Bill Rapier over at Amtac Blades is rolling out a slimmer version of one of his most established fixed blades. The Minuteman II Slim keeps the same 4-inch full flat ground blade and 7 3/4-inch overall length as the standard Minuteman II, but drops blade stock from 3/16 inch to 0.15 inch, about a 20 percent reduction. That thinner stock also cuts blade weight from 4.7 ounces to 4.3 ounces. Handle length remains at 3 3/4 inches, so the Slim fits in the same low-profile belt sheaths as the rest of the Minuteman II line. MagnaCut, like other offerings, will remain as the blade steel, trading a bit of edge retention against something like M390 (like my NorthmanX) for better toughness and corrosion resistance. More from AMTAC @ TFB: Amtac Gear Teases the New NorthmanX Fixed EDC Blade Former SEAL Bill Rapier on How to Fight a Carjacker SILENCER SATURDAY #177: Over The Barrel With The AMTAC MANTIS AMTAC Announces the Minuteman II SlimThe Stonewashed Minuteman II Slim with full flat grind uses MagnaCut steel, the best in the industry. The Minuteman II Slim is slightly thinner than the Minuteman II, but the handle thickness remains the same, so it will fit all Minuteman II sheaths.The Stonewashed Magnacut Minuteman II features a 4-inch full flat ground blade with a swedge. This blade geometry allows for great thrusting ability and strength. The 1.3 inches of spine directly forward of the handle has a semi-sharp 90° angle to facilitate better striking of a ferro rod and other backcountry tasks. The handle of the Minuteman is 3 3/4 inches long. The Stonewashed Minuteman II with full flat grind comes standard with a low profile belt sheath. Minuteman II Slim SpecificationsSteel: MagnacutBlade thickness: 0.15 inchesBlade length: 4 inchesOverall length: 7 3/4 inchesBlade weight: 4.3 ozMinuteman II Sheath weight: 1.2 oz The blade geometry itself appears to be completely unchanged from the standard Minuteman II, which is a swedge-equipped full flat grind built for thrusting strength, with 1.3 inches of flat, semi-sharp spine ahead of the handle for striking a ferro rod (a favorite feature of mine). What's changed is how the knife carries. Losing nearly a tenth of an inch of stock and 0.4 ounces off the blade should make a noticeable difference at the belt line over a full day, without touching the geometry that gives the Minuteman its performance. For buyers already running a Minuteman II sheath, the Slim is a straightforward swap. Currently listed at $550, Amtac Blades says the Stonewashed MagnaCut Slim is now in stock, with black stonewash shipping first, followed by a standard stonewash finish. More info and pricing are available on the Amtac Blades website. We are excited to announce we have some of the new Minuteman II Slim ready to ship now! This every day carry blade is thinner and lighter than our previous version. We just finished these blades on Friday so they are in stock and will ship on our next shipping day. Hope you have a great weekend.-Bill Rapier, Aug 1st 2026