Work Tuff Gear — Hemlock Ares Gen 2-NC (SK85)
NC stands for Non-Choil version.
Thanks to a larger production run, we’re able to offer the Ares at a more accessible price point this time — without compromising the materials or build quality that Work Tuff Gear is known for.
Designer: Hunter Cutchin (D.B. Hemlock)
"You can do everything with a large knife that a small knife can, but the same cannot be said the other way around."The Hemlock Ares is the tool you bring when compromise isn’t acceptable. Positioned between axe and knife, it’s a purpose-built survival blade engineered to take punishment and keep working. Built for batoning, heavy chopping, and extended field use, the Ares favors strength, serviceability, and straightforward geometry over gimmicks.
Crafted from Japanese SK85 high-carbon steel, the Ares delivers exceptional toughness and edge retention — the kind of performance you need when the work is relentless. A steep saber grind and stepped spine concentrate mass for impact work, while a broad belly flows into a reinforced tip for dependable cutting and piercing. The simple geometry makes field maintenance straightforward and ensures deep, reliable bites when you need them most.
Multiple grip positions — plus the ability to choke up on the blade — give surprising control for fine tasks like food prep and feathering despite its hefty nature. Designed around a single question — if this knife were all you had, could you survive? — The Ares was tested against shelter-building, game processing, timber work, and everyday camp duties.
The result: an intentionally overbuilt, no-nonsense survival tool that prefers performance to flash.
Key Attributes
Forged from Japanese SK85 high-carbon steel for toughness and edge retention
Purpose-built for batoning, chopping, and sustained heavy use
Steep saber grind for efficient displacement and durability
Stepped spine and reinforced tip for increased striking area and tip strength
Simple, field-serviceable geometry for easy sharpening
Multiple grip options for control across heavy and precision tasks
Upgraded Kydex sheath for Multi-position carry.
When lives or livelihoods depend on one tool, you don’t gamble. The Hemlock Ares was built to survive — and to let you do the same.
Ares-Gen 2 -NC (SK85)/Dark Washed/Canvas Micarta Scale
PRODUCT INFO
Knife Type
Fixed Blade
Knife construction
Full tang
Overall Length
16.1"
Blade Length
9.25"
Cutting Edge
8.26"
Blade Thickness
0.267"
Type of grind
Saber grind with the convex edge
Blade Shape
chopper
Blade Steel
Japanese SK85 RC 56-58 Blade Finish
dark washed Handle Material
3D machined canvas micarta material
Knife Weight
38oz
Weight w/ Sheath
45oz
Including
Hand Made Pancake Kydex sheath
Sheath Material
Black Kydex