Extrema Ratio T4000S Multipurpose knife Japanese tanto

Extrema Ratio T4000S Multi-purpose knife Japanese Tanto design.

Extrema Ratio T4000S, distinctly Japanese in design and tactical all the way.

It  was a couple of years back that I field tested quite extensively (shown across several videos on BCT) the Made in Italy 

Made in Italy, as the LASER engraving says 

Extrema Ratio T4000C (see review here). The Extrema Ratio T4000C, where "C" stood for compact was the first out in this newly (at the time) revamped "T" series of multipurpose knives from Extrema Ratio. They didn't have a T4000S. Then later they produced the T4000S, again in Bohler's N690 stainless tool steel. I have to say the Extrema Ratio T4000C, was an instant winner in my books and those of my viewers if the views and more importantly, the comments are anything to go by. 

The Extrema Ratio T4000C, very capable knife for many outdoor tasks however, I was hanging out for it's "bigger brother"! Along comes the T4000S (seen here:) . 

Extrema Ratio T4000C and the bigger T4000S knives

I didn't lay my hands on one for a couple of years after production commenced (in other words, just recently) and had a good feeling it would also be a solid performer. 

Cutting into a very thick piece of sugar cane wasn't a problem for the Extrema Ratio T4000S

Let me explain why:

Like the Extrema Ratio T4000C, the Extrema Ratio T4000S has the simple but eloquent "Japanese" lines in the geometry of the blade 

but with the tactical aspects of Extrema Ratio's Forprene grip, of which instantly distinguishes their tactical knife range.

The Extrema Ratio "Trademark ergonomic Forprene grip" single bolt fixture. The fixing bolt is placed well clear of the fulcrum of the knife as in all their other models, this removes any possible stress point should the knife be used as a lever.

We see a double sided blood groove/fuller 

Blood groove/fuller on both sides of this full flat ground blade. Note the ever so slight curvature of the blade areas. This knife, the T4000S isn't at all like the American style Tanto with a chisel tip (as seen in the Extrema Ratio  Fulcrum models) but very much like the Japanese Wakazashi style Tanto.

and a 6mm stock tang gradually tapering to a 4mm thick spine.

Extrema Ratio T4000S, with a 6.3mm tang and a very gradual tapering 4mm thick spine to a Japanese style Tanto tip

The blade edge is ever so slightly curved and it's a full flat grind, for effective cutting power. The tip too as I mentioned is also that of a Japanese style Wakazashi. At 174mm or almost 7" the Extrema Ratio T4000S, is a capable size for some serious cutting.
4mm blade thickness means much easier slicing power and less resistance through given objects than any 6mm, or 5mm blade. 

Easy to slice through camping food, the T4000S from Extrema Ratio

With the big blood groove/fuller, the blade isn't too heavy either but at the same time you can still "feel it". From a tactical standpoint, this means one can easily manoeuvre this blade in a speedy fashion. 

Certainly, the Extrema Ratio T4000S is stylish! Anti-reflective (Tactical) with it's black oxide Mil Spec coating, no hot spots on this knife.

As far as I'm concerned, I think one of the most popular and practical (at the large end) blade sizes has got to be the 7" mark for blade length.  There isn't a choil so that means we have basically the full (almost) 7" of cutting edge present. This aspect to me is very important as it means less strokes to cut any object, ie making full use of the edge; easy to carve with and apply cutting power for cutting cords, as there is a reduced levering effect as your hand is closer to the object to be cut. 

Around the camp fire, the Extrema Ratio T4000S no problems with food or fire preparation.

Needless to say, the T4000S came super deadly sharp out of the box, as expected as these knives are hand sharpened.

A very well made tactical scabbard accompanies the Extrema Ratio T4000S. The scabbard is fully Molle compatible and designed for a fast  and silent knife retrieval. Once the double press stud has been released, there is zero friction (as good as) and that knife is coming out as quick as you can. The scabbard can be worn vertically as well.

Double press stud retention is all that is in the way from knife in to knife out for the Extrema Ratio T4000S

The knife can be carried either via the dangler loop or strapped to a pack or vest. But strapped vertically, knife handle up only, as there is only one retention strap and it is not sufficient for a knife handle down carry, as rapid movement can cause the knife to come out of the scabbard if carried handle facing down. Remember the T4000S is really a Japanese style knife made in Italy, which I would suggest sits in the market place for outdoor knives, NOT for military serious tactical use. For this sort of blade I'd suggest the more robust carry system of the TASK J for example, or Fulcrum series, where there is a double retention system in operation.

Whilst some may say the Extrema Ratio T4000S looks a bit like a weapon, remember the Japanese Wakazashi was used for many purposes. Anyway enough of this blurb, I'm going to be testing this knife out for outdoor use over the coming weeks and my initial impressions (based solely upon the smaller T4000C and a day out already with the T4000S) is that it will be a solid performed and with a whole lot of style to go! This T4000S could be my next "go to knife"! Lets see?



BCT