KNIVES INTERNATIONAL REVIEW # 2015 08

N°8/70B 2015

INTERNATIONAL KNIVES REVIEW

INTERNATIONAL KNIVES REVIEW

THE MAGAZINE OF EXCELLENCE IN KNIVES AND BLADES

IN THIS ISSUE Extrema Ratio Psycho 19 Desert Camo and Kato 15 Desert Camo Victorinox 1.3405 Compact Fox Knives Zero (FX-305); Njall (FX-511); Retribution Scout (FX-600); Battle Chef (OLC-TAC13 ZWILLING J.A.HENCKELS Chef 200 mm; Chef 160 mm

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KNIVES INTERNATIONAL REVIEW N. 8/70B - 2015

Cover: Extrema Ratio Psycho 19

Editorial Director Roberto Canali Managing Director Filippo Camperio Chief Administrative Officer Silvia Cei

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SUE Extrem a Ra ti Psyc ho 19 o Deser Kato 15 tC Victor Desert C amo and amo in 1.3405 ox Fox Kn Compact ives Zero (FXRetrib 305); Nj all (F ution XBattl e Che Scout (FX- 511); f (OLC 600) ZWIL ; LING -TAC 13 J.A.H Chef ENCKE 200 LS mm; Chef 160 m m

Editorial Staff Massimiliano Duca (redazione2@caffeditrice.it), Gianluigi Guiotto (coltelli@caffeditrice.it) Graphic Designers Jessica Licata, M-House Ed. di Luca Morselli Studio grafico Stefano Oriani English Version IT-wire srl (info@it-wire.com) Tommaso Rumici (zatodesign@gmail.com) Contributors Gianni Daffara, Alfredo Doricchi, Fabio Ferrari, Vincenzo Goffredo, Tommaso Rumici, Vincenzo Tumbiolo, Luigi “Sator” Tumolo, Giuseppe Vernocchi, Marco Dell’Acqua, Marta Cammilletti, Giorgio Alessandri, Francesco Pascoli, Francesco Pachì, Roberto Allara, Mauro Maggi International Advertising Luca Gallina +39 347 26 86 288 vendite3@caffeditrice.it Italian Advertising Paolo Maggiorelli +39 349 4 33 69 33 vendite1@caffeditrice.it Published by C.A.F.F. Editrice via Sabatelli, 1 - 20154 Milano tel. +39 02 34537504 fax +39 02 34537513 knives@caffeditrice.com www.caffeditrice.com Milan Court Registration Number n. 521 issued on 10/09/2001.

Copyright by C.A.F.F. srl All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, write to the publisher at the address above.

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Extrema Ratio Psycho 19 Desert Camo and Kato 15 Desert Camo

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1.3405 Compact 20

Zero (FX-305); Njall (FX-511); Retribution Scout (FX-600); Battle Chef (OLC-TAC13) 32

ZWILLING J.A.HENCKELS Chef 200 mm; Chef 160 mm

KITCHEN KNIVES

Tactical Kitchen First seen at Nuremberg IWA, now the kitchen series, branded Extrema Ratio, is in the knife shops, at last. Far from being a simple marketing operation, the new collection is wide and with very interesting characteristics, that makes it tough to relegate them in the kitchen alone text and pictures by Tommaso Rumici

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he decision of Extrema Ratio to introduce a chef knife series would have been winning in any case, especially from a commercial point of view, given the great number o f e n t h u s i a s t s a lway s awa i t i n g n ew products from the Tuscan producer.

1. The Extrema Ratio chef is called Psycho, the blade design is the one expected from a chef's knife, but has a hint on the swedge that re m i n d s u s t h a t i t s D N A belongs to a completely different family 2. The Kato 15 is one of the most interesting knives of the series. It's handy and robust, it works perfectly with vegetables without disdaining other tasks typical to the chef

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KITCHEN KNIVES

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3. Extrema Ratio has employed a small trick to use the same handles of the military series: just before the tang, the thickness of the blades reach the usual 6 mm

We really have to give credits to the company that has not limited her self in a mere m a rke t i n g o p e rat i o n , bu t instead, studied sound blades within a complete and ample range, ready to satisfy the most demanding fans and made them truly usable.

