Recension Karesuandokniven Bäver 10

 

- följeslagaren

Det här är den större av två gnagare som återfinns i svenska Karesuandoknivens katalog och modellen heter som titeln skvallrar om Bäver 10. Önskas en ännu smidigare och framförallt mindre kniv finns även en Bäver 8. Siffrorna har en viss bäring kan jag avslöja. Men oavsett vilken kniv du väljer så får du en kvalitetsprodukt tillverkad i Sverige. 

Karesuandokniven Bäver 10

Karesuandokniven saluförde sig ett tag med att de var världens nordligaste tillverkare av knivar. Tyvärr var jag vid ett tillfälle tvungen att spräcka den illusionen då det fanns ytterligare en jag känner till belägen trettio mil rakt norrut. Men Karesuando är ändå förbaskat långt norrut i världen för de flesta och numera har de återtagit tronen då den tillverkare jag hade i åtanke numera har förlagt produktionen till sydligare nejder. 

 Anledningen till att jag nämner geografin är att det genomsyrar hela tillverkningen och företaget.

Knivar, yxor och övriga produkter från Karesuandokniven står med minst en fot stadigt placerad i det traditionella men den andra hovrar lite ovanför det moderna utan att vara nedstampad än. De flesta material är hämtade från närområdet med björk, renhorn, läder och svensktillverkat stål. Men det har även smugit sig in moderna element som yxor i rostfritt och fällknivar med koliberramar.   

Dagens recensionsobjekt innehåller dock inga särskilda överraskningar i materialväg. Frågan är snarare hur väl de nyttjats.

Bäver är en tradtionell jakt- och friluftskniv med det där lilla extra

Kortversion: Karesuandokniven Bäver 10, en gnagare med suveränt bett, schysst päls och som är sympatisk att hålla i. Ett sällskapsdjur för livet

Blad

Tillägget till namnet Bäver avslöjar en sak om den här kniven, nämligen bladets längd. Följaktligen mäter det 100 mm. Av det sträcker sig eggen över 95 mm. Det vill säga som på de flesta skandinaviska knivar kan man skära nära handtaget vilket är en egenskap jag uppskattar då det är där man har mest kraft och kontroll. Det amerikanska påfundet att förse knivblad med "forward choils" är jag ingen vän av då de mest är i vägen när de inte används. 

Bladet är en mycket svag drop-point som gränsar till ett rakt blad. Slipningen är inte otippat en "Scandi grind" som de kallas numera

Stålet som använts i den här specifika utgåvan är det mycket beprövade 12C27. Önskas ett mer exklusivt stål finns kniven även att tillgå i Damasteels "Dense Twist"-mönster. 

Om 12C27 kan man säga rätt mycket. Bland annat att det kanske är i enklaste laget för att hittas på en kniv i den här prisklassen och att det vid det här laget är något daterat. Det är trots allt ett stål som använts av Morakniv i många år. Men det kan även sägas att det är synnerligen beprövat vilket medför att kunskapen kring hur man härdar, värmebehandlar och bäst slipar stålet också är väletablerat. På så vis är det enkelt att få ut det mesta ur materialet.

Det märks i det här fallet då bladet har hållt skärpan mycket väl. Jag har under det år jag använt kniven inte behövt slipa om den utan underhållt den med strigel och strigelpasta som jag brukar och det har fungerat väl. Då skal väl tilläggas att jag inte skurit alltför tungt eller slitigt med kniven. I klartext betyder det inga skitiga ankartampar med sand i eller gummidäck eller liknande. Till den typen av uppgifter använder jag andra knivar. Läs "som jag är mindre rädd om". 

Sedan hjälper både materialet och finishen till med att hålla korrosionen stången. 12C27 är ett rostfritt stål och ytan har försetts med en spegelpolering. Det gör att rost inte får fäste även vid mycket fuktig väderlek. 

Stålet är ett blankpolerat 12C27

Bävern 10 är en utpräglad jakt- och friluftskniv och som sådan är det främst naturmaterial med vissa inslag av exempelvis nylonrep, tejp, tunnare plast och kartong som skärs. Åtminstone gäller det mig.

Men som sagt trä, både färskt och torrt samt kött är det som är mest aktuellt givet knivens design. Nu är jag inte jägare så några rådjur har inte flåtts och inte ens en liten gädda har fileats då jag knappast är en frekvent fiskare heller. De praktiska bitarna som rör kötthantering tar jag hand om i köket då jag är matlagningsintresserad och även arbetar som kock. Så fisk har jag hanterat och även fågel, fläsk och nötkött. Kniven har även fått följa med till jobbet för att jag skulle få mer användartid som bakgrund till recensionen. 

Kniven skär bra i födoämnen så länge man inte får för sig att slanta för mycket morötter och dylikt förstås. Det är nämligen inte den här typen av slipning särskilt bra till. Det ligger i sakens natur. Bävern har nämligen en typisk "scandi grind" som det kallas numera även om den här har en liten mikroegg. Fabrikseggen var för övrigt mycket bra - vass, jämn och symmetrisk. 

Vad som händer i den typen av ämnen, exempelvis rotfrukter, är att bladet gärna agerar kil och vill spräcka det som skärs. Jämfört med en kökskniv är nämligen blad gjorda för jakt- och framförallt friluftsliv tjockare för att tåla mer. I det här fallet  3,2 mm vilket för övrigt är väl valt för ändamålet.

