New Knife - QSP Beetle

The latest knives I have presented from QSP have been characterised as being medium to large and thoroughly practical. I am thinking of the recently reviewed Turtle Punk, but especially the Ripley. Now it gets a little more fun!

This thing is definitely bigger than you might first think. But it is certainly not boring. Let me introduce a fairly new knife called Beetle!

QSP Beetle

So far, it is available in five variants. One looks "normal", one is blacker than the night, and three are very colourful. Sometimes a little colour is needed in life, so I chose the striking combination of black and red.

In addition to the colour scale, the knife is recognisable by its slightly chubby silhouette and, of course, by the fact that it is a folding dagger. Certainly not double-edged in the original, but since the entire blade is hidden in the handle when the knife is closed, it is possible to sharpen the other side as well if desired.

About the knife, it can also be said that it is built around a colourful but lightened steel frame with sides of G10. It is a liner lock, and the blade is opened with a flipper. To facilitate this, the blade rides on ceramic bearings.

Beetle - a knife that is anything but boring 

The blade that emerges is a rather bulging spear point, but if you cover the upper half of the blade, what remains is quite practical. The length of the blade is 75 mm, which is matched by a width of just over 28 mm at most. The thickness is 3 mm, and the steel is 14C28N. A material QSP uses to an increasing extent in its mid-range knives, I have noticed.

The entire knife measures 180 mm when opened and 105 mm when closed. The weight is around 117 g.

Overall, a fun little folding dagger that is anything but boring! It is actually nice to hold as well. I will come back to you with more detailed thoughts about the other properties in the future.

QSP Knives

/ J - likes some bugs

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review Civivi Sentinel Strike II

  

-  When bigger actually is better

Civivi is a brand that has developed gradually and constantly seems to strive upwards. From initially being mostly a budget alternative spun off from WE-knife to standing more on its own two feet. This knife, called Sentinel Strike II, is brilliant proof of that.

This is an example of a really good knife, regardless of the price level. Maybe not the most exclusive in terms of materials, but good in terms of design, handling and not least fit and finish.

Civivi Sentinel Strike II

First, perhaps we should clarify what "II" stands for. In principle, this is the same knife as the first one, although the blade shape has been given a major overhaul. The first model had a boldly modified Wharncliffe blade with a large hole in it. In fact, I don't find that model particularly attractive.

But then this variant came with a drop point blade, and my interest was piqued. A larger Civivi knife was actually what I was looking for, as most of the others in the catalogue are of a slightly smaller model.

Now, it's not just any blade as it has a compound grind. Then this version shares several features with the original, such as the rather special handle. All in all, a really interesting knife, large, light and quite dramatic.

A large and sturdy knife that is nevertheless light and well-balanced

Short version: Civivi Sentinel Strike II, A folding knife that is not only well-sized, but it is also light and well-balanced and cuts excellently. A real all-rounder!

Blade

It is a substantial blade we have in front of us, the length is 94 mm, and the height is 31 mm. However, it is not excessively thick with its 3 mm. It is even quite neat for being so large. Those proportions make it thin, and that property is reinforced by the fact that most of the edge is hollow ground. This makes it really thin behind the edge, 0.3 mm to be exact.

Then, as I said, the blade has a compound grind, which means that the tip is flat ground, which is what the rounded transition shows. However, that part is also quite thin. So, of course, the tip is reinforced, but not much. It is quite delicate, but that also makes it an excellent tool.

The large blade has a hint of a tanto tip and a compound grind where the main part is hollow ground.

The shape of the blade is enhanced by the substantial false edge that runs along most of the blade. It can also be said that the way the knife is sharpened gives it a slight tanto tendency. With its curved front part, it can probably be said to be a Japanese one. But it can be added that at the first real resharpening, it will disappear, and what remains will be a more traditional drop point with a fairly substantial belly thanks to the height of the blade. Functionally, it is already one of those.

The finish is a pretty nice stone wash. The blade steel is Nitro-V, a well-balanced mid-range steel that is found in the class around or just above 14C28N and similar materials. It holds its edge well, but not to the same extent as finer steels. It is fairly rust-resistant and tough enough not to chip in the first place.   

The steel is Nitro-V

Sentinel Strike II is really good for most things. A wide but thin blade makes it particularly suitable for cutting materials where you need good control, such as cardboard and the like. I will, however, grind off the small tanto-like secondary tip as it certainly does not do much damage but irritates me a little as it can be a little "stop" when cutting textiles, for example.

Otherwise, this is a blade that works unexpectedly well for cutting wood. However, you have to be a little careful not to bend too much sideways when you loosen the edge, as it is thin. That it is good for cutting rope was more expected.

I wouldn't use a folding knife for hunting at all, and especially not one with various decorative holes in the handle that make cleaning difficult, but the blade could undoubtedly be used for that as soon as the aforementioned secondary tip is ground away. The shape means that long sweeping cuts are excellent in general.

