Fox Cutlery

Fox Parang XL Model FX-687

Published: January 25th, 2012 by The Edge Observer 1

The Fox Parang XL was designed by Alfredo Doricchi, who is also the designer of the Fox Parang Jungle Bushcraft knife and the Compso.

Dorrichi, a biologist by occupation, and country boy in spirit, has had a life-long interest in the outdoors that culminated in the research and practical application of bushcraft techniques. Due to the necessity of a good knife, it was only natural for him to begin buying, selling and trading edged tools to find one that fit his specific needs.

As with many people who readily put their knives to work, Dorrichi began to find faults and limitations in the ones that he used. Around 2000, this led him to begin studying the necessary techniques to start designing and drafting his own tools, ultimately resulting in Fox Cutlery’s acceptance of the Parang Bushcraft and Parang XL designs.

The Parang XL is inspired by the Parang of Southeast Asia. Parangs are comparable to the machetes of South America and share similar function, primarily for clearing dense woody vegetation, general utility and occasional use as a weapon.

The Parang XL fits this function well. The 26 cm (9.06″) blade is 6 cm (2.36″) at its widest, providing a good yet manageable amount of weight while chopping. This is amplified by a 3.5mm thickness that limits flex and gives the blade a solid feel. A wide, high flat grind terminates near to the spine, leaving full thickness and added rigidity along the total length of the blade (a revision from the first version of the Parang XL). The secondary grind is even along the entire edge and very sharp. Made from 440c and with a hardness of 56HRc, the blade will be durable, easy to maintain and corrosion resistant.

The scales on the XL are ABS. This isn’t a very popular handle scale material and will not appeal to everyone. It should be noted however, that ABS is lightweight, stable and durable through a wide temperature range (-20 to 80º C, -4 to 176ºF). It is also impervious to water. More importantly, ABS is a very impact resistant, tough plastic making it a suitable material for a tool that will receive repeated shocks. Since ABS is a thermal plastic, it can be easily injection moulded. The Parang takes advantage of this, providing fully contoured and heavily textured scales.

To be critical, I personally find the scales on the slippery side, despite the heavy dimpling. This is more or less overcome by the handle shape which has a good belly, out-swept pommel and front guard. The holes in the front guard (front quillon) combined with the lanyard hole can accommodate a D lanyard for extra security. It should also be noted that ABS is flammable at high temperatures so you won’t want to leave the Parang XL close to your camp fire. Lastly, the mating of the scales to the tang could also use some work.

The XL comes with a two part carry system. The top component has a velcro belt loop that can also be attached to MOLLE webbing. On the opposite side, there are two straps with snaps that hold the handle in place. The bottom component serves as the Parang’s sheath. Because of the blade’s shape, there is a slit down the spine side to resolve the undercut that would make a full sheath impossible. A snap on the top, spine side of the sheath holds the blade firm. There is also a strip of webbing down the back to allow for various carry options.

The two halves are connected with a releasable clip. The clip serves two functions. Firstly, it articulates the two halves if the system is fastened to your belt and tied to your leg, via the small loop at the end of the sheath. Secondly, it allows for for the Parang to be removed from your belt sheath included; a convenient addition.

All in, the Parang XL finds its target well. Alfredo Doricchi intended the Parang to be a large but lightweight chopper that can handle a variety of tasks in real-world situations. The ample blade and large handle will definitely meet this function. The material choices may not appeal to the collector crowd, even though the shape is certainly distinct, however, this isn’t the Parang XL’s market. The designer intended this tool to be used not collected. In my opinion the price to material/fit and finish ratio makes sense.

Doricchi and Fox make a great team. Alfredo tests his products against his bushcraft skills frequently, readily posting his findings and experiences to several online forums. Bushcraft fans, users and critics are welcomed to interact with Dorrichi who meets the challenge of criticism and questioning with the approach of a true designer; in the interest of making an accessible, functional tool.

Fox Cutlery, is an excellent manufacturer. They have done a great job putting out their own products as well as providing their above average production to companies such as Combative Edge. It is without a doubt that Dorrichi’s methodical, open minded approach coupled with Fox’s manufacturing will bring more great products to market.

