This knife as you mentioned is used by the 185° Rao "Folgore" (translates to 185th objective acquisition regiment "Thunderbolt") the Folgore "Thunderbolt" (the motto is "come Folgore dal cielo" which translated into "like Thunderbolt from the skies") regiments is considered among the finest in the italian Army, it's a Paratrooper regiment based in Livorno, Tuscany this knife is also made in Tuscany, in the city of Prato precisely (which is my hometown). Hope those among you that were intrested now know a little more
I was really interested in getting this blade a year ago, nearly did. Then I watched a few TH-cam videos, one was even by cold steel. Anyhow, they all beat the knife pretty hard in different ways. After a bit the blade developed some significant blade wobble and there was no way to get rid of it even with adjusting the pivot pin. No doubt it's a tuff knife but I've seen much cheaper cold steel blades hold up to much worse abuse. Check out those videos and keep us posted on yours. If you can somehow show those guys are wrong I would buy this blade in a second!
Firstly, attach the bungee lanyard to the cross pin with a fishing swivel for maximum convenience! 😊 Its more a modified Wharncliffe blade and a compact utility chopper. I have an early version. Great for compact backpacking/sup camping. Very choppy when holding the rear of the handle, but with the blade jimping and its overall balance, can be used for fine tasks and food handling too. An ultimate all-rounder. Also
@Dorian Green definitely or like 20 Ontario Rat 2 and 10 of em if you are getting the D2 version which is very similar to CPM-20CV but with less chromium.
In a Cold Steel video of 4MAx vs RAo testing, the RAO lock doesn't do all that great to shock to the spine. In most videos I've seen the lock develops play after hard use and abuse. That said, I'm sure it does fine as a military field knife. Lets be honest, you probably won't be building a shelter and splitting logs. You'll be prying, opening a ration, cutting cord, etc. I like the R.A.O, but I wish it had a better lock for 400 bucks.
I kinda like the tanto version Wouldn’t it stab into stuff alote better and deeper because it’s a tanto tip? I’ve seen tantos legit stab straight threw body armor like a hot knife threw butter while normal typical blades couldn’t
I think I just found my new work knife, Razels and Warcliffes are my faves blades Razels for work and Warncliffes in defensive knives. CKRT discontinued their full-size Razel folder and this RAO is something that looks like it could take a lifetime of work and beatings so I think I'm gonna look around for used one first but this just might be what I've been after.
safe space and what would be the advantage of taking four inches off a knife that’s on your belt? Plus when you pull a fixed blade out it’s ready to go and you only need one hand.
@safe space yeah maybe if you get a 3 inch blade or smaller. There are thousands of fixed blade knives of good quality that are deff smaller than this knife. This knife does look badass for what it is though. Might be something to fuck around with while camping or hunting
so i am making a machete out of 1095 and rosewood (for the handle) and whenever i swing it. it makes a swishing sound like you are hitting a fly but without the snap at the end... is that a good sign
but whats the point it being a folder??? its best selling feature is it functioning like a fixed blade. I dunno, it seems like they should've made it a fixed knife and cut the cost of having moving parts.
Hey. Just want to say I love your vids! Been watching for a while now and enjoyed every second of it. I am fairly new into collecting knives and due to Canada's more strict laws on knives I can't have any assisted opening or auto knives. I was wondering what your opinion was on the boker kalashnikov 74 manual operated folding knife. And if you could recommend some knives to add to my collection. My personal favourite that I own is my SOG Vulcan mini.
That pin should use a push button ball detent like quick connect sling swivel instead of thread and have another hole in the grip restore the pin if u dont want to install it back in the original hole. The point of the knife looks like a great scraper
:) jokes really on me I got nasty razor burn from using that knife over and over to clear the hair off my leg, lol feels like a rash and hurt all day...hahaha
If you want to see a comparison with several other strong folders to know which is the strongest, I highly suggest you check out the DutchBushcraftKnives video they did a very good job comparing knives from Extrema Ratio, Benchmade, ColdSteel and I think Condor with Tests like batonning, chopping, durability at woodwork. Check em out they’re real good
You have a very strange version. The original, like you said, had the single pivot screw. The screw with notches with the small retaining screw was adopted on the rao II and on some desert version of the tanto blade. The difference between civilian and military is that the military version has a sharpened upper side of the tanto and the civilian is unsharpened. I’ve never seen the version you have reviewed. Great analysis. Well done. Wonder how you were able to get your hands on that particular piece
John Smith ya that’s why I said they have high sanders also Dutch bushcraft brothers also tested this knife along with others and cold steel won . I am not saying I am going to hang 600 lbs on my knife but if you want the strongest folding knife then this isn’t it .
