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

Summary of my full review of the Hannah Outdoor Equipment COVERT 2 (1-2 person)

Two big vestibules at each entrance are perfect for loads of gear!

hiking and backpacking tent Manufacturers specifications are here. You can see their other products here:  http://www.hannahoutdoor.com/. If you want to see the full video see below. Hannah is a Czech company and is well known for tent design. Hannah  use wind tunnel testing and the workmanship is very good. The Hannah Outdoor Equipment Covert 2 comes in 2 colors and a larger COVERT 3 is also available. I think the COVERT 2 is great and will easily accommodate 2 adults as there are 2 separate entrances/vestibules of very generous proportions. The fly fits the tent very well and can even be anchored to the tent frame, as apposed to simply being strapped down on it. 

Easily seen red fly guy ropes on the fly of the Hannah Covert 2 tent which are also reflective, so no tripping over them during nighttime excursions

There are numerous "extra" guying loops for super foul weather. The tent design is such that 2 poles simply cross at the apex of the tent giving it a very stable dome-like design. Hannah's attention to detail is very good. 
The ventilation slots are all rain protected and the tent breathes very well despite only two small roof vents but this is due to Hannah's great ventilation design, which can be fine tuned for different weather conditions.
The price is very competitive around the 220 Euro mark. What I mean about competitive is that you get a very good design for the price. Good Tent design is paramount for: happy camping, trekking, hiking and especially mountaineering and climbing activities. To be able to resist the foulest of weather is mandatory for a tent like the Hannah Outdoor Equipment COVERT 2.

Hannah Outdoor Equipment COVERT 2 tent is indeed "COVERT" perfect for low signature camping!

Pitched in a mountain alpine valley. The Hannah Covert 2 (1-2 person tent)

Totally recommend the Hannah Outdoor Equipment Covert 2 Tent at 3.1kg and only 16X45cm packed size. (which I made even smaller with Hannah's supplied compression bag.
See my full review here on BushCampingTools.

Hannah Covert 2 Tent English Review A Great Backpacking Tent!

Recently after much deliberation I decided to purchase a Hannah COVERT 2 hiking tent. Rated up to mountaineering level. I found the tent to be well designed and had a lot of great functional features as apposed to gimmicks. Two very roomy vestibules and a bomb proof fly and simple 2 pole construction for main tent and third shorter poe for the fly. The Hannah COVERT 2 tent I'm sure will serve me well. It certainly was great for a simple 3 day hike into the mountains. Anyway check out the review and see what you think. Hannah is a Czech company.

Frankenstein Meets HDPE Kitchen board for Knife Sheath

Finished with attachment loops for Karabiner carry

To give you a scale of the size

Frankenstein stitching LOL

5mm Shock cord retention loop, bombproof

Disengaged and ready for action!

No rattle, firm fit, indestructible HDPE, blaze orange, using 0.6KN static Nylon rock climber's accessory cord from Edelrid. that's 600kg breaking strength to sew it up! Oven bent HDPE at 120-125C for ten minutes in a pre heated oven.

Result, a scabbard much more stronger and durable than the original, impossible to cut nylon cord stitching.

FKMD PARUS SHEATH FAILS after only approximately 150- insertions/removal of the blade. That's only about 75 times the knife has been used. 

The Yellow arrows indicate where the stitching has been severed and the failure has occurred. The Pink arrows clearly show the proximity of the blade edge to the outer region of the sheath. This is the explanation for the sheath failure, the blade edge can easily touch the stitching as it is (the stitching) totally unprotected in this region. The same thing would happen if the knife was carried for lefthand removal and insertion. I have contacted FOX/FKMD regarding this. 

AAARRRGGGHH! my brand new FKMD scabbard failed on me that holds the PARUS. On close examination (and after probably 100 plus insertions and removals) the blade has severed the stitching in this scabbard design. Whilst the knife design and build is excellent, the scabbard does have a rigid plastic insert BUT I realise this insert, unlike other FKMD hard plastic inserts, eg like on their great Combat Jungle FX-133MGT , the Trapper FX-132, and their latest Trapper 2; the scabbard of the PARUS has nothing to protect the stitching from the "tooth" area of this PARUS blade. Bummer! 

