- Danish design meets Italian know-how
Some say that everyone is becoming more conservative with age. I don't know if that is necessarily true but the final result will, in any case, be dependent on the starting point. The same applies to Jens Ansø's design language. Recently, he has presented a series of kitchen knives that look extremely sympathetic and also released custom knives like Monte Carlo and Casino. Well, there seems to be a theme there. Common to all of these knives are a restrained design language and elegance.
Very elegant knives as said but they are far from as bold as say models like Amok or Crash from his early years. That goes for the collaborations as well. In the beginning, knives such as Spyderco Zulu, Böker 67 and Albatross were representative of that segment.
Nowadays, the models that are released are somewhat less challenging but also more practical I would argue. This is a good example of that. The model is called Ziggy and comes from Fox Knives.
Very elegant knives as said but they are far from as bold as say models like Amok or Crash from his early years. That goes for the collaborations as well. In the beginning, knives such as Spyderco Zulu, Böker 67 and Albatross were representative of that segment.
Nowadays, the models that are released are somewhat less challenging but also more practical I would argue. This is a good example of that. The model is called Ziggy and comes from Fox Knives.
Fox Knives FX-308CFB Ziggy
This knife is a direct translation from Jen's custom model with the same name, or maybe not. From what I can tell, the original looks more compact with a slightly wider blade and a taller handle. Fox Ziggy gives a leaner impression. But I haven't handled the original so take that statement for what it's worth.
In terms of production knives, Jens has previously collaborated with Fox and recently released the model Livri and formerly Mojo, Zero, and Anso Flipper. The latter looks like a transition between Zulu and Ziggy by the way.
This knife is available in a couple of different variants with handle in wood or as here, in carbon fiber and with black or a satin blade finishes.
Steel and carbon fiber in harmony from Italian Fox Knives
Twitter version: Fox Ziggy, a must for those who like Ansø design but don't
have the means to buy a custom
have the means to buy a custom
Blade
This blade shape is basically very straightforward. It's a drop point, no more no less. What makes it interesting, however, is Ansø's ability to make knife blades look almost organic. The angle of the sweeping edge, along with how the spine of the blade slightly arches before it slopes downward to meet the tip, makes the blade visually interesting.* In addition to being attractive, it also gives a very practical blade in this case.
In length the blade measures eight centimeters, the height is 27 mm and the thickness is 3,5 mm.
In length the blade measures eight centimeters, the height is 27 mm and the thickness is 3,5 mm.
A blackened drop point that carries Ansø's unmistakable lines
This knife blade is blackened with something Fox calls Idroglider. That coating has then got a stone wash treatment. The surface is both scratch-resistant and durable. Under the black coating, fairly common steel is found in the Böhler / Uddeholm N690. Not extreme steel and it is often compared to Japanese VG10 for example. I think it is good steel since it is rather stainless and not least that it is easy to sharpen. A trait that I value quite highly.
Speaking of sharpening, the blade comes from the factory with a full flat grind. The factory edge was rather good, sharp and even more important, symmetric and with a uniform height. The sharpening choil extends beyond the plunge line with the tightest of margins.
Speaking of sharpening, the blade comes from the factory with a full flat grind. The factory edge was rather good, sharp and even more important, symmetric and with a uniform height. The sharpening choil extends beyond the plunge line with the tightest of margins.
If you are uncertain about the designer you will find both his name and steel type on the back of the blade
On this model, Fox has shown some restraint and kept the stock thickness to 3,5 mm instead of, say 4 mm that is quite common these days. But it could have been three millimeters by all means. This is hardly a commando knife.
That said, this knife cuts more than decent through most materials. The blade is extremely competent and of course works fine for processing "everyday materials", ie plastic, cardboard of different types, and other packaging materials, etc.
But the blade can handle more serious tasks than that. That applies to cut nylon rope, cable ties, pieces of carpet and wood. But when I tried the latter, I encountered a small problem that clearly told me that the blade is not the limitation on this knife but the handle. The distinctive pattern results in semi-sharp edges both on the back of the handle towards the blade and on the underside where you place your pinky. When you apply more force behind the cuts working on wood, the blade bites well but the handle creates some hotspots that hurt without gloves. In this area, the knife does not shine. But on the other hand, it is more thought of as a general EDC knife and not a small camping knife or whittler.
