Extrema Ratio MK2.1: tribute to the old glory.

Today I would like to review the Extrema Ratio MK2.1

I'm sure the ER Mk2.1 is somehow familiar - even at the first sight -  to all the knife enthusiasts.

The Extrema Ratio MK2.1 is in fact the restyling of the legendary Ka-Bar USMC Mark 2 combat knife, first adopted by the United States Marine Corps in November 1942, and by thousands soldiers since

This is an issue that we will return to again. Let's continue now to talk about the ER MK2.1; the blade is cobalt steel N690Co (58HRC), with AISI 303 and AISI 304 steel for other parts

A straightened modified Bowie profile was made, in order to obtain easier edge maintenance according to Extrema Ratio

Some other changes were made, i.e. a “side groove” replaced the traditional blood-groove fuller for improved looks and reduced weight

Glass-fiber-strengthened nylon replaced leather on the handle

It retains the shape and ergonomics of the original Ka-Bar Mark 2, with barrel-shaped grooves on the hilt which both help user properly orient the blade in the dark and improve user’s grip in twisting movements (“screwdriver” effect), while guards and pommel have been oversized

The Extrema Ratio MK2.1 has also safety-cord holes in the tang and pole-mounting holes on the front guard, this allows for a simple D-guard 

Tool-less disassembly ability was improved for the in-the-field maintenance

Blade and spare parts finishing is MIL-C-13924 BURNISHING, hopefully this will save the knife in the years from “weak spots” like the follow one in this '90s Ka-Bar USMC

How about the Extrema Ratio MK2.1 sheath: it's a thigh sheath with automatic retention mechanism, protective flap, leg strap, and is M.O.L.L.E. compatible, a big improvement in front to the basic Ka-Bar USMC sheath

All in all, even if is hard to rival the "charme" of the Ka-Bar USMC combat knife, I really like the Extrema Ratio MK2.1 knife, because it is not a mere copy but a real tribute to a great knife with some significant improvement issues

Alfredo Doricchi





Extrema Ratio MK2.1 Technical Sheet 

http://www.extremaratio.com/prodotti/coltelli-lama-fissa/multiruolo/mk2-1.html

Weight g.: 393

Weight oz.: 13,9

Blade Length (mm): 177

Blade Length (in): 7

Total Length (mm): 303

Total Length (in): 11,9

Blade Thickness (mm): 6,3

Blade Thickness (in): 0,25

Blade Material: BöHLER N690 STEEL (58HRC)

Blade Finishing: MIL-C-13924 BURNISHING

Main Grid: FLAT

Handle Material: NYLON

Available versions: MK2.1 BLACK, MK2.1 DESERT WARFARE