Fredags-EDC LXXXVIII

OS. Det är det enda som pågår på den här fronten just nu. Jag gör inte mycket annat än att titta på OS-sändningar på alla möjliga och omöjliga tider. Det gör att jag är mycket mycket trött bitvis med tanke på att det mesta går av stapeln på natten och jag har fått för mig att jag måste se sändningarna live i största möjliga mån. 

Det enda som bryter OS-rutinen är någon liten motionsrunda på cykeln och framförallt ett och annat träningspass med kastknivar av ett eller annat slag. Har man blivit biten så har man. Det blir fortfarande mellan tio och femton timmar i veckan. Just de här knivarna kastas det emellertid inte med det minsta!

Spyderco Lil' Native och Police 4

Knivarna är några riktiga höjdare från Spyderco. Kanske inte de mest "flashiga" eller ens mest kända. Men båda är för jäkla bra på sitt sätt. Den stora är Police 4 i det ruskigt potenta stålet K390. Den mindre är förstås ingen annan är Lil' Native. Den här i back lock-utförande som synes. Den finns även med Spydercos compression lock för den som föredrar det. Just i det här fallet valde jag bort det alternativet för att få en mer "hel rygg" eftersom kniven är liten och greppytan behövs. 

Appropå liten så testar jag även ett miniatyrbräckjärn från Gearspool som de döpt till "Mightyminibar". Ett försöka att rädda knivspetsar och annat från skada. Återstår att se hur mycket eller litet jag kommer använda den. 

Nu dags för lite mat och därefter....ja, det måste erkännas, mer OS!

/ J - OS-omanen

Review AceJet Appache

  

Few who are interested in throwing knives and are holders of an internet connection missed Mr. Adam Čeladin. He runs a large YouTube channel, perhaps the largest, with a focus on knife throwing and is also very active on several other platforms such as Instagram. He is a multiple world champion in various disciplines of "No Spin" throwing and is one of the people behind AceJet. All knives in their catalog are designed and tested by him.

With that said, there are some basic forms of throwing knives, and today's knives are no exception. They are a variety of Russian "Osetr" knives. By the way, Osetr is the Russian word for sturgeon, you know the extremely large fish with the expensive eggs. The knives are called Appache and yes, for some reason they have chosen to spell it that way.

A set of Appaches from AceJet

I now feel ready to review these and additional knives from AceJet as I had them for a couple of months and had time to throw around 55,000 throws during that time divided into three knife sets, of which this is one.

Looks and measurements

Appache is, as said, a model that follows one of the basic patterns, which in this case entails a trait that I appreciate. They still look like knives! This particular property has nothing to do with either throwing properties or quality. But a nice look has never hurt either.

Apache is of the "Osetr" type, which makes them look quite like a regular knife

But something a look can do is actually say something about quality, at least indirectly. For example, it reveals how thin or strong and thus durable the knives can be. The absence of cut holes and other decorations also gives indications in the same direction. In the same way, you can see if the knives have handles or not and what materials they are made of.

What the knife looks like can also reveal other things such as the type of technology the knife is primarily intended for and how it may appear in the air. In this case, it is an all-around knife we have in front of us. Not specialized for any specific way of throwing.

The straight uncomplicated handle and the clean back allow for many different grips

The length of this type of knife is usually around 25 cm and in this case 240 mm. The handle measures 27.5 mm at its widest and the blade is 31 mm. The blade stock is 6 mm, which gives a weight of 255 grams.

All edges are beveled for a softer feeling in the hand. The knife has been given symbolic edges, which certainly also helps to make the blade taper towards the tip. The same goes for the false edge. I wrote "symbolic" because, like all good throwing knives, this one is not only dull but has no edge at all to be able to be gripped without limitations. The thickness behind the edge that is talked about when it comes to regular knives is in this case 4 mm! That is, as much or more than what most folding knives have as blade thickness.

The tip is of the chisel type, which gives strength

The tip is not needle-like as on a regular knife but more like a chisel. It is three millimeters wide but relatively sharp nonetheless.

There is also a hole in the handle. It usually fulfills several functions. On the one hand, there may be technical reasons for having one, such as when blades are to be provided with any coatings or to keep the knife in place when it is sharpened or worked on. Then it can be used to hang the knife in and not least to index the knife by hand when throwing.

The surface is rather roughly brushed, which is a conscious choice of finish. This is because it gives a bit of friction to the hand when you hold the knife. The only print found on the knife is the AceJet logo on the handle. So anyone who appreciates a clean look should be satisfied.

