New Knife - Karesuandokniven Tundran

It may not be a secret that I appreciate the Swedish brand  Karesuandokniven. I bought my first knife from them in the early nineties, and the model was Järven. A knife that is still in the range, thirty-five years later. Then I received an Uraka as a gift from my mother a few years later, a knife that is, for that reason, one of my most appreciated.

A couple of them have also been reviewed here on the blog, such as Galten, Pältsa, and most recently Bäver 10. It was a whole six years since I wrote something about the first one. Time flies as usual. Now, however, it is time for news, not just for me but for everyone, as this is a new knife from the world's northernmost knife manufacturer in Karesuando!

Welcome to the model called Tundran.

A box that makes me long for the mountains, you know what it contains

On their website, Karesuandokniven calls the Tundran an all-around knife. This is not misleading in any way, but at the same time, it should be added that this applies to most of their products. The difference between the blades on the different models is not very big from a broader perspective, and the handle is certainly different, but the difference is sometimes subtle.

Karesuandokniven Tundran

In this case, it specifically means a knife with a blade that is 100 mm long, with a height of 21 mm. Proportions that are quite common for this type of knife. The thickness is 3.2 mm.

The steel used is the classic Sandvik 12C27.* A steel that is perhaps somewhat simple but well proven. The hardness is stated at 58 HRC, which is quite soft. It will be interesting to see how it behaves during use. The grind is a classic "Scandi grind" as it is often called these days. It can also be said to be a low sabre grind with just an edge or a zero grind. As you know, it gives a specific set of properties that I intend to discuss more in a future review.

Tundran, a beautiful knife that hopefully performs as well as it feels good in the hand!

The handle is made of dark-stained masur birch with a brass front edge. What distinguishes the handle is that it is relatively narrow and slightly longer than usual, as well as strongly shaped. It is simply curved, with the noticeable stern being particularly noticeable. Even when you hold it for the first time, you can see that it fits very well in your hand.

Other impressions are that the knife is both light and well-balanced. The weight without the sheath is 95 grams, and the entire package, including the sheath, is 150 grams.

The sheath is made of cowhide and is of classic Scandinavian cut. It includes a pendant made of a leather cord, and it ends with a leather nib. The latter fulfils a function, but I will come back to that.

First impressions are that this is an equally beautiful knife in reality as in the picture. A classic Scandinavian knife with roots deeply rooted in the barren tundra or perhaps the lean Norrland soil. The materials are recognisable with wood, leather and Swedish steel.

Good choices that match both the appearance and hopefully the properties of the knife. I have some hopes for the latter, given my previous experiences with products from Karesuandokniven. Stay tuned for a future review of this knife! It just needs to be used first.

Karesundokniven

/ J - looking for his Norrland roots

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

* For example, these dimensions happen to be exactly the same as those found on the blade belonging to Bäver 10, as an example.

Review Al Mar B-21 Folder

  

-  a flexible giant

The feeling of deja vu is strong in this case. For those who think they recognise this knife, they are not entirely wrong. I have previously presented and reviewed a knife from Al Mar that is very similar to this one. It is, of course, its close relative B-21 that I am talking about. With that in mind, it is not so far-fetched to see where the name of this knife comes from, as one of the few things that sets them apart is the ability to fold in half. Thus, this one is called the B-21 Folder.

Al Mar B-21 Folder

Behind the name "B-21" lies a thought, as it stands for Bowie for the 21st century, a modern interpretation of an old concept, in other words. It becomes especially modern in this case as it has been translated into a folding knife format. The man who designed this knife is, of course, Kirk Rexroat.

The relationship is not difficult to trace.

His name can also be found on several knives from Al Mar. It started early, back in 1997, when he made a custom knife called the "Havanna Clipper" for Gary Fadden, who was the owner of the company at the time. Since then, Rexroat has also designed knives such as the Back Up I, Back Up II and not least the Payara. The latter has been released in a new version that I reviewed.

Kirk Rexroat has also designed the folding version of the B-21

Short version: Al Mar B-21 Folder, a robust and versatile folding knife intended to replace a fixed blade knife

Blade

Like many other details, this blade is reminiscent of its fixed blade relative. It is based on a modified Bowie blade, which is basically a clip point. But here the description is somewhat more extensive. The Bowie part consists mainly of the boldly cut tip, but its characteristic false edge.

