- Another eminent little knife from Finland
This fixed-blade Knife from Finnish Brisa is interesting in more than one way. First, it turns to a segment that has increased in popularity recently. More about this later. The name PK70FX clues to another interesting detail that aroused at least my interest.
It may sound a bit cryptic as it is only a designation rather than a name, but someone who knows their BRISA/Enzo history may know that there was previously a folding knife in the catalog called PK70.
With the addition of "FX" for "Fixed", this is thus a tribute to that model. Obviously, the format is believed to withstand the test of time, but not the execution, it seems. Maybe it was because it was a slip joint? It is more than I know, but the rest of the properties live in this knife, and I am happy for that.
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| Brisa PK70FX |
The segment I was aiming at above is, of course, the growing number of small fixed-blade knives on the market aimed at "EDC" or everyday use. Most brands have an alternative to the repertoire, and this is not least visible among the Chinese dragons that offer a lot of alternatives.
But here in Scandinavia, we have actually always cherished that kind of knife. Historically, there are plenty of utility and hunting knives with blades well under a decimeter or four inches. Therefore, it does not feel at all strange that Brisa releases a knife of that type.
Or another may be added as they have several smaller knives on the program. For example, I think of models like Necker 70, Bobtail 80, and by me reviewed Scara 60.
Short version: BRISA PK70FX is a small fixed blade that both shoulders the traditional Scandinavian yoke and further the legacy of its folding predecessor.
Blade
In true Finnish tradition and in the footsteps of its predecessor, we are offered a classic blade. This means harmonious proportions that in numbers are translated to a length of 70 mm, which is otherwise what all figures in Brisa's naming stand for, if anyone wondered, and a height of at most 20 mm. The thickness is well chosen, 3 mm. Such a small blade does not have to be very strong at the same time, as it needs a little substance to be able to ground in this way.
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| Ett lika harmoniskt som klassiskt blad |
The finish is satin, and the steel that received that treatment is a classic Sandvik 12C27. Or Alleima 12C27, as it is now called, because it is the steel division of the Sandvik group for a few years back.
It is a very well-proven stainless steel by this time in the slightly lower class. It is known not least from Mora knives and countless French brands, although most manufacturers have changed to 14C28N instead.
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| The material used is 12C27, a stainless steel |
The grind is apparently and quite naturally a so-called Scandinavian one. The width of the bevel is 5 mm. Since it is a genuine Scandinavian edge or a zero edge without division into primary/secondary, it makes no sense to talk about thickness behind the edge. In that case, it would be just over three millimeters because that is what the blade measures.
The factory edge was as expected, good with a really decent sharpness. However, I have always wondered about the curvature of the belly. But from pictures, it seems that is how they are sharpened. What I mean is that it almost has the features of a tanto tip over it, as the top two centimeters are almost flat, and then the curve is a bit sharper instead of following a smooth arc. It is nothing that affects the function, but it is visible.
12C27 is a steel known for being relatively rust-resistant, and it is something that I have benefited from when the knife has been forgotten outside on some occasion. There have been a few small stains, but they have been easy to remove.
Then, even the sun has its spots, and one of them is that this steel does not stay sharp for very long. At least not when compared to all the "super steels" used on the folding knife side these days. It can be added that the stated hardness is only 57 HRC, which, of course, contributes. The other side of the coin is that it makes the knife very easy to sharpen. Which, as I said, is needed.
That said, it can be stated that the PK70FX is as practical as they claim. The design is simple and stripped down, which applies to both the blade and the handle. It is possible to use force when needed without having to worry about the knife breaking, which can be the case with smaller folding knives. I mainly think of when you are cutting wood and need to pry the edge off, or not really think about the angle at which you are attacking the object. As I said, you don't need to think about that here.
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| The Scandinavian grind gives a strong tip |
Otherwise, this knife has had to fill the same role as all the other EDC knives I have. This means, among other things, that it has been taken to work. It is found in a professional kitchen, so a knife is not something that raises eyebrows. There, it has mainly served as a cardboard and packaging opener. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of plastic in our world today, and it has to be removed.
In those cases, the PK70FX is a really good knife! Especially since the tip is both, well, pointed and strong. Something that follows from the sharpening. It means that you dare to puncture plastic cans and the like without having to worry.
One thing that doesn't make this knife a favorite at work, however, is that it's not quite as easy to carry as a folding knife in a trouser pocket. A jacket pocket is another matter.
In addition to such tasks, I've also taken this knife with me on adventures in the forest, and it does a great job there too. Of course, it's not a Brisa Nessmuk 125, and if I have to choose one of those on a hike or camping trip, I know what it'll be like. Sometimes a 70 mm blade is very small. Especially if you're going to prepare food and the like. Then this type of edge is nothing to brag about either.
But all the small everyday tasks that can be expected to be handled by a knife are handled with great ease. Something that was not least noted when a new TV was unpacked the other day and both nylon straps and a considerable amount of cardboard had to be cut off and down.
