Tag: survival

Epic Knife Review: Aitor Jungle King Series 1, 2 and 3 – Part 2

13 June, 2025

Join me in the continuation of an epic super-detailed two-part review of the AITOR Jungle King knife series. For me, this style of knife focuses on the fun in outdoor knife use that is so often overlooked due to it being fashionable to dismiss any knife if it doesn’t have a full tang and latest super-steel. Let’s allow ourselves the simple enjoyment of using different knives, and with the Jungle King Series, Aitor have packed them with interesting and useful features.

This epic review of the Aitor Jungle King knives has so much detail I’ve had to split it into two parts. In this, the second part, we will explore using the plethora of features Aitor give you, and some valuable insights into these interesting knives.

See Part 1 for the technical details and photo galleries showing all the features. Read on here in Part 2 for practical testing and insights plus a unique insight into the madness of UK knife law.

The madness of UK Knife law (and the global epidemic):

I’ve had to start Part 2 with this section for two main reasons. Firstly, in order not to break a new UK knife law “The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment, Surrender and Compensation) Order 2024″ when it came into force, I had to modify the Jungle King 1, as overnight this knife became an illegal offensive weapon in the UK, which was clearly a danger to society and must be destroyed.

Fortunately the relatively minor reshaping of the knife tip brought the Jungle King’s blade under this terrifying 8” threshold and filled it with fwuffy bunny wabbit love meaning the UK was safe again 🙂

In the gallery, the masking tape was used to mock up the required position for this modification and finalise the angle for this small reverse Tanto. Such a pity to have to make this alteration, but the tip strength will be higher with this modification. The material was removed using a belt grinder, and definitely proved the hardness and wear resistance of the Aitor heat treat as it did resist the change and take longer than expected. It was however worth it to feel I had made the country a safer place to live in (this was said with sarcasm).

Comparison of size and handling:

I take an XL size Glove, and this gallery steps through the models from Jungle King 1 to 3 giving a sense of how they handle.

New Edges for All:

I did give myself quite a job with the major reprofiling of all three blades, and although there was a lot of metal needing to be removed, it was worth the effort as this has transformed all the Jungle King models.

All blades were taken to 17.5 DPS.

The Pallet Chop test:

This is a no-holds-barred chopping test. Initially chopping directly with the knife, and then, if required, using a baton to drive the blade into the board.
The Jungle King 1 simply blasts through this test under its own weight, a powerful chopper without any jarring or bounce. The difference in chopping with the Jungle King 2 is huge. Its weight, or lack of, in comparison to the Jungle King 1 makes it much less effective; so step in the baton. The blade profile is also a wider wedge, so takes more effort to drive it in deeply, and the angle of cut is critical. As the Jungle King 2 progresses through this cutting task, it becomes more difficult to do as it needs enough space for the baton to be able to strike the blade.
Last up is the Jungle King 3, lightweight and a plastic handle – so “what are you doing?” you might well ask. The point is to see if it could and what I found was a ‘Yes…but’ answer. Right here in this gallery, the Jungle King 3 was used as it is, with the tailcap and survival kit in place. After three strikes on the blade spine, the brass threaded insert broke free of the handle. The lesson is; don’t baton with the Jungle King 3 straight out of the sheath, however, this story is to be continued…

Aitor Saw-Backs:

With the Jungle King 1 and 2 featuring the Aitor Saw Back, how do these fare? As with almost all saws on the spine of a knife blade, it is best to consider these a notching tool rather than a full cross-cut saw. Depth of cut is limited to more or less the depth of the saw teeth before the saw starts to bind in the cut and progress stops as there is no clearance. The saw-backs do help give a square cut for making pegs, traps, cooking stands, so are useful, but won’t allow you to saw off branches.

Camp Cutting and Fire Lighting:

Straight up I must say that initial out-of-the-box cutting tests were disappointing. I normally would try to use the factory edges as much as possible. However the edge reprofile, and sharpen to shaving sharp (less than 200 BESS shaves), has made the Jungle King knives eager cutters and a pleasure to use. The fineness and delicacy of cut the Jungle King 1 manages surprised me. The large blade and handle allowing for controlled power to be applied to the cuts. Moving to the Jungle King 2 and it feels so light in comparison, despite its all metal construction, and although also cutting very well, with good control, the advantages of the larger Jungle King 1 are apparent.
Lightest of all, the Jungle King 3 with the slimmest blade, has a tendency to bite in more deeply that you want, and its smaller size and weight becomes apparent as you feel it is harder work for the same tasks; but it is significantly lighter and easier to carry.
All the Jungle King knives stood up really well with the new edge geometry, holding their edges and not showing any damage.
The fire-lighting tests were a mix and match, with the magnesium block fire steel from the Jungle King 1, and using the easier to handle Jungle King 3 for striking and shaving the magnesium block. I chose to use the magnesium block mounted firesteel as the small fire steels in the survival kits are uncomfortable to hold during striking, so the magnesium block provides a stable platform for this. Unfortunately, during this test, the fire steel came away from the magnesium block, leaving me having to hold the firesteel on its own anyway.
Though not a requirement, the magnesium shavings do help get a flame going if the tinder is not perfectly dry, so try without first, but then you can always give it a boost if needed.

That Iconic Slingshot:

Such an overused word ‘iconic’ but it is true for Aitor’s Jungle King knives. Again one of those highly copied features, for the reason it is simply great fun. Would I expect to use it to hunt in a survival situation? Honestly, no, I’ve never been that good with a slingshot, and naturally available ammunition is not consistent in size, shape or weight. Like the lottery, if you don’t play you can’t win, so in desperate times an attempted shot is better than no shot. Added to that, for survival, when you finally might need to try, the slingshot bands are latex, and latex bands degrade over time, so unless you make sure to replace them every year or two with fresh bands, you may find they are unusable.
Initial testing here was with the Jungle King 1 and 2. When using the Jungle King 3 I found it significantly less comfortable to hold, with the smaller sheath digging into my hand more.
The slingshot bands appear to be the same specification, even if a slightly different colour. Assembly is very easy just pushing the ends of the bands over the slingshot arms. Drawing the slingshot makes the tubes grip onto the metal arms, so they don’t slide off.
For this plinking test I used ‘mud balls’ (clay slingshot ammo), and two factors presented very quickly. For each and every shot, the slingshot arms are knocked forward (as shown) out of position, so need to be pulled back into place for the next shot. Most seriously, after only five shots, the bands developed holes from the unfinished ends of the slingshot arms. At least one arm for each Jungle King model has a sharp corner which cut through the slingshot band. Testing was cut short as I did not want to continue with the damaged bands.

The Slingshot Fix:

After that initial testing session being cut short, I rounded off the ends of all the slingshot arms with a file, on all the Jungle King models. Not a perfect job by any means, but leaving no sharp corners. Then trimming off those damaged ends from the bands (at least this is an easy fix, by just shortening them a couple of centimetres) and going again.
Now, after I got tired (lost track of how many shots), there was no damage to the bands at all. I did get more accurate, but would not have expected to hit a rabbit, squirrel or bird sized target. Fun, just not if my life depended on it.

General use of the Jungle King knives:

This is a bit of a hotchpotch section to round up a few things in one last gallery. A reminder that you don’t need to be on jungle adventures to use these knives; I needed to cut some foam rubber to size and the large blade of the Jungle King 1 was ideal to give me the a perfectly clean wide flat cut. Slicing easily with the same untouched edge that was previously put to work for the pallet chop and cutting tests.
A note about the Jungle King 1’s sheath, and the slide-out tray plus metal sheath divider, which fell out. I suspect the slingshot practice session caused the metal divider to come loose, and the photos in the gallery show the correct way round for the metal divider to be fitted. The slightly upturned end actually provides some pressure on the blade of the knife to stabilise it in the sheath, so it must be fitted back in this way round.
For the final part of the gallery I am revisiting the Jungle King 3 batoning test where previously the brass threaded insert came loose. I took the brass insert out completely, cleaned it up and epoxied it back in place. I know I used more glue to fix it than there was before.
The main lesson learned was that actually you can baton with the Jungle King 3, but if you do, make sure you remove the tailcap and survival kit first. Without the tailcap in place the shock from the baton strikes won’t hit the threaded insert so hard. In fact what you see here was a full-on batoning session and only the smaller size of blade was slowing progress. No damage was sustained at all using the Jungle King 3 like this, and though I know the threaded insert is more firmly epoxied in place than it was originally, I think this approach would probably have been fine.