The tip is also very capable. It is certainly reinforced, but to such a small extent that it is still very thin. This makes penetrating cuts in various materials easy to make. Last time I needed an improvised funnel that I made from a PET bottle, and for that kind of task, this is a good knife. Overall, the tip is also easy to control as it is located in the intended centre line of the knife.

Handle

Sentinel Strike II has a handle that is not one of the most common. What makes it stand out is the combination of aluminium and a back spacer in FRN. The odd thing about it is that it is of the integral type, which means that it covers parts of the sides and the entire back. This also gives the knife the feeling of being an integral (a handle made of a single piece) even though it is not.

The advantage of backs that are not open is that they provide a larger contact surface with the hand, which reduces the risk of hot spots.

The shape of the handle is familiar, and the size is quite large.

The aluminium has been brushed to a grey surface that resembles titanium, which is probably no coincidence. The surface is hard enough that scratches will not occur too easily. The edges are heavily bevelled, which makes the handle a little softer in the hand. From the side, it has three holes drilled from which the function is purely aesthetic. From the side, the Civivi "C" logo that is found on the pivot screw is also visible.

The back spacer can also be seen from the side thanks to its design. It is made of plastic, although it is an advanced one in the form of FRN. It has a square pattern, and a series of holes is found in the back. Both patterns are for the sake of appearance more than anything else, as they do not add much extra traction. 

In the back, you will find a rather unique back spacer made of FRN

This handle is sturdy and easily fits most hand sizes, and is also sufficient if you wear gloves. The length is a full 125 mm, and the open shape without a beak or other boundaries at the back means that you can grip the entire handle. The length behind the finger guard formed by the front part of the handle and the flipper is 104 mm. The thickness is 12 mm, enough to fill the hand but thin enough not to be too much of a burden in the pocket.

The shape is quite generic, as it has been made many times before and will be made many times in the future. But that's because it works. A substantial indentation for the index finger followed by a fairly straight shape with rounded edges and corners. A stick, but a stick with good ergonomics.

A simple but comfortable and, above all, spacious handle

It is noticeable as soon as the knife is gripped. Hammer grip is an excellent grip on this knife, and sabre grip is even more comfortable. The thumb ends up exactly where it should and is helped with the traction by the grooves on the base of the blade spine. They could possibly be a little longer in my opinion. But they work well. In both grips, it becomes clear that this clip is excellent in that it does not cause hot spots that can cause chafing.

Then you can, of course, put an index finger on the back of the blade for better control. Then this knife has a large recess for the index finger on the blade, so if you want to get even closer to what you are cutting, you move your hand forward a step.

With the size of the handle, it is no problem to find a good grip. The same applies if you are wearing thin work gloves. In addition, the Sentinel Strike II can be used in a reverse grip when needed. Both if you hold the knife like an ice pick with a thumb over the back end of the knife, or if you have the edge towards you with the blade upwards.

Overall, a very flexible and practical handle.

Opening and Lock

How do you want to open your knife? Whatever your preference, you will find it here, except for the blade hole. But otherwise, using the double-sided thumb studs or the flipper works just as well for the purpose. You can also open the knife slowly with two hands if desired. Then you can always use the lock just like you can with the cross-bar lock. Just press the button, and the lock is released and the blade swings freely. 

Civivi has made the lock so that both thumb studs and the flipper tab work equally well

The reason everything works so well is that Civivi has perfected the tension in the small spring that holds the lock bolt in place. With this type of lock, it follows that they are the ones that hold the blade in place in the retracted position. There is no "detent-ball".

Thumb studs are particularly pleasant to use. The soft barrel shape provides a good grip against the thumb without being uncomfortable. They also sit far enough out to provide good access and good leverage. They are also found on the ricasso, which means that they are not in the way when cutting with the knife.

The flipper tab also works excellently. As usual, Civivi has the good habit of providing them with grooves so that your finger does not slip. In addition, the geometry is such that you can both press the flipper straight down or backwards. This makes handling very intuitive. In addition, the speed of the blade is really good.

This is how you make a good button lock

The locking mechanism is, as can be seen from the pictures, a button lock, also sometimes called a plunge lock. The principle is simple: an asymmetrical bolt with a thicker and a thinner part is moved sideways. When the thicker part is in place, it presses against the back of the blade just like a cross-bar lock. When the button is pressed, the thinner part falls into position and the blade moves freely. Very freely in this case, thanks to ball bearings.

The lock is extremely well made, which partly gives the very nice opening properties I mentioned above, but above all, it holds the blade in an iron grip. It is not possible to perceive any play in the blade even if the blade is provoked or subjected to pressure from the wrong direction.

This type is generally very easy to handle, and this also applies here. So, overall top marks for the lock!

To Carry

For being so large, the Sentinel Strike is really comfortable to carry. It is certainly a long knife, over twelve centimetres when folded, but otherwise it is discreet. The thickness is not excessive, but that is still not what makes it easy to carry in your pocket. There are other reasons for that.

The clip is made of steel and quite long, but nevertheless very discreet in the hand.

One is the design of the handle itself. It is very streamlined, as you can see. Nothing sticks out or catches, even though this is a flipper knife. But what makes the most difference is the soft surface of the materials, which makes the knife slip easily both in and out of a pocket.

The knife is completely hidden in the pocket

Then it is combined with a deep ride clip, which means that very little of the knife is visible when it is in the pocket. What makes it stand out a little, in terms of appearance, is that it is attached to the back of the handle and not on the sid,e which is more common. This means that it is possible to change sides without the handle side having to look like it has been attacked by termites.

The shape is then excellent in the way that the shape makes the clip almost imperceptible when you are working with the knife. 

To Conclude

With the Sentinel Strike II, Civivi has managed to create another really good knife. It's big, light, well-balanced and doesn't look too bad. Version one already had all that, possibly with a look that was more polarising than this. Even if you ignore that, drop point blades have other properties, such as being easier to use for sweeping cuts and, not least, against flat surfaces. Two properties I appreciate, even though it is, of course, situational. That's what makes me prefer this edition.

Of course, bigger is not always better, but sometimes it is, hence my subtitle. In this case, it means that you get a solid grip on the knife and that you can use it for heavier tasks if necessary. A solid blade also attracts you to more advanced jobs than just opening boxes. This means that the Sentinel Strike II can be moved outdoors, to the lake, the forest or the mountains and not just used in an office environment.

One of the knife's main features is that it cuts really well.

The handling of the Sentinel Strike II is also very pleasant. The speed of the blade is impressive if you consider two aspects that usually make that part difficult: that the blade is really big and that there is no hard-trimmed detent ball. However, the blade is very light thanks to the relatively thin blade material and, not least, the combination of a swedge and a hollow grind, which removes material. The resistance has been achieved with a perfect level of spring tension in the lock. A detail that is not entirely easy to achieve. Something that is proven by the fact that all manufacturers would have done it if it were.

The appearance is both figuratively and literally a bit grey. But a variant of a back spacer that gives the impression that the knife is an "integral" adds a bit of flair. But that is reduced to part of the use of FRN as a material. I would have preferred to see it made of a slightly more exclusive material that suited the knife a little better, like G10 or, even better, Micarta. But that would probably have driven up the price a little.

Another detail that I can both lose and have is the small ball at the end of the handle. It is actually a glass breaker. But at least it is discreet and not sharp against the hand, as is usually the case. I think the detail is so pointless that I actually didn't even bother to test it.

Civivi Sentinel Strike II is an excellent all-around folding knife of the larger variety

But I don't have much more negative criticism of the Civivi Sentinel Strike II. It's simply an excellent knife.* So if you're looking for a big and sturdy knife that's still light and well-balanced, this is the knife for you. It cuts damn well, is easy to carry and even easier to handle.

Civivi Knives

Specifications:

Length Overall: 219 mm

Length Folded: 125 mm

Weight:105 g (weighed by me, stated 04,7 g)

Blade Length: 94 mm

Blade Thickness: 3 mm

Blade Steel: Nitro-V

Handle: Aluminium/FRN

Lock: Button lock

Produced by: Civivi, made in China

/ J - goes big

* At the time of writing, you will have to pay between 100 and 150 EUR for this knife, so it pays to compare prices.

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Review Shieldon Knives Scythe XL

  

-  a Pikal to go with your coffee?

The Scythe XL  from  Shieldon Knives has an appearance that differs from most. It belongs to a type of knife called Pikal or P'kal. A type of knife that, like karambits, originated in Southeast Asia and over time developed into knives for self-defense*. This makes it a rare guest here on the blog and perhaps even more so in most people's pockets.

What is typical of the model is that the edge is intended to be turned upwards. Then they are often curved, as in this case, which makes them look even more peculiar when compared to more traditional pocket knives.

One of the questions that arises is whether they have any reason to exist outside of the relatively obscure intended area of ​​use and collecting. Some of that I intend to answer here.

Shieldon Knives Scythe XL

Scythe is a collaboration between American DC Blades, who designed the knife, and Shieldon Knives, who produces it.

The model can be found in two of the categories that Shieldon has chosen to divide its range into on the website. Something I find a bit strange. First, it is found in their mid-range segment called "Crusader". Or rather, that is where this version is placed. With this steel and handle material. But Scythe is also found among the alchemists, which are the more exclusive knives. That version has a titanium handle and a blade in S35VN. Below them are the simplest knives that have to be content with being bards.

Then it gets quite confusing when they call the middle group "High End" and the top group "Premium". They are usually expressions that are more or less synonymous, and if an analogy is to be made to the Hi-Fi world, it can't be more than "High End". That's kind of what the premium category is.

Scythe is not a discreet knife, no matter how you look at it

Short version: Shieldon Knives Scythe XL, a small knife with plenty of attitude!

Blade

The blade type is, if not unique, then very unusual. The fact that the knife type itself is called Pikal or P'kal was mentioned in the introduction. What this means in concrete terms is a knife with a blade that is actually a hawkbill, but with a very distinct angle between the handle and blade. This gives it a typical appearance, and this is, of course, also reflected in the properties.

