Review - CJRB Sasaya

 

 -  a well-interpreted Shilin Cutter

There are certain types of knives that I have liked since the first time I saw them in a picture. One such type of knife originates from China and goes by the name "Shilin Cutter".* It is an older model from the late 18th century that is characterised by its bamboo leaf-shaped blade. It is often combined with a handle that reflects the shape of the blade. Overall, it gives a harmonious appearance that I really appreciate.

This is a significantly newer version, and it is noticeable that the type has become more popular as there are now several variants from different brands on the market. This is CJRB's interpretation called Sasaya.

CJRB Sasaya

Sasaya is currently available in four different versions. This is the version with wooden sides. In addition, the knife can also be obtained with black or blue G10 on the sides or a more luxurious version made entirely of titanium. That knife also has a slightly finer steel in S35VN.

Harmony with roots in China

Short version: CJRB Sasaya, A knife as stylish as it is practical

Blade

Sasaya, of course, boasts the typical leaf-shaped blade, which would be strange otherwise, since it is one of the things that distinguishes a Shilin cutter. Translated into knife nomenclature, however, it becomes a drop point with a sweeping belly.

In addition to the shape, the oval opening hole gives character to the blade. On the back side, there are some grooves towards the blade base, but to be honest, they do not fulfil any function.

Sasaya has the leaf-shaped blade typical of the pattern

The length of the blade is 89 mm, not a small blade in other words. The height is just under 3 cm at most, 29 mm. The thickness of the blade is a meagre 2.5 mm, and in that number is found one of the reasons why it cuts so well. The other is, of course, that the knife is completely flat ground. To this can be added that the blade is 0.4 mm thick behind the edge.

The blade is stone-washed and very discreetly marked. The CJRB logo is only found on the ricasso and is small.

The steel used is a material that Artisan Cutlery/CJRB themselves developed together with a steel producer and is called AR-RPM9. A steel that is found in several knives I have tested at this point. As far as I can tell without being a metallurgist, it is a well-balanced steel that is easy to sharpen, very resistant to rust and holds its sharpness reasonably well. Fully on par with other "mid-range steels", if the expression is allowed.

The steel used is AR-RPM9

The fact that the edge extends almost all the way into the handle, in combination with the fact that it is narrow, makes fine work and small jobs a joy with this blade. The blade geometry and sharpening also make the Sasaya a knife that cuts really well. Something that is reinforced by the blade shape that gives a very long edge with a sweeping belly. What you don't get, however, is a straight edge to work with. Something that can be an advantage for certain jobs.

But this type of blade excels at sweeping cuts. In addition to that, it is a fairly all-round blade shape. This means that those small cuts made in a piece of tape, cutting a cable tie, removing plastic around a package, cutting a string and the like are excellent.

The tip is also good. Although the knife gives the impression of being curved, the tip is found approximately on the centre line of the knife or actually a little below it. This allows you to use the tip without breaking your wrist when cutting along something. It is also good for puncturing things with. Thin enough for good penetration as the blade tapers quite a bit towards the tip, while the width means that the tip is not brittle.

Handle

The construction of the handle is recognisable from another knife I reviewed from CJRB, the Pyrite. Both knives feature the same type of lock, a steel bolster, and wooden handle sides. I don't know what type of wood this is, but my guess is some kind of "rose wood," which could mean palisander or another type of wood.

In any case, they are curved, polished, and the fit to the rest of the handle is well done.

The handle shape mirrors the blade and provides a comfortable grip

This has been made a little easier by the frame not being at the same height as the sides but rising slightly above them. Something smart because the fit does not need to be as precise. Otherwise, the Sasaya has a steel frame. A frame that, wich unusually, is not weight relieved. Something that is otherwise almost standard on folding knives today. The back is completely open, and there are two hourglass-shaped spacers. There is also a hole in the back of the handle for attaching a lanyard.

The knife is open at the back. What looks like a gap between the frame and the wooden side is actually a shadow as the frame rises slightly above the rest of the handle.