What is it like to use?

Are the Jungle King Knives the best survival knives you can buy? Would a modern military special forces team choose these knives for critical missions? I think not – But this is not the point.

The Jungle King knives are capable, if somewhat unwieldy, tools, with plenty of features. They are enjoyable to use and find uses for their features.

Working on the basis the Jungle King 3 is intended for a younger user (who can then progress to the Jungle King 1 or 2 in time), we consider it as a leisure knife to use while camping, and practice both general camp and survival skills.

Though a seriously capable knife, the Jungle King 1, as a total package, is big and heavy, so you might not want to carry it far. Which brings us to the ‘Goldilocks’ model of the series, the Jungle King 2 – a practical carry option and still packed with features, including the secondary knife. It is understandable why this was copied so much.

As a Gen-Xer, these knives have been highly influential and are nostalgic; regardless of this, and current trends, let your hair down and have some fun with these strong and feature-packed knives.

Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
Sharp ends on slingshot arms damaging the rubbers.
Factory edges are disappointing.
UK Only – JK1 is no longer legal as the blade is over 8″.
Saw back cut depth very limited.
JK3 compass cannot be used while fitted to the handle.
A metal handle will be VERY cold to use in winter.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Very robust all metal construction for JK1 and JK2.
Classic, Iconic and historically Influential design.
A choice of size to suit all.
Individually HRC hardness tested/verified blades.
Good edge performance and resilience during testing.
JK1 and JK2 include a secondary full tang knife.
Hollow handles carry survival essentials.
Slingshot incorporated into all models.
JK1 and JK2 include emergency cord.
JK1 and JK2 include a sharpening stone.
JK3 brings inclusivity for the younger user.
Fun to use.

Review Videos

Starting with a short format sixty second review of the Jungle King 1:

Starting with a short format sixty second review of the Jungle King 2:

Starting with a short format sixty second review of the Jungle King 3:

Onto a full video review covering many more details of all three:

 
Discussing the Review:
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TacticalReviewsChat on Reddit
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.

Epic Knife Review: Aitor Jungle King Series 1, 2 and 3 – Part 1

13 June, 2025

Join me in an epic super-detailed two-part review of the AITOR Jungle King knife series, the Jungle King 1, 2 and 3. For me, this style of knife focuses on the fun in outdoor knife use that is so often overlooked due to the fashion to dismiss any knife if it doesn’t have a full tang and the latest super-steel. Let’s allow ourselves the simple enjoyment of using different knives and with the Jungle King Series, Aitor have packed them with interesting, fun and useful features.

This epic review of the Aitor Jungle King Series knives is has so much detail I’ve had to split it into two parts. In this, the first part, you can see all the design details and features of each model – a technical presentation. Part two will then explore using the plethora of functions Aitor give you.

The Jungle King I is one of the most famous knives on the market, and as we know it now, was released in 1985 following the huge increase in demand for this style of knife, first made popular due to the movie ‘First Blood’ and its sequels.

It was not long before the Jungle King II joined its bigger brother, and then went on to be (probably) the most copied design ever for this type of survival knife. It is these inferior copies that gave the style of knife a bad name. The Aitor Jungle King II is not the same, as the hollow handle is made of metal and is built for heavy use. Each blade is Rockwell hardness tested during production, proudly shown on the blade in the “Hardness Control” circle engraved to highlight this quality control check.

The Jungle King III is the little brother of the Jungle King knife series. Agile and fast, its design is versatile and functional make it a very capable tool. The Jungle King III joins the family and gives you a choice of size and weight.

Jungle King knives have been issued as part of basic military equipment by some armed forces, including the Special Operations Unit of Marine Spanish Armed Forces. Over the years, the Jungle King has been considered by many experts as the best survival knife in the world, pioneering and unique, being one of the best in its category. Its design, versatility and functionality make it very useful for survival.

The entire Jungle King Series (at the time of writing) is represented in this review, so we’ll be looking at the Jungle King 1, 2 and 3 (or I, II and III).

Jungle King 1 – What’s in the box?:

The Jungle King arrives in a cardboard box, simply the sheathed knife and nothing else. I’ve included an initial indication of size as here it is held in my XL glove size hand.

A good look round the Jungle King 1’s Sheath – Things to look out for here are:

For this gallery we are looking at just the sheath, not any of the extras in it. A simple cord leg strap with snap together fastener is included. Then, sorry, but I do need to use the word ‘iconic’ , we have the iconic folding slingshot arms. The main body of the sheath is wrapped in cord. The cord serves two purposes, first is that it will be a seriously useful survival item, the other is that while stored on the sheath is covers up the sheath mounted sharpening stone which you can see peeking out as I pushed the cord aside slightly.
For the retention strap Aitor use a quick-release toggle type of fastener, more commonly used on military MOLLE pouches. Reliable and strong and unlike a press stud it can’t loosen over time. Similarly, the belt loop also has the quick-release toggle to open and allow it to be fitted to a belt without undoing the belt.

A good look round the Jungle King 1’s Kit – Things to look out for here are:

We saw a hint of this in the previous gallery; tucked into the sheath is a slide-out tray, and a full tang secondary knife / multi-tool.
Held within the tray are the slingshot rubbers, a small glass vial, and a magnesium block with firesteel. The back of the tray has a cut-out to house the secondary knife, plus a signaling mirror. Also on the tray are some molded in reminders for signaling protocols.
So, we actually have a whole other knife, the Aitor Skinner JK1, a full tang multi-purpose blade, with gut hook, spanner, bottle / can opener, and flat head screwdriver. Plenty of holes are provided to lash this to a pole as a spear point.
For the details of the Jungle King I hollow handle kit, please see the feature length video.

A good look round the Jungle King 1 Knife – Things to look out for here are:

Onto the Jungle King Knife itself. Big and full-metal construction makes this a beast. The handle is cast from the same steel as the blade, and the tailcap is non-magnetic stainless steel, so this is full stainless steel construction. As well as being epoxied into the handle, the blade tang has a large roll-pin driven through it to make the join very strong, while the front part of the handle is extended to further support the blade to handle join.
A hollow grind is used for the primary bevel, and the Jungle King features a saw-back using Aitor’s unique pattern. Don’t miss the fact that during production each blade is individually HRC tested and this test indentation is identified with an engraving on the blade to highlight it. The sweeping swedge finishes off the classic blade shape.
Unscrewing the tail-cap reveals the survival capsule kit in the handle, and inside the tail-cap is a button compass. There is an o-ring to keep the handle compartment water tight, and inside the handle a spring is used to stop the capsule rattling, and helpfully push it out slightly as you open the handle. For the details of the Jungle King I hollow handle kit, please see the feature length video.

Jungle King 2 – What’s in the box?:

The Jungle King 2 arrives in a cardboard box, simply the sheathed knife and nothing else.

A good look round the Jungle King 2’s Sheath – Things to look out for here are:

For this gallery we are looking at just the sheath, not any of the extras in it. As with the Jungle King I, a simple cord leg strap with snap together fastener is included. Then, again, we have the iconic folding slingshot arms. The main body of the sheath is wrapped in cord. The cord serves two purposes, first is that it will be a seriously useful survival item, the other is that while stored on the sheath it covers up the sheath mounted sharpening stone, which you can see peeking out as I pushed the cord aside slightly.
As with the Jungle King 1, for the Jungle King 2’s retention strap, Aitor use a quick-release toggle type of fastener, more commonly used on military MOLLE pouches. Reliable and strong and unlike a press stud it can’t loosen over time. Similarly, the belt loop also has the quick-release toggle to open and allow it to be fitted to a belt without undoing the belt.