The blade shape is basically a hawkbill

But what makes a Pikal unique is that it is meant to be turned upside down. That is, with the edge facing up. In this case, the angle of the flipper reveals that it is also meant to be used as a thumb ramp. 

The knife looks quite different when you turn it over.

This is what distinguishes this type of knife. If the knife is held with the edge like a regular knife, it practically means that the edge of the curved blade ends up higher than usual, and the same applies to the tip. It points downwards compared to a regular knife, at the same time as it is found above the intended center line of the knife. This means that it does not grip rope as well as a regular hawkbill, but on the other hand, you can more easily stab with the knife, if desired.

The tip of this type of blade, and also the Scythe, is very thin. This makes it extremely sharp and provides extreme penetration, but it comes at the expense of durability. To put it bluntly, this is not a particularly good tip for opening packages in the long run. However, it cuts excellently in meat. You can draw your own conclusions from that. Not because it can't open boxes, because it more than can, but because it doesn't hold up to it in the long run. Unless you want to sharpen it over time, of course. Then just keep going.

This is even though the steel is a 154CM, which is certainly not particularly exclusive but robust and well-known. By the latter, I mean that it is no secret how it should be hardened and heat-treated to get the most out of it. Here Shieldon keeps the hardness down to 58-60 HRC, which is a good idea as you don't want the blade to break.

The steel is relatively rust-resistant, but here it has been reinforced with a black titanium nitride surface. The finer variants with a black blade instead have a DLC-treated blade, if I understand correctly.

This tip is no joke!

The blade is quite small; despite the fact that the knife has been given the XL suffix, it measures just under three inches or 74 mm. I would think the reason has to do with certain jurisdictions in the world. Many countries and areas draw the line at 75 mm. The height of the blade is at most 22, and the thickness is a full 4 mm. It is relatively large, but a strong spine is needed as the blade is otherwise very slender. Then that thickness is not maintained as the blade has a strong swedge that thins out and improves on an already very good penetration ability.

I have mostly used it for two different things. First, pure testing like cutting meat, and then purely practical to remove splinters, peel out skewers, etc. Of course, with a proper cleaning in between. But for that kind of small stuff, that knife is absolutely fantastic, even though it was hardly intended as a scalpel.

Otherwise, the knife's strengths are found in the same areas as all curved blades, i.e., mainly cutting string, rope, and twine, but also cutting thinner things like a branch, a cable tie, etc. The curved edge bites harder the further into the cut you get, if you put it that way. The exact opposite of a skinning blade.

Handle

The handle shape can probably be called dogbone, as it is a little thinner in the middle and swells both front and back. The fact that the handle is so symmetrical is not surprising since the basic idea is that you should be able to turn it over to get the edge up, as mentioned. But it is also possible to hold the knife on the "right" keel, and not least in a reverse grip with both the edge forward and backward.

To achieve all these grip options, the handle needs to be fairly neutral but still provide a really firm grip. This has been achieved partly by giving the knife substantial finger protection. If the edge is down, it is the blade itself that forms a substantial thumb ramp. It is reinforced by a set of excellent grooves. When the knife is turned over, the flipper fin fulfills the same function. 

The handle is of the "dog bone" type

This handle is quite expensive in terms of processing time. Inside, you will find a frame that is recessed into the handle sides. The latter are not made of any exclusive material but G10. But here they have worked quite hard and given a very distinctive pattern in the style that was previously often called "rock pattern". It gives a very solid grip.

Something that is reinforced by a really thorny back consisting of a protruding back-spacer of black steel.

Scythe has a very distinctive back spacer with a pronounced pattern

The handle is not huge, but with a length of 105 mm, a height of 18-23 mm, and a thickness of 13 mm, it provides a solid four-finger grip. Especially since it is possible to use the entire handle, and the backward-tilting flipper tab gives space instead of stealing space, which is more common.

The knife is assembled at only two points: the pivot screw, which is, of course, adjustable, and an attachment point towards the rear end. Incidentally, it is also the screw that holds the clip in place. An advantage is that they have chosen to keep everything in size T8. This is appreciated because it is more durable than smaller dimensions and because one size of key is enough to adjust or disassemble the knife.

The knife is quite small with good balance. The Scythe can be gripped and used like a regular knife, but...

...it's when you turn it over that you get the explanation for the shape

As described, the Scythe is a knife that can be held in almost any way. On the right keel, the clip can rub a little against the hand in a hammer grip (in the right hand), but disappears completely when the thumb is placed in the right place for a saber grip. If the knife is turned the other way, the clip disappears completely in both grips, and the handle is really comfortable. Especially since the rounded back end fits well in the hand.

This detail also becomes clear when you spin the knife to a reverse grip. Even there, the clip is felt against the hand when the knife is held "wrong" with the edge backwards. However, it is still possible to use the knife well. But when you turn it with the edge down, forwards, the handle becomes really comfortable again. Or as comfortable as a handle with this much grip can be. A polished wood or bone handle is, of course, softer against the skin.