Now I was about to take it out with me to the mountains and the last thing you need is for a "survival-type Knife" system to fail. It must be totally dependable without question. OK nowhere does FKMD state that this is a "survival knife" although the simply marketing "suggests" such an application. The knife itself is great and I can't fault it. 
Constructing a new scabbard at home is comparatively easy compared to doing likewise in a remote region.

As a field repair I could wrap it up with that 2mm static climbing cord you see in the back ground but it is a design fault IMHO. One which Fox needs to revisit asap. I have contacted them regarding this and await a response.

On a further note as shown by ZeroSum Survival, the rear Molle fixed horizontal strap can not be utilized as the stitching prevents the webbing from entering under the loop. Not a huge big deal but one which could be easily rectified for a better fit. 

In summary, now after having used the Parus for some time (and I still am), the knife itself is great but some redesign of the sheath I believe is required. Sheaths must not fail.


BCT.

Good Advice (About knives) when Hiking and Camping


Let's start with that popular subject, a 
 Camping Knife

From top to bottom examples of a small, medium and a large knife.

Above I've added another "small knife" (Second from left)

Any knife that serves a useful purpose* during camping could be called a camping knife. For all practical reasons, huge choppers that can be far heavier than, or the same weight as a machete, or parang, are seriously only for specialist activities, not general hiking and camping. 

* Feeding yourself, whether that means cutting up (preparing) the food you have taken with you or the food acquired (hunting and fishing wild food gathering) during your trip away.

What is camping?
Camping can be considered to be any activity which leads one away from the comforts of civilization, and sleeping in a tent, under the stars or rock overhang,  cave or tarpaulin or even a naturally constructed shelter. (Camping is not bivouacing on a cliff face on a porta ledge LOL!).

Realistic plan A

Let's say you can walk a good 20km a day in rough terrain but basically on tracks. You are carrying about 20-24kg of pack weight of which includes a tent. You will need to take food for at least 3 possibly 4 days (depending on your expected/known energy requirements under heavy loads/stress/physical activity- if things don't go according to plan for whatever reason. There are two of you to distribute the weight of the tent and food. A lot of dehydrated high carbohydrate/high energy yielding food can be carried for the weight of one large knife (greater than 300 grams or 10.6 Oz.!), so you must take this into consideration. Now that's two big knives (if your companion is also carrying a big knife), that's 600grams or more of food you could carry! You must resist the urge to take big chopper knives on long trips if it really isn't necessary. Longer knives also can get caught up when scrambling and or low level climbing during the more serious hiking trips (like hiking in the Budawangs in NSW Australia) to give you an idea about what I mean by "serious".   

If you have shelter, there is no need to build a shelter. If you are taking a fuel stove, as fires are banned or not practical as there would be little dead wood available or raining the whole duration of the trip; then taking a large knife or hatchet will be totally unnecessary, as there will be no need to hack anything down. Even if you sleep under a rock overhang or in a cave entrance (we have done this countless times and then there will be no need to bring a tent**)

** Dependent on one's physical fitness and ability to rough it.

The more unnecessary physical exertion (swinging big knives) conducted, the more food required, the less distance you can safely go (don't forget it's usually a RETURN TRIP), FACT (all other things being equal).

When I was a kid, and used to go into the Australian bush (we were driven to the trail head and picked up again several days later) many times, with nothing but Swiss army knives, ie folders.

A large traditional lockback folder, also a viable option for several days out. Yes you can not hack down trees with it but there's plenty I can do with it to support myself out in the wilds.

We carried solid fuel stoves (Original Esbits!), some fishing gear (if near where there were fish to be found/caught), one 2 man/person tent between 2, a torch/flashlight, waterproof clothing; clothing suitable for the season and environment; sturdy footwear; no axes; no big knives; no saws; metal water containers and some plastic water containers; a tarpaulin; loads of dry noodles; some vegetables and often dried meats; matches and cigarette lighters (no we weren't smoking behind our parents backs LOL) and one fire steel. We fashioned crab spears with our pocket knives, skewers for BBQing fish and in those days a tin of peaches was carried for a real treat and opened with the pocket knife's can opener!