The handle on the Sasaya is 120 mm long, and the seemingly simple but refined shape means that the entire length can be used. This, in turn, means that all hand sizes fit. The fact that the handle is slim and under two centimetres high at the front of the bolster means that even small hands get a good grip, while the length means that even large hands have something to hold on to. The back end swells to around three centimetres, which mostly prevents slipping when cutting.

The balance point is apparently found a bit further into the handle and could be improved with a lighter frame. Sasaya is otherwise very comfortable to work with.

The teardrop shape allows all grips to work and work well. But of course, the lack of friction and grip enhancements means that this is not a "tactical" knife, whatever that is. But for anyone who isn't interested in maximum grip, this is a practical and excellent handle. This applies regardless of whether you prefer a hammer grip, a sabre grip or any variation thereof.

Opening and Lock

Sasaya is a modern knife, and it is noticeable, among other things, in the very smooth "action". In addition to small tolerances, ceramic ball bearings contribute to this.

The knife is opened primarily with the oval blade hole found in the blade. With the help of it, the blade can be both flicked out using the thumb or an index finger on the back as well as opened more slowly. 

The blade hole works well to open the blade, and the edges are softly rounded to be kinder to fingertips.

In addition, the lock type provides an opening method. Simply press the button, and the blade swings freely and can be both opened and closed at the desired speed.

Sasaya uses a button lock. A type of lock that works by moving an asymmetrical bolt sideways, whereupon the thicker part locks against the blade base.

The lock is very well made and has the same soft feel as the handle. It locks firmly and holds the blade in place. About button locks, it can also be said that they are generally very easy to handle. You press the button and the lock releases. A small warning is in order if you disassemble your knife. The button is spring-loaded, and inside it, you will find a very small spring that can easily disappear and is essential for the function.

The lock button is slightly recessed, which means that it cannot be activated by mistake. Or at least it is very difficult, and nothing has happened during the time I have tested and carried the knife.

To Carry

For such a large knife with a total length of over twenty centimetres, Sasaya is very easy to carry. The slim teardrop shape means that the knife does not take up much space in your pocket, even though the handle is a full 12 cm long. However, the knife is 34 mm high when folded, so it is probably more of a feeling than a practical reality. It simply feels more agile than the actual dimensions say.

The weight is 109 g, which is not much considering that the frame is not lightened. A large part of this can be attributed to the blade being thin and the absence of a back spacer, reducing the weight. It can also be added that this type of lock weighs less compared to, for example, a back lock. 

The clip is a fairly generic spring steel variant

However, the knife is no thicker than 12 mm, and the sides are curved, which, together with the polishing, makes them feel soft. Therefore, the knife slides easily into place when you want to put it away. It is also easy to pull.

This is what Sasaya looks like in a pocket

The clip is of the spring steel type and can be moved even though it almost doesn't look like it. CJRB has made one of the screw holes on the opposite side function as a mount for the handle side, which means that there are fewer holes, which gives a cleaner look.

The function is good with sufficient springiness, even though the tip points outwards. However, the placement means that it does not irritate the hand when you are working with the knife. The length of the handle means that it ends up inside the hand, which I am happy about. However, the space under the clip could be more spacious. As it is now, it is quite tight, and some of the space is stolen by the fact that the clip is not recessed in the handle side. However, it is something that would have cost time and therefore money, especially since the sides are made of wood. However, the screws are recessed in the clip and have flat heads, which is good.

The knife sits quite deep in the pocket, and not much is visible when you carry it.

Sammanfattningsvis

With Sasaya, CJRB has succeeded in capturing the essence of what a Shilin Cutter is. The bamboo leaf-shaped blade is reflected in the handle, and it makes the appearance harmonious and elegant. Something that is reinforced by the wood in this design. That is why I chose not to use G10 this time. Something with the organic shape required natural materials in my eyes.