Handle
The length of the handle is just over nine centimeters, 94 mm, which may not sound like much. However, the design means that the entire length is available to grip, which is not the case if a knife is, for example, equipped with a finger guard or similar. This means that despite the knife's modest size, I get an almost full four-finger grip. This means that you can put more force into the cuts with this knife than you might initially think.
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| Despite the discreet format, a full-size handle is offered |
The material used in this design is bocote. If the user does not like it, the knife can be ordered with olive wood or in completely different materials, such as Micarta in several colors and designs. In addition, you can always make your own scabbards, and materials can of course be obtained from Brisa Ltd, as they are major suppliers of craft materials. Therefore, the blade can also be purchased separately if you want to make your own knife.
The sides are screwed with no less than four small torx screws. The knife is a full-tang knife with the steel lightened under the wood to improve balance. This means that the balance point is found a few centimeters into the handle from the front part.
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| The knife is a full-tang knife, and the handle is made of wood. |
The shape of the handle is slightly angular, but it is small and well-beveled, and that makes it comfortable in the hand. I might not go so far as to call it an ergonomic masterpiece, but the shape of the knife does not make you work with it for hours either. So, in practical terms, it is a very good handle.
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| The most frequent grip works well |
The friction in the handle is not very good by modern standards. That is, compared to various military-oriented commando knives with G10 handles that resemble sandpaper. But it is not needed either. In its intended role, the size and shape work excellently and therefore no damn finger guards are needed. But of course, for my North American audience, I must add that it takes some practice to handle this kind of Puukko. The reason I write this is that it is often pointed out in US-based reviews. The rest of the world knows it anyway.
Sheath
In true Finnish tradition, the PK70FX comes with a leather sheath. But on the other hand, they keep up with the times, and many other knives can be had with Kydex sheaths, but not in this case, and I am grateful for that. In my opinion, it would not have matched the look.
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| The included sheath is made of sturdy leather. |
The sheath is quite simple. It is of folded construction, but it is made of very strong leather and well sewn. The thickness of the leather matches the steel and measures 3.1mm. At the bottom of the sheath is a small hole for drainage, and there is also a small hole if someone, for some unknown reason, wants to thread a string there.
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| A simple but well-made sheath that does not hold the knife extremely tightly. |
The belt loop takes a normal thinner belt of 35 mm, but not much more than that. Of course, this is reasonable considering the format of the knife. In fact, I have never carried the knife in a belt except when I tested the knife. Otherwise, I either store it in my bag (backpack or Messenger bag when I cycle) or loosely in the right jacket pocket. The knife is both small and neat enough. The total weight, including the sheath, is no more than 115 g, and the length with the knife in the sheath is 175 mm.
Conclusion
The very first line of the presentation on the website states that this is a "compact and versatile knife designed with simplicity and functionality in mind." That's a statement I can now endorse after using and carrying this knife for almost a year. Time flies when you're having fun, they say.
It was summer then, and it will be again soon. That means the PK70FX has literally been put through its paces. But with that said, I've mostly used it as it was intended, as a small, practical EDC knife in all situations that don't require the absolute utmost discretion, since it is, after all, a fixed-blade knife.
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| PK70FX performs well in the forest as well as in the city |
Then, as I said, it has been allowed to go into the forest, and it doesn't make a fool of itself there either. It mostly depends on the user and what the knife is used for. But of course, I wouldn't skin a moose or fillet a pike with this knife, but anything goes if you really need to.
On the other hand, it excels where it is intended, in all kinds of everyday situations that require a sharp edge and a good point. You can poke and cut with confidence without being afraid that something will break. However, it does become dull, which can be seen because the steel is soft; it reacts very quickly to both whetstones and a strop, which is the maintenance method I use most frequently, unless knives are too dull.
The Scandi grind also makes the knife easy to sharpen when the time comes. But that type of edge also means that it is not the best for everything. If you know that you need a knife to cut a lot of food, I recommend a flat-ground alternative instead. In wood, however, this type of knife is preferable.
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| A knife as Finnish as a good cup of coffee*, the Brisa PK70FX. A fixed blade knife that picks up where the PK70 left off |
Brisa has succeeded well in managing the legacy of its folding predecessor with the PK70FX. I don't own that model, but I do own its big brother, the Birk 75, which has a lock. The relationship between that knife and this one is both recognizable and appreciated. If you know what you're getting into when you buy a small Puukko, this is a very viable alternative. If you're looking for the ultimate low-drag, high-speed knife for "covert operations", then look elsewhere.
But as a stylish knife in true Finnish tradition aimed at everyday use, this is excellent!
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| Brisa Ltd |
Specifikation:
Length Overall: 160 mm
Blade Length: 70 mm
Blade Thickness: 3 mm
Steel: 12C27
Weight: 70 g, for the knife, 115 g with sheath
Handle: Wood, Bocote
Sheath: Leather
Produced by Brisa Ltd, made in Finland
/ J - looks to the east
* The Finns and Swedes compete when it comes to being the biggest coffee users in the world. Right now, I believe they are on top.