@@Hissatsu5 POINT well made. Its strong as hell with the pin, but not as strong as the 4 max...which doesn't have the pin. If CS made a knife with a titanum billet frame and put a pin in it like that you would need machines designed to test objects that explode and fly apart due to extreme stress in a lab someplace.
Hold on while I put my knife together...not sure that concept makes sense. Seems like it's not a folder but not a fixed blade. Wouldn't you just throw a beefy, medium sized fixed blade in your bag or pack.
As cool as this is, idk why it'd be a problem to carry a fixed blade. Guys I've known in the military chose fixed blades if durability was a concern and had no real issue sticking them on their gear unless it was really long. It doesn't seem like this knife really gave them more length but in a compact form, just more complexity. edit: part of me thinks a blacked out slightly modified mora is probably the ideal knife for SF, but that'd just be too cheap to be cool.
knives are like hookers. It doesnt matter if she is cheap and loose we still appreciate her and the job she has to do. Whether she gets the job done in 1second or 30min she is applauded for her effort.
John Smith very true, I’m just pointing out that a 4max is strong and will be able to hold up better over the years and It’s cheaper with a better steel.
Well I don’t beat on knives because I’m never in a life or death situation, but if I was, I would like a knife like this. I really like the idea of the sheath letting you carry in both positions. $400 seems like a fair price too but if I get one it would probably be used or on sale lol. Great video bro.
Cold steel does have a video series 4Max vs RAO. 4Max pretty much wins hands down. The RAO has to use the pin to come close to the 4MAX since the lock on the RAO kinda sucks for hard use and abuse.
Rodrigo Teresa have you ever served in the military or experienced military application necessities? If not, then don’t fret; this blade isn’t for you anyways🙅🏻♂️
@@BigShaneGillis The only reason to make a knife folding is to make it more compact or legal, and yes, I will say from experience that the armed forces of my country are concerned with neither, as are those of most countries. Making a knife that should be fixed into a folder arbitrarily and then making it a fixed blade in terms of strength is kind of like forgoing a car for a motorbike arbitrarily and then adding loads of external storage to supplement the loss in trunk space. The problem was already solved for you mate. If I want to be a tactical neckbeard there are safer and cheaper ways to do so ;)
I read somewhere that pronounced tanto grind-point serves as a pierce point, when swinging it @ someone as a defense weapon. There's a word for it in the japanese (or filipino) martial arts.
Personally i'd say no, more of a double tanto because the sharpened edge doesnt follow up the spine of the knife but in the end if you get stopped with it the officer and maybe later the judge will be the one to decide whether it counts as a double edged blade or not
This knife as you mentioned is used by the 185° Rao "Folgore" (translates to 185th objective acquisition regiment "Thunderbolt") the Folgore "Thunderbolt" (the motto is "come Folgore dal cielo" which translated into "like Thunderbolt from the skies") regiments is considered among the finest in the italian Army, it's a Paratrooper regiment based in Livorno, Tuscany this knife is also made in Tuscany, in the city of Prato precisely (which is my hometown).
Hope those among you that were intrested now know a little more
Eurofither pilots
The 185 rgt is videre nec videri
Extrema Ratio has such extraordinary characterful military knife designs. I love them. I have 5 of their models.
Straight up awesome knife. Beautiful in a survival tactical kinda way.
I have and love the RAO knife. Love your review. Look forward too new reviews of different knives.
I have one.. sir and i willing to sell it
This folding knife is impressive, this Italian brand is very special and very amazing. I will give in to temptation one day.
They are expensive
I was really interested in getting this blade a year ago, nearly did. Then I watched a few TH-cam videos, one was even by cold steel. Anyhow, they all beat the knife pretty hard in different ways. After a bit the blade developed some significant blade wobble and there was no way to get rid of it even with adjusting the pivot pin. No doubt it's a tuff knife but I've seen much cheaper cold steel blades hold up to much worse abuse. Check out those videos and keep us posted on yours. If you can somehow show those guys are wrong I would buy this blade in a second!
