Fredags-EDC CXVI

Fredagen både kom och gick för min del även om den inte är helt slut än. Det var full fart i köket där jag arbetar vilket fick tiden att flyga. Idag bjöd vi på schyssta högrevsburgare med pommes. Burgarna hade jag kryddat med en smula tabasco, liquid smoke och en hälsosam dos svartpeppar. Jäkligt goda om jag får säga det själv. De serverades med diverse tillbehör som picklad rödlök, cole slaw, burgardressing och en BBQ-sås. Allt gjort i huset förstås inklusive nybakade hamburgerbröd. 

Det har varit en sådan där dag då allt flutit på. En tämligen bra dag med andra ord. Sedan kom jag hem och slappnade av. Det var ett tag sedan men lite kvalificerat hi fi-nörderi stod på schemat. Det är skönt att lägga ifrån sig allt vad telefoner och lurar heter och bara slappna av och avnjuta lite schysst musik i en bra stereo. Hederos & Hellberg blev det idag. 

Nu återstår att se om kvällen artar sig lika väl. För stunden snöar det på tvären vilket inte känns helt hundra måste tillstås. Det här vädret får mig att känna mig kränkt. Oklart av vem, men ändå. 

"Gemensam nämnare"

I fickorna hittas även där en smula glädje. Knivar från italienska MKM kan nämligen muntra upp tillvaron. Huvudbestyckningen bestod av två skapelser signerade Jens Ansø. Därav namnet på bilden. 

En av dem är den för mig helt nya Root. En slip joint jag bekantar mig med inför lite rejält testande inför kommande recension. De första intrycken är att det en charmig och genomsympatisk skapelse. Framför allt skär den bra samtidigt som den är bekväm att hålla i och snygg att se på. 

I en annan ficka hittas den något större Goccia som ni sett här på bloggen tidigare. Förutom designer och tillverkare är även ståltyp densamma för de två knivarna. I bladen hittas exklusivt M390. Utöver de tre punkterna har de  inte mycket gemensamt alls. Storlek, öppningsmetod, lås, handtagsmaterial och bladtyp är olika bara för att nämna något. Udda syskon med andra ord. 

Ha en fortsatt god fredag go' vänner!

/ J - flyter ovanpå

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Ny kniv - MKM Root

Mannen som är ansvarig för formgivningen av den här kniven är ingen mindre än vår danske virtuos Jens Ansø. Jag har tidigare presenterat ett flertal knivar signerade honom och det kan snabbt konstateras att vissa av hans modeller ligger tämligen nära varandra i utseende. Det gäller t ex relationen mellan Fox "Ziggy" som var en "direktöversättning" av hans customkniv med samma namn och den senaste jag recenserat, MKM "Goccia" som i sin tur var en produktionsversion av hans kniv Neo. Det sker en kumulativ utveckling men släktskapet består.

Detsamma kan sägas om den här modellen, även den från MKM eller Maniago Knife Makers som förkortningen lyder utskriven. Kniven är döpt till Root. 

Den som kan sin Ansø vet att han samarbetade med ZT för några år sedan och resultatet blev deras första slipjoint kallad 0230. Det är en sympatisk kniv men den lider av några brister. Det är här utvecklingen kommer in. Root slår nämligen den kniven på fingrarna rejält på ett par punkter. Men det kan också bero på att man är bättre på den typen av knivar i Italien. Men det låter jag vara osagt. 

MKM Root

Modellen är ingalunda ny men just det här utförandet är nytt för 2023. Vad som hänt är att vid sidan om alla utgåvor med handtag i titan eller aluminium med eller utan inlägg i sidorna så har det tillkommit varianter med micartahandtag eller trä i skollorna. Den här specifika kniven har gjorts av santos-trä. Ett mörkt träslag med sympatisk ådring som jag tror tillhör mahogny-familjen. Ett sydamerikanskt ädelträslag är det i alla fall. 

Utmärkande för själva kniven är dels att det är en slip joint och dels att den saknar clip. Den leveraras dock med ett rejält och välsytt fodral som i sin tur har ett magnetclip som kan fästas inuti en ficka. 

Det är ingen våldsamt stor kniv då den mäter 166 mm på längden varav bladet uppgår till 71 mm. Till det skall läggas en vikt på blygsamma 70 g så förstår ni formatet. 

Men första intrycken är mycket goda och det skall bli intressant att se hur den här kniven uppträder över tid. Det kan nämligen sägas att den skär väsentligt mycket bättre än den kniv jag inledningsvis jämförde den med!

