New Knife - Joker Bowie 7.87"

As the attentive reader you are, you have probably noticed that I have gone from a single knife from Spanish Joker to broadening that part of the collection considerably. Now it is time for another one. A knife that somewhat follows the same aesthetic as a folding knife called Becada. There is actually a thought behind that. Something that I intend to develop at a later time.

The common denominator is, of course, the handle material that is found in that folding knife, but is also found in this model called Bowie 7.87".

The name is purely descriptive as it, of course, tells you what type of knife it is, but also informs you about how long the blade is!

Joker Bowie 7.87"

This is far from Joker's largest Bowie. This variant is available in a longer version called 9.45", which translated means a 24 cm blade. In addition to that, the Bowie Hunter and Crown are found with 25 cm blades. But I chose the slightly smaller version for two reasons. One is balance in aesthetics. I think that this particular ratio between blade and handle looks extra appealing.

The same goes for the handle material, which is stag horn. I have always had a soft spot for white handles. And since I believe that elephants, walruses and other animals should be allowed to keep their teeth, this is an excellent substitute.

If you don't like this material, there are alternatives. Other horns from cattle or buffalo, but also wood. In this case, walnut is used in this model. It must be admitted that it is also stylish.

The harmonious, beautiful lines are emphasised by the materials, deer antler in the handle and leather in the sheath.

Although this is not the largest of the Bowie knives, it is still impressive. As it should be, it has a clip point blade, and it is 200 mm long. The thickness of the material is almost five millimetres, 4.8 to be exact. The material, Böhler N695, is the same as that found in my previous Bush Camp Knife. This is perhaps not so surprising since it is actually the same type of knife, but with a different appeal in terms of form.

The blade has a nice but somewhat difficult to photograph shiny satin finish. The massive finger guard is polished to a shine, as is the part of the steel that makes up the tang. This is a full tang knife, by the way. This does two things. First, the balance is excellent. The balance point is found in the middle of the guard. Despite its size, the knife therefore feels smaller and lighter. The knife has a length of 323 mm and a weight of 415 g.

The other thing that is achieved with a full tang is durability. In combination with a steel that is at least theoretically a more impact-resistant version of N690, it sounds excellent. A knife this big attracts you to do slightly heavier tasks. That was also how they were used historically.

The package is rounded off with a lanyard made of leather that ends with a deer antler button. The latter can be placed inside the belt if you want to be extra sure of keeping your knife. Otherwise, the sheath does an excellent job at that. It keeps the knife in place without rattling or any other sound.

The material is solid leather of good quality, and extra work has been put into it by providing it with decorative elements and seams.

Incidentally, this applies to the entire knife. It feels both solid and well-made. In addition to the case, it is noticeable on the very sharp and even factory edge and not least on the handle, which is very well polished. Some comment I saw online remarked that the tang stood proud over the rest of the handle. That is not the case here. Everything is even and soft.

The combined expression makes me fall for this knife immediately. Of course, it can be argued that everything it can do can also be done with a different type of "camp knife" and perhaps better since they don't have large finger guards that could possibly get in the way. But in that case, it's actually about aesthetics. This IS simply better looking, any questions about that?

As usual, I will write a review when there is evidence for one.

Joker

/ J - goes full Bowie

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Al Mar SERE Operator

- or there is a difference between Operator and Operator

Friends of order with a good memory probably feel that their fingers are itching and would like to point out that I have already presented a knife called the Al Mar SERE Operator 40. That is certainly completely correct, but look, it is not the same knife. The names are similar, and so is the knife, as they are based on the same basic model.

This particular numbered version came in a very special box

Just as the specifications differ slightly, so does the name. The correct name for this model is the Al Mar SERE Operator, or more accurately, the 4" Al Mar SERE Operator Knife. The latter is more of a  designation, I guess.

In addition to the knife, the box contained some other goodies.

There are a number of points on which these knives differ. In fact, there are so many that it is basically a different knife with similar characteristics. I therefore intend to present a comparison between them at a later date.

Simply put, it can be said that in addition to both knives having G10 in the grip, the materials are different, while all the dimensions have been changed. Overall, this knife is lighter and even more agile to handle than its predecessor. It can then be added that both models are slightly smaller than the original, which had a five-inch blade, which essentially makes them a "mini SERE".

