![]() M1i A.C.E. Test Report (When “It” Hits the Fan) By: Major Ian Humphrey 2007
The second in a series of Relentless Knives’ M1 integral guard knives
reports, the M1i A.C.E. (Air Crew Egress) is designed to get you out of truly bad situations. This knife has been a popular seller and for obvious reasons. The design has all the benefits of the integral guard series of knives, plus some truly wicked looking serrations and cord cutter. The ACE also features two finger cutouts on the handle for better gripping, and a different, more utility, blade shape than the Interceptor model. The knife is ¼” thick and this particular model I tested came in D2 steel. This is not Dan’s preferred steel, and he suggests if you are going to spend the money for D2 steel to go ahead and order S30V high performance stainless steel instead. Like the M1i Interceptor model, I was able to put the ACE through an extended test and evaluation period. The tests
The ACE performed very well on both the initial paper and cardboard
as the more traditional nylon and 550 cord. The cord cutter on top of the knife was handy for cutting single strands of 550 cord (most effectively by c ![]() clean cuts in both mediums look easy. The ACE also performed very well on both dry and wet wood. The finger cutout on the coil allows the user to “choke up” on the blade for fine work, and in no time flat I had a nice pile of sharpened stakes and fuzz sticks in different types of wood. The double finger cutouts on the handle and the hawk beak tang allowed for fast, efficient snap cuts that quickly severed limbs and brush. The flat area on top of the blade made a handy striking area for a baton which allowed the ACE to effectively chop through large saplings. The blade also clean ![]() “scrapping” instead of “sawing”) and striping insulation off of copper wires. The serrations are designed to cut rope and cord, but I found them to be the most useful in cutting dry and green wood. The serrations made quick work in notching poles and sawing through limbs. For another ![]() “extreme” test, I took the ACE on another hike in the woods and found an old abandoned car in the woods (you have to love NY!). The ACE easily penetrated the steel side panel of the car and the serrations were able to saw through the steel. Throughout all of these tests the blade was not damaged (although the bead blasted finish did show some marring). ![]() I carried the ACE in various sheaths, but it spent the most time in the specially designed magazine/knife sheath pouch combination that Dan designed and Spec Ops built. This combination pouch combines a two magazine utility pouch with a kydex liner to fit different sized knives. This pouch is MOLLE compatible and can also be comfortably worn on the belt. One of the best features of this new combination pouch is the ability to carry a large ![]() amount of items in your knife sheath. You no longer have to deal with the tiny, practically useless utility pouches found on some sheaths. Another great feature of this pouch is the space saving it provides a Soldier on their MOLLE equipment. You no longer need to have space on your vest for both ammo pouches and a knife sheath. Dislikes There are very few dislikes for this knife. More rounded handles would aid in chopping comfort and other “hard use” jobs. The serrations could also use some tweaking to make them better rope cutters. Dan suggested touching up the sharpened areas inside the serrations, which did help. While the D2 steel performed very well, I would also prefer S30V steel for this knife. ![]() in which it cleans up. After my extended, hard use testing, the D2 steel was stained and the finish was marred. While there was no rust on the knife, the S30V steel would have cleaned up a lot easier and kept the knife looking like new. While I really don’t care how my knives look, the piece of mind of easy field maintenance is a real plus. Conclusions The M1i ACE is a tough, no frills hard use knife that is designed to perform in adverse conditions. Of all of the M1i knives, this is my favorite design. It feels solid in the hand and built to last. If you are looking for a full sized combat ready knife to get you out of trouble once “it” hits the fan, then the ACE is your knife. ARTICLES Relentless Review pages are presented on this web site and perhaps other places for YOU. Thanks Major Humphrey Ian's tests and reviews are the result of allot of hard work on his part. The results give You in site on the knife, and help me to offer you products worthy of the name RELENTLESS KNIVES NOTE: LEGAL DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed in these tests and reviews are mine alone and not the official opinion of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or United States Government.
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