Friday, 29 November 2019

Dirty Kitchen




Forget about all these TV celebrity chefs! Learn how to cook and prepare good food like a PROFESSIONAL in the DIRTY KITCHEN!
I'll show you super tasty eclectic recipes from around the world that won't break the bank and can be cooked in minutes. No fancy equipment needed!
No fancy pants kitchen, yeah, it's DIRTY but Hygienic! It's for REAL! 
Come hungry! Come Ready for Action!
Cooking Asian style Food, Pan Asian, The Best eclectic dishes out of Europe and more from around the world!
How to cook for beginners
Reviewing excellent cooking products from around the world.

Please share and like to help me bring you great recipes and product reviews




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmzg_m-7qMM

Thursday, 21 November 2019

Extrema Ratio TASK J




Extrema Ratio TASK J


Jagdkommando Designed
Commando Knife.

Extrema Ratio Task J one of my favorite field knives



Many ask me about this particular knife, the TASK J from Extrema Ratio in Italy. The TASK J is a design from the Austrian military (Jagdkommandoand implemented by Extrema Ratio.When you have this knife in your hands, there is no mistaking the heftiness and robustness of this field knife. There is nothing woosy about the design and functionality. The regular funky fuller of the general ER designs is gone with one solid chunk of steel for the blade. But don't worry about the penetrating power of this knife. The TASK J can easily take on the moniker of "Survival knife" (if you have to give it this title).  Of course the funny looking handle is probably one of the most comfortable grips out there. The reason is obvious when one delves into the history of how this shape came about. Solid R & D at the university research level into biomechanics of the human hand. 







There is nothing superfluous or wanting in this design. I'm not saying it's perfect, as there is no such thing as a perfect tool however, this particular knife has had a lot of thought put into it's design and it doesn't end with the knife. The scabbard is of excellent quality and safety. As a sort of a bonus, included is a giant fire steel! Considering in over 30 years of outdoor adventures, I've never even used up totally my dad's Swedish fire steel, then I reckon this steel, I'll be passing on to grand children!

BCT

Tuesday, 19 November 2019

Sammi Stinner Design Panthera II from Black Fox Tactical Knives

Sammi Stinner Design Black FOX Tactical Panthera II from Fox Knives
BF-707B FX Cutlery


Black FOX Panthera II BF-707B is a large fixed blade knife with an approximately 185mm long cutting surface, 5mm spine thickness and ergonomic textured and designed G10 handle scales.

The Panthera II BF-707B has a refreshing narrow profile, not of the seemingly norm today of wide bodied blades intended for outdoor usage. What this translates to is a knife which is not overly heavy despite its large size and also a knife which has a reduced frictional surface area for its size, ie for easier penetrating and cutting ease (there's just less blade to enter and exit materials).

The Black Fox BF-707B Panthera II is modelled upon the same Knife model (name) from Austrian Knife Designer and Biologist, Professor Sammi Stinner, the man behind "Pi knives". The differences between this knife his production version are the following: The blade material is 6mm D2 Bรถhler K110), the scales are bolted to the tang and there is a short section of serrations placed upon the upper edge of the tip of the knife. The overall shape is identical and the handle material and shape almost identical. The handle has been designed to be ergonomic and so far, my impression is this. The Original model is marketed as a Military knife and not one intended for civilian use. The Black Fox BF-707B comes with a fire steel as well.


Blade material is 440C (note only 440 is laser engraved on the blade but the written material* from Fox Knives, lists this knife material as 440C and a HRC of 57-59. Non magnetic (probably aluminium alloy rivets) are used to attach the G10 scales to the tang. I note that several models within the Black Fox line only show "440" engraved upon the blade but are in fact 440C. I would have preferred to see the use of stainless steel rivet but this of course would increase the overall production cost of this knife and defeat the purpose of mass production.
*(ref pg. 129 of the 2019 catalogue from FOX Knives)


Black Fox Tactical is the line of knives from FOX knives intended specifically for the outdoors persons usage in camping, hunting and fishing; professional people like rescue teams; fire fighters; police and law enforcement. Amongst the Black Fox branding are numerous models which have been designed by world famous knife designers and martial artists. I have tested several Black Fox models and found them to be well-made of quality materials and knives which hold a good edge and are aimed at a price point which is reasonable for the build quality. The BF-707B carries some slight modifications of the original military designed and intended knife, which make this blade more suitable for civilian usage such as: camping; hunting, hiking and fishing activities. Removal of the upper spine serrations and utilizing the high carbon stainless steel 440C, now makes it not necessary to remove the handle scales (unlike with D2 which is not as corrosion resistant) to clean this knife. 440C has a very good resistance to corrosion.

440C just again for those of you who are not familiar with this "work horse" knife alloy:




As a high carbon stainless steel alloy, 440C can also be found in numerous application in industry, such as bearing etc. High hardness and good corrosion resistance are its key features.


5mm/0.196 inches wide ergonomically placed finger/thumb gimping.

The spine is 5mm thick 440C with what appears to be some sort of PVD surface coating. Unfortunately the literature whilst listing the blade coating as TC, they omitted this in the key of blade coatings in the reference section of the current catalogue. I believe the letters TC to stand for Titanium Coated.


The Panthera II is a large outdoor knife with a blade shape not unlike the "Yatagan" knife/sword which was a common design during the Ottoman Empire rule in Europe. (see this blog here). The slightly recurved section can be seen in many such knife and sword designs of this era.



The butt end has a milled pattern in the G10 scales but this has been omitted in the actual end of the tang, probably to reduce the overall cost of this mass production knife.


The handle has supposedly been designed with human hand ergonomics in mind. Certainly it is very comfortable and grippy in dry or wet hands.



A "pancake" style Kydex scabbard with a good lock up/retention and a quick release "Tek Lok" style fully adjustable (see image below) belt clip is included in the cost. A short length of Paracord-like cord was supplied with this knife.

Easy opening but lockable fully adjustable bely clip

The BF-707B Panthera II also includes a generously sized fire steel and striker held in place by the elastic nature of the Kydex retention "tube" which has been cut in such away as to keep tension upon the steel.


The end rivet hole serves as a convenient tie in point for a lanyard hole. The Titanium finish provide an anti-reflective coating to the blade surface.

Overall the Panthera II is a quick handling knife and this is a reflection of it's original end usage in the military. In this case however, the Panthera II makes for a sturdy large outdoor knife for one who is after good corrosion resistance,  durability in the field and a narrow blade profile which is not heavy in the hand. The slightly recurved section is a bonus for easy cutting of fibrous materials. As this section is not overly recurved, I do not envisage any problems or difficulties in keeping the Panthera II sharp in the field with a ceramic rod or narrow profile ceramic block.




As usual I will be putting the Panthera II through the paces in the field and reporting my findings on BushCampingTools, so stay tuned!




Monday, 7 October 2019

One of Kizlyar Supreme's best tactical knives is without a doubt the DOMINUS




Here it is if you are not familiar with this great model.



Why do I think this?


After over one year of usage (several times or more per month) in the field, this is why.


1/ Excellent Kraton grip, very ergonomic, grippy wet or dry. That means for fishing and bloody hands/slime etc, you will not loose this knife from your grip.

2/ Stainless AUS8 blade in either partly serrated (cuts cordage/ropes quickly) or non serrated (my model shown here).


3/ Wide tang construction leading to exposed tang at the butt, with gimping and lanyard hole.


4/ Excellent safe scabbard, zero rattle, super secure knife retention, plus Molle compatible camouflage low key finish.



5/ Excellent penetrating point design.



6/ Not too big to be EDC. Very safe scabbard/carry system.

See my extensive reviews here:

and here












Kizlyar Supreme SEVERUS Fixed blade Review

Kizlyar Supreme SEVERUS* Fixed blade Review-quick run down.

The newly released Kizlyar Supreme Severus fixed blade with a tactical look and versatility of a well-designed hiking and camping knife, ready for action!

As the Laser engraving says: Made In Russia; a brand name in itself. The anti reflective "Tac wash" finish has been applied.

The newly released Kizlyar Supreme Severus fixed blade. A D2 steel hollow ground spear point/bordering on a drop point geometry, featuring a "Tac wash" blade finish, fluorescent (I'm not going to loose you) orange/blaze orange 3D processed/milled G10 scales with super comfortable scalloping and nicely rounded butt (please no jokes here!) with lanyard hole.
Great rounded but end, comfortable to apply pressure to and can not cause user injury.