A good look round the Jungle King 2’s Kit – Things to look out for here are:

Tucked into the sheath is a slide out tray, and a just as with the Jungle King 1, includes a full tang secondary knife / multi-tool.
Held within the tray are just the slingshot rubbers as there is less space inside the Jungle King 2’s sheath. The back of the tray has a cut-out to house the secondary knife, plus a signaling mirror. Also on the tray are some molded in reminders for signaling protocols.
So we do have a whole other knife, the Aitor Skinner JKII, a full tang multi-purpose blade, with gut hook, spanner, bottle / can opener, and flat head screwdriver. Plenty of holes are provided to lash this to a pole as a spear point.

A good look round the Jungle King 2 Knife – Things to look out for here are:

Onto the Jungle King 2 Knife itself. As with the Jungle King 1, the handle is cast from the same steel as the blade, and the tailcap is non-magnetic stainless steel, so this is full stainless steel construction. As well as being epoxied the blade tang has a large roll-pin driven through it to make the join very strong while the front part of the handle is extended to further support the blade to handle join.
A hollow grind is used for the primary bevel, and the knife features a saw back using Aitor’s unique pattern. Don’t miss the fact that during production each blade is individually HRC tested and this test indentation is identified with an engraving on the blade to highlight it. The sweeping swedge finished off the classic spear-point blade shape.
Unscrewing the tail-cap reveals the survival capsule kit in the handle and inside the tail-cap is a button compass. There is an o-ring to keep the handle compartment water tight, and inside the handle a spring is used to stop the capsule rattling, and push it out slightly as you open the handle.

A good look round the Aitor Jungle King 2 Survival Capsule – Things to look out for here are:

The survival capsule…usually this is opened straight away and then quickly lost, or just never touched. Of course the idea is to pack in as many useful things as possible, which might help you or make some survival tasks easier. Aitor’s survival capsule contains two standard plasters, a sterile No. 23 scalpel blade, tweezers, fire-steel, two small safety pins, two sewing needles, some thread, plus a fishing kit consisting of three pre-tied hooks, a longer piece of line and three split shot. (Plus, don’t forget that they can sometimes oddly useful, the two staples that closed the bag containing the fishing kit.)
All these things are better to have and not need, than to need and not have.

Jungle King 3 – What’s in the box?:

In keeping with the rest of the series, the Jungle King 3 arrives in a cardboard box, simply the sheathed knife and nothing else.

A good look round the Jungle King 3’s Sheath – Things to look out for here are:

Being a simpler, smaller, lighter design for a younger user, the Jungle King 3 sheath keeps some of the character, but has less detail.

A simple cord leg-tie lace is included and needs to be knotted to use. Despite the simplification, Aitor have still included the iconic folding slingshot arms. The back of the sheath has a strip of webbing running along it (we’ll come back to this).
For the Jungle King 3, the retention strap uses a press stud and the belt loop has a quick-release toggle to open and allow it to be fitted to a belt without undoing the belt.

A good look round the Jungle King 3’s Kit – Things to look out for here are:

For the smallest in the Jungle King series, the sheath ‘kit’ is not really a kit, it comprises only the slingshot bands, tucked behind that webbing strip on the back of the sheath.

A good look round the Jungle King 3 Knife – Things to look out for here are:

Onto the Jungle King 3 Knife itself. Stepping away from the all metal construction, instead the handle is made from fibreglass-reinforced polyamide. As well as being epoxied into the handle, the blade tang has a roll-pin driven through it to strengthen the join.
A hollow grind is used for the primary bevel, and the spine has a double-bevel serrated edge. The Jungle King 3 is also individually HRC tested and this test indentation is identified with an engraving on the blade to highlight it.
For the Jungle King 3, the compass is always visible in the end of the tail-cap (although you do need to remove it to use it as the blade affects the compass direction). Unscrewing the tail-cap reveals the brass thread inserts used to ensure the threads last well. Inside the handle is a slim survival capsule kit plus a combination tool designed to fit round the capsule. This tool has a can/bottle opener, pry tool and flat head screwdriver.

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

The blade is made from MoVa / DIN 1.4116 which is identical to X50CrMOV15 steel.

The Factory edge up close:

Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:

Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.

As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.

Remembering all these factory edges were around 500 BESS, which is not sufficient for my testing, they look quite good under magnification, but all needed to be reprofiled. The Jungle King 2 was the best of the three from the factory, but all these knives were utterly transformed by a good edge.

Jungle King 1

Jungle King 2

Jungle King 3

Part 1 ends here with the review videos included below. See Part 2 for all the practical testing and insights plus a unique insight into the madness of UK knife law.

Review Videos

Starting with a short format sixty second review of the Jungle King 1:

Starting with a short format sixty second review of the Jungle King 2:

Starting with a short format sixty second review of the Jungle King 3:

Onto a full video review covering many more details of all three:

Knife Review: Extrema Ratio AMF (A.M.F.)

13 February, 2025

Extrema Ratio AMF (Advanced Multi Function) a Detailed Review. My heart skipped a beat when I first saw Extrema Ratio‘s A.M.F. in an exhibition cabinet. Yes, it is a big knife, but it is because its design is inspired by a legendary classic of survival cutlery from the 1980s; and that classic happens to be one of my all time favourite knives! Join me in this Extrema Ratio AMF A.M.F. Review to see how Extrema Ratio have managed to surpass the classic in every way.

What’s in the box?:
The AMF arrives in a large, robust box, with a QC card. You certainly can’t miss this one!

A good look round the A.M.F.’s Sheath – Things to look out for here are:
Picking up on some of the details from the knife that inspired it, yet also being unmistakably Extrema Ratio. Front and back are well provisioned with webbing, giving you a wide variety of mounting options for both the AMF being mounted, and extras being mounted on the AMF. The leg tie is a nod back to the original sheath design.
On the back of the sheath the AMF comes with three 2M MOLLE systems straps, two of which also act as a belt loop.
Another distinctive feature is the Extrema Ratio removable/reversible/adjustable press-stud retention strap. The main body of the sheath has a tough liner to ensure the long blade stays where it should.

A good look round the A.M.F. – Things to look out for here are:
Just look at the purpose in that design; it is going to get the job done. It may be clearly inspired by the BMF, but Extrema Ratio have taken every aspect of this knife and made it their own. The aluminium guard has lashing points / lanyard holes, and a slight sweep forwards so the thumb can sit on the top guard much more comfortably than a straight guard. With the AMF being easy to strip down completely, this guard is removable as part of the strip down.
The cone shaped butt cap pommel leaves you in no doubt of the direct inspiration of the AMF. Extrema Ratio again making the design their own with the curved butt cap guard that is more usable and more protective than the original.
Completely new is the ability to strip down the knife for a deep clean, and this is achieved via a single hex bolt in the cone shaped butt cap.
For the handle, which on its own, you could recognise as Extrema Ratio thanks to the molded double finger grip, it is again inspired by an innovation of the original in its day (by using the cushioning material DuPont Hypalon for the handle), the AMF has a generous handful of shock absorbing Forprene.
Onto that 206mm long blade with simple clean lines and monster swedge defining its strong look.

The history of the legendary BMF:

This article is an Extrema Ratio AMF review, but I have to include some personal insights as the 1980s classic that is the inspiration for the AMF has been massively influential for me.

From the day I walked to the newsagents to pick up the latest issue of a magazine, it has been waiting 34 years for just this moment!! – A review of the BMF published in January 1991, along with the matching version of the BMF from my collection and Extrema Ratio’s AMF – improved in every aspect.

Some original text from Gerber:

Basic Multi-Function Survival Knife System™
Gerber’s BMF is the latest generation of survival knives. From its conception, the BMF was carefully researched and engineered to be the best survival knife available today.