At the time of this review, Fox will be releasing another AD design, the COMPSO, a small utility fixed blade knife that pulls Doricchi’s line into EDC and backup knife territory. Although the knife was designed for outdoor activities, its small form factor and kydex sheath will surely appeal to a wide audience.

Pros

Nice, usable blade shape
Effective ergonomics overall
Good sheath
2^nd revision and well tested

Cons

ABS feels a bit slippery

Specs

Total Dimensions and weight :

Length 16.92″ (43 cm)
weight 1.025 lbs (465 g) 1.29 lbs ( 585 g) with sheath

Blade :

Blade Length 10.24″″ (26 cm) 
blade steel : 440c 56HRc blade thickness .138″ (3.5 mm)

Handle :

ABS
 Full Tang

Sheath :

 2 Part Nylon  
MOLLE compatible

Made in Italy

Combative Edge M1 Review

Published: October 18th, 2011 by The Edge Observer 6

The Combative Edge M1 is the first folder by Rob Walker for his company Combative Edge. The design leverages both Rob Walker’s long and diverse background in the martial arts and Fox Cutlery’s (Italy) vast experience in manufacturing knives. The result of the collaboration is a slim, quick deploying fighter that clearly reflects both parties history.

The M1′s blade is made from the Austrian steel Bohler N690co. N690co is a cobalt/vanadium alloy that is reported to have similar properties to VG10 in it’s hardness, edge retention and corrosion resistance but is perhaps closer to 440C in its composition. Generally users report N690co to keep a keen, durable, yet easy to maintain edge. A fact that I would be inclined to agree with, owning many N690co and VG10 knives.

The clip point blade is on the large side at 3.75″. Its “S” recurve, swedge and sharp point gives the M1 geometry that is useful in its intended purpose. The blade tang has a good sized guard which doubles to assist in opening as it protrudes as a sort of flipper when the knife is closed. It does not operate independently in design however, as the knife requires a flick of the wrist to open in this manner. Dual thumb studs will serve as the main method of deployment for the M1 and fire it open easily considering the blade’s fair size. Useful jimping on the tang followed by a dip in the spine allow for various comfortable positions in a standard grip. The serrations on the M1 are very shallow giving them an extremely aggressive bite. The blade is also available in a plain edge, both types being coated in a matte black DLC and bearing Combative Edge’s tastefully designed logo.

The blade is met with a solid lockup and travels against sintered bronzes washers. A larger washer is used on the G10 side of the handle to allow for more mechanical durability as the M1 is a liner-less design. The ball detent is modest and doesn’t provide the strongest retention, however, considering the knives purpose it makes sense allowing for extremely easy deployment including inertial techniques.

The handle on the M1 is a partially back-spaced G10 and titanium with a screw together construction. The titanium side of the grip comprises the frame lock, has the clip and a “hinderer” device in the form of a U shaped bar, attached to it. The U bar and the clip can be reversed for tip up or down carry for right handed owners. I like the feature of the U bar but think the long clip could be shortened and flattened.

The G10 slab is very grippy and has a usable scallop extending the deep, forefinger groove’s functionality. A great purchase is further established with the handle’s slight curve. Jimping on both ends provide extra insurance and helps to make the grip more confident in a standard or reverse position. The M1 terminates with a pointed pommel furthering the knife’s fighter roots, as it can be used as an impact weapon. A lanyard hole rounds out the carry options and can easily accommodate 550 paracord.

At a total length of 8 7/8″ long and weighing in at 5.3 Oz the M1 will be a very attractive knife for users looking for a large folder with ergonomics optimized for edged weapon techniques or self defense. Although a large knife, the M1 is quite flat and light weight making it comfortable for concealed carry. The knife’s distinct design and excellent fit and finish will also make it very interesting to tactical/martial art knife collectors.