Med det avser jag att det är tunt nog för att skära bra i just kött av olika slag och tåligt nog för att hantera annat som är aktuellt som främst trä i olika former. Inom det området briljerar den här kniven för övrigt. Det bekväma handtaget parat med ett blad med bra bett skänker arbetsglädje. Det här är en kniv du kan arbeta länge med. Ergonomin är nämligen mycket god.

Sedan biter den här eggvinkeln förträffligt väl i trä så allt från att ordna stickor till att tända brasor med till att tälja går utmärkt med Bäver 10. Allt annat hade å andra sidan gjort mig besviken. 

Handtag

Givet att Bävern 10 faktiskt är en lite större kniv än man kan förledas att tro från bilder så är handtaget tämligen rymligt. Totallängden är 11 cm och av dem är 10 cm tillgängliga för fingrarna. Det gör att de flesta händer får plats oavsett storlek. Detsamma gäller om du bär en tunnare handske. Handtaget är fylligt utan att vara överdrivet tjockt. Det mäter mellan 25 mm som bredast längst bak till 19 mm som smalast. Det har även en utbuktning på mitten även om den endast mäter någon millimeter så den detaljen är mer av kosmetiskt slag än praktisk. Höjden varierar mellan 25 och 30 mm. 

Materialen som använts är traditionella med ett fingerskydd i mässing följt av ett mellanlägg i renhorn som dekoration och sedan är största delen av handtaget gjort i mörkbetsad björk. Finishen är excellent med fina övergångar mellan materialen och en polerad yta. 

Handtaget är huvudsakligen gjort av björk med inslag av renhorn samt fingerskydd i mässing

Det märks att det är beprövade former då handtaget formligen smälter in i handen. Åtminstone gäller det mig. Det gäller oavsett hur kniven greppas. Alla de mest förekommande sätten att hålla en kniv fungerar. Både hammargrepp och sabelgrepp med en tumme på handtagsryggen/bladbasen känns komfortabla. Detsamma gäller om ett pekfinger placeras på bladryggen för lättare precisionssnitt. Att vända på kniven för att tälja mot dig går känns lika smidigt. Mycket tack vare att handtaget förvisso är format men ändå på ett rätt modest vis.  

Handtaget är sväller något på mitten och vidgas baktill

Att greppa kniven i nypan med en tumme på flatsidan för det riktigt små detaljarbetena är också görbart då handtaget inte är överdrivet tjockt framtill. 

Bävern 10 bjuder på ett mycket ergonomiskt handtag som är bekvämt i alla fattningar

Sedan är inte fingerskyddet i vägen för arbete heller. Men så är det tämligen diminutivt med en höjd på kring fem millimeter. Men det räcker i gengäld för att man skall känna att det är där. Mer behövs inte på en genomsnittlig jakt/friluftskniv som inte skall användas för att sticka med enligt mig. 

Fodral

Fodralet som medföljer Bäver 10 är tämligen enkelt men fungerar väl. Det är ett traditionellt läderfodral av "fold over"-typ. Något mindre tradtionellt är den invändiga plastförstärkningen. 

Det som gör fodralet mer lokalt förankrat och något mer exklusivt än många andra är att man använder sig av renskinn som material. På utsidan hittas som synes Karesuandoknivens logotyp präglat i lädret.

Fodralet är sytt av renskinn

Passformen är god då kniven inte skallrar när den befinner sig i fodralet. Något jag är smått allergisk mot. Det antar jag att alla jägare också är då man inte vill att något skall låta när man sitter på pass eller smyger sig på något. I mitt fall handlar det mest om att jag irriterar mig på ljudet. 

Kniven sitter så pass säkert att det går att vända fodralet upp och ned och skaka lätt utan att den faller ur. Snärtar du till med handleden så har du förstås kniven på marken. 

Bälteshällan rymmer livremmar upp till 40 mm bredd

För att kniven skall kunna bäras finns en enkel bälteshälla som är fastsatt med tre nitar gjorda av antikbehandlat stål. Hällan är inget utöver det vanliga men låter kniven hänga på bekväm höjd. Det gör den lätt att nå och dra samt stoppa undan igen. Personligen är jag ingen vän av knivar som sitter för högt på bältet. Måhända för att jag har viss rondör vilket gör att handtaget då gärna sticker in i sidan. 

Hällan tar bälten upp till ca fyra cm tjocklek. Med andra ord fungerar den med allt utom de bredaste livremmarna. 

Slutsats

Med Bäver 10 fortsätter Karesuandokniven att bredda sitt sortiment med funktionella bruksknivar i lyxförpackning. Funktionen bygger på tradition och enkelhet. Det senare är även det som estetiken utvecklats ifrån. Den är just enkel och ren med små knorrar här och var. 

I det här fallet är det de övergripande linjerna tillsammans med väl utvalda material som skänker modellen dess elegans. När det sedan paras med god hantverksskicklighet ger det en suverän kniv. 

Med "lyxförpackning" avser jag att kniven tillverkas i Sverige och det till största delen för hand. Det ger en speciell känsla vilken också genomsyrar kvalitetskontrollen. Jag har fler knivar från Karesuando och de har alla varit av högsta kvalitet. Min äldsta (Järven) har jag haft sedan 1990. 

Höst - äpplen, kvitten och en Bäver

Materialen är inte bara det som ger den traditionella kopplingen utan även det som förankrar kniven lokalt. Det gäller både knivhandtag och fodral. Här hittas som sig bör mörkbetsad björk, renhorn och mässing. Det senare sägs för övrigt skrämma bort onda andar vilket kanske kan behövas. Fodralet är enkelt men välgjort i renläder. 