Material

AceJet has stated that it has chosen not to participate in the "low-price race" but to build a product with a single goal, to compete with the best in the world when it comes to throwing knives. It can also be seen in the materials that are optimized for the purpose. Here I have to stop for a moment and make a deviation as readers of this blog are perhaps mainly used to reading about folding knives. The materials that are considered superior there as super steels such as M390, 20CV, and Cruwear with several hardened to hardnesses above 60HRC are in this case completely useless and directly unsuitable. The risk is that a knife in those steels would break after a few throws if used here. They are simply too fragile. When we talk about throwing knives, it is often hardnesses below 50HRC that apply and steels that are rewarded are carbon steel and spring steel of various kinds.

AceJet uses domestic Czech spring steel with the designation 14260. Spring steel is excellent for throwing knives in general because they, as the name suggests return to their original shape, so you avoid a banana-shaped knife. The forces acting on a throwing knife are significantly greater than those any other knife comes close to. This is especially the case if you somehow miss and the knife either hits another knife, a stone, or with the wide side of a target or a tree.

In this case, the starting point has been 6 mm stock, which guarantees an extremely durable knife but also makes for it to have a stable flight and become heavy enough to have weight when it hits the target.

To Throw

Appache is a pronounced all-around knife. That is, it is not intended for any specific way of throwing and can thus be used for most techniques by both the beginner or more experienced. Of course, this means that it is not quite as effective as a more specialized knife. Some slight sacrifice must be made.

The balance point is found about one centimeter back from the center

The knife's balance point is found in the transition between handle and blade as it would have done if this had been an ordinary knife. This means that the center of gravity is slightly offset towards the handle and not completely neutral, which facilitates both No spin and Half spin techniques.

Rotational Throwing

Rotational throwing also called "traditional" or sometimes "circus throwing" means that you throw with the knife rotating in the air. Since Appache is a relatively short throwing knife with some weight, it rotates relatively fast. A rotation takes place around just over three meters (10 feet), which is short. To reduce the speed of the spin, it is necessary not to grasp the knife too far out on the handle and angle it slightly forward. At least as I throw it. When the right angle is found, the knife is very accurate and hits the target hard. Here, the hole in the handle is a good help to index the knife in the release.

A small detail I noticed is that the completely straight handle requires that you initiate the rotation yourself, especially at a distance of five and seven meters. In my case, it happens with the ring finger in the release itself. It's hard to explain as it is more of a feeling. At three meters, it happens automatically when the knife of the force releases from the hand.

I use a handshake grip with the little finger at the hole in the handle and the knife slightly angled forward at a rotational throw of three meters

At four meters I hold the blade with barely four fingers grip and even more inclination forward to reduce the rotational speed

In the same way, the knife is fast at cutting 1 1/2 turns at a distance of four meters and therefore requires that you stand relatively close to the line to achieve quick success.* At five and six meters, of course, the same recommendation applies. Or to be honest, at six and seven meters you have to increase the distance by a foot or two. Like most knives in this smaller format, it gets harder the further away from the target you get. But the weight and the closest centered balance means that it does not wobble in the air or deviate from the throwing path.

Half Spin

Because the knife is slightly rear-heavy, short, and wide enough for a thumb on the blade, it is excellent for Military half spin. At shorter distances such as two and three meters, I feel it's easier to grip closer to the tip in order to "extend" the knife and control the rotation. Personally, I only use the Military half-spin at short distances. As soon as the distance increases to 3.5m and over, I switch to Instinctive Half Spin, ie with the forefinger on the blade spine instead. It is facilitated by the thickness of these knives. It also provides better stability in the air after the actual release. The risk with thin knives is that they certainly rotate correctly around their balance point but that they wobble sideways instead. It impairs the chances of a good stick.

No Spin

The straight back that allows you to place your index finger wherever you want is a great asset in No spin throwing. Especially for those who prefer "slide" techniques. By the way, it is Adam Čeladin's favorite technique. Then you let your index finger slide along the knife to counteract the rotation that wants to occur through the actual throwing movement. This technique is more difficult or impossible if the knife has, for example, marked pair finger protection or other curved shapes.

With No Spin throwing, it is easy to find the balance point

It does not matter if you use a firmer grip or Skanff grip at the end of the handle. The slightly off-center balance help to prevent overrotation. It is also very easy to find the balance point when you want to place the index finger there.

To Conclude

For me, this was the first model of this type of knife I have tried, which made it an interesting experience. The format and appearance follow Osetr-type knives. It provides a fairly compact knife with features that provide a wide range of uses. My first impression was that these were nice and well-made knives. Incidentally, they come wrapped in a bandana of the type that has become Adam Čeladin's signature. The package also includes some Acejet playing cards for those who want something to aim at as well as a certificate of authenticity.

AceJet's products are handmade in the Czech Republic. That they are proud of it and stand behind their products is marked with a lifetime guarantee. Something that may be needed with throwing knives, I might add. Handmade should be seen in a broader perspective since modern machines are of course used, it is not hand-forged knives we are talking about. Something that, on the other hand, isn't always an advantage. The fact that people were involved in the process is not least seen in the fact that all the tips looked a little different on arrival. One detail, however, I don't mind.

The advantage of this type of steel is that the knives do not break. If something happens to the tip, it is that they can bend slightly or flatten. Something that is fixed on-site with a file and a diamond stone. I can state that it is basically impossible to break an Acejet knife. Some real mistakes have resulted in full contact with both stones and asphalt. Usually, it is what you hit that gets scratched, not the knife. But one thing also damages these knives and that is hits from other knives. If you do not have the luxury of being able to throw on several targets, the "Robin Hood" hits will become more and more frequent as the accuracy develops. In this case, it has resulted in a number of nicks and dings, but I usually round them with file and sandpaper.

The Apache knives are basically indestructible, which is why they come with a lifetime guarantee

Overall, I am very happy with Appache as a model. Possibly I can point out that these types of knives are not the most easily thrown. These are knives that I would recommend to anyone who has been throwing for a while. Much depends on the compact format. A relatively short knife is slightly more difficult to control in the air because it has a higher rotational speed than a longer and heavier knife. This in turn gives less margin for errors. Appache requires fairly accurate throwing to show its full potential. Then I have noticed that since the handle is very straight and lacks the "bulge" that many knives of this type have, it is required that you clearly initiate the rotation at that kind of throw.

On the other hand, it means that it can also be used for No Spin throwing, including Skanff techniques. So it's a bit of a trade-off that depends on the type of throw you want to focus on. Then it can be added that even beginners have great use of good knives as you pass that stage faster then. It also does not hurt that you can relax from the knives breaking when you miss. Something cheap junk knives always do sooner or later. A "tching" from a stone does not mean that the knife broke in this case, but that the stone is scratched. 

Appache is absolutely best on real end grain targets. On dead and living trees, the knives sometimes have a tendency to bounce straight back if the wood is hard and tough enough. It is not a specific problem with these knives but everyone who has this type of tip especially if the hit is not completely vertical. They are stronger but do not penetrate as hard as more needle-like, sharper tips.

Then you should be aware that good knives require some care. Nicks and the like must be taken care of so that you do not injure your hands on the next throw. Then the knives need to be cleaned and dried so as not to rust. In the heat waves we had, I have also noticed that you get black hands if it is hot and you sweat. The steel is not stainless at all and oxidizes easily in the shades available. Do not forget the knives out is therefore another tip.

AceJet Appache are excellent knives for those who want to test different techniques!

AceJet Appache is not a cheap knife, but that is not what they are aiming for either. AceJet has deliberately avoided competing with budget brands in any way but has invested wholeheartedly in uncompromising quality. This means that they have chosen steel optimized for the purpose and have full control over the production that takes place in Bohemia, a region of the Czech Republic that has always been known for its production of mechanical products. Steelworking is something they know in that area. Something that is noticeable even in this case. Destroying these knives is if not impossible then at least extremely difficult.

Even better is that they are sympathetic to throw. They are predictable in the air and hit with force. In addition, they are suitable for all types of techniques, which makes them excellent for those who do not specialize or feel like trying different variants of knife throwing. The knives can be bought both as a set, which I recommend, or individually.

When you buy your Appache or other product from AceJet , enter promo code "JOHN" (in capital letters) and you will receive a 5% discount on your purchase at check-out.

Specification:

Steel: 14260 

Length: 240 mm

Width: 31/27,5 mm (blade/handle)

Thickness: 6 mm

Weight: 255

Balance Point: 10 cm backward from the middle

Produced  by Eljet in the Czech Republic

/ J - trying to become an Ace

* You can of course throw with any rotation at almost any distance if you are good enough.

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New Knife - QSP Hamster

Most folding knives that come from Chinese QSP are named after birds. There is nothing wrong with that as there are many to choose from and you avoid the nuisance with only a number designation. A few times they have deviated from this principle. I can immediately recall the Worker and Leopard from previous reviews. Not even with the best of intentions can those names be derived from the bird kingdom. Of course, there is also a Locust but it is at least one creature that can fly. But then I realize that the range also includes an exotic anteater (Pangolin) and snakes (Copperhead, Mamba), a crocodilian (Gavial), and a little pig (Piglet) so I may have to rethink. Animals may be more a more accurate theme than birds alone.  

In any case, today's knife also deviates from the bird theme as it is called Hamster. Small and chubby, the name may not be so misleading after all. Besides the name, it also differs in terms of the format. This is the smallest knife that QSP has made to date I believe.

QSP QS138-C Hamster

QSP Hamster is a knife that actually measures as little as 13 cm opened. Something that places it in the minimum class when it comes to EDC knives. Or knives that in this case go down into the fifth jeans pocket. The one that was originally invented for watches. The teeth or blade of the Hamster measure 5 cm and the material is S35VN. Steel that QSP previously worked with on some of its finer knives. Here they have also given it a nice two-tone satin finish.

The rest of the animal is well built as well. A flipper opening in combination with ceramic ball bearings sharp tongue and the coat is nicely green shimmering titanium. The same material is also found in the backspacer and in the clip. The backspacer only covers a small part of the back that is otherwise open. A small trap line hole is also found in it. For safety, there is a frame lock in titanium. In true hamster fashion, it is lightweight. In this case, the weight is 63 grams.

A review will come at a later time.

/ J 

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Review Steel Will Nutcracker

  -  a folding knife for heavier work

The last knife from Steel Will I wrote about was a slim model called Sedge. Today's review object is not its exact opposite, but quite far from it. The knife is called Nutcracker and is a solid piece with a modified Wharncliffe blade at the serious end. Promotional texts for the knife promised that the name was not only for show but that you could actually crack coconuts with it. Something that the devoted reader of this blog knows I had to check. The question is what it can handle more than large nuts?

Steel Will F24 Nutcracker

This knife came as a bit of a surprise just over a year ago because other news from Steel Will were, as often, released during Shot Show in the US. A few weeks later, this model was presented as a knife that would combine "hard use, culinary and EDC characteristics". Something I may not completely agree with. Firstly I think that "hard use" is just a "buzz word" - only for advertising texts as it lacks content. The "culinary" thing is just as stupid. This is a small folding knife. Of course, you can slice sausages and cut a carrot with it as well, but otherwise, it is as lousy in the kitchen as ninety-nine percent of all other knives that can be folded in half. But if you by culinary mean that despite its appearance it cuts well, it is true.

A stout blade and a curvy handle are what characterize this knife

Twitter version: Nutcracker, a stout folding knife from Steel Will that lives up to its name!

Blade

Two things are required to live up to the name of this knife. One is, of course, that lock and handle are strong enough to meet expectations. The second is that the blade is ready for the task. And it is! To achieve this, Steel Will has chosen Böhler N690Co. It is stainless steel that is often found on middle-class knives. Personally, I like it. It is not extreme in any direction but keeps the sharpness as it should without being the best, it is rater stainless and actually easy to grind. This is not the first time Steel Will has used it, but they use D2 tool steel more frequently. I'm glad they didn't this time. 

 

The blade is in this version blackened and stonewashed. The markings are Steel Wills standard with logo on one side and model name and steel type on the other. I'm rather pleased with that. 

The modified Wharncliffe blade has been coated and washed

You get a solid piece of this material. The blade measures almost nine centimeters in length and is 27 mm wide. It is of course given the shape that can be considered as a modified Wharncliffe that almost ends up in sheepsfoot territory with its relatively stubby nose.

Modified in this case mostly means that the edge is curved in its entirety instead of straight. The most distinctive feature, however, is the thickness of the blade. It is a solid four millimeters. It is slightly thicker than what we are used to from Steel Will and the reason why is said to be the heavier tasks. It is the coconuts they had in mind, I presume. 

In addition to the name, you can find the steel type, N690Co, on the blade

Despite the thick blade stock, the blade is actually as thin as 0.5 mm behind the edge, which is really good. It is the high, almost full, flat grind that is the explanation. This means that Nutcracker not only cracks nuts but is actually really good at cutting. 

So if you absolutely must use your folding pocket knife in the kitchen, this is not a worse alternative than anything else. The blade is capable enough. What disqualifies most folding knives, including this one, are things like a flipper tab that prevents you from getting down to a cutting board, lots of nooks and crannies for dirt to get stuck in, and a blade that is too short for everything except peeling and trimming. But that is another discussion.

In a previous test, I proved that the knife lives up to the claims in the advertisement

But the sympathetic geometry paired with good steel and not least a capable factory edge make this a good EDC knife. It cuts what it is supposed to without much hassle, whether it is plastic, cardboard, fabric, or wood. It even passes my tough garden hose test. Something that requires a good edge. Overall, this is a knife that surprises positively when it comes to how well it handles most materials. This is especially true of hard plastic and not least cardboard, which it literally glides through. It is not intimidated by gnawing a little on wood either, I can tell. In those situations, you are helped by the relatively wide handle which increases comfort during heavier work.

Handle

The handle on the Nutcracker is both common and unusual. By that, I mean that the well-shaped G10 sides are something that is recognizable from many Steel Will models at this point. In this case, the gray sides are both beveled at the edges and have a curved profile. They are also well ground on both the inside and outside in a meritorious way. Steel Will knows how to shape handles well. The handle is also open in the back and there you will find a couple of bright splashes of color in the form of a couple of bright red distances. Even the clever solution with a bolt as an anchor point for the lanyard has been given the same color.

Steel Will is starting to know how to make nice handles in the G10

Nutcracker has an unusually clean appearance as Steel Wills has chosen to skip some details that normally make handle sides busier. First, they have chosen to skip the lanyard hole and, as I said, replaced it with another, in my opinion, better solution. A second and perhaps more troublesome detail, at least for those who are left-handed, is that the clip cannot be shifted from the right side where it sits.

The number of screws is also kept to a minimum. In addition to the pivot screw, the sides are screwed from both sides at two points. Then the clip has to make do with a single screw as well. The screws are also the same black color as the blade, which contributes to the clean look.

The open back is brightened with some color. You will also find an attachment point for a lanyard

The unusual part of this handle is found on the inside and is about the frame design. It is not weight relieved at all. Steel Will has worked with different solutions for handle construction before. Avior, for example, has a one-sided frame/liner while Mini Tasso has no frame at all, and Cutjack which has sides in FRN has a conventional frame that is extremely light. In this case, a more massive alternative has been chosen, which of course will be both sturdier but also somewhat heavier. It's the nuts again.

In these grips, Nutcracker is not optimal for me as the little finger ends up over the "beak"

Then a quick visual inspection tells you that this handle is as curvy as Marilyn Monroe. The back arches and then slopes downwards towards the rear end. There is a pronounced finger groove for the index finger and an equally clear "beak" which is intended to hold the little finger in place. Shaping handles in this way is something of a gamble as you can never know what type of hand will hold the knife. For me, the result is so-so. 

Nutcracker works best in hammer grips or with the thumb on the back of the blade

This means that a classic hammer grip works best closely, followed by a so-called "Filipino" grip with the thumb far out on the blade. At the same time, a saber grip or a grip with the index finger on the blade is not as sympathetic at all. The handle is simply a bit too tight for my hand. If I place the index finger in the right place and the thumb on the thumb ramp where the purpose-cut grooves are found, the little finger ends up right over the sharp part of the beak. The same applies if I put my finger on the blade spine to guide the cuts. 

The best is, as I said, a hammer grip, but to fill my hand the handle would still have needed to be a little taller and longer to feel completely good. But for someone with smaller hands, I can imagine that the experience is another and even good. 

Opening and lock

Nutcracker is mainly a flipper-opened knife. With that said, it is actually possible to slow roll the blade open with the thumb against the blade. That is made possible due to the fine ceramic ball bearings the blade runs on. Because of the massive blade and the strong lock, the knife opens with a satisfying sound. The knife is also surprisingly quick to open.

The flipper tab is fairly discreet but effective

Much of the speed comes from a good geometry in terms of the position of the fin in relation to the pivot point. That and that it has the right angle to accelerate the blade. A pair of well-placed grooves means that you do not slip easily. 

A very sturdy liner lock

The safety is handled by a liner lock of the more sturdy variety. It's solid partly because of the material thickness of 1.6 mm, but above all, the lock bar is not cut out in any way. Like the rest of the frame, it is massive, which of course contributes to increased strength. The lock fulfills its function without negative remarks. On the contrary, it is very reassuring as it always works and keeps the blade in a firm grip. No movements in the blade can be felt even when I grab the tip of the blade and try to provoke it sideways and vertically.

The lock bar is also slightly raised in relation to the G10 material and equipped with grooves for better traction, which makes the lock easy to release. It's, simply put, a good liner lock.

To Carry

Nutcracker is not a small knife in your pocket. The length is measured to eleven and a half centimeters but the thickness is a full 15 millimeters and it is paired with a weight of 130 grams. Not extremely heavy given nine centimeters of a blade that is both tall and thick, but that does not make the knife lightweight either.

Nutcracker comes with something as unusual as a milled titanium clip even though the handle is in the G10

This knife comes with a milled titanium clip, which is not completely common on knives with G10 scales. The function itself is decent since it has been made thin enough to spring so it can handle even slightly thicker fabric edges. But the ramp is quite sparsely sized and it is therefore not always easy to get it right when the knife is to be returned to the pocket. On the other hand, it and the overall shape of the clip contribute to the fact that it feels very little against the hand when working with the knife, which is another important aspect of a clip. They should work well but preferably not be felt when not in use.

Pull out the knife, on the other hand, is very easy. The rather smooth G10 under the clip means that the friction is low and the design of the clip means that my index finger easily curves around it on the outside of the pocket. This is the way I draw all folding knives, by the way, a thumb on the inside of the pocket and the index finger anchored around the clip on the outside. That's why I don't feel the need for a lot of the handle to stick out to get a good grip. In this case, a little over a centimeter is visible.

To Conclude

First of all, it can be stated that if one is now to make claims in order to sell a product, it is good if they are true. They are in this case. You can actually crack nuts with Nutcracker. Now, this may not be what most people mainly use their folding knives for, so it is even more positive to state that the knife is a very sympathetic EDC knife. Provided you like an aesthetic that includes bold Wharncliffe/sheepsfoot blades and curvy handle. 

But Nutcracker is quite modern. Both when the knife came and still some years later, it is a popular blade shape. Then Steel Will also follows an older trend of having rather dull colors on blades and handles and some color pops as an accent. If you don't like black blades, Nutcracker is also available in a regular satin with a black handle.

Nutcracker is a solid EDC knife. Here together with its slimmer cousin Sedge

Then it can be stated that Steel Will is starting to get very good at making excellent handles in the G10. They did it on Tasso and Avior and now on Nutcracker. Although I am still not completely happy about this one. Not because there is something wrong with the handle, but because this type of more elaborated shape risks targeting specific hand sizes or shapes, whether the manufacturer intended it or not. For my hands, the handle is simply a bit too small, or rather there is too little room as the overall length is enough.

Steel Will Nutcracker, the knife that lives up to its name

As usual, you get excellent build quality when you buy a knife from Steel Will. The feeling in this knife is a bit the same as in a car door belonging to a Mercedes Benz from the 70s. It feels massive and it is also strong enough to de facto crack a coconut or two without getting damaged. I know, because I tried! If that's not your most sought-after property, it cuts quite well in most things and is therefore excellent as an everyday companion. So, if your paws are not too big and you like the look, just go for it. 

Specifikation:

Length Open: 203 mm

Length Folded: 114 mm

Weight: 130 g (weighed by me)

Blade Length: 89 mm

Blade Thickness: 4 mm

Blade Steel: N690Co

Handle: G10

Lock: Liner lock

Produced by: Steel Will Knives, made in China

/ J - humming Tjajkovskij

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Dagens bild nr 245 "Tungviktare II"

I skrivande stund är det bara någon halvtimme kvar till OS-invigning. Jag räknar inte riktigt de grenar som tjuvstartat. Ett par kvalomgångar i rodd och bågskytte har kommit igång och så fotbollen förstås. Jäklar vad damerna spelade bra mot USA appropå det. 

Jag tillhör de där stora OS-nerdarna som inte missar mycket av sändningarna. Nu lär det väl bli nästan dygnet runt med tanke på vart det går någonstans. Särskilt som jag ser nästan allt! Särskilt cyklingen då jag som kanske är bekant för många är stor cykelentusiast. Herrarnas linje drar igång imorgon bitt klockan 03.50. Det blir tufft! Men jag ser många grenar som jag aldrig skulle ha tittat på annars. Bara för att det är OS. Några få står jag inte ut med ens i de här sammanhangen. En sådan är dressyr. Sorry om någon gillar det. Det är inte min "kopp te" som engelsmännen säger.

Men kul skall det bli även om det blir märkligt att ha spel som inte hälften av japanerna vill ha (numera) och utan publik. Pandemin ställer till det även om idrott inte handlar om liv och död.

"Tungviktare II"

Steget från tungviktare inom idrottsvärlden till tungviktare inom kniv-världen är kanske något långsökt. Dagens bild är en favorit från Cold Steel, den inte helt nya Ultimate Hunter. Det här är upplagan med det äldre stålvalet CTS-XHP. Numera är de gjorda med S35VN. 

En extremt sympatisk kniv om du söker en fällkniv med mycket god ergonomi och ett stabilt blad som klarar det mesta. Sen gör ju inte Tri-Ad-låset att kniven blir mindre solid. Trots rubriken och namnet på bilden så är kniven inte så förbaskat tung. Den väger in på 138 gram. 

Fast det främsta skälet till att rota fram bilden är att jag blev nöjd med fotot!

/ J - siktar mot tv-soffan

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Ny kniv - Albainox Navaja Serrana

Nej, det är ingen liten vällingklocka, det är en gigantisk kniv! Faktum är att den här modellen, Navaja Serrana från Albainox har ett blad som mäter 6,5 tum och hela kniven hamnar runt 33 cm utfälld. Den tillhör en kategori knivar som är "The OG" när det kommer till stora fällknivar. De var från början helt enkelt gjorda för att försvara sig eller duellera med. Så småningom blev de både statussymboler och sedermera turistsouvenirer. Numera kan de nog kallas för ett kulturellt uttryck.

Ja, sen är de ruskigt snygga knivar också. 