The blade thickness is 3.2mm and features a proprietary hardening process in a Nitrogen atmosphere to HRC 61.
Full tang construction,  the fulcrum is placed behind the guard.

T
he Severus is a practical sized fixed blade perfect for hiking and camping trips where one might go fishing and some hunting too of small to medium game. The blade thickness of 3.2mm is great for processing food around camp and the handle has zero hot spots during prolonged usage. The scalloped milling pattern in the scales provides a very secure grip in wet or dry hands and is just another one of their great practical designed blades for the avid camper and hiker from Kizlyar Supreme. The choice of D2, a tool steel known for its toughness and robustness against edge loss, tops off a well rounded design.


The Kizlyar Supreme Severus* was well presented and the finish excellent.

The Severus comes with a black leather scabbard and traditional belt loop carry. 

The full leather scabbard features a full welt stitched design and three (3) rivets for reinforcing.

The Kizlyar Supreme Severus has a "Tactical" look about it and this sort of adds some "coolness" to it without compromise of a comfortable blade to hold without gloved hands.

You can also see it here:


The Kizlyar Supreme Severus has an excellent point and this is a must on any knife which is intended for camping and hiking. You simply can not gut animals properly with a knife with a good point on it. The thickness also means you do not have to struggle and look a fool when preparing the camp food with this knife. Easily seen, working in the twilight or total darkness by torch or fire light will not present any issues about "putting it down and loosing it".


The Severus is not too heavy either, weighing in at a mere 
194gm/7Oz., Slightly heavier in the scabbard at 265 gm/9.3Oz.  and a blade length of 136mm or 5.3". At this blade weight still giving the feeling of sturdiness. The guard is not too big either but big enough to provide a secure and safe grip when pressure applied.


We'll be taking the Kizlyar Supreme Severus out for some serious field testing in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to our YouTube channel BushCampingTools!


What's in a name??
* Severus, an Emperor of the Roman Empire


Thursday, 26 September 2019

Tip down or Tip up??? Flipper Folders and Safe Carry

Tip down or Tip up???

Flipper Folders and Safe Carry.


Flipper folders are very popular these days as it allows one with some basic dexterity to open a knife with one hand (which can be supremely important in some circumstances) and at the same time look a bit cool. I say look a bit cool because in reality I believe it is better to not attract attention to oneself, especially if you are carrying a knife. Ok that's my personal opinion and I'll leave it at that. What I want to discuss now is the issue of how to carry a flipper folder. OR how not to carry one.

How not to carry one is simple. NEVER carry one loose in a pack or bag or jacket pocket, the interior of a vehicle-plane, car, truck 4WD etc. WHY? Well a flipper folder of course takes it's name from the projection of steel that also forms a sort of guard when the knife is actually open and in use. Now if the knife experiences a "knock" due to being bounced around a car, bag, rucksac etc, then it can easily open- ACCIDENTALLY! I think the repercussions from this is obvious.

Never use the pocket clip (if supplied) to carry a "Tip up" flipper (or any flipper for that matter) on your belt; not unless you want to stab yourself. I did this once BTW, oh about 60km from home in the bush, no vehicle etc, no one around etc, in other words no help as there was zero mobile phone reception etc. I did it for less than 5 seconds around camp, I can't even remember why now BUT I accidentally engaged that flipper projection for want of a better word and it released the blade, tip up, into my guts, ok fear not, my response was immediate, as in stop moving immediately! I was lucky! Yes, the pocket clip is for use on the pocket only and never to be used on anything else but the pocket. The simple reason, is if one hasn't figured it out already, the pocket is necessary to restrain the blade in such a folder, preventing accidental opening. This is even more important with such a heavy weight folder (the blade is the heavy part) as the Extrema Ratio HF2D I have jut blogged and reviewed; where the blade can develop sufficient momentum to open all by itself if not restrained. Hence the inclusion of a pouch in the purchase of this knife and of course the knife features a deep carry (and you'll need deep pockets for this beast- LOL-take that how you want it) pocket clip/s. Now in the case of such a large folder and a folder which is a flipper, I personally carry it TIP DOWN in my pocket if not in it's pouch. I can quickly remove the knife because i simply hook my fingers around the flipper part. In doing so the knife wants to stay closed.


Anyway, that's it. I'm sure you already know this but if one doesn't then there it is!


BCT