A complete selection

Undoubtedly, the standardbearer of the kitchen line is

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the Psycho, in other words, the Chef's knife in the eyes of Extrema Ratio: wide and streamlined, with a small swedge that recalls the family DNA. The Kato is a santoku, and as per or iental profile, is designed to work with vegetables but, in this case, does not disdain more gener ic tasks. The role of carving knife is bestowed to

the known Mato Grosso, now revisited with a standardlength handle, and a blade 3 1 c m l o n g . T h e Wa k i , designed to slice roasts, is a centimeter less long a n d w i t h a Ta n t o p ro f i l e.

The series closes with the massive Genovese, a robust cleaver.

Fo r t h e P s y ch o a n d K at o, the name is followed by a number that indicates the

centimeter s of the blade: therefore, we have Kato 15 and 20, and Psycho 15, 19 and 24, whereas the others are available in just one length.

A l l t h e p ro p o s e d m o d e l s have a double chromatic livery: satin blade and black h a n d l e, o r b row n h a n d l e and desert-camo blade.

Among the two variations there is a strong difference in price, probably due to the

sheath that we will describe l a t e r. T h e p a c k a g i n g i s similar to the military models, unless you choose t h e w o o d b ox e s f o r t h e Psycho 15 and Kato 15, or Psycho 19 and Kato 20, only in the satin version.

Fo r t h o s e l o o k i n g f o r a tactical look on the kitchen table, we remind you that there are also three series of steel monolithic knives:

for the steak you can choose between the Silver Talon and the Steel Talon, for a generic use there are t h e n e w S h e f f i e l d Ty p e wh i ch re c a l l s t h e t y p i c a l traits of the classic silver cutlery.

All of these knives can be bought individually or in a set. By the way, a Silver Talon or a Steel talon would be the ideal complement to

4.The branding on the kitchen series recalls the ones used in the past on tactical productions.

Here the Psycho 19 compared to an old Fulcrum - belonging to the author’s collection

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KITCHEN KNIVES

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5. Aside the typical uses of a chef knife, the Psycho 19 is quite handy in precision tasks, without being dangerous or clumsy

the kitchen series, as able to, respectively, work as straight and curved peeling knife.

Finally, if you are looking for an up-to-the-task cutting board, Extrema Ratio offers one in a ver y beautiful round walnut wood, with the logo on the border. It's been designed for a Florentine steak, but should also work perfectly as counter.

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Dedicated blades

Blades are in Bohler N690: a martensitic steel enriched with chromium vanadium and cobalt, a long-time experienced steel the company can pride herself with.

Compared to the militar y production, the thickness decreases to 4 mm due to the less stressing uses, in

the case of the Genovese, instead, it properly remains a little more than 6 mm.

Unfortunately for our tastes, the branding is like the old times; big and in the center of the blade.

On the left side they express the HRC and the kind of s t e e l , o n t h e o t h e r s i d e, the names of the company, the model and the "made

i n I t a ly " a re s m a l l e r, a n d ver tically positioned just before the handle.

A known handle

The real surprise is that... there is no surprise, when turning our attention to the handle.

Extrema Ratio, in fact, has c h o s e n h a n d l e s t h a t we already know, by means of a

small trick.

As soon as the bevels end, the tang turns back to its usual 6 mm thickness, so to perfectly fit into the military handles, t h at c a r r y t h e i n d ex a n d middle finger groove.

The ERMH (Extrema Ratio Multipurpose Handle) has been developed in collaboration with the U n i v e r s i t y o f Pe r u g i a -

precisely with the Faculty of physical education, in the intent of finding the ideal compromise between a strong gr ip, needed for field tasks, and handiness, preferable in combat.

And in the kitchen it handles (pun intended) itself quite a d m i r ably, b e i n g abl e t o work under stress or in more precise tasks.

6. The Kato 15 is perfect in the role of santoku and allows to work on vegetables in a very precise and swift way. The lacking 2 mm offer immediate benefits even in our first cut

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KITCHEN KNIVES

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7. We swore not to use military inspired photos. Sorry guys, but the sheaths in the desert version don’t really match kitchen uses

I t ' s a Fo r p r e n e m o l d , a Ther moplastic Elastomer (TPE) with a service temperature ranging from -40°C to 120°C, easy to disassemble, in the event you wish to wash it separately from the blade.

