Ny kniv - Joker Ranger

- en nyhet från Spanien

Det startade med en ensam fällkniv för mycket länge sedan. Mitt knivintresse har alltid varit eklektiskt och min "samling" brukar jag snarare kalla ett referensbibliotek. Därmed skiftar fokus och inriktning ibland. Därför var min första kniv från Joker en klassisk spansk navaja då jag var inne på knivar med historisk förankring. De tillverkar fortfarande dylika men även så mycket mer. Det är i "mycket mer" vi tar avstamp idag.

Dagens presentation fokuserar inte bara på Jokers bredare och därtill senare sortiment utan även i en trend eller kanske snarare rörelse beroende på hur man ser det, den som handlar om "bush craft knives". Jag sätter begreppet inom parantes därför att jag tycker att det svenska ordet friluftskniv är så mycket bättre. Mest för att det är bredare och inte fokuserar enskilt på teknik utan även inkluderar att rensa svamp, laga mat utomhus eller vad man nu gör med sin kniv. Alla gör inte fällor, täljer kåsor och tillverkar eldbågar.

Men det är i det häradet som den här modellen kallad Ranger återfinns. Den kom förra året och är en kniv med alla de attribut en modern kniv av det här slaget skall ha. Vill man dock anknyta till det engelska uttrycket så finns modeller i Jokers katalog som är mer renodlade som Nessmuk och Bush Lord till exempel. 

Det är alltid lika roligt att öppna en ny knivlåda. Även om man vet modellen är det inte samma sak att se dem i verkligheten och känna på dem!

I det här fallet innebär det att kniven kan fås med eller utan eldstål till exempel. Just eldstålens vara eller icke vara kan alltid diskuteras.* Det betyder även att den här kniven kan fås i två olika konfigurationer. Som en scandi grind för den som föredrar det eller som i det här fallet med full flatslipning. 

Att jag valde det senare betyder inte att jag inte gillar en bra "skandinavisk" slipning utan för att en flatslipning är så mycket bättre i mitt tycke så snart man avlägsnar sig från att skära i trä. I mitt fall betyder nämligen uteliv även  en del matlagande och liknande utöver att skära  pinnar och virke. 

Ranger som komplett paket med kraftigt modulärt läderfodral, eldstål och extra lina

Ranger är en kniv som är rekorderlig utan att bli otymplig. Stark men fortfarande lätt vilket i det här fallet innebär en total längd på 235 mm varav bladet står för 110 mm. Vikten är 185 g för enbart kniv och totalt 328 g inklusive eldstål. 

Formen på bladet är en drop point med en tjocklek på 3,8 mm och en höjd på 31,5 mm som mest. Tjockleken hade jag ansett vara i grövsta laget om det inte vore för att bladet dels är fullt flatslipat och dels smalnar av mot spetsen. Bladet har inget "choil"/fördjupning vid bladbasen, något jag kommer att diskutera närmare i kommande recension.

Stålet som används är ett för mig mycket bekant material. Det är svenskt Sandvik 14C28N. Ett rostfritt stål med mycket goda generella egenskaper. Det är inte extremt åt något håll men är både rostfritt, relativt tåligt mot stötar samtidigt som det är lätt att slipa och håller skärpan dugligt. Fabrikseggen var god kan tilläggas i förbifarten. 

Handtaget är stabilt och rejält med en längd av 120 mm och bredd på 23 mm. Materialet är svart Canvas Micarta med röda mellanlägg som accent. Ytan är polerad och sidorna fastsatta med två nitar jämte en genomgående tub som även agerar fånglinehål. Att kniven och handtaget känns stabilt beror förstås även på att det är en konstruktion med hel tånge. Vidare har handtaget ett litet fingerskydd, en anknäbb mot bakänden till samt en relativ svag 3D-form á la Coca Cola-flaska. Sidorna är med andra ord inte helt flata. 

En snygg detalj är att eldstålets handtag är gjort med samma material. 

Joker Ranger

Hela paketet avrundas med något som jag noterat att just spanska märken ofta är mycket bra på, läderfodral. I det här fallet innebär det ett tjockt (3mm) läder av god kvalitet som dessutom fått en dubbelsöm vilket förstås ökar hållbarheten. Passformen är god och kniven hålls på plats utan att falla ur och den skramlar inte. Enbart bra första intryck med andra ord. 