Specifically, it means a knife that is quite modest in size with a blade length that the name suggests, four inches or just over ten centimetres. This gives a total length of 222 mm (8.75"). The blade has a material thickness of 3.3 mm (0.13"). The handle is also thin, smooth and lightweight, which gives the knife itself a weight of as low as 126g (4.5 oz).

The handle material is G10, which has a thin red line closest to the tang as decoration. Very stylish and alludes to Al Mars' black-red theme. 

The blade shape is Al Mar's classic "Talon" or, as most would identify it ", a quintessential spear-point". The steel used is the proven 154CM, which has been given a dark grey tumbled finish.

The knife is complemented by a Kydex sheath. It is noticeable that there is quality in it as well as it has just the right resistance to keep the knife in a firm grip while being easy to draw. In addition, the knife is completely silent when it is in the sheath. No rattle here!

The sheath has a swivel clip in spring steel that fits most belts. For the extra knowledgeable, this construction may reveal who manufactures this knife for Al Mar.

SERE Operator comes with a Kydex sheath equipped with TOPS's custom metal clip

I don't usually comment on how knives are packaged or how the boxes look, but in this case, it's something completely special! This particular copy happens to be a numbered edition (no. 10/500) and a press release variant and therefore comes in this very special box.

More specifically, it's an ammunition box where dimensions and specifications are written on the outside in the same way as if the contents were cartridges.

For once, the packaging doesn't feel exaggerated, as this knife really sparks. One of the things behind it is that, unlike the previous model, it is not made in China.

AL Mar SERE Operator made by TOPS Knives

Al Mar SERE Operator is instead made in the USA, more specifically in Idaho. That's where TOPS Knives is located, and they are the ones who are responsible for the manufacturing expertise in this case. For those who know their knives for outdoor use, military, police and other similar professional groups, there is hardly any need for an introduction. It can only be stated that they are of the absolute highest possible quality.

The same impression is immediately given by the SERE Operator. Especially since the restrained format paired with excellent balance gives a knife that literally radiates competence. This is underlined, as I said, by a build quality including the case that is of an exceptionally high level.

Therefore, it will be a true joy to carry, use and review this knife. SERE Operator invites to be carried and screams to be used.

Al Mar Knives

/ J - excited

Review Brisa PK70FX

  

- Another eminent little knife from Finland

This fixed-blade Knife from Finnish Brisa is interesting in more than one way. First, it turns to a segment that has increased in popularity recently. More about this later. The name PK70FX clues to another interesting detail that aroused at least my interest.

It may sound a bit cryptic as it is only a designation rather than a name, but someone who knows their BRISA/Enzo history may know that there was previously a folding knife in the catalog called PK70.

 

With the addition of "FX" for "Fixed", this is thus a tribute to that model. Obviously, the format is believed to withstand the test of time, but not the execution, it seems. Maybe it was because it was a slip joint? It is more than I know, but the rest of the properties live in this knife, and I am happy for that.

Brisa PK70FX

The segment I was aiming at above is, of course, the growing number of small fixed-blade knives on the market aimed at "EDC" or everyday use. Most brands have an alternative to the repertoire, and this is not least visible among the Chinese dragons that offer a lot of alternatives.

But here in Scandinavia, we have actually always cherished that kind of knife. Historically, there are plenty of utility and hunting knives with blades well under a decimeter or four inches. Therefore, it does not feel at all strange that Brisa releases a knife of that type. 

Or another may be added as they have several smaller knives on the program. For example, I think of models like Necker 70, Bobtail 80, and by me reviewed Scara 60.

Short version: BRISA PK70FX is a small fixed blade that both shoulders the traditional Scandinavian yoke and further the legacy of its folding predecessor.

Blade

In true Finnish tradition and in the footsteps of its predecessor, we are offered a classic blade. This means harmonious proportions that in numbers are translated to a length of 70 mm, which is otherwise what all figures in Brisa's naming stand for, if anyone wondered, and a height of at most 20 mm. The thickness is well chosen, 3 mm. Such a small blade does not have to be very strong at the same time, as it needs a little substance to be able to ground in this way.

Ett lika harmoniskt som klassiskt blad

The finish is satin, and the steel that received that treatment is a classic Sandvik 12C27. Or Alleima 12C27, as it is now called, because it is the steel division of the Sandvik group for a few years back.

It is a very well-proven stainless steel by this time in the slightly lower class. It is known not least from Mora knives and countless French brands, although most manufacturers have changed to 14C28N instead.

