Paul's design, called the Mystic, is inspired by the whaling harpoon gun. Its name is inspired by his hometown of Connecticut and Mystic Seaport, a historic whaling port he often visited in his childhood. Mystic is not only a tribute to his hometown but also an expression of gratitude for the frequent visits to Mystic Seaport during his upbringing. I've been using the Mystic for a bit, so let's take a look.

The knife has an overall length of 8.78", a blade length of 3.74", and a handle length of 5.04". Despite the Mystic's extended dimensions, it weighs only 4.43 oz. The handle is comprised of a titanium bolster lock with micarta scales. A bolster lock is a type of lock where the spring from the locking bar is covered by a handle scale rather than being exposed. Often the lock bar is thinner than your standard frame lock, with relief made to make room for the scale. The entire frame on the Mystic is titanium, bolsters and all. I really like the finish; it complements the micarta well. The micarta showing around the pivot screw is a nice touch. Speaking of micarta, this is completely different from other knives I've handled. The info for the Mystic says it's just micarta, but it looks to me like its linen versus the canvas I've been dealing with. Handle ergonomics are really nice. The handle isn't cramped at all; everything is very stretched out, making it quite comfortable. This knife is made for people with larger hands, and it's welcomed. My index finger falls right where it should, with gentle contouring where my fingers wrap. The arched handle helps mold to the natural shape of my hand. No complaints at all in this department.

The blade is a harpoon style mixed with a clip point. It's an interesting design; I don't know what purpose a harpoon shape would serve other than making penetration easier. The clip point shape, in general, is a good general-purpose shape, great for all kinds of tasks. During testing, I found it had a pronounced tip that was great for initiating a cut and making precise cuts. There's a thumb ramp with jimping, which is adequate to keep control of the blade. Choking up and pinch gripping the blade felt natural, with no odd bits poking where they shouldn't. The steel on the Mystic is Rex 45, which is a tool steel similar to M4. It boasts exceptional edge retention and can be brought back just by stropping. It's not too bad to sharpen provided you use diamond stones. It's more stainless than most tool steels, but I recommend keeping a light coat of oil on it. It will take a patina over time, which will be interesting to watch as it develops.

The Mystic may take its cue from a town with a seaport, but this landlubber is landlocked. The elongated handle is great for larger hands and comfortable no matter which way you hold it. The harpoon shape, though mainly for looks, performs great for a whole host of chores. Though the Rex 45 is on the low end in regard to hardness (60-63), it holds an edge longer than traditional steels. This beautiful knife performs as good as it looks.