Within that area, the blade is excellent though. Even in the kitchen when it comes to simpler cutting tasks like chopping tomatoes or dicing onions. But I firmly argue that Ansø's kitchen knife models do better in that environment. Folding knives are never good in a kitchen. They can only be more or less bad.
That said, this knife cuts more than decent through most materials. The blade is extremely competent and of course works fine for processing "everyday materials", ie plastic, cardboard of different types, and other packaging materials, etc.
Within that area, the blade is excellent though. Even in the kitchen when it comes to simpler cutting tasks like chopping tomatoes or dicing onions. But I firmly argue that Ansø's kitchen knife models do better in that environment. Folding knives are never good in a kitchen. They can only be more or less bad.
Handle
The handle is very distinct looking with a large rock pattern that has become something of a hallmark for Jens over the years. So much so that it is often referred to as an Ansø pattern. It makes the handle interesting while providing a good grip. The disadvantage is that it can create some hotspots as discussed above. The ridges created by the pattern itself are not the problem but the edges that arise when they terminate at the corners of the handle. The lines become a bit too distinct simply put. Good looking but not the most practical.
A very well-shaped carbon fiber handle with the typical Ansø pattern
The construction consists of a frame with a partial backspacer. It covers about a third of the back. Open enough to blow through with some compressed air for cleaning if desired. Although I belong to those who argue that it is just as easy to clean a closed-back folding knife from pocket lint and dust if you have access to such equipment.
The frame is steel and symbolically lightened on the non-locking side. That is, there is a small hole in one of the liners, nothing more.
But the balance is decent nevertheless and the balance point is found almost in the middle of the finger choil. The liners are also rounded both at the back and the inside. But they could have been even a tad bit more so I believe.
The frame is steel and symbolically lightened on the non-locking side. That is, there is a small hole in one of the liners, nothing more.
But the balance is decent nevertheless and the balance point is found almost in the middle of the finger choil. The liners are also rounded both at the back and the inside. But they could have been even a tad bit more so I believe.
The thickness of the handle is dependent on whether you take the
measurement on the ridges or between them
measurement on the ridges or between them
Besides that choil, the handle is straightforward. It has a slightly curved back, it tapers a bit towards the rear end and the flipper tab forms a small finger guard.
The pattern I talked about before is done in very appealing carbon fiber in this case. The carbon fiber is worth an extra mention as the quality is very high, completely free of voids or cracks and with deep luster. The knife is also available with wooden scales for those who prefer a more traditional look.
The sides are screwed into the frame with T6 screws and the pivot is a bit larger, it's a T8
The handle accommodates the whole hand
The shape makes this handle comfortable or even very comfortable in most grips. The pattern gives a good grip, but the edges could have been better-rounded. Without the sharp edges, this handle would have been a real hit. But without these crisp lines, the knife may lose a bit in appearance. I'm tempted to say "It remains to be seen" as I am thinking of attacking the handle with a piece of sandpaper.
The size of the handle is sufficient for a full four-finger grip regardless of position. The shape of the handle is also of the deceptively simple type that does not tell you how to hold the knife. The kind I prefer to be honest.
Opening and lock
This knife opens with authority. The explanation can be found in a fairly small but well-placed flipper tab and a well-tuned detent ball.
The tab ain't sharp, which both fingers and other stuff that that shares the pocket appreciate. On the contrary, Fox has softened the edges quite well. In fact, so well that this flipper tab could need some grooves carved into the steel for better friction. As it is now it happens that you miss and slip off the flipper tab. If you are careful and drag your finger along the frame, however, there is no problem. An alternative that works here is also to push straight down, a so-called push-button opening.
The tab ain't sharp, which both fingers and other stuff that that shares the pocket appreciate. On the contrary, Fox has softened the edges quite well. In fact, so well that this flipper tab could need some grooves carved into the steel for better friction. As it is now it happens that you miss and slip off the flipper tab. If you are careful and drag your finger along the frame, however, there is no problem. An alternative that works here is also to push straight down, a so-called push-button opening.
The flipper tab is small, nice looking and a tad bit too slippery
The locking mechanism is a superbly designed steel liner lock. Maybe not the trendiest on the market, but it works. In this case, really well, I might add. There is no play in any direction. No sideways wiggle and no vertical movement. Just as it should be.
A very well made liner lock that does not slip even when provoked
To access the lock bar when the lock is to be released it is necessary to use the soft parts on the thumb and jam into the frame. However, it works decently in this case since the lock bar pressure is not too strong. Besides, it is equipped with grooves that give more traction. The advantages of letting the locking arm sit so deep in the handle are partly that it is not felt when holding the handle tightly, but also that the risk of the lock to release during twisting movements is almost non-existent.
To Carry
Once pocketed, Ziggy is really neutral in a good way. Just over a hundred grams in weight, twelve centimeters in length and a height of 32 millimeters folded makes this a decently compact knife. The width is trickier because it varies a lot. Between 11-15 mm depending on where you take your measurement, which is quite a lot.
A kind of unique clip that is straight in shape and very flat where it sits
Ziggy boasts one of the flattest clips I've seen. But it works surprisingly well despite the minimal ramp. Oridinary pants, as well as jeans, are no problem. I haven't tried the knife in work pants. The length of the clip is well adapted and the tension excellent. Unfortunately, a lot of the knife shows where it sits in the pocket and this is due to the tandem placement of the fastening screws.
The clip placement makes a fair bit of the handle visible
The good thing the placement brings is that the curved part of the clip ends up inside your hand. If it is, which is the case here, paired with a very flat clip with a small ramp, you get something that is basically not felt at all when you use the knife. The only thing I have come across that matches this in comfort is recessed clips.
I'm not sure the clip had worked with all materials such as coarse G10. But the carbon fiber is slippery enough for the knife to slide against the fabric both on its way out and back into the pocket. I imagine the same goes for the wooden handle version.
To look good and not disrupt the pattern and end up with fewer drill holes the clip can't be moved. A disadvantage for all left-handers, of course.
I'm not sure the clip had worked with all materials such as coarse G10. But the carbon fiber is slippery enough for the knife to slide against the fabric both on its way out and back into the pocket. I imagine the same goes for the wooden handle version.
To look good and not disrupt the pattern and end up with fewer drill holes the clip can't be moved. A disadvantage for all left-handers, of course.
To Conclude
The knife, that I presume is named after Ziggy Stardust, is an interesting piece. It is elegant with a couple of details that really oozes Ansø. The pattern on the handle is an obvious one, but also the curvature of the blade is a result of his penmanship.
Fox has done the original justice, which has resulted in a good looking knife which also is quite practical.
Fox has done the original justice, which has resulted in a good looking knife which also is quite practical.
Fox Ziggy, practical everyday design from Jens Ansø
The blade is the most prosaic part. Fully flat ground, not too thick and with a nice sweeping belly. Personally, I prefer non-coated blades but this was the knife I got hold of. However, the black coating has proved very durable and scratch-resistant during the test period.
A small remission has been made in favor of the vanity. The handle could have been even better with more rounded edges. Otherwise, the shape itself is excellent which is often a sign of a good designer. Unless you chose to do something completely different for the sake of the appearance of course, like pure art knives.
Ziggy is also well built. It is noticeable that Fox Knives knows what they are doing. Simple things like centering and factory edge are excellent. Lock geometry and action are also very good. Overall, the knife gives an impression of quality.
A knife that is both appealing to look at and to use
In other words, this is definitely a knife to consider for those who like Danish design and especially those who stem from the mind of Jens Ansø but can't afford or get a handmade Ziggy, or think Fox Ansø flipper is too big. Included is a well-built EDC knife with a really competent blade. A most compelling combination if I may say so myself.
Specification:
Length, overall: 200 mm
Length, folded: 120 mm
Weight: 115 g
Blade length: 80 mm
Blade thickness: 3,5 mm
Blade steel: N690Co
Handle: Carbon fiber on a steel frame
Lock: Liner lock
Produced by: Fox, made in Italy
* Those who are into Ansø can see the family similarity between the blades of the more extreme Spyderco Zulu via Böker Whale to Fox Ziggy.
/ J - the danish fox
/ J - the danish fox
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