Delvis traditionellt är även bladstålet. Med det menar jag mest att för att vara rostfritt är 12C27 rätt gammalt. Ett stål som bland annat i stor utsträckning använts i Moraknivar och i en betydande del av fransk knivtillverkning under många år. Men nu är det nog lite daterat och jag kan tycka att en uppgradering kan vara på sin plats även i de lite enklare utgåvorna av Karesuandoknivens produkter. 

Skall man hålla sig till rostfria stål finns det de som är både lika rosttröga samtidigt som de är både dugligt sega och samtidigt håller skärpan betydligt längre än det här.  Men när jag talade om knorrar ovan avsåg jag bland annat att den väldigt blanka bladfinishen inte bara är trevlig att se på utan även gör kniven än mer moståndskraftig mot fläckar.  

Vad gäller funktionen så uppträder Bävern 10 precis som jag hoppats på. Det är bra bett i bladet vare sig du delar på en rejäl köttbit, kapar ett rep eller täljer i trä. Därtill är handtaget ergonomiskt, inte bara bekvämt att hålla i en kort stund utan även att arbeta med. Sedan är kniven lätt och välbalanserad. Enbart kniven väger så lite som 95 g och hela paketet med fodral slutar på 162 g enligt min våg. Det gör att den inte tynger en packning när man är på vandring till exempel. 

Karesuandokniven Bävern 10, en god följeslagare på allsköns färder

Så sammantaget är det är vad det ser ut att vara. En vacker bruksniv med det där lilla extra som ibland är svårt att beskriva. Det som kommer från god formgivning, fina material och grundad erfarenhet. 

Priset på kniven är i dagsläget kring 2645 SEK och för det får du en följeslagare för livet. En utmärkt present till någon du tycker om eller kanske dig själv.  

Karesuandokniven

Specifikation:

Totallängd: 210 mm
Bladlängd: 100 mm
Godstjocklek: 3,2 mm
Stål: 12C27, HRC58
Vikt: 95 g (endast kniv, 162 g med fodral)
Handtag: Masurbjörk/Renhorn/Mässing
Fodral: läder från ren

Producerad av Karesuandokniven, tillverkad i Sverige


/ J - letar efters sina norrländska rötter

New Knife - Karesuandokniven Bäver 10

Sometimes, or rather quite often, my eyes are drawn to the traditionally classic and simple when it comes to aesthetics. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, they say. That certainly applies in this case. This is a really nice-looking knife. It was also the first thing that made me fall for it. That and previous experiences with this company. I have a couple of favorites from them already.

A typical box from Karesuandokniven

This knife is called Bäver 10. "Bäver" is Swedish for a certain well-known large rodent, a beaver. This knife is made by Swedish Karesuandokniven. 

Unsurprisingly, this company is found in the small village of Karesuando, north of the Arctic Circle.* A place that I can't help but feel a little related to, as parts of my family on my grandfather's side are from Tornedalen. It's the borderland between Sweden and Finland. 

Inside the box a leather sheath and an elegant hunting and outdoor knife

Karesuandokniven's products are deeply rooted in the area in which they are located. This applies to appearance as well as function and materials. Or the latter applies only partially. Certainly, traditional materials such as reindeer and moose antlers, reindeer skins, and Masur birch are found in knives and axes, but when it comes to steel, they have upgraded and diversified. Modern materials such as stainless damascus steel from Swedish Damasteel are often found in the most luxurious range. They also use "super steel" such as RWL-34 to name a few.

In this knife, however, a slightly less advanced but very capable steel is found, Sandvik 12C27. A very proven steel that has been used by many knife manufacturers in both Sweden and France over the years. This version came really sharp with a stated hardness of 58HRC. An excellent factory edge in the form of a classic "Scandi" grind.

The handle offers classic materials such as brass in the finger guard followed by a piece of reindeer horn and the rest is made of well-treated Masur birch. The reindeer horn is of course decorative, but the brass has its own history. If I'm not misinformed, it was historically attributed with properties such as helping to ward off evil spirits. It may be true or not, but it's pretty!

Karesuandokniven Bäver 10

Beaver 10 is a knife that is slightly larger than you might think. This manifests itself, among other things, in that you get a little more edge length than in the smaller knives from Karesuandokniven, as well as an extremely comfortable handle. The name actually tells how long the blade is as it measures 100 mm. There is also a smaller version for those who want it with an 80 mm blade. The thickness of the steel is a well-chosen 3.2 mm. The entire knife is 210 mm long. Then it is very light, my scale says the knife weighs in at 95g and the whole package stops at 164g.

The knife comes with a simple but well-stitched leather sheath with an excellent fit and an insert that prevents unnecessary wear.

Overall, my first impressions of this knife are at least as positive as the ones I got from seeing it in pictures. A very elegant model that feels good to hold and arrived really sharp. Now it will be interesting and fun to see how it behaves when it is used as well. A review follows, be sure!

Karesuandokniven

/ J - seek his roots

* For a while they marketed themselves as the northernmost knife brand in the world until I felt compelled to providentially point out that Norwegian Knivsmed Strömeng is found in Karasjok, which is another three-hundred kilometers in a straight north direction.

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - QSP Variant PE

This must be considered a slightly odd piece in the QSP catalog as well as in my collection. The model is called Variant PE.

