
The Sonar’s 4.5-inch closed length and slim profile allow it to ride comfortably in a pocket or tactical gear bag without creating bulk. The ergonomic handle contour features strategic traction grooves that lock the hand securely in place during wet or dynamic cutting tasks, while the modified drop point belly excels at piercing, slicing, and utility cutting.
Concluding Assessment
Blackhawk’s entry into the automatic knife market with the Sonar is a major win for fans of duty-grade American-made hardware. By combining D2 tool steel performance, secure button-lock mechanics, and nimble 4-ounce ergonomics, Blackhawk delivers an exceptionally capable automatic folder.