Maniago Knife Makers

/ J - imponerad

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Dagens bild nr 268 "Hån"

Nu skall vi f-n snacka väder och det är inte småprat i bussen utan allvar. Jag lägger in en protest eller kanske till och med ett veto mot tingens rådande ordning. Visst, solfan skiner idag men det har den inte mycket för med bortåt tio jävla minus inatt igen. Det är för tusan i slutet av mars nu. Jag vill ha vår! Jag vill kasta kniv. Den här delen av landet skall inte ha snö längre och det var vitt igår innan skiten regnade bort. Sen bytte landskapet utseende igen med klart väder och kyla.  

En blek sol gör allt för att narras, det är inte vår på riktigt

Jag har i desperation försökt att kasta kniv vid två tillfällen tidigare i år när det var aningen varmare. Första gången ledde till att knivarna studsade baklänges ur de genomfrusna tavlorna och när jag till slut lyckades sätta dem gick en spets av. Andra försöket gick mest ut på att jag hade en kniv med mig på en skogspromenad och försökte leta upp döda träd som inte såg alltför djupfrysta ut. Det gick sådär. Inte direkt ett träningspass om man säger så. 

"Hån" är vad det är. Att locka till knivkastning och sedan är allt djupfryst. Yggdrasil Forge Ullr XL ute på äventyr

Kniven jag använde sist var den här kallad Ullr XL. En kniv från engelska Yggdrasil Forge. En dolk som redan de första kasten avslöjar fungerar utmärkt till såväl no spin som half spin-tekniker. 

Som den första bilden visar så var förvisso himlen klar den där dagen men det är fortfarande kallt som sagt. Därmed får den riktiga invigningen jämte testande av de olika modellerna från Yggdrasil anstå tills vidare. Men frustrerande är det. 

Yggdrasil Forge

/ J - otålig

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - CRKT Bamboozled

Like father like son, they say. And what does that have to do with this knife, perhaps you wonder?

The connection is actually not very far-fetched. This fairly new knife from CRKT was designed by Ken Onion. But not the very famous Ken Onion who is behind the "Jake" I recently featured, but his son. Ken "Kenny" Onion Jr! Now it's starting to resemble onion soup.

CRKT Bamboozled

So junior follows in his father's footsteps and this is, if not his debut in the world of knives, then at least the first collaboration with a major producer, and in this case Columbia River Knife and Tool as the name reads. The name of this creation is Bamboozled.

The knife immediately talked to me in terms of appearance. It looked quite sophisticated in my eyes. Soft, harmonious lines, not too big but without being extremely small either. In numbers, this means a length of just under twenty centimeters closed and a blade length of eight and a half centimeters. Not a miniature, as I said, but still a kind of "gentleman style". An unusually stylish model for EDC use, I thought.

In terms of materials, D2 steel is found in the blade and in the handle a steel bolster, and sides in G10. The blade is held in place via a liner lock and the knife has a steel clip. 

Apparently, the knife is opened with a flipper, but something that surprised me, mostly because I didn't read properly, was that the knife is spring-assisted. Something that I am not as allergic to as most other knife enthusiasts. Usually, it should be added. In this case, I am for a very specific reason that I intend to return to in a future review of the knife.

Overall, first impressions of this knife are positive and as long as it doesn't kill itself completely, that should be reflected in a review. But you never know until you get to know a knife and its peculiarities.

/ J 

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review Viper Turn Essential

  

- a modern interpretation of a classic that shed skin

Time for a snake again. Specifically, a viper in the form of Viper Turn Essential. I think it feels like yesterday that I presented a knife from them but that could be because I carry Italian knives quite often.

However, it's actually been a year since I reviewed a knife from the Maniago-based company and it was a fixed-blade hunting/outdoor knife. I haven't reviewed a Viper Knives folding knife since the end of 2021. Therefore, I think it's about time!

Viper Turn Essential

This is a fairly new model for 2023. Or that's not quite true. Rather, it is a variation of a knife that has been on the market for a couple of years. If I remember correctly, the original Turn was introduced towards the end of 2020. But it is a knife that has a front bolster, something that is missing from the "Essential" models.

This procedure is something that Viper has practiced for quite some time. First, they release a model, usually with a bolster, then perhaps some luxury version of it with, for example, a pattern welded blade or titanium handle, and then a slightly simpler version of the same knife. Even relatively early models such as Timeless are available in versions with or without bolsters, and the same can be said of, for example, Gent, Key, and Novis. Turn is thus one of the latter to receive that treatment.

Now "basic" or Essential in this case does not mean any direct lowering of the level of either material or build quality. It is the same high finish and cares about the details and the materials are of the highest quality in both blade and handle. Then, of course, the basic form signed by Fabrizio "Silver" Silvestrelli is the same.

