New Knife - Civivi Neurohaptic

"Big and substantial" might not be the first words that come to mind when thinking of Civivi  , yet they do occasionally release models that fall into the XL category. Perhaps not when compared to a certain "Cold Steel" brand, but certainly when measured against most others. I already own the Sentinel Strike, for instance—a fairly substantial piece—though it can't quite match the Buster FG, which is a true beast regardless of what it’s compared to. After all, we’re talking about a length of 245 mm and a weight of 175 g.

Today’s knife, the Neurohaptic, isn't quite *that* substantial, though it still ranks among the largest Civivi models I own.

A substantial knife from Civivi

In terms of actual dimensions, this translates to a total length of 225 mm and a weight of 122 g. The latter figure is particularly appealing, considering the blade measures a full 95 mm in length. It is a clip-point blade with a completely straight clip, giving it a distinctive, almost dagger-like appearance. Additionally, the blade features a substantial fuller, though this is not particularly visible on this black-coated version. The blade is 3 mm thick and made of Nitro-V steel; it features a flat grind with a 20 mm grind height.

The handle is 124 mm long—excluding the protruding lanyard loop—with a maximum height of 26 mm and a thickness of 13 mm. Combine these dimensions with the very straight handle profile, and you get a simple yet highly comfortable grip that suits all hand sizes—or so I believe—as well as every conceivable type of grip.

It is made of G10 and is available in a few different colors.

Civivi Neurohaptic

The Neurohaptic opens via a flipper tab, and in typical Civivi fashion, the action is tuned to perfection. This applies to both the opening mechanism and the button lock.

As usual, the blade rides on ceramic bearings—a standard feature rather than the exception in Civivi’s lineup these days.

All in all, this is a fairly large, lightweight, and very smooth-operating knife. It is a great choice for anyone wanting something substantial without carrying a boat anchor in their pocket. It is well worth a closer look, which is exactly what I intend to do.

Civivi Knives

/ J - browsing the Civivi catalog

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - QSP Coyote

It felt like time to feature some new knives from QSP here on the blog. In fact, these are the first ones of the year!

Most of the folding knives released by this brand are named after birds, but here they’ve broken with that tradition and named the model Coyote.

This knife is currently available in four different versions featuring handle materials that are both new to QSP’s catalog and quite rare in general. One of the options is Micarta—but not just any Micarta; it’s a "glow-in-the-dark" variant, something I’ve never seen with that base material before. That same feature is more common with G10, and that version is available as well.

If you’d rather not have a knife that looks slightly radioactive, a great alternative is the version with silver foil G10—or, in this case, copper foil G10. You can also choose the blade finish: black or satin.

That said, I’ve noticed that the collar around the pivot screw actually glows in the dark on this knife. So, you do get a bit of that radioactive look after all.

A knife with a handle material that is new to me: copper foil G10.

I chose this material for a change of pace. I own a knife with Silver G10 from another brand, so it is clearly a material that is currently popular—or perhaps even trendy. Maybe because it is relatively new?

Speaking of new features, this knife has a "button lock," which isn't the most common locking mechanism in QSP’s lineup. In fact, this is the first model I’m aware of that uses this design. However, it quickly becomes apparent that they have extensive experience in manufacturing with tight tolerances. The lock functions flawlessly—at least initially.

Furthermore, the blade action is exceptionally smooth. The ceramic ball bearings account for some of this, but not all of it; QSP has clearly succeeded in fine-tuning the lock resistance to an excellent level.

The knife measures 190 mm when open and 108 mm when closed. The handle is 13 mm thick, and the knife weighs 105 g.

The blade accounts for 82 mm of the total length. It is 3 mm thick, with a maximum height of 28 mm. It features a distinctive clip point profile and is made of Nitro-V steel—hardened to 59–61 HRC (at the higher end of that range for coated blades, and slightly lower for uncoated ones). The grind is a high flat grind with a substantial swedge, giving the blade a curved appearance—an effect further emphasized by the recurve.

The blade also features something I am not always fond of: a prominent forward finger choil. Such cutouts have both pros and cons, and in my opinion, the downsides outweigh the benefits.

 

QSP Coyote

My immediate impression is that the combination of shape and size makes the knife very comfortable to hold, regardless of the grip I use. It remains to be seen whether it is truly ergonomic—that is, whether it feels good to use while actually working with the knife.