The first thing that is odd is that it is a "swayback". Actually, a knife shape more often found in traditional designs but here translated into modern form. This simply means that the handle bends slightly upwards. In the "wrong" way in my opinion. I always want to turn them over so that they fit better in my hand. Now, however, that detail is not so extremely pronounced in this case, but still.

The knife comes with QSP's usual stickers

Another surprising detail on the Variant, at least in this version, is that despite the titanium in the handle, it is a liner lock! Manufacturers usually choose a frame lock in that case. But here the metal has only been used as a material in the handle slabs. Under them, you find a traditional frame. If other materials are desired, the knife is also available with both G10 and Micarta in the handle. Thus, the three most common modern material choices are covered.

Then it is not common to combine a swayback with a front flipper, but that has been done here. In addition, a blade hole is also found to open the knife. However, it feels a bit like an after-construction, I can reveal already now. But I'll return to why in a future review.

QSP Variant PE

Otherwise, the knife is easy and smooth to open, not least because the blade runs on ceramic bearings. The blade is a typical Wharncliffe although it is slightly modified as the edge actually has a slight bend, unlike the completely straight edge of the archetype. The choice of steel is not advanced. QSP uses Swedish 12C27 in this blade. Anyone who has used a classic Mora knife knows what it is!

The designer behind these somewhat odd combined details is Jacob Lundquist. So in this case, QSP has chosen to collaborate with someone outside of their design team.

QSP Knife

/ J 

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre 

Ny kniv - Brisa PK70FX

Häromsistens presenterade jag en fällkniv vars övergripande drag påminde om en puukko. Här har vi en kniv som tar det konceptet ett steg längre. Inte nog med att det är en kniv av nämnda typ utan den är därtill en fastbladad version av en fällkniv! Så det känns som säcken knyts ihop. 

Finska Brisa  hade nämligen tidigare en slip joint kalld PK70 i katalogen. Nu har man valt att göra om den kniven med ungefär samma mått fast i en mer robust version. Den har tämligen beskrivande fått namnet PK70FX  där "FX" förstås står för "Fixed". 

Brisa PK70FX

Den följer förlagan tämligen troget i övergripande linjer vilket återspeglas i både handtags- och bladform. Även längden på bladet är densamma, det vill säga 70 mm. Tjockleken är modesta 3 mm och höjden är 20 mm. Bladet är gjort i klassiskt svenskt 12C27 och bladet har som sig bör i sammanhanget fått sig en "scandi grind". Fattas bara annat men det bör påpekas att de gör sig väsentligt bättre med tunna blad så i det här fallet kommer det till sin rätt. 

En liten fastbladad kniv med skandinavisk slipning avsedd för "EDC-bruk" från finska Brisa

Handtaget finns i olika utföranden men här är det trä, närmare bestämt bocote som skruvats på  plats över en full tånge. Kniven kommer med ett enkelt men välgjort läderfodral. 

Överlag en intressant kniv som sällar sig till min växande grupp av fastbladade knivar riktade mot EDC-bruk mer än jakten eller byggarbetsplatsen även om den här faktiskt skulle fungera i de sammanhangen också. 

Brisa Knives

/ J - gillar fastbladare...också

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review CRKT Jake

  

- a future "Evergreen"?

In the presentation of this knife a couple of months ago I wondered if Ken Onion designs the same knife over and over again and the follow-up question was whether or not it's a good thing? It is the last question that is most relevant in this case.

All major knife brands have their own successful models. Those who live their own lives a bit beside the trends and who thus become the "earrings" of the knife world and not infrequently cash cows for the companies. The Kershaw Blur is one such and now it seems that CRKT, after some experimentation, has a model that fills the same niche. Or at least has the potential to do so.

The knife I'm talking about is of course the one called Jake for short.

CRKT Jake

The comparison with the Kershaw Blur is not as strange as it might first seem. Actually, knives should be presented on their own merits and not compared to others, but it is difficult not to do so in this case as the knives are quite similar in appearance, size, and function. Not least, they have the same creator, the Hawaii-based knife maker, and designer Ken Onion.

The name of the knife deserves an extra mention as it is said to be the name of one of Onion's fans and also a police officer who was looking for the perfect EDC knife. Based on that, Onion created a custom knife which, however, was a more solid frame lock with rubber panels in the handle. This is CRKT's interpretation of that knife.

CRKT's interpretation of a custom knife designed by Ken Onion

Twitter version: CRKT Jake, one of the more exclusive knives in the range that also has the potential to become a future classic!

Blade

A drop point is one of the quintessential blade types. One such is found here, especially since this version is classic as the back only slightly "drops" which means that the blade is almost straight in shape. What this produces is a blade with a substantial belly that makes up more than half the edge length but still leaves a piece of straight edge closest to the handle to work with.

The length in millimeters is 84.43 mm, which might seem slightly odd. The reason is, of course, that the knife is designed based on inches and the length is 3.3", which is easier to read. The thickness of the blade ends up in the same way just over 3.5 mm and the height of the blade is 28 mm at most. The blade is actually slightly lower towards the handle. 

An eight-and-a-half-centimeter or 3.3" drop point blade

CRKT has gone from being one of the worst offenders when it comes to 'billboarding', posting entire texts on the blades to, in this case, being really tasteful. Logo on one side in a discreet format along with the designer and some form of a serial number on the opposite.

It is particularly modest since the blade is rather dark gray as a result of a longitudinally brushed look that has received some form of blasting. 

The steel used is a step up from the 8Cr combinations so common for CRKT. Here they used 12C27 from Sandvik instead. But why the developed and better 14C28N was not chosen is beyond my understanding. With this choice, one of the knife's disadvantages arises.

But before we get into it, it can be said that the blade has a flat grind that extends over the entire height of the blade and that it tapers from about a third of the length of the blade. I measure the thickness behind the edge at 0.5 mm, which is not entirely impressive for a knife that aims to be an optimal EDC knife. What can be said in defense is that the edge is strong, but it would clearly have benefited from being at least a tenth of a millimeter thinner. But knife makers these days don't trust either their steels or their users. The latter rightfully so perhaps given some of the tests they are subjected to online. But that's a side track.

The blade finish is brushed and blasted and the steel is 12C27

Then there was the disadvantage of the steel. It is not the ability to take a good edge. Those of you who know your knife steel know that this steel is what is found in many old Mora knives. It can therefore be sharp. And it was on arrival. CRKT gets a pass on that front without being extremely good. Something that is good, however, is that the sharpening choil that is available is large enough to fulfill its function.

Jake has been allowed to act as a package opener at work during the test period. That means a lot of plastic and cardboard

When the packaging for a new bed would be broken down into smaller pieces, part of the problem with the choice of steel becomes apparent

The problem I have with the 12C27 in this design is that it gets dull quickly. After a while of cutting, it is clearly noticeable that the edge loses its sharpness. It becomes particularly clear when you tackle large amounts of cardboard. A material that is quite common in everyday applications. At least in my life as in this case when a new bed was purchased. Unfortunately, plastic is almost as common. Even in those materials, it is noticeable that the steel is not the most durable. The edge bites well when it is sharp but not for very long. It became especially clear when I took the knife to work (professional kitchen environment) where it had to act as a package opener.

In return, the geometry is relatively good for being so thick behind the edge. I predict that when I then re-sharpen the knife and flatten the edge angle, Jake will be a pure cutting machine. It is capable as it is now. It must be said in the knife's defense that it cuts relatively well even when it is not razor sharp, which is appreciable and it is a characteristic that can largely be attributed to the blade geometry.

Handle

The material that dominates this handle is anodized aluminum. Two substantial pieces, 4.5 mm thick, have been used and shaped into a sturdy and comfortable handle. Pockets have then been milled into the sides which house panels in black G10. A chamfered edge runs around the entire handle, rounding off the shape.

The handle is made of aluminum with recessed panels in G10

The handle is open in the back aside from a partial back spacer, also made in aluminum. It also serves as an attachment for a lanyard. The airy construction combined with the completely smooth interior makes this part of the knife very easy to clean. But to think for that reason that it is the knife is completely made for mud and sand is to stretch too far as there are other details that are more difficult to clean if necessary. 

The back is open and the inside is smooth, which facilitates cleaning

This construction consists of quite a few parts. You have panels that are screwed in place and under one of them you will find the screws that hold the backspacer in place. Then you have bearings and bearing cups for them to run in, as the sides, as I said, are made of aluminum. The knife also has a loose internal stop pin. All screws are T6 size except the pivot screw which is T8 size.

Jake consists of quite a few parts and screws. In addition to the parts in the picture, the knife comes with five more screws, a panel, and the lock bar

The softly shaped handle is 107 mm long, of which around 100 mm is available grip surface. The thickness is a little over thirteen millimeters and the height is at most 32 mm.

The G10 panels embedded in the handle are quite coarse and give traction and thus provide a good grip. Speaking of grip, "jimpings"/grooves can be found both on the lock bar, the base of the blade spine, and not least on the aluminum part that forms the hole for the lanyard.

Speaking of aluminum, it can be stated that if there is any disadvantage to the material, it is the way it ages. Not with dignity can be said. So if "patina" or rather wear is something you worry about, maybe you should look at another knife. Having said that, it can be noted that the anodization on this knife has kept its color well and no major scuff marks have appeared. But then I've only had the knife for a couple of months too.

The balance is good and the handle is very sympathetic

Overall, both the size and shape make this a very good handle with one small exception. But overall, it's really good regardless of which grip you prefer. Hammer grip for strength, saber grip for precision or maybe a guiding index finger on the spine of the blade, anything works. The same can be said for reverse grips such as when the knife is held to carve against the body or like an ice pick. As the knife is not excessively thick at the front end, a pinch grip also works well.

Opening and Lock

Jake is a dedicated flipper-opened knife. If necessary, you can also wrestle it open with two hands as the detent ball is not that hard, but it is not easily done. 

With that solution, it is important to have a good flipper, and Jake has that, even if the function could have been better. It is not the flipper tab itself that is the problem. It is certainly small, but the shape is well thought out. This means that you can both push it down and pull it back, although it is the latter that works best. In addition, it has been milled out, which makes the appearance airy and makes it look more worked. The small grooves that are there to increase traction make no difference as it is the shape that gives the traction.

A small but good flipper tab

What I meant by the function could have been better is that the detent is not perfectly tuned. This means that the knife does not feel as crisp when opened as it should. It's not bad, but it also doesn't belong to the top layer, which means that you have to deliberately press down and not be too "wet" in the execution itself, because then you stand there with a half-opened blade. Once you get used to it, though, it's nothing that causes problems or irritation.

Since Jake has IKBS ball bearings the blade should be faster but as I said it is not. But they are enough to give the blade smooth action. One thing that is less good, however, is that the pivot screw, like on so many flipper knives, has a tendency to undo itself due to the vibrations caused by the force from the blade. It wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for the fact that the screw head is extremely shallow, which means that there is a risk of damaging the threads even with quality tools. A drop of thread locker is recommended.

The lock is a bit special as it is a "nested liner lock"

I consider the pattern on the lock bar to be a bit too aggressive

Jake has a liner lock of a special kind. Sometimes the construction is called a "nested liner lock", which is something that is used when the lock bar is made of a different material than the handle. Typically when solid G10 or, as here, aluminum is used in combination with the steel in the lock bar.

The function is very reliable. The lock engages with certainty at every opening and holds the blade in place with authority. If there is anything negative to object to, it is that the beveled saw teeth that the locking bar is equipped with for better traction are too sharp. Then, as usual, they are actually directed in the wrong direction to fulfill the function they are intended for. You don't push the locking arm forward, which is the direction they take, but to the side.

To Carry

The handle is certainly full on the Jake, but still not among the most voluminous. Rather, the knife can be considered in-between in that case, not too big, not too small. In return, the weight relative to the size is sympathetic. In real terms, that means just over a hundred grams in your pocket. Not much to argue about considering the size of the blade. Nor is the knife overly complicated to pull or put away.

A relatively small but strong steel clip that feels surprisingly anonymous in hand

However, there are other things that make Jake a little more unruly in the pocket. One such thing is the G10 sides which are very coarse. At best, you can say that together with the clip, they make the knife sit more securely in the pocket. But what I mainly have in mind is the strongly grooved back spacer which, due to the positioning of the clip, sticks up a bit and is not at all pleasant to strike with the hand. It's something that happens fairly frequently if you're out walking and swinging your arms, for example. At least for me. 

The clip, well it is a small simple spring steel clip. The tension is decent and you won't lose your knife for that reason. The space under the clip is also substantial to accommodate even slightly thicker fabric. The ramp is good and has the positive feature of not feeling it in the hand even though it is angled outwards.

Less good for the left-handed is that this clip cannot be shifted. Why, is a bit of a mystery as an extra pass with the milling machine would have provided the recess in the G10 side needed. There is nothing in the construction to prevent it. In return, everyone else gets a nicer presentation side with fewer holes in it.

To Conclude

A few years ago I had a series here on the blog I called "The Hunt for the perfect pocket knife". A series that petered out a bit but still feels relevant in some way. CRKT Jake is a knife that could easily be included in it. Here you will find an appealing appearance, a healthy blade shape, and a very likable handle.

The answer to the question of whether it is good or bad that Onion produces similar knife models from time to time can be considered answered. At least as far as Jake is concerned. It is the result of an incremental development where the basis is the Kershaw Blur but which he then worked to transfer to an equally successful model for CRKT. Along the way, there have been knives like Shenanigan, Prowess, and Hi Jinx, but now we may have arrived at the final destination, Jake.

Although the knife is said to be a "custom job" from a fan of Ken Onion who wanted the perfect EDC knife. 

Jake is a very likable EDC knife

The road to perfection is long and winding but Jake is a serious attempt in that direction that possibly falls on a couple of small details although they don't take away from the impression that quickly made this one of my favorites in the category. It is both stylish and practical and thus has a lot going for it.

But there is a little fly in the ointment. I don't know what it is with some companies and their "jimpings". They seem to think that the only way to get a good grip on a handle is to make it look like a hedgehog or maybe a porcupine given the geography. It's not that bad with Jake, but there are clearly places that didn't need to be so sharp. One such is the notches found on the lock bar. Considering the direction you press it in when it is to be released, they do not do much good for the function and you do not need to saw anything with it either. But it's worse with the grooves found at the end of the back of the handle. They are quite sharp and annoy me as I quite often hit them with my hand when I am out walking and have the knife in my pocket. It gets even worse when you have to put your hand in your pocket and almost tear your skin at them. 

Another less good detail is that the user needs to apply thread-locker to the pivot screw. It loosens quickly and the grooves in the screw head are very shallow, making the risk of tearing the threads obvious.

Then it must be said that, like the Blur that I compared this knife to in the beginning, Jake would benefit from coming out in versions with more advanced steels. CRKT has previously stubbornly stuck to very simple steels such as 8Cr14MoV on the majority of their knives. However, they have recently loosened that stance with a couple of forays into the enchanted land of knife steel. Unfortunately, the small picnic moments have been accompanied by hefty price tags.

This knife would really benefit from being equipped with, say, S35VN. But already the step up to Sandvik 14C28N would be pleasant. Why they stopped at 12C27 is incomprehensible to me. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with price as the difference can't be huge. On its website, CRKT writes about the steel "Superior Performance: Sandvik 12C27 blade steel for excellent edge retention". A strange sales text considering that it is precisely one of that steel's Achilles heels. It does not hold its sharpness very well compared to more modern stainless steel.

I hope CRKT realizes the potential of this knife and changes their mind on that point. Although I don't think it's very likely.

CRKT Jake is a good friend even on the forest adventure

Now it might sound like I'm negative about Jake, but that's absolutely not the case. These small changes would elevate an already very good EDC knife to one of the best in its class. As I said, the potential is there. In addition, Jake is a well-built knife and, as I said, the function is really good.

It pays to look around a bit for the best price in the EU. At the time of writing, it costs anything between 150-200€. 

Specification:

Length Overall: 202 mm

Length Folded: mm

Weight: 108 g

Blade Length: 84,5 mm

Blade Thickness: 3,53 mm

Blade Steel: 12C27, Sandvik

Handle: Aluminium, G10

Lock: Liner lock

Produced by: CRKT, made in China

/ J - get to know brother Jake

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Review - Ruike S11

 

- small and well built

Really small knives have of course been around for a long time. Sometimes it has even happened that manufacturers make something extremely small to demonstrate their craftsmanship, going all the way down to miniatures. That's one side of the coin, the other is that many tasks simply don't require a large knife. Only a sharp edge is needed to open a letter in the rare cases they still exist or perhaps a package, as well as to remove a label from a newly purchased shirt. It doesn't have to be long.

However, if the edge is made of quality steel and properly hardened, it will stay sharp longer and if the handle is well-built, the knife feels better even if it is small. The format can then be combined with another concept, "modern traditional". It simply means classic pocket knives, not infrequently "slip joints" but with some deviations from the traditional. For example, they are often screwed instead of riveted, and the materials in both the blade and handle are updated.

It is exactly the kind of knife I intend to present here as it is both small and equipped with modern materials, the Ruike S11.

Ruike S11-G

In this knife, Ruike has used quality materials, even though it is primarily a complementary knife. A very small knife intended for the key ring or similar. Here we find Swedish steel from Sandvik in the blade and G10 in the handle. Everything is built around a well-executed steel frame. Details that can be found in significantly larger and, by all means, more expensive knives.

S11 is a simple but capable micro knife from Ruike

Twitter version: Ruike S11, a small but surprisingly competent complementary knife for the key chain that can handle most things that do not require a large knife blade.

Blade

Ruike S11 offers a little delicacy of a knife blade. The shape is not much to talk about, it is a classic drop point even if it is stumbling close to a spear point in exactly the same spirit as, for example, a Victorinox. A variant that is also called "pen blade" in a smaller version. So there is no doubt about where they looked for inspiration. But there is nothing bad in this case. It's a good shape for a small blade.

The blade measures 52 mm in length, of which a full 50 mm is the edge, which is appreciable. The blade is just over a centimeter high, more precisely 12 mm, and as thin as 2 mm.

The blade shape resembles a classic pen blade

The blade has had a round with the polishing machine which gives a high gloss finish. Something that helps with the rust inertia. The marking found on the blade consists of the Ruike logo on one side and on the other side is the model designation, S11 followed by a letter that stands for the color choice. Then they also managed to squeeze in the steel type and month of manufacture along with another logo, a stylized "RK". I don't understand why you need two logos. But in return, they are small in size, so it's not something that annoys me too much. 

The material is something as unusual as 12C27 from Sandvik. The steel itself is of course not uncommon, but finding it in knives this small is somewhat rarer. It is quality steel even if they are not among the more expensive ones. For us Swedes, it is best known as the "Mora knife steel". 

Otherwise, it can be added that the knife is thin behind the edge, and when paired with a stock thickness of two millimeters it works well. Especially as the factory edge was very sharp. It is also fairly even, which gives a good rating. It is not completely perfect as one side has a steeper angle than the other. There is also the hint of a small "smile" towards the ricasso. The recess, which facilitates future grinding, could have been slightly larger. But the smile is small and the execution is, after all, better than what many other manufacturers manage to achieve.

Swedish steel, 12C27 from Sandvik, is found in the polished blade

Put to work, this little rascal surprises in a positive way. The hope was, of course, that it would cut relatively well, but it's always nice when expectations are met. Here Ruike transformed a stock thickness of two millimeters and reduced it to around 0.3-0.4 mm behind the edge via a hollow grind. This means that the S11 easily slides through ropes and the like as long as they are not too thick. With knives this tiny, you have to use a couple of cuts, and given the format, of course, you cannot create any direct force to put behind the cuts.

You can actually shred cardboard with this little knife. The handle is what is limiting the most

But as a "pocket scalpel", to be used for all kinds of small tasks in everyday life, it is extremely functional. Especially when both the construction and the feel of the small blade inspire confidence. I have also tried to carve some grill sticks and it actually goes well. If you really have to, it is best to add. The knife's strengths are, of course, things like opening packages, cutting tape and strings, opening letters, cutting some string to put bind a steak (I happened to do it), removing tough plastic that encased a piece of salami, and so on.

Then it's a slip joint, so I don't like to stab with the knife and if you do, as usual, you have to be careful and do it at the right angle so that the blade doesn't fold.

Handle

One of the greatest assets the S11 has is that it is built like any large knife. This applies not only to the blade but also to the handle. Here you will find a steel frame on which sides of G10 have been screwed. Everything is made with good fit and precision, which gives a solid impression. Examples of this are how the frame is both polished, just like the blade, and how all corners and edges are softly rounded.

The handle slabs are made of G10

In addition to the marking found on the blade, a serial number has been imprinted on the back spring. Exactly what it should be good for is beyond my understanding, but if you must now necessarily have it on the knife, it is the next best place. The best would be inside the knife. But like the rest of the text, it is very small.

The back consists of the lock bar

The G10 material used in the sides of the knife is of good quality. This results in a certain structure that provides friction and thus better traction. That's good on a knife this small. The sides are screwed in place with T6 screws.

At the back end of the knife, there is an attachment for a lanyard or rather for a key ring in this case. One is even included in the purchase. It gives a clear indication of how the manufacturer intended the knife to be classified.

The handle allows for a three-finger grip

The handle shape is simple and anything else would be stupid considering the format. In return, it works well. This knife can be gripped relatively firmly. The shape means that all seven centimeters that the handle measures can be used to grip. But even so, the space is only enough for three fingers. But it is a good three-finger knife. Not the best, but good.

Opening and Lock

The S11 is a pocket knife with a classic cut, even if the way it is put together is modern. Classic means two-handed opening. To facilitate the procedure, the blade has been provided with a solid nail nick. Some people think it makes knives or rather blades uglier, but it is practical after all. Even I who am a nail-biter can use the notch to get a better grip with the pinch I use to open the knife.

A classical two-handed opening is facilitated by a nail nick

The force to overcome the detent on a slip joint is usually called "pull" and considering how small the knife is, S11 offers a relatively good fight. The rating ends up around 5 out of 10. This blade does not pop out on its own.

The walk is soft and the resistance offered by the back spring I put around 4-5 as well. The sound the little knife makes when the blade falls into place is satisfying.

This means in plain language that in the unfolded position the blade is relatively solid. The back spring is strong enough for me not to feel uneasy. It is fully comparable to, for example, a Victorinox Cadet for those of you who have tested that knife. But then, of course, it's a slip joint with all that that entails. You don't stab with such a knife and some caution is recommended when using the knife so you don't accidentally hit the back of the blade too hard. Especially since the S11 lacks the halfway stop that is otherwise common on this type of knife.

To Carry

A knife that weighs a paltry 30 grams and measures 9x14x70 millimeters does not, of course, take up much space or make a fuss, whether it is found on a key ring or in a pocket. Nor does the handle material play any role in how the knife feels to carry on such a small scale.

It is in this easy-to-carry class of micro-knives that the S11 is found

Ruike S11 is worn either as the description suggests on a key chain or loose in the pocket. If you want to wear it attached to something, there is a specially designed key ring attachment. Personally, I wear it loosely for the simple reason that I'm not a big fan of big key chains. Then I'm so lucky in life that I don't have to lug around very many keys either.

The biggest problem with carrying this knife loosely in a pocket is remembering you have it there. Admittedly, it lays crosswise, but the outer dimensions are so diminutive that it is still not noticeable. It also means that it requires a bit of rummaging in the bottom of your pocket to find it. It can be experienced as a little frustrating when, for example, you sit down. Knives with clips have spoiled us and accustomed us to knives being more readily available.

To Conclude

Ruike's model S11 is a knife that, despite its discreet format, can be sorted into the "modern traditional" category. It is a simple, single-bladed slip joint, which stylistically makes it traditional, while the materials and construction give it a modern touch. Both G10 and Sandvik 12C27 are found here. Then it should be pointed out that the other knives in Ruike's "S-series" have more functions and are thus small multi-tools to be compared with Swiss army knives.

The knife is screwed and not riveted. Something that is not quite common on pocket knives of older times. The screws are of course small, but that is something I have no problem with when they are found on a small knife. Especially as it is a slip joint. They should not be disassembled over and over again in any case. That's asking for trouble.

The steel is not only a good mid-range Swedish steel, if you may put it that way, but also well-treated it seems. The knife kept its sharpness well during the test period. Because the edge is relatively thin and the steel is not extremely hard, it is easy to maintain with a strop.

The Ruike S11 is a small knife that cuts better than you might believe

The S11 is a model that belongs to those knives that cut a little better than you might think. There have been a few of these popping up lately and I'm grateful for that. Because no matter how nice a Victorinox Classic is, it's basically impossible to cut anything with. This knife, on the other hand, works quite well despite similar dimensions. A feature it shares with knives such as the Spyderco Manbug and Civivi Mini Elementum.

S11, is simple and tasty like an espresso

Speaking of slip joints, you usually talk about certain specific things in connection with them. One such thing is how they sound. In this case, the S11 provides a satisfyingly strong snap when the back spring falls into place in both the outer and inner positions. Also, opening and closing the blade is fairly smooth. Thus, the "walk and talk" is satisfactory. The precision of the construction is also good. There are no gaps between the frame and the back spring and the transition between the sides and the frame is nicely done. The blade is centered with a fine finish and everything on the handle is rounded and polished.

The knife also comes with a five-year warranty. It's enough for this format, if the S11 hasn't given up at the time, it won't do it later either is my assessment.

Then it can be added that the well-worn cliché "that it disappears until you need it" is so true that I have lost it on several occasions and on at least one occasion washed the knife in the machine as it is easily forgotten at the bottom of a pocket. In other words, it is both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Ruike S11 is a keyring knife that offers good quality

Overall, it seems as if Ruike invested in quality despite the Lilliput format. It is an interesting touch that is not one of the most common. Kudos to Ruike for that effort. Especially as the S11 is not a particularly expensive knife. Some of the others in the comparison pictures above cost both two and three times more. In Europe, this knife costs from €17 and up. A good and solid alternative as a complement to a slightly larger knife or for those who don't feel they need more.

Specifications:

Length Overall: 122 mm

Length Folded: 70 mm

Weight: 30 g

Blade Length: 52 mm

Blade Thickness: 2 mm

Blade Steel: Sandvik 12C27N

Handle: G10

Lock: none, slip joint

Produced by: Ruike, made in China

/ J 

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