EXTREMA RATIO

TASK J KNIFE

Extrema Ratio have just brought out a 
"Beefed"-up version of their very useful TASK (see my video reviews here and check the blogs here).
The TASK J is manufactured using the excellent N69 Zero Cobalt stainless tool steel (N690); 

The Extrema Ratio TASK J was designed in conjunction with Extrema Ratio and the Austrian Jagdkommando Unit, which basically translates to "Hunter Commando's"

Well what can I say? WOW WOW WOW!! There have been some very functional design features incorporated into the Extrema Ratio TASK to make it a TASK J!
If you are going say this is a knife for commando's then it had better be damn useful and functional.

These new features do not detract away from the unusual shape of the TASK blade per se, nor do they take away any of the great cutting ability of the original TASK's slightly convex shaped edge geometry (see below re brief but assuring tests). These new features simply make the TASKJ "more useful" to the military market, and the bushcraft/survival/camping and hiking market!

The initial impression was WOW!!!!! Yes I've already said that! Extrema Ratio have got a winner here. In fact, I was blown away with the design of this knife and their images on their web site do not do it justice!

It's no surprise really as the Extrema Ratio TASK J has been designed by people that understand what is truly required for a field knife. People with real field experience, as apposed to those knife designers who have never really thought things out properly. 

The standard Mil-C-13924 black oxide coating is used. I'll tell you from experience this is tough.

But does the TASK J loose some of the original TASK's cutting and penetrating (in the horizontal axis) power? I would say (pending the field tests happening this week), that the answer is going to be no.  (Quick food preparation on Zucchinis (cutting without splitting/little force- despite a much thicker but still tapering blade) and finely carving Parmesan cheese, says this knife will handle very well. 
You must must must be able to feed yourself with a knife if you want to take it outdoors and it has to happen with a minimum of fuss and more to the point, effort.

How the Extrema Ratio Task J holds up to food preparation in the field along with heavy tasks (no pun intended) is yet to be seen but the angle of the main grind is not as steep and that means this knife, the TASKJ, shouldn't  become an embarrassment around the campsite!

There is no question about the superb cutting ability of the blade design of the Extrema Ration TASK. That's in part due to the great hand ground edge on their blades and the blade geometry. The Extrema Ratio TASK J is no exception here. I've used my TASK on such a wide variety of materials on both hemispheres, from the tropical jungles to alpine regions. So I know it performs well in skilled hands. It's also very easy to maintain such a blade surface/shape.

So what about the TASK J?
The TASK J has some very nice modifications:
There is no longer a full flat grind but the flat grind is replaced by a sabre ground edge.

The Extrema ratio TaskJ has a Sabre ground edge unlike the full flat of the original Extrema Ratio Task.

There is a heftier feel to this knife, a feel of confidence, that you immediately want to start cutting away at things.

Gone are the gimping surfaces on the upper spine . This now removes any "hot spots" some may have felt under aggressive/vigorous usage of the TASK (without gloves on).

This region now lacks the typical Extrema Ratio gimping and hence a total absence of "hot spots during vigorous usage. 

A 6mm thick spine but it is a very nice shallow sabre grind which makes for excellent cutting

The choil has gone and two guards appear.
The guards have less acute edges than compared to the Fulcrum S I own. Edges on this blade have now got more slightly rounded profiles. 

The guards do not rub against the hand even in close contact.

Extrema Ratio state that the purpose of the inclusion of guards here is to prevent any accidental slippage of hands onto the blade. Mmmmm, well I guess that could happen during violent stabbing motions, so a good idea. But let me show you some other cool uses for guards such as these a bit later on :)!* ** in the field review!

The tip of the Extrema Ratio Task J is very very beefy! Note the big swedge, see the overall thickness.  But despite this thickness, the swedge lowers the blade weight towards the tip and this makes it a comfortable knife to move about. This design is very much different to the TASK. Here we have a very strong looking tip region, that inspires confidence.

We see a double edged tip too. This will only make the blade penetrate more easily in given objects.
Overall it is a "stronger looking" construction, (although I must say I doubt I'll be breaking my TASK anytime soon and it gets used a lot.)

The TASK J speaks seriously more Military and of course it was designed with military input and purposes in mind. As I've said many times, military type knives can make good outdoors knives (not always) but in this case for sure (based on all of my outdoor experience).

Loosing the choil adds more steel to the blade and of course increases the cutting surface. Removing the serrations, well this could be argued that it wasn't a good idea, as serrations will cut far better and quicker than a straight edge (that's physics) when it comes to cutting: cordage, ropes or any fibrous material for that matter. Penetration-wise, the double edged tip will obviously penetrate well.

The spine does not decrease rapidly in width like as in the TASK but remains the same thickness (6mm) until the swedge is encountered. Although the swedge is still quite thick under the this upper grind. (see below)

The upper portion of the tip is sharpened not super sharp (I would imagine this can be touched up by the individual user as some countries it is illegal to have an upper portion of the knife sharpened. However, this narrowed region makes penetration better than say a "fat" tip.

**The tie in holes can be used to bend thick wire as well.

A big chunky fire steel is also included 

A Ginormous fire steel included, spells for me that Extrema Ratio are also marketing this knife towards the outdoors/survival /Bushcraft persons. I can see no reason why not. I see good functionality with this blade design.

and we see too the same very safe and practical carry system like several other knife models from Extrema Ratio.

When you are on the "run" and for absolute security, the scabbard comes with fully adjustable leg loop.

By removing the plastic tab at the bottom of the scabbard enables disassembly of the rigid compartment, cleaning and or "bare bones" carry. The rigid inner fibre reinforced plastic liner like other Extrema models, safely retains this blade, even under vigorous movement.
For civilian usage, the carry system is very "Low Key" and that can only be a good thing.

Left or right handed fastening is possible simply by reversing the velcro closure press studs.

No chance of "danging" yourself on this knife if accidentally falling on it. All hard surfaces are protected from the wearer.

Finally, if you are new to Extrema Ratio, the handle is extremely ergonomic despite it's funny shape. The shape was designed in conjunction with University researchers whose specialty is human movement and biomechanics. Once you handle one of these knives (with this handle) it is blatantly obvious about the comfort aspect, security in wet hands and anti-twisting resistance. The grip material is Forprene (very very tough stuff) and it is held via a 4mm Socket head bolt which can also be removed via a flat bladed instrument, for total field maintenance ease.

Stainless 4mm allen socket head bolt, can also be removed with any flat bladed object.

Lifetime warranty on the knife!
6 years on the scabbard! Construction quality can not be faulted, ie stitching, scabbard nor the knife itself. heck I know they are tough. Mine have served me well across several continents on both hemispheres. I see no reason why the TASK J would be any different.

I'm very very impressed with the design of the Extrema ratio TaskJ and taking it out in the field ASAP. 

Stay tuned for a full on field review! at BushCampingTools


Ok the video review is now done and you can see my views here