The blade is very easy to deploy using the dual thumb studs; these also deserve praise for being well-placed and free of awkward shapes—they simply work well. As mentioned earlier, the lock is excellent, and the package is rounded off with a standard QSP-style pocket clip. It is nothing extravagant, but it is highly functional. Incidentally, this clip and the lock mechanism make the knife fully ambidextrous.

All in all, this is a knife that is simultaneously innovative and more traditional for QSP. The lock, handle material, and—to some extent—blade shape stand out coming from this manufacturer. Incidentally, copper-foil G10 isn't exactly common elsewhere yet, either.

In other words, it’s a new kind of knife for me, but also for QSP. A Coyote that howls at a pretty high pitch—and seems to have the substance to back it up.

QSP Knives

/ J - listening to a wolf song

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Civivi Over Yonder

It is well known by now that Civivi is a generally competent company that knows what it is doing. They are going from strength to strength regarding precision in every stage of manufacturing. The edges are sharp, whereas the edges and corners of the handle are not. The locks are smooth and easy to operate, and the knives often snap open with impressive speed. Overall, the technical aspects tend to be of a very high standard.

The criticism sometimes leveled at Civivi operates on a different level—namely, that new models are released too frequently. Sure, I understand part of that criticism, but you aren't obliged to buy them all, and there is no denying that it increases the chances of finding a favorite that suits you perfectly. However, for that to happen, the design still needs to be appealing or stand out in some way; otherwise, there is a risk of it getting lost in the crowd. In this particular configuration, this model managed to stand out enough to make me take a second look. Then, of course, there is another factor at play—one that regular readers of the blog can probably guess.

Civivi Over Yonder

As mentioned, the model is called "Over Yonder," and the reason I had high expectations is, of course, that I own—and have previously reviewed—its little brother, the "Yonder." Naturally, both knives were designed by Zac Whitmore, though in this instance, it might look a bit like simply printing out the original sketch and stretching it! Jokes aside, however, scaling existing models up or down isn't that simple. Finger grooves might no longer fit, a clip that didn't cause hotspots suddenly does, and so on—certain factors have to be taken into account.

The Over Yonder measures just over nineteen centimeters—specifically 191.2 mm, according to the website. I usually round off figures, but this means, roughly speaking, that it is a little over two centimeters longer than the original. The question I aim to answer is whether that extra bit makes a difference. The blade length has increased to 85 mm, yet the thickness remains an exemplary 2.2 mm. That is thin for a modern folding knife. Combine that with the thin grinds Civivi typically employs these days, and it is clear that this knife will cut exceptionally well. The blade steel is a capable budget option: the widely used 14C28N. For those unfamiliar with my writing, I should mention that this is one of my favorite steels among the more basic varieties. The blade features a flat grind and a satin finish, with a shape best described as a Spey Point. It is also worth noting that the blade is approximately three centimeters tall, which creates a well-balanced look.

The handle is the standout feature of this particular model. As is typical with Civivi, there are other options available, but I wanted something a bit more "flashy," so I was drawn to this material—G10 combined with aluminum foil. The effect is reminiscent of the shimmer found in genuine abalone or mother-of-pearl. Above all, it wasn't black. There’s nothing wrong with black, of course, but I already own quite a few knives like that.

On the new Over Yonder, the handle measures 106 mm in length, 11.6 mm in thickness, and a maximum of 25 mm in height. The differences compared to the smaller model aren't huge, but they transform it from a small EDC knife into one that leans more towards the medium-sized category. The result is a knife that sits better in the hand and feels more suited to slightly heavier tasks. At the same time, given its profile and thin blade, it isn't a heavy-duty workhorse; the weight reflects this too, coming in at just 87 g.

Over Yonder is what I believe will be another hit for Civivi

The blade deploys via thumb studs, and the locking mechanism is Civivi’s version of a cross-bar lock. The action—whether deploying the blade, the feel of the lockup, or the experience of closing it—maintains the brand's customary top-tier quality. If you have never tried a knife from this company, this is a great place to start. However, I am getting ahead of myself; I will save the final verdict for the full review. That said, much of the tactile experience comes down to well-designed and well-positioned ambidextrous thumb studs, combined with a lock that has just the right tension—its omega springs are finely tuned to provide a satisfying snap upon opening. It is also worth noting that the blade rides on ceramic ball bearings and that, naturally, alternative opening methods are available for those who prefer them. These include a "flick" with the index finger and, notably, disengaging the lock bar, which also secures the blade in the closed position.

