Review QSP Penguin Ti

  

-  a bird that hm, flies, higher than its predecessor?

Previously, I have both presented and reviewed the "original penguin" from QSP here on the blog. Now it's time for another bird in the family. The question that arises is whether there are enough differences between the two to warrant another review? In fact, I think it does despite some obvious similarities.

QSP's motto is, after all, "Better Knife, Better Life", which may seem a bit far-fetched, but as a knife enthusiast, I am inclined to agree. If so, life is on its way to new heights because this knife is better than its predecessor on several levels! Place on stage for QSP Penguin Ti.

QSP Penguin Ti

Then it remains to answer what is different between this version and the previous one and what are improvements. It is quite obvious that the material in the handle has been replaced. It is easy to see. From the beginning, it was Micarta in a couple of variants and here it is metal. But it is not the only material that has changed shape. The same applies to the blade which in Penguin's childhood was D2 while here a stainless steel is found.

Furthermore, the lock has been overhauled. This knife has a frame lock instead of a liner lock. It depends, of course, on the handle material. When they were tuning the knife, the spring clip was also replaced with milled ditto in the same material as the handle. All in all, there are quite a lot of changes.

Then it remains to answer which I or maybe you prefer.

A bird in a robot suit, titanium in the handle, a frame lock, and new blade steel are in this version

Twitter version: QSP Penguin Ti, a more exclusive relative of the original Penguin with the same function but with some improved details and thus ergonomics

Blade

The blade shape is identical to the original Penguin and something else would have surprised me as it is the same model. This means a fairly classic sheepsfoot with a completely straight edge and a rather steeply sloping back towards the tip.

The length of the blade is 78 mm to a height of 22 mm. The blade stock is, as before, 3 mm thick. The finish is a stone wash but the knife can also be had in a two-tone satin for those who prefer it. However, it hides scratches less well. 

 

The marking is discreet with a reduced QSP logo on the presentation side and on the opposite side, only the steel type can be read.

Blade shape and geometry are the same as before.

What is written there is one of the differences between this model and the older version. Here the steel is stainless 154CM from American Crucible. Whether it is indeed a step up or possibly a sideways one compared to the D2 used before is a question open to debate. To be honest, I haven't had any bad luck with stains on the old steel that is only "semi-stainless". But I have encountered rust with other knives with the same material. 

Purely in terms of performance, I have not noticed any differences between the knives, I must confess. Reportedly, this steel is pretty hard with a stated HRC of 59-61.

Here you can see another change, this blade is made of stainless steel 154CM

Thus, this knife behaves in the same way when used and it can be summed up by the fact that the Penguin is still a damn good knife for everyday use. The only thing that can be debated is the effectiveness of the straight edge. On the one hand, you get a long edge to work with but on the other hand, it is more difficult to cut against flat surfaces such as cutting boards, a stump in the woods, and so on. In the same way, you cannot make sweeping cuts in the same way with a straight edge that has no belly. But it's on the other hand it's easy to use the tip in the same way as a Stanley knife. 

What kind of edge you prefer is of course personal but also depends on the chores that are most frequent for you.

Handle

Under this heading is found the second area which is markedly different from its predecessor and which is the most easily discernible. The shape is still a straight stick with a slightly angular expression. The front part of the handle forms into a finger guard and at the back there is a "beak" that prevents the fingers from slipping.

The handle is cm long, 10.5 mm wide and 2.25 cm high. So far everything is the same and familiar.

Apart from the material, the handle is almost the same. A small recess is made to facilitate access to the lock bar

But the difference in how the knife is constructed is big and the main reason for that is spelled titanium. In this case, it has then been both blasted and stone-washed to get the look it has. That is a sober gray surface. Or possibly boring if you prefer more colorful shades. For those who think so, there are many variations of Penguins to choose from these days. 

The construction is simple and consists of two pieces of titanium

The entry of titanium has also affected the way the knife is constructed. It is still open in the back and held together by two screws in addition to the pivot screw. The spacers are also nicely hourglass-shaped. The difference, however, is that this knife consists of two solid, non-weight-relieved sides of titanium instead of a steel frame with added sides. 

The handle is simple in form but works well, especially as the clip is better than its predecessor

In hand, the knife is still very good without being perfect. But the ergonomics are better on this version. The clip found here feels less against the hand when using the knife, which is a marked improvement compared to before, when that was the biggest objection I had.