Then I've come across this type of knife before, and I like it. The shape provides a simple handle, but also one that doesn't cause any problems, no matter what your hand looks like. Short or long fingers, big or small hands, it's easy to find a good grip on this knife. But that tends to be the case with classic designs, whether they come from the Nordic, Mediterranean or, in this case, China.

Sasaya is an excellent EDC knife, even if it is slightly larger than you might be led to believe

As I said, CJRB has managed the properties well, and that also results in a blade that cuts well. This has been achieved via a full flat grind, but mainly by daring to be restrained with the blade thickness. I am grateful that modern manufacturers have started to reduce the thickness of their blades at least somewhat. A few years ago, the trend was for all folding knives to have blades that started at three millimetres and up. It is not necessary.

The thing that might make you not appreciate this blade shape is, of course, if you don't like leaf-shaped blades. The entire edge is a long curve, and there are no straight parts. In addition, it gives a specific aesthetic, especially with a hole in the blade. Did I hear a "Spyderco" somewhere?

The CJRB Sasaya can handle most things. It's clear that it's a knife pattern that has survived the test of time.

Overall, CJRB has created a really good EDC/outdoor knife with this knife. It is beautiful to look at, soft to handle, both in terms of opening and closing and pulling/putting away. In addition, it is practical and made of well-chosen materials.

The manufacturing quality is usually high at CJRB, and this also applies to Sasaya. Especially if it is put in relation to the price tag, currently, the target price for this knife is $60. In Europe, it costs from €74.

CJRB Knives

Specifications:

Length Overall: 209 mm

Length Folded: 120 mm

Weight: 109 g

Blade Length: 89 mm

Blade Thickness: 2,5 mm

Blade Steel: AR-RPM9

Handle: Steel/Wood

Lock: Button lock

Produced by: CJRB, made in China

/ J - goes Chinese

* I was introduced to the knife model via Spyderco and their Bob Lum-designed "Chinese".

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Review - QSP Dolphin

  

-  Glossy, glossier, Dolphin

Sometimes you have to embrace your inner magpie and show appreciation for that which is shiny and shimmering. If you do, it is very easy to fall for this knife from QSP Knives called the Dolphin.

Large parts of it have been given a mirror-polished finish, which makes it notoriously difficult to photograph. What other qualities could a silvery dolphin possibly possess besides that? That is what I intend to go into in this presentation.

QSP Dolphin

QSP is a brand that started with fairly robust knives in the slightly lower price ranges. Well-built, made of decent materials and affordable. Today, they have expanded their catalogue significantly. Nowadays, there are knives in most price ranges, both fixed blade and folding knives are represented, although the focus is on the latter.

Among them, there are all kinds of lock types, blade steel and handle materials represented. Despite that, Dolphin is a bit unique. Among other things, for its mirror finish but also for the overall shape, certain decorative elements and not least how the lock is constructed.

There are currently five different variants of Dolphin, all of which exude luxury. You can get it with wood inlays like here or with mother of pearl, abalone, carbon fiber or a little simpler resin in the handle. There is a dolphin for most people.

Short Version: QSP Dolphin, a knife that brightens up life with a sense of luxury without completely emptying your wallet.

Blade

The blade shape itself is not complicated. Dolphin has a pronounced nose in the form of a drop point. The blade is 80 mm long and 20 mm high, closest to the handle, and then immediately begins to taper. The thickness of the blade is 3 mm. A slender blade, in other words. Especially as the tip is very distinctive.

The shape is reinforced by a bevelled back, which, however, at certain angles can be difficult to see due to one of the more distinctive details of this blade, namely the finish.

If you manage to capture this blade in a picture, you will see that it is a drop point.

It is impossible to avoid talking about the mirror finish. It is very well made without being perfect.

But there are more details to discover, and they are very positive. Firstly, the knife is completely flat-ground along almost the entire height of the blade. When this is then combined with a thin blade stock and one of the better factory edges I have come across in a while, you will be happy. An extra bonus is that the tip is needle-sharp.

The marking is as discreet as usual at QSP. They now often rely on their second logo, their triangle logo on the pivot screw, to inform about who made the knife. The one on the blade is small and stylish. Blade steel is on the other side, but is difficult to perceive.

In any case, it says 14C28N. One can assume that the choice of steel was not only based on the good general properties, but also on how well it can be polished.

The steel that has been given a mirror finish is 14C28N

The blade has a "sharpening coil" which makes future sharpening easier. A procedure that will definitely ruin the blade finish, on the other hand. But knives are meant to be used.

But I can say this straight away, this knife has not been tested "hard", whatever it is! No car tyres, no gnarly pieces of oak that have dried for three years in the sun, and it has not been cut half-frozen cod or the like either.

I consider this a gentleman's knife, and it has therefore been used as such. An EDC knife of the more elegant school. Therefore, things like cardboard, some tape, some cable ties, nylon straps around boxes, and some vegetables in the kitchen for picnic sandwiches are examples of what the knife has been used for.

And then to pick metal chips out of your hands. There are a lot of those if you are a knife thrower, and this awesome tip is very good for such tasks. But otherwise, this knife cuts damn well. A thin, sharp blade is a good start for that.

This makes the Dolphin perfect for all the lighter tasks you may encounter. But if you know that you work in the forest, on a construction site or need to pry open paint can lids regularly, there are better alternatives in QSP's catalogue.

Handle

The handle is as spectacular as the handle. The construction is certainly not unique; here, they have just tweaked a standard concept. Dolphin has a steel frame that is lightened, but not on the inside, but on the outside to make room for the inserts of different materials that are found there. Then the frame is screwed in two points, in addition to a stop bolt for the blade and the pivot screw, of course.

The pivot screw is adjustable, and as usual, the screw is D-shaped, which means that it does not spin if you want to adjust or disassemble your knife. A small but nice finesse.

But then follows another of the previously mentioned decorative elements that makes the knife stand out from the crowd. It is the screw that holds the knife at the end of the handle and, through its hole, also acts as a mount for a lanyard. The inspiration is taken from the world of cycling and is of "chain ring bolt construction". This means that it can only be loosened with a special key. However, one is included in the box.

The wood inlay on the handle side is of very high quality. This applies to both the fit and the grain.

The most obvious thing about the handle, however, is a couple of other things. One is, of course, that the steel here is also mirror-polished to match the blade finish. In addition to that, it can be said that all corners and edges are very well-rounded and soft to the hand.

In this case, the sides of the handle are then inlaid with wood. A stabilised wood, by the way, so the risk of it shrinking or cracking during normal use is very small. I actually don't know what kind of wood was used, but it has an extremely beautiful grain.

These wooden sides are also rounded, which reinforces the soft impression that the entire handle gives. This follows from the shape, as the Dolphin has a typical "pistol grip" where the entire shape is curved and slightly angled in relation to the blade.

The frame is also polished. Dolphin is also open at the back.

The length is 118 mm, and that is enough for a full four-finger grip with a little extra. That is, the index finger falls perfectly in place in the intended place, and then the rest of the fingers fill in. The round end acts as a stop at the back. The thickness is 11 mm, which is slim enough for the knife to be easy to carry but thick enough to fill up the hand. The height of the handle is at most 23 mm above the finger guard, and the handle itself is just under 20 mm.

Dolphin is comfortable to grip in all the most common holds and a few more.

With its curved handle and soft shapes in general, the Dolpnin has a really comfortable handle. Far more comfortable than you might think. The hammer grip described above is really nice, but in the same way, a sabre grip feels just as good. But pinch grips and reverse grips work just as well.

What is missing for hardcore users is, of course better grip in the form of friction. This is not a knife to fillet fish with in a rocking boat at sea. It is better suited to a picnic in a park to split a baguette, slice a tomato and cut a piece of Brie. 

Opening and Lock

Under this heading, you will find the parts that really appeal to the enthusiast side of knife users. But first, I want to say that I am grateful that QSP has chosen to deviate from the now-popular trend of having multiple opening methods. A really good one will do just fine for me.

Here is an example of that. Thumb studs close to perfection. The shape means that they do not feel sharp against the thumb. They are easy to reach and sit just far enough up and from the blade for the thumb to easily find them. The arc they describe makes use easy, and the crowning glory is that they are completely out of the way when the knife is in use. They almost disappear behind the rounded front end of the handle.

Thumbs studs close to perfection, possibly except for the appearance, they look a bit simple. But they make the opening lightning fast

But then comes the real bonus. Certainly, QSP knives generally feel good to open. Often, thanks to a combination of good geometry and ceramic bearings. We find that here, too, but Dolphin is on a whole other level. It has an absolutely magical feel, the one usually described as glass sliding against glass. I can only assume that is what the polished blade does when it comes into contact with the ball bearings. In any case, the result is brilliant.

It's defined as a liner lock but looks like a bolster lock.

The lock is described in the catalogue as a liner lock, but it rather gives the impression of a bolster lock. The reason is that it is found under the wooden side, not just the bolster, but under the entire wooden surface. In any case, it is extremely well made.

As far as function is concerned, there is nothing to complain about at all. It locks one hundred per cent of the time you open the knife, and it is extremely stable. There is really not a shred of movement in the blade in any direction. A solid feeling, simply.

In addition, it is relatively easy to release. There is room to access the lock bar, and the resistance is reasonable. But the reason I wrote "relatively" and did not give full credit is, of course, the polished surface, which does not provide the best grip for the thumb. But that is a concession you have to make on the altar of beauty sometimes.

To Carry

The dimensions of the QSP Dolphin are kind of in the middle of everything without standing out. A total length of 198 mm gives a folded length of 118 mm. The "extra" length there comes from the end of the handle, which does not give the world's best ratio between blade and handle. The thickness is just over a centimeter and together these dimensions give a weight of 104 g.

All the soft shapes mean this aquatic animal hides well in a pocket.

In terms of shape, Dolphin is as streamlined as its namesake and lies comfortably in a pocket. But note that I write "lies". Dolphin lacks a clip.

...no, no clip on that side either

This is, of course, another detail that is connected to how this knife was designed. But it can be good to know.

I personally carry mine in a protective small leather pouch belonging to another knife. Otherwise, you can buy a leather case with a clip for this knife from QSP.

To Conclude

Dolphin is one of those knives that stands out and does so in a positive way. The knife market today is bigger than ever, which is good for us consumers. But of course, that means that many knives are almost confusingly similar.

But that's not the case here, where QSP has taken what could be inspiration from many knives native to the Mediterranean when they designed this streamlined creation. That feature, along with the curved shape, makes me think the name is unusually fitting.

In addition, QSP has chosen to enhance the appearance by polishing both the frame and the blade. Something that takes time and definitely polarises buyers. But on the other hand, not everyone likes blackened blades and desert camouflage either. Furthermore, the knife has been equipped with a large and decorative screw at the end of the handle.

But mainly, it is the inlays of the different materials that appeal to the eye. The wood in this case is neatly inset without joints or noticeable edges. It is also nicely rounded and soft to the touch. But above all, it has a grain that creates a dramatic pattern that they have managed to highlight well.

One of the more beautiful knives that QSP has released in my opinion

In addition to an appealing exterior, QSP follows up with one of the smoothest folding knives I've come across. Yes, I dare to go that far. The feeling of opening and closing is silky. When combined with thumb studs that are certainly generic in appearance but perfect in terms of function, sweet music arises. Especially when the locking function sings along in that symphony.

When the blade then reveals itself, it is shiny. That is the first impression. The second is that it cuts and stabs well. It is thin, sharp and flat-ground to basically the entire height of the blade.

A blade finish like this makes it hopeless to photograph, but also makes it harder for sticky things you cut to stick to the blade than, say, something that is blasted. Rust also has a harder time getting a hold. Something else that gets a hold is, of course, fingerprints.

So overall, the blade is quite practical, and the handle is not only stylish but very comfortable. But considering the finish, I would put the knife in the somewhat vague "gentleman's knife" category. An EDC knife, but perhaps not for the heaviest tasks.

Something that underlines this is the lack of a clip and the presence of a leather sheath.

QSP Dolphin, an elegant everyday companion

This makes the QSP Dolphin feel like a knife for those looking for something elegant in everyday life, who have an inner magpie to acknowledge but who nevertheless seek function, albeit not for the heaviest tasks. Considering what was said above, you must not be a clip fetishist; if you are, this is not the knife for you.

But for everyone else, it is a bit odd, but still a gem. A knife that does not really look like everything else.*

QSP Knives

Specifications:

Length Overall 198 mm

Length Folded: 118 mm

Weight: 104 g, stated +/- 102 g

Blade Length: 80 mm

Blade Thickness: 2 mm

Blade Steel: 14C289

Handle: Steel/stabilised Wood

Lock: Liner lock

Produced by: QSP, made in China

/ J - affirms his inner magpie

*MSRP on the website for this version is 90$

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

New Knife - CJRB Sasaya

The other day, a knife was presented on the theme of the Shilin Cutter. Now it's time for another one. This one comes from a different manufacturer and is a bit slimmer and larger. Let me introduce Sasaya from CJRB.

CJRB Sasaya

Sasaya is a typical modern knife with a blade running on ball bearings and a Button lock. A lock design that is currently very popular can be noted. It can also be used to open the knife, but otherwise, there is a blade hole that facilitates that detail. It works excellently. In addition, the knife has exceptionally soft action.

As I said, this knife is a little larger than the previous knife I presented in the same style, and that means in numbers, a blade that is closer to nine centimetres, more precisely 89 mm long. The thickness of the blade is only 2.5 mm, and the leaf-shaped blade typical of the style is fully flat-ground. Talk about a blade that is intended to cut well. A super slicer!

The steel used is CJRB/Artisan Cutlery's own AR-RPM9. Without being a metallurgist, I can say that it is on par with 14C28N or VG10 in terms of properties. Rust-resistant, easy to sharpen and keeps its sharpness for a long time. Not the most exclusive steel on the market, but really good for the price range.

The entire knife is 209 mm long and measures 120 mm when folded. This, together with the simply shaped handle, provides excellent space regardless of hand size. Especially since the knife lacks finger protection or a flipper tab, details that often steal a lot of space.

Despite the knife's size, it weighs in at a fairly low 109 g. Much of this can be attributed to the slim format.

Sasaya, an interpretation of a Shilin Cutter

Sasaya is available in different designs, where I chose wood for the handle because I think it feels the most classic. Otherwise, the knife can be obtained with G10 handles or titanium for those who like metal. The latter is a more exclusive edition that also has a finer titanium clip and S35VN steel in the blade.

In my case, there was not much hesitation. The type of knife itself attracted me several years ago. I appreciate the deceptively simple lines and the symmetry that arises between handle and blade. If you add to that CJRB's manufacturing quality and the fact that they have invested in making a knife that cuts really well, the choice is easy: buy it!

But despite the quick opinion, I intend to review Sasaya in a while. First impressions are one thing, and lasting insights are another. But sometimes they are the same. 

CJRB Knives

/ J - looking east

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review Brisa PK70FX

  

- Another eminent little knife from Finland

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

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

 

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

Brisa PK70FX

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

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

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

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

Blade

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

Ett lika harmoniskt som klassiskt blad

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

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

The material used is 12C27, a stainless steel

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

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

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

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

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

The Scandinavian grind gives a strong tip

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

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

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

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

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

Handle

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

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

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

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

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

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

The most frequent grip works well

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

Sheath

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

The included sheath is made of sturdy leather.

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brisa Ltd

Specifikation:

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

Produced by Brisa Ltd, made in Finland


/ J - looks to the east

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