Upphängningsanrdningen är mycket flexibel då den utgörs av en hälla som är fäst med nitar vilket gör att kniven lätt kan avlägsnas från bältet. Lika enkelt är det att förvandla fodralet från ett lågt hängade (dangler) till ett högt dito genom att det är fäst med en ringformad karbinhake.

Överlag känns Joker Ranger som ett riktigt stabilt bygge. Materialen är väl valda och sedan kan det alltid diskuteras om  man vill ha ett rostfritt stål eller ej i den här typen av kniv. Jag tillhör dem som alltid föredrar det. Moderna rostfria stål dras inte med de nackdelar som kolstål sägs eliminera. 

Kniven är uppenbart välgjord med ett rejält fodral med små finesser när det kommer till bäranordning. Jag ser mycket fram emot att få bära och testa den här kniven. Så fort det gjorts och det finns underlag till en recension så kommer en sådan. 

Joker

/ J - blicka mot södern

* Numera är de nästan ett lika stort måste i bushcraft-kretsar som en kniv. Hardcore-entusiaster lär sig förstås att tillverka en bow drill. Dit hör inte jag, i tur och ordning använder jag tändare och eller tändstickor och sedan har jag med mig ett eldstål i händelse att de inte fungerar. Det sistnämnda har hänt mig. 

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review Civivi Buster FG

  

-  the friendly giant

Civivi has once again collaborated with a knife designer, and the result is this model called Buster FG. A knife that has a very clear design language and a lock that, for the initiated, speaks of who is behind the design. That said, it also feels like a continuation of or perhaps a cousin to another knife, the Vision FG. A model I have previously reviewed positively here on the blog.

The question is, am I just as satisfied this time?

Civivi Buster FG

The man behind the look and certainly also the lock is Snecx Tan from Malaysia and his Snecx Design Lab. It's time for a new "FG" model, where the abbreviation stands for Field Grade and means production versions of custom knives.

This time, a few things have changed and mainly the format that distinguishes this one from the Vision FG. The size has increased significantly, which is the first noticeable thing.

Buster FG is available with handles in both G10 in a couple of different colors and Micarta for those who prefer it, which I happen to do.

Buster FG is a full-sized knife designed by Snecx Tan

Short version: Civivi Buster FG, a Snecx design for those who like big, bold knives with a Super Lock

Blade

This is an impressive blade. Partly it is the shape that does it, and partly, of course, the size itself. As mentioned earlier, the Buster FG is a substantial knife, which is also noticeable here. The blade is over a decimeter long, 107 mm even. In addition, it is 34 mm high and 4 mm thick. This makes it both visible and noticeable.

The imposing blade is a sheep's foot that measures over a decimeter in length.

In this version, it is provided with a black coating, and otherwise it is stone-washed. The steel used is Nitro-V. A steel that has been used on and off by several different manufacturers. The steel is something of a derivative of Swedish 14C28N and AEB-L and therefore has similar properties. This makes it practically an all-round steel in the mid-price range. In other words, a competent steel for EDC knives. If you want to delve into the properties of the steel, you can find an article here. 

The blade shape is a very large sheep's foot. This means in practice, a completely straight edge. Only the last part of the edge towards the tip has a very small bend. The blade is also almost completely flat ground down to a thickness behind the edge of around 0.5 mm. It is quite sturdy, but so is the knife.

If you look closely, the blackened blade is discreetly marked. If you have eagle eyes, you can read the steel type at the ricasso, Nitro-V

When you cut with the knife, it doesn't really offer any surprises. It works as it looks.

If we start with the tip, it is more noticeable than many other knives with this blade type. Here it is quite pronounced, which means that it penetrates excellently. It is also sharp without being too thin, which makes it durable as long as you don't use it as a pry bar.

The blade itself would probably work on a kitchen knife because it's so wide. But because of the completely straight edge, it's not a favourite in that area. Which, as I always point out, no folding knife really is.

There's a lot of cardboard when you buy an ice cream maker. Buster can handle it, but he's not really the best at it.