Turn är designad av Fabrizio Silvestrelli

Twitter version: Viper Turn Essential, modern, and classic in beautiful harmony. A compact and well-built folding knife in top material for the forest walk or perhaps as a sturdy EDC knife.

Blade

Drop point Viper calls this shape. I'm not really inclined to agree. If anything is a quintessential clip point, it's this knife! Especially as the clipped part of the blade is enhanced in terms of appearance with a solid swedge. But of course, if by "drop point" you only mean that the tip is found below the center line of the knife, then that is correct.

The blade is not gigantic but still stable with just over eight centimeters or more precisely 82 mm in length. The height amounts to a maximum of 28 mm and it is matched by a thickness of 3.5 mm.

The marking of the blade consists of the model name and logo on the presentation side of the blade in classic Viper style. It's not something I have any particular opinions about. Those who want to see completely sterile blades, however, have to look away. Steel type is also found on the ricasso of the same side. Silvestrelli's marking is found on the opposite side. The finish is a glossy satin.

At least I consider this to be a clip point

The type of steel found in the blade is the one that Viper uses in all their finer knives and it comes from Böhler/Uddeholm and has the now-known designation M390. Steel that at this point does not need much introduction. Without going too deep into technicalities, it is, provided it is not too soft hardened, one of the best steels available for folding knives. In practical terms, it means that it is resistant to rust, takes a very fine edge, and above all, lasts a damn long time. The degree of hardness is stated by Viper as HRC 59-61.

Turn Essential has a very high, in practice completely flat grind. The only flap part is found at the ricasso around the thumb studs. The part of the blade spine that remains after what can most closely be compared to a "harpoon tip" is strongly rounded in the usual Viper fashion. It gives a luxurious feel and is soft to put the thumb against, although the front part of the lock bar and the back of the blade have received a series of well-executed grooves.

The blade has been given a glossy satin finish

A sharp blade with a nice flat grind usually bites well in most materials and that also applies in this case. That goes for everyday materials such as cardboard, tape, and plastic packaging of varying thickness and hardness as well as cable ties and nylon straps. The same can be said about tamp and rope.

Then it is noticeable that this is high-end steel as it is fairly durable. Unlike some reviewers, I don't delve too deeply into the details of steel composition. I note more how it appears partly initially and partly over time. Although the latter requires even longer trial periods than in this case. 

Knives that are used need to be resharpened after a while anyhow. With M390, you generally don't need to do this very often. Especially not if a knife is used as an "EDC"/pocket knife. They are rarely used for longer periods of time. It's not a professional knife or the like we're talking about.

Handle

It is the very appearance of the handle that is the big and otherwise only difference between "Essential" and the original version of Turn. As mentioned in the introduction, it had a design with a titanium front bolster, which this knife apparently does not have. Instead, a piece of Brown canvas Micarta extends over the entire side of the knife handle. If you don't like that color, there is also black Micarta, which almost looks gray in pictures, and two shades of G10 and carbon fiber to choose from. 

Handle sides in Micarta

The micarta is of very high quality and also finely executed. In this case, this means that the sides are properly sanded and that they are elegantly arched. Then the frame and sides are well polished but despite that, there are some sharp corners that are more dependent on the design than the execution.

The sides are screwed in place with two small T6 screws with round heads. This a choice I may not be entirely fond of but in return, the screws are of high quality and Viper is still one of the extremely few brands I know that even prints the grade of steel on their screws on the website. In addition to those screws, there is an adjustable pivot screw fitted with a luxurious titanium collar.

The backspacer of this knife is made of polished stainless steel that has been properly rounded. In it and through the sides of the handle is a small hole that acts as a lanyard hole.

The frame is also made of steel and it has not been weight relieved, which together with the lock construction makes the knife somewhat heavier than it should have been. It also shifts the weight towards the handle.

A very well-built handle, but the edges could have had a stronger chamfer for better ergonomics

The comfort and ergonomics of this knife are a strange three-step rocket. In the picture and in a quick test, the knife appears to be excellent in that area. The size feels just right, full without being excessive, the sides are, as I said, shaped, the fingers find their places and the back is elegantly curved to fit the hand better.

But in step two, some details are discovered to think about. The first time I held this knife I was actually not excited at all. On the contrary, I experienced several corners as potential problem areas/hot spots. This is applied to both the front and rear "platforms" for the index and little finger, as well as the back edge of the finger guard and the clip. All have distinct terminations in the form of edges. To make sure it wasn't just me, I lent the knife to a good friend who thought much the same. However, expressed a little differently. He is not a knife enthusiast like me. 