The material used is 12C27, a stainless steel

The grind is apparently and quite naturally a so-called Scandinavian one. The width of the bevel is 5 mm. Since it is a genuine Scandinavian edge or a zero edge without division into primary/secondary, it makes no sense to talk about thickness behind the edge. In that case, it would be just over three millimeters because that is what the blade measures.

The factory edge was as expected, good with a really decent sharpness. However, I have always wondered about the curvature of the belly. But from pictures, it seems that is how they are sharpened. What I mean is that it almost has the features of a tanto tip over it, as the top two centimeters are almost flat, and then the curve is a bit sharper instead of following a smooth arc. It is nothing that affects the function, but it is visible.

12C27 is a steel known for being relatively rust-resistant, and it is something that I have benefited from when the knife has been forgotten outside on some occasion. There have been a few small stains, but they have been easy to remove.

Then, even the sun has its spots, and one of them is that this steel does not stay sharp for very long. At least not when compared to all the "super steels" used on the folding knife side these days. It can be added that the stated hardness is only 57 HRC, which, of course, contributes. The other side of the coin is that it makes the knife very easy to sharpen. Which, as I said, is needed.

That said, it can be stated that the PK70FX is as practical as they claim. The design is simple and stripped down, which applies to both the blade and the handle. It is possible to use force when needed without having to worry about the knife breaking, which can be the case with smaller folding knives. I mainly think of when you are cutting wood and need to pry the edge off, or not really think about the angle at which you are attacking the object. As I said, you don't need to think about that here.

The Scandinavian grind gives a strong tip

Otherwise, this knife has had to fill the same role as all the other EDC knives I have. This means, among other things, that it has been taken to work. It is found in a professional kitchen, so a knife is not something that raises eyebrows. There, it has mainly served as a cardboard and packaging opener. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of plastic in our world today, and it has to be removed.

In those cases, the PK70FX is a really good knife! Especially since the tip is both, well, pointed and strong. Something that follows from the sharpening. It means that you dare to puncture plastic cans and the like without having to worry. 

One thing that doesn't make this knife a favorite at work, however, is that it's not quite as easy to carry as a folding knife in a trouser pocket. A jacket pocket is another matter.

In addition to such tasks, I've also taken this knife with me on adventures in the forest, and it does a great job there too. Of course, it's not a Brisa Nessmuk 125, and if I have to choose one of those on a hike or camping trip, I know what it'll be like. Sometimes a 70 mm blade is very small. Especially if you're going to prepare food and the like. Then this type of edge is nothing to brag about either.

But all the small everyday tasks that can be expected to be handled by a knife are handled with great ease. Something that was not least noted when a new TV was unpacked the other day and both nylon straps and a considerable amount of cardboard had to be cut off and down.

Handle

The length of the handle is just over nine centimeters, 94 mm, which may not sound like much. However, the design means that the entire length is available to grip, which is not the case if a knife is, for example, equipped with a finger guard or similar. This means that despite the knife's modest size, I get an almost full four-finger grip. This means that you can put more force into the cuts with this knife than you might initially think.

Despite the discreet format, a full-size handle is offered

The material used in this design is bocote. If the user does not like it, the knife can be ordered with olive wood or in completely different materials, such as Micarta in several colors and designs. In addition, you can always make your own scabbards, and materials can of course be obtained from Brisa Ltd, as they are major suppliers of craft materials. Therefore, the blade can also be purchased separately if you want to make your own knife.

The sides are screwed with no less than four small torx screws. The knife is a full-tang knife with the steel lightened under the wood to improve balance. This means that the balance point is found a few centimeters into the handle from the front part.

The knife is a full-tang knife, and the handle is made of wood.

The shape of the handle is slightly angular, but it is small and well-beveled, and that makes it comfortable in the hand. I might not go so far as to call it an ergonomic masterpiece, but the shape of the knife does not make you work with it for hours either. So, in practical terms, it is a very good handle.

The most frequent grip works well

The friction in the handle is not very good by modern standards. That is, compared to various military-oriented commando knives with G10 handles that resemble sandpaper. But it is not needed either. In its intended role, the size and shape work excellently and therefore no damn finger guards are needed. But of course, for my North American audience, I must add that it takes some practice to handle this kind of Puukko. The reason I write this is that it is often pointed out in US-based reviews. The rest of the world knows it anyway.

Sheath

In true Finnish tradition, the PK70FX comes with a leather sheath. But on the other hand, they keep up with the times, and many other knives can be had with Kydex sheaths, but not in this case, and I am grateful for that. In my opinion, it would not have matched the look.

