New knife? No. Two.

The knife is one of the most important tools of humans. Originally a tool and weapon in one. Over time, it also developed into an art, ritual, and jewelry item, and even a form of currency. From the 18th century, the knife became part of the cutlery. It is one of the few objects that occur in all human cultures worldwide.

"Zawos a Messa?" (dialect, en: What is a knife for?) Those who have not reached this stage of insight yet – "Back to the start"! Purchase decisions, whether at a super sale clearance or because stinginess is supposedly cool, are usually made not in the head but in the gut. SPARTANAT author Boris Kurnik faced the agony of choice and lets us in on his decision-making process for two knives.

In search of a decent utility knife (both for work and personal use), the following criteria were applied:

• Purchase price – not more than EUR 300
• Total length – not more than 30 cm
• Blade shape – Tanto (western)

The piece of steel should not only look good (criterion!) but also perform. Accessories, grip ergonomics, sheath, delivery terms, etc.

In the closer selection were the Böker plus Armed Forces Tanto (cheap sheath, too bulky, too long), Extrema Ratio Fulcrum S Testudo (price exceeded: EUR 339), Cold Steel Recon Tanto (kitchen knife appearance), Ka-Bar USMC Tanto ("Native American knife"), Eickhorn KM2000 (sheath, blade shape slanted forward)

All good knives come in pairs.

Ultimate choice: Extrema Ratio T4000 S

Cold Steel: Leatherneck Tanto

The comparability of physical properties can be easily established using a table.

Forprene: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The properties of elastoplasts lie between those of elastomers and thermoplastics.

Kray-Ex: Cold Steel proprietary development (TPE).

N690 Steel: Martensitic chromium steel with cobalt, molybdenum, and vanadium addition. For hardened tools and components with very high hardness and edge retention.

D2 Steel: All-purpose steel that does not rank in the top group in terms of hardness, toughness, or edge retention, but also does not have any significant weaknesses.

CONCLUSION: Both knives are excellently crafted and match the manufacturers' product descriptions (if comprehensible). The typical grip design and material of the Extrema Ratio allow for a secure grip even when wet, without a guard, thrusting into hard or tough objects should be thoroughly reconsidered. The rather hard, ergonomic handle of the Cold Steel can slip when wet despite the textured surface. The hole in the ricasso of the T4000 (top) could be connected to the glass breaker at the end of the handle using paracord to increase grip safety. The blade is blackened through an oxidation process – matte and durable. The guard or blade guard of the Leatherneck (below) increases handling safety and keeps the knife securely in the sheath. The powder coating of the metallic parts shows signs of use after initial use. The hammer-shaped end of the handle is made of high-quality steel and is sturdily crafted.