Folder's with the fewest parts are best as the probability for field maintenance is lower than folders with many specialist Torx screws, washers, bearings to clog up (after folder dropped in the mud/sand etc).

Of course if ones object is simply to go bush to hack trees down to feel like a bit of a primitive man/survivalist (and I say man on purpose here, as I know of no woman hardcore or not that does similar or is the slightest bit interested in hacking down trees with big knives) thing, then ok, this article will be of no use to you. That's fine, I certainly understand this urge, although been there done that and with ever decreasing vegetation as in forests on the planet, hacking down living trees for this camper is no longer on the list. 
AND the object of going bush is NOT to get lost and become a liability but to explore and enjoy.
99% of people will be treading existing paths, whether little used and difficult to follow or well trodden ones. The remaining few will blaze a trail for a specific purpose of surveying and or exploration of new areas (This is slow progress). The latter would be a case for carrying larger tools-possibly.
I digress...........

SO to talk about what I consider is an appropriate knife to take camping:

Camp knives: any knife with a 7inch and under blade length is going to be fine. Preferably, about 5 to 6 inches, in length is even better. It should have some sort of a good defined tip (exception being knives for children). 

Don't take knives which are too thick*** (6mm or 1/4" is the upper limit), yes thick knives will be stronger, but for what? levering open those potatoes, or maybe onions or garlic or bashing the daylights out of that goat carcass you shot?? I don't think so. Besides that no serious hunter camper/hiker takes a 6mm plus blade to skin and butcher with. 

On the grind, well don't get too hung up about this.
(all the above knives just happen to be flat grinds). 
Take the knife for the chores that will be encountered. 
Make sure the carry system will not fail. Swimming/crossing rivers, put your knife inside your pack, that way you won't get snagged and cause lots of alarm for others including yourself!

Thick knives generally do not slice and dice food well (Know how to get the most from your knife for camp cooking BEFORE GOING BUSH) and can make food preparation a real PITA- plus you look like a complete wally pulling out some ginormous Bowie on a camp trail- and scare off (maybe you want to) other hikers- Yes I've done this when I was much younger and stupid. The key is being LOW KEY not parading around like some parrot trying to attract a mate. Make sure your chosen knife is deadly sharp before you go and take something small to maintain the edge if you totally ruin it (but you shouldn't if careful). 
Do not carry knives with sharp exaggerated butt ends. WHY? Because at some point you will have to place that knife inside a pack, either for safe porterage or convenience and a sharp butt end is going to poke a hole in your pack. So forget about "skull crushers" etc. They are for damaging people's heads, not camping and present few if at all limited uses in the outdoors.

Car camping (Camping next to your vehicle)

The sky's the limit on what you bring but don't get carried away-remember the fuel costs to get there and back depends a lot on the weight in the vehicle!

(I don't consider car camping roughing it- but yes, that's what hooked me when I was young from a baby to a small child, when my parents took us car camping (actually it was a very remote location) along 80km of dirt roads to a beautiful unpolluted river full of fish and aquatic life with no sounds other than those of nature.

*** 6mm/1/4" and plus, thick blades can be good if you really do have an opportunity to go really wild (chop wood from existing fallen timber, prise timber for grubs for fishing, luring birds to catch etc) BUT you must remember the lighter you travel the further you can go. Maybe there is little small timber in the area you plan to visit and taking a hatchet would be a better choice, pairing this up with a small knife.

GO!

My survival knife*.  Not too heavy not too light, Not too long, not too short. Black is best but uncoated's alright.
A Fire steel, a diamond rod, a heliograph and a whistle, that's onboard with my  knife. 
First aid I've got.
Start a fire, signal  back. 
Fishing gear's in the pack.
Thirty foot of cordage on my back. 

Luminous marker on my knife, in the night easily seen if there's strife!
Morning comes,
Check my  compass, check my knife, off I go and out of sight.




* the knife I happen to have on me at the time!