The handle works well as long as you don't work for too long and with challenging chores

Next comes step three, actually using the knife. And then it's perfectly fine again! Certainly all the edges I just listed come to mind. But in some strange way, Turn Essential works anyway. With a normal hammer grip, all four fingers actually find their place and the knife sits securely in the fist. It's just a matter of grasping "carefully" if I can put it that way.

The same applies to an even greater degree if the knife is gripped in a saber grip. Then it is necessary to remove the index fingers a little, a few millimeters back is enough, from the finger guard so that it does not feel uncomfortable. In addition, the back end of the knife with the associated clip must be placed in the right place inside the hand, whereupon the same applies there. The thumb then naturally finds its grooves on the back of the blade and the knife is relatively comfortable to work with.

Possibly, I can imagine that some of these details require less precision for those with smaller hands or if you wear gloves.

But then it should be pointed out that everything I wrote above applies to light use. After all, if you cut wood for a while, the transitions from the handle sides are somewhat too angular. This especially applies to the little finger but also to the thumb. It's not pleasant after a while. Those parts would have needed stronger rounding in order to handle more challenging tasks. 

Opening and Lock

Thumb studs are the way to open Turn, if you don't feel like using both hands, of course. The classic style of the knife attracts the latter. It is also very easy as the blade, despite being a back lock, runs on ball bearings. It's not a very common combination. Yet, I might add. But it gives a very smooth action.

Turn is opened with thumb studs that are found close to the handle

The typical pyramid shape gives slightly sharp thumb studs

The studs are double-sided, which together with the lock construction makes the knife completely ambidextrous as far as those bits are concerned. The thumb studs, well, I'm not quite friends with them. Those who are familiar with luxury knives recognize the shape from, for example, the CRK Sebenza. This means in plain language that they are pyramidal. It certainly gives a very good grip on the thumb, but they are not comfortable for me to use. Especially as in this case, they are placed quite close to the handle.

However, the placement provides enough leverage which, in combination with the bearings, makes the knife easy to open. This is especially true since the resistance to be overcome on this type of knife comes from the back spring and not from a traditional "detent ball".

One way to escape the sharp point, however, is to twist the knife in the hand and instead of placing the thumb on top of the thumb knob, press against the side of it. I felt smart when I figured it out and it makes the Turn much more convenient to open.

This knife boasts a very good back lock

The back lock construction on this knife is one of the best I have come across right away. It only gets to see itself beaten by another Italian from a different brand but in the same city. I won't say more. Either way, the lock snaps into place with a reassuring sound and holds the blade rock solid. The small play in the vertical direction that can sometimes be felt in back locks is almost completely non-existent here. The same applies laterally, but there the knife can of course be adjusted if desired. In other words, the feeling is extremely solid.

Releasing the lock is also very easy. The resistance is well-balanced and the lock bar is rounded for increased comfort while also being equipped with some small notches for a better grip.

To Carry

The Turn Essential is a compact little rascal. The combination of a closed back with a back lock and a steel frame leaves its mark. The weight is therefore 125 grams. Not heavy per se, but it's more than you would expect for a knife this size anyway. The construction also affects the balance. The balance point is found right at the second step for the fingers. The knife is thus slightly back-heavy.

The titanium clip is attached to the rear end of the handle, which gives a so-called "deep carry loop over" clip

The measures are otherwise not a deterrent in any way. The length of 10.8 cm and the thickness of 1.4 cm certainly make it a little chubby but not excessively so. But sure, you feel like you have a knife in your pocket. It cannot be denied. But that knife does not have sharp edges or corners that disturb the hand if it has to go into the same pocket. Something I appreciate.

The tension found in this titanium clip is good and the ramp is sufficient

One of the reasons for that is the eminent clip made of titanium. It is of the "deep carry" type, which means that the knife sits very deep in the pocket. What people think about differs. I belong to those who usually but do not always advocate that type of clip. But there are pros and cons to most solutions. This variety which attaches to the rear end of the handle and then bends forward in a "loop" tends to feel more in the hand when working with a knife. That's the case here with what I've touched on before. But it's not so bad as it usually ends up outside the hand when you grab the knife. In other grips, you have to compromise a bit. If you really want to use the knife for heavier tasks, there is always the option of removing the clip.

Removing the clip works as said, but changing position is not possible, to the detriment of those who are left-handed. The spring in the clip is very good and keeps the knife in a firm grip in the pocket. The ramp is sufficient to work with most fabric edges. 

Conclusion

In fact, the first impressions of the Turn Essential, that it is a compact, robust, and well-built knife, stand up even after the honeymoon impressions have passed. It is a solid build, which is reflected in, for example, a good fit between the lock bar/back spacer/frame, nicely rounded blade spine, and arched and well-executed sides. Then it can be added that the action is very smooth and the lock particularly well made. The blade is also well-ground and centered. They know what they are doing in Maniago. 

Then, of course, the materials are of the highest standard. It is canvas Micarta, M390 steel, and details such as clip and pivot collar in titanium. Turn Essential is and feels luxurious.

With the Turn, Viper Knives has succeeded in making a really good back lock knife that also works in an EDC role

However, all that glitters is not gold. There are things that could be better. Some details have to do with personal preferences and some are choices in the design that can perhaps be discussed. The first is, the concept with thumb studs and a back lock, others may prefer a flipper-opened knife and liner or frame lock. Having said that, it can be stated that if you are to use a classic back lock construction, this is how it should be done. It can't be anything other than top marks on that front. 

Other details are more general, such as those related to ergonomics. I've said it before and I'll say it again. There is a danger in shaping a handle this much. Namely, it can limit comfort depending on hand size and shape. In this case, there are a number of edges to consider. They disappear if you wear gloves, but I don't see gloved hands as the most natural in an EDC context, and actually not outdoors either.

Somehow I feel this knife is made for someone with smaller hands than me. Without knowing exactly, I suspect that the average Italian is somewhat smaller than the average person in Sweden. Maybe it's a delusion or not. And then the outer edges should be rounded more if the knife is to be used for outdoor activities. It may look different depending on where you are in the world. But in Sweden, it often means cutting wood in various ways and it can be heavy.

Viper Turn Essential is a quality knife with a strong personality

Viper Turn Essential is more of a solid workhorse than a lightweight when we talk about folding knives. But then again, you do find the knife in the "Outdoor & Hunting" section of their website. That's something I agree with. Turn is not overly large and heavy but possibly on the heavier side for most EDC use although that is highly personal as well. 

But if that's what you're looking for and you don't have huge hands, this is a luxurious option that I can highly recommend. 

 Viper Knives

Specifications:

Length Overall: 188 mm

Length Folded: 108 mm

Weight: 125 g

Blade Length: 82 mm

Blade Thickness: 3,5 mm

Blade Steel: Böhler M390

Hande : Canvas Micarta

Lock: back lock

Produced by: Viper Knives, made in Maniago, Italien

/ J - may soon have to expand the terrarium

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Ny kniv - CRKT Bamboozled

Sådan far sådan son heter det ju. Och vad har det med den här kniven att göra undrar kanske vän av ordning?

Sambandet är faktiskt inte särskilt långsökt. Den här tämligen nya kniven från CRKT är nämligen designad av Ken Onion. Men inte den mycket kända Ken Onion som ligger bakom den av mig nyligen presenterade "Jake" utan hans son, Ken "Kenny" Onion Jr! Nu börjar det likna löksoppa. 

CRKT Bamboozled

Så junior följer i sin fars fotspår och det här är om inte hans debut i knivvärlden så åtminstone det första samarbetet med någon större producent och i det här fallet Columbia River Knife and Tool som namnet lyder utskrivet. Namnet på den här skapelsen är Bamboozled. 

Kniven föll mig genast på läppen vad gäller utseende. Den såg i mina ögon tämligen sofistikerad ut. Mjuka, harmoniska linjer, inte alltför stor men utan att vara extremt liten heller. I siffror innebär det en längd på strax under tjugo centimeter utfälld och en bladlängd på åtta och en halv centimeter. Inte någon minatyr som sagt men ändå åt "fickknivshållet" á la "gentlemen style". En för företaget ovanligt stilfull modell för EDC-bruk tänkte jag mig. 

I materialväg hittas D2-stål i bladet och i handtaget ett bolster av stål och skollor i G10. Låser gör kniven med en liner lock och kniven har ett clip som dock inte kan flyttas. Som synes öppnas kniven med en flipper men något som överraskade mig, mest beroende på att jag inte läst på ordentligt, var att kniven är fjäderassisterad. Något som jag inte är lika allergisk emot som de flesta andra kniventusiaster. Vanligen skall väl tilläggas. I det här fallet är jag det av en mycket specifik orsak som jag ämnar återkomma till i kommande recension av kniven. 

Överlag är de första intrycken av den här kniven positiva och så länge den inte gör bort sig helt bör det avspeglas i ett omdöme. Men man vet aldrig innan man lärt känna en kniv och dess egenheter. 

/ J 

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - QSP Osprey

That I am quite a fan of the QSP brand may have become apparent by now? Otherwise, it can be certified that this is the case. So you are not mistaken. 

They have a wide range and present good quality at prices that are not hair-raising. In addition, they have recently expanded the catalog to also include a couple of luxury models. In the main, they make extremely practical and useful EDC knives in various variants. However, lately, they have released a monstrous knife called the Rhino, which, alongside some old models, has to stand for the extravagant.

But this knife is found on the other side of the spectrum. Here you have a solid, simple, well-constructed EDC knife. Nothing extreme but most of what you get here seems very well done. It just flew under my radar for some reason. 

QSP Osprey

As you have already seen, the model is called "Osprey", which is "fiskgjuse" in Swedish. A bird of prey that is quite rare over here but not where I grew up near a lake in Småland. There were several nesting pairs so I actually saw them almost daily.

The knife is almost as elegantly built as its namesake. It is a knife that in this case has been given a plumage in blue Micarta. If you don't like blue, there are also brown and green to choose from. In addition to that, no less than eight more variants including handles in brass, copper, and carbon fiber in a couple of color combinations.

The blade steel is 14C28N and the blade length is just over eight centimeters with a thickness of three millimeters. Very reasonable blade, if you can put it like that. Especially as it is a drop point. Nothing extra vagrant, in other words, but well-functioning. Especially as the factory edge was decent. 

Think of this knife as a QSP Penguin with a flipper opening instead of thumb studs and a drop-point blade. It can be added that the blade runs on ball bearings, the lock is a liner lock, and the knife has a wire clip.

The knife will of course be reviewed later on!

 

/ J - continues to expand the flock

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review QSP Hedgehog

  

- bullseye!

This knife from QSP called Hedgehog is not their first but second attempt at making a slip joint if I remember correctly. And what a successful attempt it turned out to be. If you are interested in how good a modern folding knife of this type can be, you should read on. If you are not, you can still read on so you know what you are missing!

QSP Hedgehog

The category has come to be called "modern traditional" and even if the big brands initially appeared a little skeptical of the phenomenon, most now have at least one knife of that kind in their range. In that way, QSP is no innovator when they now release their Hedgehog. But in return, they do it all very well. The first slip-joint knife they released was the Falcon which I previously reviewed. It's a capable, well-made, and good-looking knife, but on some parameters, it can be seriously beaten by Hedgehog.

The knife can be seen as a "modern traditional" 

Twitter version: Second time's a charm, it's not the expression but could be since the QSP Hedgehog is a hit on the second attempt to complete a slip joint

Blade

This knife blade is one of the things that makes this a modern interpretation of a classic knife type. Namely, the blade shape is not completely pure or easy to categorize. Someone called it a Wharncliffe, which I totally disagree with. Rather, it is a coping blade that someone fitted with a rudimentary point. Regardless of what you start from, you end up with the blade being a "modified" something.

The blade is a bit difficult to categorize but offers a straight edge and half a point

The size of this thing amounts to a length of 73 mm with a height of 20 mm and a thickness of 3 mm. In other words, it's not a big blade.

To match that, the branding is also small and discreet. QSP's logo can be found in miniature on the ricasso and on the opposite side, the steel type can be found. Really stylishly done. In that respect, this brand has developed considerably. The rest of the finish is a high-gloss satin. A finish that is good for most things except that it is a fingerprint magnet. 

The steel found in this knife is Swedish in the form of Sandvik 14C28N. An excellent choice for a knife in this price range. Especially when QSP here chose to harden it somewhat harder than is usually done. Now I can't determine exactly where in the range 59-61 HRC this knife ends up, but it holds its edge quite well so the impression is that it might be in the middle.

That impression is reinforced by the way the knife is sharpened. The prototypes and the knives that were reviewed early online were apparently flat ground. The production version that you see here is not. It's got a rather striking hollow grind along the entire height of the blade. This gives a blade that measures approx. 0.4 mm behind the edge. That is really good. Especially as the thickness of the blade is three millimeters and the transition there is a full two centimeters. You can guess for yourself which way it leans regarding cutting properties.

The straight edge is made of Sandvik 14C28N

With that in mind, perhaps it's no wonder that this knife cuts so well that just thinking about it makes you happy. It's certainly not all folding knives you can say that about, despite the availability of all modern materials. The trend that nowadays isn't even a trend anymore with "tactical" as a prefix lingers on.

 It was noticeable right out of the box as there was no difficulty in getting the hair on the arms to more or less fall off. Cutting some neat s-curves in a paper was no problem either. Small tests indicate which way it leans. Then it must be admitted that the steel is certainly quite hard, but it is still 14C28N, which means that it does not hold its sharpness forever. A little maintenance with a strop and a sharpening rod or whetstone is required from time to time.

The production versions of the Hedgehog are hollow grind

Since then, the knife has proven itself through frequent use. Not only by me but also by my partner who agreed both to those qualities and the thoroughly sympathetic handle.

The blade shape gives access to a tip even though the knife is equipped with a straight edge. This is a detail that is much appreciated from my side. It makes it easier to open packaging and allows you to clean your nails or pry out a skewer if you have to. 

But mainly this is a slicing tool and the straight edge with its hollow grind bites into everything. It doesn't really matter what it is. As long as it doesn't involve prying or stabbing things too hard, this is an excellent blade. 

Handle

The handle is as well made as the blade and is the next part that contributes to making this such a good knife. Possibly it can be said to be a bit too small for those with enormous hands but otherwise thoroughly sympathetic. The dimensions are 95 mm x 13 mm x 20 mm in terms of length, width, and height.

A seemingly simple but excellent handle. In this version in luxurious carbon fiber

The small but very well-executed details make this a great handle. These include, for example, the slightly curved back, the handle swelling towards the end, and not least the arched sides.

The sides are available in a couple of different materials, of which this is the more luxurious edition, which means "golden carbon fiber". It is a carbon fiber with some component that causes it to glisten faintly in certain lights in golden yellow. Besides that, the sides have been heavily machined. In addition to being rounded, they have been given a distinct pattern, sometimes referred to as the "Ansø pattern" which is aesthetic but also greatly improves the grip. In addition, the knife has a "bolster part" towards the front edge to where the surface is smooth.

At the end of the handle is found a lanyard hole of a simpler type. Not a must as far as I'm concerned, but perhaps more useful on this knife than many others as a knife that often lies loose in the pocket may need to be fished out.

The construction is typical of a slip joint with a strong back spring and a steel frame. One that is not traditionally weight-reduced. But it makes it easier to keep the knife clean on the inside, so that's not something I have any objections to. Possibly then that it shifts the balance backward. Incidentally, it is found exactly where the transition from the smooth to the patterned part of the handle is.

The sides are screwed into place on the outside of the frame with two T6 screws in addition to the T8 pivot screw. The latter is in the usual QSP-style D-shaped and only screwed from one direction. Their triangle logo is instead found on the presentation side. The one that now indicates that the knife belongs to their slightly finer range.

As far as the size allows, this is a really good handle

The shape of the handle is fairly straight at first glance, but the back has that almost perfect curve that makes it sit well in the hand. In the same way, the fact that it is wider towards the stern and the pattern work together to give a better grip.

The straightforward profile means that all grips really work and the rounded shapes literally blend into the hand. This is not least noticeable on the soft rear end of the handle. And here it must be noticed that part of that success consists in the lack of a clip!

Opening and Lock

Since the whole point of the Hedgehog is that it is a slip joint, the knife is of course best opened with two hands. There are certainly also flipper knives that lack a lock these days, but they can hardly be counted in this category of "modern traditional". The blade has certainly been fitted with a nail nick long enough to touch a fuller but I don't use it much. As a nail-biter, I'm not much for that kind of subtlety. Either I can grip the blade or I am not fond of the knife to put it simply.

When it comes to slip joints, "walk and talk" is a thing. Where walk is how the blade feels on its way in and out. Here that feeling is at its peak, it doesn't get much better. Much depends on the fact that this is one of the areas that is modernized. Instead of letting the blade run directly against the frame as is common on older knives*, phosphor bronze bushings are used here.

In the closed position, the back spring cannot be felt at all and can hardly be discerned with the naked eye

The next part of the "walk and talk" is about the sound the knife makes, which is connected to the power of the back spring as well as the design of the blade base and possibly the halfway stop. For the first part of the movement up to the halfway stop I would put at about 6.5 (out of 10) and the rest slightly easier, about 6. It would actually have been preferable if it had been the other way around as it is the last bit that determines how much the back spring resists when the knife is to be folded. But Hedgehog still performs that task with honor.

Then there is another detail in this knife that adds to the fact that it is a modern traditional and that is the stop pin found in the frame. Older knives do not have that finesse, and if they are not extremely well built, there is often a risk that the edge hits the inside of the handle when folded, whereupon the edge is damaged. It cannot happen here. The stop pin meets the blade in front of the ricasso. Traditionalists don't like such inventions, but on the other hand, they rarely appreciate Chinese-made knives at all if you have to be picky. Personally, I think it's an excellent addition!

I stängt läge finns en tendens till att man kan känna övergångarna mellan ryggfjäder och material och ännu lite mer i halvöppet läge. Men det är mest kameran som avslöjar

Such knives are best closed with two hands. But if you want to do it with one hand, it's fine. Just press hard with your index finger on the blade spine and let the blade fall back to the halfway stop. Then twist the knife in your hand to finish the closure with your thumb. Then be careful to keep your fingers away from the blade groove. Hedgehog closes with authority in the last bit.

The quality of a slip joint can be demonstrated by studying how the back spring works and looks in different positions. Here it is excellent. In the closed position, there is an extremely small edge between the frame and the back spring. It is hard to see but can be felt if you run a fingernail across the back. In the middle position, the same applies and in the open position, the back is completely smooth. The transitions can hardly be discerned with the eye, nor can you feel them. Nice work!

To Carry

Hedgehog is not a very heavy knife even though the frame is not lightened. The reason is, of course, mainly that it is small, but also that the carbon fiber in the handle is very light. This gives a total weight of just over eighty grams. Then the sides are rounded as said and the same can be said about the other parts of the knife. The sharp edge on the upper side of the blade is basically completely hidden and thus does not cause any problems either. Overall, this makes this a knife that easily disappears into a pocket. Possibly the purist may object that it is slightly thicker than some traditional knives are. But in return, some of them have several blades and then that rule does not apply anyway.

When not carrying the Hedgehog lose in my pocket, I use this sheath

But it is loose in a pocket or in a sheath that the knife must be carried. In accordance with the traditional part of the knife, it does not have a clip. In this case, I don't mind. I know there are those who are almost religious in their approach to clips, but I do not belong to that group.

I alternate between carrying this knife loosely in a pocket on a hoodie or jacket, alternatively in a case from MKM that I use. It has a strong magnet that allows it to be attached to the inside of trousers or jeans pockets. An excellent sheath by the way. 

To Conclude

To achieve a good folding knife in the "slip joint" segment, there are some basic requirements that must be met. One is to have a blade that actually cuts really well. Perhaps all folding knives should have that, but that is not always the case and here it is a must as you should preferably not stab or pry with this type of knife at all. Next, a good handle suitable for the said task is required in order to take advantage of that characteristic. In addition, you need a back spring that is strong enough so that the user does not feel nervous when using the knife. In order to demonstrate build quality and contribute to that security, in addition to a good fit in the materials in general, a back spring that is well-fitted is also needed. Of course, it doesn't hurt if the knife looks good too!

All these requirements are met with flying colors by Hedgehog. It becomes particularly clear at the back spring as it is easy for small gaps to creep in between it and the frame so that light shines through if you examine it closely. That is not the case here. Not even if you hold the knife up to a light source. It is thus a solid build. Incidentally, this applies to all other areas as well, not least transitions between materials, overall feel, and factory edge.

Then it must be admitted that it looks good. In addition to the above, there are more detailed criteria that add to the epithet "modern traditional".

"Better knife, Better Life" is QSP's slogan and maybe there is something in it?

A knife like Hedgehog differs from old-time slip joints on a couple of points, it concerns areas such as

• The materials are modern, which means competent stainless steel and sides in advanced carbon fiber
• The knife has phosphor bronze bushings
• A stop pin is included to prevent the blade from hitting the inside of the handle
• The construction is screwed, which means that the knife can be dismantled 
• Adjustable pivot screw enables play to be corrected and the walk to be trimmed

The traditional part means in turn that

• the knife has no lock
• has not been fitted with a clip
• has a blade shape that leans toward the more traditional

Then it's just for you to think about whether the latter points are an advantage or a disadvantage. It also adds simplicity to the knife and makes it somewhat more socially acceptable. The appearance is non-aggressive and the two-handed opening signals "pocket knife" and not "weapon" in the eyes of the public.

QSP Hedgehog is an excellent candidate for anyone looking for a slip joint for EDC use

Admittedly, this knife struggled a bit at the concept stage as I don't really like this blade shape. Even so, I wanted to give it a chance. Then when it's done this well, it's just a matter of giving up and admitting defeat. You go a long way with charm, an excellent ergonomic handle, and a blade that cuts like a laser. Especially as the materials are well chosen and the price affordable. 

Given the results of this venture from QSP, I can do nothing but recommend this knife. 

QSP

Specification:

Length Overall: 168 mm

Length Folded: 95 mm

Weight: 81g

Blade Length: 73 mm

Blade Thickness: 3 mm

Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N, HRC 59-61

Handle: "Golden" carbon fiber

Lock: none, slip joint

Produced by: QSP, made in China

/ J 

* But even knives such as Victorinox use that construction. It is not wrong to make knives that way, but the action is rarely as smooth as with some form of bushings or bearings.

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