Brilliant dual sheath, got me thinking of creating a similar sheath.....
That pivot screw feature is bad ass!
Great review! This knife will be my next purchase!
I have one sir and i willing to sell it
I'd totally rock that knife, but the price makes me unhappy..
S&w border guard is a big cheap tanto that looks kinda similar
Great vid! Soo...after the chopping in the woods, was there any blade play at all? Did the lock stand up for the chopping?
Firstly, attach the bungee lanyard to the cross pin with a fishing swivel for maximum convenience! 😊 Its more a modified Wharncliffe blade and a compact utility chopper. I have an early version. Great for compact backpacking/sup camping. Very choppy when holding the rear of the handle, but with the blade jimping and its overall balance, can be used for fine tasks and food handling too. An ultimate all-rounder. Also
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the price reminds me of the Cold Steel 4-Max, which is also $400
The 4-Max comes with CPM-20CV
which one would you get if you had $400 to spend?
@Dorian Green definitely or like 20 Ontario Rat 2
and 10 of em if you are getting the D2 version which is very similar to CPM-20CV but with less chromium.
Okay, so do they make a large version of this knife?
😁
😃😃😃
why did you put a smiling emo g
it's not big its medium sized knife
Its really not all that big, if you can live with carrying a leatherman surge.
@@creepywhiteguy3621 Because he can 😂😃
@@tikkidaddy so its my perfect knife?
In a Cold Steel video of 4MAx vs RAo testing, the RAO lock doesn't do all that great to shock to the spine. In most videos I've seen the lock develops play after hard use and abuse. That said, I'm sure it does fine as a military field knife. Lets be honest, you probably won't be building a shelter and splitting logs. You'll be prying, opening a ration, cutting cord, etc. I like the R.A.O, but I wish it had a better lock for 400 bucks.
Very cool knife. It’s a monster though. Medford would be jealous.
9:02 *moto moto intensifies*
I love it’s look and functionality!
Is it good for every day carry & use?
What's crazy is the 4 max beat the Rao 2, and the Rao had the pin in it.
I kinda like the tanto version
Wouldn’t it stab into stuff alote better and deeper because it’s a tanto tip?
I’ve seen tantos legit stab straight threw body armor like a hot knife threw butter while normal typical blades couldn’t
That thing is friggin awesome
It’s cool and all, I have the drop point version, but what’s the point? It’s as heavy as a fixed blade so why not just carry a fixed blade?
When you say this one will outlast the cold steel triad lock do you mean the RAO will win with the pin in or even with the pin out?
I wish I could sprinkle this throughout the knife world: "Bungies and blades don't mix well." (stop typing, there is an exception)
thing looks uuuuugly.. i love it
I think I just found my new work knife, Razels and Warcliffes are my faves blades Razels for work and Warncliffes in defensive knives. CKRT discontinued their full-size Razel folder and this RAO is something that looks like it could take a lifetime of work and beatings so I think I'm gonna look around for used one first but this just might be what I've been after.
At this point just buy a fix blade, the strongest lock is no lock
@safe space
He has a point though, considering the sheath, that is specifically designed to allow for open carry.
safe space and what would be the advantage of taking four inches off a knife that’s on your belt? Plus when you pull a fixed blade out it’s ready to go and you only need one hand.
A 20$ full tang fix blade is way stronger and more reliable then any folder
@safe space yeah maybe if you get a 3 inch blade or smaller. There are thousands of fixed blade knives of good quality that are deff smaller than this knife. This knife does look badass for what it is though. Might be something to fuck around with while camping or hunting
@@TheReasonableSkepticistYour 120 dollar fixed blade isn't as strong as a cold steel 4 max.
So much misinformation on knives
so i am making a machete out of 1095 and rosewood (for the handle) and whenever i swing it. it makes a swishing sound like you are hitting a fly but without the snap at the end... is that a good sign
but whats the point it being a folder??? its best selling feature is it functioning like a fixed blade. I dunno, it seems like they should've made it a fixed knife and cut the cost of having moving parts.
Hey. Just want to say I love your vids! Been watching for a while now and enjoyed every second of it. I am fairly new into collecting knives and due to Canada's more strict laws on knives I can't have any assisted opening or auto knives. I was wondering what your opinion was on the boker kalashnikov 74 manual operated folding knife. And if you could recommend some knives to add to my collection. My personal favourite that I own is my SOG Vulcan mini.
That pin should use a push button ball detent like quick connect sling swivel instead of thread and have another hole in the grip restore the pin if u dont want to install it back in the original hole. The point of the knife looks like a great scraper
Lovely knife! I have his big fixed brother and it’s always on my duty belt✌🏻☠️
Not gonna lie
U got me on that vid yesterday
:) jokes really on me I got nasty razor burn from using that knife over and over to clear the hair off my leg, lol feels like a rash and hurt all day...hahaha
Nice review
I love drop point knives; but for the purpose of this knife, I prefer this tip. It's more like a razel/chisel/scraper/pry bar than a tanto to me.
Folder from Miller Brothers Blabes= The best .
Is this a different model? Could of sworn you already showed this one
The other video was just a first impression of the knife. This one is the review.
Does it have a 90° for flint? That is usually a fairly important characteristic of a survival knife.
i feel like its meant for military folk and not "survivalist" types so they would have ready access to fire/heat
Im looking for a knife a bit smaller then a pen knife to put on a necklace. So i can use the necklace as a cable or strong fishing line. Can u help?
I think CRKT Shizuke Noh Ken have better secondry lock on it, I would love to see that in this knife
Otanashi Noh ken all the way bro.
If you want to see a comparison with several other strong folders to know which is the strongest, I highly suggest you check out the DutchBushcraftKnives video they did a very good job comparing knives from Extrema Ratio, Benchmade, ColdSteel and I think Condor with Tests like batonning, chopping, durability at woodwork. Check em out they’re real good
You have a very strange version. The original, like you said, had the single pivot screw. The screw with notches with the small retaining screw was adopted on the rao II and on some desert version of the tanto blade. The difference between civilian and military is that the military version has a sharpened upper side of the tanto and the civilian is unsharpened. I’ve never seen the version you have reviewed. Great analysis. Well done.
Wonder how you were able to get your hands on that particular piece
Ebay Australia and some overseas sellers have this upgrade
I have to agree wirh one of the comments. Too many moving parts. For this purpose, might as well get a fixed blade. Or go with a Demko design??
The sheath is dope.
Awesome review thank you 👍
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Yea I would prefer the drop point blade design,but really cool looking , unique !👍
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Also such a tiny pivot pin is that good or bad?
Will that locking pin screw into the lanyard hole?
Hey jeff you shpuld review the new ganzo fh models. They started makinh their own stuff and theyre pretty nice
I'll have to check it out haven't looked at the Ganzo knives in a while. 👍
Did you try batoning with it?
I like that knife!!!
i think cold steel has a video of this knife failing but they have high standers
"Failing" nobody ever can put 645KG force on a knife in any situation
John Smith ya that’s why I said they have high sanders also Dutch bushcraft brothers also tested this knife along with others and cold steel won . I am not saying I am going to hang 600 lbs on my knife but if you want the strongest folding knife then this isn’t it .
@@Hissatsu5 POINT well made. Its strong as hell with the pin, but not as strong as the 4 max...which doesn't have the pin.
If CS made a knife with a titanum billet frame and put a pin in it like that you would need machines designed to test objects that explode and fly apart due to extreme stress in a lab someplace.
Different :-) Cool idea with the sheath :-)
I just wanna say, 20 seconds into the video, what in the F#CK😂😂
thats a nice knife if i had the money i would buy it nice reveiw.
modify a plow pin with the ball detent and replace that threaded bolt!
I like that knife, and I'm not a huge fan of huge folders.
I love it ...
Wow love this vids
I love my 185
To be annoyingly pedantic, it was approximately three full rotations. (six, half turns) Thank you for the great content.
I would replace that bungee with some paracord.. paracord would be alot more useful in a survival situation..maybe add a ferrous rod to the paracord..
That knife is fire,I'd love to have one.
Fire?
@@behindthen0thing fire meaning amazing ,awesome.
@@lizwescott6739 oh ok thanks
the blade is coated because in combat situation you don't want a shiny blade reflection giving out your position. simple as that.
Hold on while I put my knife together...not sure that concept makes sense. Seems like it's not a folder but not a fixed blade. Wouldn't you just throw a beefy, medium sized fixed blade in your bag or pack.
I also question if a real military unit carries this, or if its an issued item do they really carry it or are they throwing something else in the kit.
I would have used 3v for that one.
As cool as this is, idk why it'd be a problem to carry a fixed blade. Guys I've known in the military chose fixed blades if durability was a concern and had no real issue sticking them on their gear unless it was really long. It doesn't seem like this knife really gave them more length but in a compact form, just more complexity.
edit: part of me thinks a blacked out slightly modified mora is probably the ideal knife for SF, but that'd just be too cheap to be cool.
Awesome
Take a look at the alpha mark 1. Very comparable knife
The Gerber parabellum has the same style sheath but better execution
THAT'S A BEEFY KNIFE.
I'd love to see a set screw like that on a Bali, wouldn't that negate the need for loctite
Comments be like: BuT CoLd StEeL BroKe iT, sO tHis iS a hiGh PriCeD piEcE oF s***T. "AmeRiCa F**K yeAH"
Looks like a Entrenching Shovel made into a knife.
looks like cold steel triad have some competition
That double screw design Is over 100 years old
Anyone else see NOS from All Outdoors put this knife to the test?
knives are like hookers. It doesnt matter if she is cheap and loose we still appreciate her and the job she has to do. Whether she gets the job done in 1second or 30min she is applauded for her effort.
my dream folder is the Extrema Ratio Glauca B1 ❤ so sexy
Hi, it is not 185 degree, it's 185th paratrooper regiment
Cold steel broke it I think...
Andrew Demko broke it in one of his test videos
Yup, he put it against the 4-max. It did really well but the handle broke and the Rao's lock sheared off. 4-Max is a beast though.
Guys srsly nobody ever is able to put 650KG force with bare hands, so where is the point of "they broke it"
John Smith very true, I’m just pointing out that a 4max is strong and will be able to hold up better over the years and It’s cheaper with a better steel.
@@disninja8285 better steel is wrong.
I would love to edc it if it was smaller
It would be good with a thumbstud and a belt clip
Why don’t you ever show footage of you using the knives?
Because he doesn't use his knives
He doesn’t use them, he just molests them with his fat Cheeto stained fingers.
Didn't you do a review on this before? lol
Bigfoot's pocket knife!
Well I don’t beat on knives because I’m never in a life or death situation, but if I was, I would like a knife like this. I really like the idea of the sheath letting you carry in both positions. $400 seems like a fair price too but if I get one it would probably be used or on sale lol. Great video bro.
Failed 763lbs ! Very good but the 4max went on without damage !
First like, first comment, that’s a really cool knife Jeff!
Caleb Lynn not the first comment
Cold Steel 4 Max will smoke check this knife. Watched a video where the Cold Steel SR1 beat out this one and its not even the strongest cold steel.
Cold steel does have a video series 4Max vs RAO. 4Max pretty much wins hands down. The RAO has to use the pin to come close to the 4MAX since the lock on the RAO kinda sucks for hard use and abuse.
Think them Italians been drinking little too much wine these days.
Got to have one to go shopping with the wife
I love my folders and fixed blades but I see no purpose for this but for collection..
Rodrigo Teresa have you ever served in the military or experienced military application necessities? If not, then don’t fret; this blade isn’t for you anyways🙅🏻♂️
@@BigShaneGillis The only reason to make a knife folding is to make it more compact or legal, and yes, I will say from experience that the armed forces of my country are concerned with neither, as are those of most countries. Making a knife that should be fixed into a folder arbitrarily and then making it a fixed blade in terms of strength is kind of like forgoing a car for a motorbike arbitrarily and then adding loads of external storage to supplement the loss in trunk space. The problem was already solved for you mate. If I want to be a tactical neckbeard there are safer and cheaper ways to do so ;)
I'd like to see that beast in action!
I read somewhere that pronounced tanto grind-point serves as a pierce point, when swinging it @ someone as a defense weapon. There's a word for it in the japanese (or filipino) martial arts.
Andrew Demko broke version 2 of this knife.
Wow
Looks like a chopper and could be used as a garden shovel. Heavy knife to carry nice knife.
Would this blade shape be considered a double edged blade?
Double bubble
Personally i'd say no, more of a double tanto because the sharpened edge doesnt follow up the spine of the knife but in the end if you get stopped with it the officer and maybe later the judge will be the one to decide whether it counts as a double edged blade or not
Dum dum dum dum dum
@@kydd666 LOL
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