Pros

Quick Deployment
Great Fit and Finish
Well suited ergonomics
“Hinderer” type U bar

Cons

Long Clip

Specs

Total Dimensions and Weight

Length Open 8.875″ (225 mm)
Closed Length 5.125″ (130 mm)
Weight 5.3 ounces (150 g)

Blade

blade length 3.75″ (95 mm)
blade thickness 0.175″ (4 mm)
blade steel Bohler N690co HRc 58-60
Sabre Grind
black DLC finish
Available Plain or Combo

Handle

Liner-less G10
Titanium
Right hand, tip up/down clip
“Hinderer” U bar

Lock

Titanium Frame-lock

Find out more about the M1 at Combative Edge

Made in Italy

Fox Parang Bushcraft Jungle Knife model FX-0107153

Published: October 3rd, 2011 by The Edge Observer 5

The traditional Parang is the equivalent to the South American machete but has a heavier blade that is optimized for chopping and shaping the woodier jungle flora found in the knife’s birthplace of Southeast Asia.

Parangs are generally for bushcraft, but are also used as carpentry tools and occasionally weapons. Typically the blades are fashioned from leaf spring, are around 12″ (approx. 30 cm) long and are sharpened with a varying edge. The spine of the blade normally sweeps down to provide a sharp utility tip similar to a wharncliff. The center is sharpened with a steeper angle for chopping while the blade has a shallower bevel toward the handle for controlled cuts.

The handle found on the traditional Parang is usually wood (occasionally bone) and has a large outward sweeping pommel to prevent the handle from slipping forward while chopping in the humid jungle environment.

The Alfredo Doricchi designed Fox “Parang Buschcraft Jungle Knife” is more parang inspired than parang. This knife uses the Austrian made Bohler N690co steel found in most contemporary knives of Italian origin and is coated with a black finish very similar to Benchmade’s BK1 that Fox calls their “Idroglider” coating. At 6.7″ long (17cm) and .23″ (6mm) thick the Parang has a sizeable, weighty blade but still comes in at about 5″ shorter than the typical traditional variety. The Fox Parang has a steep upswept belly with a small drop at the point which begins and terminates within the swedge area. It does not have the typical wharncliff like tip but rather the opposite.

The spine of the parang has a good inch and a half of useable jimping followed by a gentle upward curve allowing for a controlled grip when choking up on the blade. The deep choil also lends itself well to this grip however the edge’s continuation up to the choil will make its use precarious without some modification.

The knife has a hidden tang and the handle is made from forprene. Forprene is a hard injection mouldable synthetic that feels rubbery to the touch and gives good grip. It is known to be impervious to liquids including oils and solvents, but can potentially crack in sub zero temperatures when exposed to excessive shock. Along the surface there is some scalloping for your fingers with moulded ridges. Overall the ergonomics are a bit awkward and the fairly straight pommel ignores the anti-slip feature of the original indigenous design. The front quillion is adequate to prevent forward slipping but won’t help much while chopping. Two holes drilled after the blade (one on the quillion and one near the spine) and a useful lanyard hole at the end of the handle allow for different lashing configurations.

The knife comes with a MOLLE compatible cordura sheath and a small survival kit that can be attached to the front of the sheath or left behind. Webbing and snapped straps allow it to be attached your belt (via snapped strap or velcro fold) or MOLLE compatible gear. The cordura is line with a thick plastic sheeting and the two halves are separated by a dense foam. Straps hold the knife in place by snapping over the front guard and around the centre of the handle. Unfortunately the strap for the front guard is sewn into the knife side of the sheath rather than from the back, causing it to get cut and abraded when the knife is drawn if you don’t hold it out of the way. The sheath also lacks a drainage hole which should be on all sheaths in my opinion, for easy cleaning/drainage. two loops on either side of the knife are designed to hold the supplied glow stick.

The Survival kit comes in a waterproof aluminum tin containing several typical items including :

Gauze
Matches
A flint steel and striker
A tea light
A whistle
A wire saw
Snare wire
A compass
A small pocket knife with a nail file and scissors
A roll of fabric adhesive bandage
Salt
A small fishing line, sinker and hook
Sewing kit
Paper and pencil
band-aids
a razor blade
A small waterproof container

Overall the quality of the included items is very poor and could be excluded. The extra pouch for the kit and the tin are useful if the purchaser fills it with items of better quality.

All in, the Parang is a reasonable buy with some decent chopping power bundled with an adequate sheath. The handle ergonomics are a bit to be desired and classification of this knife as a parang is a bit confusing in that it lacks the typical shape, length, varied edge and handle of it’s original predecessor. It might more accurately be described as “inspired by Southeast Asian blades”.

