Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert Review

First Impressions of Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert

The Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert immediately conveys a sense of rugged reliability and purposeful design. Hailing from Extrema Ratio, a company renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and tactical performance, this knife presents itself as a no-nonsense tool ready for demanding situations. Its compact size and desert tan color scheme hint at adaptability across varied environments.

My interest in the Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert stemmed from a need for a dependable, easily carried fixed-blade knife for my frequent backcountry excursions. I needed something more robust than a folding knife but lighter and more maneuverable than a larger survival knife. The published specifications seemed to hit that sweet spot perfectly.

Unboxing the knife, the first thing I noticed was the reassuring heft and solid feel of the Bohler N690 stainless steel blade. The stonewash finish gave it a visually appealing, battle-worn aesthetic. The desert tan Forprene handle offered a secure grip, even before I put it to any actual use.

I considered the Benchmade Bushcrafter 162, the ESEE 4, and the TOPS Knives Fieldcraft before settling on the Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert. The Benchmade was beautiful, but its price point was significantly higher. The ESEE 4 is a fantastic knife, but I was drawn to the slightly more aggressive design and the reputation for extreme durability associated with Extrema Ratio. The TOPS Fieldcraft is a fine tool, but the compact size of the Contact C was more appealing for my intended use.

My initial impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert seemed to be a serious tool built to withstand serious use. I was eager to put it to the test and see if its performance lived up to its promise.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert during a week-long backpacking trip in the high desert of Southern Utah. The varied terrain and demanding hiking conditions presented an ideal environment to evaluate the knife’s capabilities. I used it for everything from preparing food to creating feather sticks for fire starting and even some light batoning.

The knife performed admirably in the dry, dusty conditions. The Forprene handle provided a secure grip even when my hands were sweaty. The blade held its edge remarkably well, even after repeated use on dry wood.

I did not need much time to become comfortable using the knife. The handle ergonomics were excellent, and the blade size was perfectly suited for detailed tasks. My only minor gripe was that the sheath retention was a bit too tight initially.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert has proven to be an exceptionally reliable tool. I’ve used it during multiple camping trips, on a few fishing expeditions, and even for some heavier tasks around the yard.

The knife shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The stonewash finish on the blade effectively hides scratches, and the Forprene handle remains undamaged. The knife’s edge retention remains impressive, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain its sharpness.

Compared to other fixed-blade knives I’ve used in the past, the Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert significantly outperforms them in terms of edge retention and overall durability. It’s become my go-to knife for any outdoor adventure, and I have complete confidence in its ability to perform.

Breaking Down the Features of Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert

Specifications

The Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert boasts impressive specifications that contribute to its exceptional performance. Its overall length is 10.13 inches (25.73 cm). The blade length is 4.25 inches (10.8 cm), offering a balanced compromise between cutting power and maneuverability.

The blade material is Bohler N690 stainless steel, known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. The handle is made from desert tan Forprene, a durable synthetic rubber that provides a secure and comfortable grip in various conditions. The knife weighs in at 1.14 lb, providing a solid feel without being excessively heavy.

The Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert features a spear point blade, ideal for piercing and general utility tasks. The lanyard hole offers an additional carry option. It includes a tan nylon MOLLE compatible belt sheath, ensuring secure and versatile carry options. These specifications translate to a highly capable and adaptable tool for a wide range of applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert excels in its intended role as a combat and utility knife. Its blade geometry and edge grind are optimized for both slicing and piercing. The knife’s balance feels excellent in hand, making it easy to control during intricate cutting tasks.

The knife’s primary strength lies in its robust construction and exceptional edge retention. Its relatively compact size can be a limitation for heavy-duty tasks like splitting large logs. It fully meets and even exceeds my expectations for a knife in its class.

Design & Ergonomics

The Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert showcases a functional and ergonomic design. The Forprene handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even when wet or gloved. The knife feels well-balanced in hand, enhancing its overall usability.

There’s minimal learning curve associated with using the knife. The spear point blade is intuitive to use for a wide variety of tasks. The sheath could be a little easier to draw from initially.

Durability & Maintenance

The Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert is built to last. The Bohler N690 stainless steel blade is highly resistant to corrosion and wear. The Forprene handle is virtually indestructible.

Maintaining the knife is relatively simple. Regular cleaning and occasional stropping are sufficient to keep it in top condition. The durable materials ensure that this knife will provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert comes with a tan nylon MOLLE compatible belt sheath. There are not a plethora of readily available aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the Contact C. However, the lanyard hole offers some degree of customization.

The MOLLE compatible sheath allows for versatile carry options, integrating seamlessly with tactical gear. While the customization options are limited, the inherent quality and design of the knife make extensive modifications unnecessary.

Pros and Cons of Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert

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Who Should Buy Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert?

The Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert is perfect for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and serious outdoorsmen who require a reliable and durable fixed-blade knife for tactical and utility purposes. Survivalists and preppers will also appreciate its robust construction and versatile design. Anyone needing a dependable knife in challenging conditions will find this to be an excellent choice.

Those seeking a dedicated bushcraft knife for heavy wood processing might find the blade a bit short. Someone looking for extensive customization options may be better served by a different platform.

A quality sharpening stone or stropping kit would be a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s edge. A different style of sheath, if the factory one doesn’t suit the user’s preferences, could also be beneficial.

Conclusion on Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert

The Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert is a well-designed and exceptionally durable tool that lives up to the reputation of its manufacturer. Its blend of high-quality materials, thoughtful ergonomics, and robust construction makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable fixed-blade knife.

The price is justified given the quality of materials and the level of craftsmanship involved. This is an investment in a tool that will last for years.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Extrema Ratio Contact C Combat Knife Desert to anyone seeking a dependable and versatile fixed-blade knife for demanding applications. If you’re looking for a knife that can handle whatever you throw at it, look no further.