New Knife - MKM Isonzo

This knife is an exciting acquaintance in more ways than one. Firstly, it comes from a relatively new brand. One that, despite that, has a massive bank of experience to dig from. Significantly more than what others can boast of in the same situation. This is a knife from MKM or Maniago Knife Makers as it stands for. Where they originate from is not too difficult to figure out with that name.

Behind the brand is a consortium (Conzortio Coltellinai Maniago SRL) consisting of a large number of knife manufacturers based in the northern Italian city.*

Then the knives themselves are manufactured by a smaller network called Mikita. In it are found well-known and reputable knife manufacturers such as Lionsteel, Viper, Fox, and Mercury. Therefore, it is not so strange that details in the various models allow you to trace who made what if you are familiar with their products. 

A new acquaintance for me, MKM - Maniago Knife Makers

The knife is delivered in a sturdy nylon case

Another thing that is exciting about this specific knife called Isonzo is that it has been released in a new version. The basic model has been in MKM's catalog for a while, albeit in a simpler design. It has a handle in FRN (fiber-reinforced nylon) and the blade features N690 from Böhler/Uddeholm. But in early August, this luxury edition of the same model was released. It has now been upgraded to have Micarta in the handle and the blade steel has been changed to M390. In addition, it has details in titanium.

Isonzo is an orgy in fine materials, linen-Micarta, M390, and titanium

The third thing that made me take another look at this knife is its obvious design roots. Those of you who know your knives and have followed developments in recent years cannot have missed CRKT's success Pilar. Then you also know that the man behind that knife is none other than the Danish virtuoso Jesper Voxnaes. And if you look again at Isonzo, the kinship is quite obvious.

It is not quite as obvious if one chooses one of the other blade shapes available for this knife. The Isonzo was released right from the start with three different blade configurations. A "cleaver" like this, a more ordinary drop point, and then the most extreme, a small hawkbill. I put cleaver in quotes as I believe it is a modified sheep's foot.

The designer behind Isonzo is, of course, Jesper Voxnaes

The Isonzo is a small knife with a total length of less than 15 cm, a weight of around 70 g, and a blade that measures around five centimeters.

A very interesting little knife that gives a very good first impression. Well-built is just the first name. As I said, this is my first acquaintance with this specific brand, although I have many knives from the constituent companies.

A review follows, rest assured!

/ J - positive

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

* Unlike some other brands, it's something they are proud of and don't try to hide.