For small jobs like cutting tape, string, nylon straps and cable ties, this is an excellent blade. This is especially true for tasks like the last one, where the rather steep edge comes into its own; it is strong. But for the same reason, you need to use more strength when cutting cardboard of different thicknesses with this knife. The resistance is simply greater due to both the geometry and the thickness of the blade, although the latter disappears a little due to the height of the blade combined with a flat grind.

In wood, the blade is better than you might think, especially when cutting fresh branches and the like and when you have to cut something off. But the Buster FG is not something you do crafts with. The height of the blade and the completely straight edge are not the best in that regard.

Overall, it is a practical blade, but not really for everything. Then the size means that, at least where I live, it is not something you drag into the office to open a box of paper with either.

Handle

The handle of this knife is quite large, but of course, it needs to be to accommodate the massive blade. The length is 139 mm and is based on a sturdy steel frame that is black to match the colour scheme. To reduce the knife's overall weight, there is not only a lightened frame but also through holes in the handle. Interesting to note is that there is also a round hole that looks like a lanyard hole. But hey, it's not. If you place a string there, the blade will cut it!

A large and spacious handle with Canvas-Micarta sides in this case

The Buster FG is open at the back, with only the visible lock bar. The knife is assembled at two points along with the adjustable pivot screw, which is Civivi's usual type. This means that the logo is the head on one side, and a T8 screw is found on the other side. It is also D-shaped, so it does not twist if you want to adjust or disassemble the knife.

The knife is semi-open at the back as the lock bar takes up some space.

The length of the handle is matched by a thickness of 13 mm, which together makes it impossible not to find a good position on this handle. The available area behind the part of the handle that forms a smaller finger guard to the back end of the handle, where it swells, is almost ten centimetres. If you have thicker gloves on, you can also have your finger behind that point if necessary.

The sides are made of Canvas-Micarta, which is one of my favourite materials. It gives a warm and comfortable feel to the hand while providing some friction without feeling rough. Another important feature is that it ages with style. The more you use the knife, the more patina the handle gets.

In hand, all grips work without complaints

On this knife, both hammer grip and sabre grip are equally good. If you also want to get even closer to what is being cut, the surfaces are so large that you can sneak a finger close to the blade if you wish. The good balance contributes to the nice feeling in the hand. Fortunately, all the holes are in the handle; rather than luck, it is good design. The balance point is found in the same area where the lock bar ends.

Opening and Lock

Buster FG is intended to be opened with a thumb stud. But due to the type of lock and the mass of the blade, there are alternative ways to get the blade out for those who want to do a little trickery.

The thumb studs are otherwise excellent. They meet the requirements that can be set. That is, they sit a bit out from the handle, which provides good leverage and thus makes the blade easy to fold out. Furthermore, they are long enough to provide grip but short enough not to stick out too much. Then they are also completely out of the way when you cut something because they are found near the handle when the knife is open.

The thumb buttons work exceptionally well, but there are alternative opening methods

But then there were the more or less thought-out alternatives. The lock is, of course, not completely out of the ordinary, as all variants where the blade can be completely released work the same. This also applies to button locks and different variants of cross-bar locks. Here it is a different lock, but if it is released, the blade swings freely and as it swings. The blade is not only heavy, but it also runs on ceramic bearings, so it moves almost friction-free.

Added to this is a more involuntary opening method. Thanks to the above-mentioned properties, it is possible to "gravity open" the Buster FG. If you flick your wrist, the blade flies out! There is no detent in the world, not one that works anyway, that can hold that blade in place if it is provoked in that way. That said, the detent is not so weak that there is any risk of the knife being accidentally opened.

The lock is an invention from Snecx called "Super Lock". A really solid lock

The lock in question has been named "Super lock" and is, as previously mentioned, an invention of Snecx. It is a very effective lock. It really holds the blade in place with authority. There is not a hint of movement in the large sheep's foot blade.

The lock is released by pulling the lock bar back, and then it also slides slightly upwards. The spring resistance is quite strong, so there is no risk of it being released by mistake.

The only thing the user needs to be aware of is that the weight of the blade makes this a "finger guillotine". The blade comes flying at a hell of a speed, which risks cutting off a fingertip. In addition, it is so heavy that, combined with the speed, it tends to bounce back out again. The solution to both problems is to put the knife a little on its side when closing so that the speed is not quite as noticeable.

To Carry

The Buster FG is big, a fact that cannot be ignored. Especially not when it is carried. In this case, a big knife also means a lot of volume due to the blade shape. This is not a narrow fillet knife blade we are talking about. The height of the knife is 44 mm, and the thickness across the spine is 13 mm. The latter is not excessive, but together with the height and a folded length of around 14 cm, you have a lot of knife in your pocket.

The weight is also noticeable. No anchor, but the Buster FG still weighs in at 175 grams. This is even though it is lightened in several places and even has through holes!

The clip is nothing unusual, but the placement is

It makes you notice that you are carrying this knife. In thinner linen pants, I notice that it even weighs down the pocket. But of course, that is a choice you make. On the other hand, you get a lot of blade in your pocket for the weight.

However, pulling and putting the knife away is quite easy. The micarta has structure, but nothing that stops the knife, and the clip works well. 

Is that a Buster in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? Buster FG demands its space

The clip is nothing extraordinary, but taken from the Civivi catalogue. It means a simpler spring steel clip that does its job very well. The ramp works, and so does the space underneath. Large enough to accommodate most fabric thicknesses except possibly the thickest. The space is maximised by the clip being thankfully recessed in the handle side and equipped with flat screw heads. The screws are in tandem and are size T6. The size can cause problems if you tighten the screws or remove the clip frequently. However, it is not something I do, so I very rarely experience it as a problem.

The clip is black to match the rest of the knife's colour scheme and is placed a little differently. It is not located centrally on the handle but towards the back. In that case, it is excellent because, combined with the size of the handle, it means that the clip does not rub against the hand at all. The rear end of the clip, which can otherwise cause discomfort when it comes to "deep ride" clips, ends up outside the hand here.

To the delight of all left-handed people, the clip can be moved to the other side if desired. This, together with the type of lock, makes the knife completely ambidextrous.

To Conclude

I don't really know what to think of the Buster FG. Or well, I actually do, but my relationship with this knife is not entirely straightforward.

First of all, it can be said that, like all knives from Civivi, it is extremely well built. All the usual quality markers can be checked off. The blade is centred, the factory edge is good, the edges and corners are rounded and ground, the fit is good, and both the lock and folding mechanism are excellent. So far, no problems.

The design language is recognisable. Both knives are collaborations between Civivi and Snecx Tan

I have no objections to the design either. It is typical Snecx, that's what I was referring to in the introduction when I wrote that it was recognisable. In this case, it is mainly the blade that sets the tone with its distinctive appearance. There is something certain about both wharncliffe and sheep's foot blades when they are scaled up.

Buster FG works as an EDC knife, but feel free to supplement with something smaller

In return, you get a blade that works well for almost everything and a handle that is generally excellent. This applies to most hand sizes as it is narrow enough for smaller hands and long enough for larger sizes.

But it was probably the "almost everything" thing that stuck out to me. I have found that apart from the appearance, I am not completely sold on the idea of ​​completely straight edges. It is neat, and it gives a certain air to the knife, but it is also a bit limiting. It is mostly about sweeping cuts, but above all about the fact that they are more difficult to use against flat surfaces such as pieces of wood or cutting boards. When working against such, the tip is automatically used most. 

It is also not a blade that is completely optimal for cutting wood, although it is better than you might think.

Then there was the big stumbling block. For some people, it is a non-issue, and it may be for me some days. But the Buster FG is too big and, above all, too heavy to be my daily pocket knife. The 175 grams is not much, given the dimensions of the knife, but in absolute terms, it is something that feels substantial in a pocket.

So it's finally spring, Civivi Buster FG is a sturdy knife also for outdoor use for those who like straight edges.

But with that said, for those who like straight edges and this type of look, the Buster FG is a really good option. There aren't many knives that offer it in this format. Especially not one that also includes a "Super lock" and the quality that comes with knives from Civivi. For all of you, this is a damn good buy. The knife is priced at around $117 on the website. 

Civivi Knives

Specifications:

Length Overall: 245 mm

Length Closed: 139 mm

Weight: 175 g

Blade Length: 107 mm

Blade Thickness: 4 mm

Blade Steel: Nitro-V

Handle: Canvas Micarta

Lock: Super Lock

Produced by: Civivi, made in China

/ J - looking for a sheep missing a foot

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Review Civivi Clingman

  - the knife that is almost there

Trends come and go in the knife world, just as they do everywhere else. One such trend, or movement, depending on how long the phenomenon lasts, is that YouTubers not only test knives but also design them. Without thinking too much, I can immediately think of four or five names that have done it that way.

One of the latter I have come across is behind this model from Civivi called Clingman. A question that immediately arises is whether the experience and knowledge that comes from having tested many knives shines through in the end result. Another, and perhaps more difficult to answer, is whether the end product differs from something that a more typical knife maker/designer would have made.

Civivi Clingman

The man who designed this specific knife is, in any case, called Taylor Martin and runs the YouTube channel  Best Damned EDC.

According to his own statement, the inspiration for the Clingman was taken from his upbringing, his father and grandfather. The fact that it became something that can partly be said to be a "modern traditional" is perhaps not so strange. The blade has a bit of a Bowie feel to it, even though the format is otherwise small.

The goal with the Clingman was to design what Martin considers the perfect knife for EDC - "Every Day Carry". It is a field that is quite broad and, of course, clearly influenced by what your everyday life looks like. But one thing they all have in common is that they should be easy to carry. A requirement that the Clingman definitely meets. Let's find out what it can do beyond that.

Incidentally, the knife is named after a mountain peak in the Appalachians.

Taylor Martin's interpretation of the perfect pocket knife. Here in the dim winter light

Short version: Civivi Clingman is an attempt to create the ultimate EDC knife, but it only partially succeeded

Blade

What makes me associate the term "modern traditionals" in connection with Clingman is definitely the blade shape. It is a pronounced clip point with a sabre grind. Or if you want a small Bowie knife blade, as I mentioned above. With that also comes a fairly pronounced false edge. This, in turn, gives a distinct aesthetic.

The finish is satin, and the marking is discreet as usual in the case of knives from Civivi. Completely unmarked on the presentation side and the BDE logo on the opposite side.

The blade is three inches or 76 mm long, 20 mm high and 3 millimetres thick. Relatively sturdy for a small blade, in other words.

The small blade has clear "Bowie" references

How do you get a small blade to cut well? Especially since the thickness in this context is actually quite substantial and a primary grind that is as low as 11 mm. The answer to the question is, of course, that you do it hollow grind like here. Then you quickly get the thickness behind the edge down to 0.4-0.5 mm. That, combined with an equally excellent edge that Civivi usually has, means that you have a real small scalpel in your pocket. A surgeon's blade that also has a formidable tip. Or maybe that wasn't a completely correct analogy, I realise now. The knife came really sharp, but the analogy with the aforementioned surgical tool is lame, as the knife is actually quite thick behind the edge.

It is then combined with a steel in the form of Nitro-V.

The steel is Nitro-V, with a hollow grind.

What is a bit special and almost makes the Clingman feel like a recurve/S-shaped edge is that the blade sits at a fairly steep angle downwards in relation to the handle. The advantage of such a solution is that it is easier to get power into the cut as the blade bites harder, after which the cut continues.

This is reinforced by the blade shape, which gives a clear belly and is therefore also good for longer, sweeping cuts. Think of a skinning blade in miniature.

The tip is given the blade shape, very good. It is not only sharp and penetrates well, but it is also found exactly where it should be. Or more simply put, in the knife's imagined centre line.

But I still have to admit that I'm not completely satisfied with the blade. A blade with such a low primary edge and relatively thick material means that it cuts, especially double-walled cardboard, heavier than similar flat-ground blades. This applies to all similar materials. The same can be said if you cut fruit and vegetables. Not impossible by any means, but not perfect either.

As usual, the blade geometry is a trade-off of properties, and the user must decide for themselves what is best. 

Handle

The construction of the handle is not much to talk about. It is well built, as always with knives from Civivi. A heavily lightened steel frame forms the basis. The knife is open at the back and is held together by two spacers and a bolt that acts as a lanyard attachment. Clingman is built according to the modern template 1A for simpler knives, as I usually say.

The handle's overall shape is one of the areas where I disagree with Taylor Marin

On the outside of the frame, you will find sides of either G10 or, as shown here, Micarta. The latter is also available in a couple of different colours. I chose brown because I think it gives the most traditional look. Especially since Micarta is a material that ages and gets a patina over time. The sides are completely flat and only slightly bevelled.

The length of the handle is 102 mm, but since the front part forms a smaller finger guard and the back end curves slightly, only 84 mm of grip surface remains. That's not much, and one of the features I don't fully appreciate about the knife. The thickness is 12 mm, which is quite a lot in relation to the height, which varies between 20 mm at most and 16 mm at least.

The handle is open at the back

Micarta is a material that doesn't provide much grip in itself, but here it's the shape of the handle that makes up for it. The handle is slightly curved, and the back follows the inside of the hand in a good way. But then we get to the part I don't agree with at all. Mr Martin must have very different hands compared to mine, because the Clingman is not my favourite to hold or work with.

The grips that work best with the Clingman are those intended for very light work, such as holding the knife in a pinch grip or in a loose sabre grip.

The thing is that, in addition to being quite "low", which doesn't fill the hand very well, the underside is shaped so that you have a bump in the middle. I don't know exactly what it's there for, although they are usually there to provide a better grip for the fingers, usually the index finger. But here the space in front of it is too big for just one finger, and the others don't have enough space if the knife is held that way. But it's also too small for two fingers. My middle finger then ends up directly on top of the bump, which just feels strange.  

When the hand is closed around the handle with the index finger behind the finger guard, my middle finger ends up right over the raised part of the handle and my little finger right over the back edge, which is not optimal.

This makes the Clingman not particularly comfortable to hold, except for very light tasks, as it is difficult to get a firm grip, as the handle is so small, not just in length but also in height. At the same time, the bump makes the hammer grip feel less good.

Overall, a handle that does not fit my hand very well despite the seemingly simple and straightforward shape.

Opening and Lock

When it comes to opening methods, the Clingman is very modern. It offers a thumb spring but also a discreet front flipper. Consequently, there are several ways to open the knife. Especially since you can flick it out with an index finger on the back of the blade, or open the knife with two hands, of course.

Clingman also boasts multiple opening methods

Sometimes it can be tricky to combine several different ways to open a knife, as they often require different resistance in the detent ball or the lock, depending on which one is used. Here it is a ball that, like the bearings found in the knife, is also made of ceramic. This ensures a long service life, and as a bonus, they cannot rust.

But Civivi is good at locks and openings, so in this case, both basic methods are equally effective.

The double-sided thumb studs are certainly small, but they are well placed and stick out just enough to be easy to access. In addition, they are out of the way when the knife is used, and are found close to the handle. There are horror examples where thumb studs are found halfway out on the blade. Here, it is clear that Taylor Martin knows what he is looking for in an EDC knife. 

The lock is a liner lock that performs its function excellently.

Accessing the lock itself is trickier, however. The resistance in the lock bar is not particularly strong, but poking your thumb into the blade notch is a necessity to get there.

Unlike many others, I have nothing against liner locks. It's lucky because that's what's found here. It's not terribly thick, given that the thickness of the frame is 1.5 mm. But it's very well made. The blade is held in place in a firm grip without movement in the open position, and it locks as it should. The plus point is also that it's relatively easy to disengage.

However, that only applies to moving the lock bar. Getting there is a bit more complicated as this is a small knife, which means that even the blade notch is small, and you have to poke the tip of your thumb in to access the lock. Not exactly easy with big fingers. The recess on the opposite side is actually a bit small. 

To Carry

I wrote at the beginning of this review that all good EDC knives have at least one thing in common. There can be different opinions about blade shapes, and the same applies to handle design and materials. But they have to be good to carry to qualify, and the Clingman does that.

A luxurious detail, given the price range, is that the Clingman comes with a milled titanium clip.

This is perhaps not surprising, as the weight is really low at 75 g. Then the dimensions are modest as mentioned. What was a disadvantage when it came to filling the hand now shows its strengths. Small volume, a low handle and soft outer shapes make the Clingman excellent to carry.

Given the nature of the clip, some of the handle is visible when the knife is carried.

Another positive aspect is that the clip is actually good. I write "actually" because one of the few concessions to the purely cosmetic is that the knife has been fitted with a titanium clip. A milled one at that.

It is small, discreet and fits the knife well. Even better is that it does not negatively affect the grip when working with the Clingman. The tension is good for this type, and the space underneath is, if not large, then adequate. The ramp also works as long as the fabric in the jacket or trouser pocket is not too thick. 

To Conclude

So what remains is an attempt to answer the questions posed in the introduction. Or at least as far as possible.

It is difficult to answer whether this model looks different compared to one that some other knife maker or designer has been behind. One thing can be said, however, that it is not as "confused", if the expression is allowed, as some knives can be these days. In the eagerness to constantly come out with new models, it sometimes happens that knives are pure desk designs. That is, they are never tested in reality or even particularly well thought out. They are made to look a specific way, and if they happen to have good properties, that is a plus, but not a requirement.

To answer the question, I would have needed to see more knives from Martin. Only then would it have been possible to see whether there is a general design language on his part. That detail is overlooked if one only starts from practical considerations with a stated goal. Knives then tend to become somewhat generic. In addition, a single model is not a very broad selection. Especially not if one wants to study whether there are common denominators. 

Clingman is good-looking, in a sort of old-fashioned way

However, it can be said that the average knife reviewer has probably handled more knives than most, including many knife makers, and in several respects, it is noticeable that this is a well-thought-out design and that it is designed by someone who has tested a lot and knows how he wants it.

This is evident in the fact that certain characteristics have been prioritised. One such is that the knife should be easy to carry. In that area, the Clingman undoubtedly gets the highest rating. Another area is that the knife should be flexible in terms of use. The blade shape provides both a point and a belly, and the relatively thick material provides stability while avoiding the disadvantages of a low sabre grind through a hollow-ground edge. The Clingman thus cuts well in most, if not all, cases. So far, the overall impression is good.

Then there are more examples, such as the placement of the thumb studs making them almost completely out of the way of what is being cut, that there is a substantial "sharpening coil", and the angle between the blade and the handle that increases the power of the cuts. The design of those details is also no coincidence.

But then there are things that I personally would have chosen to do differently. Firstly, I would have chosen to make the knife slightly larger. Not turn it into a large knife, but a "half" size larger. This applies especially to the handle. As it is now, it is too "low" for me to appreciate it. I prefer handles that do not lean towards the round/square direction when it comes to the width/height ratio. Think of Laguiolle knives as real sinners in this regard. That type of knife always gives me the feeling that they want to roll in my hand.

What bothers me the most is the knob in the middle of the handle. It doesn't suit everyone and should, in my opinion, have been made smaller to accommodate only one finger or removed altogether. If it were to be done afterwards, it would make the handle even thinner.

But everything is chosen based on personal preferences, which makes the knife unique in that respect and therefore may not suit everyone.

Then, in general, I think that knife manufacturers should stop being so anxious and try to satisfy every single knife aficionado. It's actually enough to have one way to open the knife. In this case, the thumb studs, although the front flipper is not in the way in any way, are just redundant.

Civivi Clingman is a good pocket knife for lighter tasks, with the emphasis on "pocket". 

Not many concessions to style have been made on the Civivi Clingman, apart from the luxurious detail of a titanium clip and possibly the combination of a stylish blade with distinctive lines, combined with, above all, Micarta in the handle. But that was actually what I fell for from the start. The Clingman looks like a small Bowie knife or perhaps a small reinterpretation of a Buck 112 or similar folding knife. At the same time, modern materials and manufacturing methods make it superior to them in most respects.

If you appreciate that aesthetic and want an ultra-light, modern EDC knife for lighter tasks, then this is something for you. But you should be aware that it is smaller than you might be led to believe and that the handle is a bit special.

The price is currently around 780 SEK in Europe.

