Extrema Ratio's RAOII Field test and Review Heavy Duty Folder
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- Extrema Ratio's RAOII heavy duty folder. Field Test and Review
Extrema Ratio's heavy duty folder the RAOII, the latest in the evolution of the RAO series of big folders from Extrema Ratio of Italy. Constructed from Austrian N690 stainless Cobalt alloy steel, super tough Aluminium alloy 6082 for the handle scales and brass washers. Comes with a great Molle compatible sheath and diamond plate sharpener. Lifetime warranty on the knife and 6 years on the scabbard.
I found the RAOII to be comfortable to use without gloves. In sub zero temperatures you would need to wear gloves since the handle/grip is metal. This is one super tough folder with the capacity to double as a fixed blade as required, by the simple insertion of a safety locking pin which makes it impossible for the blade to close unless the knife was destroyed.
To lubricate the pivot contact areas, I recommend high quality mountain bike lubes, as they tend not to attract dirt, are high pressure lubes and resist water. Like any folders, don't overdue it with the lube.
The drop point blade is great and I liked it a lot, I'd also like to see a fixed blade with another 2.5cm or an inch longer blade of similar geometry from ER at some stage.
The RAOII is really a two handed opening operation. You can do some fancy pants flicking of the blade open, however, I don't recommend this as it will just put undue stress on the mechanism. Leave it to the show offs and teachers of knife fighting.
I put the RAOII through a lot of tests I'd only subject a fixed blade to and it didn't fail or disappoint me.
Who is this knife for?
Designed primarily with with an end use in military operations, outside of this arena, as I demonstrated in the video, can suit those who might prefer such a compromise between a folder and fixed blade but not a compromise with quality. Non obtrusive non aggressive design can be carried in pouch/sheath without attracting attention. I wore this knife EDC (in the closed position) for over one month, no one batted an eye lid!
Downsides: like ALL FOLDERS, the mechanism must be kept very clean in order for it to function properly. I wouldn't recommend the RAOII for desert environments or any sandy environments where it may be difficult or impossible to keep this knife mechanism clean. The weakest link/point in this folder will be the small spring which applies pressure to the roller locking bar. However, should this spring fail the knife can simply be used as a fixed blade, so this is a real failsafe and very much an effective "plan B" from a military standpoint and based on the design this is not surprising coming from ER.
Bottom line: The RAOII is a very tough sturdy folder, well made, lockup first time everytime, no liners or frame locks to adjust. Just feels sturdy. Good resistance to corrosion. XLNT blade shape! and came deadly sharp with a hand ground edge.
I used Loctite 243 to re lock the small locking screw which has to removed in order to tighten the main pivot. 243 (Blue) is perfect for Aluminium and stainless untreated alloys. Plus it's NOT permanent, as the last thing you want to do is to use the wrong Loctite!
Video thumbnail shows image of RAOII after busting up some resin saturated pinewood, otherwise known as "Fatwood"
![ILLSLICK - WINTER IS COMING [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dwTMeM1zIhQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Your Extrema Ratio Reviews are the best!
Very good stuff!! 🔝
Not sure How I missed replying to you so many apologies!!! Much appreciated your comments!
Excellent review as usual. I particularly like that the knife is not only used to chop, but to prepare food, and the review has the sensible usage (with safety) in mind, with the final result of a work well done.
***** Hi Andras, thanks for saying so re the review. Yes there are too many so called reviews of simply abusing knives, a sure way to destroy them in an unscientific way and really I think doesn't help advise anyone as to whether to own such a knife. IMHO.
I love this folder! Ciao from Italy! Have a nice day!
+Valter Kurtz Hi there , yes me too. I't's got a very rugged feel to it and can handle some punishment.
Nice review mate. Glad to see you're back at it.
I cant say I've seen many reviews on the RAO so thumbs up. It looks like for general camp use or stuck in the middle of nowhere it's a decent tool to have on hand.
Patrick Anderson Hi Patrick, yes i'd agree on all those points.Thanks for watching tools
Patrick Anderson Hi Patrick, sorry pressed return accidentally LOL! Yes there aren't many reviews out there on the RAOII, I think a much improved version of original RAO on many points, comfort being one of those and a great drop point.
another great review. I've pulled the trigger on this knife due to this review. I was after a knife that was tough enough to take with me and be my only knife. the folding blade lowers the proile and makes carrying it less conspicuous. solid tool all 'round. excellent cleverly designed sheath too. the elastic cord is a pain when screwing the pin in with it twisting up (when it's tied in the lanyard hole) it's the only thing I'd change. the only thing I wouldn't be confident doing with this knife is twisting or putting lateral stress on the blade handle join in case it popped the sides off! keep up the good work
+Darren Turner Hi darren, if you are concerned with lateral twisting then check what I did with the RAOII in this video.
th-cam.com/video/Y0R5YdUV06M/w-d-xo.html
NO movement in the mechanism at all. You are right about being less conspicuous too, that's one of the things I like about it too for actually a "big knife". I've walked around heaps with mine and no one has bat an eyelid LOL or even bothered to ask or look i my direction. As a folder it carries all the same caveats for maintenance - like keeping the mechanism clean in order to get the most from it. I'm using mine all the time. I'll have to post some more vids with it.
That has got to be the beefiest folder I've ever seen. This Extrema Ratio brand is really starting to grow on me. I received the Dobermann IV today and I love the way it feels. I thought I was done with folding knives, here we go again! Thanks for another great video, I'll be watching. Mike
+Michael Quigley Hi thanks!
+Michael Quigley See what I mean about the comfort of that weird looking handle. Tell me what u reckon now you are holding one.
You don't need a lanyard because the material is sticky or grippy rather, and the unique shape locks your first one or two handles in place. I have ordered the original RAO from a small company with limited inventory, but fantastic prices, $100 or more less that the competitors. They are called Xtreme Knives and only sell Extrema Ratio.
+Michael Quigley Hi sounds great, so glad u like the Dobermann IV. A lot of people dis these knives/handle but I can tell u none of them have ever held one but u just have to hold one and see for yourself how good that funky handle is. They (ER) didn't waste their time liaising with uni experts to design this thing. How was the RAO? Did u end up getting it?
I did, it's very cool!
Great video as always!
I was wondering if you can do a review on the nosli guard (mozzie 'resistant' clothes)?
Excelente video, muy instructivo. Empecé a ver tus videos hace poco y son muy originales.
nice review of a awesome knife man!
I like extrema alot I recently got extrema ratio dark talon wich is just beautifull. Too bad I am already saving for the spartan harsey 2. I would like to make a comparison of extremas n6090 and s35vn. Anyway good review and cool foods:)
mart oosterwoud Hi Mart thanks for saying so. Yes it would be good for a comparison. I'm very pleased with N690 as a performer and I have to say I like it at 58HRC as apposed to say 60 HRC like FOX knives. BTW I am testing some nice designs from FOX knives too. Stay tuned for the FulcrumS too from ER. It's 35C where I am at present and no air-conditioning makes you not feel like editing LOL!
dude, that's a freakin monster
+survivalmike Yes it is new take on "pocket knife" LOL. But seriously did u see what I did with it? It is tough as and ok it's not a real fixed blade of course but once the pin is in, even if the spring to the roller lock fails/jams etc, the blade can't go anywhere unless the 6082 Al side collapse. I figure your a climber like me and you know how tough the 6000 series alloys are for krabs, friends etc. I think a good choice for handle scales JMHO.
Already have the extrema ratio MPC which is a super strong folder...The fit and feel is total quality..I also own many cold steel folders...including the 4 max scout and SR1..But they dont have that feel like the MPC has...And today I've just ordered the RAO 2 based on this video...I hope it's as strong and versatile as this video says it is..I.e ..No blade play in normal to hard use...And thankyou for in depth view..
Hi there. I have never had any blade pay in my RAOII. If you chop with it you must use the stop pin, that is essential as shown in my video. Your comments are much appreciated.
@@BushCampingTools Thankyou for your reply...Has the case it came with held up too ?
Great vid. Thanks for the review I ordered a couple of smaller knives from this company and I'm excited to get them.
Thanks for watching and the comments!
Very good and Intresting Video , I bought a Fulcrum II (witj Tanto tip) aaand ..WOW i cannot get it out of my Hands ..it´s the Best knife i ever own
The Rao II is also VERY VERY SEXY ..
Extrema Ratio makes great great Knives
..have fun there in the Outback ;-)
Hi thanks for your comments! I'm glad you like your knife! I don't have that model myself but may also get it.
Very good Review. Thank you
Hi thanks and thanks for watching.
Great job Bush Camping Tools, I wonder if the ER RAO AVIO has the same small locking screw just in case an adjustment is needed (I`m about to fall). Also have you tried the ER Corvo?
Hi thanks for your comments. My understanding is that it does but U would need to check with them as I have never held one. I have never used the Corvo but I have used a blade of which the Corvo is based and can say from a lot of experience from using this type of blade that it is well suited to tropical survival and existence in the tropics. If you know/learn how to handle it, you would find it extremely useful. Outside of the tropics, I'm not so sure it would be as useful. Many "coconut processing knives" are also of this design and are good at handling large tropical fruits plus dispatching vines and brush associated with tropical growth. Of course buying a locally made one will not set you back as much as one of ER's ones although, I can with much ER experience attest to the sturdiness and quality of their blades. (BTW they didn't pay me to say this LOL!!) Hope that helps, oh yes I should say that the RAOII of mine has had the daylights beaten out of it and I have only once had to adjust the blade when new jus to get the action right for me, after that I never touched it again. As for heavy folders, it rocks and I can't see how I could break it even if I run over it with a truck LOL.
You know one thing more about the Corvo, which I take back, the knife tip actually might be good for removing birch bark and the like for fire tinder. I was thinking about this the other day in the forest and recon it could be useful there, ie out of a tropical environment. I guess with blades, it's really up to the individual on how he or she can obtain the most and best use of it for the given environments they venture into. Hope this further helps!
Is there anything like this blade shape in a fixed ERatio variant? The cord-to-bolt system looks too easily snare-able on bushes etc. And it dangles free when not in use? I'd worry about the threads getting battered about. I'm swayed towards the plain-edged Task C. Much cheaper and lighter too. However if the total locking system was more integral i would be tempted to save up for this. Thanks for your excellent videos!
HI quick answer, no. They made a custom job for the German tactical knife forum. It was a drop point similar to this shape, a little different on the lateral milling but similar. I asked them ages ago about considering making something similar to that but a production model. They never replied and i guess maybe they had some deal with the forum not to make anything similar otherwise there would be no point in the forum making a special order.
Fantastic review, my local shop stopped selling the ontos so I was looking at the ROI might just get it. After you cut the coconut you had a bit of play in the blade and tightened it up, has it given you more problems since?
Alwyn Roberts Not one bit and wait to you see what I did with it next LOL! But seriously this I would expect as it came from the factory. They are not bashing the daylights out of rock hard coconut shells before they ship them out. We were talking about 250 um to be honest LOL! The play I was referring to was so small it wasn't anything to worry about but I'm a fanatic when it comes to folding mechanisms, plus of course I'm really reviewing this blade and not going to be just saying everything is perfect, no knife is IMHO
Thanks for watching and your comments too!
Hey there I was wondering how is the blade play after doing such tasks because I got the rao 1 and the lock sucks and waiting for a long time to buy this? Great Review
+Christian Garcia Hi when this knife was fresh out of the box I immediately took it, put in the safety pin and hacked off about 3 branches (they were green 3inch diameter) from some fallen Cotton woods. There was the tiniest bit of play, I tried to measure it but it was less than a quarter of a mm. As the knife was new and had never had this treatment before it stood treason this was just a simple bit of movement being new. I simply (and that's what it is there for) un did the small locking screw (there was some kind of loctite on it), adjusted the main pivot bolt a small fraction, and added a very small amount of 242 loctite (you must use the correct stuff for steel into Aluminium-otherwise you will never remove it-trust me) to the thread of the SMALL locking screw. Do not add any lactate to the pivot bolt. Assembled everything, bashed the daylights out of it since, levered etc etc and NO PLAY not even a fraction of a mm/inch. Hope this puts your mind at rest. BTW there is no reason why doing similar to your RAO should not fix the play. This adjustment will also come in handy as the bushes wear (but this would be after a long time-dependent on how clean you keep them).
+Christian Garcia Hi sorry here is my reference to the correct Lactate to use: Sorry I meant to say 243!
hardcorecampingtools.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/extrema-ratio-raoii-review-continued.html
Wow so you added loctite and the blade play was gone it was merely from it being loosened? Someone blade forums had mentioned there locks have failed and injured someone?
congratulations.. this is a greant knives... impress the edge and ergonomics. :)
Too right, I use mine constantly.
If you was to chose only 1 extrema ratio knife for survival which one would you chose?
That depends upon what environment one was trying to survive in. Everyone talks about survival but there is a big diff between doing it rough in the tropics Vs say above the tree line. Or in an urban system gone bad.
Give me an environment and i'll tell you my opinion. it also depends upon if you are on the move (avoidance or moving to a better location for rescue or avoidance) or stationary awaiting rescue.
If it is "unplanned" survival as a result of some plan gone wrong unexpectedly, then like most might say correctly, whatever you have on you will have to do. But i figure you don't mean this "survival scenario" or the natural disaster scenario. For example: in the tropics, i can all I need to do with a parang type knife (see my blog about my travels across Indonesia). So in this case it would be one of their Kukri type knives or machete.
@@BushCampingTools yes I see your point
Ok would the extrema ratio mk 2.1 make a good solid survival knife for most tasks & how solid is it really would it be a knife that you could trust?
@@lonewandererbushcraftwildc6822 The MK2.1, sitting just 2m away from me LOL, is a great choice. Don't let anyone tell you it aint strong, because it is! Just check my vids and blogs. Super grippy no nonsense no maintenance handle/grip, removable for saltwater use and cleaning with no tools. Easy blade shape to keep sharp. it's not a dive knife but you could use it as such if u needed to go diving for some food etc. (I've done it camping and we wanted something else to eat). Super safe scabbard to carry it in as well. You'll have it for life if u don't lose it or get it nicked. As for trusting. When i'm away with just my kid and no where near any quick help, it has been with me and him. I need to take gear i don't even have to think about. I just want to use it and get on with having a good time. it just works because the design as you know is well proven, they just made it with a good stainless and GFRN.
@@BushCampingTools thankyou 🙂
Hello, I'm planning to give me a knife with this steel (N690Co) so I wanted to know from you if you actually held the edge well, it is robust in hard work and if it is enough steel when used in humid environments, in short, is really a great steel as they say?
+Michele Trekkning Hi it's simply a really great knife steel. Originally develop[ed as a high speed, high temperature wet milling of abrasive materials stainless steel tool steel. It holds an edge well, unaffected by high humidity. I've never seen any evidence of corrosion on my blades and I work either in or around rivers/bodies of water, with them so they will get a dunking. Remember though like any alloy the harder it is at it's final HRC, the harderlonger it will be to sharpen if you let it go blunt ( here i` mean blunt, not dull but blunt). I make it habit to keep my N690 blades sharp where ever practical.
The resistance to corrosion will decrease the harder the HRC. THis is true for all stainless alloys as there will be less Chromium in solid solution, ie with most of it bound into chromium carbides, which won't protect the surface of the steel. The surface finish will also play an important role in corrosion resistance, ie the smoother it is Vs a milled surface of which you can see the milling marks. from the tool.
Hope this helps,as you could write a book on the subject LOL.
Thanks for watching and commenting
Very good thanks!
Hi there, thanks and thanks for watching!
Is it to heavy for a every day carry & sharp?
It's pretty big and heavy for EDC, in the urban city situation but possible if big pockets or somewhere to store it. In the pouch to the untrained eye, it does not appear as what it is- I think u know what I mean. As for sharp, mine came all those years back deadly sharp but since then I have kept a good edge on it and it is easy to maintain. If for some reason one wants to baton with it or use it for chopping, you must use the pin. I love it
Merci pour vos superbes vidéos, elles sont très instructives. J'hésite entre le fox spartan leonida et extrema ratio II, lequel est le plus résistant pour la survie. Merci beaucoup. Alex
Many thanks for your kind words! I think for true survival, nothing can beat a knife which has the least amount of things to go wrong and that means a simple fixed blade must win out over a folding knife. However, on saying this during serious "off grid" sojourns, a folder such as the RAOII if properly treated and looked after (because after all this is YOUR survival knife) then certainly this knife is extremely strong and versatile) however, if one abuses their knives in the field and therefore increases the chances of something to fail, then a fixed blade may be a better choice. I have been on remote islands (no people, no building, nothing, and I choose to take a big machete and one multitool as we had a fishing rod and fishing gear with us, so I could if necessary repair the fishing gear, which we depended upon for food. I hope this helps you with your decisions.
@@BushCampingTools Merci beaucoup, donc le couteau fox spartan leonida que vous utilisez toujours est donc un super couteau, même s'il n'est pas full tang? je peux faire du batonnage avec ? Alex
@@alexandrealfier9165 Hi there Alex, no problems, this knife is incredibly strong! I have belted the day lights out of it using seasoned thick Mulberry wood (hardwood), smashing straight down upon the saw back (there is of course a non saw back version if u prefer and used it to split many seasoned walnut logs! Very abusive, simply because I was too lazy to get my axe! I have every confidence with this knife. Do not be fooled into thinking because the tang is constructed how it is that it would prove a problem. This knife was indeed built for military use.
@@BushCampingTools Merci à nouveau, pour votre rapidité de réponse et gentillesse. Cordialement. Alex
@@alexandrealfier9165 My pleasure!
Great Review! Practical!
Hi thanks and thanks for watching my videos
Nice back drop, are those rocks real or did you go super high tech and go "Blue-screen" on us ? You review the best knives ever. Thanks.
LOL! Nope, those are def real rocks! No blue screen/green screen etc. A lot of serious effort for this video LOL. Besides that my blue and green screen skills are only ma ma LOL! Thanks for commenting and watching!
@@BushCampingTools 🤣🤣🤣 LOL Thanks Br. Stay Safe
Hey there! After long years of collecting I discovered your channel and immediately subscribed! I have doubts about my RAO II and if I should keep it or send it back. It locks up perfectly without any vertical or horizontal play. But after watching the video of blackforestghost(also a German dude like me) and the massive lock-play he got after just chopping a soft piece of pine made me think about sending it back in the Return-time.
I planned to use it when I’m out with the kids, just chopping down some sticks for the tent or for the kids. But it would also be used for some small firewood etc.
I have a whole collection of fixed blades like the ESEE 6 or the ER Shrapnel One, but the RAO II just appeals to me. It looks so great that I really want to keep it.
On the other hand I’m afraid to pay the 359€ bill and then, after some chopping, I have the same problem as BFG. Please take a look at his video if you can and tell me what you think!
Hi, firstly, thanks so much for watching and I'm glad you like my channel. I hope there is a lot here to interest you and your family. Welcome!
Ok I know about his review and it caused some interest for sure amongst many, including me when i saw it. All i can say is that where you see me beating down hard on at very seasoned birch log (I used the pin in)it has never ever given me any trouble and my lock up is exact and zero movement in any direction. This is a solidly built knife and can take some abuse. I don't know what went wrong with his test and it should not have happened. I have also seen other reviews/demonstrations where there have been failures but in all of them they never used the locking pin and this is a mistake, especially for the RAOII. The reason is that if the blade moves via severe vibration it will hammer against the stop, ie the back spacer in this mode land it could cause some deformation if struck extremely hard. id the stop pin is in then it is impossible for this to happen as it will prevent ALL movement. I've used mine now for many many tasks over the years and it is still as solid as the day i got it. Read my blogs too, they may be of of interest, where I discuss ER's mechanisms in detail and how they function and talking about forces etc.
Thank you very much for your fast reply! I’m very impressed, that you take the time and answer almost every question in the comments!
The RAO II feels so solid, that I really don’t understand what happened in BFGs video. Maybe you’re right about the locking pin, as it prevents the blade from travelling too far.
How far does your lock go down to the pivot screw after years of use? The only complaint I could have about the lock is that it seems as if there is not much room for it to wear in.
@@EDCBushcraft I try to answer all legit questions here on the channel. as you may have seen the general conversation on the channel is pretty much on topic and almost no talking rubbish or off topic conversations and or people slagging others or slagging me. There are pros and cons of this. The pros are one can learn some stuff from others and the cons are it doesn't seem to get the algorithms to put me stuff out there on broad scale- I can't prove this however, it is my experience with other channels that this is important as far as Google is concerned LOL. Here too I will not delete anyones comments even if they strongly disagree with me, only those who start swearing and or slagging others here (they get a chance to get back on topic- or they get their comment deleted- Im please to say I barely have to do this).
Now in relation to your question re the stop pin, mine still actuates perfectly ( I do keep it clean and well oiled with a little good gun oil and or (better still MTB quality lube as it doesn't seem to attract as much dirt etc.) The weakest part in this whole shebang is the small spring but as yet mine still works fine and not lost any of it's mechanical properties, so I guess they used a quality alloy for their spring choice. The lock bar is thick and I also do not see any wear which could result in wonky movement. It's a good reliable folder, just make sure you use the pin if you decide to use a baton on it or use it directly to swing and chop with because these motions will cause vibration which can exceed the holding power of the spring and hence cause the blade to disengage. However for all cutting use, light levering etc. the stop pin in an unlocked position is more than enough for good safety in my opinion and this knife has been used a lot by me over the years. I noted too there was a hint that BFG actually had a copy and not the real thing, I don't know if that was true or not but certainly there are some good close looking fakes out there but they do have tell tale signs of being fake. i've even seen ones where only slight laser engraving at ever so slightly diff angles has been done but it signified a fake none the less. Plus the action of the laser upon N690 produces a natural golden colouration and other alloy it won't look like that. Sorry got distracted there! Hope that helps!
@@BushCampingTools thank you very much! Helped me a lot with my decision. I think I’m gonna keep it, use it and if something’s wrong I’ve had great experience with ER‘s customerservice.
The RAO is surely not one of the „you have to have it“ knives but it somehow has personality.
Thank you very much and stay healthy!
Oh I forgot to ask: do you really oil the lockbar? On all my folders I’ve always tried to keep the locking surfaces free from any oil.
My lockbar is about 1mm away from the little line which is directly over the Pivot screw when the knife is opened. My concerns wer just about the room that’s left under the lock, as there doesn’t seem to be much space left Forint to move down any further.
When does a folder become a fixed blade? Well not ever actually, but this one comes pretty close!
Yes you are right about that. They can never be but I was never afraid to belt this knife around without fear of some accident happening as a result of the knife failing.........as to whether I had an accident or not because of my failing, well LOL!
Bush Camping Tools well to err is human.
Hello from Germany!
I randomely found your videos by searching extrema ratio knifes. They are both wonderful; your videos and the knifes!
By myself I own 12 Extrema Ratio knifes; I can't get enough. Maybe I am addicted for extrema ratio 🙈
One of my favorite ist the glauca b1; it is not made for the Bush, I think. But for a combat or rescue mission it's perfect.
Would it be a good idea to test combat knifes in the jungle?
Keep safe! 👋🏻
Hey there, so glad you found my channel. We have many reviews of ER knives, I love them! Hope you enjoy my channel and a big welcome here. Don't forget to check m y blogs too, lots of cool info about many thinks outdoor related!
Perfect? Why don't the go for 7075? It's so much stronger it's not even close.
Yes I know 7075 is very good too from the MTB industry and also many of my climbing hardware is made, at least the cams are, from 7075 and they are super tough. Maybe it's just a cost thing. I have beaten it very hard and probably abused it over the years, although not intentionally and am still satisfied with it. Of course it's big bulky folder that although fits in a big pocket is better I feel to use the pouch. Thanks for watching my vids!
Make this 1/3 slimmer at the blade, and put that material in the scales to ad side to side ridgidity, tanto blade and you'll have a product for the tradesman market
Could be! Thanks for watching!
Seems that they listened, there is a RAO C now, a compacter version
If it had a pocket clip, i would have bought it.
Actually I'm glad it doesn't as it would just add to the bulk but often I do carry it in the pocket and it i easy to remove. But it's a pocket destroyer if you have poor quality pockets LOL, ie weak stitching.
Get a cold steel triad lock back. Give it a test.
Gruggs Giero ,I believe cold steel4 max is stronger and better for the same money.Tri-ad lock is maybe the strongest lock and cpm 20-cv is a premium stainless steel,way better than n690.I have tested Cold Steel 4MAX-it is durable.
Worth it ( price), or not
Yes indeed. It gets used quite a lot when we are out and about. Thanks for watching!
@@BushCampingTools thanks🙏🏻
Is very cool and castrense( military- TAC ), i liked, i am police in my country and liked knives TAC and combat, sorry my english, greetings🙏🏻
@@LuisAlvarez-ox2ye Hi Luis, don not apologise for your English. I can not speak anything else other than English, it is me who should be apologising! Yes it is very tactical and this knife gets used a lot by me. if you watch my latest video about catching fish, i end up using it to kill a fish as my stick broke and it was the knife which was strapped to my side. Greetings back to you!
4MAX
Everyone loves the 4Max and although I haven't used one, I'm sure it's a great blade. Although despite all of the "controversy' regarding the RAOII, I don't see myself breaking it all too soon LOL! Thanks for watching!
😂😂😂movement on the blade after cracking a coconut...coooome on mate!!! This thing will suvive WWIII
LOL, well, I was getting pedantic LOL! It certainly is a tank of a folder and the design is very good. I've beaten the Sh#t out of it long ago since that video was made LOL and no issues with it at all. I'm not sure how (and they refuse to tell me) that CS got one to fail. The only way that could happen was to physically damage the mechanism prior to a test. let's face it, there was no way CS would show another company's products surpassing their own, regardless of what it was.
why not 7075
Hi, yeah 7075 would have also been a good choice for a super strong heat treatable Aluminium alloy. Maybe they just settled on 6082. Possibly a machining property? But of course 7075 is better only in some characteristics; see this if you haven't already:
www.makeitfrom.com/compare/6082-AlSi1MgMn-3.2315-H30-A96082-Aluminum/7075-AlZn5.5MgCu-3.4365-2L95-A97075-Aluminum
I am sorry, the RAO 2 can't take a beating and is definetly not a fixed blade with the safety pin inserted. It needs steel liners and a safety pin insert in the blade, aluminium just can't handle the stress of chopping. If ER would make these improvements I would buy it directly. If you at ER see this, please fix the knife, it has the potential of being one of the best knives in the world!
Hi, thanks for watching. I have beaten this knife in an abusive way with the pin inserted and have yet to detect any damage to the Aluminium scales (which are made from T8082-they told me this- and I know from experience with this alloy, it has been used in many of my rock climbing hardware cams etc and can indeed take a beating). The forces are directed upon the steel N690 insert in the back of the knife as a direct compressive force. However, as you point out the other forces are shared between the steel safety pin and the T8082 housing along with the main pivot axel; the roller lock takes some of tis force too. Most of the forces are taken by the main pivot and the back (under compression, N690 insert). If the aluminium was weak or rather "soft" then I would expect slop to immediately become visible from beating of this this knife blade. The "T" stands for (apologies if you already knew this) heat treatable and as such the T8082 can be hardened and is a good structural aircraft grade alloy. They could make everything out of steel but it would weigh quite bit or even make the scales from Titanium but cost way too much with little advantage over the T8082 alloy. Thin steel liners I also think would not be as good as the T8082 scales. Maybe they do read my comments- I hope they are :).
@@BushCampingTools I have several ER knives and I think they are great! However the RAO2 have have serious problems in that ER claim it to be a hard use knife that can be used for chopping wood. The problem is that the forces of chopping only dispersed between the pivot and the locking pin. The safety pin is not load bearing. Looking at the handle stock thickness it is possible to add hardened steel liners in the stress points, and the heavy blade stock maken it possible to drill a hole for a proper hardened safety and load bearing pin. ER has started to expand to the american market and soo far no one but Cold Steel has destroyed the RAO 2. But there are a lot of knife testers in the USA and they are not as forgiving as the russians och italians, I would hate too see them kill the ER brand name and reputation on TH-cam. It's one thing that Cold Steel does it but that doesn't mean a lot since they usually do that too everyone. However there is a german dude that has tested the chopping and hard stress test to the RAO2, and he really destroyed the knife. As I see it ER have two choices, either the fix the knife so it lives up to the marketing, or the change the marketing to advise the users not to use the knife for heavy chopping. Check these links for the tests: th-cam.com/video/r-SArXms7Xkt/w-d-xo.htmlps
th-cam.com/video/QiBtHGfgZLI/w-d-xo.html
Tell me what you think about them if you want, I am interested!
I still love ER knives and use them a lot!
@@mattis1600 I think your comments are very well thought out and I totally understand what u say about Cold steel etc and I also feel the Europeans are more forgiving than the Americans when it comes to Knife tests. I also am aware of the CS tests, although, like all of their tests are quite impossible to do in real life and many are fooled by these sorts of "extroverted" tests. I actually challenged CS to supply some figures so I could calculate the real forces involved in their tests but of course they declined as I suggested the forces (from some quick calculations I did) were so crazy that in real life, one's hands (if they were holding that knife/knives) would also be destroyed beyond repair LOL and then it wouldn't matter if the knife broke or not, because your hands would be ruined LOL. Anyway I digress a bit. The RAO test that failed there is a possibility the roller pin did not get hardened properly. These things could happen and the knife part should have been investigated for this and a replacement/repair made. As far as "killing the ER brand" I have a sneaking feeling that ER do not care about the US market. It's just my feeling; OR they are not going to be goaded into some crazy knife face off with American manufacturer's the likes of CS or others. Certainly they are no more expensive than Striders (if one can still buy them- they are full of complaints about lousy lock up) and the likes of Medford (also expensive (on average) overbuilt folders). CS of course, USA made models are in a similar price range.
They (ER) seem to be more focused upon military weapons and that market, than regular outdoor knife production per se and I guess military aka government contracts. That's my educated guess based solely upon the designs they come up with, eg the new Contact model. That being said, some of their military knives make for great outdoor knives I feel, hence me testing them in realistic camping situations and different environments.
As to modifications of the RAOII, because the roller lock is vertical rather than horizontal, I feel that they did this to avoid a breach of patent from Benchmade (theirs is horizontal). The upshot of having a vertical roller lock is that compressive forces upon the spring holding the roller lock down, ie forces generated from banging via chopping, can cause the roller to momentarily shift if those forces exceed the force the spring exerts upon the roller axle. Hence one must use the safety pin in order to stop the blade from closing accidentally. If the pin is inserted, then even if the roller moves momentarily, it will return to its original position because the safety pin is in use. Now as to using hardened steel liners, yes this would make the knife stronger still and the forces would be upon the steel liners and not the aluminium scales. However, one would need to also fix those liners to the scales and this means more parts to come undone/loose/lost, increase manufacturing time etc and only add additional costs. I think maybe a change in marketing is easier?? But I stand by what I have experienced with this folder and that is under normal hard use it will perform as is. Unfortunately there is a plethora of videos now showing this "spine whacking" thing with folding knives, of which these so called reviewers seem to think failure from these tests show an inferior product. I have never encountered such operations during my 35 year global outdoor experiences. But an you know what “they say” about the word “BUT”; But ER may read this and they may indeed change some of their designs/processes etc, who knows. All I know is that if I was a manufacturer I would be interested in any basis for negative content about my products.
@@BushCampingTools Thank you for your thoughts about the knife! I think the knife design is very complicated, and fixing it would increase cost and weight of the knife. Besides the german dude who used his RAO2 to chop wood , and the whacking bricks with it, and then Cold Steels extreme test of the knife, I think the knife can handle lighter chopping, as normal i camping and hunting. I personally never use folding knives for chopping, not even Cold Steels "superarmageddonfoldingknives", except maybe for cutting branches and the like. Heavy chopping is for sturdy fixed blades, axes, billhook-types and khukris.
I like the RAO2 a lot and from the looks of it I think it would function very well as a hunting knife. The blade is long enough to use for sticking game still alive after you shot them, unless it's wild pigs still up for a fight. The blade i wide and has a nice curve that would give a nice grip processing the game.
The only downside is that the knife has a pretty hefty price and that makes me think extra hard if I really would buy it, considering what I have seen about it. If it was a low cost knife and the blade-lock started to fail or the blade started flopping around, or if the handle failed I really would not care. I would expect it.
That been said, I still like ER-knives a lot, and think they are functional and well worth the price in most cases. The ones I have and use have not given me any problems what so ever.
Thank you for you comments and a great channel! It is hard too find ER knives tested and reviewed in English on TH-cam!
Have a nice day!
Matti
@@mattis1600 Hi Matti, really appreciate your views and comments on my channel. I strive hard here to bring you all as best a review I can.
I think i will stick with my Lionsteel SR-1 or Benchmade 810
I think cold steel 4 max scout will beat this knife.
Hi, see my comments on their site about their testing data or rather lack of when they perform their tests of their triad lock Vs the RAOII. (it was a very long time ago.
But briefly my point was (in that comment) this if any knife was subject to the forces that Cold steel were applying and a hand , a human hand was on that knife at the time, the hand would suffer serious physical damage. The forces they apply are far in excess of any safe load to the "puny" human hand. I think when people perform these tests they fail to point out this rather small but vital bit of information. (I'm a biologist).
No one doubts the strength of the triad lock. It is a very good design.
If the RAOII is used as the manufacturer states, then it is very strong, also laterally. I do not believe I've seen a lateral strength test performed on the tridad lock system but I will stand corrected if their is one.
They refused to answer my questions publicly for all to see.
It makes my heart ache to see a 370 euro knife used to peel potatoes. 😂😂😂
Besides, I don't think this guy's mother ever taught him how to peel potatoes...
LOL BTW she did but of course there were no ER knives in my mother's kitchen drawers! and certainly she didn't use such wide or thick blades to peel potatoes LOL! Thanks for watching!
@@BushCampingTools 😂🤟👍
I don't really understand the point of it, it's so big you may as well carry a fixed blade.
+Steve Martin Good point but one aspect I like is I can carry this thing folded either in it's pouch or in my hand and no one bats an eye lid in public places. By public places i mean in and around campsites/forests. I have found that unless one is truly in remote areas, if u bring out a fixed blade (to use legitimately of course- I don't mean a machete etc) then there are sectors of the public who will always start freaking out and before you know it, they have called the cops on you or the local ranger (the latter arrives, assesses the situation , laughs and leaves), the former may not, and these do gooders have made a complete mess of everything. Unfortunately this behaviour is due in part to the paranoia of potential knife crime from the media about knife crime. It's country dependent too of course. If I'm in remote areas I carry what I like. It is a mistake to forget common sense and the affect the media plays on how people perceive knives today as apposed to 40 years ago. Some countries like the United Kingdom are very strict on carrying knives and one could argue that there is absolutely no where in that country where you could legally carry a sheath knife on your person (not in a pack) even if you were camping (as this is a public place in the law there) -except on private land of course (well there is no real wilderness actually to camp- can be argued here too). Sorry long winded answer but I guess that's one reason. However, as I said Good point from you and a totally valid one too.
Bush Camping Tools I have to agree on this. Mainly a fixed blade should be the primary when going outdoors but there are time you may be exposed to the public. I can leave a folder on the table of a cafe shop without a double look but I don't dare with a fixed blade. I would think it's for someone who wants to semi EDC but want something stronger.
Or I've been hiking with city folk and this would not spook them.
Or sometimes you're hiking in a park where you are not allowed to cut any trees. So why do you have a knife a ranger might ask. This would be more inconspicuous.
Or a lot of time people carry one folder with their fixed blade as a system when hiking. This could be that backup folder.
Or some people just like the design and may never use the pin and just appreciate the aesthetic quality.
Hi, yes totally agree with what you are saying and this is the "common sense" that must prevail (like it or not) in "today's society" about knife carry. I forgot about places u can't cut trees, very good point.Thanks for commenting!
Much work to open anexo coconut. Brazilian does It in 3 times using a knife. Pleasre ser It in Cavallini on TH-cam. Congratulations !
Hi thanks and will do!
6:10 hahahaha
I CAN ALMOST AFFORD AN EXTREMA RATIO, THE QUESTION, "SEND MY KIDS TO COLLEGE OR BUY AN EXTREMA RATIO" ?
I do not want to cause family troubles so i must insist that u send your kids to college LOL! Forget these crazy knives!
My other half keeps threatening that they will all go to the scrap metal yard!
!
@@BushCampingTools "OMG" THIS WILL MAKE BOTH OF YOU HAPPY, 'I'LL BUY ONE AT A DISCOUNT", EVRYBODIES HAPPY...
@@BushCampingTools I HAD TO GO WITH A SMITH & WESSON HOMELAND SECURITY FIXED BLADE KNIFE FOR $30 BUCKS, MERRY “BELATED” CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEARS, STAY SAFE, BE WISE, SANITIZE....and HAVE A NICE DAY...
@@alexstone3822 It doesn't matter what one uses of course. What matters is that one has good adventures and then those stories are remembered every time one looks at their knife LOL.
Its not a knife its an ax.
It is definitely a capable folder especially when locked open with the pin.
Lemme guess...300 dollars
No more than any Strider or medford and a whole lot more comfortable and none of this poor lock up etc. No sign of mine dying and it gets used most weeks if not more.
By its performance, it’s either not a good steel, or improper grind. Not long enough to be a good hacker either. Neat looking, but..............
Hi thanks for watching, although, I'm not sure how you came to that conclusion from the video. Despite having a short blade and of course being a folding knife essentially, it does well at chopping for a folding knife. and it does indeed cut well. They put a great convex edge on it as well.
@@BushCampingTools To each blade design it’s purpose. Those who test, or don’t respect their knifes tend to treat every knife as a do everything knife. Designers tend to follow this trend of attempting to design the ultimate, do everything blade, which almost makes the knife undesirable for any certain task well, but usable instead. We know most any blade can be multipurpose in a pinch, but this fantasy of a one knife fits all tasks needs to stop. Now, on the hacking thing. Any blade good at hacking is inherently bad at most any other task, and vise versa. The experienced thing to do, is to have several different blades, not only making them task oriented, but backups. One is none, two is one, and so on. This is the true reality of reassuring survival. Kids, and trendy suburbanites wouldn’t know this. My qualifications on this subject are extensive, and stretches a half century.
@@67cuda38 Hi, well said and I do not disagree with what you say. Unfortunately, yes the industry is driven not by any real end use but by the "feeling" for want of a better word of this "survival fantasy" where everyone seemingly has to have a super strong knife. I say this many times on this channel and my blog and give the example of no one surfboard can surf all conditions etc. Yes a hacking blade will be inherently thick and thus incapable of neatly or rather effortlessly cutting up fruit and vegetables around a camp but as u say, it could do it. How it does it and to what extent of effort is required will be the factor for what one wants to put up with or makes their decision whether to buy it or not in the first place. You can not have one knife which is good at hunting, fishing, camping etc, hence the smart hunter always takes several (I do LOL). I don't think (in this case) ER intended the RAOII to be used as a camping knife at all. I think if you watch my reviews for the many lightweight hunting style knives here you will see the tests conducted are indeed inline with a realistic set of applications (how well do they cut meat off the bone). There is of course no point in having some ginormous folder if it can not offer something more than simply cutting (the primary use of any knife), so I can understand where ER are coming from in that respect. BTW my 35 plus years is actually closer to 40 years field experience, so u have another ten years on me LOL. The median demographic for my channel is not that of kids and the age group sits above 35 years of age to 55.
I stick to what I say about the knife, despite it’s chunky design it can be used to do regular stuff around a campsite. Yes, it’s no hunting knife at all and its thick blade is going to make a mess of filleting fish and cutting into vegetables there will be lots of friction and limitations as I describe in the video description. I don’t believe I suggest it’s a one stop solution at all. In fact I think I state quite clearly in my video description the intended end use of such a product.
I have just to add, I have had real life survival experiences from being temporarily held by mercenaries to survival on true deserted islands (most of which did not ever require the use of a knife except to maybe gut some fish; and certainly had we been carrying any weapons of any sort during one particular incident, we probably would have been shot. The problem is "survival" has been so romanticised on TH-cam and other other social media that I'm sure many who have not been in a real situation think it must be like Robinson Crusoe or some such fantasy, rather than just trying to have enough freshwater to drink etc, roof over one's head etc. True survival is nothing to boast about but only to thank, in some cases, your lucky stars or whatever one wants to call it; that the outcome was favourableAnd I think that being on the rescue side several times that luck does in fact play a role in certain situations for search and rescues.
Your comments are much appreciated.
@@BushCampingTools Well put. However, I have a few adjustments to this. The ER company designs tactical blades to fit different forces. I do love tactical blades being ex-mil myself. On the subject of chopping, or hacking, this should be left to two purpose built tools, of which there are many designs, taken from many cultures, each suiting their geographical location. Axes, and machetes. My axe preference is a light, ergonomical S curved handled axe, not a hatchet as some prefer, which invite unnecessary finger damage, and not enough force. Many times have I smashed my fingers, leading to swelling, even fever. The last thing you want. On lighter chopping, I have found no better design than a family heirloom that has been used in my family extensively on plantations, farms, worksites, and hunting/camping. It’s a corn/cane knife, or machete, made before the civil war. It is that well built, and designed. Though I like a heavy blade in theory, and it’s feel, not practical. I have collected hundreds of blades through the decades. It takes quite the knife for me to buy one these days. Companies have blades designed for profit. Designers design for many reasons, but mostly to please the company and market. Keep it up, as you will not see me creating these videos, no matter how much I feel compelled to do so.
@@67cuda38 I know what you mean by that cane knife too, I reckon. I also understand what you say about the fingers and the design. You are exactly right about the correct tool for the geographical location too.
I just got one,,,,the pin set up is a joke. The pin should have been on a swivel. The way it is set up now, the cord fights you. As you are trying to screw the pin in,,,the cord is applying tension in the opposite direction....like winding a rubber band! For 400 bucks they should have added a pin that swivels independently from the cord. Also.....for this kind of money....throw in a couple more .50 cent pins and maybe have a pouch on the sheath to carry them! Not impressed...may return it
I took off the shock cord and put a super strong fishing swivel for game fishing- it can hold over a ton weight of fish like a marlin or large shark. Used fluoro paracord so if dumb enough to put it down I won't loose it. Works just fine, or even pin on straight paracord. Swivelling fixed immediately. I carry the pin attached to my sheath via this para cord and have never lost it because (unlike what I said above) I put it back immediately once I no longer require it's use. The pin BTW can be substituted for if memory serve me right a 1/4 inch 20 thread but check my blog. I haven't got it with me right now as I'm away filming. It's a small issue easily overcome and hardly worth returning- but I can see your anger and annoyance here. I never ever expected to leave such a precious pin on a bit of stupid shock cord. I use this knife in several videos (not about Extrema products) and will see where you can see my mod for the pin and hopefully put a link here but I guess it's easy enough.
Here is the link to the video where you can see my orange paracord (which is attached to the pin being used here).
th-cam.com/video/Y0R5YdUV06M/w-d-xo.html
Also forgot to mention I know others have done similar and that was the first thing they got rid of. It is only an issue for those who will def use this heavy duty knife as in "fixed mode" After these years I still do BTW like this knife and for certain trips it goes out with me, if not left in the car for usage for impromtu BBQ's!
My friend,,,you should be on the design team for Extrema Ratio. You solved all the issues I had with this knife. The sad part is, for 400 bucks,EXTREMA RATIO Should HAVE FIGURED THIS STUFF OUT FOR US, Right? Lol! It is a well built knife, but for 150.00 you can buy a Gransfors Bruks ‘mini hatchet’ that is lighter, just as small, and can out chop the Extrema Ratio on any given day! Thoughts? Thanks for the info...great videos. ;0)
Hi thanks for saying that! BTW did you happen to read the blog entry about what I thought about this knife after some time, where it's weaknesses are and strengths are? If not no problems. I can't put all I'd like to in all of these videos, there isn't enough time and no one would watch them but the blogs I put much more detail (along with snippets of this detail in the video descriptions. I think the strengths of this type of knife is that: one it is a knife and as such can perform penetrating moves; can cut and slice, is extremely rigid laterally (and as such can't easily be damaged by rough handling-remember the intended market is military not civilian; and is as "multipurpose as possible"- hence being able to chop with it. As a military tool it has a fail safe : that is if for some reason the small spring were to fail, then with that pin inserted, the knife can still be used to it's full capacity as a knife. Now as to your comparison to the Gransfors Bruks ‘mini hatchet’. I don't believe any knife will out perform a tool (if well designed) which is specifically intended for a specific job, such as chopping. They (knives) will always be a compromise against a hatchet. That being said the hatchet is not a knife either and whilst one can possibly perform many jobs other than chopping with a hatchet, a knife would be better suited for cutting and piercing tasks. For super safety under extreme forces, the RAO II can be locked closed with the pin and there is absolutely no chance of accidental injury (again a military design aspect I believe). The size and weight lends it's self to be used as a type of cosh when closed or a persuader as well. The small Gransfors Bruks ‘mini hatchet’ is indeed small but you can not carry it in your pocket (sometimes I don't use the pouch at all and need to have it in my pocket- yes it is bulky but since there is no flipper (to rip my pockets up) I haven't to date destroyed my pockets- BTW a quick big big praise for Helicon Tex tactical clothing- you see me wearing it a lot- super tough stuff, I always buy their stuff. And finally you are right, for the cost they should have put in such a design feature. But please do read the blogs about this knife I discuss several of these things.
over priced, I think there called Kizler D2 and powder coated in titanium / Russian knife. A friend has one my god that thing is sick it would be much I would take his knife over that any day He payed like 240 or something...
Yes there is no argument the Kizlyar Supreme knives are damn good and can take a real beating too.
I've seen a somewhat hard test on the RAO 1. The results were VERY disapointing (here th-cam.com/video/QiBtHGfgZLI/w-d-xo.html). I'd like to see this for this one and see if ER adressed some fo the weaknesses.
+chibraxial Hi there, yes I have seen this video several times. I think there is some question as to whether it is actually a fake. I've seen some fakes and they are almost 100% identical to the real McCoy in all details. (except they are crap TBH). I can't see how a genuine knife or the RAOII would fail in such a test.
I don't know of anyone with this knife who had it fail on them, except this guy (if it's not a fake).
I really hammered mine and the blade meets exactly the end of the tang, there is no where for it to travel under duress. The tang would have to compress and deform (unlikely under such use, I feel). Most folders are weak in a lateral loading situation-ok they are not designed for such loading, no folder. However, I was surprised that I never weakened mine when twisting and busting up fat wood stumps (see video if haven't). I'm not keen on smashing mine into a brick as this really is abuse and all knives period will fail if given enough stick. Or deformation of the main pivot/axel or deformation of the handles but they (the handles) are made from T6082 and my rock climbing gear is made from the same stuff which I trust my life with, and some of these parts are about the same thickness.
Please let the gay shorts and white sunglasses at home buddy 😂
tus pruebas de campo son pateticas
My field tests are called "realistic", you can call them "pathetic" if you like, it is your right here on TH-cam and on BushCampingTools. Field tests conducted on BushCampingTools are not about smashing knives into: brick walls, rocks, cutting down steel doors, bashing them with steel hammers etc. That sort of thing you can find on many other channels, sorry to disappoint you. But thanks for watching anyway.
Idiotic knife , - why do you need to do so many operations , if it’ s enough to take one good fixed one .
A fixed blade will of course always be less troublesome than other knives which involve moving parts, where those parts may fail due to ingress of foreign matter or stop working due to some particular part failing.
ALL folding knives therefore have weak points. However, there may be times when a folding knife is preferred, more than likely though with fixed blade combination. Certainly, this knife will not be everyone's choice that's for sure.
Many thanks for your comments.