REVIEW: Pohl Force Kilo One Para-Rescue

Pohl Force stands for tactical knives that impress. The Kilo One Para-Rescue is the new flagship of German manufacturer Dietmar Pohl, designed for both professional (as a cutting tool for paratroopers) and for outdoor adventures. SPARTANAT has taken a closer look at this elegant blade.

With the Kilo One, Pohl Force is introducing the new EOD line. The name does not refer to bomb disposal, but rather to Euro Ops Division. The knife is entirely manufactured in Europe: the Italian knife manufacturer Lionsteel represents the quality that Pohl Force strives for. The blade shape is a modified Santoku blade. However, the Kilo One looks nothing like a Japanese kitchen knife: with a total length of 25 centimeters from tip to heel, it has an 11.6 centimeter blade, which falls below the German carry ban. Each blade is individually cut from a single piece of D2 (1.2379) tool steel. The blade is 5mm thick, giving the knife a pleasantly solid feel. It has a light stonewash finish, giving it a matte appearance.

No expense has been spared on the handle either. The scales are made of Canvas-Micarta (linen hardened in epoxy resin) but are not just cast, they are milled from the material. They provide excellent grip and give the knife an appealingly archaic appearance. Two solid screws hold the scales in place. A flexible lanyard is threaded through the end of the knife, which for the Kilo One Para-Rescue, is in orange-gray.

The knife is designed for various grip styles: it feels secure for stabbing (left), but also functions well as a cutting tool. The grooves on the blade and handle allow for a grip further back (top right) or a grip closer to the blade edge (bottom right), ideal for cutting tasks that require more pressure behind the thumb. In all cases, the Kilo One Para-Rescue feels wonderful in the hand. The blade itself is designed for strength and edge retention. The straight shape allows for easy sharpening with a sharpening stone when needed.

The knife comes with a sturdy sheath, an extra that will please not only collectors but also those who want to keep their knife well protected (collectors will surely appreciate that the Kilo One comes with a year and number designation). Additionally, it comes with a sheath: either leather or, as seen here, Kydex. The Kydex sheath fits perfectly and secures the knife well. There is a belt adapter on the back, which is fine, but we will replace it with a TekLok, which is much more practical.

CONCLUSION: The Pohl Force Kilo One Para-Rescue took second place in the German Knife Magazine Knife of the Year 2013 award. For us, it is number one. We find the design of the Kilo One extremely appealing: it combines an archaic appearance with modern manufacturing technology, it is elegant yet designed for practical use. The Kilo One is a tool for outdoor use, with excellent edge retention and a solid, durable blade. It has a comfortable size for efficient work, without looking ostentatious. With the Kilo One Para-Rescue, Pohl Force once again demonstrates that they are among the best European knife designers. Their blades, especially the Kilo One, are highly sought after, featuring high-quality European manufacturing. All of this comes at a price, but it is worth every cent.

You can find the Pohl Force Kilo One Para-Rescue directly from Pohl Force for 299 euros.

Here is another view of the entire knife (click to enlarge).