Hardcore Knives and tools for Wilderness Camping: The EXTREMA RATIO FULCRUM

The (Mighty) EXTREMA RATIO FULCRUM

(In this case the desert warfare model)

by BCT

The Extrema Ratio Fulcrum has to be Extrema Ratio's signature model if there is such a thing. It's design was based upon the request from COMALP (Commando Truppe Alpine) ie the Aline Troops Command of the Italian Army for Extrema Ratio to design and implement a modern multipurpose knife. Since it's inception it has been a standard issue for operation Nibbio and also issued to troops in Afghanistan. The Extrema Ratio Fulcrum is Battle Tested.

The spine has a thickness of 6mm, 1/4 inch and has been tested to hold up to 150kg without failure across the guard.

I think it would be fair to suggest that Extrema Ratio were the first to pioneer a interaction between university researchers in biomechanics of the human hand, in order to design a truly ergonomic grip, or as close as practically possible to design such a grip in order to accommodate various hand shape/sizes.

Extrema Ratio utilises the synthetic polymer FORPRENE as the material of choice. Forprene has many beneficial characteristics both for chemical resistance and absorption of vibration/shock plus great mechanical resistance to deformation. Despite this "funky"appearance, this grip is amazingly comfortable and secure to hold.

One Fixing bolt. This bolt can be removed with either a flat bladed object or an Allen driver wrench. I've even used a key to undo this bolt on other models I own.

The wide spine at the tip enables this knife to be easily struck with a baton.

Being a combat knife it goes without saying some serrations will make quick work of cutting or starting cuts on ANY fibrous materials. One large, two small shallow concave pattern arrangement allows for a compromise between "overall strength Vs stay sharpness" in my humble opinion.

So the blade doesn't weigh a ton because it is made from a slab of 6mm Böhler N690, they use their signature fuller (like a half "I beam design" if you like) to keep the weight down. Although the knife does feel weighty at (I measured) 330 grams/11.6Oz, they say: 321/11.3Oz (knife only). The weight is towards the tip (great for hacking into things, more on this later).

MADE IN ITALY

Field maintenance is super easy, only straight edges to maintain! (serrations by their very nature take a lot to actually make them go blunt). This almost chisel like point is extremely tough and useful for the so called "bush crafter" because it can very effectively drill divots for fire drills amongst many other useful outdoor tasks. (How do I know this? Because I've taken my Fulcrum S and Fulcrum NFG on many outdoor adventures into the wilderness around the globe).

Let's talk briefly about the funky geometric pattern (also a first by them). it is a function of the interaction of the LASER with theN690 steel.

Just in case you've forgotten they go are far as actually letting you know the HRC is 58 LOL!

It's no good having a knife which you call "multi-purpose" without a lanyard hole. The lanyard hole can also be used (like any lanyard hole) to bend thick wire, ie other than simply being used to secure it to your person. On another cool note, should the fixing bolt be lost in the field a cord can simply be tied into the lanyard hole to securely maintain the grip to the knife tang, ow about that eh? A bit of redundancy built in!

One of great things about this company is their attention to detail. Many companies can make great knives but not necessarily make a great scabbard or a scabbard which equals the knife in quality and versatility. Not so with Extrema Ratio. Their scabbards are excellent. Well-stitched, as good as a quality pair of Italian made boots! Just see below for evidence of this.

This scabbard carry system is very cool, supposedly to allow paratroopers to carry this knife without the potential for the parachute or other items to get caught around the actual knife handle. here it is totally encased within the scabbard. (the outer flap can be easily removed of course). From a civilian standpoint, this system allows for a no nonsense low profile (as in visible that it is a knife) carry and does not appear threatening in any way.

Multipurpose Molle straps and leg loop

Lovely even stitching throughout!

Thorough user safety

What protects the user from being accidentally impaled upon this blade if they happen to fall upon it? Inside the high denier fabric sits a very rigid glass fibre reinforced insert (complete with drainage holes), which can be easily removed for maintenance by removing the small two pronged lug (seen next to keyboard).

I don't think I'd be whinging if I only had this beast strapped to my side up a saltwater crocodile infested mangrove estuary in the Northern Australian wilderness!

Blade length is 180mm or approximately 175mm of actual cutting surface and the balance is right at the ricasso, ie approx 5mm away from the Forprene grip or there about.