THE NEW COMPACT ACTA NON VERBA (ANV) P080 SCOUT.

By: Henk “The Knife” Kraaijvanger.

ANV KNIVES, ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.

Actions, not words, is the current ANV statement, although it was also used in the Netherlands in the past, particularly in Rotterdam. That statement has now virtually disappeared in the Netherlands and been replaced by the utterly ineffective Woke-WEF bullshit, through which, in my view, “everything of traditional value is squandered or deliberately destroyed”. In my opinion, Go Woke Get Broke is now a justified statement!

Some time ago, I tested two different knife models from ANV in the Czech Republic and rated both at least very good. For the history of ANV and my findings on those two knives, please use the search function on our homepage to find those earlier ANV knife reviews.

THE FUNCTIONAL KNIFE RANGE FROM ACTA NON VERBA.

ANV knife production comprises five product lines:

• Fixed-blade knives,

• Folding knives,

• Dedicated military/tactical knives.

• Accessories.

• Custom versions of both folding and fixed-blade knives.

The new compact ANV P080 SCOUT has now joined the fixed-blade range, and I am curious to see how it performs in practice, out in the field.

ANV, ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!

THE BRAND-NEW ACTA NON VERBA P080 SCOUT.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

The P080 SCOUT is the newest fixed-blade knife in the ANV range. This compact EDC model fits effortlessly into your everyday kit and is also very well suited to outdoor use. Its compact size and sharp blade make it an attractive choice for anyone who usually carries a folding knife and would like to try a compact fixed blade. Its design and compact dimensions also make it suitable for responsible younger users.

DESIGNER:
The P080 SCOUT was designed by Slovak knifemaker Pavol Jarabica. The knife is based on his handmade PFK-Pioneer model. During their joint development process, the team at ANV adapted the original design for series production in consultation with him, also contributing to the choice of materials, production details and practical carry options.

THE BLADE:
The sturdy, deeply curved recurve clip-point blade, with its elegant false edge and attractive black powder coating, is made from the renowned Swedish Sandvik/Alleima® 14C28N stainless “budget” blade steel. This very good steel has proved itself in practice over many years and is still generally known by its original name, Sandvik 14C28N. The attractive black coating can wear somewhat over years of heavy use, however, so it cannot keep looking “new” forever. With its curved, compact blade measuring 72,4 mm long and 4 mm thick, the compact fixed-blade Scout offers cutting power as well as the familiar strength and reliability of a full-tang fixed blade, helped by its broad full tang. The blade is hardened to 58 HRC, giving it very good edge retention, and it can also be resharpened very quickly and effectively in the field with simple sharpening equipment, which is very important for serious field use. This blade steel is also known for its high corrosion resistance, reducing its maintenance requirements in the field.

THE HANDLE:
The black 3D-milled G10 handle scales feature checkering and provide a very secure grip thanks to that carefully chosen surface texture. The durable handle is attached almost “bombproof” to the full tang by two sturdy blackened H3 Allen bolt assemblies. The curves on the underside and sides make it both secure and comfortable in my size 9,5 hand. To prevent losing the knife during use, it has a hole for a paracord or Snake Dot wrist or finger lanyard. The compact fixed-blade knife has an overall length of 175 mm and weighs 115 grams.

THE SHEATH:
The fixed-blade knife comes with a black Kydex sheath, allowing the P080 SCOUT to be carried safely with protection against the blade piercing the sheath. When putting or “holstering” the knife into its sheath, you hear that “delightful retention click”. The sheath can, of course, be attached to your equipment as you prefer, whether you carry it every day or head out into beautiful and sometimes remote countryside. It has a rotatable, removable 75 mm MOLLE belt and duty-belt attachment, allowing both horizontal Scout carry and vertical belt carry.

This sheath adapter also has a quick attachment system for easy fitting to, or removal from, a belt or duty belt. Fortunately, the sheath also has a functional drain hole, which I consider a “must-have”. As mentioned, the fixed-blade knife can be worn horizontally on a belt or duty belt in the “Scout” position, though you do have to like that method. Alternatively, without the MOLLE belt attachment, the sheath can be carried in a sufficiently roomy jacket or trouser pocket. In that case, I would secure the knife or sheath to your clothing or equipment with a short length of paracord to prevent losing it. Carrying it on paracord as a neck knife is, of course, another option. The sheath is also compatible with other attachment systems.

If you plan to go bushcrafting or hunting in Germany with the ANV P080 Scout, the ANV P080 Scout worn around the neck complies with the blade-length provisions of Germany’s § 42a weapons law. Judging by what can be seen on the internet, that apparently does not apply to “newcomers” with clearly recognisable different norms and values.

