- Joined
- Jun 26, 2007
- Messages
- 621
Today I would like to review the Extrema Ratio MK2.1
I'm sure the ER Mk2.1 is somehow familiar - even at the first sight -to all the knife enthusiasts.
The Extrema Ratio MK2.1 is in fact the restyling of the legendary Ka-Bar USMC Mark 2 combat knife, first adopted by the United States Marine Corps in November 1942, and by thousands soldiers since
This is an issue that we will return to. Let's continue now to talk about the ER MK2.1; the blade is cobalt steel N690Co (58HRC), with AISI 303 and AISI 304 steel for other parts
A straightened modified Bowie profile was made, in order to obtain easier edge maintenance according to Extrema Ratio
Some other changes were made, i.e. a side groove replaced the traditional blood-groove fuller for improved looks and reduced weight
Glass-fiber-strengthened nylon replaced leather on the handle
It retains the shape and ergonomics of the original Ka-Bar Mark 2, with barrel-shaped grooves on the hilt which both help user properly orient the blade in the dark and improve users grip in twisting movements (screwdriver effect), while guards and pommel have been oversized
The Extrema Ratio MK2.1 has also safety-cord holes in the tang and pole-mounting holes on the front guard, this allows for a simple D-guard (or for an emergency spear)
Tool-less disassembly ability was improved for the in-the-field maintenance
Blade and spare parts finishing is MIL-C-13924 BURNISHING, hopefully this will save the knife in the years from weak spots like the follow one in this '90s Ka-Bar USMC
How about the Extrema Ratio MK2.1 sheath: it's a thigh sheath with automatic retention mechanism, protective flap, leg strap, and is M.O.L.L.E. compatible, a big improvement in front to the basic Ka-Bar USMC sheath
All in all, even if is hard to rival the "charme" of the Ka-Bar USMC combat knife, I really like the Extrema Ratio MK2.1 knife, because it is not a mere copy but a real tribute to a great knife with some significant improvement issues
AD
Extrema Ratio MK2.1 Technical Sheet
http://www.extremaratio.com/prodotti/coltelli-lama-fissa/multiruolo/mk2-1.html
Weight g.: 393
Weight oz.: 13,9
Blade Length (mm): 177
Blade Length (in): 7
Total Length (mm): 303
Total Length (in): 11,9
Blade Thickness (mm): 6,3
Blade Thickness (in): 0,25
Blade Material: BöHLER N690 STEEL (58HRC)
Blade Finishing: MIL-C-13924 BURNISHING
Main Grid: FLAT
Handle Material: NYLON
Available versions: MK2.1 BLACK, MK2.1 DESERT WARFARE

I'm sure the ER Mk2.1 is somehow familiar - even at the first sight -to all the knife enthusiasts.
The Extrema Ratio MK2.1 is in fact the restyling of the legendary Ka-Bar USMC Mark 2 combat knife, first adopted by the United States Marine Corps in November 1942, and by thousands soldiers since

This is an issue that we will return to. Let's continue now to talk about the ER MK2.1; the blade is cobalt steel N690Co (58HRC), with AISI 303 and AISI 304 steel for other parts

A straightened modified Bowie profile was made, in order to obtain easier edge maintenance according to Extrema Ratio

Some other changes were made, i.e. a side groove replaced the traditional blood-groove fuller for improved looks and reduced weight

Glass-fiber-strengthened nylon replaced leather on the handle

It retains the shape and ergonomics of the original Ka-Bar Mark 2, with barrel-shaped grooves on the hilt which both help user properly orient the blade in the dark and improve users grip in twisting movements (screwdriver effect), while guards and pommel have been oversized







The Extrema Ratio MK2.1 has also safety-cord holes in the tang and pole-mounting holes on the front guard, this allows for a simple D-guard (or for an emergency spear)

Tool-less disassembly ability was improved for the in-the-field maintenance

Blade and spare parts finishing is MIL-C-13924 BURNISHING, hopefully this will save the knife in the years from weak spots like the follow one in this '90s Ka-Bar USMC


How about the Extrema Ratio MK2.1 sheath: it's a thigh sheath with automatic retention mechanism, protective flap, leg strap, and is M.O.L.L.E. compatible, a big improvement in front to the basic Ka-Bar USMC sheath














All in all, even if is hard to rival the "charme" of the Ka-Bar USMC combat knife, I really like the Extrema Ratio MK2.1 knife, because it is not a mere copy but a real tribute to a great knife with some significant improvement issues

AD
Extrema Ratio MK2.1 Technical Sheet
http://www.extremaratio.com/prodotti/coltelli-lama-fissa/multiruolo/mk2-1.html
Weight g.: 393
Weight oz.: 13,9
Blade Length (mm): 177
Blade Length (in): 7
Total Length (mm): 303
Total Length (in): 11,9
Blade Thickness (mm): 6,3
Blade Thickness (in): 0,25
Blade Material: BöHLER N690 STEEL (58HRC)
Blade Finishing: MIL-C-13924 BURNISHING
Main Grid: FLAT
Handle Material: NYLON
Available versions: MK2.1 BLACK, MK2.1 DESERT WARFARE