Otherwise, it can be said that all fingers fit, even if with my width of fingers I have to place the little finger a little above the "beak" when I hold the knife in a hammer grip. But in return, it is flat and well-shaped for that purpose so it doesn't annoy me.

Opening and Lock

If the handle provided a visual clue to the difference between this evolved birdie and the older hen, you get a tactile one when you open the knife. The thumb studs remain and are of the same type and design. That is, somewhat pointed, sticks out a bit, and is easy to find. The only objection I have to them is that they rise a measly millimeter too much outside the sides. But in return, it makes them extremely easy to find with your thumb.

The knife can then be opened both slowly and nimbly, and it is also possible to flip out the blade with the middle finger for those who prefer a little finger gymnastics.

Penguin opens with double-sided thumb studs

As usual, the resistance is well balanced and the action itself is silky smooth thanks to the fine ceramic ball bearings QSP uses. Or rather, the ones found here, as the original Penguin has phosphor bronze bearings.

The frame lock is sturdy and well made

The lock is also a consequence of the choice of handle material. Of course, you can make liner locks or use other types of locks on a titanium knife as well. The simplest and most natural, however, is what is found here in the form of a frame lock, or RIL "Reeve Integral Lock" as it is actually called.

This version is excellent. It has the now almost mandatory additions to the lock bar in the form of an overtravel stop and a steel insert. They extend the life of the knife while preventing "lock stick" and the lock bar from being bent out of position by mistake.

The function is almost perfect and the lock holds the blade in a firm grip and is easy to release. It may be objected that the edge which forms the surface against which the thumb pushes may feel a little sharp.

To Carry

Penguins are and have always been streamlined creatures. This also applies to this knife when it is put in the pocket. As I said, the thumb studs could have been a little lower, but otherwise, the Penguin is excellent in the pocket.

Part of that can be attributed to the outer dimensions, about a decimeter in length are easily hidden but above all the knife is not excessively thick at around a centimeter. The weight is not exaggerated either. Despite the fact that the titanium has not received any pockets on the inside, the knife still weighs under hundred grams, more precisely 95 g.

The addition of a titanium clip is rarely a practical upgrade but in this case, it is

The smooth surface found on the outside of the handle offers no resistance either when the knife is going down or out of pocket. In the same way, the space under the clip is not rough, so it also gives a sympathetic feeling when the knife is tucked away.

Here you can see that all the space under the clip is available

The clip has been upgraded to this version. To follow the theme of the knife, it received a milled titanium clip instead of a steel spring clip. Functionally, they are rarely an upgrade, but in this case, it happens to be so. Mostly due to the fact that this clip's nicely beveled rear edge feels significantly less against the hand than the previous tall rear end.

Then the clip has been made thin enough to have good tension. Something that early versions of this type of clip were not always known for. They could almost be compared to a hook instead. But not here. Then the clip attaches with only one screw and which is found at the back end of the clip. This means that the space below can be used to the maximum for the fabric to be accommodated there. However, the clip is not extremely high, so the trousers/jacket must not be too thick. The same can be said about the ramp, which works well but is not excessively large.

A disadvantage for those who are left-handed is that the clip cannot be shifted to the other side, which was possible on the older knife.

To Conclude

Penguin is a knife model that can in many ways represent QSP's journey and development as a knife brand. When I reviewed the first of the models, I compared it to another, even earlier, and simpler knife from QSP, the Parrot. Both knives were fine but something had happened between the two. The same can be said for this knife although to some extent it runs alongside rather than in front of the Jurassic-Penguin as they reside in two different price categories. And without saying too much, I can reveal that a review of a version of this model that I think is even better is coming soon.

But back to Penguin Ti. It is also really good!

Penguin Ti is a really likable everyday companion

The answer to the question of whether it is possible to tell the difference between the "Jurassic penguin" and its grayer robot-like cousin can be summed up in the fact that the blade steel, bearings, handle material, lock type and clip are new. Thus, there are quite large differences between the knives as I believe that all things that are part of a folding knife have been touched. At the same time, not as the dimensions are almost identical, including the weight, where the all-metal knife weighs only a couple of grams more.

Both dimensions and weight are quite "just right", not too much and not too little for an EDC knife in my opinion. Since then, the various upgrades have transformed this bird from a simple to a more advanced knife. You can feel it not least in the handling, the Penguin Ti has a smoother action and is easier to both open and fold. The clip is also better and that in turn improves the ergonomics.

Overall, the changes that have been made have been for the better in my opinion. The choice of steel can be debated but is not bad by any means. But developments have also meant that the price is different. Where the Penguin was a pure "budget knife" with a target price of just under $40 from QSP, that sum has tripled for the titanium version to $121. Thus, this version of the Penguin can rather be counted as a "middle-class knife", although such boundaries are difficult to draw. 

Penguin Ti is a more luxurious edition for those who prefer titanium to G10 in the handle

Overall, I'd say the Penguin Ti is not only an improvement over its older relative but also from a broader perspective. With this upgraded version, QSP has raised the level and thus created a serious competitor in the class. This is a very good and well-built knife!

Specifications:

Length Overall: 180 mm

Length Folded: 102 mm

Weight: 97 g (weighed by me)

Blade Length: 78 mm

Blade Thickness: 3 mm

Blade Steel: 154 CM, HRC 59-61

Handle: Titanium

Lock: Frame Lock

Produced by: QSP, made in China

/ J - birdwatcher

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Recension QSP Penguin Ti

 

-  fågel, fisk eller mittemellan?

Tidigare har jag både presenterat och recenserat "ursprungspingvinen" från QSP här på bloggen. Nu är det dags för ytterligare en fågel i familjen. Frågan som uppstår är om det föreligger tillräckligt stora skillnader mellan de två för att utmynna i ytterligare en recension? Faktum är att jag menar att det gör det trots vissa uppenbara likheter. 

QSPs motto är ju "Better Knife, Better Life" vilket möjligen kan te sig sen smula storvulet men som kniventusiast är jag böjd att hålla med. I så fall är livet på väg mot nya höjder eftersom den här kniven på några plan är bättre än sin föregångare! Plats på scen för QSP Penguin Ti.

QSP Penguin Ti

Då återstår att svara på vad som skiljer sig mellan den här versionen och den förra och vad som är förbättringar. Tämligen uppenbart är att materialet i handtaget har bytts ut. Det är enkelt att se. Från början var det Micarta i ett par varianter och här är det metall. Men det är inte det enda material som bytt skepnad. Detsamma gäller bladet som i Penguins barndom var D2 medan det här hittas ett rostfritt stål. 

Vidare har låset fått sig en överhalning. Den här kniven har ett ramlås istället för en liner lock. Det beror förstås handtagsmaterialet. När de ändå var där och justerade byttes fjäderclipet ut mot ett fräst dito i samma material som handtaget. Sammantaget blir det rätt många ändringar. 

Sedan återstår att svara på vilket jag eller kanske du föredrar. 

En fågel i robotförpackning, titan i handtaget, ett nytt bladstål och ändrat clip är några av förändringarna 

Twitterversion: QSP Penguin Ti, en mer exklusiv släkting till ur-pingvinen med samma funktion fast med några förbättrade detaljer och och därmed ergonomi 

Blad

Bladformen är identisk med ursprungspingvinen och något annat hade förvånat mig då det är samma modell. Det innebär en tämligen klassisk sheepsfoot med helt rak egg och en på slutet tämligen brant sluttande rygg ned mot spetsen. 

Måtten skrivs till en längd på 78 mm till en höjd av 22 mm. Bladgodset är som tidigare 3 mm tjockt. Finishen är en stentumlad yta men kniven kan även fås i en tvåtons-satin för den som föredrar det. Det gömmer dock repor något sämre.

 

Märkningen är diskret med en förminskad QSP-logga på presentationssidan och på motsatt sida kan endast ståltyp utläsas. 

Bladform, slipning och geometri är densamma som tdigare. 

Det som står där utgör en av skillnaderna mellan den här modellen och den äldre. Här är stålet det rostfria 154CM från amerikanska Crucible. Om det verkligen är ett steg upp eller möjligen ett i sidled jämfört med D2 som användes förut är en fråga öppen för diskussion. I ärlighetens namn har jag inte haft otur med fläckar på det gamla stålet som endast är "semi-rostfritt". Men väl med andra knivar med samma material. Rent prestandamässigt har jag inte noterat några skillnader mellan knivarna måste tillstås. Enligt uppgift är det här tämligen hårt härdat med en uppgiven HRC av 59-61. 

Här syns ytterligare en ändring, bladet är gjort i rostfritt 154CM 

Därmed uppträder den här kniven på samma vis när den använts och det kan sammanfattas med att Penguin fortfarande är en förbaskat bra kniv för vardagsbruk eller vad som numera på engelska brukar kallas en EDC-kniv. Det enda som kan diskuteras är raka eggars effektivitet. Å ena sidan får du mycket egg att arbeta med men å andra sidan är det svårare att skära mot flata ytor som skärbrädor, en stubbe i skogen och så vidare. På samma vis kan man inte på samma vis göra mjukt svepande snitt med en rak egg som saknar buk. Men det är enkelt som tusan att nyttja spetsen som med en brytbladskniv. 

Vad som föredras är upp till och var och en och avhängigt de sysslor som är mest frekventa för just dig. 

Handtag

Under den här rubriken hittas det andra området som skiljer sig markant från föregångaren och den som är lättast att urskilja. Formen är fortfarande en rak pinne med ett aningen kantigt uttryck. Främre delen av handtaget formar sig till ett fingerskydd och bakåt hittas en "näbb" som hindrar fingrarna från att glida. 

Handtaget är  cm långt, 10,5 mm brett och 2,25 cm högt. Så långt är allt sig likt och bekant. 

Förutom materialet är handtaget sig nästan likt. En liten fördjupning är gjord för att underlätta åtkomst av låset

Men skillnaden i hur kniven konstruerats är stor och huvudorsaken till det stavas titan. I det här fallet har det sedan både blästrats och stentumlats för att få det utseende det har. Det vill säga en sobert grå yta. Eller möjligen tråkig om man föredrar mer kulörta nyanser. För den som tycker så finns många varianter av Penguin att välja på nuförtiden.  

Konstruktionen är enkel och utgörs av två bitar titan

Titanets intåg har också påverkat hur kniven är konstruerad. Den är fortfarande öppen i ryggen och sitter ihop med två skruvar utöver pivotskruven. De är för övrigt snyggt timglasformade. Skillnaden däremot är att den här kniven består av två massiva, icke lättade sidor av titan istället för en stålram med utanpåliggande skollor. 

Handtaget är enkelt i formen men fungerar väl, särskilt som clipet är bättre än föregångaren

I hand är kniven fortfarande mycket bra utan att vara perfekt. Men ergonomin är bättre på den här versionen. Det clip som återfinns här känns nämligen mindre mot handen när man nyttjar kniven vilket är en markant förbättring mot tidigare då det var den största invändningen jag hade. 

I  övrigt kan sägas att alla fingrar får plats även om jag med min bredd på fingrar får placera lillfingret lite över "näbben" när jag fattar kniven i hammargrepp. Men i gengäld är den platt och väl formad för just det ändamålet så det irriterar mig inte. 

Öppning och lås

Om handtaget gav en visuell fingervisning om skillnaden mellan den här utvecklade pippin och den äldre fågeln så får du en taktil sådan när du öppnar kniven. Tumknopparna kvarstår och är av samma typ och utformning. Det vill säga något spetsiga, sticker ut en aning och är lätta att hitta. Den enda invändningen jag har emot dem är att de höjer sig någon ynka millimeter för mycket utanför sidorna. Men i gengäld gör det att de är extremt lätta att hitta med tummen. 

Kniven kan sedan öppnas både långsamt och kvickt och det går även att flippa ut bladet med långfingret för den som föredrar lite fingergymnastik. 

Penguin öppns med dubbelsidiga tumknoppar

Som vanligt är motståndet väl avvägt och själva rörelsen silkeslen tack vare de fina keramiska lager QSP använder sig av. Eller rättare sagt de som återfinns här då den ursprungliga pingvinen har glidlager i brons. 

Ramlåset är stadigt och väl utfört

Låset är även det en konsekvens av valet av handtagsmaterial. Visst kan man göra liner locks och annat på en titan-kniv också. Enklast och naturligast är emellertid det som hittas här i form av ett ramlås, "frame lock" eller RIL "Reeve Integral Lock" som det egentligen heter. 

Den här versionen är utmärkt. Den har de numera närmast obligatoriska tilläggen på låsarmen i form av översträckningsskydd och en stålskodd ände. Det förlänger livslängden på kniven samtidigt som det motverkar "lock stick" och att låsarmen böjs ur position av misstag. 

Funktionen är närmast perfekt och låset håller bladet i ett fast grett samt är lätt att släppa. Det kan göras en invändning mot att kanten som utgör ytan mot vilken tummen tar spjärn kan kännas lite vass. 

Att bära

Pingviner är och har alltid varit strömlinjeformade varelser. Så även den här kniven när den stoppas i fickan. Som sagt tumknopparna kunde varit aningen lägre men i övrigt är Penguin excellent i fickan. 

En del av det kan tillskrivas yttermåtten, någon decimeter på längden göms lätt men framförallt är kniven inte överdrivet tjock med strax över en centimeter. Överdriven är heller inte vikten. Trots att titanet inte har fått några fickor på insidan väger kniven fortfarande under ett hekto, närmare bestämt 97 g. 

Titanclip är sällan en praktisk uppgradering men i det här fallet är det så

Den släta ytan som hittas på utsidan av handtaget bjuder inte på motstånd vare sig när kniven skall ned eller upp ur en ficka. På samma vis är utrymmet under clipet inte strävt så även det ger en sympatisk känsla när kniven stoppas undan. 

Här syns att utrymmet under clipet är fritt

Clipet har uppgraderats på den här versionen. För att följa temat på kniven har den fått ett fräst titanclip istället för ett fjäderclip i stål. Funktionsmässigt brukar de sällan vara en uppgradering men i det här fallet råkar det förhålla sig så. Mest beroende på att det här clipets snyggt fasade bakre kant känns väsenligt mycket mindre mot handen än den tidigare höga bakänden. 

Sedan har clipet gjorts tunt nog för att ha god fjädringsförmåga. Något som tidiga versioner av den här typen av clip inte alltid var kända för. De kunde närmast liknas vid en krok istället. Men inte här. Sedan fäster clipet med endast en skruv och den hittas i bakänden av clipet. Det gör att utrymmet under kan nyttjas maximalt för det tyg som skall rymmas där. Dock är inte clipet extremt högt så byxorna/jackan får inte vara alltför tjocka. Detsamma kan sägas om rampen som fungerar väl men inte är övderdrivet stor. 

En nackdel för den som är vänsterhänt är att clipet inte kan skiftas till andra sidan  vilket var möjligt på den äldre kniven.  

Sammanfattningsvis

Penguin är en knivmodell som i mångt och mycket kan representera QSPs resa och utveckling som knivmärke. När jag recenserade den första av modellerna jämförde jag den med en annan, ännu tidigare och enklare kniv från QSP, nämligen Parrot. Båda knivarna var bra men det hade skett något mellan de två. Detsamma kan sägas om den här kniven även om den till viss del löper vid sidan av snarare än framför ur-pingvingen eftersom de huserar i två olika priskategorier. Och utan att säga alltför mycket kan jag avslöla att det snart följer en recension av en version av den här modellen som jag tycker är ännu bättre. 

Men åter till Penguin Ti. Den är nämligen riktigt bra den också!

Penguin Ti är en riktig sympatisk vardagskompanjon

Svaret på frågan om det går att skilja mellan "ur-pingvinen" och dess mer grå robotliknande kusin kan sammanfattas med att bladstålet, lagren, handtagsmaterialet, låstypen och clipet är nya. Således föreligger rätt stora skillnader knivarna emellan då jag tror att alla delar som ingår i en fällkniv berörts. Samtidigt inte då måtten är närmast identiska, inklusive vikten där helmetall-kniven endast väger ett par tre gram mer. 

Såväl mått som vikt är tämligen "lagom", inte för mycket och inte för lite för ett EDC-kniv i mitt tycke. Sedan har de olika uppgraderingarna förvandlat den här fågeln från enkel till en mer avancerad kniv. Det känns inte minst i handhavandet, Penguin Ti är mjukare i gången och lättare att både öppna och fälla ihop. Även clipet är bättre och det i sin tur förbättrar ergonomin.  

Överlag har de förändringar som tillkommit varit till det bättre enligt mig. Stålvalet kan diskuteras men är inte dåligt på något vis. Men utvecklingen har också gjort att priset är ett annat. Där Penguin var en ren "budgetkniv" med ett riktpris på strax under $40 från QSP vilket landade på lite över trehundra kronor i Sverige så har den summan tredubblats för titanversionen till $121. I handeln ger det ett pris i Europa som varierar mellan €96 (Knife and Tools) via 1199 (Knivshop.se) till 1508 kr (Lamnia). Därmed får den här versionen av Penguin snarare räknas till en "mellanklasskniv" även om dylika gränser är svåra att dra. 

Penguin Ti är en en lyxigare utgåva för den som föredrar titan framför G10 i handtaget

Sammantaget skulle jag säga att Penguin Ti inte bara är en förbättring i relation till sin äldre släkting utan även sett ur ett bredare perspektiv. QSP har med den här uppgraderade versionen höjt nivån och därmed skapat en rejäl konkurrent i klassen. Det här är en mycket bra och därtill välbyggd kniv!

Specifikation:

Längd utfälld: 180 mm

Längd hopfälld: 102 mm

Vikt: 97 g (vägd av mig)

Bladlängd: 78 mm

Godstjocklek: 3 mm

Bladstål: 154 CM, HRC 59-61

Handtag: Titan

Lås: Frame Lock

Producerad av: QSP, tillverkad i  Kina

/ J - vårdar flocken

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Review Camillus Bushcrafter 8,5"

 

-  a folding knife for outdoor life

Camillus or Camillus Brand as they are now called is the name of one of America's oldest knife brands. They were founded back in 1876. Then the company existed in the highest prosperity for many years until it didn't and went bankrupt under stormy circumstances in 2007. However, the company was quickly reconstructed and has remained on the market with other owners.

Now they are making a new investment and this means that they have released a long line of news, both folding knives, and fixed blades. The knife to be reviewed today is part of that venture and is called the Bushcrafter 8.5".

Camillus Bushcrafter 8,5"

When this knife was presented here on the blog, I wrote that Camillus seemed to believe in the model. The background to that statement was that right from the start it was available in two sizes and as a fixed blade. Somewhat confusingly, however, is that the latter does not resemble the folding knives except in name. They apparently believe that the common field of use is enough to group them.

Of the folding knives, the smaller one measures 6.75 inches in length, which is just over seventeen centimeters. This larger version is 21.5 cm long or 8.5 inches. Something that the name more than suggests. 

Twitter version: Camillus Bushcrafter, a sturdy folding knife with excellent ergonomics for those looking for a folding alternative to a Morakaniv. 

Blade

If you are to make a knife and name it "Bushcrafter", certain things are obligate. One such is the blade shape. Camillus has not been careless regarding that and thus we are met by a sturdy drop point blade.

The length is 89 mm depending on how it is measured and the height is 30 mm. The thickness is 3 mm or just below. The finish is a nice satin and the markings are quite discreet. Camillus and "titanium" can be read on the presentation page and on the other "Sandvik 12C27" is found on the ricasso.

A sturdy but fairly thin drop-point blade

The steel used is also according to the template and hardly unknown to anyone who has handled a Mora knife or two over the years. It is Swedish in the form of Sandvik 12C27, which was for a long time the dominant component in red from Dalarna. It was good then and it's just as good here. Of course, there are modern and more exclusive steels, but if you are to choose stainless steel for this application, it is not at all a bad choice to use proven steel that most people know how to handle in terms of hardening and heat treatment.

The blade has been given a saber grind in classic fashion. Here, however, they didn't manage to stay on the course so we don't find a "Scandi grind" or zero grind on this knife. Bushcrafter has a clear division into the primary and secondary edges. Besides, they have not chosen a flat grind, which is by far the most common in this context but invested in a substantial hollow grind. In addition to making the knife more difficult to photograph, the edge also bites well into wood.

The factory edge is decent in that it arrived very sharp. However, it is affected by the fact that the edge has a subtle recurve right from the start, thanks to the "plunge line" extending too far out.* Then the edge capsizes a little towards the belly, but it is not too bad. Especially not compared to the Chinese-made Camillus knives I previously discussed in slightly different contexts.

 

The blade, made of 12C27, is a hollow grind

Working with this knife is really nice. In addition to the fact that the edge was quite sharp straight out of the box, the knife blade is also thin behind the edge, which means that the sharpness is managed well. This applies when it comes to processing materials such as cardboard and plastic of different dimensions, for example. But that's not where this knife excels. It is a robust knife and the things I want to cut with this are rope and tamp in various dimensions and above all wood, both fresh and dry.

The blade bites well into wood and is easily controlled

Sympathetic is that the knife lives up to expectations. It's actually one of the better folding knives I've used to carve with. Much of that positive feeling can be attributed to the handle, but the blade also contributes. Having grown up with a Morakniv in hand, one can be a little skeptical about a hollow grind, but the fact is that in this case it is easily controlled. It is no problem to make a "feather stick" or to carve patterns in the bark. Nor does the edge show any tendency to bend or chip even when working in dry, hardwood. Any "batoning" that they mention in their sales texts, however, I would not want to engage in either this or most other folding knives. Then both lock and edge will blow to smithereens. 

But as long as you skip that task, the Bushcrafter is a really nice knife to use. It also applies to cutting ropes. Nylon rope with a bit of sand takes its toll on an edge but in return, the 12C27 steel responds quickly to a sharpening stone. It's a nice feature of a knife that's expected to do some work. I'd almost rather take it than extreme edge holding if it means that the knife is harder to maintain.

