Get one while it's possible.
Wednesday 14 December 2022
Saturday 10 December 2022
J and V COMBAT Knife, made in Spain
J and V "COMBAT" Knife, made in Spain
Recently this knife model from Spanish knife makers J and V, caught my eye and I decided to review it. In fact, I have had my eye on this model for some years with good reason. The Combat is made in Spain from proprietary MV-58 steel made exclusively for J and V.
MV-58, combined with their special heat treatment allows for a HRC of 58 every time according to J and V.
I own one other knife I purchased whilst in Spain (also from J and V) and have found that the MV-58 held a very good edge even under tough field testing.
At first glance the Combat from J and V might look a little like the Busse Team Gemini, however examining it closely, it isn't like the Team Gemini at all, although granted there is some similarity (see image below).
In fact the double hole in the guard is not new. Many Gerber LMFs feature this (it's just covered in plastic and a little obscured).
What's with the holes? Other than simply to lighten the knife, a cord could be threaded through these holes and handle to lash it to a pole in order to extend one's cutting range.
We have a hollow ground blade with a short fuller on one side only of a 5mm thick tang/spine. There is a symmetrical 2 holed integrated guard. The handle/grip is also symmetrical therefor truly ambidextrous and can be held with blade facing either direction without discomfort.
No doubt about it hollow grinds will cut with less effort than a full flat or sabre, that's physics.
We'll address "durability" of the hollow grind Vs Full flat during the field tests, so just hang in there.
The scales are bolted to the full tang and are made from what appears to be a type of "micarta".
Nowhere on the knife does it indicate the country of manufacture. If this knife is intended for military end use then I know this can be the norm. I own several "ex" SAS Krabs and none of them are branded, albeit they all still carry the SWL ratings. These krabs BTW were very seriously anodized and even after 20 plus years are still pretty much matt black. Unlike all of my other krab which were anodized and used for climbing look crap from wear and tear.
The J and V Combat features what at first appears to be an aggressive looking pommel, however these ridges are not uncomfortable against an ungloved thumb. I have a use for such notches.
The spine is full thickness to approximately 65mm or close to 2.5" from the guard. There is a hefty feeling to this knife which weighs in around 344 grams (knife only) or 12.1Oz.
BTW as far as any "bushcraft" is involved, yes the spine is acute enough to strike a steel.
Detail of fuller grinding (seems a little rough?-maybe a dull grinding tool?-), yes it looks to be ground out rather than milled? The fuller only appears on one side of the knife.How it is carried?
Traditionally vertically, with other possible options.
Now it is one thing producing a tough looking knife but if the carry system isn't happening, then that's a different matter. In this case the scabbard looks pretty well constructed.
Firstly, the stitching looks to be very well done and using thick thread.
On the reverse side there are plastic "D" links for attaching webbing type straps (not included).
At the base of the scabbard there is a small plastic D link to attach a "leg strap".
The "welt" here is actually natural leather and i think I know why this is being used in place of a synthetic, that is to reduce the probability of unnecessary edge wear upon the blade when being removed or inserted.
A single press stud is used to retain the knife, it is a ZERO rattle scabbard with the J and V Combat easily being able to be removed or inserted silently.
There is some thin sheet of synthetic being used to go between the heavy denier nylon material comprising the main part of the sheath, to obviously keep the rigidity.
A generous Velcro closure pocket, easily accommodates my FKMD Predator II folder, or any other similar sized folder.
The 2x of 8 grindings in the handle allow for a cord to be gripped in this position if the knife would be secured to a pole, ie they will prevent cordage slippage.
The J and V Combat has a nice hefty feel to it but not too heavy in the hand. I like that it can be gripped in many ways but always comfortable and yet grippy. It came deadly razor sharp out of the box.
There are various options available, ie blackened blade different handle colours and scabbard colours ie desert.
Briefly about the design:
The J and V Combat knife has been designed by the team at J and V with collaborations with soldiers to ensure good functionality on the battlefield.
The J&V Combat also features a Lifetime Warranty against any manufacturer's defects. I've said this many times, this is a really good testament to a manufacturer's confidence in their products.
Stay tuned for a full field review on BushCampingTools
Sunday 20 November 2022
Extrema Ratio S-Thil Black Warfare! Available from 24th November 2022!
Extrema Ratio S-Thil Black Warfare! Available from 24th November 2022!
Wednesday 16 November 2022
Benchmade Leuku Made in the USA in CPM 3V
Benchmade Leuku
Made in the USA in CPM 3V
Preview: by @BushCampingTools
The one thing I've found about Benchmade is that you either need microscope eyesight, or a magnifying loupe to read their damn company insignia!
They make great knives but fail every time with being able to reliably put their mark upon their blades! No matter how I tried to photograph their company logo, I couldn't do it justice (ok just joking!). It actually reads Benchmade (ha ha, you don't say!), USA and then under this "USA" are the numbers 202.
The reverse side is no better with a microscopic "3V" denoting the CPM 3V, powder metallurgical alloy, ok they are certainly not being ostentatious!
Ok so what is CPM-3V? Basically a high Vanadium (2.75%) and Mo (1.3%) containing alloy, with approx (0.8%) Carbon. it is made by the "powder metallurgical" process. The PM process allows for a much finer control of alloying constituents compared to other steel making processes. The main advantage of 3V is extreme toughness and resistance to edge chipping. Crucible recommend it be hardened within the range of 58-60. It's not as tough as S7 but has much better wear resistance according to Crucible Industries. Strangely, I'm not sure why benchmade harden this blade to >60 because according to Crucible Industries data, toughness is basically halved going from HRC58 to HRC 62 and hence the real advantage of using CPM-3V as a steel in an outdoor blade is somewhat lost IMHO.
used in this American version of a Finnish Leuku knife. The Benchmade Leuku features a full tang (lanyard hole),
a non-scandi ground edge, a Santoprene (so like Forprene, a thermoplastic elastomer in other words) grip, which is extremely ergonomic AND grippy!
The knife comes with a pretty basic split leather sheath, single stitched with thick thread and reinforced with rivets, one at the top and three at the bottom. There is a regular belt loop and a press stud removable dangler loop.
The stitching looks ok and there are no loose ends, as I said it's a basic scabbard. The leather craft if i was to compare it to a much lower priced Spanish made knife, is inferior in quality of leather and thickness. However, I'm not saying this is a bad scabbard just that I think they could do better, maybe tis is a reflection of using a higher priced steel in this knife?
Now the embossing upon the sheath is good for sure, no mistaking the company logo!
The Benchmade Leuku is listed by them for "Outdoor" and "Survival" usage.
Stick around and I'll be putting this to the test shortly on
Box contains:
3.55mm thick CPM-3V blade
Santoprene over-molded grip
leather scabbard
Information sheet and (75% "post consumer waste" recycled cardboard box packaging)
@BushCampingTools
Monday 10 October 2022
Monday 3 October 2022
Extrema Ratio Selvans Expeditions
Extrema Ratio Selvans*** Expedition
A brief overview by BCT
The Extrema Ratio Selvans Expedition, a
newer model* (for the sake of brevity here on in I will refer to the Selvans Expeditions as just the "Selvans" BUT do NOT confuse this Selvans with the other version is the Mil C 13924) and a tip grind similar to the ONTOS.
The LASER engraving takes on (sorry you can't really see it here) that typical golden coloration of the reaction of the beam with Böhler's N690, just like the same coloration for all of ER's "desert warfare" markings.
The original Selvans which has been around for some years. Not as long as the infamous ONTOS military survival knife as shown below. (note the incredibly thick blade of the ONTOS, a proper military survival knife)
(levering doors open with this beast no problems!)
but none the less a long time.
Why? Because it simply works, that's why.
Let's take look at the design now that the Expedition version is out. What are the differences?
The blade is stone washed rather than having the Mil Spec grade Mil C 13924 black oxide coating as seen for the regular Selvans (there is nothing regular about these knives).
As far as I can tell by eye, the surface is just how it would come from heat treatment protocols and then a quick surface clean via the "stone washing machine". Do not confuse what people are calling "stone washed", when they mean etched and then stone/abrasive cleaned, which will not happen with N690. Also while on that matter, NO stone washing is a "coating". This is incorrect to refer to such treatments as "coatings" they are either surface etched (chemically removing a part of the surface possibly revealing some crystalline structures) and then abraded via "stones"-either natural or synthetic carbide or similar abrasives. But it is NOT a coating as in PVD coatings or PTFE type coatings, Cerakote etc.
And ordinary stone washing is simply a surface abrasive technique.
Now not having to prepare a blade for a MilC 13924 Black oxide will save many steps.
So why is the Selvans Expedition (series) "cheaper" (that/those words I never mention on the channel) than the regular Selvans? Without the fire steel and extra pouch etc.?
More than likely because of the requirements for a Mil C 13924 surface preparation and application of the black oxide to military specifications is a lot more time consuming than simply stone washing a heat treated blade. To apply a Mil C 1394 grade black oxide, the blade must be very clean for a start, then probably because it is an anti-corrosive steel, the N690, it will mot likely undergo a hot salt bath application of oxide treatment, then several washes and other processes such as a dilute chromic acid bath wash as well, according to this specification. These steps are not for free. Of course there are black oxide treatments that do not have to satisfy Mil C 13924 but that is not what they are doing with their knives because the majority of end use is military, not civilian. I do not know this for 100% fact however, I'm sure I'm not too far off base.
Post heat treatment, N690, will have a dull blackened surface (like many steels) and usually this is totally removed by manufacturers as a prerequisite to further surface treatment/finishes can be applied.
Progressing from this post heat treated surface and then simply stone washing, leaving a partial original darker surface amidst the abrasion past any heat treatment surface, could be a way to reduce costs without compromise to the surface.
Besides that, the surface will still be anti-reflective, maybe not as much as a Mil C 13924 standard but for civilian usage more than good enough.
Anyway, that's just my guess as they never told me any of this. Just based upon being in several knife factories and watching what goes on.
The blade of the Selvans is still non-reflective and still made from Böhler's N690 stainless steel.
However, now the Selvans Expedition comes with a remodelled sheath which has a good sized fire steel and a generously sized pocket to fit all sorts of useful things, making it a one stop survival solution**, to grab and go.
Full Molle compatible for multiple carry options.
Excellent attention to quality stitching throughout the sheath. This is one thing this manufacturer does not do and that is scrimp on the sheathes they make.
For those unfamiliar with the Selvans, this model is a sort of "follow on"/modification of the military survival knife the ONTOS with various features suitable for the civilian:
A longer handle/grip which also features a butt end to really hold the hand there when vigorous work in undertaken.
Lots of grip positions are possible with the Selvans.
A dedicated region of the spine to strike a fire steel (see the two "sparks" laser engraved onto the blade surface).
A more rounded tip profile and thus less of a "tanto" style compared to the ONTOS. (see above and below images)
Ontos on the left, Selvans Expedition on the Right. Note the overall much reduced blade thickness of the Selvans compared with the ONTOS. This will greatly aid cutting simply due to a better cutting geometry from this high sabre-like grind.
Don't think the Selvans Expeditions is some "weaker" brother of the ONTOS, no chance the spine is still 1/4 thick.
Weighted towards the tip for better chopping characteristics.
BTW does the Selvans or the Expedition version replace the ONTOS? I very much doubt this because as a military survival knife, the ONTOS is shorter in length and hence just a bit easy to carry plus with the serrations on the spine it can be rapidly deployed to cut line. Plus the ONTOS rear can be used as a glass breaker or a "persuader". This is no such feature on the Selvans Expedition, which is much more in line with a civilian tool as apposed to something clearly military in end usage.
There is less likely any chance on injury from the Selvans Expedition as there is only one cutting surface.
Handle, (virtually) indestructible Forprene elastomeric polymer.
The Selvans, like the ONTOS (it's name is even more descriptive) is more of a outdoors tool than anything that looks like a regular outdoor knife. It is akin to the foreigner's version of a Japanese Nata or Kanenori type implement. In other words, a big wide garden/agricultural tool but like the Nepalese Kukri, one can chop trees down with it and build a house with it (seen it with my very own eyes in Nepal).
So because of the blade geometry, the Selvans can be swung better than the Ontos (See video) due to the longer handle.
The weight distribution (see 2 images directly below) on the blade facilitates the action of chopping and thus making it efficient as the greater mass is delivered towards the tip and not the grip.
The broad but higher sabre grind is better for jungle work, eg just look at parangs etc. No parang or machete has a tip like a western style knife, ie "pointy", that is because there are many things you can cut better by "pushing" the end of the knife blade.
These "things" are like a cross between a small hatchet and a big knife. Hence ONTOS meaning "thing" in Greek. However, unlike the Nata or a Kanenori, the Selvans has the thickness of a Kukri (but not the length, no kukri is that short) and requires somewhat more skill to prepare food with it (if your only edged tool at hand). I have seen workers deftly peeling paw paws with machetes and parangs; all is possible with the right skills at hand.
Stay tuned for how the Selvans Expedition does on food prep.
The Selvans Expedition in detail:
Stick around!
*** "Selvans" is the Mythical Etruscan Forrest God.
** (potential weapon), knife/tool, something to start a fire with.
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