Civivi Knives

Specifications:

Length Overall: 178 mm

Length Folded: 102 mm

Weight: 76 g (weighed by me, stated 75g)

Blade Length: 76 mm

Blade Thickness: 3 mm

Blade Steel: Nitro-V

Handle: Micarta

Lock: Liner lock

Produced by: Civivi, made in China

/ J - almost satisfied

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New Knife - Civivi Buster FG

There is no subtle way to put it, the Buster FG is a damn big folding knife! It comes from Civivi and is designed by Snecx Tan. Something that can be guessed partly by the similarity to another model from Civivi called Vision FG, and partly by the lock bar sticking up on the back, which is typical of the "Super Lock". A lock developed by Snecx himself.

Civivi Buster FG

A significant difference between the models, however, is the size. Where Vision is a normal-sized EDC knife, this is a beast. Or how about a knife that measures fourteen centimetres in the pocket and with a total length approaching twenty-five centimetres open? More precisely, 245 mm, of which the blade is 107 mm.

In other words, it is a giant variant of a Sheepsfoot that reveals itself when the knife is opened. The steel used is German Nitro-V.

The knife is relatively light for being so large, but it is not possible to magic away the amount of steel in the blade, which still results in a total weight of 176 g. However, the Buster FG is very well balanced, so the grams feel slightly less than they should.

When open, one of the largest Sheepsfoot blades I have ever seen is revealed.

The handle material in this version is green linen-Micarta. What more is there to add? Well, the knife has exceptionally smooth action. Something that we are certainly spoiled with from Civivi. But here, the good build quality is helped by ceramic ball bearings and, not least, physics. A heavy blade and an easy-to-handle lock make this a veritable finger guillotine. It is important to keep your fingertips away from the knife when closing it.

The knife can also be opened and closed using the lock in addition to the thumb studs that are otherwise intended for that.

Overall, this is a rather bold design that is underlined by the large dimensions. Now it will just have to be used, and I will come back with a report on how it turned out. If I can now keep my fingertips, that is. 

Civivi Knives

/ J - going big

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Ny kniv - Civivi Clingman

Ibland skall man snegla bakåt för att ta sats framåt. Det kan gälla livet likväl som formgivning av fällknivar. Åtminstone förhåller det sig så i det här fallet. Civivi har i det här fallet samarbetat med en Youtuber och friluftsentusiast vid namn Taylor Martin som står bakom Best Damned EDC.

Inspirationen till den här kniven hämtas från Martins uppväxt och hans far och farföräldrar. Med det i åtanke är det kanske inte så konstigt att resultatet blev en "modern traditional"

Kniven är döpt efter en bergstopp i Appalacherna. En som nu återfått sitt ursprungliga namn för övrigt. Men det var därifrån namnet Clingman kom.

Civivi Clingman

"Modern Traditional" är ett fack som kan rymma rätt mycket och vad gäller Clingman är  det mest delar av utseendet som är grundat i tradition resten är mycket modernt. 

Bra att veta är att det här är en liten kniv, mindre än man kan förledas att tro även om du läser specifikationerna. Totalängden utfälld uppgår till 178 mm. Det gör den också till en lättviktare med sina 78 g. Av den längden utgör bladet 76 mm. 

Handtaget är gjort av Micarta. Jag valde brunt för att jag tyckte det anspelade mest på de äldre tider den här kniven flirtar med. Färgen drar åt trähållet och kommer att göra det ännu mer efterhand då Micarta åldras med värdighet och får patina. 

En liten EDC-kniv designad av Taylor Martin

 

Designen med sin distinkta clip point ser ut som ett Bowie-blad i miniatyr och kunde ha suttit på mången fällkniv med hundra år på nacken. Men stålet är desto modernare då det är Nitro-V. För att ytterligare förstärka banden bakåt har bladet en kraftig skålslipning vilket gör att bladet är tunt bakom eggen trots en tjocklek på 3 mm och en rätt låg sekundäregg. 

Lika modernt som handtagsmaterial och bladstål är övriga detaljer. Här hittas en extremt lättad stålram, kullager i keramik och allt avrundas med ett rätt exklusivg fräst titanclip. Till det skall adderas två öppningsmetoder då det finns både dubbelsidiga tumknoppar och en diskret front flipper. 

Sammantaget ger det en kniv med många små finesser som skall bli intressanta att utforska. Jag återkommer naturligtvis  med en recension av Civivi Clingman. 

Civivi Knives

/ J - drömmer om berg

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre