Extrema Ratio RAO Black Aluminum Knife, Black MIL-C N690 (04.1000.0141/BLK)

RAO Black Aluminum, Black MIL-C in June 2006, the Paratrooper Reconnaissance Regiment "185° Rgt. Ricognizione e Acquisizione Obiettivi" (185° RAO) tasked Extrema Ratio with developing a unique knife adapted to the unit’s specific operational needs. This led to the creation of the RAO, a solid, heavy-duty folding knife (Heaviest Folder) with a massive, reliable blade.

The legendary RAO is a tough, versatile knife with a large folding blade designed for battlefield use and extremely demanding tasks. Its reliable Bolt Lock blade locking system, reinforced by an additional screw-in steel pin (Extra Safety Lock) on the right side, effectively transforms the folder into a fixed-blade knife.

N690 - corrosion-resistant, high-carbon 1.07% (C), martensitic chromium steel 17.30% (Cr) with molybdenum 1.10% (Mo), vanadium 0.10% (V) and cobalt 1.50% (Co) for structural uniformity. Features exceptionally high corrosion resistance and long edge retention. One of the best tool steels in the world today. It achieves a hardness of 57-60 HRC. Manufactured by Böhler Edelstahl in Kapfenberg, Austria.

Blade - a solid 6 mm thick and extremely sharp, with a short false edge and Tanto shape, providing excellent cutting edge geometry with low friction. The blade is coated with a non-reflective matte MIL-C-13924 BURNISHING finish. The smooth Plain edge features a flat grind. A long jimped thumb ramp on the spine (spine jimping) enhances control and ease of knife handling.

The double blade locking system includes a robust Bolt-Lock mechanism and an additional safety feature, a threaded steel pin that must be inserted and screwed through two holes in the handle. Opening and closing the blade should be performed with both hands to minimize the risk of injury, as the blade, due to its weight, acts like a true guillotine. The blade’s shifted center of gravity also allows for opening the knife with a strong wrist flick.

Handle - full-sized, as in ER combat knives. The anodized aluminum scales ensure a secure grip, even with wet hands or when wearing gloves. The handle features full stainless steel liners. At the rear, there is a lanyard hole with an attached flexible cord with a steel pin attached. Additional spine jimping on the handle’s back provides extra grip for users who prefer a reverse hold. Steel head can perform the function of glass breaker and more...

Sheath - multifunctional, made from abrasion-resistant, waterproof black nylon. It features a DuraFlex buckle closure. The sheath allows for carrying the folded folder or with the blade open, as a fixed-blade knife, on a belt or gear/vest using M.O.L.L.E. system straps. It also includes an additional pocket for carrying a diamond sharpener.

Technical data:
Product number: 04.1000.0141/BLK
Name: RAO Black Aluminum, Black MIL-C

Overall length: 263.0 mm / 10.40"

Blade length: 119.0 mm / 4.70"
Blade thickness: 6.0 mm / 0.24"
Handle length: n.d.

Handle thickness: n.d.

Weight: 335.0 g / 11.80 oz

Blade material: Böhler N690
Blade hardness: 58 HRC
Blade grind: Flat
Blade finish: Black MIL-C-13924 BURNISHING

Handle material: Anticorodal Anodizes Aluminum
Handle color/finish color: Black

Backspacer material: Stainless Steel
Backspacer color: Black

Clip: None
Clip material: None

Pivot mechanism: Washers
Locking mechanism: Bolt Lock & Extra Safety Lock (bolt-on steel pin)
Opening method: Manual, flipper

Sheath (holster): Nylon

Additional accessories: Diamond sharpener

Designer: Extrema Ratio
Brand name: Extrema Ratio
Manufacturer: Extrema Ratio, Italy
Country of origin: Italy

Developed by: the Sharg® company