Medford Smooth Criminal Auto Black Aluminum, PVD HW/Clip, Black PVD S45VN by Greg Medford (MKA394PQ-42AB-TPCP-Q4)
- Smooth Criminal Auto Black Aluminium, PVD HW/Clip, Black PVD is MKT's first ever OTS automatic knife with an aluminum handle. Button lock button disassembles the blade in the blink of an eye. Made in the USA, built to survive the Apocalypse!

This product is intended for use only by adults with knowledge and experience in handling sharp cutting tools. Improper use of the knife can result in serious injuries. The blade is extremely sharp and can easily cut through skin and tissue; therefore, extra caution should always be exercised while cutting, and hands should be kept away from the cutting edge. To prevent the knife from slipping, it is recommended to cut on a stable, non-slip surface and avoid excessive force, which may cause uncontrolled blade movement.
Leaving the knife on the edge of a table, countertop, or in easily accessible places—especially where children are present—poses a significant safety risk. The knife should always be properly secured after use, ideally by placing it on a stable surface or storing it in designated knife blocks, protective sheaths, or magnetic strips. The knife should never be used for tasks it is not designed for, such as opening cans or prying objects, as this can damage the tool and lead to dangerous accidents.
A dull blade increases the risk of injury, as it requires more force and is more likely to slip from the material being cut. Therefore, it is essential to sharpen the knife regularly to maintain optimal sharpness. Additionally, proper cleaning and drying of the knife are necessary to prevent corrosion and bacterial growth. Periodic inspection of the handle and blade is recommended to check for cracks, chips, or looseness. If any damage is detected, the knife should be repaired or replaced immediately.
When using the knife, focus solely on the task at hand—avoid talking on the phone, watching television, or other distractions while cutting. Ensure proper lighting in the workspace for better visibility and control. Please note that some countries or regions have laws restricting the ownership and carrying of knives. Before purchasing or using this knife, verify that its use is legal in your location according to applicable regulations.
Following these safety guidelines will help ensure safe and effective knife use, minimizing the risk of accidents and extending the lifespan of the tool.
Smooth Criminal Auto Black Aluminium, PVD HW/Clip, Black PVD, is Medford Knife & Tool first-ever OTS (Out The Side) automatic knife with an aluminum chassis, hard-anodized. With a great action, a push of the button lock unfolds the 3-inch blade in the blink of an eye. Blade is crafted from reliable CPM S45VN steel. This is the tool you need to get real work done. Made entirely in the USA, according to the high standards set by Medford. Built to survive the Apocalypse!
Greg Medford's idea was to create the most reliable knives imaginable while retaining their beauty and adding the "soul" of a handmade finish.
CPM S45VN - American martensitic high-alloy stainless steel with a hardness of 59-61 HRC, one of the best steels for blades. Designed to provide better strength compared to CPM S30V, while keeping corrosion resistance at the highest level. Manufactured by US Crucible Industries using the particle metallurgy / Crucible® Particle Metallurgy (CPM) method. The CPM process creates a very homogeneous, high-quality steel with excellent dimensional stability, grindability and ductility compared to steels produced by conventional methods. The chemical composition has been balanced so that it is composed of 0.5% niobium carbides (Nb) along with 3.0% vanadium carbides (V) and 14.0% chromium carbides (Cr). The improved strength of CPM S45VN also provides better resistance to edge chipping.
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) - the resistance of the surface of the wedge and cutting edge is enhanced by a vacuum deposition method used to deposit thin films by condensing an evaporated form of the desired material onto the surface of the workpiece. The coating method involves a purely physical process such as high-temperature vacuum evaporation followed by condensation. The applied coating has a very high hardness which significantly increases the resistance of the blade to rust and abrasive wear.
Blade - plain with Drop Point profile black PVD-coated, with a high concave grind is a true “cutter” that flows through the material being cut. “Smooth” in the name obliges, so ball bearings were used to make opening smooth as butter.
Handle - two solid pieces of aluminum in black, hard anodized with a light polishing perfectly match the sturdy construction of Medford Knives. The stepped texture of the facings and finger grooves, provide excellent grip during use. The backspacer ends with an oval opening for interlacing a safety or decorative cord. An elaborate blade lock button (button lock) decorates the handle and makes it easy to hit with the hand, for example, when wearing a glove. The whole is complemented by a titanium deep carry clip. The clip and screws (HW) are also black PVD-coated.
Included - a cardboard box, a zippered nylon soft pouch with the MKT brand logo for safe storage and transportation of the folder, a Dog Tag and signed "Certificate of Creation and Authenticity".
Custom Specifications:
Model: Smooth Criminal Auto
Blade steel: CPM S35VN
Blade finish and grind: Black PVD, High Hollow Grind
Presentation side grips finish: Black
Grip side finish: Black
Hardware package finish (pivot and screws): Black PVD
Clip finish: Black PVD
Breaker/lanyard finish: Black PVD
Technical data:
Product number: MKA394PQ-42AB-TPCP-Q4
Product name: Smooth Criminal Auto Black Aluminum, PVD HW/Clip, Black PVD
Overall length: 178.0 mm / 7.0″
Blade length: 76.2 mm / 3.0″
Blade thickness: 3.8 mm / 0.15″
Handle length: 102.0 mm / 4.0″
Handle thickness: 13.7 mm / 0.54″
Weight: 106.0 g / 3.74 oz
Blade material: CPM S35VN
Blade hardness: n.d.
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade finish: Black PVD
Handle material: Aluminum Hard Anodized
Handle finish color: Black
Backspacer material: Aluminum
Backspacer Color: Black
Clip: Right, tip-up
Clip material: Stainless Steel
Pivot mechanism: Ball bearings
Locking mechanism: Button Lock
Opening method: Automatic
Additional accessories: Nylon case, Dog Tag
Designer: Greg Medford
Brand name: Medford
Manufacturer: Medford Knife & Tool, USA
Country of origin: USA
Developed by: the Sharg® company