Extrema Ratio

BF1CT

BF1CT is one of the abbreviation you will quickly work with, when you understand the system it is made off. BF is for the Basic-Folder-Series since Extrema Ratio is also running a Heavy-Duty-Folder-Series. The number “1” is a size classification. The “1” is the smallest one of three basic folders. Fully opened it is only 17cm long. “C” is for the handle category “Classic”. It reminds me on the fixed blade handles of Extrema Ratio knifes, by the look of its shape. There is also a “T” Tactical handle. It has a different structure and openings in the handle, that sand and water can drain out much better. But for me the Classic-Handle looks more esthetic and I have not planned to take it in the desert. And the final “T” stands for Tanto. And I really love Tanto-Blades. Normally I don´t care about the packing, but this one here is a very nice and special one. It may make a good present-box.

The Tanto-Blade of the BF1CT is 70mm long and 3mm thick. Like at all Extrema Ratio knifes the steel of the blade is N690 steel, nicknamed „Austrian 440“. The steel has its nick from the Austrian manufacturer Bohler, who is the only company that makes this steel, worldwide. Also the N690 is closely related to 440C. The N690 is containing more cobalt and some other material then 440C. This is making the N690 more corrosion resistant and harder (58-61HRC) then the original 440C. Also Spyderco is using N690 for its Volpe knife, which they produce in Italy.

The blade is still 2mm thick at the tip and the tip is very pointed.  The finish of the blade is burnished in a dark anthracite. It looks matt and feels dull. Dull is also an adjective that is akin with the edge. It is not really dull, but also not really sharp. Yes, it will slice paper, but not very well. Shaving hair is also rather a task for itself. I am not impressed by the sharpening of this edge.

There is a ambidextrous thumb stud mounted to the blade by a 1.5mm allen-head screw. They are easy to reach, because there are very comfortable thumb guides in the panels of the handle. The blade itself is connected to the handle by a 7mm slotted screw. It is possible to lighten the opening mechanism a little. But if you twist the screw to far the blade will scratch on the inside of the handle. But its not necessary to lighten the mechanism manual anyway. With a little oil and a few hours of watching TV will lighten the system by itself.

The handle matches the color and the surface of the blade perfectly. To get the matt and matching finish the handle was anodized. Anticorodal, that is the material the handle is made off, is a low iron, aluminum-silicium, cast composition. It is known to be very hard, very strong and rust resistant. But stay away from electricity since Anticorodal is a very good conductive material too. The panels are held together by the center screw at the blade axis and two Torx screws, size TX8, at the end of the handle. The very strong ambedextrius steel carry clip is also at the very end of the handle, fixed with 3 Torx screws size TX6. The way the clip is mounted is really interesting. Since the attachment point for the clip is on the opposite of the clip itself, the knife can be carried very deep inside a pocket or so. There is no

grip at all sticking out. Just the necessary piece of the clip.

With a noticeable, positive “click” you will hear the liner-lock jumping into the locking position. It is a very strong liner-lock and the “table-test” made it not move a bit. With the knife folded, you will feel a little play in the blade. But it will sit on the liner-lock very solid when it´s is unfolded. To open the knife you have to overpower the mechanism a little, before the blade will open smoothly. If you have to do that under stress, you need to be careful. In case of opening the BF1CT by ride the thumb stud with your thumb contacting the blade you may get in trouble. I have shaved off some skin off my thumb, opening it in a hurry. In that only moment I was kind of happy that it is not a razor-blade.

Well, I am complaining about the BF1CT being not so sharp. But what I like is that it is special in its own way. This knife is made out of well selected materials and the craftsmanship is more than fair. What I really like is that what I call the tactical elegance. Because this ER will fit to plates and boots as to a suite and a tie, by its design. It´s matt, dark and solid appearance, plus the opportunity to carry it deeply covered, makes it a worthy EDC for special occasions.

I hope the review on the Extrema Ratio BF1CT was useful for you

Cheers,

Gunner