Review Artisan Cutlery Revel

  

-  another Laconico design

It would be an exaggeration to say that I collect knives designed by Ray Laconico, but it so happens that I have a couple of them at the moment, of which this one from Artisan Cutlery, called Revel, is the latest!

I have also reviewed another model from Artisan's sister brand, CJRB, called Prado, which is also designed by the same person.

Artisan Cutlery Revel

Like many models from Artisan Cutlery, this one is also available in several different versions. In this configuration, the Revel comes with a metal handle and a slightly simpler steel, but it can also be had with an FRN handle with the same steel or a really nice S90V. The FRN versions are button locks and are also available in different colours and with or without black-coated blades.

Depending on budget and needs, there are different options to choose from.

Then, Revel has also been made in a couple of extremely luxurious editions featuring titanium handles and S90V or Magnacut. But they have been sold out for some time now.

Revel is another stylish knife signed by Ray Laconico

Short version: Artisan Cutlery Revel, A stylish and elegant knife that is both easy to carry and practical as an EDC knife

Blade

The blade is a quintessential Clip point, which in this case has proportions that make it reminiscent of a typical Bowie knife. Although in a smaller and folding version. Smaller in this case is still relatively substantial for a folding knife with a length of 90 mm. This should be put in relation to a height of 32 mm at most. The blade material is 3.2 mm thick.

The most distinctive feature of this knife is the distinctive clip-point blade.

The finish is a glossy satin, and the marking consists of the Artisan Cutlery logo on one side of the ricasso and on the opposite side, you will find the serial number and steel type. The Laconico name is also found on the blade. However, everything is sympathetically discreet and does not destroy the clean lines of the blade.

They are also reinforced by a pronounced false edge and a high sabre grind. The latter measures just over two centimetres in height. This causes the blade to narrow to about 0.6 mm behind the edge. A figure that, in my opinion, is too much for a folding knife and more suited to a large cleaver. Here, Artisan Cutlery could well rely more on the material and thin out the blades.

The blade is also distinguished by the fact that the beginning of the spine tends upwards and forms a thumb ramp with grooves for better grip. Then the blade hole is, of course, something that is obvious.

The steel used is AC's own AR-RPM9 steel, a steel that has proven to be viable. It is a typical all-round steel in the mid-segment, where you also find competitors such as 14C28N and N690. Not at all fussy, actually. It holds its sharpness fairly well and resists corrosion well. It is also very easy to sharpen, which is always nice.

The steel used is Artisan Cutlery's own AR-RPM9

As soon as you start using the Revel, you realise that this is a practical knife. A clip point blade is often good for many things, and that applies here as well. For more common EDC tasks such as cutting plastic straps, tape, rope and thinner string, cutting nylon straps around packages, etc., this blade works very well. In addition, there is something about the geometry that, despite the knife being thick behind the edge, makes it a veritable cardboard shredder.

The tip is also just as good as it looks. Sharp without being too flimsy. Then we come to the most positive surprise. Revel cuts very well in wood! That it does so in fresh branches may not be so strange. The factory edge gets approved; it is sharp and symmetrical. But that the knife would be so good for drier wood was surprising to me. The handle also helps by being long enough so that the little finger does not get an unpleasant amount of pressure when the knife wants to rotate in the hand when there is some force behind the cuts.

Even in lighter materials such as ordinary textiles, Revel is very workable. A lot of clothes are used for cleaning bicycles in a cyclist's household, and I make them out of worn-out clothes. 

Handle

The handle on this version is, as previously stated, made of titanium. In this case, this means two solid pieces that are just over three millimetres thick. No attempts have been made to lighten them. They are flat on the inside, which, on the other hand, makes cleaning easier. A detail that is also made easier by the completely open back. There is also a bolt with a hole in it for a lanyard. In order for it to be used, a thinner string must be used. There is no space for, for example, a standard 550 paracord.

The knife is held together by two spacers in addition to the pivot screw. The screw heads are actually T8s but really bad if I'm being honest. The grip for a tool is almost non-existent with a domed screw head and a very shallow groove. Do not disassemble this knife! The risk of you standing there with round screw heads is almost one hundred per cent!

In this version, Revel has a titanium handle

The length of the entire handle is 115 mm, of which the available space for the fingers is about 93 mm. However, this does not feel cramped at all as the finger guard is softly shaped and you can place half your index finger over it without any problems. At the back, the handle widens slightly to prevent you from slipping backwards when cutting with the knife.

The knife is open at the back, and there is also a mount for a very thin lanyard.

The titanium sides are designed so that the pattern that is there gives the impression of panels. It gives a little grip, but it is mainly the shape and the depression for the index finger that help to keep the knife in the hand. There are also some grooves on the base of the blade spine for a thumb, but they are more of an indexing nature than giving any real grip. Something that I am happy about, as there has been more and more discussion recently about how such depressions in knife blades affect the general durability.

The finish overall gets approved as the edges and corners are sanded and rounded as they should be.

The Revel has a very comfortable handle. It's a little too thin to be extremely ergonomic.

In the hand, the Revel is comfortable in a relatively neutral way. It is not an ergonomic muscle package, but the index finger finds its place, and so does the rest of the hand. Then the relatively simple shape means that the two basic grips, sabre and hammer grip, work excellently.

