By: Andrew Kirst
In a world overflowing with survival knives, tactical blades, and flashy folder designs, few stand out as authentic tributes to historical valor. The M500 KAMBA DLC – KYDEX SHEATH, crafted by Acta Non Verba (ANV) Knives, is one such blade. More than just a tool, the M500 is a physical homage—a contemporary salute to the legendary Fairbairn-Sykes (FS) fighting knife, which equipped British Commandos and Czechoslovak paratroopers during World War II’s most covert missions, including the famed Operation ANTHROPOID.
Let’s take a deep dive into this full tang, modern warrior’s knife that captures both the spirit of resistance and the precision of modern metallurgy. A knife born of heritage, hardened in design, and made for a future filled with challenges.
Historical Backbone: PER ARDUA AD ASTRA
ANV’s M500 isn’t just a knife—it’s a message.
“Per ardua ad astra”—through adversity to the stars—is engraved in the soul of this blade. It’s a direct call to the valor of the Czechoslovak soldiers who fought alongside the British, risking it all to defeat tyranny. The ANTHROPOID reference is no gimmick. It’s a solemn reminder of real warriors who operated behind enemy lines with courage as their only armor.
Blade Design: Thick, Tough, and Tactical
At the heart of the M500 is its 190mm (7.5 inch) blade, crafted from ELMAX powder steel. For those unfamiliar, ELMAX is the gold standard in modern knife-making. It’s stainless, yet incredibly wear-resistant, thanks to its high chromium and vanadium content. And with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish, this knife is practically armored.
The DLC coating isn’t just for aesthetics—it adds extreme surface hardness, enhances corrosion resistance, and reduces friction for smoother draws and thrusts. It’s especially useful in humid, muddy, or marine environments.
But let’s talk thickness. The M500 boasts a 6mm wide blade spine. That’s not a typo. Most tactical knives hover around 4mm. With 6mm of spine, the M500 is built for one thing: penetration and toughness, not slicing your salami.
This thick profile means the grind angle is steep, optimized to puncture with devastating force rather than act like a utility slicer. If you want a whittler, this isn’t it. If you want a blade that can bust through barriers, slash through tactical webbing, or defend your life, you’re in the right place.
Dimensions Breakdown
• Blade Length 190 mm / 7.5 in
• Total Length 340 mm / 13.4 in
• Blade Thickness 6 mm / 0.2 in
• Handle Length 115 mm / 4.5 in
• Total Weight 384 g / 13.5 oz
The Handle: Built Like a Tank, Feels Like a Glove
Grip is survival, and ANV knows it.
The M500’s 115mm (4.5 inch) handle is constructed from G10, the modern standard for rugged, weatherproof scales. But ANV didn’t just bolt on slabs of G10. These handles are 3D-machined with aggressive texture, giving a positive grip even in rain, mud, or blood. The edges are grooved with purposeful indentations, ensuring zero slippage.
And unlike many fighting knives with weak points at the guard or tang, the M500 uses a single solid stainless-steel guard integrated directly into the full tang. This means absolute control and no flex—ever.
And at the end? A glass-breaking, bone-smashing steel spike. Not decorative—functional. When there’s no time to draw your knife, it doubles as a blunt force emergency weapon.
KYDEX Sheath: Reliable, Versatile, Ready for War
A warrior’s blade is only as ready as its sheath allows—and ANV doesn’t skimp here. The M500 KAMBA includes a self-locking KYDEX sheath, designed to secure the knife with authority, yet allow instant deployment when needed.
Built with MOLLE SYSTEM clips, this sheath is combat-vest and field-pack ready. Mount it on your belt, backpack strap, vest, or plate carrier. The best part? The sheath accepts the knife symmetrically—meaning it doesn’t matter if you’re left- or right-handed. You can draw it either way, adding adaptability when it counts.
The Feel in Hand: Purposeful, Not Playful
Picking up the M500 for the first time, you immediately know: this isn’t a toy.
Weighing in at 384 grams (13.5 oz), it has substance. That balance point near the guard makes it feel neutral in motion—quick to thrust, stable in grip. The 13.4-inch total length offers a commanding reach, yet the design’s ergonomics make it maneuverable for close-quarters work.
This knife doesn’t whisper “maybe.” It shouts “now.”
What the M500 KAMBA Isn’t
Let’s be clear: this isn’t your average all-purpose bushcraft knife.
• It’s not made for batoning wood.
• It’s not optimized for food prep or feather-sticking.
• It’s not the blade you take to whittle by the fire.
The M500 KAMBA is a combat and tactical survival tool—first and foremost. It’s a knife for warriors, LEOs, special operators, and those who train like them.
It was born from warfare lineage, and it wears that heritage proudly.
Final Thoughts: Heritage Meets High Performance
The M500 KAMBA DLC with KYDEX sheath is an apex predator in the knife world. It merges history, honor, and hardcore materials in one unmistakable package. Whether you’re a collector of military-inspired blades, a professional operator, or a civilian who appreciates elite craftsmanship, the M500 is a piece that commands respect.
Its historical nod to Operation ANTHROPOID is no gimmick. It’s a spine-chilling salute to the men who changed history with blades like this in their hands.
Where to Buy:
You can order the M500 KAMBA DLC directly from ANV Knives’ official website at:
Sin City Press 