Review MKM Makro 2

  

- a first contact with a fixed blade knife from MKM

Although the Makro 2 is a knife that measures by a good margin under twenty centimeters when it stretches out to impress, it is larger than its predecessor, which was consistently named Mikro. Both models come from MKM.

These knives aim at an interesting segment, fixed-blade EDC knives. Knives small enough to carry around without feeling clumsy or making those around you think you're a terrorist while being sturdy enough to tackle most daily tasks.

A semi-hidden jewel from Italian MKM

Our Danish friend Jesper Voxnaes. is the man behind the design. He hardly needs any introduction at this point as he is in the middle of a long and successful career. Sometimes together with one of the other Danish giants Jens Ansø and sometimes by himself as in this case.

Teaming up with the Italian Maniago Knife Makers is a very good idea as they account for much of the craftsmanship accumulated in Maniago. Especially as it is a conglomerate of several large manufacturers. In addition to their own brands, they produce knives under the name Mikita whose brand is MKM. On folding knives, that information is usually found inside the handle. Here it can be read on the underside of the same.

MKM Makro 2

Short version: MKM Makro 2, a knife whose name does not describe measurements and proportions but how it performs, is big and with an overview.

Blade

MKM describes the blade as a sheepsfoot on the website. I can almost agree with that if you add "modified". Here it is not the spine of the blade that swings downwards as on a genuine sheep foot, but actually the edge that swings upwards in a constant arc until it meets the inversely cut tip. The blade type has sometimes also been called "reverse tanto" in Anglo-Saxon terms.

It is simpler with the sister model Makro 1, which is simply a drop point. There are thus two blade types to choose from.

The suffix "2" to the name means that the knife has a sheepsfoot blade

As I said, the knife is not large and the blade measures only 7.3 cm in length. It is 27 mm high at the base and then quickly tapers to about 14 mm where the angular tip is. Then I think that a misprint has appeared on the website which claims that the blade is as thin as 2.5 mm. I have two calipers, one digital and one manual, both of which claim it's a full 4 mm thick. A sturdy piece of metal in other words.

It is also noticeable on the edge, because even though the flat-ground primary bevel is approx. 20 mm high, the blade is around 0.6 mm behind the edge. Very sturdy, but perhaps not the one that cuts the best.

The material used is Böhler M390. A frequently used steel in folding knives but somewhat less common in fixed-bladed knives, the fact is that this is my first encounter with that combination. In this case, I don't think it causes any problems whatsoever. You may want a tougher steel in a large chopper, but here we are talking about a small knife for everyday use. It doesn't need the same toughness. 

The M390 is quite resistant to rust and keeps the sharpness if not forever for a very long time. In addition, it is not completely hopeless to sharpen. A very fine steel in other words and there is a reason why it is found in many exclusive folding knives.

The blade is stone-washed and the knife is marked with MKM's logo on one side and Voxnae's on the other. 

"The other side" offers Voxnae's logo

In use, the Makro 2 is just as likable as it looks. The handle that I will return to is excellent. That together with a competent blade that can handle most tasks makes me happy. If we start with the tip, it is both sharp and strong at the same time. This means that it works perfectly for both smaller and larger penetrating cuts. It is possible to both pry a metal splinter out of your finger and puncture a thick plastic can with accuracy.

Regarding other materials, it can be said that the small blade literally eats cardboard and the like for breakfast. The full flat grind makes it easier and the design means that you work close to the hand where you have the most power. Then the cuts naturally become more of a "push cut" nature due to the length of the blade. But there the fine steel means that the knife bites well also without sweeping movements.

Even when it comes to, for example, cutting nylon rope, Makro works excellently as the robust format allows you to use a little weight behind the cuts. Overall, this is a handy little bugger.

Handle

The Makro knives are full tang knives and the steel runs visibly with full thickness through the entire handle. On the outside, you find handles slabs that can be had in a few different variations and you can actually leave them out as well. In this case, it is canvas-Micarta and if you don't like it, the knife can be had with G10, carbon fiber or wooden handle as well.

This version has handle sides in Micarta. They can be removed for those who want an even thinner and lighter knife

I chose micarta because I have a weak spot for the material. It is durable at the same time as it gradually acquires a patina and thus ages with dignity. Here it is exemplarily done with good quality material, which is beveled with smooth edges. The sides are also nicely rounded. In other words, some machining time has gone into this knife.

The sides are screwed in place with two T8-type bolts. Around the front is a decorative collar ring of anodized titanium.

Makro is a full tang knife with well-polished edges. No sharp corners here

For being this small, this handle is really comfortable. The question is whether I should go so far as to say that the ergonomics are great. Then the question is how I should relate to other small knives with even better handles on that parameter.* But as long as you don't engage in carving or what is often called "bushcraft" these days, everything is fine.

For all tasks that do not require as much power, this is an excellent knife, as I said before. When an IKEA sofa arrived during the test period, a lot of cardboard was cut on that occasion, among other things. The packaging material would not have gone into the recycling room otherwise.

A large little knife, so to speak

The grip is built around the enlarged recess for the index finger. Once there, everything else falls into place. Or everything, by the way, mostly the rest of the fingers. The knife is best in a saber grip with the thumb on the intended grooves on the back of the blade. But hammer grips and reverse grips also work well.

Sheath

The sheath that comes with the knife is a bit special. However, it is not the material or the design that deviates from the usual. It's a fairly simple but well-stitched leather sheath. At the bottom, a connecting rivet is found. The color is black. Not much more to say about it.

The leather case is simple but sturdy

The sheath does, however, have a twist in the form of a strong magnet

Or it does. Firstly, it fits the knife well and it holds the knife in place in a decent way. That, in turn, is because of the more novel part of the sheath.

This solution is not completely anonymous when carried in a pocket

It can be carried in a couple of different ways, as the belt loop which consists of a simple leather flap contains a strong magnet.

Therefore, the Makro 2 can certainly be carried on a belt like most more traditional sheaths but also on the inside of a pocket. It is a very ingenious construction in all its simplicity. I personally carry the knife in a slightly different way. Either it lies loose in a compartment in my bag, in the jacket pocket as the knife is very small, or I have it inside a pocket as intended. In the latter case, however, the handle sticks up quite a bit.

Then it happens that I put it inside the belt in the small of the back in a scout carry as the knife is fairly flat, that works too. 

Conclusion

Since I have several knives from MKM, the expectations for the first fixed blade were pretty high. Fortunately, they were not only met but surpassed. This is an excellent little knife in a category that's fairly new.** Or maybe just popular again. People in all ages have used smaller knives to complement larger ones. 

This knife belongs to a growing group of knives, fixed blades for EDC use

It took me a while to find this little gem but I'm glad I did. MKM has skillfully managed a clever design. The materials are not only well chosen and of the highest quality, but they have also been very finely crafted. It shows in the blade finish and how nicely the handle is made.

MKM Makro 2 is an excellent little knife that I highly recommend

Then it must be admitted that I think it is a rather attractive knife. But above all, it is practical enough to match the expectations the appearance raises. This is simply a premium tool. It is reflected in the price as it is not completely cheap. The price is currently around 180-200€.

But with the Makro 2, MKM has created a great fixed-blade knife for EDC use. Small enough to fit in a pocket but big enough to handle most things. It is a knife that is therefore frequently found on my person.

 

 

Maniago Knife Makers

Specifications:

Total Length: 166 mm
Blade Length: 73 mm
Blade Thickness: 2,5 mm
Steel: Bohler M390
Weight: 66 g
Handle Material: Micarta
Sheath: Leather with a magnetic belt loop 

Produced by Maniago Knife Makers, made in Italy


/ J - size isn't everything

* An example of that is the Karesuando Knife Uraka. A knife with roughly the same blade length and an even more comfortable handle.

** However, it's a category that I appreciate and I have several knives of this type such as Necker 70, Scara 60, and PK70FX from Brisa, ESEE Candiru, ML Custom Blade Caper Knife, and more.