Albainox Navaja Serrana

Albainox som märke ingår Martinez-gruppen och tillhör därmed inte de mer exklusiva. Skall man ha finare exemplar av liknande knivar får man vända sig till märken som Joker, Cudeman eller ännu hellre Exposito. Men då sticker förstås priserna iväg. För mig är det här märket en chans att undersöka vilka modeller jag kan tänkas tycka om utan att plånboken gråter blod.  

Stålet i den här kniven är enkelt, 420 eller liknande och bolstren är gjorda av aluminium. Sidorna däremot är äkta horn. Det tunna bladet och bolstren gör att hela kniven är mycket lätt. Den är därtill mycket neutralt balanserad så den är faktiskt både kvick och livlig i handen. Låset är därtill mycket bastant för att sitta på en sådan här billig kniv. Det är av en klassisk clasp lock modell. Därtill är det en traditionell "Navaja Caracca" med de sex låsstegen vilka åstadkommer det mycket speciella ljudet när den fälls upp. 

/ J 

#knivesandbikes  #knivigtvarre

Review Brisa Chef 185

  - Brisa ventures into the kitchen knife jungle

It is not every day that you see a chef's knife from Sweden's eastern neighbor Finland. Especially not from Brisa, a company that has otherwise made itself known as a seller of mainly knife and handicraft materials. In addition, they have also developed a solid range of knives consisting mainly of knives for outdoor life, but have also supplemented that area with folding knives and small neck knives for more EDC-oriented use.

Brisa Chef 185 with handle in black Micarta

But on the kitchen knife side, there had been a black hole. Something that was corrected when they released this knife, that is. As the headline says it's called  Chef 185.

First impression

A first glance at this knife gave the impression that it is clearly Japanese-inspired with its Santoku blade. Something that is also confirmed when you read the introduction on the website. I also thought it was and is nice with its classic look with a black handle attached with two rivets. Then the Micarta handle gives a solid feeling and the knife feels well made. Just good impressions in other words.

Then I was excited to see how Bris managed the kitchen knife area. My personal experience from knives from Mora and Fällkniven, among others, is that it is not a given that the knowledge from outdoor knives can be applied in a kitchen environment.

Type of knife

Chef 185 is a somewhat unusual knife in that it's basically a hybrid between a Santoku and a classic chef's knife. In terms of shape, it is a Santoku but the measurements are closer to a chef's knife of a more traditional European style. It is a bit larger than most Japanese models, although I myself have one from Hiro that has almost identical dimensions in terms of the blade and edge length. However, it is lighter with thinner blade stock, a slimmer handle, and a different balance. There is thus a certain difference between, for example, that Santoku and this knife. The question is what does it mean in terms of use?

Brisa Chef measures a total of 305 mm, of which the blade length is 185 mm, which the name sugests. By the way, this is how kitchen knives are normally measured. The blade stock is stated to be 2.5 mm and it is by the tang and at the base of the blade. Otherwise, it quickly tapers to 2 mm. The height of the blade is in this context a fairly normal 49 mm.

The blade is made of 12C27 steel from Sandvik

The steel chosen comes from Sweden and Sandvik and is what used to be the sole stainless "mora knife steel" 12C27. A steel that is very common in many knives made in various places in Europe, not least in France. As a kitchen knife steel, I have not used it before, I must admit. It has a couple of features that should make it appropriate in this context. Firstly, it takes a good edge and secondly, it is really stain resistant. Two areas that are of course important for a knife that is used more and is washed significantly more often than all other knife types.

Micarta is used as the handle material. A material that is not completely common in kitchen knives but well meets all the criteria for a good utility knife. It is hard, durable, and can withstand the wear and tear required of a good kitchen knife. The handle is attached with two stainless steel rivets. By the way, Chef 185 is available in two colors, in addition to black, there is also a version with a mustard yellow handle.

To work with

However, the most interesting thing about a kitchen knife is not how it looks but how it behaves when used. During the fairly extensive test period, this knife has become acquainted with most of the common tasks and things that can be cut in a kitchen. Mainly roots, vegetables, and fruit. But of course, also meat, fish, and poultry as well as bread and some occasional package opening, although I usually avoid it with my chef's knives. For those tasks, there are other sharp objects around.

A typical example of a task when it is good to have the right blade length

When the knife is put to work, the first impressions are initially amplified. The knife not only looks solid, it feels solid as well. It is above all the sturdy handle in Micarta that contributes to that feeling. 

The blade is long enough to handle, for example, dividing carrots lengthwise, but is too short for those tasks that require a larger chef's knife, such as splitting cabbage, halving watermelon, etc. The height, on the other hand, is excellent. The blade, which is almost five centimeters tall, makes it easy to guide the blade with your knuckles when chopping onions. Simpler kitchen knives are often too low, especially when they have slightly shorter blades. 

The factory edge was also very good and that sharpness helps both when going through a tomato that may not be completely fresh as well as finely chopping red onions. No problems there with Chef 185.

The height of the blade facilitates chopping onions

The edge also has a suitable curvature to facilitate "rocking cuts" where the tip is held against the cutting board throughout the procedure. The height also contributes to the fact that you can use a chopping technique instead if you so prefer even if it's clearly not a Chinese cleaver. 

Like all chef's knives, Chef 185 is a little too wide to be optimal for slicing meat with. Wide blades do not react as quickly as a narrower steak knife blade to changes in direction. But Chef also gets approval in that area as well as cutting chicken.

Overall, I like this knife, I must say.

More impressions after further usage

But not everything is milk and honey. After using the knife for a longer period of time, I discovered some details that can be improved. One such is that the spine of the blade could have been more rounded in my opinion. As it is now, the edge is broken, it is not a ninety-degree edge to be used with fire steel. But I belong to those who tend to move my hand forward with their index finger on the spine when I hold chef's knives in a pinch grip, which means that it hurts a little after a while. 

Chef 185 also works for meat, but it could have been thinner behind the edge

Another detail that I would have liked to see designed in a different way is the front edge of the handle, which is slightly too abrupt with too-marked corners. It is distinct and thus looks nice, but for the same reason that the spine of the blade could have been softer, the handle could also have been. After all, it is in a pinch grip that chef's knives are held the most and this particular handle is quite thick there.

Then I am not completely satisfied with the choice of steel. Or some things are very good as it shows no tendency to develop either corrosion or stains of any kind even if you forget the knife with lemon juice for a while. However, it does not keep the sharpness in the way I am used to. Now I'm a little spoiled with my Japanese chef's knives with VG10 "scared" to 60HRC per se. But even if I compare with my Sabatier and Victorinox knives with softer and simpler steel, the knife loses sharpness relatively quickly. Of course, it is possible to both use a strop and rods to hone it back to sharpness, but it still provides some extra work. It would be interesting to see what hardness this blade holds.

Another thing to object to is that this knife does not cut very well when it loses its extreme sharpness. First I thought about why and then I took out my Santoku from Hiro and a caliper and compared. It turns out that Brisa has chosen to keep the steel behind the edge to about 0.5mm, compared to 0.3mm for the Japanese knife, which is a significant difference and explains a lot of the difference in behavior as well.

Conclusion

With Chef 185, Brisa has made its official entry into the world of kitchen knives and as I wrote at the beginning, it is not just a matter of translating your knowledge from other knife manufacturing straight off. There is something that I think becomes clear with this knife.

It is a solid and well-built knife that is aimed at those who are looking for a chef's knife in the middle price range. Because it is an important aspect to emphasize in this context, the knife costs 59 € if you buy it directly from Brisa's home page. 

Brisa Chef 185 is an affordable knife for those who want to upgrade their kitchen equipment

The advantages of this knife are that it offers a classic look that is still somewhat unusual with its oriental influences. The construction is very solid with almost indestructible Micarta in the handle and a 2.5 mm thick full tang and blade steel that can withstand some abuse.

But it is noticeable in some details that this knife does not reach the pinnacle of chef's knives and that the influences from other Brisa production are there. One such area is the handle. It is, in fact, incredibly comfortable to hold in a "hammer grip". If this handle had been placed on any hunting, outdoor, or even work knife with its curvy appearance and three-dimensional sharpening it would have been great. The only problem is that you do not grab kitchen knives that way. This makes the handle, which is 18 mm thick, feel a bit clumsy. It could generally have been a bit slimmer.

Another influence that feels as if it comes from outdoor knives is that they have chosen to make the blade so strong with half a millimeter of steel behind the edge. A measure that is excellent on a folding knife for EDC use. Had this been one, I would have praised it because it was thin behind the edge. Now, on the contrary, it is quite much. This makes the blade more durable but also demands that the knife is kept very sharp to cut well. And it is not so easy it turns out because the steel is quite soft and thus must be maintained frequently.

Brisa Chef 185 do not get lost in the kitchen

Despite those objections, I see this as a very good entry-level knife for those who want to upgrade their kitchen equipment. A thicker edge also means that it does not collapse if, for example, you cut into half-frozen fish, something that a finer Japanese knife risks doing. So Chef 185 is durable and you do not have to be as careful with how you handle it.

It is also stylish and well made, the fine handle in Micarta undeniably feels exclusive. Especially given the price. Overall, I see this as a good competitor to most things in the price range!

Specifikations: Brisa Chef 185

Total Length (mm): 305
Blade Length (mm): 185
Blade Thickness (mm): 2,5

Weight (weighed by me): 182 g 

Steel: Sandvik 12C27
Handle Material: Micarta 

/ John