Extrema Ratio Dobermann IV Africa Satin jachtmes

I wish I could have given 5 stars - I think this is a 5* knife - but the Africa package is a lot of money and it's not perfect. First of all I have to say that this was a slow burn, I love it now, it wasn't love at first sight! I don't like the wooden handle, particularly the large shiny brass screw; the shape of the handle; the retaining strap that's positioned to become a certain and early casualty of the razor sharp blade; the writing on the blade; the leather thongs attached to all and every item; the price. The Africa comes with two handles, the wood one with large shiny screw and a plastic/rubber hybrid with two smaller, un-shiny, screws. (Incidentally, the hybrid handle for the Africas is longer than the one on the Classic and the Black - it's the same handle as the Selvans). First thing I did, after sleeping on the decision to return it, was swap the wooden one for the quieter one. It now looks better, feels great in the hand and I can appreciate what a wonderful innovative shape the handle is. Hand to the back of the generous handle leaving one finger in the cutout for chopping, hand further forward and two for cutting - it's great, well designed. Next, I used the marlin spike (?), to help undo the knots in the leather thongs and took them all off - much better. Finally, I gave the sheath - which, like an expensive pair of unworn shoes, you can't begin to bond with until it's had a polish, a coat of neats foot oil and familiarised myself with the positioning of the retaining strap that will move out the way and doesn't have to suffer if you're careful. This is undoubtedly a fabulous quality knife - particularly the deep, wide, uniquely shaped blade, which comes sharp as a cutthroat razor. I adore it now, and like all things you grow to love, you change the things you can (handle, thongs) and learn to live with, and grow to love, everything else (writing on the blade, marlin spike, funny shaped handle). To me, more orthodox knives I lusted after seem less attractive since I got the Doberman IV Africa. A lot of money well spent!