There is no doubt that this is a highly capable knife, well-suited to a wide range of tasks. Then there is the design. I like it because the proportions feel harmonious; it has a look that is both practical and stylish, while the handle material adds a little something extra.

For me, this knife was a "no-brainer"—it was an easy decision to go for it. That was largely because I liked the original model but felt it was a bit too small. We’ll see if I still feel the same way later on.

Civivi Knives

/ J - convinced

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Civivi Incindie

It has been a while since I showcased something new from Civivi; I believe the last one was the Buster FG back in November of last year. Keeping up with their rapid production pace is impossible—the sheer number of new models is simply too great. However, here on the blog, I will be presenting a small but hopefully interesting selection of relatively new folding knives.

First up is this model, called the Incindie. What drew me to this particular knife was the combination of flair and function. The blade shape looks practical, and the handle appears comfortable. The fact that it features a Damascus blade paired with a light-colored handle was the icing on the cake; it was those contrasts that won me over.

For those who don't care for that level of extravagance, the knife is also available in all-black or with a green handle paired with either a black or stone-washed blade. The materials remain the same.

When you buy a Civivi, it comes with a pouch, a cleaning cloth, and a few other odds and ends.

Starting with one of the decorative elements, the Incindie features a spear-point blade made primarily of 14C28N steel. Its shape gives the blade a feel akin to a dagger. A prominent fuller runs along the length of the blade. A detail easily overlooked on this dark version is that the blade also features a false edge.

However, the most striking aspect is neither the shape nor the steel itself, but rather the fact that it is a laminated blade incorporating layers of 93-layer Damascus steel. Civivi has further enhanced this effect by pairing a dark blade finish with high-polish Damascus, creating a truly striking contrast.

The blade length is just over 88 mm, and the height is 35 mm; this gives you an idea that it is not exactly a small knife. The blade thickness is a relatively modest 3 mm. What might not be apparent from the photos is that the blade features a hollow grind. This results in a very fine, thin edge, even though the grind itself does not extend particularly high up the blade.

Civivi Incindie

The handle complements the blade through a combination of dark and light tones. The material used is G10, specifically in a color known as "ivory," and the result turned out exactly as I had hoped. I can also reveal right away that the handle is comfortable. It measures 114 mm in length, 13 mm in thickness, and has a maximum height of 26 mm. This results in a knife with a total length of 202 mm and a weight of 108 g.

The knife opens via a flipper tab, and—as is the case with most Civivi folding knives—the blade runs on ball bearings and is tuned to perfection. It features a "button lock," a locking mechanism that has recently gained significant popularity across many brands. Generally, these locks perform excellently and provide a secure lockup while remaining very easy to operate. However, I have actually encountered instances where they failed; after all, there are many small parts that must work in unison, and the tolerances are tight. This is precisely the area where Civivi excels; their fit and finish are second to none.

Overall, the Incindie feels just as solid as any other Civivi knife in that regard. There are no sharp edges or corners, and both the locking mechanism and the opening action work perfectly. Furthermore, the factory edge is excellent. Now, the main thing left to see is whether that praise holds up after some use.

How good does the Damascus blade look after some heavy cutting? Does the handle retain that creamy hue after use? Does the lock still function after being operated hundreds of times? As always, there are plenty of questions, and I’ll return with answers to most of them in a review!

Civivi Knives

/ J - fell for the look

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Joker Becada

The other day I presented a very imposing knife from Joker in the form of the Bowie 7.87". One of its most distinctive features, besides the elegant lines, was the handle in very fine deer antler. That and the fact that a Bowie knife is certainly very all-round but has its limitations due to its size made me look for a complement.

The choice fell on another knife from Joker. This knife was also available with the same material in the handle and certainly has a different but equally elegant blade shape. In addition, it works as an excellent complement with its smaller format. The model is Becada.

Joker Becada

In true Joker spirit, there are several handle materials to choose from. If you want to continue the nature theme, there are horns from buffalo or bovine, and, in this case, deer stag.

If you want something less animalistic, there are also variants with wooden handles, and then you can choose olive wood or walnut.

But in this case, the choice was easy, even though I thought that the other variants were also nice to look at.

Becada has an elegant leaf-shaped drop point blade made of 14C28N and is available here with antler handles.

