Checking BB code and posting limitations

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Just checking how the BB code I use is interpreted and any limits when posting. Not sure which forum something like this should go into. Currently there is no BESS related content, but this will be added in future reviews.

This is a heavily hacked article to get it posted.

Issue with image count per post. Limited to 10, but this post has 34.
Tables not rendering.
Compound code - center, URL, IMG seems to break, but keeping it to 2 codes seems to work.



Extrema Ratio are well known for making knives that are built like a tank; heavy duty fixed blades and folders that will take everything you can throw at them in their stride.
When the new Mamba arrived for testing it was clear this was something quite different; I was struck by how slim this knife is, and by the special sheath with quick release lever locking system - a sheath so slim it is MOLLE compatible because slides directly into the loops of PALS webbing.

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Author's Statement for Transparency and Disclosure
The test sample/s featured in this article have been provided for technical testing and review by the manufacturer. Test samples are retained by the reviewer following publication of the completed review for the purposes of long term testing and product comparisons.

All output figures and test results published in this review are the sole work of the reviewer, and are carried out independently and without bias. Test results are reported as found, with no embellishments or alteration. Though best endeavours are made to maintain the accuracy of test equipment, the accuracy of these results is not guaranteed and is subject to the test equipment functioning correctly.
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The Blade and Handle Geometry:

Most knife specifications have a basic description of the blade geometry, but in this section I will be taking a more detailed look at geometry and balance.


Using a set of gauges and precision measuring equipment including a Vernier protractor, callipers, fixed radius gauges and the unique Arc Master adjustable radius gauge (the one that looks like a crossbow).



These measurements have been tabulated and are presented along with a few reference blades (8" Chef's Knife, 5.5" Santoku and the popular Fällkniven F1).

Key aspects such as the primary bevel angle, grind type, blade depth, blade thickness, length, weight are detailed, along with balance information.



The 'Balance relative to the front of the handle' tells you if the knife will feel front heavy, or if the weight is in your hand (a positive value means the weight is forward of the front of the handle). The 'Balance relative to the centre of the handle' indicates how close to a 'neutral balance' the knife has in the hand.



In the case of full convex grinds the approximate centre of the grind is used for the primary bevel angle estimate.


(Wherever you see the 'Read MORE' marker, it indicates that the Extended Version of the review has additional content at that point. Viewing the extended version helps support further reviews, but please ensure you return to this Forum for comments and discussion.)

The blade is made from ACCIAIO BöHLER N690 (58HRC) steel.


A few more details:


What it is like to use?

For a couple of main reasons, the Mamba has been a bit of a revelation. When I first saw it, I didn't think all that much of it, but I was wrong, it really works.

The first of those reasons - the quick release lever lock. I'm so pleased to see this in a non-diving knife as it is one of those features I've been crying out for in 'normal' sheath knives.


A thumb release lever lock is so intuitive and easy to use as you basically free the blade just taking a normal hold on the handle. Your thumb sits onto the lever instead of the jimping and you squeeze to withdraw the blade.


The lever lock does require a slightly different technique when withdrawing or inserting the blade into the sheath. I mentioned this earlier in relation to the full flat spine. You need to keep the spine pressed into the locking lever as you withdraw or insert the blade. If you don't, the sprung lever pushes the cutting edge into the opposite side of the sheath, both dragging on the blade, and cutting into the plastic. A slight pressure of the blade spine onto the lever and the blade glides in and out easily.

While mentioning 'gliding'; actually the finish on the blade when new is so matt, it is slightly rough and in certain circumstances, this does actually cause some drag during a cut or when wiping clean. The surface finishing from Extrema Ratio is excellent, and hard wearing, so this 'feature' may simply be more noticeable on the finer blade of the Mamba than it is on larger, heavier knives.

There is one major disadvantage with the lever lock design; should you accidentally insert the blade into the sheath the wrong way round, the cutting edge runs directly onto and along the metal locking lever which will seriously damage the cutting edge.

Initially the Mamba is not a knife I would have been that excited about; a slim knife designed to fit into PALS webbing. Useful maybe, but not that exciting. This is certainly not how I feel about it now after spending time with it.

In many ways, Extrema Ratio got me hooked with this one by using the lever lock. I just hope they introduce this for a few other models, including the larger knives. On top of that is the fact that the more you use knives, the more you realise you don't need as much knife as you thought you might. So, often people carry around seriously heavy duty tools that are never really put to use. In terms of cutting power, the Mamba is more than capable of most everyday jobs and its slimmer blade (though not weak at 3.8mm thick) makes many cutting jobs easier. It really is a multi-purpose 'utility blade', in all the best possible meanings of that term.

If only Extrema Ratio could include a belt loop fitting, perhaps sliding over the sheath like the MOLLE clips do, as I would like to be able to carry the Mamba securely without a load carrier or backpack. Light, slim, easy to work with and an excellent quick release lever lock for sheath retention, I'll be carrying this whenever I can.


Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.


[table]

[tr]
[td]_______________________________________________[/td]
[td]_______________________________________________[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Things I like[/td]
[td]What doesn't work so well for me[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]_______________________________________________[/td]
[td]_______________________________________________[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Quick Release Lever Lock used to retain the knife.[/td]
[td]Can be very difficult to adjust the MOLLE clips when fitted into the PALS webbing.[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Slim and Versatile Blade. Handles as easily as flatware.[/td]
[td]No Belt Loop.[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]The Sheath fits Directly into PALS webbing loops.[/td]
[td]Black Blade finish can 'drag' when cutting.[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Secure Grip provided by the finger groove and heavy jimping.[/td]
[td]Inserting the blade the wrong way round can blunt the blade.[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Ambidextrous.[/td]
[td][/td]
[/tr]

[/table]

(Moderators, there is a reciprocal link at the end of every review on Tactical Reviews.)

[admin]

Sorry you are having issues posting. We'll check on this and get back with you soon.

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Testing a video

[video=youtube_share;aTsCMx1y_UU]https://youtu.be/aTsCMx1y_UU?rel=0[/video]
Video Edited with - Cyberlink Director Suite 5 (PowerDirector 16 and AudioDirector 7)
Camera - Panasonic HC-V770 - Microphone - Tonor TN120308BL


Ah, so that doesn't work.

[admin]