Fox Parang Bushcraft Jungle Knife FX-0107153

Pros

Good heavy blade
multiple carry options

Cons

Questionable handle ergonomics
Poor quality survival kit

Specs

Total Dimensions and weight :

Length 11.8″ (30 cm):
weight 12 Oz (340 g)

Blade :

Blade Length 6.7″ (170 mm)
blade steel : Bohler N690co 58-60 HRc
blade thickness .24″ (6 mm)
cutting edge 7″ (17.78 cm)
Black “Idroglide” or “Hydroglide” coating

Handle :

Forprene
Hidden Tang

Sheath

MOLLE compatible
Cordura
Includes pouch with survival kit and glow stick

Made in Italy

Combative Edge SR11 review

Published: August 7th, 2011 by The Edge Observer 4

The SR11 is the latest knife by Combative Edge. Combative edge is a company based just outside of Philadelphia, PA and is owned and operated by Rob Walker. Coming from a varied martial arts background, Rob has developed his own fighting system, C.E.M.A.T. (Combative Edge Martial Arts Training) which draws from armed as well as unarmed fighting styles. His previous knife design efforts, the Salus fixed blade and M1 folder have been heavily influenced by practical experience in the martial arts and through collaboration with his peers. The SR11 is without a doubt, no exception to this rule.

This is a fighting folder. After un-boxing the knife, the first try at deployment with the thumb stud(s) was extremely quick and easy. This is largely due to two factors: Firstly, the thumb studs are well away from the Micarta scale allowing for excellent leverage. Secondly, the knife uses sintered bronze washers. The washer on the Micarta side of the handle is larger in diameter. This is to help distribute the pressure on the less ridged material; a nice detail that helps with longevity as well as deployment. We put the SR11 in the hands of several people all who had no problem deploying the blade on the first try.

For the size of the blade and speed of the opening it is also notable that the detent is decent. A firm shake can open the knife but it’s logical to sacrifice some retention in the context of use.

The blade on this knife is also conducive to edge weapon combat. The 3 5/8″ inch clip point tanto is steep and sharp. It has a wide swedge narrowing the tip considerably. The slightly arched spine is followed by a shallow jimped thumb ramp. Although the point is optimized for thrust cutting it doesn’t seem overly weak, something that is helped along by the original 4mm stock thickness. The SR11′s blade is Böhler N690co. This steel is primarily used in European knife manufacturing and is the Italian manufacturing blade steel of choice. As Combative Edge knives are made by Fox cutlery in Maniago Italy (Maniago is a cutlery town and the Italian equivalent of Seki City, Japan) it is not surprising that N690co is used. Over all it is a good steel with a sound balance of hardness, durability and corrosion resistance. The SR11′s blade is finished with a satin grey DLC and is etched with the Combative Edge logo and model number. The etching has been done very tastefully, something I can’t say about most knives with etched details on the blades..

Moving on to the handle, we find more details that speak of the knife’s utility. The curved shape provides good purchase while tipping the blade angle forward; a design choice found in many knifes influenced by Filipino martial arts (of which Rob is a practitioner of). The green micarta handle scale is heavily textured and has a somewhat crocodilian look it. The back-spacer is also heavily textured and made from black anodized aluminum. The titanium frame-lock slab is smooth allowing the knife to be presented without added resistance. The clip doubles as a stop for the frame-lock in the tip down position while a U shaped bar, when swapped out with the clip will stop the locking leaf in the tip up configuration (right hand only). This is good added function to the clip although I prefer a smaller clip length. The lack of a metal liner on the micarta scale helps to thin the knife for lighter more comfortable carry and better concealment but it also means that you might want to keep this knife away from heavy side loads.

The locking leaf has a bit of audible movement when pressure is applied toward the tang but this does not seem to effect the lock-up which has negligible play. This may effect wear, something that will need to be seen by the SR11′s users over time.

Over-all the SR11 is a well balanced knife that seems to hit its intended mark spot on. It has several features that emphasize its purpose as a fighting tactical folder and Rob’s martial art roots. The over-all fit and finish is excellent and in-line with the asking price. The design is tasteful and utilitarian without sacrificing appearance.