This tough, heavy duty survival system is designed to withstand heavy use under the most extreme conditions. The 8-inch blade is ground from tough 1/4 inch thick high carbon surgical stainless steel, with Rockwell hardness of c54-55. We have purposely lowered the hardness several points to increase toughness. The chisel tooth saw is the result of countless experiments until we knew it was “just right”. It is designed for aggressive cutting of wood and other materials. The blade and stainless steel guards and but cap are treated with a non-reflective finish. The butt cap is specifically designed to endure heavy pounding, and is firmly attached to the full length blade tang. The most unique feature of the BMF is its revolutionary handle of highly compressed DuPont Hypalon. Hypalon’s semi-soft composition cushions the hand during heavy use, and provides a comfortable positive grip. Each BMF is hand-adjusted so that the point of balance is approximately at the front guard, which makes it comfortable to use, even during extended periods of heavy usage.

As much engineering and designed time went into the BMF sheath as the knife itself. Blackie Collins really “did himself proud” on this one. This sheath is made from black, heavy-duty DuPont Cordura and reinforced to provide protection for both the blade and user. Loaded with features, the sheath is specifically designed as a superior alternative to the hollow handle for carrying life sustaining and support accessories. It is compact and without protrusions to snag on brush or other objects in the field. Engineered to be silent, there are no hard surfaces other than rivets. A pocket at the top the sheath holds a quality, liquid-filled, jeweled compass. Permanently attached to the back of the sheath is a fine grain diamond sharpening hone, which is protected by a nylon cover when not in use. A unique accessory strap on the front of the sheath allows a folding knife sheath, survival, or other equipment to be attached. ALICE clips allow the BMF to be attached to standard issue military battle dress and harnesses. The ALICE clips are removable so that the BMF can be worn on a conventional belt. The BMF can be tied down to the leg or lashed to other equipment with nylon cord supplied with each sheath. (Dated June 1986)

The BMF was first released in January 1986 and discontinued in 1998. During this time it underwent a few changes and had 6 variations manufactured. I have managed to get hold of four of the six types with three pictured alongside the AMF in this gallery. The original 8″ plain, the 8″ saw back, and the 9″ plain version are shown here. The 8″ saw back was the hero-knife in the 1988 film Deadly Pursuit (aka Shoot to Kill).

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

The blade is made from N690 steel.

The Factory edge up close:

Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:

Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.

As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.

These are showing a used edge, so the dirt on the edge is NOT from the factory, but from me using it. Also included is a close up of the engraving, just out of interest.

What is it like to use?

The AMF is exactly the handful it is meant to be; Unashamedly big, bold and striking!

For a little perspective, this gallery starts with the AMF blade next to Extrema Ratio’s BF1 CD folder, the overall open length of which is less than just the AMF’s blade. Even with my XL Glove sized hands, the AMF’s handle fills my hand while being super comfortable, and cushioning in hard use.

At 206mm the AMF’s blade is not a full-on chopper, but it is a big knife that is very capable of chopping. The large comfortable, cushioning and secure handle make it so easy to really lay into the chopping task. It found myself easily powering through this pallet chop. Actually you can see how much striking power there is, as the last half of the board was broken before it could be cut.
A dry oak branch happened to be to hand; again thanks to the firm grip, this hard wood shaved easily and smoothly, submitting to the AMF’s blade with minimal effort.

Though it is a large knife with a large sheath, Extrema Ratio have improved every aspect of the knife that inspired the AMF, making it really worth carrying. The action of sheathing and unsheathing is easier and better, and the sheath is simpler and lighter (the original had a metal belt hanger and diamond sharpener on the back, plus permanent pouch). You have webbing so you can carry more on the sheath if you want, but you are not forced to.
AMF’s hand filling handle is so comfortable, and when chopping there is no shock transferred to your hand, making it feel effortless. And still Extrema Ratio managed to give it their distinctive style.
As Extrema Ratio’s main choice of steel, N690 massively upgrades the original 440-A, in hardness, toughness and corrosion resistance. The BMF is notorious for rusting badly, mainly from its blasted surface (re-finished blades appear much less prone to rusting). The N690 used in the AMF is in a different league. Obviously I can’t replicate 40 years of storage for the AMF, but I am highly confident this will never be an issue for the AMF.
Extrema Ratio’s reinterpretation of the guards, make them so much more functional. The rear guard, by curving round the fingers, makes it much more protective, and also keeps it out of the way when using the knife; a small change and a massive improvement. The front guard, being slightly shorter and pushed forward allows the thumb to be able to push on it. The lower part of the front guard protrudes slightly further to enhance the protection it provides.
None of the long spine or swedge is sharpened for fire steel scraping, but I’m fine with that. As it is, it has a more genuine feel of the classic that inspired it, and you are better off having a small scraper with any firesteel you choose to carry.
Maybe it is that wide comfortable handle, but somehow Extrema Ratio have managed to make this large knife not feel that large in the hand. It handles much better than it should and feels easier to use than knives this size tend to feel.

Though I didn’t get it dirty enough to justify a strip down, I wanted to see how Extrema Ratio had approached this. The original does not take down, so this is a new feature. A single hex bolt in the cone shaped butt cap releases everything. First the cone coming off, then the rear guard, that fits closely enough it doesn’t just fall off. When slipping off the handle this then reveals the use of a specially shaped captive nut in the end of the tang which gives several benefits. Firstly it spreads the load of the butt cap bolt, it also allows a different metal to be used for the threads than is used for the blade tang, and lastly it brings in some ‘compliance’ when tightening the butt cap bolt so all the parts can find the best contact points and settle firmly, making it more secure and less likely to loosen. A nice detail you won’t see unless you strip the knife down, so I’ve done it for you.

Even if you don’t have that connection to the classic 80s knife like I do, the AMF stands on its own feet and is just a great knife.

Extrema Ratio AMF Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
The handle might be too large for some people.
The 2M MOLLE straps don’t feel in keeping with the AMF’s quality.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
A Classic Reborn!
Improved in every way over the original.
Unmistakably Extrema Ratio.
Strips down for cleaning.
Ultra-comfortable handle.
Shock absorbing grip (especially when chopping).
N690 steel.
Captive tang nut.
Great protection from forward and rear finger guards.
A BIG knife (always makes you smile).
Highly versatile sheath mounting.
Everything else about it!

Review Videos

Starting with a short format sixty second review:

Onto a full video review covering many more details:

 
Discussing the Review:
Something new – will it work? A Tactical Reviews Subreddit.
TacticalReviewsChat on Reddit
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.

Knife Review: lionSTEEL T6

8 February, 2025

T6 is the newest addition to the lionSTEEL
fixed blade family, it sits in between the M7 and the T5 in terms of size. Join me in this detailed review of the lionSTEEL T6, the biggest of the T-series. Featuring a strong CPM 3V steel blade and a lionSTEEL SOLID handle; milled out of a single Canvas micarta block, ensuring a firm and safe grip.

A design by Molletta, the T6 has an aggressive profile and is ideal when you need a robust and easy to handle heavy duty knife. From making a fire to food preparation, the LionSteel T6 has got you covered.

Supplied with its Kydex sheath that has a reversible Cordura structure with MOLLE system for secure and easy mounting.

What’s in the box?:
Nice and simple, just the T6 and a leaflet.

A good look round the T6 sheath – Things to look out for here are:
There is a lot to see here, with an excellent combination of a hollow rivet construction Kydex sheath, with a highly functional MOLLE hanger and leg-tie cord. Though the Kydex retention is all you need to secure the knife, there is a removable retention strap which adds extra stability when needed. A good size drainage hole in the base of the Kydex, will help look after the blade, especially with this being a non-stainless steel. The multi-functional mounting platform is attached to the Kydex sheath with four Chicago screw-bolts and means you can remove it completely, swap it round for left handed carry, or tweak the position. Straps for PALS / MOLLE mounting can also be configured as a belt loop. A super flexible sheath and mount.

