Extrema Ratio's Pugio - Classic & Timeless
Extrema Ratio's Pugio - Classic & Timeless
FOG HORN
A Twobirds Flying Publication
2012
combat knife will not. It is this mindset that drove the design of Extremas Pugio.
Extrema Ratios Pugio Classic & Timeless
By: Sal Palma
Extrema Ratio requires no introduction. They are known worldwide as purveyors of many of the best made combat knives, available to military and law enforcement. Whether your requirement is a heavy duty folding tactical knife, survival knife or fixed blade combat knife, Extrema delivers uncompromising quality and durability. A reputation they enjoy in all of its markets. Extremas designers are also artisans and craftsmen, in every sense of the word, having produced a number of historical replicas of collector quality. They understand edged weapons, design and manufacturing. Readers that follow my knife reviews know of my affinity for Japanese edged weaponries. Even today, they remain formidable tools of war. I also have a great love for the Roman era Gladius, its longer brethren the Gladius Hispaniensis, and the Roman pugnale known as the Pugio, which was used as a side arm by Roman soldiers. The need for a military sidearm has existed since Roman legions marched across Europe establishing an Empire that lasted well over 1000 years. That same need exists today for our fighting men and women. And, where a carbine and pistol will fail you, a
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The Pugio is a dagger most likely intended to be a boot knife. Like the Pugio of the Roman soldier, it is a secondary weapon capable of splitting open a rib cage, slashing a throat or dealing a life ending thrust. Like all well-designed daggers, such as the Fairbairn Sykes, Extremas Pugio is balanced well to the rear of its hilt making the tip extremely agile. A rake across the forehead would open a gash producing a Niagara Falls like flow of blood. The Pugios blade is constructed from N690 steel, an Austrian formulation, which has a very nice balance of carbon, vanadium and cobalt. N690 holds an edge, is easy to sharpen and offers a high degree of corrosion resistance. It exhibits a Rockwell hardness of 58HRC, which when combined with a blade thickness of 6.3 millimeters (0.25 in.), at the spine, delivers a defensive tool that can easily pierce 1 inch plywood.
Copyri ght 2012, Al l rights reserved.
FOG HORN
A Twobirds Flying Publication
2012
pummel for breaking glass, or to simply get someones attention.
The blade has one of the best hollow ground profiles that Ive seen in a commercial knife offering. And, it follows, its wickedly sharp double edge extending to a needle sharp point. A blade length of 110 millimeters (4.3 inches) is ideal for a boot knife but shorter than many of the combat daggers. However, if you believe what Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus wrote. A stroke with the edges, though made with ever so much force, seldom kills On the contrary, a stab, though it penetrates but two inches, is generally fatal. ... The body is covered while a thrust is given, and the adversary receives the point before he sees the sword. What you lose in reach, you gain in maneuverability, ease of deployment in tight quarters and agility. Id call that more than a fair trade. Extrema uses Forprene for the blade handle, which attaches to the Pugios full tang. Forprene is an extremely durable polymer and exceptionally stable across a wide range of environmental conditions. Like all of Extremas fixed blade knives, the ergonomics of the blade handle are exceptional. The Pugio has a number of reliefs and finger rests molded into the handle providing for a very secure grip. There is also a very nicely executed palm swell that lets the knife handle rest comfortably on the hand. Unlike the round handle daggers, the Pugio is grip agnostic and supports a saber grip, used in slashing; a palm supported grip, essential to a ribcage thrust or a rake; and a reverse grip used for power and to puncture through protective gear. It also sports a very generous
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Before leaving the handle I have to say, in unequivocal terms, that Pugios lanyard hole is a manly one. Folks, if you are going to design a lanyard hole into your product do it with gusto and bravado so that someone with normal dexterity can use 550 paracord without resorting to drink. Enough said! Do you ever wonder why it is Italians that design Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati instead of the British? To find the answer, just take a look at Extremas rendition of a knife sheath. The sheath assembly consists of two subassemblies, the scabbard and the mounting hardware.
The mounting hardware attaches to the scabbard with two screws. In a SERPA style arrangement, the mounting bracket allows for placement of the knife on a belt or shoulder strap in any angle - tip up or tip down. Without question, its a feat in engineering with an extremely elegant execution.
Copyri ght 2012, Al l rights reserved.
FOG HORN
A Twobirds Flying Publication
2012
Specifications WEIGHT: g 200 BLADE LENGTH: mm 110 TOTAL LENGTH: mm 210 BLADE THICKNESS: mm 6,3 BLADE STEEL: N690 (58HRC) HANDLE MATERIAL: FORPRENE SERRATION ON THE BLADE: NO FINISHING AND COATING: -LAMA: BRUNITA MIL-C-13924
After making the necessary adjustments to suit your specific set of circumstances, simply close the latch locking it via the wire broach provided.
Company Contact and U.S. Distributor XTREME KNIVES Nancy Heflin PO Box 805 Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062, USA (800) 470-9414 (801) 770-4466 E-mail: customerservice@xtremeknives.com Company URL: http://www.extremeknives.com
Extremas Pugio is not a utility knife it is an artfully designed highly lethal weapon. It was constructed by a company that understands the role of a knife in combat and combat support roles. Its strength and durability is your strength and durability, and like you it is up to the task. I cant think of a more versatile or reliable back up for your weapon systems and I give it a five star rating. -SP
Twobi rds Fl ying Publica tion Copyri ght 2012, Al l rights reserved.