Review SRM Twin

  

-  A real light heavyweight

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

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

SRM 251 Twin

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

Twin, a very elegant and symmetrical knife

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

Blade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The steel used is N690

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

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

Handle

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

The handle is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to hold

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opening and Lock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Carry

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

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

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

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

I like this variant of a wire clip

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

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

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

To Conclude

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

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

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

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

SRM Twin is a real jewel in your pocket

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

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

SRM Knives

Specifications:

Length Overall: 178 mm

Length Folded: 102 mm

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

Blade Length: 76 mm

Blade Thickness: 2,5 mm

Blade Steel: Böhler N690

Handle : G10/carbon fiber

Lock: Ambi Lock/ Cross Bar Lock

Produced by: SRM, made in China

/ J - looking for twins

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Review QSP Jumping Jack

  

-  the result of a successful collaboration

The modern grandfather knife, or something like that, is what I called this knife when it was presented here on the blog the other day. I'm, of course, referring to this slip joint from the now very established brand QSP.

The model has been named Jumping Jack, and here I intend to give a description of it so you can decide whether it is something for you or not.

QSP Jumping Jack

Jumping Jack is a lot of things at the same time, and you have to start by deciding whether you like slip joints or not, as the knife lacks a lock in the true sense. In addition, it is a so-called "modern traditional" which means that it is not exactly the same as, say, an old Case from the fifties. The appearance is certainly found here, but the materials and manufacturing technology are modern. Specifically, this means that the construction is screwed instead of riveted, as an example.

If some of you think you recognise the design language from elsewhere, I can attest that you are right. This is a collaboration between QSP and Spencer Marquardt, who is usually involved with Finch Knives.

Jumping Jack, a really nice slip joint

Short version: QSP Jumping Jack, a "modern traditional" and an essence of what such a knife can be. The design language is classic, but the performance is modern

Blade

The blade shape is a bit special. A combination of older times and Finch Knives, because the blade is wider towards the front than towards the base. Otherwise, this is a hybrid but where everything breathes a classic Spey blade. Something that was traditionally used to castrate animals. Hence, the steep tip, you simply don't want to poke holes in the wrong place. But the history is older, and the blade shape is good for precise cuts, and therefore it was also used in fly fishing contexts. Hence the name, it is named after the river Spey in Scotland.

Jumping Jack has a 70mm long Spey blade made of 14C28N

So far, it's classic, but some details are more modern. It's about things like the finish, a nice shiny satin, but mainly about the material. Here, stainless steel is used in the form of Sandvik 14C28N. A Swedish steel that was developed together with Kershaw Knives to be a better version of 12C28N.

As a steel, it is very all-round and one of my favourites when it comes to so-called mid-range steels. It has balanced properties and can handle most things. However, it is not extreme, so it does not hold its sharpness as well as a "super steel". It is also not as shock-resistant as the best in its class. But none of those properties is necessary in a small pocket knife. So here it is, an excellent choice.

The total length of the blade is 70 mm, and the thickness is 3 mm. The height of the blade varies between 19 mm and 16 mm.

The blade is, as it should be, completely flat-ground. It starts with a stock thickness of three millimetres that tapers down to a thickness of 0.4-0.5 mm behind the edge. The greater thickness is measured towards the tip.

The marking is discreet, and the Finch logo is found on the back of the blade

Speaking of tips, this one is unusually strong. Partly because the blade is very tall precisely in front, over the "hump". It is also first here that the blade starts to taper. This means that the tip works great for many small tasks, including puncturing thinner plastic and tape, etc.

But then this was a slip joint, so you shouldn't do stupid things like try to stab the blade into something; the risk of hurting yourself is then considerable. If you use the tip with a little discernment, it works great, though. Maybe it is a little too wide for my taste, as I like them to, among other things, pick metal chips out of fingers and hands. Yes, that is a common task for my pocket knives; I am a knife thrower after all. 

The blade, however, is otherwise extremely practical. That is the advantage of old blade types; they are tried and tested. This blade does not seem to have much of a curve, but the one that is there allows you to perform draw cuts against cutting boards, for example.

