Extrema Ratio: Task C or Shrapnel OG?

[NAPALM2X]

Hello everyone,
i'm looking to buy an Extrema Ratio backup knife but I can't decide between Task C and Shrapnel OG, so i'm here to ask some questions.

From what I learned searching on internet the Shrapnel OG is generally considered a well-rounded knife, both for survival/camp and EDC purposes. Now, I haven't read many opinions about the Task C, but people seem to judge more positively Shrapnel because the geometry of the blade is more correct to its use (I'd like to learn about correct geometry and what is considered good and what bad, please give me your opinions about this).

bottom line: I like a lot both designs so I hope you can help me to decide and which to choose. Despite the personal tastes what i really want to know is if there's a real difference on knife itself.

Thanks in advance.

 

[NAPALM2X]

Anyone?

 

[Pardon]

Correct geometry? Well, for my EDC uses... neither. Both blades are WAY too thick.

Given a choice between the two though, I'd pick the task c. Given a choice from your neck of the woods, I'd get a Bastinelli of appropriate length. Pretty sure they make a 4" blade much better suited to my use.

 

[Herlock]

Ciao.

I only own the Shrapnel, so I can only speak about that. I was younger in my knife age when I bought it . For me it works as a decent hiking/camping knife. Not more, not less. It’s not designed specifically for that use anyway and all its shortcomings become visible when I (mis)use it as such . As hiking/camping knife, for me, it’s definitely too overbuilt, to a point of becoming a bit unpractical (just check the thickness of the blade). It’s a back-up knife and this translates into being sometimes too small for e.g. camp chores (chopping it’s almost impossible) and too big for e.g. food preparation. Nothing one cannot solve with pairing it up with a folding saw (or small ax) and a SAK anyway. But just for you to know (and then can question why to carry the Shrapnel around at all ). Also it’s not at all a slicer and quite thick at the edge. Mine takes an edge with some efforts and doesn’t keep it very long when working with hardwood. For EDC use… it’s way too bulky in my opinion. “Correct” geometry… I think dozens exists and all are correct for their intended use. What are you going to do with this knife?

Things I still like of this knife are its look (so outrageous ), compact dimension, the sheath it comes with (very good), an overall utilitarian blade shape (with a pointy and fine tip and a decent belly) and the very resistant blade coating. Handle it’s the usual ER one, love it or hate it. In my version, I find it’s a bit too short for a real comfortable use, especially for prolonged cutting/whittling sessions, but I know now a “full length” handle version is available. Today I would go for that.

I have to say since years now I am not using the Shrapnel in the woods. F1 does it all much much better and when I want a “beater” for some fun , my old A1 or the EKA are the ones. The Shrapnel it’s a breeze to pierce, baton and pry with, though, if this is something for you . If you like them, go for one or the other (or both), worst case they will look gorgeous in a showcase !

Pics for size comparison.

Hoping it can help. Take care.

 

[Mikel_24]

My understanding is that, with the exception of some folders which may have a more utilitarian blade shape and thickness (read, thinner than most of the ER line), ER blades are meant to be used as fighting weapons.

I would look elsewere for a woods knife (be it survival or camp).