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ANTONINI KNIVES | SOS series | Antonini SOS SAR AR/L

Antonini SOS SAR AR/L

Analytic Description

Antonini SOS SAR AR /L Orange
Rescue knives are specific tools that pose important project and construction challenges: they are created for high-risk situations where failure may have heavy consequences. Moreover, to complicate things, they must be intuitive in their use especially in high-stress situations.
A.E.Coltellerie di Maniago, known for its brand Antonini, has been founded in 1925 and bears a long tradition of blades dedicated to agriculture and gardening, as well as special usage – designed for boating, fishing and electricians. Many, already, can recognize the widespread folders in the shape of a cartridge, or the more recent Old Bear – with its peculiar locking system. Since 2005, Antonini has widened its offer introducing a new line called SOS. Αs the name suggests it is dedicated to Rescue professionals, and is especially valued in international contexts. The RESeT (Rescue Emergency Security Toll) series, represents the newest entry intended for the Rescue field.
The names of the models derive from the acronyms usually used in an international setting: SAR stands for Search and Rescue with a distinctive high-visibility orange for the SAR.
Their main function it’s straight-forward: offer the rescuer the chance to free a subject trapped inside a vehicle, by creating an opening through the window and quickly cutting the seat-belts; or, in worst cases, allowing the subject involved in an accident to find a way out for himself.
On the spine of the handle of each of the three variations there is a laser-etching writing “TechEmpowered by Lionsteel:. In fact, Antonini has recently started a partnership with the award-wining company that, aside the production of the RESeT series, aims to develop specific Rescue OEM products.
Blade
The blade is the most peculiar belongs to the SAR, designed for Fire-Fighters, Police or Civil Protection operators: it has a long and arched cutting-edge, with a short serrated trait – common to the series – and ends with a sharp hook and a trunscated tip with a profile that works as a flat screwdriver. It’s very long, so that when closed, the belt-cutter groove protrudes from the handle and can be used without exposing the blade, avoiding the risk of injuries; for this reason, on the spine there are two knurled traits, where the thumb can rest during its use – with or without opening the folder.
Antonini decided to use the Nitro-B, a steel with a proprietary formula by German Buderus Edelstahl Band, an alloy with nitrogen characterized by high oxidation-resistance, capable to reach 60-61HRC of hardness.
Grip
The ergonomics of the handle are excellent, with supports and grooves clearly designed to ensure a strong and safe hold. The scales are in G10, with central indent and a light radiating texture that enhance the grip while wearing gloves and/or in moist enviroments. Under the scales, we find two metallic liners heavily skeletonized that carry out their structural function, and which contain the locking mechanism – of which the main component is the solid spine- spring.

Locking Mechansism
Its mechanism resembles the Axis by Benchmade, but in reality it’s completely different. The steel cylinder does not intercept the blade – as in the American system- but locks the spine-spring, ensuring a bomb-proof robustness. Only the SAR is equipped with the O.C.S (Open and Close Security) variation that unlike the previous mechanism, locks the blade also when closed, allowing a safe use of the hook without the risk of accidentally extracting the blade. When you need to use the blade, you ll need to backward the pin with the thumb and the index, then point the screwdriver extremely against the body and rotate the handle. The process is immediate and there are no risks at all of injuries, as the screwdriver-shaped tip isn’t sharp.
Both mechanisms fit perfectly these rescue knives, both for their sturdiness – underlined by the sound click to the opening lock, and for being completely ambidextrous, thus easier to use in emergency situations, where fast actions are needed under a lot of stress.

On the Antonini SAR model, the handle includes two accessories.

• In the anterior, near the pivot, there is a glass-breaker with a tungsten insert; it does not protrude much, but on the other hand it does need to be used through impact as those in steel: this particular hard material allows to draw an X on the glass, thus weakening it and making a slight pressure enough to break it, reducing the number of shards and chances to injure the person on the other side.

• On the rear, there is hexagonal recess ready to host inserts of standard dimensions that are retained by a small neodymium magnet; thanks to the stability offered by the magnet and favorable lever, it is possible to exert quite some strength.

Antonini RESeT folder is equipped with pocket clip, with an anchoring point on each side of the handle on the SAR it is on the blade, replacing the opening hole, in this way the lanyard will not interfere while using the sharp hook when the knife is closed. Optionally, there are also available belt sheath for hexagonal inserts, a sheath only for the knife or the combination of the two.

Antonini SOS SAR AR/L
Technical Specifications

• Handle material: G10
• Blade material: Nitro-B-HRC60 +/-1
• Finishing: Satin
• Type of lock: OCS
• Blade length: 112mm (4.41”)
• Blade thickness: 3.5mm (0.14”)
• Overall length 235mm (9.25”)
• Closed length: 140mm (5.51”)
• Weight: 145gr (5.12oz)