Lifestyle
Extrema Ratio Dobermann IV African Review
Those who have been in the wilderness know that the only thing you can depend on is your instincts and your knife. Anything that requires battery can and likely will fail. Even live ammunition can fail in a damp environment. Time and time again, your knife will be the one equipment you turn to. It’s the most essential gear for survival as its versatility serves both offensive and survival purposes.
Extrema Ratio is known for making high-quality blades. Their website offers a wide selection of blades, however, the one that stands out most is the Dobermann IV Africa. The Dobermann IV Africa is a 7.3″ hunting made from Bohler N690 steel that promises to be your best friend on your next hunting trip – for $690 USD. In this review, we’re going to take a closer look at all the features of this blade and determine if it’s worth the price tag.
What’s in the package?
If you purchase the Dobermann directly from Extrema Ratio’s website, you’ll get a lot of extra accessories including a portable blade sharpener, a marlin spike, and an extra handle made from Forprene.
Extrema Ratio, being an Italian company, is generous with leather laces. Just about every single holes on the sheath came with a foot of laces. There’s easily 10 feet of laces included in the package. It’s a bit overkill, however, appreciated since the laces can be used for tying things down. The pictures above and below don’t show you how much laces are included. We had to trim most of it for photos.
The leather sheath is made from high-quality Italian leather (as you’d expect). There’s a stiffness to the leather that gives it extra durability and makes it resistant to scratches. The sheath has a hard plastic interior that houses the blade to ensure the blade doesn’t damage the sheath over repeated use. All the stitches you see are real.
Marlin Spike
The Dobermann IV Africa comes with a marlinspike already in the package. The leather sheath has a special side pocket for the spike that holds it in place via an elastic belt. The spike seems to be made from the same N690 steel (not confirmed). It’s heavy, solidly constructed, and pointy.
Given how pointy this spike is, experienced hunters can use this for more than tying and untying knots.
Blade Sharpener
Also included in the package is a custom-made blade sharpener. Just like the marlinspike, there’s a special pocket on the sheath for this accessory. It’s a bit difficult to access and you may need to remove the blade in order to get it out. That’s not a major issue since you’re not going to be sharpening the blade that frequently given its HRC 58 hardness.
The back of the sharpener has laser-engraved instructions showing you how to sharpen your knife. It also has a carved out hole in case you want to carry this on a keychain or on your backpack.
Santos Rosewood Handle
The Dobermann IV actually has two versions. The regular tactical version comes with the Forprene handle and black steel blade. The Africa version comes with Santos Rosewood handle, leather sheath, accessories, and a satin blade finish. Both versions are made from the same N690 steel.
There’s an “Extrema Ratio” branding carved onto the spine of the handle, just in case you forgot who made your knife. The handle has the signature finger grip indentation that’s proprietary to Extreme Ratio knives. It’s a great design and feels good in your hand. The indentation for your index and middle finger adds both grip and control, making the blade easier to handle.
Rosewood vs Forprene
There’s something very interesting to note about the two handles. On the surface, it might look like the Santos Rosewood is just a wooden version of the original Forprene handle, but take a closer look. Take a look at the picture above and you’ll notice how different they look from each other. The Forprene has a different butt that seems to hand an indentation for pinky grip, meanwhile, the rosewood doesn’t.
Extrema Ratio gives you two sets of screws to be used for each handle. The Rosewood handle uses just one set of gold screws. Meanwhile, the Forprene handle comes with two sets of stainless steel screws.
The dual screws on the Forprene handle actually feel more secure. Even if you wanted to use two screws on the Rosewood handle, you actually can’t, because the holes aren’t there. I’m not sure why the engineers at Extrema Ratio opted for a single-screw system on the wooden handle.
The screws are actually different in their construction. The Golden screws for the Rosewood handle feel like they’re made from aluminum. They’re lighter than the stainless steel screws used for the Forprene handles. The two stainless steel screws’ head is fitted for both a flathead screwdriver AND an Allen wrench. The golden screw can only be used with a flathead screwdriver, which is a slight inconvenience.
Although the golden screw looks gorgeous, I like the construction and flexibility of the stainless steel screws more.
3/4 Tang
It’s also worth noting that the blade isn’t a full-tang. It’s about a 3/4 tang. The handle is plenty snug and once clamped down, it feels just as tight and balanced as a full-tang blade.
Both handles are one piece giving it extra snug. Assembling and unassembling the handle can be difficult while you’re outside since the handle holds the blade in place VERY securely.
The Blade
The knife is 13.3 inches long with a blade length of 7.3 inches. Without the sheath, the knife weighs 368.5 grams, which is a good balance. It’s light enough to carry around on your belt. Yet it is heavy enough for chopping. The blade is made from N690 Bohler Stainless Steel.