Opening and Lock

If we ignore the fact that the Scythe can be opened really quickly with a two-handed grip thanks to the blade sticking out as much as it does, this is a knife that is mainly flipper-operated.

The flipper tab is strongly angled, which is partly connected to the blade shape and the short movement needed. However, it primarily provides an additional thumb ramp when the knife is spun, as previously mentioned. It is also equipped with a solid pattern for better grip. This makes it very difficult to slip with your finger.

The flipper tab on this knife leans significantly backward

It doesn't matter how you use the flipper; push or pull is just as quick. The blade speed is even faster thanks to ceramic ball bearings. The shape, or rather the angle, provides another bonus. If you turn the knife upside down, the flipper is used with the index finger on the underside instead of the top. 

The lock is a liner lock that is easy to disengage

The lock consists of a so-called nested liner lock, meaning that the lock bar is recessed into the handle side. The material is steel and the function is good. It is easy to release the lock when needed, and it locks every time the knife is opened, no matter how slowly or quickly it happens.

Even better is that it keeps the blade in place. You may feel a very small tendency to move up and down if the blade is pressed hard. However, there is no tendency for the lock bar to slide under negative load. This is always important for safety, but especially here, when pressure can come from any direction depending on how the knife is held.

To Carry

The Scythe is a light knife. The scales stop at around 90 g. But it makes an unusually large footprint in the pocket for being so small. As previously mentioned, the length is only just over a decimeter, but in return, it is thicker and even more so with the clip.

But mostly it is a bit bulgy when it comes to height.

Scythe comes with a wire clip

There is quite a bit of blade sticking out, and on the other side is a flipper that is only 6.5 mm high, but it is still there. In total, it gives a height of 36 mm plus the extra 6,5, which gives a total height that can match a Spyderco knife. And that's not a compliment. 

An example of a very well-functioning clip

The clip on this knife is a delight and could serve as a model for many manufacturers. It is a wire clip that really works. The advantages are that they are discreet and have good tension when the material and thickness are right.

Apart from its pocket height, the Scythe is very discreet to carry

It is indeed only attached with one screw, but in return, it is recessed in the handle side, so the clip does not move sideways despite that. It is also reversible for those who want to carry the knife on the left side for one reason or another.

The knife is quite easy to pull and put away. It is a "deep carry" clip, but the knife is still accessible. What makes it a little more cumbersome to put away is the rough pattern that grips the fabric, not impossibly hard but quite firmly. But at least you won't lose your knife. 

To Conclude

There is no getting away from the fact that this is a very special knife. The same can be said about the karambits I have previously reviewed here on the blog. Their actual area of ​​use is hardly compatible with Swedish emergency protection legislation. Now, don't get the idea that you are not allowed to carry this knife for that reason. I have received such comments before. Scythe can, of course, be used to the same extent as a Mora knife. That is to say, not in a pub, but it is excellent if you want to cut a rope for your fishing net out on the lake. That is, more or less, how you should think as a Swede. It is actually not the appearance that determines whether the knife is allowed or not, but the situation.

However, the appearance is quite striking as it is extreme with a strongly curved and pointed blade that can also be held upside down. That was mostly why I chose the color combination black and red, by the way. The knife is not discreet in any case, so why go all the way, I thought. 

A knife that is not discreet at all

Regardless of what you think of this aesthetic, it can be said that Shieldon Knives has managed to build a really solid little knife. Despite its light weight, it gives a well-built impression. Something that is reinforced by the fact that it fits like a glove in most grips.

Scythe XL is not as large as the name suggests; the total length is 180 mm

In fact, for a Pikal, the Shieldon Scythe isn't as bad for practical tasks as one might think. If you don't care too much about the tip, it's great for splitting cardboard and relatively good for cutting rope and string.

This is a knife for those who want something special that can also be used (well, kind of) in everyday life. 

Shieldon Knives

Specifikcations:

Length Open: 180 mm

Length Folded: 105 mm

Weight: 90 g

Blade Length: 74 mm

Blade Thickness: 4 mm

Blade Steel: 154CM

Handle: G10

Lock: Liner Lock

Produced by: Shieldon Knives, made in China

/ J - looking east

* As I already wrote in the presentation, "self-defense with a knife" is a concept I am not at all a fan of. That is the subject of another blog post. But to describe what I mean in a simplified way, it can be stated that there will be enormous problems for the person who pulls the knife, regardless of the situation. This applies both physically when it happens and not least afterwards. The risk of getting injured yourself or seriously harming someone else is always imminent.

The likelihood that the person with the knife will either be considered the attacker or at least the one who did not choose to de-escalate the situation in a strict legal sense is imminent. Unlike action movies, such situations end up in court, where every action is scrutinized. This means that you can most likely expect serious consequences even after incidents.

The only time it works is in endless "What if?" scenarios; let's not go there!