Once again, the cleaver makes the exception and carries the long Selvans handle, whereas the others carry the standard

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one, where the tang protrudes at its end.

Two colors, two sheaths

The sheaths differ ver y much and depend on the choice of color made.

To t h e s a t i n b l a d e s i t i s matched the black leather version, with a large retention strap, closed with two snap-buttons.

Instead, those in the desert s t y l e, h ave a l i g h t b row n synthetic sheath, with a central black profile of c l o s e d c e l l e l a s t o m e r, unable to absorb water or moist.

I n t h e l a t t e r c a s e, t h e r e a r e t wo r e t e n t i o n s t r ap s , both movable, one a little nar rower with a single button, and the other, wider

with two snap buttons.

This is the sheath with the most tactical impr int where both sides carry the M.O.L.L.E. retention system, a n d o f f e r s a r e m ovabl e fastener to carr y it on the side.

How they perform in the kitchen?

We have received a Psycho

1 9 a n d a K at o 1 5 t o t e s t them thoroughly.

Again, no surprises in the kitchen, actually we would have been surprised of the contrar y, as these new ER don't have to withstand the compromises of the military models, where cutting performances have to match robustness and must be safe even if abused.

In the kitchen, they can a c t u a l ly p e r fo r m at t h e i r best with their shar pness and make the best out of the lighter weight thanks to the lacking 2 mm of thickness.

Probably, our set represents the ideal basic assortment, with the long enough Psycho that can do ever ything and the shorter Kato that comes in handy

8. The wood in the photo comes from a single piece using the Kato. Take a closer look to the bark of the log used for batoning. The knife performed perfectly, and the cutting edge was up to the match. Only the lines on the desert camo are permanently marked

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KITCHEN KNIVES

t h e b at o n i n g , bu t w i s h e s to carr y a good blade while hiking, now can find the answer in the Tuscan catalog - a 4 mm blade that everybody dreamed of, but never dared to ask.

Ver y light, extremely sharp and with no ser rations, is strong enough to withstand a normal use.

Especially the desert version, which sheath offers a number of different positions for the carry.

They are easy to car r y in the backpack as well as at the belt, even in long trips.

E x t re m a R at i o wa n t e d t o offer its fans a line of blades dedicated to the culinar y ar t, but actually managed to reach a second result:

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Convincing performances A pity using them only in the kitchen

Producer: Extrema Ratio, www.extremaratio.com Model: Psycho 19 Desert Camo; Kato 15 Desert Camo Blade material: Bohler N690Co Handle material: Forprene Total length: 332 mm; 290 mm Blade length: 202 mm; 160 mm Blade thickness: 4 mm Weight: 276 g; 275 g Sheath: Cordura with MO.L.L.E.

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offering knives ready to be liked by those who do not need important thicknesses or combo blades, and since today, had to look elsewhere to be satisfied.

Between the two blades we had in our hands, the most suitable for an outdoor use i s t h e K at o, t h a n k s t o i t s blade that keeps the same thickness for almost all its length.

Fro m a c u l i n a r y p o i n t o f view, the Psycho correctly gets more and more slender by the time it reaches the tip and it's perfect for hunting purposes, on meat, and in any situation where the cut is the only thing required. î ľ

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when dicing, mincing and s i m i l a r t a s k s . Th e 2 4 c m long chef, instead, is way too much for a non professional use.

T h e b u n d l e b ox P s y c h o 15 and Kato 15 is also perfect for a standard use.

While we were using these two blades in the kitchen, we had a strange feeling.

Soon we cleared our thoughts when we decided to use them on more "onfield" situation.

E ve n t h o u g h p e r f o r m i n g greatly in the kitchen, you'll always have the doubt that they are wasted if relegated in the kitchen.

Who does not need to survive on a knife, and does not use it in tough tasks as

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MULTITOOL

Always researching for new knives ideal for an every day carry, we bumped into a not so well known multitool. It holds a selections of tools that is quite unusual. The Victorinox Compact in a small space manages to hold what needed for an ordinary day in the city text and pictures by Tommaso Rumici

The Victorinox Compact encloses an unusual group of tools, making it an interesting alternative to the common compact multitool.

