K1 DOBERMANN XXV ANNIVERSARIUM

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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).

Busse Team Gemini

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