The modification is found in the clear bend found in the blade spine, a detail that is also reinforced by the thumb ramp that leads to it. They create more ways to grip the knife.

The modified Bowie blade is also found in the folding knife version of the B-21.

The fact that this is a relatively large folding knife is reflected in the dimensions of the blade. It is 95 mm long and 35 mm high. The thickness is 3.3 mm, which does not feel excessive considering the knife's intended use as a "tactical"/outdoor knife. But by all means, it would have been durable enough with a 3 mm blade as well. What sometimes seems to be overlooked is that the height of the blade, of course, contributes to the strength in everything except when you use your knife as a crowbar.

One thing that contributes to the robust impression is the choice of steel. D2 is not an extraordinary material, and sometimes I don't like it, as I have had problems with corrosion with several knives. Sometimes D2 is considered "semi-stainless", but I don't know if I agree with that.

But in this case, the choice feels correct as it is a steel that can withstand a lot of abuse. It doesn't chip easily, and it can be made really sharp. Given that the hardening is good, it also keeps its sharpness for a long time. The factory edge on the B-21 was also very good, sharp and relatively even. 

The steel has been given a satin finish, the shiny surface of which helps to keep rust away. The marking is otherwise quite discreet with Al Mar's new logo, the one without the red in it, on one side and the model name, designer and country of manufacture on the other side. A lot of information, but in a small format.

The steel used is D2

Then they have chosen a fairly steep edge and a blade that certainly has a high flat (not full) grind. The primary edge is 25 mm high. In addition, the knife is a full 0.7 mm thick behind the edge to be extra durable.

Of course, this affects how the knife works in different materials. It is clear when you use the knife that it is more intended as an outdoor and perhaps hunting knife than for typical EDC tasks. It is not the world's best cardboard killer, but it was not intended as such either. At the same time, it should not be exaggerated; it is all about nuances. A sharp edge and a sturdy handle mean that it is just work, and also longer than most, given the good ergonomics. So it is possible to shred large amounts of cardboard, just not as easily as with the best knives for the purpose. 

It works significantly better in meat. I'm not a hunter, but I've tested it on mixed pig parts, read chops and loins to get an idea.

Wood in different conditions, fresh and dry, as well as rope of different types, are other things that this type of knife has to handle well, and it does. It's among the most common things you come into contact with if you're outdoors in any form.

Then the tip is a joy. Sharp enough for small jobs and strong enough not to break. The geometry also means that it penetrates, for example, thicker plastic in an excellent way. Small jobs I often perform are minor "surgical procedures" on my own person in the form of picking metal chips out of my hands. As a knife thrower, this is a frequent occurrence. This tip also works for that.

Handle

The eye-catching blade is matched by the handle. Here we have a bold, blue anodised frame and a generally sculptural appearance.

This, in turn, results in a handle with many details worth noting. We can start by stating that it has both substantial protection against slipping forward and backwards. It is noticeable that Rexroat was looking for a handle that worked for various tasks. At the front, a finger guard is found while the upper part forms a thumb ramp. Both braces and a waist belt, in other words. In the same way, the handle swells at the back into a "duckbill" that prevents the user from slipping backwards when cutting.

The handle is both spacious and flexible

The sculptural look comes from the G10 side panels that are heavily shaped. At most, they are around 4.5 mm thick. But they are both arched and thinned out at the front. The entire knife is 15 mm thick at most and only 6.5 mm at least, which is almost unique. But there is a subtlety to it that I will return to.

The length of the entire handle when the knife is folded is 130 mm, and the usable space for the fingers is 90 mm. Although it is true with modification depending on how many ways there are to vary the grip. Then the rear part of the handle is designed so that if an extra centimetre is needed, if you wear thicker gloves, for example, that also works.

The back shows the blue anodised frame and a steel back spacer.

The construction is somewhat special compared to most folding knives for a couple of reasons. One thing that stands out is, of course, the blue colour used as an accent colour. But what is more unique is how much of the frame is in contact with the blade around the pivot screw. This gives a significantly stiffer and more durable folding knife laterally. A detail that is often overlooked when making more stable folding knives. Most often, manufacturers only talk about lock strength.

Speaking of strength, it can be added that the frame is not lightened in any way. One of the things that, together with the dimensions, the steel back spacer and the many screws, of course, contributes to the high weight. By many screws, I mean that the sides are attached with three small T6 screws per side, but these are not the ones that hold the frame together. There are three more equally small screws per side in addition to the pivot screw for that. The pivot is a solid T10. But that means that no fewer than thirteen screws can be found in this knife, even though it lacks a clip.

The balance point is found just behind the finger guard. The B-21 is really comfortable in all common grips...

The shape described above makes for a very versatile handle. It naturally fits perfectly in a hammer grip, which would be strange otherwise, since it is a sturdy folding knife, and that is the grip that provides the most power.

The B-21 Folder can then be held in two variations of a sabre grip, both with the thumb on the thumb ramp but also with the index finger just behind the edge on the flat part of the blade, and with the thumb in the recess on the blade spine. This allows you to get significantly closer to what is being cut, which is excellent for detail work.

...and a few more. In fact, this handle works in all different grips

The shape described above makes for a very versatile handle. It naturally fits perfectly in a hammer grip, which would be strange otherwise, since it is a sturdy folding knife, and that is the grip that provides the most power.

The B-21 Folder can then be held in two variations of a sabre grip, both with the thumb on the thumb ramp but also with the index finger just behind the edge on the flat part of the blade, and with the thumb in the recess on the blade spine. This allows you to get significantly closer to what is being cut, which is excellent for detail work.

In addition to all the other possibilities, this knife is also excellent for holding in a reverse grip. Not least, the flat back end of the handle makes it easier to hold the knife with the edge down/forward. If you pull towards you in a reverse grip with the blade up, both the thickness and length of the handle are of great help.

Opening and Lock

The B-21 Folder opens with thumb studs, which is quite unusual, only in one way, and that is slowly and stylishly. That is, the knife does not have any ball bearings, and the blade cannot therefore be flicked out. It is completely in line with the area of ​​use. No bearings that can accumulate gravel and dirt unnecessarily.

You can open the knife with two hands if you feel like it, but only a little of the blade sticks out, so it is a manoeuvre that is not entirely easy.

The thumb studs do what they're supposed to, easy to access and with good leverage.

The thumb studs are quite large in size, which makes them easy on the thumb. To increase the grip, they have a pattern on the top. They are correctly positioned to provide leverage and make the opening smooth. They are also not so high that they stick out too much. Something less important on a knife that is not carried with a clip in a pocket. But you still don't want protruding parts that can get caught on things.

This is a heavy-duty liner lock with a lock bar that is almost hidden.

Given that the frame is around 1.5 mm thick, the liner lock found on this knife is also sturdy. It is very well made and has never failed to lock up.

When the lock bar is in place, it holds the blade very stable. There is no play in any direction, not even if the blade is provoked. The only peculiarity is that the lock is quite difficult to release. There is a recess to facilitate access, but it is cramped, and the lock bar has no pattern to prevent your finger from slipping off.

Now I think the design is like that on purpose. I have come across a similar idea in a knife from Spyderco, namely the Bradley Folder 2. What it is about is that you "hide" the lock bar so that you absolutely cannot access it, even if you perform twisting movements with the knife. Something that is otherwise a theoretical risk with liner locks. 

To Carry

Then there was the elephant in the room. Or maybe not, because it's not hidden. Just an elephant then. The B-21 Folder is built to replace a fixed-blade knife, and of course, it shows. As previously mentioned, it is thirteen centimetres long and one and a half centimetres thick. Yes, and then it's over four centimetres high too. If you sum it all up, you get a lot of volume.

But it's still the weight that stands out. This knife weighs in at 195 grams. A heavyweight for a folding knife.

A sturdy leather sheath is included to carry the knife in. Here I have wet-formed the leather for a better fit.

For these reasons, it was sensible not to equip the B-21 Folder with a clip. It would have been too bulky in the pocket. Of course, the trade-off is better ergonomics with protruding metal parts out of the way.

Instead, this knife comes with a classic "pancake" leather sheath. It is made of strong, light leather and is well-stitched. On one side is a classic checkered pattern, and on the other is the Al Mars logo embossed.

This is what the sheath looks like when it's just unpacked from the box

Dock rekommenderar jag att du våtformar fodralet efter kniven. Att naturligt slita in det till en bra passform lär ta evigheter med den läderkvaliteten. Fodralet har hällor för bälten upp till 45 mm bredd. 

To Conclude

Since I was very fond of the fixed blade variant, I felt like I had to see if I appreciated the folding version of the knife as much. And I do, maybe. I have to admit that I am a little ambivalent. Everything that is the strength of the knife is also its Achilles heel. Let me explain!

After all, the Al Mar B-21 Folder is intended to replace a fixed blade knife, something that both the dimensions and the belt sheath tell us about. We have a folding knife with a sturdy blade but an even sturdier and more versatile handle. The materials are chosen to be durable, and this is also reflected in the construction. This is evident, among other things, in the fact that the strong steel frame has a large contact surface against the blade for increased lateral strength and that the frame is not lightened.

B-21 Folder and a coffee in the spring sun

Functionally, it is a very good knife. The blade shape is usable for most things with a good tip, just enough belly and a bit of a straight edge to work with. There are not many tasks that cannot be done with that equipment.

Then, as I said, you have a handle that allows for everything from a very powerful hammer grip to a very delicate pinch grip. It is a bit of an art to achieve that, something that Rexroat has succeeded in.

Overall, it is therefore a very good handle. I have one small complaint, however, and that is the implementation itself. The corners at the recess that facilitate access to the lock bar are too sharp, and the same can be said about the inside of the frame. Something that I chose to round off myself.

But all these advantages come with a price. The B-21 Folder is naturally a large and heavy knife. It is a folding knife that is not a pocket knife. Something that I said explains the included sheath. Then it can be added that when using a sturdier winter jacket, I still carried it at the bottom of a pocket. Otherwise, it mostly resides in bags. The way of carrying it is a bit polarising; however, not everyone likes belt sheaths for folding knives.

If you are one of those who do not see this as an obstacle, this is an excellent choice from Al Mar.

Al Mar B-21 Folder in all weather. Here, during a hike last fall

The B-21 Folder is a very good knife. Versatile and also very well built. It is made in Taiwan, by the way. So if you are looking for a robust knife with a focus on hunting and outdoor activities in a folding format, this is a very good candidate.

Al Mar

Specifications:

Length Overall: 226 mm

Length Closed: 130 mm

Weight: 195 g

Blade Length: 95 mm

Blade Thickness: 3,3 mm

Blade Steel: D2

Handle: G10

Lock: Liner lock

Produced by: Al Mar, made in Taiwan

/ J - looking for heavy hitters

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

New Knife - Karesuandokniven Bäver 10

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

A typical box from Karesuandokniven

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karesuandokniven Bäver 10

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

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

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

Karesuandokniven

/ J - seek his roots

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

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Muela Classic Bowie

It felt like the time was now! For what? For me to get a real Bowie if the expression is allowed. Both the origin and exactly what the original knife of that model looked like are not completely clear. In addition, it must be taken into account that large hunting knives with that type of look appeared in several parts of the world before the name became relevant.

But there is no doubt that this is a quintessential Bowie. But then the name of this knife is  Bowie Classic Stag, which obliges. The brand is Muela and is from Spain. They have proud traditions when it comes to this type of knife.

In any case, a true representative of the knife type was missing from my collection. Sure, I have knives with distinct clip-point blades that pull in the same direction but none as pure as this one.

Muela Classic Bowie Stag

What makes it classic is, besides the distinctive look, that it has all the right materials. It is a full tang knife where the carbon steel of earlier times has certainly been abandoned in favor of some form of stainless vanadium steel. Unfortunately, Spanish companies are not as good as, for example, their Italian counterparts when it comes to disclosing what their knives are made of.

In addition to that, stag is found in the handle, brass in the guard, and of course leather in the sheath. Just as it should be. Although wood in the handle is just as "right".

A knife with nice proportions in well-chosen materials, a classic as the name suggests

This knife comes in three sizes, this is the middle one. This means a blade of sixteen centimeters and a total length of 27.5 centimeters. Not huge as you can see. But with particularly well-chosen proportions. That's why I think it's so beautiful.

This particular Muela Classic 16A comes from Knivshop and will be tested in the future for a more detailed description.

Knivshop.se

Muela Knives

/ J - was looking for a classic

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review Viper Gianghi

  

- a great hunting and outdoor knife 

It is immediately noticeable when you grab a well-designed knife. The visuals already provide a clue to how well-built it is. But it is of course only when you hold a knife that its true qualities are revealed. The first thing that is noticeable is of course the comfort, and how well the handle fits your hand. Then the balance is a revealing factor. When the knife then begins to be used, the journey of discovery continues with ergonomics, the shape and geometry of the blade, and the sharpness of the edge.

Viper Gianghi shines in all of these areas. The knife is nice to look at, feels comfortable to hold, and has a blade with a straightforward shape. What remains to be seen if the knife can grow further when used? Are there more good qualities to discover?

Viper Gianghi CV

That Gianghi from Italian Viper Knives has these good properties is perhaps not so strange as it is a master in the field who designed the knife. Fabrizio Silvestrelli or "Silvester" as he is sometimes called is not new to making knives. After all, Maestro Silvestrelli is the chairman of Italy's knife maker guild. He and Viper have a long and successful history together. This time, the result is a hunting and outdoor knife. Something that is revealed by the name "Gianghi", which means hunter in Persian. It is not completely new on the market but was presented in 2018.

The knife is currently available in three designs. The first combination involves a blade with a satin finish and then you get a wooden handle in either olive wood or bocote. Combination two is like here a knife with a stone-washed blade and Micarta handle.

Gianghi, a hunting knife from Maniago

Twitter version: Viper Knives and Silvestrelli do it again, Gianghi is a really sympathetic companion in outdoor life!

Blade

After all, a knife is no better than its blade. Silvestrelli and Viper have taken note of this because this is a very sympathetic one. The shape is a quintessential drop point. The proportions are harmonious and the blade is characterized by a certain "sports car feel". That is, it is not chubby with a steep belly and bulbous shapes, but rather pointed and therefore looks "fast". The look is enhanced by a long and rather dramatic swedge along the back.

The length of the blade is 11.5 cm and the height is 3.6 cm. The stock thickness is 4 mm. It gives a knife that is strong and powerful without becoming too heavy. The blade finish is in this case, as I said, a stonewash that is very well done. Overall, the finish on this blade is very high. Something that is emphasized by the nicely crowned spine of the blade. Something that has become a hallmark of Viper Knives, which often includes that detail on their knives.

At the base of the blade spine there are some grooves for better traction and indexing. The blade is marked with both Vipers and Silvestrelli's logos besides the name of the knife and steel type.

Gianghi offers a pointed but typical drop point in N690Co steel

The steel in the blade is N690Co from Böhler / Uddeholm. It is good stainless steel without being anything extraordinary. But to be honest, there is no need for super steel in a knife to be used in outdoor life. Then I prefer properties such as that it is easy to sharpen and hon over that it keeps the sharpness for a very long time but then it is difficult to get sharp again. There is a difference between a fixed blade knife and a pocket knife in that respect, I believe. Gianghi may need to be sharpened in the field.

In this steel, however, you get something that I appreciate except that it is easy to maintain and that is that it is very resistant to corrosion. Knives get wet in this climate when you are outdoors even if you try to avoid it. I prefer if my knives are not covered in reddish-brown spots when they are pulled out. Especially not if the knife is intended as a hunting knife. Simply put, blood very easily stains blades.

The factory edge on Gianghi was very good and so far I have not resharpened the knife. I have maintained the initial sharpness with my newly acquired Spyderco Sharpmaker as I also test that product. Should I have any objection to the execution, it is that they kept a little too much steel behind the edge. I measure it to about 0.8 mm. It can be slimmed down a few tenths of a millimeter more for more optimal cutting properties. It is not just the sharpness of the edge that matters.

Cutting meat with Gianghi is excellent. Although the picture's New Year's fillet is hardly a challenge for any knife

It is possible to whittle with this knife, which is a requirement on my part for an outdoor knife

I have used the knife during the late winter and a couple of spring months which, strangely enough, have offered very nice weather, which is not the most common at these latitudes this time of year. That means I have been outdoors more than usual. 

The first thing I did, however, was to let the knife act as a replacement in the kitchen for certain tasks. I'm not a hunter, but there is still meat to carve. Gianghi has shown its colors by cutting chicken, deboning pork, and trim roasts. Even if those tasks are not the most demanding ones, it gives me an idea of how the knife could behave even during, for example, evisceration and cutting animals. In this context, it can be pointed out that I worked as a butcher in my younger days.

Then I also chopped root vegetables and cut vegetables of course. All to spend more time with the knife. Kitchen work also tests how knives behave when cutting against something, in this case, cutting boards. Concretely, that means that you have to angle the blade slightly forward so that it will move freely from the finger guard. But that detail is not exaggerated on this knife so it works relatively well.

Then the knife was used to cut more everyday materials, you know things like cardboard, tape, fabric, and some carpet. 

But in addition to how Gianghi behaves in meat, of course, wood and cord/rope are of interest when it comes to an outdoor knife. In this case, I'm not entirely pleased with the edge angle. But there is always a bit of a compromise if a knife is to work well for both meat and fish as well as wood. But beyond that, the knife works well even in harder materials. In addition, the handle is comfortable enough to be able to use some force when needed. The only thing that can be noted is that as long as it is a softer wood, as in the picture, it works fine. When it gets really hard, I glance at my Mora knives instead. Then you want to get even closer to the blade with your hand and have additional volume in the handle.

Handle

A good blade also needs a comfortable handle to be fully utilized. Something that Gianghi has. It is one of the first things that is noticed when grabbing the knife. A second observation is that the handle is actually thinner than it may look in the picture. It measures 18 mm at its widest. It is supplemented with a height of 29-36 mm and a length measured to 125 mm. Most of it is useful as grip area. So even bigger hands than mine alternatively glove-covered ones can be accommodated. 

The three-dimensional shaped handle slabs in Micarta are screwed in place

Then it should be emphasized that this handle is elegantly shaped in three dimensions. The handle sides are thus not flat but swell in the middle to fill the hand better at the same time as the handle is extended towards the end to give a better grip. However, it is a rather subtle bump in the middle.

Another detail that is very clear with this knife is the distinctive "choil" or groove for the index finger. It provides a very secure grip and prevents you from slipping even if the handle is gooey for one reason or another. Blood and intestines are close at hand as Gianghi is also intended as a hunting knife as I said.

The full tang construction has a softly rounded back, a hallmark of Viper's knives

To give extra safety when working with the knife, it has been equipped with a clear and well-functioning finger guard. Incidentally, a hole is found in it if you want to put a lanyard in a loop between the hole and the hole drilled in the back end of the handle for the purpose.

The sides on this knife handle are made of high-quality canvas Micarta. A material that is both beautiful to look at and almost indestructible. In addition, it imparts some friction because the surface is not completely smooth. Then it is partly a natural material as it consists of fabric and glue compressed under heat and high pressure. This means that it wears in a nice way and gets patina and personality, unlike many other synthetic materials.

In hand, Gianghi is very comfortable and this also applies to tougher work

The sides are screwed in place with three Torx-head bolts. Then it can be mentioned that Gianghi is a full tang knife. The thickness of the blade stock thus extends all the way through the handle. As the spine of the blade, the steel here too is rounded and polished and thus soft against the hand. Something that is important since it rises slightly above the handle sides to give a rounded profile on the handle.

Sheath

The sheath that comes with Gianghi is made of genuine leather. It feels strange to have to point that out, but nowadays you can not be completely sure as pressed leather has become too common. But in this case, it is a sturdy folded sheath sewn with double seams that are included.

The knife comes with a sturdy leather sheath sewn with double seams

To enable different types of mounts, the sheath has been fitted with an extra loop beside the ordinary belt loop. It is screwed into the sheath, which should ensure good durability. The sheath is also supplemented with a hole and a long leather cord that's included. Together with the belt loop, the knife can be carried both vertically and horizontally on the belt. But it can also be attached to other equipment such as the straps for a backpack if you prefer. If you have a backpack with a solid carrying strap, it is almost a necessity.

When the knife is carried traditionally, it sits quite high. As an alternative, it can be worn horizontally on the belt, the so-called "Scout carry". I then reinforce with a piece of cord so that the knife will sit more firmly. Otherwise, a leather strap is also included for the purpose

To keep the knife in place, the sheath has been fitted with a sturdy strap with a button. The function is very good and the knife is held securely in place without it sitting loose or rattling. 

Sure, the strap springs back a bit when you release it, but if I have to make any negative criticism, it is that you still have to be very careful when you put the knife in the sheath so as not to accidentally cut either the leather or the handle strap.

Conclusion

Gianghi is my first fixed blade from Viper Knives. I already have a couple of folding knives from them that I am very fond of. Therefore, it was with great curiosity and some anguish that I gave myself up to testing this knife. There was always the risk that it would not meet expectations even though it looked very good in pictures. It turned out to be a misguided fear.

In fact, Gianghi exceeded what I expected. The quality I got used to from the folding knives was there but what made me extra happy was how the knife felt in hand. The comfort of the handle is one thing, but what I first noticed and which contributes to me appreciating this knife extra much is the balance! It is simply superb and makes the knife feel light and fast. A rather important trait. Especially for a hunting and outdoor knife. 

Possibly it can be objected that if you really have to work for a long time with a knife, the handle could have been a little wider. However, it is a small negative in the great scheme of things

Gianghi was a surprisingly positive acquaintance with good balance and good ergonomics

Then everything from the sturdy sheath, via the well-shaped handle to the nicely executed blade inspires confidence. Especially as the factory edge was decent, a sign that you know what you are doing in production. Edges need to be maintained but I do not want to have to deal with them before I use a new knife. As previously stated, however, the steel could have been a bit thinner behind the edge.

When you use the knife, it corresponds to the expectations that have been built up. It cuts as well as it looks to do. This especially applies to softer materials such as meat and fish, but it is not bad in wood even if the strengths are found elsewhere.

With Gianghi, Viper Knives has made a good hunting and outdoor knife!

In Gianghi, Viper Knives, and Silvestrelli have, in my opinion, achieved a really excellent outdoor knife. They have once again shown that the cooperation between them is very fruitful. If you want to buy a Gianghi, the price is around 150€ in various stores within the EU.

Specification:

Total Length: 248 mm
Blade Length: 115 mm
Blade Thickness: 4 mm
Steel: N690Co
Weight: 240 g
Handle: Micarta
Sheath: Leather

Produced by Viper by Tecnocut, made in Maniago, Italy


/ J - on the hunt (for good knives?)

New Knife - Viper Gianghi

New year, new times, and thus new knives. First out or to be completely honest last, is this knife from Italian Viper Knives is called Gianghi. It's an old Persian word for "hunter", by the way. I wrote "last" because it was actually one of the last to arrive at the end of 2021. Something that was proven by the fact that the first task it was faced with was to trim the Christmas tree and the last one was to prepare and slice the beef fillet for New Year's dinner.

However, I have not had time to present it until now.

This Italian beauty comes with a high-quality leather sheath

Gianghi is designed by Fabrizio "Silver" Silvestrelli. Not only known for his many collaborations with Viper Knives but also as a custom knifemaker. In addition, he happens to be chairman of Italy's knife makers guild. His knives are often characterized by flowing, elegant lines and a distinct design language. It certainly applies to this knife.

Gianghi is a knife from Viper Knives designed by the Italian master Fabrizio Silvestrelli

Gianghi is available in a couple of different configurations with handles in wood or Micarta and blades with a satin or stone-washed finish. This version called "CV" comes with a combination of a stone-washed blade and handle in gray Micarta. Incidentally, the handle is one of the most comfortable I have used. It is pleasantly three-dimensionally sculpted and provides a very good grip with its deep recess for the index finger. Extra security is provided by both a finger guard forwards and a "duck beak" which means that you do not slip backward. The sides are mounted with three screws with torx heads. The knife is otherwise a full tang knife. It also contributes to making it very well balanced.

The blade is a nice drop point made of N690. In addition to being nice to look at, it is extremely practical. It is suitable as the knife is aimed at hunting and other outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.

The package ends with a well-sewn and sturdy sheath in brown leather. Overall, the knife gives very sympathetic first impressions. It's extra fun as it's my first fixed blade from this brand! A review will, of course, follow. 

/ J - kicks of the new year

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