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Recension Shieldon Knives Scythe XL

 

-  får det lov att vara en Pikal till kaffet?

Scythe XL från Shieldon Knives har ett utseende som avviker från det mesta. Den tillhör nämligen en typ av knivar som kallas Pikal eller P'kal. En knivtyp som likt karambits har sitt ursprung i sydostasien och som över tid utvecklats till knivar för självförsvar*. Det gör den till en sällsynt gäst här på bloggen och kanske ännu mer i de flestas fickor. 

Det som är typiskt för modellen är att eggen är tänkt att vändas uppåt. Sedan är de ofta krökta som i det här fallet vilket får dem att se än mer besynnerliga ut om de jämförs med mer traditionella fickknivar. 

En av frågorna som infinner sig är om de har något existensberättigande utanför det relativt obskyra tänkta användningsområdet och samlande? Något av det ämnar jag besvara här. 

Shieldon Knives Scythe XL

Scythe är framtagen i ett samarbete mellan amerikanska DC Blades som formgett kniven och Shieldon Knives som producerar den. 

Modellen kan märkligt nog hitts i två av de kategorier som Shieldon valt att dela in sitt sortiment i på hemsidan. Först hittas den i deras mellansegment kallat "Crusader". Eller rättare sagt det är där som det här utförandet hittas. Med det här stålet och handtagsmaterialet. Men Scythe finns även bland alkemisterna vilket är de mer exklusiva knivarna och då har kniven fått titanhandtag och blad i S35VN. Under dem finns sedan de enklaste knivarna som får nöja sig med att vara barder. 

Sedan blir det tämligen förvirrat när de kallar mellangruppen "High End" och toppgruppen för "Premium". De är vanligen uttryck som är mer eller mindre synonyma och skall en analogi till stereovärlden göras kan det inte bli mer än "High End". Det är liksom det som är premiumkategorin. 

Scythe är ingen diskret kniv hur man än ser på det

Kortversion: Shieldon Knives Scythe XL, en liten kniv med kraftfull attityd!

Blad

Bladtypen är om inte unik så mycket ovanlig. Att själva knivtypen kallas Pikal eller P'kal nämdes i inledningen. Vad det innebär konkret är en kniv med ett blad som egentligen är en tydlig hawk bill fast med en väldigt distinkt vinkel mellan handtag och blad. Det ger ett typiskt utseende och det avspeglar sig förstås även i egenskaperna. 

Bladformen är i grund och botten en hawk bill

Men det som gör en Pikal unik är att den är tänkt att vändas upp och ned. Det vill säga med eggen uppåt. I det här fallet avslöjar vinkeln på flipperfenan att den även är tänkt att användas som tumramp. 

Men kniven ser rätt annorlunda ut när man vänder på den

Det är det som utmärker den här typen av kniv. Hålls kniven med eggen som en vanlig kniv innebär det rent praktiskt att det krökta bladets egg hamnar högre upp än vad som är brukligt och detsamma gäller spetsen. Den pekar nedåt jämfört med en vanlig kniv samtidigt som den hittas ovanför knivens tänkta mittlinje. Det gör att den inte griper lika bra i exempelvis rep som en vanlig hawk bill men å andra sidan kan man enklare sticka med kniven som så önskas. 

Spetsen på den här typen av blad och även Scythe är mycket tunn. Det gör den oerhört vass och ger extrem penetration men det sker på bekostnad av hållbarhet. För att uttrycka det brutalt så är det här inte en särskilt bra spets för förpackningsöppning. Däremot skär den utmärkt i kött. Ni får själva dra slutsatser av det. Inte för att den inte kan öppna kartonger, för det kan den mer än väl, utan för att den inte håller för det i långa loppet. Såtillvida du inte vill slipa ned den över tid förstås. Då är det bara att köra på. 

Det trots att stålet är ett 154CM som förvisso inte är särskilt exklusivt men robust och välkänt. Med det sistnämnda avser jag att det inte är någon hemlighet hur det skall härdas och värmebehandlas för att få ut det mesta av det. Här håller Shieldon ned hårdheten till 58-60 HRC vilket är en god idé då man inte vill att bladet skall gå av. 

Stålet är relativt rosttrögt men här har det förstärkts med en svart titannitrid-yta. De finare varianterna med svart blad har istället ett DLC-behandlat blad om jag förstått saken rätt. 

En spets man inte skämtar bort

Bladet är rätt litet trots att kniven fått tillägget XL, det mäter strax under tre tum eller 74 mm. Orsaken skulle jag tro har med vissa jurisdiktioner i världen att göra. Det finns många länder och områden som drar gränsen vid 75 mm nämligen. Höjden på bladet är som mest 22 och tjockleken hela 4 mm. Det är relativt tilltaget men det behövs en kraftig rygg då bladet i övrigt är mycket slankt. Sedan bibehålls inte den tjockleken då bladet har en kraftig falskegg som tunnar ut och bättrar på en redan grym penetrationsförmåga. 