The straight edge works great for cutting anything that fits. By that I mean that it is a fairly small knife. The total edge length is around 63 mm. But if you stick to that, most things will be cut effectively. Especially since the knife is unusually sturdy for a slip joint.

Handle

Jumping Jack has a classically designed handle. Without a doubt, a nod to older times. It has a small "waist" at the front, which then widens to become a little rounder at the back. A curvy thing this. Incidentally, this also applies to the slightly arched sides.

The sides are both glued and screwed in place with two small T6. The frame and bolsters themselves are held in place by the adjustable pivot screw and a screw in the rear bolster. The size of the pivot screw is a notch up with a T8a. The fact that it is adjustable is significant for a modern traditional. An older knife would, of course, have been riveted. 

The handle is curvy with a steel bolster, frame and back spring

The material of the sides in this case is black and white resin plastic. Stylish but perhaps not the most exclusive. At the same time, it feels like a flirtation with the Cellidor plastic of the fifties. But if you want more exclusive sides, Jumping Jack is available in wood, blued bone and not least abalone. You know that green pearlescent material that comes from a special species of mussel.

The finish is excellent, making the frame and back spring feel like one piece.

Despite being small, this knife is built around a steel frame of a full two millimetres. The bolsters and the back spring are in the same material; this is a solid construction. You can tell by the feel when you hold the knife.

That brings us to grips. The length of the handle is 90 mm, and all of it is available surface for the fingers. The thickness amounts to 12 mm, and the height is a maximum of 21 mm. But with the rounded ends, it still becomes a three-finger knife for me, a good one, but not all fingers can fit.

A good grip, but it is a small knife, and of course, it gives a smaller handle

Not quite, anyway. In a hammer grip, it is close, but only half the little finger is supported and only if half the index finger is found in front of the handle. The three-finger grip becomes even clearer if the knife is held in a sabre grip. But then the thumb and index finger fall naturally into place in the depressions that form the "waist" of the handle. The rounded back end without protruding clips and the like is also comfortable against the inside of the handle. Overall, however, this is a very good and flexible handle given its size.

Walk and Talk

Instead of discussing "opening methods and locks" as I usually do, this is instead about concepts like walk and talk and stay and play. They are significantly more tied to this type of knife.

Accordingly, this knife is, of course, opened with two hands. For this purpose, there are double-sided nail grooves, which incidentally make the knife completely ambidextrous, but as a nail-biter, I am extremely grateful that it does not have to be used.

The knife opens with two hands and has nail notches to help. Jumping Jack also has a solid halfway stop

On the contrary, it is relatively easy to access the blade as about 7 mm of it protrudes and can be gripped in a pinch. I would rate the resistance itself as a seven, maybe an eight on a ten-point scale. The spring provides good resistance both on the way in and out, and the blade falls into place with a satisfying sound that gives some comfort to those who lack their lock. On the way in, there is a classic ninety-degree blade stop. A safety feature that means the blade on the way in does not cut off a fingertip as easily.

The action is unusually smooth for a slip joint. They certainly haven't gone so far as to have ball bearings, but unlike pure friction against the frame that was common in the past, the Jumping Jack has bronze friction bearings, which explains that detail.

Once out, the blade is solid. There is not a hint of lateral movement. In fact, the knife feels unusually sturdy for being this small. Should any slight play occur, you can always tighten the pivot screw.

There is no up and down movement either. As long as the spring holds the blade in place, that is. It is a slip joint after all. But on the other hand, if you put a lot of pressure on a blade in the wrong direction on a knife of this size, you have still done something wrong.

To Carry

Jumping Jack is a true pocket knife. No question about it. When folded, it measures 89 mm, and all ends are well-rounded and therefore soft. The only thing that could be perceived as sharp is the protruding tang.

A sheath can be purchased for the knife, but here we use one with a magnetic clip from another manufacturer

When the soft shape is then complemented by a nice weight of 90 g, there is not much negative to say about how the knife behaves in a pocket. It simply lies at the bottom. Preferably across if the size of the pocket allows. That is both an advantage and a disadvantage. But to remedy some of the historical problems that arose in connection with this behaviour and which resulted in questions like "how on earth can a knife disappear in a pocket?", the clip was invented. You will not find anything like that here.

That was the disadvantage; the advantage of clipless knives is that they are always more comfortable to work with.*

As you can see, the knife fits perfectly in this sheath

If you don't want to carry the knife loose in a pocket or bag, it's a good idea to buy the leather sheath that QSP has so aptly developed for this purpose. It also protects the knife's hilt from chafing if you also store other things like keys in the same pocket. This is especially true if you choose more exclusive materials like abalone, but even this resin variant can be scratched.

Now I didn't invest in a sheath because I have a couple lying around from another brand that I know are also great for this knife. 

To Conclude

For those who like the "modern traditionals" category, the Jumping Jack is not only a good example but also a really good choice. The look is there; what you think of it is, of course, personal, but the knife doesn't really look like everyone else. I see that as a big plus in a knife world where originality is sometimes in short supply. But here Mr Marquardt has managed to distil a classic model, but with a modern twist that at least appealed to my eye.

QSP has the nice habit of including a card that tells you the dimensions of the actual model in the box.

Then QSP has added a dose of what their name actually stands for. Written out, the acronym stands for Quality, Service, Price. I can't comment on the service in this specific case, even though it is generally very good. However, I can say something about the other two parts.

There are some classic quality markers for slip joints that can also be used to assess a modern interpretation of one. The first one, which applies to all knives, is, of course, how the transition between the different materials is made. This is especially true when you have designs that include bolsters. Here we also have double bolsters.

The work is really well done on this knife. It really exudes quality.

Jumping Jack, as elegant as an espresso

Another marker is how much, if any, light shines through the handle if the knife is held up to a light source. It is very difficult to get the spine spring completely tight to the frame. This is especially true of older handmade knives. With modern levels of tolerances, it is easier. On the Jumping Jack, nothing shines through. This, of course, gives the highest rating. Add to that the spring and frame are completely smooth in relation to each other, both with the blade in the extended and retracted position. It is very well made. Especially like the spring in the middle position, the ninety-degree stop, also here at the same height as the frame. A finesse that is only found on very fine slip joints. 

Then you have the usual folding knife pitfalls to avoid. These include areas such as how the factory edge is made, whether the blade is centred when the knife is closed, whether there is play in the blade when the knife is open, and so on.

QSP has succeeded on all counts with the Jumping Jack, and it is not hard to see why other brands are starting to use QSP as an OEM manufacturer. This is a damn well-made knife.

The QSP Jumping Jack is a truly classic pocket knife, easy to always carry with you.

So if you appreciate the design language and like QSP as a brand, Jumping Jack is a more than viable alternative. Especially if we mix in the last letter in the name and talk about the price. The recommended price on the website is 75$ and when it reaches European stores, the price is from 99€.

For the invested pennies, you get a real quality knife with a timeless design and well-chosen materials. It is highly recommended!

QSP Knives

Specifications:

Length Overall: 159 mm

Length Folded 89 mm

Weight: 90 g

Blade Length: 70 mm

Blade Thickness: 3 mm

Blade Steel: 14C28N

Handle Material: Black and white Resin

Lock: None, Slip joint

Produced by: QSP, made in China

/ J - lockless

* Except knives with completely hidden clips like Lionsteel's ROK, which has a retractable clip.

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Review Artisan Cutlery Revel

  

-  another Laconico design

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

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

Artisan Cutlery Revel

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

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

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

Revel is another stylish knife signed by Ray Laconico

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

Blade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Handle

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

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

In this version, Revel has a titanium handle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opening and Lock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Carry

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

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

The clip is simple and of the spring steel type

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

This is what Revel looks like in a pocket

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

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

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

To Conclude

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artisan Cutlery

Specifikations:

Length Overall 205 mm

Length Folded 115 mm

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

Blade Length: 90 mm

Blade Thickness: 3,2 mm

Blade Steel: AR-RPM9

Handle: Titanium

Lock: Frame Lock

Produced by Artisan Cutlery, made in China

/ J - positive

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