Becada is a small and agile folding knife that measures 175 mm in total. Of that, the blade is 80 mm. It is as thin as 2.3 mm, which together with a full flat grind and 14C28N steel should provide an excellent basis for cutting well. It can also be said that the elegant leaf-shaped blade is really attractive.

The handle is built around a steel frame that is 2.5 mm thick. On the outside, as mentioned, there are slabs of horn that are traditionally riveted in place. In other words, it is not a knife that you take apart. Especially not as it is a back lock. The lock bar in the back has also been given a pattern to complement the look. 

The total weight is 85 g, so it is a light knife, in other words. Becada lacks a clip, so it is best carried loose in a pocket or, as I intend to do, in a leather sheath with a clip.

The classic look paired with a solid feel based on the lack of play in the blade, good fit in the lock bar, and well-polished stag in the handle means that I am very much looking forward to carrying and using this knife. A report will come when it is done!

 

Joker

/ J - goes natural

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Vosteed Raccoon

Then it was time to introduce one of those brands I referred to in my last post. A manufacturer that I have been eyeing for a long time and have been interested in, but for some reason do not have a knife from. Then it was just a question of which model would serve as an introduction.

But then something spoke to me. How many knives do you know that have doodles as a design element on their handle? The first one I came across is this one, and it comes from Vosteed.

One of their most successful models is this knife called Raccoon. For that reason, it can be added that it comes in extremely many variants, but this pattern is one of the latest additions.

This is a special edition called "Doodle Monster," where playfulness is the focus of the design.

The designer behind the model is Yue Wong, and here he has created what I think is a really classic model. There is nothing revolutionary about it, but it does offer something unusual, and above all, everything is very well made. This applies to both design and execution, as can be seen quickly.

Incidentally, this also applies to the packaging. It is not normally something I pay enormous attention to, but in this case it is consistently executed and thus follows the theme, which makes the whole thing a little more fun.

 

The pattern from the knife handle is reflected on the box

The Raccoon in Doodle Monster design, of course, offers the same dimensions as its cousins. This means a knife that measures 193 mm in total, with a G10 handle and an aluminum backspacer. It is also anodized in the same bright green color that is found on the thumb studs and which is also a part of the pattern on the handle.

The brand name is also cleverly hidden in the doodling. An unusually intelligent way to do it.

The length of the knife when folded is 111 mm, and the thickness is 12 mm, which gives a weight of around 113 g.

Vosteed Raccoon

The blade is a drop point with a length of about 83 mm and a thickness of 3 mm. The material is 14C28N, and it is basically completely flat ground. The finish is stone-washed, and the factory edge is really good; I can immediately tell.

My first impression is that it is a brilliant knife. It is comfortable to hold, and not least, it is exceptionally soft to handle. The blade runs on ball bearings, but the lock also contributes to the smooth feeling. It is a bit special as it is a "top liner lock," which is, however, released with the help of a button. A very effective and user-friendly lock.

After testing a few quick cuts in a few different materials and carrying it for a few hours, I can already say that I like this knife. But that's getting a little ahead of myself. A review will follow as soon as I've had time to carry and use it for real.

But in any case, it's a breath of fresh air among everything that is supposed to be black, "tactical," and look murderous. The Vosteed Raccon in doodle version looks the most playful, and I appreciate that.

Vosteed Knives

/ J - affirms his playful side

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review SRM Twin

  

-  A real light heavyweight

Who doesn't love a dagger? Or at least the elegant aesthetics that come with that blade shape. It's something that SRM has taken note of in this model called Twin. A knife that is characterised by the slender symmetrical shape, which is the epitome of the knife type.

However, this is not a large fixed-blade knife, but a small knife intended for EDC use, a pure pocket knife, quite simply.

SRM 251 Twin

The SRM 251MB Twin is currently available in four versions. The blade steel is the same regardless of which one you choose, but the handle material and, therefore, the appearance differ. To choose from, there is G10 available in either a white or multi-coloured appearance, or as seen here, with a carbon fibre surface. The alternative is otherwise a brown Micarta. Depending on the chosen handle, the blade is either covered with a grey or black coating or sandblasted.

Twin, a very elegant and symmetrical knife

Short version: SRM Twin, A small, lightweight pocket knife for those who appreciate symmetry and hidden opening methods!

Blade

This entire knife is built around symmetry, and this is reflected in both the handle and the blade. Consequently, a dagger blade is found here. However, it is only sharpened on one side. But since the entire blade disappears into the handle when the knife is closed, you could theoretically double-sharpen the knife.

The length of the blade is 76 mm, and the width is at most 22 mm. But the shape means that immediately after the ricasso, it begins to taper towards the tip. Then the blade is made even lighter and possibly stronger by having a fuller that runs along the middle of the blade.

The thickness of the stock is 2.5 mm, and it tapers via a secondary edge of 9 mm to a thickness of a measly 0.2 mm behind the edge. The factory edge was also very sharp, it can be said. These two details are how to make a blade of this type a decent cutter. 

The dagger blade is single-edged with a grey surface and a fuller along the middle.

The steel used is Böhler N690. A well-known steel with properties that tend towards the middle when it comes to "budget steel". I put it in parentheses as it is certainly debatable what it is and what it means. Especially if it is contrasted with perhaps more important properties such as blade and edge geometry, hardening and heat treatment.

But it is stainless steel that is excellent for small folding knives. Here, the stainless properties have been reinforced by a surface layer of titanium. Perhaps more for appearance than anything else. 

The marking on this blade is worth a comment. There is a lot of information on the blade, but it is so cleverly hidden that it is barely distinguishable. On the presentation side, you can find SRM's logo, but in a small format and a colour scheme that makes it barely visible. Then they have hidden everything from the serial number, model designation and steel type on the other side in a size that requires a magnifying glass to read. It is found in the blade notch and on the ricasso.

The steel used is N690

Once put into use, the Twin is an excellent pocket knife. It cuts really well, and the blade is, as I said, not too thick, and the edge is sharp. Excellent for EDC use, in other words. But what is the crazy person saying, you might be wondering? A small dagger blade can't be very useful, right? In fact, it is if you use the knife for what small pocket knives have always been used for: small tasks. I wouldn't force this knife into a role it wasn't intended for. It's hardly an outdoor knife or hunting knife, so butchering moose or building a shelter outdoors is, of course, not its strength. 

On the other hand, the Twin is an excellent knife for opening things, the small, quick cuts needed to get into boxes and packaging, removing tape, cutting nylon straps, etc. Then, it is also good for precision work, especially with that tip. So if you've got some debris in your hand that needs to be removed, this is as close to a scalpel as you get.

Handle

Cigar, that's all I have to say about the handle. Or maybe not really everything. But the handle on the Twin has a typical cigar shape. Completely symmetrical, which reflects the blade with a narrower front end and a narrower back end. Both ends are also strongly rounded, which not only gives a softer impression, but also feels that way in the hand.

The handle is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to hold

The construction consists of two halves of steel that make up the frame itself. The side panels are recessed into them. The knife is held together by only two screws. A screw at the back of the handle and the pivot screw itself, which is adjustable. Or, well, it would be if it weren't soaked in threadlocking. I have to admit, it won. I came very close to tearing the threads when I tried.

In this version, the frame has the same grey colour as the blade. This makes me suspect that the same titanium coating was used for both, but I'm not entirely sure on that point.

The two halves of the handle are visible, which suggests an integral construction, even if it's not

This version features sides made of a G10 laminate with a carbon fibre surface. The surface is not only well polished but also elegantly curved. There is not a single flat surface on this knife. It not only looks luxurious, it feels so too. It is obvious that some effort has been put into the design. Sometimes simplicity is a virtue.

Det finns en anledning till att den här formen var vanlig på äldre knivtyper, den fungerar i alla grepp!

In fact, the Twin works great in every grip you can think of. This applies regardless of whether you prefer a more powerful hammer grip or one more intended for finesse. But the same approach when it comes to the area of ​​use returns here. Twin is a small and neat pocket knife with the limitations that this entails. If you have large hands and want something solid to hold, this is not the knife for you. Similarly, the knife lacks finger protection, so I also do not recommend that you stab with the knife.

The length of the handle is 102 mm, and the thickness is 12 mm. The advantage of a hidden flipper and this overall shape, however, is that every millimetre of the handle can be used; nothing is wasted.

Opening and Lock

SRM rightly makes a point of equipping the Twin with what they call an "invisible flipper". It's true. Unless you have the knife in your hand or read the description of it, it's hard to tell that this is a front flipper knife. One that works damn well, too.