Den har jag mest använt till två olika saker. Dels rena tester som i skära i kött och sedan rent praktiskt till att ta bort plitor, pilla ut spetor etc. Naturligtvis med en ordentliga rengöring emellan. Men till den sortens småpill är den kniven fullkomligt fantastiskt bra även om det knappast som skalpell den var tänkt. 

I övrigt hittas knivens styrkor inom samma områden som alla krökta blad, dvs främst att skära snöre, rep och tamp men även att kapa tunnare saker som en gren, ett buntband etc. Den svängda eggen tar hårdare desto längre in i snittet du kommer om man uttrycker det på det viset. Den raka motsatsen är ett flåblad. 

Handtag

På svengelska skulle nog handtagsformen kallas hundben eller dog bone då det är lite tunnare på mitten och sväller både fram- och baktill. Att handtaget är så pass symmetrisk är inte så konstigt då grundtanken är att man skall kunna vända på det för att få eggen uppåt som sagt. Men det går även att hålla kniven på "rätt" köl och inte minst i omvända grepp med både eggen framåt respektive bakåt. 

För att få till alla de greppmöjligheterna behöver handtaget vara rätt neutralt men ändå ge ett riktigt stadigt grepp. Det har man uppnått dels genom att ge kniven rejäla fingerskydd. Om eggen är nedåt är det själva bladet som bildar en rejäl avsats för tummen att vila emot. Det förstärkt men en uppsättning utmärka räfflor. När kniven vänds fyller flipperfenan samma funktion. 

Handtaget är av "hundbenstyp"

Det här handtaget är rätt påkostat sett till bearbetningstid kan konstateras. Inuti hittas en ram som försänkts i handtagssidorna. De senare är inte gjorda av något exklusivt material utan G10. Men här har de arbetats rätt rejält och fått ett mycket distinkt mönster i den stil som tidigare ofta kallades "rock pattern". Det ger ett mycket solitt fäste. 

Något som förstärks genom ett rejält taggig rygg bestående av en uppstickande back-spacer av svart stål.

Scythe har en mycket distinkt back spacer med ett uttalat mönster

Handtaget är inte enormt stort men med en längd på 105 mm, en höjd på 18-23 mm och en tjocklek på  13 mm räcker det till för ett stabilt fyrfingersgrepp. Särskilt som det går att nyttja hela handtaget och den bakåtlutande flipperfenan skänker utrymme istället för att stjäla plats vilket är vanligare. 

Kniven är hopsatt endast i två punkter, pivotskruven som förstås är justerbar samt en fästpunkt mot bakänden till. Det är för övrigt även skruven som håller clipet på plats. En fördel är att man valt att hålla allt i storlek T8. Det uppskattas för att det är mer hållbart än klenare dimensioner och för att det räcker med en storlek på nyckel för att justera eller demontera kniven. 

Kniven är rätt liten med god balans. Scythe kan greppas och användas som en vanlig kniv men...

...det är när man vänder på den som man får förklaringen till formen

I enlighet med det som beskrivits är Scythe en kniv som kan hållas på nästan vilket vis som helst. På rätt köl känns clipet en smula mot handen i hammargrepp (i höger hand) men försvinner helt när tummen placeras på rätt ställe för ett sabelgrepp. Vänds kniven åt andra hållet försvinner clipet  helt i båda fattningarna och handtaget är riktigt bekvämt. Särskilt som den rundade bakänden passar väl in i handen. 

Den detaljen blir även tydlig när man snurrar kniven till omvända grepp. Även där känns clipet mot handen när kniven hålls "fel" med eggen bakåt. Det går dock fortfarande bra att använda kniven. Men när du vänder på den med eggen nedåt, framåt blir handtaget återigen riktigt bekvämt. Eller så bekvämt som ett handtag med så här mycket fäste nu blir. Ett polerat trä eller benhandtag är förstås mjukare mot skinnet. 

Öppning och lås

Om vi bortser att Scythe kan öppnas riktigt kvickt med tvåhandsfattning tack vare att bladet sticker ut så mycket som det gör så är det här förstås en kniv som är flipperöppnad. 

Flipperfenen är kraftigt bakåtviklad vilket delvis är kopplat till bladformen och den korta rörelse som behövs. Men främst ger det en extra tumramp när kniven snurras som tidigare sagts. Den är även försedd med ett rejält mönster för bättre grepp. Det gör att det är mycket svårt att halka med fingret. 

Flipperfenan på den här kniven lutar markant bakåt

Hur du använder flippfenan spelar ingen roll, tryck eller drag går lika kvickt. Rörelsen blir ännu snabbare tack vare keramiska kullager. Formen eller snarare vinkeln ger ytterligare en bonus. Om du drar kniven så att den är upp och ned används flippfenan med pekfingret på undersidan istället för på ovansidan. 

Låset är en liner lock som är lätt att släppa

Låset består av en så kallad nested liner lock, alltså att låsarmen sitter infälld i handtagssidan. Materialet är stål och funktionen god. Det är lätt att släppa låset när så behövs och det låser varje gång kniven öppnas oavsett hur långsamt eller fort det sker. 