A perfect companion for the every day life

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ď‚ From left, the new tool mounted on this model, that includes the functions usually carried separately by the other two. A good example of how Victorinox doesn't rest on its laurels, but keeps evolving

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n the past, we've encountered the Victorinox Handyman.

Today, it still is one of the most interesting multitool of the Swiss company. It's able to occupy little space still holding all the necessar y tools to face any accident.

The Compact, descr ibed in these pages, is not so complete, but, on the other side, offers less than a half of the width. An advantage that cannot be underestimated, if you decide to carry it around

always. It encompass a mix of unusual tools, if compared to the typical light multitool, and even if it's a bit too "concise" as a multitool, it's perfect for the every day life.

In the Swiss catalog there are even more basic models, but, sincerely, with its 64 grams, this appears to be one of the best compromises between hindrances and function assortment. After all, one of the strengths of Victorinox is just this: an extremely vast assortment where anyone

can find the model with the right mix of tools suitable to the needs. We should also remind you that recently the assortment increased again, having added those models previously sold under the Wenger brand -Â now completely dismissed. In the main recesses we find only three tools. The blade is one and offers no peculiarities.

It has classical shape and dimensions - able to do a bit of everything without being noticed too much. With its 2 15

MULTITOOL

ď‚ In this photo, the position of the pin is clearly visible - inside the area of the corkscrew.

Take a look at the back of the hook, engineered to work as a nail file

mm of thickness and grinds throughout the blade, is sharp and rigid enough for all the occasional uses, included replacing some terrible knives found in certain restaurants.

For precision cuts, like getting rid of labels or threads, there are the scissors, kept open by a spring. Lastly, a small innovation: the third tool an hybrid - that similarly to the Leatherman, works as a 16

cap lifter and can opener.

Moreover, the other functions usually belonging to the usual two different tools, now are integrated in one - flat screwdriver and wire stripper.

At this point, we already have the essential to happily live through a urban day. But, Victorinox decided to give something more by putting the multipurpose hook together with the nail file

and a corkscrew on the back.

Another positive aspect, the extremely useful screwdriver with a small head - usually sold a part - is already included.

As usual, the scale are glossy red Cellidor, with the metallic emblem embedded in the plastic. Again, we see a step further in respect to traditions, as, toothpick, tweezer and pin aside, the right one hides a pressurized ballpoint pen.

belt sheath. From a legal point of view, the absence of a lock and the need to use two hands to open it already state the harmlessness of the blade.

Moreover, it's now a fact that the Swiss knives are part of our collective culture, and therefore, the most "socially accepted" ones - especially when wearing the classic red color. î ľ SO

W i s e l y, a l l t h e s e s m a l l accessories, not being anchored to the Compact, and easier to loose, are available as spare parts. The carry will never be a problem, there is no clip, but the small Swiss knife is light and has no edges, therefore can be directly put in your pocket. Alternatively, it's possible to hook it via the ring, or buying a Victorinox

ď‚‚ The Cellidor scales enclose many other useful functions: ballpoint pen, tweezers and toothpick. Moreover, on the corkscrew, a small flat screwdriver is screwed on, a great life-saver for those of us wearing glasses

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Marvelous selection... ....only for urban environments

Producer: Victorinox www.victorinox.com Model: 1.3405 Compact Distributor: Kunzi, +39026145161, www.kunzi.it Blade material: stainless steel Handle material: Cellidor Length when open: 159 mm Blade length: 68 mm Blade thickness 2 mm Weight: 64 g Lock type: simple spring

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MULTITOOL

ď‚ Of course, when it comes to suggest a Victorinox, we always part for the most complete Handyman (on the left), but the big difference on the thickness, let us prefer the Compact for an urban environment

On the online version of the Magazine you can see a video here Please visit: http://www.caffeditrice.com/knives/2015-08/index.html

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FOLDER

Illustrious Origins Here the four models from the vast Fox catalog, created in collaborations with renown designers. Zero, Njall, Retribution Scout and Battle Chef, respectively designed by Jens Anso, Jesper Voxnaes, Jerry Hossom and Olamic Tactical text and pictures by Tommaso Rumici

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1. The small Fox Zero, offers a shor t but robust blade , suitable to work with the belly as well as with the tip.

The handle is comfortable and gripping, the lock is very solid 2 . O n c e c l o s e d , t h e Z e ro i s f l a t a n d w i t h s t a n d a rd hindrances. The sturdy clip a l l ow s t o c a r r y i t i n t h e pocket, where it won't be felt thanks to its light weight.The clip can be repositioned

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very enthusiast expects companies to p e r i o d i c a l ly p r e s e n t new products. Bigger is the p ro d u c e r, m o re s h a l l t h e new products be. Moreover, t h e ex p e c t at i o n s w i l l b e, obviously, for original and properly designed models. To satisfy these requests, many brands decided to couple the inter nally designed knives with many illustrious designer collaborations. To give an over view of such

trend, we have chosen four m o d e l s o f t h e e x t e n s iv e Fox catalog. They all belong to different categories as it's also important to satisfy ever y kind of user, by offering different models wh i l s t s t ay i n g w i t h i n t h e boundaries of the company vision.

The folder by Anso

Let's begin with Zero (FX305), the only folder of this group. The design is by Jens

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FOLDER

Anso, Danish knifemaker and designer who does not need introductions among knife enthusiasts. The blade is in N690Co, wide, squatly and streamlined. The main bevel almost perfectly follows the cur ve of the cutting edge.

The eye gets caught by the swedge - which is only an aesthetic trait, but is one of the key strength of the model. There are no thumb pins, holes or other kind of opening aids. Probably the reason is linked to the

many legislative restrictions that can be found in many countries that often bound t h e c h o i c e b e t we e n t h e lock of the blade or the onehand opening. In reality, the por tion of the blade that protrudes from the handle allows the opening with the thumb and the index, with no need of using both - but since the opposing force of the lock is quite strong, you will have to get used to it.

The handle of our model is in black FRN (Fiberglass

Reinforced Nylon) but it's a l s o av a i l a b l e i n a v e r y n i c e m i l i t a r y g r e e n . Th e ergonomics are carefully studied, and the first fingers find a comfortable support, while the positioning of the 3. The back-lock is contained in the forward part of the handle. The backward part, instead, is open, has FRN scales separated only by a n i c e m e t a l l i c s p a c e r. T h e blade is well centered

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4. The Njall, designed by Vox, is a compact tool for outdoor uses. It recalls some of the typical traits of the designer’s style, like the metallic small tubes that fasten the scales

little finger depends on how big your hand is. The index rests against the lower part of the quillon - not a very sturdy one, but enough to keep the finger away from the cutting e d g e. Th e m o l d e d s c a l e s have a surface that recalls a

milled G10, similarly to what we saw on the Boker Nano, but without pointy edges that often characterize the glass fiber and epoxy resins laminates. Inside there are no metallic liners, since the l o ck i n g s y s t e m d o e s n o t require it. The mechanics is back-lock and, as often happens on smaller folders, ends up being exaggerated in respect to the stresses a standard use would cause, but, on the other hand, very safe.

Unlike the standards, the lever does not occupy the entire back of the handle, which is open on the bottom side and where a small spacer keeps the right distance between the two half-handles. The knife is kept together by four Torx s c r e w s t h at a r e c o u p l e d with four rounded female screws. The one at the end of the handle also fastens the clip, that allows only a tip-up carry and can be set for right and left handed position.

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FOLDER

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f i xe d , t h at p e r fe c t ly f a l l s in the "four-inches-field" category, that lately appears t o h av e a g r e a t s u c c e s s and where almost all the important producers have experimented on. The reason is mainly a practical one for those enthusiasts that make a real use of it. A compact field knife is easy to carr y 4 inches by Vox and often takes care of the The Njall (FX-511) is, again, bigger part of the tasks at son of a Danish designer, and hand, therefore it's logical to this time it's Jesper Voxnaes, find this category the most aka “Vox�. This is a compact p o p u l a r o n e. I n s t e a d , fo r 5. The leather sheath is we l l - c r a f t e d a n d o f l i t t l e hindrance. Enveloping the handle with precision, there is no need for other straps or retention systems. The belt strap is designed only for the right-handed

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collectors, this is a trend that overtook the one on fighters which probably derives from the continuing declining interest on sur vivals, and that, most probably, will soon g ive s p a c e t o s o m e t h i n g different.

On the Njall, some of the typical Vox traits are visible, first among all the wide clip point blade, followed by the flaring small tubes that f asten the scales. On the blade itself, there isn't much to say, except that its

robust and functional, apt to outdoor and hunting p u r p o s e s . Th e r e i s a f u l l width spine, slightly curved that allows the thumb to rest when needed. The groove for the forward index position 6. On the back of the handle, there is a knurled area that recalls the one used on the upper quillon, that acts as a support for the thumb without impeding other forward positioning

is useful, but it could have been a little more deep and wide, as it ends on the the cutting edge.

The handle has no shar p edges and carries a single rear point where it won't bother any finger. The only exception is when you hold it as an ice-cr usher, when the thumb will, with some d i f f i c u l t y, f i n d i t s p l a c e, but, honestly, we don't see the Njall designed with combative aspirations. It's not a crusher, as the green

micarta that follows the line of the steel tang will wear out quickly. Green micarta a s i d e, i n t h e Fox c at a l o g there is also an orange G10 version, for those looking for more visibility.

When holding it for the first time, you'll be astonished for the handiness as well as the weight - a little above our expectations - probably because the tang has not been discharged. Anyway, we cannot mark it as a defect, because by moving back the

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FOLDER

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7. The Retribution Scout by Hossom is clearly a combat k n i f e . E ve n n o t k n ow i n g , just a look at the profile of the blade let’s you clearly understand what is its purpose

The retribution

by Jerry Hossom

The Retribution Scout (FX600) is quite a famous model completely hand-crafted by Jerr y Hossom, and it's the fo re f at h e r o f t h e p re s e n t production, that reworks the typical lines. Even if a little longer than the Njall, also balance, it makes the Njall t h i s k n i fe c o u l d f a l l i n t o way more handy. The leather the "medium-sized fixed" sheet is simple and thick, category, as it's easy to carry d e s i g n e d j u s t t o b e u s e d and versatile - but certainly on the side. If you are left- it's not for the outdoor. As a handed, you'll have to adapt. matter of fact, what makes it

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different is its best intended use - reading on Hossom we b s i t e, i t ap p e a r s cl e a r how his present production i s t h e i n c a r n at i o n o f t h e r a g e f o l l ow i n g 9 / 1 1 . Th e Retribution, is a combat knife, designed for the militar y.

T h e b l a d e i s i n N 6 9 0 C o, extremely streamlined, pointy and aggressive, to be feared either when using the cutting edge as well as its tip. The grind that leads to the overall height of the blade maximizes the cutting

performances, whereas the flats bevels avoid that the Retr ibution becomes too " d e l i c at e " , t h u s re s u l t i n g fragile when used.

The handle is comfortable and properly contains the hand within both extremities.

It does not allow many kind o f g r i p s , bu t i t e n s u re s a greater retention when used in mar tial ar t holds, even when applying force. Unlike the Njall, the green micarta scales can be taken apart,

taking care of not mixing up the screws, as they are of different lengths. Under the scales, we find a discharged tang - with an overall weight reduction, thus offering a proper balance thanks to the high grinds and therefore a ver y light blade. Even this sheath is made of leather, a strange choice for the user i n m i n d . We wo u l d h ave gone with a Cordura or Kydex one. You can choose a z i r i c o t e wo o d h a n d l e -

which better matches the leather sheath, but less in line with the tactical nature of the Retribution.

Fo r t h o s e f a s c i n a t e d b y this design, but would like bigger dimensions, should t h e n h av e a l o o k t o t h e 8. Even this is a fixed, with no upper quillon that offers a certain versatility. On the other side, it offers a dented ramp useful to thrust

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the biggest fixed one, the B at t l e C h e f ( O L C - TAC 1 3 )

by Olamic Tactical, things get complicated. The name suggests a kitchen use, but the profile and the presence of the ring at the back would Vengeance - clearly related suggest a martial art one. The to the Retribution, and with reality is that it's certainly a 5 cm longer blade. the less usable of the group, but, at the same time, it is so Battle chef nice and intriguing that it If for the previous models, would be very easy ending f i n d i n g t h e c a t e g o r y up owning one without t h e y b e l o n g t o wa s e a s y knowing the details of how enough, this last one, and it happened. After all, our 9. In this case, due to its military usage, the leather sheath should have been in Cordura, like many others in the Fox catalog

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world is not only made of militar y and hiker s, there is no reason not to satisfy even those that, first of all, look for a gratifying design.