The entire base of the blade is equipped with jimpings that provide excellent grip for a finger that is pulled over the front of the blade. You don't have to aim or pre-tension your finger, as is sometimes the case with other types of flipper tabs. Just pull your finger, and the blade flashes out.

Twin offers one of the most discreet flipper features I've encountered

In addition to good grip and geometry, the process is aided by a light blade and ceramic ball bearings. The Twin is both easy and quick to open.

And as with all knives with this type of lock, it can, of course, be used to open the knife. Simply pull the locking bolt back, and the blade will swing freely and can be flicked both in and out. The fact is that you have to consciously reduce the speed on the way in, otherwise the blade will bounce back out.

The lock called "Ambi lock" is SRM's extremely well-executed interpretation of a cross-bar lock.

SRM calls their version of the Crossbar Lock the Ambi Lock. It's a technique they've mastered from the start, and the Twin is no exception. The lock is reliable, as it always locks and holds the blade in place with authority. There's no movement in the blade that you can feel.

However, I'm not entirely thrilled with the fact that the pivot screw is so tight that if I needed to adjust the blade, it's currently impossible. 

To Carry

Sometimes I write "it doesn't get much better than this" when it comes to certain aspects of knives. That's something that definitely applies to how the Twin is to carry. The external attributes are there with a length of almost exactly one decimeter. To that should be added, however, that it is a very rounded decimeter. The ends are softly shaped, and the sides are arched.

This means that the maximum thickness of the handle is only found in the middle. At the edges, the handle is only 9 mm thick. Then it is even better with a modest weight of only 70 grams.

Furthermore, the surface of the handle is very soft and does not contribute to any friction that can irritate either a hand on the way down to the pocket or tear the fabric.

But even more notable is the absence of anything that protrudes. As you can see, there is nothing that can be in the way. Then the package is completed with a well-functioning clip.

I like this variant of a wire clip

Twin has a black wire clip that matches the appearance of the knife well. The fact that SRM chose this type gives a lighter and airier impression than a more massive clip would have made, so it is a choice I think is correct. The function of the clip is very good. The spring works, and the ramp that is there comes over most fabric edges. Especially since the material underneath does not provide any friction to speak of. This makes Twin easy to pull and put away. And since it weighs as little as it does, it is basically completely unnoticeable where it is located.

The only disadvantage is that the clip cannot be moved to the left side. But after trying to carry the knife on the left side, it can be concluded that since the model itself is completely symmetrical, you can just pull the knife, twist it in your hand and open it with your left hand as well. No major problems, therefore.

Another advantage of the clip is that it does not interfere when cutting with the knife. On the contrary, it helps when opening and closing the knife, as you can rest your fingers against it for a better grip.

To Conclude

It can be said straight away that, in my opinion, this is one of the best-looking knives SRM has put together. Twin not only has that very dagger-like appearance, but it is also very well made. All quality markers can be checked off. The blade is centred, the factory edge is sharp and symmetrical, the opening is soft and nimble and so on. But what stands out the most is probably the details in the seemingly very simple handle.

It's about things like how they chose to keep the colour scheme consistent with the frame, blade and screws. How the marking is tasteful and discreet, but not least about how they rounded and bevelled all edges. The entire knife is as soft to hold as it looks in the picture.

Twin, a slim little dagger for your pocket that is surprisingly practical

The fact that it is comfortable to grip is followed by the fact that it is pleasant to work with. The knife is well-balanced, which reinforces that it is light. The blade is surprisingly practical given the frames I mentioned earlier. As you can see, it is not a survival knife. But for all sorts of smaller tasks, it is excellent.

SRM Twin is a real jewel in your pocket

The SRM Twin is therefore a pretty good knife for those who like this type of aesthetic but who at the same time want something that, despite its sleek appearance and neat format, is quite practical.

In addition, the Twin is not expensive; currently, the recommended price on the website is $79.95, which is about the same amount in Europe, albeit in Euros.

SRM Knives

Specifications:

Length Overall: 178 mm

Length Folded: 102 mm

Weight: 70 g (weighed by me, stated 70 g)

Blade Length: 76 mm

Blade Thickness: 2,5 mm

Blade Steel: Böhler N690

Handle : G10/carbon fiber

Lock: Ambi Lock/ Cross Bar Lock

Produced by: SRM, made in China

/ J - looking for twins

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

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

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