The included sheath is made of sturdy leather.

The sheath is quite simple. It is of folded construction, but it is made of very strong leather and well sewn. The thickness of the leather matches the steel and measures 3.1mm. At the bottom of the sheath is a small hole for drainage, and there is also a small hole if someone, for some unknown reason, wants to thread a string there.

A simple but well-made sheath that does not hold the knife extremely tightly.

The belt loop takes a normal thinner belt of 35 mm, but not much more than that. Of course, this is reasonable considering the format of the knife. In fact, I have never carried the knife in a belt except when I tested the knife. Otherwise, I either store it in my bag (backpack or Messenger bag when I cycle) or loosely in the right jacket pocket. The knife is both small and neat enough. The total weight, including the sheath, is no more than 115 g, and the length with the knife in the sheath is 175 mm.

Conclusion

The very first line of the presentation on the website states that this is a "compact and versatile knife designed with simplicity and functionality in mind." That's a statement I can now endorse after using and carrying this knife for almost a year. Time flies when you're having fun, they say.

It was summer then, and it will be again soon. That means the PK70FX has literally been put through its paces. But with that said, I've mostly used it as it was intended, as a small, practical EDC knife in all situations that don't require the absolute utmost discretion, since it is, after all, a fixed-blade knife. 

PK70FX performs well in the forest as well as in the city

Then, as I said, it has been allowed to go into the forest, and it doesn't make a fool of itself there either. It mostly depends on the user and what the knife is used for. But of course, I wouldn't skin a moose or fillet a pike with this knife, but anything goes if you really need to.

On the other hand, it excels where it is intended, in all kinds of everyday situations that require a sharp edge and a good point. You can poke and cut with confidence without being afraid that something will break. However, it does become dull, which can be seen because the steel is soft; it reacts very quickly to both whetstones and a strop, which is the maintenance method I use most frequently, unless knives are too dull.

The Scandi grind also makes the knife easy to sharpen when the time comes. But that type of edge also means that it is not the best for everything. If you know that you need a knife to cut a lot of food, I recommend a flat-ground alternative instead. In wood, however, this type of knife is preferable.

A knife as Finnish as a good cup of coffee*, the Brisa PK70FX. A fixed blade knife that picks up where the PK70 left off

Brisa has succeeded well in managing the legacy of its folding predecessor with the PK70FX. I don't own that model, but I do own its big brother, the Birk 75, which has a lock. The relationship between that knife and this one is both recognizable and appreciated. If you know what you're getting into when you buy a small Puukko, this is a very viable alternative. If you're looking for the ultimate low-drag, high-speed knife for "covert operations", then look elsewhere.

But as a stylish knife in true Finnish tradition aimed at everyday use, this is excellent!

Brisa Ltd

Specifikation:

Length Overall: 160 mm
Blade Length: 70 mm
Blade Thickness: 3 mm
Steel: 12C27
Weight: 70 g, for the knife, 115 g with sheath
Handle: Wood, Bocote
Sheath: Leather

Produced by Brisa Ltd, made in Finland


/ J - looks to the east

* The Finns and Swedes compete when it comes to being the biggest coffee users in the world. Right now, I believe they are on top. 

New Knife - Two Sun TS467

It's important to keep the rotation of knives up in the early part of 2025. That's why it's time to introduce the knife I called "the oddball" in a post on Instagram the other day. Like the beastly TS434, this knife comes from Chinese Two Sun and like most of their knives, it has no name but a designation. This one is called TS467.

Two Sun TS467

The knife in question has a very special look and that's why I gave it the epithet I did. But actually, it's not so much weird as stolen if I'm being honest. The designer behind this knife is a gentleman whose name is Milovich I think. His logo is a cactus anyway. The problem is that it's more or less a direct copy of Fred Perrin La Griffe. Especially the larger version of that knife with handle sides which mine doesn't have.

Now it must be admitted that I don't know if this knife is an homage in any way or if they have an agreement. Otherwise, it's simply a copy. It's been done before which I've written quite extensively about in the text "L'original". Read it is my recommendation.

The inspiration is tangible

But of course, it was precisely the qualities that made me appreciate the original that also attracted me to this new interpretation from Two Sun. 

A Wharncliffe from Two Sun with a prominent hole in the blade

What we have here is a knife that is just under thirteen centimeters long in total but still has an edge length of a whopping 6.7 cm. The steel used is Swedish, Sandvik 14C28N. The handle sides are made of black Micarta and the weight is a low 51 grams. The included case is made of Kydex and is attached using a clip.

Overall, an interesting knife in many ways that I liked!

/ J - somewhat mumbling

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

L'original (E)

This blogpost is old, but it is still relevant because this knife has been "designed" once again. I would rather call it "rediscovered." For that reason, I translated what I wrote back in 2020.

There is nothing new under the sun, but perhaps one should say that "most of it has been done before" instead. Of course, some new things are added, even if the number of actual innovations decreases. This applies, for example, to many mechanical inventions, including those connected to bicycles. An area that I am quite familiar with. For example, things that are modern now, such as full suspension or chainless bicycles, were experimented with as early as the 19th century. But the expressions above can also be applied to our dear interest in knives.

Sometimes, however, a genius comes along and thinks up something that hasn't existed before, or perhaps rather a new use for something that already existed. One of the best examples is probably Spyderco's use of a hole in the blade to open a folding knife. Holes in blades had been around before from time to time, but not with that ulterior motive. Et voila, something new and unique was born.

Sometimes the steps are not as extreme but still very typical. One such I will write about today and it is a knife called "La Griffe" or the claw as it is called in English. The creator is Frenchman Fred Perrin.

The original, Fred Perrin La Griffe Noir

That knife also does not contain anything fundamentally new, but the combination of three elements makes it very distinctive in appearance and thus unique. I

• It is a very small fixed-blade knife with a short blade, originally a Wharncliffe
• It has a so-called pistol grip
• It has a prominent hole for a finger in the blade

The finger hole is the most distinctive feature of the knife, but it was hardly the first of its kind in the world. Finger holes have been found in both knife and sword handles before in history. The appearance of this knife with these three statement details may need some explanation, but it is simply a result of the motto "form follows function". 

In this case, you may have to know something about the creator to keep up with the times. Part of the point is that Perrin is a man of many talents. In addition to being a knifemaker and designer, he is also a former commando and a lifelong practitioner of various martial arts. And this is where La Griffe comes into the picture. It also has a practical side, but it is more of a bonus. Despite its small size, it is basically a self-defense knife. For that reason, Perrin wanted a small knife that was easy to hide and carry, so that it was always available. You know, according to the idea that "the best knife is the one you have with you".

For it to be as effective as possible, it needed a solid point and a cutting edge that bites hard. But it also needed to have as secure a grip as possible for its size, hence the pistol grip. It also allows you to hide the handle inside your hand so you can thrust or jab with the knife when needed. But the main feature, the large hole, serves a dual purpose. It means that you basically can't drop the knife or be disarmed, but it also means that you can open your hand to grab someone/something while keeping the knife in your hand. It's in the latter that a practical aspect can be woven in. You can of course open a box, and then move it to take the next box without putting the knife down, even if that wasn't the main purpose.

The size of the blade also has a brutal but well-thought-out explanation. In addition to making the knife light and easy to carry, it also makes it harder to accidentally seriously injure someone. If you take a look at traditional stiletto-inspired knives like the Fairbairn/Sykes and all their modern derivatives, everything from the Gerber Mk II to modern daggers like the Extrema Ratio Suppressor or combat knives like the Ka-Bar, etc., they are large or at least long. If you stab someone with such a blade, it is not self-defense but murder, possibly manslaughter in a later trial. The risk of killing or maiming someone with a very small blade is less, according to the creator.

The talon that inspired many

Så orginalet till alla de knivar av den här typen som finns på marknaden är alltså utformat av Fred Perrin. 

Since then, there have been many copies, some clones, and several completely legitimate collaborations on the theme. Spyderco is behind some of these. They have liked holes in knife blades from the beginning and have collaborated with Fred on several occasions. Among other things through the PPT model but above all through Sal Glesser being inspired by La Griffe when he first designed SPOT and later Swick which have also been released in several generations. Since they are a reputable company, they have also paid royalties to Perrin even though they didn't have to as there is no patent.*

Cold Steel also thought the idea was cool and they also had the good taste to mention where the idea came from when they made their Point Guard. Since they are Cold Steel, after all, it naturally grew considerably in size.

In addition to Perrin's own custom versions of the knife, Warren Thomas has also made variations of this knife in his own special style where he mixes carbon fiber blades with titanium edges. This too has been done under open conditions and with mutual consent.

But then we come to those who have no decency at all. Are they Chinese, anyone think? They copy everything. Yes, there are knives with finger holes in the handle from there too, most recently from Two Sun to name a few manufacturers. But those knives are not at all like La Griffe otherwise, so there is nothing to say about them. It is simply a different knife model. The same applies to Gerber's Remix, for example, which also has a gigantic hole for the index finger. The problem is not found there, as those knives only use one of the three foundations. One that is also ancient.  

We know that shitty companies like Smith & Wesson's knife division steal wildly, so it was perhaps not unexpected that they made an "H.R.T Bear Claw." It's a La Griffe copy with a slightly straightened handle.

Well, instead, you can read about the CRKTS 2510 "Bear Claw" that Russ Kommer, who "designed" the knife, had self-defense for women in mind. They say on their website, among other things, that "He thought a knife that was easy to grip and hard to lose would be a big hit, and since he made the first Bear Claw™". So cute of them to add a little "TM" at the end when the knife in the pointed version is almost identical to the La Griffe or rather the Emerson-made version with a talon blade. The only difference is that when Ernie also thought the idea was brilliant after meeting Fred Perrin, he asked for permission. Then he added his personal touch to the model with the concave edge. Russ Kommer claims that "His original concept was a self-defense knife for woman that would be lightweight, easy to access and control".

It just happened to be a carbon copy of a La Griffe in terms of both appearance and function. As I said, there's nothing wrong with admitting where the inspiration came from, but claiming to have come up with the basic pattern yourself is just plain ridiculous.

It's not really that bad with SOG who released the "Snarl" which is a licensed version of the Brous Blades Silent Soldier. A knife that is "designed" by Jason Brous. All he did was take a La Griffe and add more finger holes and his design effort was complete. Yes, then of course M-Tech has copied them both by releasing a budget knife that looks the same but with a tanto tip. But that was only expected. They also have a pure La Griffe copy complete with a straight edge and curved pistol grip.

Recently, the more established Amare has also popped up with its A-Max , which is a straightened La Griffe.    

By this, I mean that I have nothing against individuals or companies being inspired by each other. The eternal discussion about who has actually copied who can sometimes go a bit too far, especially in online discussion forums. The knife is one of man's oldest tools and most of it has actually been made. It follows that much must be more or less like something that has existed before. But when you take such clear characteristics from other models as in the examples I have given above, it all becomes a bit ridiculous when you claim to have come up with the model yourself.

So the gist is, feel free to be inspired but tell us by whom!

/ J - doesn't straighten knives but question marks

By the way, there is no such thing for the Spyderco hole either. However, it is a TM or trademark for Spyderco, but that is another topic.

Review MKM Makro 2

  

- a first contact with a fixed blade knife from MKM

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

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

A semi-hidden jewel from Italian MKM

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

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

MKM Makro 2

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

Blade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The other side" offers Voxnae's logo

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

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

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

Handle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A large little knife, so to speak

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

Sheath

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

The leather case is simple but sturdy

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

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

This solution is not completely anonymous when carried in a pocket

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Maniago Knife Makers

Specifications:

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

Produced by Maniago Knife Makers, made in Italy


/ J - size isn't everything

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

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

New Knife - Brisa PK70FX

Recently, I presented a folding knife whose overall features resembled a puukko. Here we have a knife that takes that concept one step further. Not only is it a knife of the aforementioned type, but it is also a fixed-bladed version of a folding knife! It's also a way to wrap it up.

Finnish Brisa previously had a slip joint called PK70 in the catalog. Now they have chosen to remake that knife with roughly the same dimensions but in a more robust version. It's called PK70FX  , where "FX" of course stands for "Fixed".

Brisa PK70FX

It follows the original fairly faithfully in overall lines, which is reflected in both the handle and blade shape. The length of the blade is also the same, i.e. 70 mm. The thickness is a modest 3 mm and the height is 20 mm. The blade is made in classic Swedish 12C27 and the blade is, as it should in this context, "scandi grind". Anything else would have been strange, but it should be pointed out that they do significantly better with thin blade stock so in this case the edge shines. 

A small fixed-bladed knife with a Scandi grind intended for "EDC use" from Finnish Brisa

The handle is available in different versions, but here it is wood, more specifically bocote screwed in place over a full tang. The knife comes with a simple but well-made leather sheath.

Overall an interesting knife to join my growing group of fixed-blade knives aimed at EDC use more than hunting or the construction site although this one might actually work in those contexts as well.

Brisa Knives

/ J - likes fixed blade...too

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