The same can be said about reverse grips; nothing annoying there either. In general, the clip also stays out of the way despite being of the "deep ride" type. This is appreciated as they sometimes cause chafing due to their location far back on the handle.

Opening and Lock

This is an easy-to-open knife, provided you appreciate Spyderco's invention of the blade hole, of course. The alternative is to open the knife with two hands, which is, of course, possible.

The opening method is clearly visible from the hole in the blade

The blade hole is easy to access and comfortable to use as it is bevelled sympathetically. Much more and it would have become slippery. It is always a trade-off.

The fine ceramic ball bearings mean that this knife's blade has a tendency to fly out quickly. This is especially true if you use a so-called "Spydie flick" with your index finger on the back of the knife.

Then the blade is quite heavy, depending on the shape and thickness, so the detent can be overcome with a flick of the wrist for those who want to provoke their knife and open it that way.

A small disadvantage with the crispy opening and the heavy blade in combination is that the pivot screw has a tendency to unthread itself. You either have to adjust it at regular intervals or provide it with a little thread locking to keep it in place. After a while, otherwise the opening becomes too easy, and the blade starts to point away from the locking side. With a properly adjusted pivot, the blade is otherwise centred.

Here you will find a classic frame lock with associated lock bar reinforcement and overtravel stop 

The lock found on this knife is a frame lock with the usual accessories. This means a steel-reinforced lock bar and an overtravel stop. 

The function is very good with a lock that always engages and a lock bar that is easy to reach. The lock bar is also quite soft, which makes the lock easy to release. However, not so easy that it slips under incorrect load, i.e. pressure or light blows to the blade spine.

I also do not experience any play in the blade with the lock in place. However, this applies as long as the pivot screw has not unthreaded itself, of course.

To Carry

Revel is not too bad to carry in a pocket. With its 114 grams, as measured by me, it is not intimidating for its size. It is also just over eleven centimetres long, as mentioned above. This should be paired with a height of at most 35 mm and a thickness of only just over a centimetre.

Overall, a thin and light knife, especially if you compare it to the length of the available edge.

The clip is simple and of the spring steel type

The sides of the handle are flat, which also doesn't pose any obstacle when the knife is stored in a pocket. The pattern on the titanium does not affect how the knife feels when pulled or put away.

This is what Revel looks like in a pocket

The clip on the Revel is of the simplest kind, and here it is noticeable that this is actually a "hotter" version of a simpler model. That is, the titanium itself is an upgraded luxury detail.

Here you will find a spring steel clip directly picked from the manufacturer's shelf, and it is also found on other models. However, this does not mean that it is bad, just that it is nothing special and may look a little boring. A plus, however, is that its shiny polished finish is repeated in both screws and blades.

The function is good with some remarks. The ramp is small but generally does not pose a problem, although, as usual, I have comments on the tips pointing outwards. They can both chafe and feel sharp if you hit your hand on them. The springiness in the clip is good, and the space underneath, well, adequate, no more. Especially not as a couple of millimetres at the back edge is stolen by the fact that the clip is not recessed into the handle side. Another slightly cost-saving measure. Machining time is money.

To Conclude

Revel is another stylish and practical knife from Ray Laconico's pen or perhaps a CAD program. All the lines are as they should be, and what made me choose this knife was the stylish blade. It is shiny, nice and is a clip point that gives Bowie knife vibes. Just right in my opinion.

Then I like the purity of Laconico's design language in general. A few custom knives from him would not be unwelcome, but that is beyond my financial muscles. Instead, I have to rely on Artisan Cutlery, among others. In general, I have come to like their way of making knives in terms of production quality. Both fit and finish are usually good.

This is also the case, although with a few small exceptions.

Revel is a sympathetic EDC knife as it is both practical and easy to carry.

It's about a few small details, but they annoy me a little, I have to admit. One such thing is the quality of the screws. They are simply not good in this case. The screw heads are far too shallow. Enough said about that. Although the next detail is also about screws, it is the pivot screw itself. The problem with it unthreading itself is certainly quite easy to fix, but it assumes that you have Loc Tite or similar at home.

Then there was the grind. A sabre grind is what it is, but in this embodiment, I think it is far too thick behind the edge. What tasks should be performed with a folding knife that requires it to be 0.6 mm thick behind the edge? Now, it can also be fixed by grinding or rather, completely reprofiling the edge. It is too much work for me.

That said, the Revel doesn't cut badly, just not as well as I would like. But there is no risk of the edge chipping. It holds up well, and in combination with a comfortable handle.

Something that can also be discussed is whether or not there should be titanium on this specific model. On that point, Artisan Cutlery cater to different tastes, and I happened to choose this version. As I said, the model is available in other materials and more exclusive steels for those who prefer it.

Artisan Cutlery Revel is also sturdy enough to work in the woods if you feel like it

Overall, it can be concluded that the impressions of Revel are that this knife is a result of another successful collaboration between Artisan Cutlery and Ray Laconico. They have done it before, and I believe it will happen again.

Revel is both a stylish and not least easy-to-carry knife and is an excellent platform for those looking for a good EDC knife. Then, not least, the low weight combined with the fact that it cuts well in wood means that it is not unsuitable for outdoor activities either. There are options, and the simplest ones have a target price of $ 45, and this version ends up around $ 90.

Artisan Cutlery

Specifikations:

Length Overall 205 mm

Length Folded 115 mm

Weight: 114 g, weighed by me, stated 113 g

Blade Length: 90 mm

Blade Thickness: 3,2 mm

Blade Steel: AR-RPM9

Handle: Titanium

Lock: Frame Lock

Produced by Artisan Cutlery, made in China

/ J - positive

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Recension Artisan Cutlery Revel

 

-  ytterligare en Laconico-design

Det vore en överdrift att påstå att jag samlar på knivar designade av Ray Laconico men det har slumpat sig så att jag har ett par tre stycken vid det här laget varav den här från Artisan Cutlery kallad Revel, är den senaste!

Jag har även med goda vitsord recenserat en annan modell från Artisans systermärke CJRB kallad Prado som även den är formgiven aav samma person. 

Artisan Cutlery Revel

Likt många modeller från Artisan Cutlery finns även den här i flera olika utföranden. Dels finns Revel som här med metallhandtag och ett lite enklare stål men även med FRN handtag med samma stål eller ett riktigt fint S90V. FRN-versionerna är button locks och finns dessutom i olika färger och med eller utan svart finish på bladen. 

Så lite beroende på budget och behov finns det olika alternativ att välja emellan.

Sedan har Revel även gjorts i ett par extremt lyxiga utgåvor med titanhandtag och S90V respektive Magnacut i bladen. Men de är utsålda sedan en tid tillbaks. 

Revel är ännu en stilren kniv signerad Ray Laconico

Kortversion: Artisan Cutlery Revel, en snygg och elegant kniv som är både lättburen och praktisk som EDC-kniv

Blad

Bladet är en kvintessentiell clip point som i det här fallet har proportioner som får det att påminna om en typisk Bowie-kniv. Fast i mindre och fällbar utgåva då. Mindre i det här fallet är ändå relativt rejält för en fällkniv med en längd på 90 mm. Det skall ställas i relation till en höjd på 32 mm som mest. Bladgodset är 3,2 mm tjockt. 

Det mest utmärkande för den här kniven är det distinkta clip point-bladet

Finishen är en blank satin och märkningen består av Artisan Cutlerys logga på en sida av ricasson och på motstående sida hittas serienummer och ståltyp. På bladet hittas även Laconicos namn. Allt är dock sympatiskt diskret och förstör inte bladets rena linjer. 

De förstärks för övrigt av en uttalad falskegg och en hög sabelslipning. Den senare mäter strax över två centimeter i  höjd. Det får bladet att smalna av till ca 0,6 mm bakom eggen. En siffra som enligt mig är för mycket för en fällkniv och mer anpassat till en stor huggare. Här kan man gott från Artisan Cutlerys sida lita mer på materialet och tunna ut bladen. 

Bladet utmärks även av att början av ryggen strävar uppåt och bildar en tumramp som försetts med räfflor för bättre fäste. Sedan är bladhålet förstås något som är uppenbart. 

Stålet  som använts är ACs egna AR-RPM9-stål, ett stål som har visat sig gångbart. Det är ett typiskt allroundstål i mellansegmentet där man även hittar konkurrenter som 14C28N och N690. Inte pjåkigt alls faktiskt. Det håller skärpan tämligen väl och motstår korrosion bra. Det är också mycket lättslipat vilket alltid är sympatiskt. 

Stålet som använts är Artisan Cutlerys egna AR-RPM9

Så fort du börjar använda Revel inses att det här är en praktisk kniv. Ett clip point-blad är ofta bra till mycket och det gäller även här. Till vanligare EDC-sysslor som att kapa plastband, tejp, rep och tunnare snöre, skära av nylonband kring paket etc fungerar det här bladet mycket bra. Därtill kan det läggas att det är något med geometrin som trots att kniven är tjock bakom eggen gör den till en veritabel kartongstrimlare. 

Spetsen är därtill precis så bra som den ser ut. Vass utan att vara alltför klen. Sedan kommer vi till den mest positiva överraskningen. Revel skär mycket bra i trä! Att den gör det  i färska grenar kanske inte är så konstigt. Fabrikseggen får nämligen godkänt, den är vass och symmetrisk. Men att kniven skulle vara så pass bra till torrare virke var överraskande för mig. Handtaget hjälper också till genom att vara långt nog för att inte lillfingret skall få obehagligt mycket tryck på sig när knvien vill rotera i handen då man lägger lite kraft bakom snitten. 

Även i lättare material som vanliga textilier är Revel mycket gångbar. Det går åt många tygtrasor för rengöring av cyklar i en cyklists hushåll och de görs av gamla uttjänta kläder. 

Handtag

Handtaget på den är versionen är som tidigare sagts av titan. Det innebär i det här fallet två massiva stycken som är strax över tre millimeter tjocka. Några försök till att lätta dem har inte gjorts. De är flata på insidan vilket å andra sidan underlättar rengöring. En detalj som för övrigt även förenklas av den helt öppna ryggen. Där hittas även en bult  med ett hål i för fånglina. För att den skall kunna användas  krävs emellertid att ett tunnare snöre används. Någon plats för exempelvis en standard fallskärmslina  finns inte. 

Kniven hålls samman via två disanster utöver pivotskruven. Skruvskallarna är faktist T8or men riktigt usla om jag skall vara ärlig. Fästet för en mejsel är närmast obefintligt med ett välvt skruvhuvud och ett mycket grunt spår. Skruva inte isär den här kniven! Risken att du står där med runda skruvhuvuden är närmast hundraprocentig!

I det här utförandet har Revel ett titanhandtag

Längden på hela handtaget är 115 mm varav tillgängligt utrymme för fingrarna är ca 93 mm. Något som dock inte känns det minsta krampaktigt då fingerskyddet är mjukt format och det går att placera halva pekfingret över det utan problem. Baktill vidgar sig handtaget något för att förhindra att man halkar bakåt när man skär med kniven. 

Kniven är öppen i ryggen och där hittas även ett fäste för en mycket tunn fånglina

Titansidorna är designade så att det mönster som finns ger ett intryck av paneler. Det get lite fäste men det är främst formen och fördjupningen för pekfingret som bidrar till att hålla kvar kniven i handen. Det finns även några räfflor på basen av bladryggen för en tumme men de är mer av indexerande karaktär än att skänka något egentligt grepp. Något som jag övrigt är glad för då det på senare tid blivit allt mer diskussion kring hur dylika fördjupningar i knivblad påverkar den generella hållbarheten. 

Finishen överlag får godkänt då kanter och hörn är slipade och rundade som de skall vara. 

Revel har ett mycket bekvämt handtag. Det är lite för tunt för att vara extremt ergonomiskt

I hand är Revel bekväm på ett relativt neutralt sätt. Det är inget ergonmiskt muskelpaket men pekfingret hittar sin plats och det gör resten av handen också. Sedan gör den tämligen enkla formen att de båda grundgreppen, sabel- och hammarfattning fungerar utmärkt. 

Detsamma kan sägas om omvända grepp, inget som irriterar där heller. Rent generellt håller sig dessutom clipet ur vägen trots att det är av "deep ride"-typ. Det uppskattas då de ibland ger upphov till skav på grund av placeringen långt bak på handtaget. 

Öppning och lås

Det här är en lättöppnad kniv, förutsatt att man uppskattar Spydercos uppfinning bladhål, förstås. Alternativet är att öppna kniven med två händer vilket också går. 

Öppningsmetoden framgår tydligt av hålet i bladet

Bladhålet är lättåtkomligt och bekvämt att nyttja då det är fasat på ett sympatiskt vis. Mycket mer och det hade blivit halt. Det är alltid en avvägning. 

De fina keramiska kullagren gör att den här knivens blad har en tendens  att flyga ut snabbt. Särskilt gäller det om man använder sig av en s k "Spydie flick" med pekfingret på baksidan av kniven. 

Sedan är bladet rätt tungt beroende på form och tjocklek så motståndet (detent) kan övervinnas med en handledssnärt för den som vill provocera sin kniv och öppna den på det viset. 

En liten nackdel med den krispiga öppningen och det tunga bladet i kombination är att pivotskruven har en tendens att gänga upp sig. Du får antingen justera den med jämna mellanrum eller förse den med lite gänglåsning för att hålla den på plats. Efter ett tag blir annars öppningen för lätt och bladet börjar peka bort från låssidan. Med rätt justerad pivot är bladet annars centrerat.

Här hittas ett klassiskt ramlås med tillhörande låsarmsförstärkning och översträckningsskydd

Låset som hittas på den här kniven är ett ramlås med sedvanliga tillbehör. Med det avses en stålförstärkt spets på låsarmen och ett översträckningsskydd. 

Funktionen är mycket god med 100 procentig upplåsning och en låsarm som är lätt att nå. Låsarmen är därtill tämligen mjuk vilket gör låset lätt att släppa. Dock inte så lätt att det glider under felbelastning, det vill säga press eller lättare slag mot bladryggen. 

Något glapp upplever jag inte heller i bladet med låsarmen på plats. Det gäller dock så länge pivotskruven inte gängat upp sig förstås. 

Att bära

Revel är inte så dum att bära i en ficka. Med sina av mig uppvägda 114 gram är den inte avskräckande tung för sin storlek. Den är för övrigt drygt elva centimeter lång som nämnts ovan. Det skall paras med en höjd på som mest 35 mm och en tjocklek på endast strax över centimetern. 

Sammantaget en tunn och lätt kniv, särskilt om det ställ i relation med längden tillgänglig egg. 

Clipet är enkelt och av fjäderståstyp

Sidorna på handtaget är flata vilket inte heller det utgör något hinder när kniven förvaras i en ficka. Mönstret på titanet inverkar inte på hur kniven känns att dra eller stoppa undan. 

Så här ser Revel ut på plats i en ficka

Clipet på Revel är av enklaste slag och här märks det att det här egentligen är en "upphottad" version av en enklare modell. Det vill säga titanet i sig själv utgör en uppgraderad lyxdetalj.

Här hittas ett fjäderstålsclip direkt plockat från tillverkarens hylla och det hittas även på andra modeller. Det betyder dock inte att det är dåligt, bara att det inte är något extra och kanske ser lite tråkigt ut. Ett plus är  dock att dess blanka polerade finish går igen i bådeskruvar och blad.

Funktionen är bra med någon anmärkning. Rampen är liten men utgör i allmänhet inget problem även om jag som vanligt har synpunkter på spetsar som pekar utåt. De kan både skava och upplevs spetsiga om man slår handen i dem. Spänsten i clipet är god och utrymmet under, tja dugligt, inte mer. Särskilt inte som ett par millimeter i bakkant stulits av att clipet inte är försänkt i handtagssidan. Ytterligare en liten besparande åtgärd. Maskinbearbetningstid är pengar.  

Sammanfattningsvis

Revel är ännu en snygg och rekorderlig kniv från Ray Laconicos penna eller kanske CAD-program. Alla linjerna sitter som de skall och det som fick mig att välja den här kniven var det snygga bladet. Det är blankt, fint och är en clip point som ger Bowie-knivs vibbar. Helt rätt i mitt tycke. 

Sedan gillar jag renheten i Laconicos formspråk rent generellt. Några customknivar från honom vore inte ovälkommet men det är utom mina ekonomiska muskler. Istället får jag förlita mig på bland andra Artisan Cutlery. I allmänhet har jag kommit att gilla deras sätt att göra knivar vad gäller produktionskvalitet. Både finish och sammansättning brukar vara goda.

Det är den även här fast med några små undantag. 

Revel är en synmpatisk EDC-kniv då den är både praktisk och lätt att bära

Det handlar om några detaljer men de irriterar mig en smula måste medges. En sådan sak är kvalitén på skruvarna. De är helt enkelt inte bra i det här fallet. Skruvhuvuden är alldeles för grunda. Nog sagt om det. Fast nästa detalj handlar också om skruvar och det är själva pivotskruven. Problemet med att den gängar upp sig är förvisso tämligen lättåtgärdat men det förutsätter att du har Loc Tite eller liknande hemma. 

Sedan var det slipningen. En sabelslipning är vad den är men i det här utförandet anser jag att den är alldeles för tjock bakom eggen. Vilka uppgifter skalll utföras med en fällkniv som kräver att den är 0,6 mm tjock bakom eggen? Nu går det för all del också åtgärda genom att man slipar eller snarare helt reprofilerar om eggen. Det är för mycket jobb för min del.

Med det sagt skär inte Revel dåligt, bara inte så bra som den skulle kunna gjort Men någon risk att eggen flisar sig föreligger inte. Den håller dugligt och i kombination med ett tämligen bekvämtt handtag.

Något som  också kan diskuteras är titanets vara eller icke vara på den här specifika modellen. På den punkten väljer Artisan Cutlery att tillgodose olika smak och jag råkade välja metallhandtag. Modellen finns som sagt i andra material och mer exklusiva stål för den som föredrar det. 

Artisan Cutlery Revel är även stadig nog att fungera i skogen om du känner fördet

Men sammantaget kan det konstateras att de flesta intryck säger att Revel är resultatet av ytterligare ett lyckat samarbete mellan Artisan Cutlery och Ray Laconico. De har gjort det förut och jag tror att det kommer att hända igen. 

Revel är en både snygg och inte minst lättburen kniv och är en utmärkt plattform för den som söker en bra EDC-kniv. Valmöjligheter finns och de enklaste har ett riktpris från 45$ på hemsidan och det här utförandet hamnar kring 90$. 

Artisan Cutlery

Specifikation:

Längd utfälld: 205 mm

Längd hopfälld: 115 mm

Vikt: 114 g, vägd  av mig, uppgiven 113 g

Bladlängd: 90 mm

Godstjocklek: 3,2 mm

Bladstål: AR-RPM9

Handtag: Titan

Lås: Frame Lock

Producerad av: Artisan Cutlery, tillverkad i Kina

/ J - positiv

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

New Knife - Artisan Cutlery Revel

I have already stated that Artisan Cutlery is a company that can manage a good design from Ray Laconico. Previously, I have tested and reviewed a knife called Prado from Artisan's sister brand, CJRB.

This time, the knife is somewhat more luxurious in its design with a titanium handle. The model is called Revel, and I can already reveal that I am positively inclined.

Artisan Cutlery Revel

Revel is a fairly sturdy piece with a clip point blade that I think is nice, measuring a full 90 mm in length. The thickness of the blade is 3.2 mm, which is not excessive given the size of the blade.

The steel used is a powder steel that Artisan developed themselves and is designated AR-RPM9. My experiences with this steel have been good so far. It can be compared to variants such as VG10 or 14C28N.

What distinguishes this knife, apart from the appearance and the rather bold blade shape, is that the handle is made of titanium. This, of course, makes the knife lighter, which in turn affects the balance. In this case, for the better. Revel feels very nimble in the hand.

Another lasting impression is that it is very easy to both open and close. In other words, it has good "action" as it is usually called in modern terminology.

The lock type follows almost naturally from the handle material and is therefore a frame lock. An exemplary one. 

Revel is the result of a collaboration with Ray Laconico

The entire knife is 205 mm long, but thanks to its relatively thin and open back, it weighs in at a low 113 g. In this version, it should be added. If you don't like titanium or just want a smaller price tag, Revel is also available with an FRN handle with the same blade steel. There is also a choice of several colours.

Then there are both titanium and FRN variants with such luxurious steel as S90V or even in Magnacut, in a limited edition for those who want a more advanced steel composition.

With Revel, Artisan Cutlery has achieved another good collaboration with Laconico, and it will be exciting to see what follows in the future, even though they have several knives signed by him at this point. An in-depth presentation will follow in the upcoming review of this knife.

Artisan Cutlery

/ J 

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Ny kniv - Artisan Cutlery Revel

Jag har redan tidigare konstaterat att Artisan Cutlery är ett företag som kan förvalta en god design från Ray Laconico. Tidigare har jag nämligen testat och recenserat en kniv kallad för Prado från Artisans systermärke CJRB.

Den här gången är kniven något lyxigare i sitt utförande med handtag i titan. Modellen kallas för Revel och jag kan redan nu avlöja att jag är positivt inställd.

Artisan Cutlery Revel

Revel är en tämligen stadig pjäs med ett i mitt tycke snyggt clip point-blad som mäter hela 90 mm på längden. Tjockleken på bladet är 3,2 mm vilket inte är överdrivet givet bladets storlek för övrigt. 

Stålet som använts är ett pulverstål som Artisan tagit fram själva och beteckningen är AR-RPM9. Mina erfarenheter av det här stålet är hittills goda. Jag skulle lite slarvigt jämföra det med varianter som VG10 eller 14C28N. 

Det som utmärker den här kniven förutom utseendet och den rätt djärva bladformen är att handtaget är gjort i titan. Det gör förstås kniven lättare vilket i sin tur påverkar balansen. I det här fallet till det bättre. Revel känns mycket kvick i handen. 

Ett annat bestående intryck är att den är mycket lätt att båda öppna och stänga. Den har med andra ord god "action" som det brukar heta i modern svengelsk terminologi. 

Låstypen följer nästan naturligt av handtagsmaterialet och är därmed en frame lock. En exemplariskt utftförd sådan. 

Revel är resultatet av ett samarbete med Ray Laconico

Hela kniven är 205 mm lång men tack vare att den är tämligen tunn och öppen i ryggen väger den in på låga 113 g. I det här utförandet skall tilläggas. Gillar man inte titan eller bara önskar en mindre prislapp finns Revel även med FRN-handtag med samma bladstål. Där kan även väljas mellan flera färger. 

Sedan finns både titan- och FRN-varianterna med så lyxigt stål som S90V eller till och med i Magnacut i begränsad utgåva för den som vill ha en mer avancerat stålkomposition. 

Artisan Cutlery har med Revel fått till ytterligare ett gott samarbete med Laconico och det skall bli spännande att se vad som följer i framtiden även om de vid det här laget har ett flertal knivar signerade honom. En fördjupad presentation följer i kommande recension av den här kniven. 

Artisan Cutlery

/ J 

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review Artisan Cutlery Holm

  

-  they almost nailed it!

This knife has a look that immediately appealed to me. This may be because I have several "Barlows" which is the classic pattern that this knife took its inspiration from. This means a knife with a slightly cigarre-shaped handle and a front bolster, usually slightly longer than what is present here. It was originally made to get a stronger knife. Otherwise, they are of course usually slip joints and open with two hands. This does not apply here, which makes the knife more of a "modern traditional".

On this knife, the bolster is probably more for appearance and perhaps to better house the locking systems rather than contributing to durability. Yes, I write locks in the plural but more on that later.

These are my opinions on Artisan Cutlery's  Holmmodel.

å den här kniven är nog bolstret mest till för utseendets skull och kanske för att bättre härbergera låssystemen snarare än att bidra till hållbarheten. Ja, jag skriver lås i plural men mer om det senare. 

Artisan Cutlery Holm

Artisan Cutlery seems to be following a habit that both they and some other manufacturers have started with, which is to release one or two variations on a new knife model and then see how it goes. If it works out, there will be more. Now I don't know if that was the case, but at the time of writing, there are at least ten versions of Holm to choose from. What varies is the handle materials, where there is everything from Acrylic plastic in a few different colors via G10 and wood to carbon fiber and titanium.

Then there is a more budget-oriented edition equipped with a simpler steel. This knife belongs to that group. In the more expensive knives, you can find CPM S90V.

Holm, a modern folding knife with clear classic features

Short Version: Artisan Cutlery Holm, is an excellent knife that unfortunately includes a solution looking for a problem

Blade

The blade shape, like the entire knife, flirts with older times and is a cross between a Wharncliffe and a Sheepsfoot. The difference between them is how early the blade spine curves downwards to meet the edge in a point. Wharncliffe blades are therefore more pointed and thus Holm can be placed in that compartment. Then we have to add "modified" to the name as the archetype has a completely straight edge while this one has a small but clear belly.

The knife features a modified Wharncliffe made from AR-RPM9

The blade is 79 mm long, 22 mm high, and only 2.5 mm thick. The latter of course has a positive effect on how the knife is to work with. The finish is a nicely executed stone wash. The blade has a recess to facilitate future sharpening. It is also very discreetly marked. The Artisan logo is found in a minimal format on the ricasso, just below the thumb knob. On the other side, if you have excellent eyesight, you can read the knife steel and model number.

The only clear decorative element is a distinct notch (fuller) that extends along the upper flat part of the blade. That notch is practical when the knife is to be opened with two hands but otherwise of no benefit at all. Firstly, debris tends to get stuck in such applications and secondly, I have discovered that rust occurs there. This is because I have used the knife in a kitchen environment where there is of course some moisture. Especially since the knife is washed after use in many situations.

However, when I think about it, there is another detail made for show and that is the elegantly rounded blade spine.

"Fullers" in all their glory, but they have a tendency to collect dirt in them

But aside from that small drawback, this is a really practical blade. The small belly makes it easier to work on flat surfaces such as cutting boards. Holm has had to step in more than once to cut vegetables and fruit at work just so it could work a little more before the review. But meat and poultry have also been trimmed with this knife.

However, it has been used primarily as a package opener. Then a good point is necessary. That is why I personally do not appreciate pure Sheepsfoot blades. The materials handled are of course cardboard of various thicknesses from simple cardboard to double corrugated cardboard, plastic of both thinner and thicker varieties, as well as tape and nylon straps of the kind found around packages.

Overall, Holm is a very good knife for the quick cuts that are relevant in those cases but which are also the most common tasks for most of my EDC knives. Then there are more specialized tasks and I might leave them to a stronger knife. This includes, for example, trimming throwing knife targets and similar tasks. 

Handle

This knife has a fairly advanced handle considering how it is constructed. The shape, however, is very simple. It is a traditional cigar shape with rounded ends both at the back and front. Something that is reinforced by the fact that the sides are also arched. In addition, they have chosen to let the frame rise above the side panels. Something I am not entirely fond of as it gives a cheaper impression. But I understand why they did it as some models have a contrasting color on the frame which is then more visible. In this case, both the bolster and frame are blackened with PVD.

A handle with a steel bolster coated with PVD and G10 handle sides

The frame is very heavily lightened internally and is held together at three points, two of which are spacers and a bolt that is the attachment for a lanyard. The lanyard can only be a very thin nylon line. o paracord fit here. Otherwise, the back is open. Although it was not quite true that there were only two points that hold the knife together, the pivot screw and the double locks also contribute to that.

The inner frame is greatly lightened and rises slightly above the rest of the handle.

On the outside of the frame are black G10 bolsters that are screwed in with two T8 flat-head screws. Just the way I prefer it. The sides are, as I said, three-dimensionally shaped and fairly well polished, which gives an almost wood-grain-like surface that is attractive to look at.

Underneath the bolsters are additional screws that hold the bolsters in place. As I said, they are made of steel but blackened in this case.

A handle that's as easy to hold as it is to look at. No surprises here

In hand, Holm is simply comfortable. It is not surprising that some basic handle variations stand the test of time. The shape of hands has not changed and this is reflected in some knife handles. This means that all grips work with this knife. The most common grips -  such as hammer- or saber grip, holding the knife in the pinch in different ways or turning the knife either with the edge towards you or upside down in an ice pick grip.

The handle is long enough at ten centimeters for all fingers to easily fit. On some knives, 10 cm can feel short if there are many details to take into account such as pronounced depressions, finger guards and "duck beaks". Here, however, the entire surface of the handle can be used to grip the knife as no such inventions need to be taken into account.

However, you should be aware that this is not a commando knife. It may be obvious, but what is meant by this is that the grip, or rather the lack thereof, makes this not the right knife to stab or poke too hard with. The materials are smooth and there are no grooves or the like for a better grip.

Opening and Lock

Holm is a knife that is primarily opened with thumb studs. They are of the traditional barrel-shaped model and work excellently. Just enough of them stick out to provide a good grip but above all, they are extremely well placed as they are really out of the way when the knife is in use. To facilitate access there is a small depression on each side of the bolster. The double-sided studs can be used both to fold out the blade quietly or to flick it out with your thumb or index finger depending on how busy you are and what technique is preferred.

Then there is also a notch in the blade which is mainly decorative but which can also be used to open Holm with two hands for those who feel like having a more relaxed attitude towards folding knife opening.

Like all knives with this type of lock, it can, of course, be opened as a "Gravity Knife", meaning if you release the lock, the blade swings freely and you can easily flick it out. It's faster than a classic stiletto. But psst, don't tell the legislators about it.

The thumb studs which are intended as the primary method of opening the knife are really good

In addition to the type of lock, it helps that the blade runs on ceramic ball bearings. The fact that this knife is so easy to both open and close is one of the reasons why it works so well for certain types of tasks, such as many of those that appear in my work. There are a lot of small cuts involved, mainly opening packages and containers of various kinds. Then it is excellent to have a knife that is easy to pull and quickly fold out and in with one hand. All of that fits in with Holm.

Why settle for one lock when you can fit two? Plus a blade stop too

But then we come to a large gray animal with a trunk that is in the middle of the room. Even when I presented this knife, I was skeptical about the idea of ​​the double locks. That feeling never left and now I know why. What they call a "safety switch" is a completely pointless function. Why on earth would you have two locks? It's not like I've ever been in an accident that would have been prevented by the knife having an extra lock. Consequently, it is never used.

To its advantage, it can be said that it is good as a non-function as well. That is, it does not get in the way like, for example, CRKT's equally stupid invention "Auto Lawks" that jumps in automatically. The whole phenomenon is a typical example of a solution looking for its own problem. This extra lock works just like a regular Button Lock, but worse because it lacks the spring that makes it soft to handle and instead relies on friction. It also makes the knife rattle a little when shaken. Something that many knife enthusiasts are allergic to. 

On a more positive note, the main, spring-loaded Button Lock system is really well-made. Just so good that you don't need both a belt and braces. It's easy to handle, it locks just as well as you could wish for without any play in the blade and it's exemplary easy to release.

The button sticks out just enough to be easy to access while also preventing it from being pressed by mistake. The lock is also ambidextrous. With your right hand, you operate it with your thumb, and with your left hand, you use your index finger.

To Carry

Barlows are one of the oldest types of pocket knives. This means they also fit well in a pocket. Thankfully, Holm has not lost that quality along the way when reinterpreting the knife type.

A seal-shaped figure with slightly arched sides and a soft bolster and polished handle sides make the knife easy to carry.

The clip, one of this company's standard ones, works well

The dimensions are also nothing to be alarmed about. I have mentioned the length and it should be combined with a height of 2.1 cm and a thickness of 1.4 cm. This makes the handle quite round but it still does not constitute a large volume in the pocket.

The weight is nice as Holm weighs under a hundred grams in this version.

Even though the clip is not recessed into the side, there is enough space underneath for most types of fabric.

The clip is a standard clip from Artisan Cutlery/CJRB and is not unique to this knife. However, this particular version is blackened with PVD to match the bolster and frame. A coating that has proven to last well during the test period. Otherwise, black clips often have a tendency to look shabby after a while.

...and there the knife disappeared! Not much of Holm is visible in a pocket

It's a good clip with good functionality. The ramp is large enough to fit both jeans and a jacket pocket. It also works well for work pants, although it should be added that mine are of the thinner type as kitchens are hot. Therefore, it is not a challenge to thread a clip over that trouser edge. The spring in the clip is adequate and there is no movement in it because it is attached with double screws in tandem formation. The only thing that could have been improved would have been if they had reached out a little more and milled out a pocket for the clip in the handle side.

You can do without that, but at least the clip is removable.

To Conclude

Holm is a knife from Artisan Cutlery that has some characteristics that make it a little difficult to place in my world. It's not the appearance because it's a modern interpretation of a Barlow we have in front of us. Or at least it would have been if the bolster had been longer. No, what I mean is the price range. Since Artisan is the flagship of the company and CJRB is the low-cost brand, I get confused when the two go into each other. Holm is a relatively cheap knife. Now that's not a bad thing, on the contrary, it makes it more affordable, but it does muddy the waters a little. Now that doesn't apply to all variants of this knife, I should add. It is now also available in several luxury versions with S90V in the blade and then we are talking about premium material with an associated price tag.

Midwinter Coffee with the eminent Artisan Cutlery Holm

Like its historical predecessor, Holm is an excellent pocket knife. Both literally as comfortable to carry in a pocket but also as an everyday companion. It is easy to handle, easy to draw, and almost as easy to put away. The blade can be folded out in several ways and the lock gets approval too.

It is also practical. The blade shape is all-round and the thin material together with a fine edge means that Holm cuts excellently. I have nothing negative to say about that at all.

But I have to talk about the elephant in the room. Redundancy is a nice word but does not belong in the context of locks on folding knives. Artisan Cutlery is certainly the first in the world with this solution, but there is a reason for that.

No extra locks are needed if the original is well-made. This becomes especially clear in this case as the main lock is good enough. The only time any kind of double "Super lock" would be of any use is if it is a very large folding knife intended to be used for more than EDC tasks. That is, anything but this knife.

In all simplicity, it can be stated that every damn variant of such "safety features" in the history of folding knives has flopped. Mostly because they are completely unnecessary and instead cost time and therefore money to design and manufacture. Putting those resources somewhere else on the knife instead is my tip. In this case, improving the fit between the materials could have been a little better.

Then I have a small detail I would have liked to see differently and that is how the frame is higher than the handle sides and bolsters. It is certainly consistently done but still looks like it was missed when the knife was made. I prefer properly smooth and well-fitted parts. It looks much more luxurious.

Artisan Cutlery Holmin the pale winter sun waiting for the next snowfall

But overall, these are still minor complaints. The extra lock stays out of the way and the fit is not bad, just not perfect. Otherwise, the Artisan Cutlery Holm is a very nice acquaintance. It is an elegant pocket knife with a very satisfying action. In addition, it is comfortable in the hand and cuts like a good knife should. That makes it damn practical too.

Artisan Cutlery

Specifications:

Length Overall: 185 mm

Length Folded: 106 mm

Weight: 92 g (weighted by me, stated 85,4g)

Blade Length: 79 mm

Blade Thickness: 2,5 mm

Blade Steel: AR-RPM9

Handle: Micarta

Lock: Button Lock (x2)

Produced by: Artisan Cutlery, made in China

/ J - likes his Barlows

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre