First Impressions of Aitor Commando Camo
The Aitor Commando Camo is a survival knife that immediately screams “adventure.” Manufactured by Aitor, a company with a long history of producing quality knives, this model aims to be a one-stop shop for wilderness preparedness. At $179.99, it sits in a competitive price range, but the promise of a hollow handle packed with survival essentials makes it intriguing.
I’ve been searching for a reliable survival knife to replace my aging Ka-Bar. My primary needs are a sturdy blade for batoning wood, a saw for shelter building, and ideally, integrated tools for emergency situations.
Upon unboxing, the Aitor Commando Camo feels substantial. The black-coated sawback blade is menacing, and the camo handle, though not my usual style, has a certain rugged appeal. Compared to my existing fixed blade knives, the hollow handle design is both innovative and a potential point of weakness that I intend to investigate.
I considered the SOG Seal Pup Elite and the Gerber Strongarm before settling on the Aitor Commando Camo. While the SOG offered similar blade characteristics, it lacked the integrated survival kit. The Gerber was more affordable, but the Aitor Commando Camo‘s feature-rich design ultimately won me over.
My first impression is a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. I’m eager to test its capabilities in the field, but slightly apprehensive about the long-term durability of the hollow handle and its contents.
Real-World Testing: Putting Aitor Commando Camo to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Aitor Commando Camo on a three-day backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The terrain offered a good mix of challenges, from dense forests to rocky inclines. I primarily used the knife for tasks around the campsite, such as preparing firewood and creating a makeshift shelter.
The Aitor Commando Camo performed admirably in dry conditions. Batoning smaller pieces of wood was easy thanks to the thick blade, and the saw back proved useful for cutting through branches for my lean-to. I didn’t encounter heavy rain during the trip, but a morning dew tested the blade’s coating, showing no initial signs of rust.
The knife felt well-balanced in my hand, though the handle’s texture became slightly slippery when wet. I didn’t need to use the survival kit extensively, but I did test the compass, which proved to be reasonably accurate. My initial concern about the hollow handle’s strength proved unfounded after the first outing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of moderate use, the Aitor Commando Camo is holding up surprisingly well. There are some minor scratches on the blade’s coating, but the stainless steel underneath is still protected. The camo handle has proven to be robust, showing no signs of cracking or loosening.
I’ve used it extensively for tasks like carving tent stakes, processing small game, and even digging a shallow fire pit. The blade has maintained its edge well, only requiring occasional stropping. The fishing kit components are showing slight signs of corrosion, indicating they might need replacement in the future.
Cleaning is straightforward. A quick wash with soap and water, followed by a light oiling of the blade, keeps it in good condition. Compared to my old Ka-Bar, the Aitor Commando Camo offers a more versatile toolset, but the blade isn’t quite as robust for heavy-duty chopping.
Breaking Down the Features of Aitor Commando Camo
Specifications
The Aitor Commando Camo boasts a 12.5″ (31.75cm) overall length, making it a substantial knife without being unwieldy. The 7″ (17.78cm) black coated sawback MoVa stainless blade offers a good balance between cutting ability and durability. The camo hollow cast magnesium/aluminum handle houses a survival kit and includes a lashing hole and black cord lanyard.
The handle contains a fishing kit, sewing kit, scalpel, external applications, nippers, pencil, compass, and magnesium pill. A black polyamide belt sheath completes the package. Weighing in at 1.6 lb, it is not a lightweight knife, but the weight feels appropriate for its intended use.
These specifications are important because they dictate the knife’s capabilities and suitability for various tasks. The stainless steel blade offers corrosion resistance, vital for survival situations. The hollow handle provides valuable storage space for essential tools, and the overall length ensures the knife is capable of handling both fine and heavy-duty tasks.
Performance & Functionality
The Aitor Commando Camo performs well as a general-purpose survival knife. The blade is sharp enough for detailed cutting tasks, while the sawback is effective for processing smaller branches. The hollow handle is a double-edged sword, providing valuable storage but potentially compromising overall strength compared to a solid tang design.
The strengths lie in its versatility and integrated survival kit. The weaknesses are the potential for handle failure under extreme stress and the relatively small size of the included tools. It meets expectations for a mid-range survival knife, offering a good balance between features and performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price. The MoVa stainless steel blade seems durable, and the camo handle is surprisingly comfortable to hold. The knife feels well-balanced, although some might find the handle slightly bulky due to the internal storage.
There is a slight learning curve associated with accessing the survival kit in the handle. Unscrewing the butt cap can be fiddly, especially with cold or wet hands.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Aitor Commando Camo should last for years of moderate use. The blade’s coating will likely wear over time, but the stainless steel should resist corrosion. The key to longevity is keeping the blade clean and oiled and ensuring the handle remains tightly sealed to prevent moisture from damaging the survival kit contents.
Maintenance is straightforward. Cleaning the blade and occasionally sharpening it is all that’s typically required. Replacing the survival kit components as needed will also extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Aitor Commando Camo comes with a black polyamide belt sheath, which is functional but not particularly impressive. There are no readily available aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this model. Customization options are limited to potentially replacing the lanyard or adding a paracord wrap to the handle for improved grip.
The survival kit contents can be customized to suit individual needs. Users can replace the included items with higher-quality alternatives or add additional tools and supplies. The fishing kit, sewing kit, scalpel, external applications, nippers, pencil, compass and magnesium pill are all decent, but not top of the line.
Pros and Cons of Aitor Commando Camo
Pros
- Integrated survival kit in the hollow handle provides essential tools for emergencies.
- Durable MoVa stainless steel blade offers good corrosion resistance.
- The sawback is functional for processing smaller branches and kindling.
- Well-balanced design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods.
- The included polyamide sheath provides secure carry on a belt or pack.
Cons
- The hollow handle design may compromise overall strength compared to a solid tang.
- The survival kit components are of average quality and may need upgrading.
Who Should Buy Aitor Commando Camo?
The Aitor Commando Camo is perfect for campers, hikers, and general outdoor enthusiasts who want a versatile knife with a built-in survival kit. It’s also suitable for individuals who appreciate having essential tools readily available in a compact package. It’s a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly survival knife with multiple functions.
Those who prioritize absolute strength and reliability above all else should skip this product. Professional survivalists or individuals who regularly engage in extreme wilderness activities may prefer a knife with a full tang and no hollow handle. People looking for high-end survival gear should also avoid this.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality sharpening stone or strop, a durable paracord lanyard, and replacement survival kit components. Consider upgrading the fishing line, hooks, and sewing needles with higher-quality alternatives.
Conclusion on Aitor Commando Camo
The Aitor Commando Camo is a capable and versatile survival knife that offers good value for the price. Its integrated survival kit is a definite plus, providing essential tools for emergency situations. While the hollow handle design may not be as robust as a full tang, it has proven to be surprisingly durable during my testing.
The price is justified considering the features and functionality it offers. It is a solid choice for recreational outdoor activities and general preparedness.
I would personally recommend the Aitor Commando Camo to anyone looking for an affordable and feature-rich survival knife. Upgrade the contents of the handle for a truly complete solution. Add it to your kit today!