N690 Bohler steel is the perfect marriage between performance and edge retention. The N690 steel is also infused with Cobalt, giving the blade an extra edge, making it even sharper. The fusion of cobalt alloy also gives the blade extraordinarily high edge-retention. The edge also tends to be more even making it easy to resharpen and maintain.
The N690 Bohler steel is also known for its ability to resist corrosion from humidity, moisture, and salt. This makes the blade reliable under any climate or conditions.
The blade is .25 inches thick, making it one of the thickest blades on the market. The extra thickness gives the blade rigidity and strength to handle anything you can throw at it. The picture above shows the blade with an American quarter next to it for scale. Despite having a thicker profile, the cutting edge is still razor-sharp.
HRC 58 Hardness
One perplexing question is why Extrema Ratio engraved “58 HRC” on the blade itself. For those who don’t know, HRC stands for Hardness Rockwell C. It’s a measurement of how hard the metal is. HRC 58 is hard, but certainly not the hardest metal in existence. For $600+, you would expect the metal to the of the highest grade.
After researching this a bit further, it makes perfect sense why they chose this metal. The harder the metal and higher the HRC rating, the more difficult it is to sharpen. The Dobermann is meant to be a hunting knife and comes with its own sharpener. HRC 58 gives the blade all the strength it needs and also makes it easier to work with, sharpen, and maintain on the go.
Final Verdict
This knife will quickly replace every other knife you have and soon will be the only knife you carry around on hunting or camping trips. The N690 Bohler steel blade is sharp, sturdy, and wields a balanced mass that makes it easy to handle. It’s a heavy knife that can be tamed by the generously long handle. At 13.3 inches long with a 7.3-inch blade, there’s nothing this knife can’t handle.
Although the Dobermann is made for hunting, it’s just as good for close-quarter combat, chopping, skinning, and slicing. This knife will quickly become your go-to knife for just about everything. And the superior Italian craftsmanship will guarantee this will be passed down from generation to generation.
At $690, it’s not a cheap knife. But it’s well worth the price given its quality and useful it is. If you’re a hunter or someone who spends a lot of time in the wild, the Extrema Ratio Dobermann IV Africa is well worth the investment.
Have you wondered if buying an electric scooter for short rides is a worthwhile investment? As more people and communities turn to alternative transportation, the shift is often driven by a desire to reduce their carbon footprints and enjoy added convenience. This growing trend has many asking the question, “should I buy an electric scooter?” From electric bikes to unicycles, there’s a lot you can learn and gain when choosing an e-scooter for your daily commute.
Learning to ride a scooter is easy
To learn how to ride your electric scooter is surprisingly easy. The learning curve is so low you can start cruising down the road in a short time. The Gotrax GXL V2 e-scooter is a good choice for beginners. It is affordable at just around $349 and can get you to work and back in a single charge. If you’re wondering whether you should buy an electric scooter, this model is a great place to start.
Once you finish the easy assembly and four-hour charging, you can already use it. It has the usual handbrake and bell on the left side. On the right sits a thumb throttle which you simply turn to gain speed and keep your balance.
You should lower your speed when stopping. This is because the higher your speed is when braking will result in the tires wearing out quickly. You will then need maintenance which can be expensive.
Turing is easy, but you need to do it with care. With both hands on the handlebars, signaling may not be possible. This is why many high-end e-scooters have features with light-up signals for this purpose.
Get additional but helpful features
Some considerations include features such as the signal lights mentioned above, suspensions, thicker tires, or more powerful motors. These will help you navigate bumpy roads, steep inclines, and uneven terrain.
When buying e-scooters, you should also consider the battery, waterproofing of the scooter, or portability. These are investments that can make your rides safer and more comfortable.
Consider your city’s laws
Before buying that electric scooter, check out your town or city’s laws about speed limits or the use of these EVs in general. Most budget-friendly scooters can travel up to25 km/h, but it’s still a good idea to know what your limitations are to prevent problems with the law.
Nighttime riding can also be a cause for concern if you plan on doing much of it. You may have to invest in headlights and reflectors to safely enjoy riding at night. You can also get helmets that already have lights and reflectors on them.
An electric scooter is faster and fun
Not only will you see huge savings on gas, but you’ll also be enjoying your rides with an electric scooter. These may be the two main reasons the EV craze has hit many towns and cities. The feel of the wind on your whole body while on it gives an exhilarating feeling that driving a car won’t ever duplicate.
Getting out of traffic quickly and efficiently is also a perk of having to ride an e-scooter. If you don’t have a lot to carry, an e-scooter is the best mode of transportation for short rides. However, you can also opt for a bag attachment that will allow you to bring a few items and small cargo when riding.
You’ll be addicted to it
Be warned: casual riding in your electric scooter can be addicting and leave you wanting more. This may be the exact reason add-ons are popular, while upgrading to higher-end models seems to be the norm for some people. After a few rides, you would see yourself wanting to get a particular feature and opting for more power and speed. So, as an answer to the question, should I buy an electric scooter? You should say yes!
Even if COVID-19 remains present after two years, it’s not stopping people from going on beach vacations. After all, cases aren’t as high as before, and many people have been vaccinated against the virus. And when it comes to beach vacations, it means more swimming and fun water activities, such as snorkeling, watching dolphins on the boat, and parasailing. We often get carried away with these activities, and unfortunate incidents befall us. One of those unavoidable incidents is accidentally dropping your smartphone into the ocean or sea. You’ve worked so hard to buy the device, only for it to slip away into the ocean. There’s a possibility that you can still retrieve it, though. But what do you do after you drop your smartphone in the ocean? Here’s what you need to do.
Look For Your Phone
You can still retrieve your phone from the ocean IF you accidentally dropped it in a shallow part of it. Use your feet or hands to feel for the phone. And if you have a net or something to scoop it up, do that too.
However, Do NOT in ANY CIRCUMSTANCES try to retrieve your phone IF it fell somewhere deep. You need to accept the fact that it’s long gone and is now with the sea. If this happens, contact your mobile phone provider immediately if you have a plan with them. They could help you with reassigning your old number to a new phone.
Switch the Phone Off and Leave it to Dry
Once you retrieve your phone, turn it off immediately. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to take snaps for your Instagram or create videos for TikTok. However, this is a necessary measure once it’s out of the water. Plus, make sure to dry it with a clean towel. Since you’re still at the beach and a few hours away from civilization, this is your best bet in ensuring your phone doesn’t take any more damage.
Remember the uncooked rice myth? Yeah, that’s not true. It’s no longer recommended to put your phone in uncooked rice because it will cause further corrosion. In an old interview, David Naumann said in the USA today that if you drop your smartphone in the ocean, you can put it inside a Ziplock bag. You’ll add purified water there and a pinch of baking soda. Baking soda is necessary to counter corrosion.
Bring It to A Pro ASAP
You can be tempted to fix your smartphone once you get home. But the best person to deal with this situation is a professional. It can be challenging to disassemble the phone, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Once you’re back home, immediately take it to a repair shop and tell them that you accidentally dropped it in the ocean.
Preventive Measures
To prevent any data loss, why not back up your files on a cloud? That way, if you lose your phone or drop it in the ocean, you can still have your files when you get a new one.
And if you’re going to the beach, make sure to put the smartphone inside a waterproof bag. It will keep your phone dry and secure!
Unfortunately, this guy can no longer retrieve his phone. And this is why you need to take preventive measures to avoid a scenario like this.
And for other stories, news, or tips, read more here at Owner’s Mag!
You don’t have to wait for the holidays to surprise the special women in your life. You can browse through this gift guide to find the best gifts for women for any occasion. These unique and thoughtful presents are sure to put a smile on their faces.
1. Dearfoams Memory Foam Slipper
Jessica Plush Criscroos Slippers by Dearfoams make a gorgeous yet functional gift for your mom, wife, daughter, or friend on any occasion. They’ll surely appreciate your gesture of helping them say goodbye to achy feet with these lovely slippers.
2. The Gift of Self-Love Workbook
Give your favorite gal this heartfelt and relatable book for her self-love journey. The bestselling paperback has quizzes, writing exercises, and a step-by-step guide to express their emotions, feel motivated, and increase their self-confidence.
3. Sephora Favorites Makeup and Skincare Set
For women who love makeup, here’s a gift set from Sephora. This Clean Me Up Makeup and Skincare Value Set includes eight must-have beauty products enriched with skin-loving ingredients. It also includes products from Glow Recipe, Tower 28, Olehenriksen, and more.
4. Akola Glow Unlock-it Bracelet
An unlock-it hinged bracelet, this unique and classy gift is ideal for all the special women in your life. It is perfect for all ages and styles, thanks to its timeless design. It features twin bezel-set designer crystal baguettes in a green emerald hue, engraved with the word GLOW.
5. Tulianna and Alejandra Garces Rosebud Earrings
Celebrate friendship, love, and romance with these pretty Birthstone Balloon Earrings by Tulianna and Alejandra Garces. The makers of these fancy earrings decided to cast colorful drops in a glassy eco-resin. Gift a set of these to someone special and show how much you love them.
6. Merokeety Knit Loungewear Set
Everyone needs comfy pajama sets to lounge around the house on a lazy weekend. So. grab a pair of this knitted casual nightwear from Merokeety. Besides, you could wear them separately, too, making it a perfect work-from-home OOTD.
7. No-Pressure Reading for Fun Journal from Uncommon Goods
Enhance the joy of reading with this thoughtfully designed journal. This helps the bibliophiles in your life with tracking their reading, reflecting on their favorites, or rediscovering the fun in books.
8. Bubble Soy Candles
Make your special someone smile by giving this scented cube-style candle in pastel colors. This lovely present is one of the cheapest yet most beautiful items in our women’s gift guides collection.
9. Mom Kindness Change-It-Up Clutch
Any woman will love the functionality of this clutch which can fit all her essentials. And the proceeds from every purchase go to Every Mother Counts, a nonprofit organization that promotes safe pregnancy and childbirth for every mother everywhere.
10. IUGA Navy Yoga Pants
These yoga leggings are a perfect present for women with an active lifestyle. It’s an ideal workout leggings made comfortable because of Four-way Stretch materials.
11. Pavoi Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings
These Hoop Earrings are always best sellers! This thick hoop earring is crafted to be lightweight for easy all-day wear. They are Hypoallergenic; Nickel and Lead-Free with Stainless Steel Post
12. Revlon One-Step Volumizer Enhanced 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush
With this Revlon revolutionary blow dryer brush, she can finish her hair in minutes. Surprise your significant other, sister, or best friend with this product that promises salon-quality results and less hassle of booking a pricey hair appointment.
13. Ztujo Purse Organizer
Your mom or friend who carries everything with her at all times 100 percent needs one of these organizational inserts for her bottomless pit of purse.
14. Senia Hot and Cold Facial Steamer
Show love for your favorite person by helping de-stress and regularly cleanse your skin. It has a calming nature of warm and cool mist and aromatherapy. Gift this wellness gadget to the woman you adore, and she’ll thank you for your thoughtfulness.
15. Masters Creative Custom Line Art Portrait
These custom line art portraits could be a perfect gift for those who love the minimalist look. Straight from the U.K, you can have it delivered as a digital file. Or have it printed on high-quality paper and shipped directly to you or the recipient.
16. Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket
This cozy blanket like this one from Anthropologie is a universal gift idea. This plush throw will keep her comfortable whether she’s always chilly or loves snuggling up on the couch. Plus, it comes in various colors you don’t usually find in faux fur blankets, including ochre, teal, mauve, and more.
17. Invigorate Shower Steamers Gift Set
Energize your giftee’s shower with this Invigorate Shower Steamer gift set. It contains essential oils and aromatherapy scents, including cedar, orange, and pine. This luxurious gift is made from natural ingredients and is handmade in California.
18. The Citizenry Aegean Cotton Bath Robe
This luxe bathrobe is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to feel at a hotel after a shower. It’s soft, absorbent, and has pockets that the recipient will love!
19. Flower Subscription
Give a gift that keeps on giving with this flower subscription. They’ll enjoy a new bouquet of mixed blooms each month for six months! Each arrangement is a work of art with some of the world’s most beautiful flowers. Get roses, sunflowers, hydrangeas, alstroemeria, and more.
20. mDesign Stackable Storage Box
Keep clutter under control by keeping favorite jewelry and accessories in one place. These stackable containers feature multiple compartments in various sizes providing plenty of options.
21. Coyuchi Dillon Organic French Terry Cardigan
You can never fail with comfortable loungewear as a present. This French terry cardigan, for example, is perfect for days when she doesn’t want to wear PJs or a robe but still wants to feel cozy. It’s made with organic cotton and has pockets for when she needs to stash lip balm or keep her hands warm.
22. Papier Colorblock Notebook
This notebook from Papier is a gem for bullet journaling enthusiasts. The colors, cover, and paper type are customizable in many ways. You can also get it personalized with the recipient’s full name, initials, or inspirational quote.
23. Crystal Green Beaded Bag
This cute handmade bag is made with natural beads and the perfect for holding your keys, wallet, and cards. It comes in a light green color that is semi-transparent, but totally eye-catching!
24. Custom Handwriting Necklace
Buy this dainty necklace customized in your own words and handwriting so she can carry it wherever she goes.
25. Rachael Ray Create Delicious Nonstick Cookware Set
These pots and pans are a perfect present for your wife, who loves to cook. The cookware set features PlatinumShield Technology enhanced non-stick reinforced to be nine times harder than titanium.
We hope you liked what we featured in this list of women gift guides. Enjoy your early holiday shopping! And if you want more gift ideas for your loved ones, check them out here at Owner’s Mag!
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