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ANV P080 SCOUT.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

At my request, and without any conditions or editorial instructions, Czech knife manufacturer ANV sent me this compact fixed-blade knife for this new ANV review. The findings and statements are entirely my own, and this review was sent directly to the webmaster without intervention from the knife company mentioned. Nor do I receive editorial instructions or a salary from them or any other interested parties.

TEST CONDITIONS.

If any part of the blade or a load-bearing part of the handle fails or breaks, the field test is stopped immediately for safety, and we automatically rate the test sample as unsatisfactory!

RATING SCALE:

ANV P080 SCOUT SCORES BEFORE THE E.D.C. AND FIELD TESTS.

BLADE SHARPNESS STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX: Outstanding/.

ANV P080 SCOUT SCORES DURING THE E.D.C. AND FIELD TESTS.

CUTTING PLASTIC PACKAGING TO SIZE: Outstanding/.

THE SCOUT AS A WORKING KNIFE IN THE CARDBOARD CUTTING TEST: Outstanding/.

ANOTHER CARDBOARD CUTTING TEST: Outstanding/. Because “measuring is knowing”.

THE COIR CORD CUTTING TEST: Outstanding /.

THE TOUGH GARDEN HOSE CUTTING TEST: Very good/.

THE WIDE NYLON LIFTING STRAP CUTTING TEST: Outstanding/.

CARRYING THE COMPACT SCOUT ON THE LEATHER HKD BELT: Very good/.

BATONING OUTDOORS: Very good/. The blade coating did sustain light scratches.

MAKING FIRE STICKS AND TINDER: Outstanding/.

HARVESTING SOME BIRCH BARK FOR TINDER: Outstanding/.

MAKING ANOTHER FIRE STICK: Outstanding/.

ATTACHED TO AND CARRIED ON THE DEUTER WAIST PACK BELT: Very good/.

SLICING FUET SAUSAGE DURING THE BREAK: Outstanding /.

REFUELLING FOR THE LONG WALK BACK.

THE BEAUTIFUL BUT POISONOUS FLY AGARIC, AND THE LITTLE GNOME WAS ON HOLIDAY.

NECK-KNIFE CARRY WITH THE ADAPTER ATTACHED FOR FLEXIBILITY: Very good/.

NOW IN THE SCOUT CARRY POSITION ON THE WAIST PACK BELT: Very good/.

E.D.C. IN THE KITCHEN, SLICING TOMATOES: Very good/.

SLICING FUET SAUSAGE AGAIN, THIS TIME IN THE KITCHEN: Again Outstanding/.

PEELING POTATOES: Very good/. Really sharp & exceptionally handy!

PROOF OF THE VERY GOOD EDGE RETENTION, AFTER ALL THE CUTTING TESTS.

ANV P080 SCOUT SCORES AFTER THE E.D.C. AND FIELD TESTS.

SUMMARY.

The ANV P080 Scout is an outstanding compact fixed-blade knife for outdoor use. It is robust and exceptionally sharp, its blade has very good edge retention, and its compact size and low weight also make it comfortable and easy to carry on a belt or duty belt.

The compact fixed-blade Scout offers an exceptionally good handle grip, keeping it secure and therefore safe during heavy cutting work.

The functional, safe and versatile Kydex sheath completes the Scout’s quality package. It is easy to slip the compact ANV P080 Scout into a jacket or waistcoat pocket too, with the zips closed or the knife secured by a lanyard.

The ANV P080 Scout also carries very well on a waist pack belt and, for those who like it, horizontally in the Scout position on a belt at the back. I personally do not like that position, because when returning the fixed-blade knife to its sheath behind your back, you cannot see where you are placing the sharp blade tip. It also carries very well on a neck cord with adjustable sliding knots, as an easy-to-reach neck knife.

The blade coating did prove somewhat prone to scratching when roughly batoning hard, dried wood with tough knots. However, this is a no-nonsense utility and working knife, rather than a display piece, although it would also fit, and deserve a place, in a serious collector’s display cabinet.

I consider the ANV P080 Scout an outstanding compact field knife, as well as an equally good backup fixed blade for a compact military backup survival kit or a civilian survival kit.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

My thanks to Mr Kristián Svoboda, sales director at ACTA NON VERBA, for providing this fine ANV P080 Scout fixed-blade knife. Without that, this new ANV fixed-blade review would not have been possible. Please also take a look at their extensive range at: https://www.anvknives.com/.

SO TRUE, IT’S A PART MY STORY TOO.