Glauca G1 by EXTREMA RATIO

The French GIGN, the Austrian Jagdkommando, and the special unit COBRA of the Austrian Federal Police have at least one thing in common: they carry knives from EXTREMA RATIO in their arsenal. The Border Guard Group 9 (GSG9) of the German Federal Police has opted for a knife specifically tailored to their needs, the Glauca G1 from the Italian specialist manufacturer EXTREMA RATIO. The Glauca G1 was kindly provided to us by EXTREMA RATIO.

Why does a special unit need a knife?

Knives are an indispensable tool for special units due to their versatility, portability, and effectiveness in various tasks. They can be used in close combat, for tasks like cutting, prying, and digging, as well as in survival situations where access to food, shelter, and resources may be limited. For firefighters, paramedics, and police, operational knives with a sturdy blade and essential tools like a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter are essential.

According to the Law on the Use of Immediate Force in the Exercise of Public Authority by Federal Law Enforcement Officers (UZwG), the knife is a tool. In the past, the GSG9 used the White Hunter by Puma as a fixed-blade knife and later the Glock 78 field knife. A Victorinox pocket knife was issued as a folding knife.

The Glauca G1, a further development of the Glauca, was specifically developed for the famous GSG9, the special unit of the German Federal Police, and officially adopted by them as an equipment item.

Technical Facts

The total length of the Glauca G1 is 155 mm with the blade folded and 270 mm with the blade unfolded. The knife weighs 225 grams.

The blade is 112 mm long and 4 mm thick. The drop point blade is made of Böhler N690 steel, hardened to 58 HRC, and black oxidized with the classic EXTREMA RATIO MIL-C-13924 coating to facilitate sharpening and ensure good edge retention.

The handle is made of the material called "Anticorodal" by EXTREMA RATIO, an alloy of aluminum, magnesium, copper, and manganese, and is anodized. A tactical mud color was chosen.

The Knife

The cutouts in the handle scales reduce the weight of the Glauca G1 and provide a secure grip even in mud, sweat, wetness, blood, etc.

The Glauca G1 is equipped with a tungsten carbide glass breaker at the pommel and a clip that can be set in two positions (one of which is frontal).

On the back of the operational knife, there is a stainless steel marl spike that can be locked in the open state. It is used for easily opening a knot or rope.

The Glauca G1 is equipped with a folding rescue blade, allowing the user to make a quick cut to free the injured from clothing or to cut through a safety belt. The blade is replaceable.

The blade lock is the proven Liner Lock system, supported by a second manual safety mechanism.

The sliding lock prevents the blade from folding while processing hard materials and injuring the operator. When used as a fixed blade knife, the blade is double-locked.

The operational knife can be opened using a thumb pin screwed on both sides, or using the flipper.

The opening of the Glauca G1 works smoothly even with gloves.

In Use

Even delicate and intricate work can be easily done with this knife.

The Glauca G1 passed the chopping test. This was to be expected.

Rubber mats up to 15 mm thick, originating from a conveyor belt, could be easily processed and cut.

An electrical cable with four cores and a diameter of 5 mm could be easily cut through.

The blade cuts through a high-quality climbing rope with ease.

Unfolding and using the rescue blade is also possible with gloves.

The Glauca G1 is gripped and pulled at the flipper on the back. The rescue blade cuts through various materials. Here, a strap of the via ferrata set is shown.

The blade cuts through different fabrics. We tested it on straps of varying thickness, denim fabric, a Judo gi jacket, ripstop fabric, and an old operational suit.

The marl spike can untie many knots, whether climbing rope or paracord. Alexander the Great could have effortlessly untied the Gordian knot with the Glauca G1. (Would not have been as legendary, of course.)

Conclusion

The operational knife Glauca G1 from EXTREMA RATIO is an excellent example of Italian knife craftsmanship, combining high-quality materials, precise workmanship, and innovative design. This knife was developed with a focus on maximum functionality and reliability, making it the ideal tool for professionals.

The Glauca G1 was used for digging, chopping, and cutting various materials. The blade remained sharp despite different uses and was easy to clean and sharpen afterward. The rescue blade is easily accessible with gloves and has perfect cutting performance. Unfortunately, we did not have a window or vehicle glass available to extensively test the glass breaker. We can assume that it will fulfill its task without any issues.

Si ringrazia EXTREMA RATIO per aver fornito il coltello.

The Glauca G1 from EXTREMA RATIO is available here or at all authorized dealers of this brand for 468 EUR.

EXTREMA RATIO online