A good look round the T6 – Things to look out for here are:
It has been love at first sight for me. The T6 has a really powerful, purposeful look, and does not disappoint. Just take in those lines.
With lionSTEEL’s ‘SOLID’ handle, the T6 has a single piece of micarta milled to perfectly sit over the blade’s full tang. Both the blade and handle have an incorporated finger guard, with the blade’s just slightly protruding to better protect the micarta, which protects you. The tang also slightly protrudes at the butt to form a striker, or striking surface. Simple flowing lines in the micarta create an ergonomic and comfortable handle, a perfect for connecting you to that wide strong blade.

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

The blade is made from CPM 3V steel.

The Factory edge up close:

Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:

Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.

As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.

The factory edge is a great cutter, even better than the good (but not great) BESS sharpness figures. These magnified images of the edge explain this as you can see the micro-serrations in the 3V steel.

What is it like to use?

It is one thing to see and just hold the T6, and another to really put it to use. In use, the T6 really surprised me as it feels like a much smaller and more nimble knife than it should for its size. It is a large heavy, wide-bladed, knife, it is. I have to remind myself and if you just pick it up to look at it and not use it, it still feels exactly that.

Then you start to work with it, and it just seems to work with you.

A quick check of the edge before getting on with the tasks at hand. Popping the sheath on my belt, and fitting the leg-tie cord (which I leave a little slack as this cord has no give in it). I’ll probably add in some elastic to the leg cord so it has some give and won’t restrict movement. The sheath sits very flat to your body and re-sheathing needs a quick glance when you have clothing partly in the way.
I keep thinking it looks like the muscle car of the knife world, and wants to be admired as much as to cut.
The blade geometry, and weight, get behind each cut. Combine this with an amazingly comfortable handle, and the cuts become so much easier than you expect. Making a type of feather-cut on a board and before I knew it I’d gone through the entire board.
Batoning for splitting, and if anything it had a tendency not to follow the grain and instead to bite in and cut in the direction you strike it. Either way, the wide blade’s depth means the wood usually splits before the spine reaches the top of the wood being split, so you can just strike straight down onto the split and don’t have to fight against each strike trying to twist the knife.

Onto pallet cutting, and the first image showing an initial single strike. The depth of cut is good, and after this, nice sized chunks of timber fly out as the T6 cuts and ejects – you can see the ‘steps’ formed in the wood during this board chop.
Last in this gallery is the T6 being batoned into a pallet board, the depth achieved here with medium effort, is about double a single chop, but the wedge effect then prevents further progress due to the thickness of the blade stock. In this case the overall effort is lower if just chop into the board compared to batoning.

So far, lionSTEEL’s stance on the T6 is to go with ultra-tough super-carbon steels, with the first run being K490 and this next production run in CPM 3V. 3V is not a stainless steel and will form a patina and rust if not maintained, but its virtual indestructibility means you will forgive it this minor weakness. For me, however, with the choice of great stainless steels, I do not like having to maintain a knife against rust, so I have been asking lionSTEEL to make the T6 in a stainless…I will continue to nag. Unlike myself, many will see the 3V as a massive positive, and as a working steel it will do you proud.

The love for the T6 is still as strong as from my first sighting of the prototype, looks and performance, plus that ability to feel lighter and more nimble than it should, mean the T6 makes you want to keep picking it up.

Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
Not stainless steel. – Yeah, I think that is all I’m less keen on.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Incredibly comfortable and stable in the hand.
SOLID micarta handle has no ‘hotspots’.
Feels light and nimble (for its size).
Super tough CPM 3V.
Purposeful looks.
Wide blade adds control.
Highly functional sheath.
MOLLE / PALS compatible.
Firm (but not too firm) Kydex retention.

Review Videos

Starting with a short format sixty second review:

Onto a full video review covering many more details:

 
Discussing the Review:
Something new – will it work? A Tactical Reviews Subreddit.
TacticalReviewsChat on Reddit
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.

Knife Review: Aitor Commando

4 February, 2025

The Legendary AITOR Commando – a Detailed Review of the Aitor Commando knife, taking a fresh look for 2025.

The Aitor Commando was originally developed together with the German manufacturer Mauser for the German Army. Designed to be a powerful, durable and reliable fixed blade knife. Ready for any situation, the robust blade is made of MoVa, and features a saw back. The lightweight and textured aluminium handle holds a comprehensive survival kit inside: Fishing set, sewing kit, tweezers, plasters and a scalpel blade.

This style of knife may have fallen out of favour for those demanding the most robust, full-tang blades made with super steels and other exotic materials, but there was a time when a well made hollow handle knife was king (and in fact even the poorly made copy that ended up giving them all a bad name). The reason they were so popular was because they are fun, and I have a feeling knife enthusiasts have forgotten about having fun with interesting designs that don’t need to be strong enough to survive being run over by a tank. I’m letting my hair down (all 3mm of it), shaking loose and letting myself enjoy picking up and using this classic design.

What’s in the box?:
Nice a simple, the knife is in the box. Nothing unnecessary, just a box to deliver the knife to you in.

A good look round the Commando’s Sheath – Things to look out for here are:

I’ve found the next two galleries in this Aitor Commando review have ended up quite a bit larger than usual, as there are many details to see. It is these details that all add to the overall interest and make the Commando a different experience.
At the base of the sheath there is a simple, adjustable, quick release leg strap cord, with the same cord used for the basic wrist lanyard. The knife retention strap uses a military style quick release pull tab closure. Pull the tab out, and the buckle opens freely. The same quick release pull-tab closure is used for the belt loop, allowing you to fit the sheath to your belt without undoing your belt.
Within the sheath is extra storage, (originally for small flares), allowing you to add whatever is most useful to you.
A length of cord wraps the lower section of the sheath, which covers up an integrated sharpening stone.

A good look round the Commando – Things to look out for here are:

Out of the box, the blackness of the blade finish is striking, making the whole package very ‘dark’. The Commando has presence, and overall the package is substantial. Unlike most traditional hollow handle knives, the Commando’s handle is a molded metal casting that allows for complex shaping, and includes three finger grooves, an integrated guard with thumb ramp, grip texturing panels and the fittings for the blade tang and the cap for the storage inside the handle. Recessed into the butt, and low profile, the screw-fit tail-cap can be gripped either side and unscrewed to access the handle storage compartment. With the tail-cap unscrewed, a survival capsule pops out and you find the tail-cap has a small compass in it. To both prevent rattle and to make access easy, a spring is fitted at the bottom of the handle compartment.
With a subtle weight-forward blade shape, spear point and saw back, the Commando has a purposeful appearance.

A good look round the Survival Capsule – Things to look out for here are:

The survival capsule…usually this is opened straight away and then quickly lost, or just never touched. Of course the idea is to pack in as many useful things as possible, which might help you or make some survival tasks easier. Aitor’s survival capsule contains two standard plasters, a sterile No. 23 scalpel blade, tweezers, fire-steel, two small safety pins, two sewing needles, some thread, plus a fishing kit consisting of three pre-tied hooks, a longer piece of line and three split shot. (Plus, don’t forget that they can sometimes oddly useful, the two staples that closed the bag containing the fishing kit.)
All these things are better to have and not need, than to need and not have.

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

The blade is made from MoVa steel. MoVa is identical in composition to the German blade steel 4116.

The Factory edge up close:

Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:

Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.

As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.

Though just about serviceable, this factory edge was immediately re-profiled and a 17.5 DPS edge put on for testing. Also included in this gallery are close-ups of two of the saw teeth.

What is it like to use?

Straight away, picking up the Commando, its all metal construction gives it a feeling of solidity. It might indeed have a hollow handle, and it might have a short roll-pinned tang, and so may not be as strong as a similar sized full tang knife, but frankly who cares? Unlike many of the cheap clones (the clones giving the entire concept a bad name), the Aitor Commando is all-metal, so it is strong, certainly strong enough.
In the hand, the metal handle is cold (which is definitely noticeable in cold weather). The cast handle is however, very comfortable and ergonomic, at least in hands the size of mine. Smaller hands might find it less well fitting.
The molded finger grips help with stability, and the integrated thumb ramp in the guard works well. It helps that the handle is a generous length, as you do need to back-up along the handle to be able to place your thumb on the ramp.

