Extrema Ratio Knives

D

drjones

Joined
Sep 6, 2000
Messages
913
Hi. Anybody have any info or experiences with Extrema Ratio Knives? They are Italian, and seem well-made. I'm VERY interested in the tiger-stripe one.

Did a search here on the forums, but the most recent info I found was about 2-3 years old. Want to see if anyone has any more current info on them.

Anybody have one they want to sell?

Thanks!
Strati
 
I've had occasion of handling a couple and didn't get a nice impression of them.
The blade is well machined, that's true, but quality in finishing isn't enough if the design isn't good.
The knife has a handle that doesn't allow for quick change of grip (even if it must be said that it offers a good grip with a normal, overhand grip). The blade has a large slot at its base, which does little to lighten the knife, but weakens considerably what should be the strongest part of the blade.
The blade itself is a decent fighting but poor utility knife.
The kinfe is very cumbersome and heavy.
The sheath is one of the worst I've ever seen. Its completely open on one side, allegedly to allow "quick draw" of the blade. Actually it allows all sorts of dirt and moisture to invade the sheath, and sheathing the blade is extremely dangerous if not done with extreme caution, as the blade may slip out of the open side.
The extremely aggressive design seems to be the only asset of this otherwise so-so knife, IMHO.
Several other italian knife enthusiasts (far more competent than me)who handled it agree on this view.
I'd buy a Fox fixed blade over an Extrema Ratio blindfolded (and would save a lot of money) sure of getting a better knife.
 
Alarion:

Thanks for your reply. Which model of Extrema did you handle? There are several ones. I believe the one you may be referring to, with the slot in the blade, is the "Doberman" or "Doberman II."

I am interested in the "Harpoon F"

These knives recieved an excellent review in the latest edition of, I believe it was "Tactical Knives" Magazine. Also keep in mind that these knives were designed for, and are currently in use by the Italian Special Forces. Perhaps the knife you handled was an early model or prototype?

Also, which sheath did you observe? The kydex-type, or the "Ballistic gum" sheath? You seem to be talking about the kydex-type. Regardless, which side of the sheath was completely open? Do you mean the back, or the bottom of the sheath, which seems to be open?

Thanks
Strati
 
The new issue of Tactical Knives has a short article on the Extrema ratio knives I believe, and the tiger stripe version is featured on the cover page. I haven't picked up a copy yet, so I don't know exactly what it says, but probably worth a look.
Lagarto
 
Originally posted by drjones
Alarion:

These knives recieved an excellent review in the latest edition of, I believe it was "Tactical Knives" Magazine. Thanks
Strati
Click to expand...

I have never seen a "bad" review in this magazine. I can't say I would take the review of folks who need happy advertisers.
 
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