Handle

Extra important on a folding knife aimed at outdoor use is, of course, the construction and design of the handle. Here, comfort and ergonomics should be prioritized over ease of carrying, in contrast to EDC knives. Both are of course preferable, but if compromises must be made, one or the other characteristics can be allowed to dominate.

Here, Camillus has chosen to stick to ergonomics. It is mainly noticeable in the size. The dimensions are well proportioned with a length of 12.8 cm and a height that varies from 2.6 cm to 3 cm at most. But above all, it is the thickness that is pronounced. Bushcrater measures almost 15mm across the back. Those measurements are enough to fill most hands.

The dimensions of the handle should be enough for most hand sizes

The handle is characterized by a couple of distinct choices. One is the combination of a pronounced finger guard and a substantial finger groove. It provides both protection and a good grip. To further increase the grip, the handle ends with a small "beak" in the same way that Scandinavian knives often do. It simply stops the hand from sliding backward when cutting.

The other thing that is clearly visible is the handle material. A pair of sturdy sides of brown micarta is what was used. However, the micarta is very smooth so it does not provide particularly good traction. But in return, the shape of the handle is enough to take care of that part.

The back is closed due to the lock mechanism. It is also preferable on a knife for bushcraft as it provides more surface area for the hand. Folding knives are still at a disadvantage compared to fixed blades because of the slot where the blade resides. They do not need more openings that spoil the ergonomics.

The back lock means that the back is not open, which is a big advantage of this type of knife

The sides are screwed into place on the outside of the frame with three small T6 screws in addition to the pivot screw. The latter has a T8 head and is of course adjustable. On this knife, Camillus has ignored a lanyard hole, which I think is good. I simply don't see a reason to add one. Possibly with the exception of if you are going to use the knife when you are near large bodies of water. But then you can put a line around the clip instead and in that way anchor the knife to your person.

Although the Buschrafter is a large knife, it is reasonably well-balanced but a tad butt heavy

The handle is very comfortable I quickly noticed. The increased width and the choice of lock means that the contact surface becomes large. It is particularly noticeable in the crease of the thumb, where much of the pressure ends up when you use a little strength. In the same way, the little finger is relatively spared from pressure. Something that is otherwise the second Achilles heel of folding knives. The blade notch is the culprit there. On the Bushcrafter, the sides are so wide and the blade so thin that the impact is as small as possible.

All common grips work

Bushcrafter is most comfortable in a firm hammer grip. The handle is full and long enough for all fingers to fit. Then this handle works in all grips including a reverse to carve towards the body but also in saber grip with a thumb on the back of the blade. If the latter is to be used a lot, I recommend, however, that you round the spine a little. It is quite angular from the start. Something which, however, is not an oversight but to be able to turn the blade and use it as a scraper. 

Opening and Lock

The thumb studs on the Bushcrafter are not only a good choice but also well-made. This primarily refers to their placement. There are two criteria that must be met in order to be approved by me. The first is about how easy they are to reach with the thumb and how smooth it is to open the blade. This is facilitated by the blade's width and the way the handle is designed. This means that the thumb studs sit far out from the sides of the handle, which makes them easy to "find" with the thumb. This also applies if you wear gloves, by the way.

The thumb studs are easy to use

The second is about them not being in the way when cutting things. In that respect, they should be found as close to the handle as possible. In this case, it is somewhat counteracted by the shape of the grip. Namely, the studs have to come free from the finger guard on the way out, whereupon they end up a little further out on the blade when the knife is open.

The simple shape and rounded top are otherwise exemplary and easy to handle.

 Bushcrafter uses a back lock

The lock is a back lock, as it should be, I almost wrote. But when talking about sturdier folding knives, it is a lock type that dominates. Possibly it is a legacy from older folding knives** but is also used because it is a solid solution both in the basic design and more modern interpretations***.

This version is solid. The locking force is sufficient for the knife to be safe and at the same time not extremely difficult to close. There is no lateral play, and if it occurs, it can be adjusted. As with almost all back locks, you can feel a slight tendency to play upside down if you grab the tip and provoke hard. But in this case, Camillus has succeeded well as that feeling is very weak. 

To Carry

As always, when you invest in a really comfortable handle on a folding knife, they become somewhat less flexible in the pocket. It is of course the length and above all the thickness of the handle that plays a role. Then of course the weight is also important.

That said, the Bushcrafter isn't terribly awkward to carry in your pocket. The weight is noticeable but not a deterrent in the context given that it is a substantial knife. But certainly, the 176 grams remind you that you carry a knife in your pocket.

However, it is mainly the thickness of 1.5 cm that is noticeable. There is quite a bit of volume that must be stored, simply put. 

The clip is unusually small but functional

However, there are factors that favor this knife when it comes to portability. The smooth and fairly polished sides are one such. They do not cause friction against the fabric and therefore do not have a negative effect when the knife has to be pulled or tucked away.

Another advantage this knife has is that it has been ensured that the entire blade is "hidden" when the knife is folded. There are no sharp heels that stick out and similarly, the thumb studs are not too long. Details that make the knife more streamlined in the pocket, even if in this case it is more about a fur seal than a snake if an analogy to the animal world is to be made.

The clip is made of steel and of more or less deep ride type. Not much of the knife is visible when tucked into a pocket. In this case, the main benefit gained from it is that it is harder to drop when out in the woods.

The finish is polished and in the clip, Camillus's logo is found in the form of a knife punched out. It is in that opening that you can attach a line if you are using the knife near the large waters I spoke of earlier. 

About the clip, it can otherwise be said that it offers fairly high tension and that it is small with a good ramp, even if it could be somewhat higher in this case. This particular knife I imagine you also want to carry in a jacket pocket and then the fabric is usually thicker than in trouser pockets.

Then I'm happy about how little it feels against the hand when working with the knife. It's generally one of my pet peeves but in a heavy-duty folding knife like this, it's even more important.

To Conclude

This knife was named "Bushcrafter" and it is a name that gives rise to certain expectations. I think that it should then be suitable for camping, hiking, hunting and fishing, and other outdoor activities. Camillus obviously does as well, as the sales text says that the knife is perfect for "/../carving, batoning, and chopping /../" I don't want to go that far. Hitting a folding knife whose blade lacks a stop pin for the purpose of splitting wood will destroy it. The lock does not hold up to that treatment simply because the lock arm is subjected to forces they are not intended for. And to chop with a knife with a small blade and with this weight, I don't see the point. It's something you do with a sturdy-bladed knife if you refuse to use an axe.

But if we disregard bad sales texts and instead consider the knife itself, it is exactly what it claims to be. A relatively large but above all sturdy folding knife that is excellent for the areas of use listed above. 

Where Bushcrafter does best, in hand out in the forest

Starting from a solid steel frame and thick sides of Micarta and combining it with a solid back lock is a good concept in this context. Especially as the handle is heavily shaped with sides that are certainly flat but have a substantial finger guard, a finger recess, and a "beak". In this way, Camillus has created a very ergonomic handle.

Then they followed the formula that gives a traditional "bushcraft" blade. A drop point with a slightly higher profile with a saber ground. However, I am happy that they departed from tradition somewhat by making the blade in stainless steel. D2 is popular these days but I don't feel it has any advantages over 12C27 that outweigh the tendency to rust.

If something negative is to be said, it is that the knife can be perceived as somewhat clumsy. A large part of the explanation for that can be attributed to the large handle, which brings with it both advantages and disadvantages. It also means that the balance is not completely neutral, but makes the Bushcrafter somewhat rear-heavy. The weight also contributes to that impression.

Camillus Bushcrafter 8,5" is a solid folding knife for mixed outdoor life

Overall, this, my first extended encounter with a Camillus knife, was a pleasant one. Bushcrafter 8.5" lives up to its name and does exactly what I hoped for. In addition, it can be said that it is not a knife that makes the wallet cry. At the time of writing, it costs around $69 on Amazon and just under €100 in Europe.

For that, you get a strong and competent folding knife in well-selected materials made in the USA. A very viable candidate for those who want an outdoor knife in a foldable format. 

Specifications:

Length Overall: 216 mm

Length Folded: 128 mm

Weight: 176 g

Blade Length: 89 mm

Blade Thickness: mm

Blade Steel: Sandvik 12C27

Handle: Micarta on a steel frame

Lock: Lock back

Produced by: Camillus, made in the USA

/ J 

* But here it should be pointed out that this is a US-made Camillus and that they are significantly better sharpened than the Chinese-made knives I have experienced and previously written about.

** Then I think of the oldest sales success with that lock, the Mercator K55K but also the American classic Buck 110 and not least the Swedish EKA Swede 92.

*** Like, for example, Cold Steel's Triad-Lock

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