Even better, at least, we can avoid useless complications on knives that have clear and serious destinations of use when tr ying to satisfy ever yone with few models.

Whatever the destination of use we decide to give to the Battle Chef, this knife offers a long blade - a mix between a chef knife and a

slicer, if we intend to remain in the kitchen. Certainly, your guests will be impressed... still, it's up to you to see them coming back to your kitchen.

10. The Battle Chef is quite different from the typical Olamic Cutlery designs, and indeed it is branded Olamic Tactical. Proposed as a kitchen knife, it’s difficult to understand its real destination of use, but this does not diminish its appeal

The swedge, like other works on this model, has only an a e s t h e t i c p u r p o s e, bu t i t properly embraces the rest of the knife.You can choose the variation with a dark coating.

The handle is black G10 with some inclined indents and one passing through, which leaves to the view par t of t h e t a n g , d e c o rat e d w i t h s o m e f l a r i n g h o l e s . E a ch scale is secured with seven hex-screws, and at the end of the handle there is a ring similar to those found on

the Karambit, which allows routines that are usually not seen in a kitchen, unless the cook is Steven Segal in Under Siege. The balance in the Battle Chef is especially spot-on for a swift and casual handling, of cour se if you are capable with all the right precautions. In other words, the martial art expert as well as the professional cook will find it a pleasant tool to play with, from time to time. All the others should avoid it, since the blade is very long

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and extremely sharp, ver y difficult to handle with safety.

Even if unlikely, the outdoor use is not to be excluded, as the sheath - a black leather one with the Olamic tactical logo on, has the usual belt fastener. Undoubtedly, the handle may result a bit

limited due to the ring at the end, and the blade too long for typical uses.

But, if used to chop vegetation or thin branches, the Battle Chef could be not only up for the job, but even funny to use. î ľ LM

11.The most interesting area of the Battle Chef is, without a doubt, the handle, which ends with a ring similar to the one found on karambits.

But, in this case, the blade is much longer, therefore you’d better be very sure of yourself before tr ying out some routines

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12. The sheath is really simple , black leather and the Olamic logo on the front side. On the back, there is the belt fastener, even though we believe very few will decide to wear it

Producer: Fox, www.foxcutlery.com Model: Zero (FX-305); Njall (FX-511); Retribution Scout (FX-600); Battle Chef (OLC-TAC13) Designer: Anso (www.ansoknives.com); Vox (www.voxknives.com); Hossom ( hossom.com); Olamic (www.olamiccutlery.com) Blade material: N690Co Handle material: FRN; micarta; micarta; G10 Total length: 166 mm; 223 mm; 278 mm; 320 mm Blade length: 68 mm; 110 mm; 133 mm; 180 mm Blade thickness: 2.8 mm; 4.8 mm 5 mm; 4.4 mm Weight: 58 g; 231 g; 264 g; 287 g Lock type: back lock (Zero) Sheath: leather (Njall; Retribution Scout; Battle Chef)

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KITCHEN KNIVES

Never been so versatile Zwilling further perfects its Pro series by adding new chef knives that will be make the life of classic chef and santoku harder. Moreover, it presents two lines of synthetic cutting boards which are very elegant as well as practical for every day use

by Giorgio Alessandri

T

he Pro series by Zwilling, which reinvents its classic triple rivet line, is one of the

most ample proposed by the Ger man company. Thanks t o t h e bl a ck P O M s c a l e s , it suits the professional

as well as the enthusiasts, bringing along the classic technological baggage a dv a n c e d m a t e r i a l s a n d

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2

1.The new chef of the Pro line revisits the traditional design by dropping the tip.The result is extreme usable blades, true competitors of the classic and santoku knives 2. Zwilling takes great care also in the packaging step.

Each knife is contained in a plastic protection that avoids d a m age s t o t h e t i p w h e n transported

t re at m e n t s . Th e p rev i o u s a dd i t i o n s t o t h e s e r i e s were blades of par ticular designs, whereas now, the most impor tant profile of the assor tment - the chef knife - is the one touched by the process. The new chef of 20 and 16 centimeter s, ke ep t h e o r i g i n a l p ro s , bu t t h a n k s t o t h e cl e a rly dropped point, can offer a bigger adaptability to any operation, with nonchalance it can mince herbs, cut

vegetables, chop meat and fillet fish. The new blades, almost symmetr ical, keep the typical forged knot, that allows to control, with surgical precision, the knife while holding it with the thumb and the index.

The other side of the cut

Aside extending the Pro series, Zwilling has introduced two completely new series of cutting boards.

Usually we focus on knives,

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ON DISPLAY

3

steel used and per taining cutting performances and abilities to remain sharp. But, after our frequent visits to the professional sharpeners, we understood the importance of the right working a r e a . S t i l l way t o o m a n y enthusiasts underestimate the importance of a proper cutting board that is stable,

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hy g i e n i c a n d avo i d s t h e early wear of the edge. The surface on which you cut, mince and fillet has to be o f h i g h q u a l i t y, s o n o t t o ruin your precious blades.

The new cutting boards of the Sinthetik series, fill in the gap in the Zwilling catalog, that, up until today, has offered perfect wood

cutting boards, but lacked t h e p o ly p r o py l e n e o n e s .

A s a lw a y s , t h e c o m p a n y hasn't limited itself in proposing what already p r e s e n t i n m a r ke t a g a i n .

Instead has managed to find its own interpretation, c r e a t i n g a we l l - f i n i s h e d and minimalist product using standard mater ials.

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3. The handle is the standard used in the Pro line, with practical POM scales that are dishwasher safe. There is also the typical forged knot, the secret of the handiness of the series 4. Black wood fiber cutting boards aside, Zwilling introduced a light gray polypropylene series, with a groove to hold the liquids and a soft TPE border - which grants stability.

Producer: Zwilling, www.zwilling.com Model: Sinthetik; wood fiber Material: PP/TPE; wood fiber Synthetik dimensions: 290x200 mm; 385x250 mm; 430x300 mm Wood fiber dimensions: 305 x 230 mm; 380 x 280 mm; 450 x 330 mm Synthetik thickness: 10 mm Wood fiber thickness: 6.5 mm Temperature resistance: Synthetic 60°C; wood fiber 185°C 35

ON DISPLAY

s a f e. Th e s e c o n d l i n e o f s y n t h e t i c c u t t i n g b o a rd s i s t h e m o s t i n n ovat ive. I t uses a new wood fiber and polymers composite. There is no liquid-drain but they are clearly less thicker. The design is simple and they can be stored in small spaces, even hanged by the handle.

Th e bl a ck c o l o r a n d t h e smooth rounded edges give an unseen and professional look, suitable for cutting, as well as for ser ving. The we i g h t i s re a l ly m i n i m a l .

Even the wood fiber cutting boards are dishwasher-safe

and they can also withstand temperatures up to 185° C, and therefore, can be used as pan stands. Both series are available in three sizes: small, medium and large just to make everyone happy.  Producer: Zwilling, www.zwilling.com Model: Chef 200 mm; Chef 160 mm Blade material: stainless steel Handle material: Black POM Total length: 330 mm; 292 mm Blade length: 195 mm; 158 mm Weight: 264 g; 241 g

On the online version of the Magazine you can see a video here Please visit: http://www.caffeditrice.com/knives/2015-08/index.html

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The Sinthetik are pearl-gray, with a rectangular opening that acts as handle and a drain that collects liquids, avoiding annoying spills. The perimeter is coated with a soft TPE profile, that ensures m a x i mu m s t ab i l i t y wh e n in contact the underlying surface.

The surf ace is studied to respect the edge of the knives and to last long. As b e i n g m a d e o f p o ly m e r s , they are easy to be cleaned, and since the can withstand temperatures up to 60° d e g re e s , a re d i s h wa s h e r-

Design by Fabrizio Silvestrelli

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