The Saw-back – Anyone who has used a saw-back on a knife knows that these are really only a notching tool. You can’t get much downward pressure and the teeth are not set, so once you cut down enough to have the blade stock in the notch it becomes progressively harder to cut.
Here I’m showing a cut which has started to bind up on the blade, followed by showing the cut before and after tapping the saw and notch clean. The notch sides are nice and crisp, and this is useful for easily creating flat-sided notches, just not for full depth saw cuts.

Earlier I spoke of the deep black finish on the Commando’s blade. Following my initial sharpening, I use acetone to remove any stropping compound residue and generally clean up the blade. Of course this stripped off all the oil on the blade and shows the underlying matt black blade finish. Like any surface finish, oil always deepens the colour and once stripped off you see the true blade coating. You might also spot here where the forward part of the blade rubs more on the inside of the sheath where it is a tight finish, and has some rub marks in the blade finish. So don’t expect that deep deep black to last once you start using the Commando, but I actually prefer the ‘old black’ look.

Before testing the Commando, I wasn’t happy with the factory edge, so re-profiled to 17.5 DPS and stropped. The factory edge would not cleanly cut paper and card, but now I have a ‘telephone directory’ (or TV guide) slicer, which requires a saving sharp edge to cut without tearing.
Aitor’s Commando is a short tang hollow handle knife – can it chop? I gave it no quarter, and went for it chopping a tough pallet. Being a hollow-grind the depth of cut on each strike is slightly limited, but it still powered through without any concern. With a metal handle and metal roll pin, and a steel that has been left at the tougher end of hardening, the overall construction means this chopping was a walk in the park for the Commando. The new edge showing clean cuts all the way through.
It may be relatively weighty due to the all metal construction, but still lacks slightly on impact weight. As another test, I’ve switched to batoning the blade into the same type of wood, and am showing how once the blade gets past the shoulder of the hollow grind it stops making much progress. Viewed from above you can see how the blade is forcing apart the board and getting wedged in.
Not strictly feather-sticking, but making a tight series of cuts and the Commando outperformed my expectations. The large handle giving plenty of grip and the blade is long enough to allow it to be rested onto a cutting surface for extra control, and the Commando was slicing though this seasoned wood almost too easily.
At the end of testing the ‘telephone directory’ result was the same without any touch up or stropping, which was also beyond expectations.

Can you spot the deliberate mistake when getting my bearings? (The compass is pointing at the knife blade, not to the north.)

Times change, technology moves forward, and designs become outdated, preferences change, and for many this style of knife is a thing of the past. Hollow handle knives gained a poor reputation due to the vast number of cheap, horrifically-badly made hollow handle knives that quickly broke or bent, wouldn’t hold and edge and had dangerous sheaths. But this is not true of Aitor; The Aitor Commando quickly proves it is worthy of a place in your collection, a collection that are hopefully all ‘users’.
Aitor, established in 1939, have vast experience making hollow handle knives that are strong, hold an edge and make this style of knife worth adding into your lineup to give you something different and interesting to use, and the Commando happens to be a true classic.

Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
By current standards it is on the heavy side.
No visible drainage holes in the sheath.
Tight fit in the sheath (could have issues with a dirty blade).
Saw back cuts into the sheath (true of any saw back).

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Fun to use.
All metal construction.
Large ergonomic handle.
Generous storage in knife handle and sheath.
Survival capsule included in handle.
Integrated (backup) sharpener.
Includes emergency cord neatly wrapped on the sheath.
Pull-tab quick-release closures for retention strap and belt loop.
Saw-back works well for notching.
Takes and holds an edge well enough despite low hardness.
Lower hardness makes field maintenance easier.

Review Videos

Starting with a short format sixty second review:

Onto a full video review covering many more details:

 
Discussing the Review:
Something new – will it work? A Tactical Reviews Subreddit.
TacticalReviewsChat on Reddit
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.

Knife Review: Spyderco Zoomer

15 April, 2023

In this Spyderco Zoomer review, we will take in all the details of this innovative fixed-blade knife. The Zoomer was created specifically for bushcraft and wilderness survival, and was designed by Tom Zoomer. It features a CPM20V steel blade with classic hamaguri (convex) grind that ensures a breathtakingly sharp yet resilient cutting edge. Every design detail of the blade, handle and sheath has been considered to maximum comfort and efficiency of use.

Video Overview

This video is a detailed look at the Spyderco Zoomer. In the video we cover the main design details, look very close-up at the knife, and then take Tactical Reviews standard detailed technical measurements.

What’s in the box?:
In fact there is no box – the Zoomer is presented in a zip-up pouch large enough to house the sheath and knife separately.

A good look round the Zoomer’s Sheath – Things to look out for here are:
A significant component of the full package; the large leather sheath has been designed to not compromise on functionality at all. A gravity-retained knife-holder, more than a typical sheath, with the belt loop made so it allows the sheath to swing to a vertical position at all times. Constructed of a total of six layers of leather building up the structure and including a front mounted pouch left empty for you to fill yourself.

A good look round the Zoomer – Things to look out for here are:
Even before you reveal the blade, the handle of the Zoomer immediately lets you know this is a special knife. Slipping off the blade cover and you can see the elegance of the full convex grind. Incorporated into the solid G-10 handles is an extended thumb support which is combined with a swept back plunge line. These features position the thumb directly behind the cutting edge near the handle for maximum pressure and control in this critical area of the blade.

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

The Factory edge up close:

Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:

Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.

As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.

These images allow for a comparison of each side of the factory edge bevel. In this case we now have an explanation as to why the BESS measurements were not as good as the actually cutting ability. The factory edge is full of micro-serrations that make it cut very eagerly, but tend to not measure very well on the BESS scale.

What is it like to use?

An unexpected combination of supreme comfort and solidity seem to emanate from the Zoomer. Compared to most knives, the Zoomer’s sheath feels large and in danger of being unwieldy, but the size and drop-hanger style prove themselves to be a practical working tool.

Overall size of the Zoomer puts if right in that ideal all-rounder sizing. Large enough to handle bigger jobs and batoning (though be careful of the extended thumb support), and small enough to stay comfortable for very long periods of use.

Thanks to the convex grind, despite the factory edge sharpness measurements appearing unimpressive, the Zoomer cuts eagerly, and thanks to excellent ergonomics, effortlessly.

Oddly I frequently find myself thinking that the handle of the Zoomer is too comfortable and too smooth. Maybe it’s just the same way pyjamas are ‘too comfortable’.

The Zoomer really does handle like no other knife and actually has zero hot-spots on the grip, zero.

For quick access and easy storage, the sheath works very well, but despite this, I did find it slightly lacking in terms of security.
The weight of the sheath combined with the hanger design, do their best to keep the knife secure, but it is not completely reliable. Initially the sheath has some grip on the knife but with more use this loosened and you end up relying on gravity alone to keeping the knife in the sheath.
I was not happy to rely on this at all times and wanted to carry the knife more securely.
Fortunately the sheath has the front pouch with press-stud fastening. The simplest option would be to have a plain loop of paracord tied such that it went through the lanyard hole and was able to fit around the pouch flap holding the knife in the sheath when the pouch was closed. I found this solution made the loop of cord too long and the opening too large to be of use as a wrist strap.
Instead I decided to tie a lanyard that included a few snake knots and the larger diamond knot which could then be tucked inside the pouch and secured by closing the pouch flap. The tying and use of this knife retention idea is shown in the next gallery.

Instructions for tying these knots are on the Tactical Reviews Tying Lanyards Page.

In case you think ‘why did he use white paracord, that will get dirty very quickly?’ – this is why…it is glow in the dark.

Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
Knife retention relies entirely on gravity.
Handle is very smooth.
Convex edges can be more challenging to maintain.
Large sheath.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Incredible levels of comfort.
Unique extended thumb support placing the thumb directly behind the cutting edge.
Full convex grind.
High ‘availability and accessibility’ afforded by the sheath’s drop-in and pick-up ‘knife pocket’.
Good sized pouch incorporated into the sheath.
Zero ‘hot spots’ allowing very long periods of working.
High performance CPM20V steel.

Knife Review: ANV Knives M200 Hard Task

7 January, 2023

Join me in this review of the ANV Knives (ACTA NON VERBA – Actions not words) M200 Hard Task, a knife that really stood out for me at IWA 2022. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to really test it properly and be able to take in all the details of this distinctive knife, with subtle re-curve blade and curved grip that makes it handle so well.

Video Overview

Before moving onto the image galleries and insights into how it is to use, first, in this video we cover the main design details of the M200 Hard Task, look very close up and the knife, and then take Tactical Reviews standard detailed technical measurements.

What’s in the box?:
Cleanly presented, the M200 arrives simply sheathed and wrapped in a foam rubber sheet within the cardboard box.

A good look round the M200’s sheath – Things to look out for here are:
For the Hard Task’s sheath, ANV have gone for hard use Kydex. The two halves of the sheath are hollow riveted together, so you can choose any bolt-on mounting system. As delivered, the sheath has two 2M Molle straps fitted which can be woven into PALS webbing. However, a point to mention is that the 2M straps don’t have a cross-web themselves, so they are wrapped around two rows of the PALS webbing, and not actually woven in.
The molding is very precise, and where the handle grip sits within the mouth of the sheath, you can see the handle milled grip texture impressed in the Kydex which makes the retention very secure.

A good look round the M200 Hard Task – Things to look out for here are:

There is a subtle recurve on the M200’s flat ground blade. A nice feature ANV have included is a slightly enlarged sharpening choil, that is in fact a firesteel scraper. Grip on the M200 is excellent, with a shaped first finger groove, the milled texture G10 handle grips, and curved handle. A generous section of jimping on the spine for the thumb adds further grip. Also shown is the beautifully shaped palm swell adding yet more grip stability.

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

The blade is made from Sleipner steel.

What is it like to use?

Handling of the M200 is excellent, with the fully 3D shaped handle grips with palm swells and texture, plus the curved handle that sits in the hand so well. The ergonomics are a stand out aspect of the M200.
Sheathing and unsheathing is spot on, with the Kydex gripping the M200 securely, but the sheath shoulders giving a comfortable thumb rest to apply pressure to release the knife.
With the 2M MOLLE straps that are provided, these have a loop which is really too wide to belt mount, so unfortunately if you want to do anything other than MOLLE mount the M200, you will need to source and fit different mounts.
Pictured in this gallery is my normal fire steel. Not messing around with smaller versions, I have 13mm firesteels, which do not fit into the firesteel notch of the M200, so I had to dig out a smaller version to test it. I also found the curve on curve contact area seemed less eager to spark than a straight scraper. It worked, but if anything I’m tempted to cut in a straight scraper on the spine of the Hard Task myself.
In terms of size, the M200 hits that sweet spot of being big enough to do most jobs and not too big to be carried easily, or be unwieldy in use. The comfort and security of handling makes the M200 a joy to use.

Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
No belt mount provided.
Firesteel notch a bit small and not as effective as a straight scraper.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Superb ergonomics and comfort.
Very secure grip.
Hard use Kydex sheath.
MOLLE mounting included.
Excellent fit and finish.
Ideal size for general utility use.

 
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Knife Review: Extrema Ratio SATRE – Special Report

26 February, 2022

The Extrema Ratio Satre is a pocket-sized, light and extremely tough fixed blade knife, designed in collaboration with Daniele Dal Canto, a Master Advanced F.I.S.S.S. instructor. In this special report review of the Extrema Ratio Satre, I am able to carry out a special set of tests to quantify the edge apex stability (resistance to rolling) in a direct comparison of the two steels the Satre is available in, N690 and S600, as I have all three versions of the Satre available to test, the standard Black and Satin (N690) and the S600 version at an super hard 64 HRC. This special report also include two videos, an overview and detailed measurement, plus one showing the steps of the edge stability testing (SET – Structural Edge Testing).

Video Overview

This video is a detailed look at the three SATRE Models, from handling to technical measurements, hopefully something for everyone.

A few more details:

The videos show all three versions, but as the dimensions, shape and function are all identical, the galleries here show the standard Black Satre.

What’s in the box?:

As well as the knife in a bag with desiccant, there is a QC certificate, care instructions and warranty information.

A good look round the Sheath – Things to look out for here are:

The small and neat Kydex sheath arrives with a neck lanyard, nicely laced through the eye rivets that hold the Kydex halves together. These eye rivets allow for other mounts to be fitted such as the ULTICLIP. The sliding adjustment toggle also serves as a safety break-away. There is a drainage hole at the blade tip on one side.

A good look round the Knife – Things to look out for here are:

The Satre knife consists of a single piece of steel with no other material attached to it (ignoring the small cord lanyard). Despite that simple construction, Extrema Ratio have managed to pack it full of character and clearly identify it as one of their designs. The distinctive first finger grip is shaped into the tang along with the small cut out for weight reduction. Plenty of jimping is provided for various grips.

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

Structural Edge Testing:

Added in 2019 are results from the Edge On Up Structural Edge Tester (SET) to measure the resistance of a knife’s edge to rolling.

The key factors for the SET results are:
Series 1 Degradation – how much damage the edge suffers from one edge rolling cycle. The damage is represented by an increase in the BESS ‘C’ score. (Averages also shown for A and B)
Series 2 Degradation – how much damage the edge suffers from one further edge rolling cycle. (Averages also shown for A and B)
Degradation after strop – has the edge been permanently damaged/chipped or can it be recovered with stropping? A negative number means it actually improved from the starting figure, suggesting there may have already been some rolling of the edge before testing. (Averages also shown for A and B)

First a video of the testing process, then the table of results.

The following results do show a clear increased resistance to edge rolling for the S600 steel. In fact after two ‘series’ the edge has rolled only a similar amount to the N690 blades have after one ‘series’. This is a clearly stronger and more stable edge apex.
Often this extra resistance to edge rolling can be coupled with a more brittle edge, yet the S600 recovered better than the N690 after stropping. (If it was brittle the edge can chip when stropping and give a high BESS measurement.)
In this table, are the individual results for all three, plus a combined N690 set of totals at the bottom.
The figures in bold in the first column are averages for the single measurements.

The Factory edge up close – NEW FOR 2022!:

Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:

Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.

As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.

In these galleries are each of the three versions with a before and after SET testing image. The edge rolling is just visible, but not easy to see.

Black N690

Satin N690

S600

What is it like to use?

It’s just one of those superbly useful knives. An easy size to carry and use, or keep as a backup. The size of the knife is similar to a medium sized folder, but being a fixed blade makes it super tough and a real working blade.
Here I’m showing it in an un-gloved hand (a hand which takes XL size gloves). It is compact, and doesn’t fill my hand, but the finger groove provides a really secure grip with the jimping (especially the thumb jimping) giving confidence.

With it being a compact blade and one without handle scales, the knife is capable of much harder work than you can comfortably manage with the bare blade tang in your hand. This design keeps it very low profile and really does make carrying and storing as a backup so much easier than a knife with wider handle.

Either in the pocket, or hanging around your neck the Satre is slim and unobtrusive. I can make this comment, not just based on one example but on all three – the Kydex action is spot on. The sloped shoulders of the sheath are just right to push on to release the knife, and the blade clicks out without a fight. This action is almost identical across all three and holds the blade securely without struggling to sheath or unsheathe it.

As seen in the SET testing section and video, the S600 steel is noticeably tougher. As with any higher hardness and higher wear resistance steel, you will notice the S600 is much more difficult to sharpen, and will need a suitable sharpener. This always makes for a dilemma for field use for me. As much as I love a longer lasting edge, if I might need to rely on one knife and might need to sharpen it in the field I would want to be able to sharpen it more easily and if required with natural stones rather than specialist sharpening equipment. This is just a consideration, as for many the longevity of the edge it already has may be more important than being able to sharpen in the field.

With a blade this thick (compared to its length) it doesn’t slice as well as a finer pocket knife blade would, but this blade is one you know won’t let you down if you need to work it hard. If you put one aside as an emergency backup blade, you know it is going to serve you well.

Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
Pocket clip not supplied as standard.
Blade is relatively thick which affects slicing ability.
S600 steel much harder to sharpen (the cost of its higher hardness and wear resistance).

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Choice of blade steels.
S600 steel edge is measurably more stable.
Kydex sheath ‘action’ excellent.
Slim and low profile making carry easy.
Pocket or lanyard carry options.
Very secure grip.
Super strong design.

 
Discussing the Review:
The ideal place to discuss this review is on the Tactical Reviews Facebook Page
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Classic Knife Review: Spyderco Police and Military Models

10 January, 2022

We all know them, we might not all have them. These two Spyderco classics (Police and Military) have stood the test of time and use, and are still current models – for good reason.
I refer to them as ‘Classics’ and Spyderco calls the Police model a ‘Signature’ model and the Military a ‘USA Made’ and/or ‘Save and Serve’ model. Both really qualify as a classic in my opinion and are worthy of being in your pocket.

Video Overview

This video is a detailed look at the Police and Military Models, from handling to technical measurements. Hopefully something for everyone and you should have a better idea if you should also pick up one or both.

A good look round the Police Model – Things to look out for here are:
Being of full stainless steel construction, and having brushed steel handles, to ensure you get it in new condition, the handle scales come with protectors fitted that you need to peel off.
The Police model has drilled and tapped holes in all four possible clip positions, so you can decide the very best clip position for your needs (personally I changed this to tip-up and right handed).
Being a long standing model it unsurprisingly uses a back lock.
With a rivet type of blade pivot, there is no adjustment or user servicing possible. The pivot rivet finishing is excellent and completely invisible.
This example is the part serrated version, but it also comes in a fully serrated or full plain edge blade.

A good look round the Military Model – Things to look out for here are:
Immediately unmistakably Spyderco, with the G10 handle scales, pocket clip and opening hole, the Military is a good sized folder.
Unlike the Police model, the Military can be taken apart, with the G10 handle scales bolted together and a pivot bolt. Also unlike the Police model, the Military has only the one clip position (tip-down right handed).
Recessed into the G10 handles are minimal steel liners and the Military uses a liner lock. Just to drive home that point about ‘minimal’ steel liners, this is what allows for the light weight yet still strong construction. The liner on the non-lock side just goes from handle bolt to handle bolt to the pivot (supporting the stop pin as well). The other partial liner is larger as it includes the lock bar.

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

An extra detail not in this table is the edge angle of the serration on the Police Model. One of the reasons the Spyderco serrations cut so well is that they are chisel grind (so only one side is sharpened) making the edge angle very fine – in this case just 17 degrees total inclusive edge angle (0 degrees one side and 17 the other).

The Factory edge up close – NEW FOR 2022!:

Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:

Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.

As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.

In this case the serrated part of the Police model (the plain edge part was sharpened before the imaging device was ready) and the edge of the Military model.

These two edges are outstanding and will the standard by which others are judged!

What is it like to use?

Before going further with using them, a quick side by side (and one on top of the other) size and form-factor comparison.

Moving onto the two knives in the hand, and despite being very similar in size, they do feel very different when you hold them. The G10 handles of the Military make for a different weight distribution plus fill the hand more. Of the two, the Military is definitely the more comfortable and easy to have a very secure grip of. Conversely though this makes it harder to carry, taking up more pocket space. The Police model is very slim and even at the size it is, slips into your pocket so easily.

In terms of carry, the Police model also gives you all four possible clip positions (or five if you count – ‘no clip’) so there isn’t any limitation of the clip position. Although that said, this current version is missing a lanyard hole if you wanted one of these.
For my own purposes, I have moved the clip from the factory position to tip-up and right handed.

Of course for edge maintenance, especially considering the serrated edge on the Police model, the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharp Maker (also pictured above) is ideal and easy to use.

Both the Police and Military models do have a very pointy blade tip, the Police being the slightly pointier of the two. It makes them very aggressive at penetrating, and for anyone more used to a drop point or other less eager blade tip might find them unwieldy or difficult to control. You certainly need to use great care where depth of cut matters, and the long blade can make this control all the more difficult. You will get used to it, but it does need care and consideration when wielding these super capable blades.

Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
Military –
single clip position.
clip/G10 abrasive on pocket edge.

Police –
no lanyard hole.
slippery when wet.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Military –
Very light for its size.
Very ‘eager’ blade (full flat grind and sharp point).
Liner lock makes for very smooth opening.
G10 handles have excellent grip.
Spyderco high quality fit and finish
One of the best factory edges I have ever seen!

Police –
Slim design makes it easy to carry.
Pocket clip has four possible positions.
Spyderco serrations incredibly sharp.
Three options for blade (plain, serrated, part-serrated).

Hope to see you at IWA 2022 soon!

 
Discussing the Review:
The ideal place to discuss this review is on the Tactical Reviews Facebook Page
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.

As well as the Tactical Reviews Facebook Page, please consider visiting one of the following to start/join in any discussion.

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First Look: Extrema Ratio Sethlans Knife

15 October, 2020

This is a first look at the just launched Extrema Ratio Sethlans knife. This knife is designed to be used for bushcraft, survival, and as a backup blade, so is also ideally suited for prepping. But you are going to want to use this, not just leave it sitting by ‘just in case’.

The ‘First Look’ Video:

What’s in the box?:

Explained by the Maker:
The reasons for certain design choices may not be clear when simply looking at an object, so this section is intended to give an insight into the thinking behind a design by speaking to the designer themselves.
Quoted directly from Extrema Ratio –
““EXTREMA RATIO SETHLANS” a fixed blade work knife born to face a wide range of situations, suitable for survival, bushcraft, prepping, but also as a backup blade.

SETHLANS was designed in collaboration with Daniele Dal Canto, Master Advanced F.I.S.S.S. instructor (Italian Federation of Sports and Experimental Survival).

SETHLANS is available in two different versions with two different kinds of steel.

The stone washed version is produced with böhler N690 heat treated at 58 HRC, chosen for the reliability it has demonstrated over the last 20 years due to its resistance to oxidation and durability of the edge.

The black version is produced in D2 steel, heat and cryogenically treated at 60 HRC, which presents an high resharpening capacity even with makeshift tools. In order to give greater qualities of hardness and resistance, the blade is coated with the new Teflon-based product “EXP DARK”, proposed by Extrema Ratio.

The knife comes with G10 grips that feature the ergonomic design characteristic of Extrema Ratio handles. They can be removed by releasing the skeletonized structure of the knife, that allows maximum lightness with minimum thickness. For lovers of extreme customization, the full-tang structure allows the handle to be covered with a paracord cord.

The sheath is composed of a part in very light and minimalist Kydex. It can be disassembled and can be adapted for both left and right handed users. The addition of an optional belt clip allows the knife to be positioned both vertically and horizontally and makes the sheath much more versatile than the textile version. It is also equipped with a mini pouch with M.O.L.L.E. system. containing a two-sided stone for sharpening and a Firesteel for lighting fires”.

Type: Fixed blade
Use: Survival
Blade Length: 107 mm (4.21”)
Overall Length: 224 mm (8.82”)
Blade Thickness: 6.3 mm (0,25”)
Main Grid: Flat
Weight: 207 g (7,30 oz)
Blade Material Sethlans Stone Washed: Böhler N690 (58HRC) steel
Blade Finishing Sethlans Stone Washed: Stone Washed
Blade Material Sethlans Black D2: D2 (60HRC) steel
Blade Finishing Sethlans Black D2: EXP DARK
Handle Material: G10

 
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