Ännu bättre är att det håller bladet på plats. Möjligen kan man känna en mycket liten tendens till rörelse upp och ned om bladet provoceras hårt. Dock finns inga tendenser till att låsarmen glider under negativ belastning. Det är alltid viktigt för säkerheten men särskilt här när press kan komma från vilket håll som helst beroende på hur kniven hålls. 

Att bära

Scythe är en lätt kniv. Vågen stannar på kring 90 g. Men den ger ovanligt stort avtryck i fickan för att vara så liten. Som tidigare nämnts är längden bara strax över en decimeter men i gengäld är den tjockare och ännu mer så med clipet. 

Men mest är den lite svulstig på höjden. 

Scythe kommer med ett wire clip

Det finns rätt mycket blad som sticker ut och på andra sidan kontras med en flipperfena som förvisso endast mäter 6,5 mm på höjden men den är ändå där. Totalt ger det en höjd på 36 mm plus de extra 6,5 vilket ger en totalhöjd som kan matcha en Spyderco-kniv. 

Ett exempel på ett mycket gott wire clip

Clipet på den här kniven är en fröjd och kan tjäna som förebild för många tillverkare. Det är nämligen ett wire clip som verkligen fungerar. Fördelarna är att de är diskreta och mycket spänstiga när materialet och tjockleken på dem är rätt. 

Förutom höjden i fickan är Scythe mycket diskret att bära

Det sitter förvisso enbart fäst med en skruv med i gengäld är det försänkt i handtagssidan så clipet rör sig inte i sidled. Det är även vändbart för den som vill bära kniven på vänster sida av en eller annan anledning. 

Kniven är dugligt lätt att dra och stoppa undan. Det är ett "deep carry"-clip men kniven är ändå åtkomlig. Det som gör den liten bökigare att stoppa undan är det grova mönstret som greppar tyget, inte omöjligt hårt men väl rätt stadigt. Men du tappar i alla fall inte din kniv. 

Sammanfattningsvis

Det går inte att komma undan att det här är en mycket speciell kniv. Detsamma kan sägas om de karambits jag tidigare recenserat här på bloggen. Deras egentliga användningsområde är knappast förenlig med svensk nödvärnslagstiftning. Få nu inte för er att man inte får bära den här kniven för den sakens skull. Sådana kommentarer har jag tidigare fått. Scythe får naturligtvis användas i samma omfattning som en Morakniv. Det vill säga inte på krogen men går utmärkt om du vill kapa ett rep till ditt fiskenät ute på sjön. Ungefär så får man tänka som svensk. Det är faktiskt inte utseendet som avgör om kniven är tillåten eller ej utan situationen.  

Dock blir just utseendet rätt uppseendeväckande då det är extremt med det kraftigt svängda och spetsida bladet som dessutom kan hållas upp och ned. Det var mest därför jag valde färgkombinationen svart och rött förreseten. Kniven är inte diskret i vilket fall som helst så varför inte ta ut svängarna tänkte jag. 

En kniv som knappast är diskret

Oavsett vad man tycker om den här estetiken kan sägas att Shieldon Knives har lyckats bygga en riktigt stabil liten gynnare. Den ger trots lätt vikt ett tämligen rejält intryck. något som förstärks av att den som sitter som gjuten i handen i de flesta grepp. 

Scythe XL är inte så stor som namnet antyder, totallängden är 18 cm

Faktum är att för att vara en Pikal så är inte Shieldon Scythe så illa till praktiska göromål som man kan förledas att tro. Är man inte alltför rädd om spetsen är den grym till att sprätta kartonger med och den är relativt bra till att skära rep och snöre med.

Därmed är det här en kniv för den som vill ha något speciellt men som även går att använda (nåja) i vardagen.   

Shieldon Knives

Specifikation:

Längd utfälld: 180 mm

Längd hopfälld: 105 mm

Vikt: 90 g

Bladlängd: 74 mm

Godstjocklek: 4 mm

Bladstål: 154CM

Handtag: G10

Lås: Liner Lock

Producerad av: Shieldon Knives, tillverkad i Kina

/ J - blickar österut

* Som jag skrev redan i presentationen så är "självförsvar med kniv" ett koncept jag inte alls är en vän av. Det är ämnet för en annan blogg. Men för att förenklat beskriva vad jag menar så kan det konstateras att det lär uppstå oerhörda problem för den som drar kniven oavsett situation. Det gäller både rent fysiskt när det sker och inte minst efteråt. Risken att bli skadad själv eller allvarligt skada någon annan är alltid överhängande. 

Sannolikheten för att det är personen med kniv som antingen räknas som angripare eller åtminstone den som inte valde att deeskalera situationen i strikt juridisk mening är överhängande. Till skillnad från action-filmer så hamnar dylika situationer nämligen i domstol där varje handling nagelfars. Därmed är det högst troligt att du kan räkna med allvarliga konsekvenser även efter incidenter. 

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre