New Knife - Focuser Outdoor FC133

Time for a hidden gem, or at least a brand that was completely unknown to me until recently. The name is Focuser Outdoor, and the name suggests what they intend to focus on now and in the future.

FC 133is the name of this knife, and I am very curious about how it would look and feel. With new brands, there is always something extra, as it can lean in both one direction and the other depending on what their background is and which internal/external designers they have or hire.

Focuser Outdoor FC133

When it comes to design, you don't have to worry in the least about the FC 133. It largely follows the template for what a good knife of this type can or perhaps even should look like. Although a few small deviations have been made, I will return to them in a later review.

The FC 133 is available in slightly different versions. If you want it with a higher saber grind instead of here as a classic "Scandi", there is model FC 134.

 

The FC133 comes with a Kydex sheath and has a G10 handle.

What I mean by template is a full-tang knife, here made from 3.5 mm thick steel with a 3D-shaped handle. It has a small built-in finger guard, is tapered towards the front, and ends with a discreet duckbill. In between, it swells in the middle. The material here is G10, which is screwed into place with two screws.

The total length is 220 mm, of which the blade is 110 mm. It is a drop point that can be obtained with slightly different blade steels. For the carbon steel enthusiast, there is 52100, and for those who want a slightly more wallet-friendly stainless alternative, 14C28N can be chosen. Two very viable steels, by the way. But you can also get it in a real top steel, like in this case. This variant has been provided with CPM 3V. The price level rises with the choice of steel, I can clarify. The recommended price from the factory is from 70$ and up.

This version has such noble steel as CPM 3V

It can also be added that the blade has a 90-degree back for the fire steel that is not included. On the website, they state that this is because the airlines refuse to send the knives then. Strange, as I just received a knife from Spain with a fire steel in the package. Also, as everyone knows, they do not catch fire on their own.

The package is rounded off with one of the small extravagances I hinted at, and it is a case in Kydex instead of the more traditional leather. The case has a built-in holder for the fire steel.

After having carried the knife on some occasion and done some testing, it can be stated that the FC 133 from Focuser Outdoor promises a lot. Late summer and autumn are good times for outdoor activities in Sweden, so there will probably be an opportunity to test it properly. When it is done, I will return with a review!

/ J - glances towards the forest

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Ny kniv - Focuser Outdoor FC 133

Dags för en doldis, eller i alla för mig fram tills nyligen helt okänt märke. Namnet är Focuser Outdoor och namnet antyder vad det är de ämnar fokusera på nu och framledes. 

FC 133 heter den här kniven och jag mycket nyfiken på hur den skulle se ut och kännas. Med nya märken är det alltid något extra då det kan luta åt både det ena och det andra håller beroende på vad de har för bakgrund och vilka interna/externa formgivare de har eller anlitar.

Focuser Outdoor FC133

Vad gäller formgivning behöver man inte oroa sig det minsta när det kommer FC 133. Den följer till mångt och mycket mallen för hur en god kniv av den här sorten kan eller kanske till och med bör se ut. Fast några små utsvävningar har gjorts men de återkommer jag till i en senare recension. 

FC 133 finns i lite olika versioner. Önskas den med en högre sabelslipning istället för här som en klassisk "Scandi" så finns  modell FC 134. 

 

FC133 levereras med ett Kydexfodral och har handtag i G10

Vad jag menar med mall innebär en heltångekniv, här gjord från 3,5 mm tjockt stål med ett format handtag. Det har ett litet inbyggt fingerskydd, är avsmalnat mot framänden till och avslutas med en diskret anknäbb. Däremellan sväller det på mitten. Materialet är här G10 som skruvats på plats med två skruvar. 

Totallängden är 220 mm varav bladet utgör 110 mm. Det är en drop point som kan fås med lite olika bladstål. För kolstålsentusiasten finns 52100 och den för som vill ha ett något mer plånboksvänligt rostfritt alternativ så kan 14C28N väljas. Två mycket gångbara stål för övrigt. Men du kan även få det i ett riktigt toppstål som i det här fallet. Den här varianten har försetts med CPM 3V. Prisnivån stiger med val av stål kan jag förtydliga. Riktpriset från fabrik ligger från 70$ och uppåt.

Den här versionen har så förnämligt stål som CPM 3V

I övrigt kan tilläggas att bladet fått en 90 gradersrygg för det eldstål som inte följer med. På hemsidan anger de att det beror på att flygbolagen vägrar skicka knivarna då. Märkligt då jag precis fick en kniv från Spanien med just ett eldstål i paketet Dessutom som alla vet tar de inte eld av sig själva. 

Paketet avrundas med en av de små utsvävningrna jag antydde och det är ett fodral i Kydex istället för mer tradtionellt läder. Fodralet har inbyggd hållare för eldstål. 

Redan efter att ha burit kniven vid något tillfälle och gjort några testarbeten kan konstateras att den FC 13 från Focuser Outdoor lovar mycket. Sensommaren och hösten är bra tider för friluftsliv i Sverige så det lär finnas tillfälle att testa den ordentligt. När det är gjort återkommer jag med en recension!

/ J - sneglar mot skogen

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New Knife - Joker Ranger

- a new knife from Spain

It started with a folding knife a long time ago. My interest in knives has always been eclectic, and I tend to call my "collection" a reference library. This means that the focus and direction sometimes shift. That's why my first knife from Joker was a classic Spanish navaja, as I was into knives with a historical background. They still make such knives, but also so much more. It is in "much more" that we are starting now.

Today's presentation focuses not only on Joker's broader and more recent range but also on a trend, or perhaps rather a movement, depending on how you look at it, the one about "bush craft knives". I put the term in parentheses because I think the Swedish word "friluftskniv", directly translated into outdoorsknife, is so much better. Mostly because it is broader and does not focus solely on the technical aspect, but also includes cleaning mushrooms, cooking outdoors, or whatever you do with your knife.

In my eyes, this is exactly what this model, the Ranger, should be excellent for. It was released last year and is a knife with all the attributes a modern knife of this type should have. However, if you want to connect to the English expression, there are models in Joker's catalogue that are more refined, such as Nessmuk and Bush Lord, for example.

It's always fun to open a new knife box. Even if you know the model, it's not the same to see them in real life and feel them!

In this case, it means that the knife can be obtained with or without fire steel, for example. The necessity of fire steel can always be discussed.* It also means that this knife can be obtained in two different configurations. As a scandi grind for those who prefer it, or as in this case, with a full flat grind.

That I chose the latter does not mean that I do not like a good "Scandinavian" grind, but because a flat grind is so much better in my opinion as soon as you move away from cutting wood. In my case, outdoor life also means some cooking and the like in addition to cutting sticks and wood.

Ranger as a complete package with heavy-duty modular leather sheath, fire steel and extra line

Ranger is a knife that is sturdy without being bulky. Strong but still light, which in this case means a total length of 235 mm, of which the blade accounts for 110 mm. The weight is 185 g for the knife alone and a total of 328 g including the fire steel.

The shape of the blade is a drop point with a thickness of 3.8 mm and a height of 31.5 mm at most. I would have thought the thickness was almost too much if it weren't for the fact that the blade is partly completely flat ground and partly tapers towards the tip. The blade has no "choil", something I will discuss in more detail in a future review.

The steel used is a very familiar material to me. It is Swedish Sandvik 14C28N. A stainless steel with very good general properties. It is not extreme in any direction but is both stainless and relatively resistant to impacts while being easy to sharpen and holding its sharpness fairly well. The factory edge was good, I might add in passing.

The handle is stable and sturdy with a length of 120 mm and a width of 23 mm. The material is black Canvas Micarta with red liners as an accent. The surface is polished, and the sides are attached with two rivets along with a tube that also acts as a lanyard hole. The fact that the knife and handle feel stable is, of course, also because it is a full-tang knife. Furthermore, the handle has a small finger guard, a duckbill towards the back end and a relatively faint coke bottle shape. In other words, the sides are not completely flat.

A nice detail is that the fire steel's handle is made of the same material.

Joker Ranger

The whole package is rounded off with something that I have noticed that Spanish brands are often very good at, making leather sheaths. Here, that translates to a thick (3mm) leather of good quality that has also been double-stitched, which, of course, increases durability. The fit is good, and the knife is held in place without falling out, and it does not rattle. Only good first impressions, in other words.

The suspension device is very flexible as it consists of a loop attached with rivets, which means that the knife can be easily removed from the belt. It is just as easy to transform the sheath from a low-hanging dangler to a high ride by being attached with an easily detachable ring.

Overall, the Joker Ranger feels like a really solid build. The materials are well-chosen, and then it can always be discussed whether you want stainless steel or not in this type of knife. I am one of those who always prefer it. Modern stainless steels do not suffer from the disadvantages that carbon steel is said to eliminate.

The knife is clearly well-made with a sturdy sheath with several nice features. I am very much looking forward to carrying and testing this knife. As soon as it is done and there is a basis for a review, one will come.

Joker

/ J - looking south

* Nowadays, they are almost as much a must in bushcraft circles as a knife. Hardcore enthusiasts, of course, learn to make a bow drill. I don't belong there, I alternately use lighters and or matches, and then I carry a fire steel in case they don't work. The latter has happened to me.

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Review Lionsteel M2M

  - when small becomes great!

Sometimes things just feel right. It can be about important parts of life like love and it can be about slightly less important things like gadgets. In this case, of course, it's a knife. In other words, not just any gadget.

The moment I got it in my hand, I realized that this knife was something right up my alley. There are so many details that are as they should be on this model. It has been named M2M and comes from Italian Lionsteel.

Lionsteel M2M

The designer behind this knife is Molletta or Mikele Pensato as he is actually called. He is a familiar name to anyone who likes Lionsteel as he often designs knives for them. In fact, they are behind a larger part of their current catalog. This time, however, he has not been completely alone and in addition, M2M has been developed from an earlier version.

Unsurprisingly, the first version was called M2 and was Lionsteel's smallest fixed blade. It was produced with feedback from an outdoor forum, MCKF, and is still in the range.

However, it is quite important areas that have been overhauled to version two because they include the handle, the blade, and the sheath or simply put everything! What remains is the basic shape of the knife. However, the handle has become larger, more 3D sculpted and the blade has been given upgraded steel. The leather sheath has been given a more advanced attachment system, among other things.

The current version is available in different versions where handle material and color vary. The choice is between canvas-Micarta in three colors, black as here, natural, or green. If you want wooden handles instead, you can choose between Santos or olive wood. The latter feels close at hand for a knife made in Italian Maniago.

M2M, is a small but sturdy knife that can handle most outdoor activities

Twitter version: With the model M2M, Lionsteel and Molletta have made a real hit. Anyone looking for a small extremely competent outdoor knife does not need to look any further.

Blade

Why complicate things that work? This is how Molletta and Lionsteel seem to have reasoned because the blade on the M2M is the simplest imaginable. A drop point in its purest form. A shape that has many benefits when it comes to these proportions. The relatively wide blade gives a fairly strong belly which is good for sweeping cuts. At the same time, the shape provides a good piece of a straight edge to work with and a strong tip. Since the ricasso is modest, the edge also extends almost all the way to the handle where you have the most power and control. Despite this, Lionsteel has made a small and correctly executed "sharpening choil" that facilitates future grinding.

The blade of M2M is 9 cm long, 3.4 cm high and the blade thickness is 4 mm. This gives a sturdy blade that is still small and versatile. The finish is a semi-gloss satin and the marking is discreet and nicely done. Lionsteel Italy and blade steel on one side and Molletta's logo on the other.

A simple drop point is always right, especially when you want to achieve a practical all-round knife

The grind is not complicated either. This is a full flat ground blade  In addition, as thin as 0.6 mm behind the edge. A factory edge that was really good by the way. Sharp as heck. They should be happy with it from Lionsteel's side.

It is not that strange that they can afford a thin edge. The steel used is the finest imaginable since Lionsteel opted to use M390. I probably would not have thought the same if the knife had been larger and intended for chopping, for example. But in such a small blade that is really suitable for slicing, it is an excellent and also exclusive choice of steel. It is also the first upgrade from the original version which had simpler D2 tool steel in the blade.

The blade is made out of M390 steel

For those who do not know, M390 is steel from Böhler Uddeholm that is usually counted as what is sometimes a bit carelessly called "super steels" in the online knife community. In short, this means that the steel has rather extreme properties. It is resistant to rust and stains while at the same time having a very good edge holding capability. It is also durable. But as I said, maybe not if you are going to chop with it because it is not as tough and impact resistant as say, carbon steel.

There are a few disadvantages with this steel in small knives, but there are a few flies in the ointment. Firstly, it is expensive, which of course affects the price of the end product, and secondly, it requires good sharpening tools or a lot of time and patience to re-sharpen A warm recommendation is therefore to maintain the edge regularly so you do not have to do it from scratch. That's also why I was so happy with the nice factory edge from the manufacturer.

It is not a kitchen knife, but it cuts very well and is therefore excellent for simpler outdoor cooking or, as here, only for cutting dried meat.

M2M is something as sympathetic as a knife from other latitudes than our own that cuts well in wood. It may not match the absolute best woodcarving knives with Scandi grinds if you are going to compete in Dala horse manufacturing, but it will not come far behind. And in return, it is significantly better at much else. The wide blade allows you to use it as a small skinning knife if you are a hunter and the flat grind makes it decent for outdoor cooking, for example.

Then the combination of good geometry and excellent steel means that this knife cuts well in most things. More than that is not needed. It becomes especially clear when cutting nylon or hemp rope. Dirty rope like my current test piece that was previously the anchor line for a boat contains most things including sand so it wears on an edge. Then it is noticeable if it is a simpler or more advanced steel that is found in your knife. But in these specific cases, what I said above applies. Maintain your knife regularly so you do not stand there with a dull knife with its fine "super steel" in the field. They can be a bit awkward to regrind as I said. Especially for those who are used to an old Mora knife with softer steel.

Otherwise, there are not many disadvantages with the blade. For example, it did not show any stains or other tendencies to corrosion during this test period. The tip is also capable. Sharp but wide which makes it more durable.

Handle

The other area that has undergone a remake is, as I said, the handle. Specifically, it means two things in relation to the first version, it has become longer and has a more curvy figure. The shapes make the handle feel better in the hand and provide better ergonomics, Lionsteel claim. I have no reason to distrust them without having tried the original. This handle is exceptionally good.

The handle sides of Micarta are screwed in place on top of the full tang

The handle has not only become longer but the previously flat sides have been shaped for better grip and comfort

The length is now 11.2 cm, the thickness is 2 cm, and the height is measured at 2.9 cm. As stated in the introduction, the material can be either wood or Micarta. Canvas Micarta is used and it is one of my favorite materials for knife handles. It is certainly not a natural material but it still ages with dignity by developing patina and personality over time. In addition, it is almost indestructible, although it may not be quite as durable as G10. On the other hand, the micarta has a structure that both gives a comfortable feeling to the hand and a better grip when properly treated like this.

The sides are screwed in place with two sturdy screws with torx heads. At the back of the handle is a lanyard hole that takes a standard 550-paracord. In addition, a smart little detail is found there. The slightly protruding rear end of the tang has been left sharp on the sides to be used as a scraper for fire steels. An excellent solution that does not affect ergonomics while you do not have to use the blade for the purpose.

Although the M2M is a small knife, it is a dream in the hand. I have only positive things to say about the handle. It works in all grips you can think of and it fits a number of different hand sizes. In other words, the knife has passed the "wife test", which means that it has been tested by a hand smaller than mine

As I said, I do not know how the original feels in the hand but M2M is exceptionally good. The length of the handle allows my hand to fit in an exemplary way while it is not abnormally large. The full shape with its bulge in the middle fills the hand in a sympathetic way and the slightly curved back follows the palm well. Then there is both a finger guard and a small beak towards the end that help to keep the hand in place when it gets slippery or cold. In addition, the pattern that the Micarta has been given contributes to better traction.

The shapes of this handle are well balanced. The finger guard is there but is not so big that it gets in the way when you cut against flat surfaces or when you have to get closer to the blade for a pinch grip. The handle fills the hand without feeling thick etc. 

This in turn makes ALL grips I tested work great, hammer grip, saber grip with a thumb on the blade back, "Filipino" with the thumb further out on the blade, pinch rip, with a forefinger on the spine, and reverse grips. 

But even though the knife does well in my hand, it also fits smaller hands. I let my partner test it and she liked it too!

Sheath

Lastly, the sheath was trimmed a bit from the previous version. What has happened is that it has been reinforced from the original single stitch to now have double stitches. Something that feels very secure from a sustainability point of view, especially on such a small sheath. Then it has been supplemented with two detachable leather straps that are screwed in place.

The sheath has double seams, which makes it extra sturdy

The extra leather loops give great freedom of choice in how the knife can be worn or attached. It can, for example, be traditionally worn on the belt either high or low, M2M can also sit horizontally in so-called "scout carry" or attached to a backpack or other equipment. Depending on taste.

Not my favorite way to carry a knife but "scout carry" at the lower back works great

The case is also fairly easy to attach to a carrying strap to a backpack. But since the leather loops are screwed in place, it takes a while to remove if necessary

The material in the sheath is thick leather and it is well sewn even if the seams are not the nicest I have seen as they are quite thick given the size of the sheath. The knife is held in place with a traditional strap with a snap around the handle. It does what it's supposed to. Because it is leather we are talking about, the knife does not sound or slide when sheated. With the strap in place, the knife gets nowhere, and it is very secure.

As you can see, there have been some small cuts in the leather, although I am very careful about that. You must be careful to miss the upper loop, fold away the strap for the handle and keep the knife at the right angle when returning your knife to the sheath

One detail is important to keep in mind, however, and that is that you are careful when you put away your knife so you do not cut open either the sheath, the belt loop, or the strap for the handle. The latter would like to spring back and end up near the edge. But if you are not in an extreme hurry but are a little careful, there are no problems.

Conclusion

With M2M, Lionsteel has, in my opinion, made a smash hit! I do not have much negative to object to at all. First of all, the knife is nice to look at! Of course, it can be objected that the proportions of a knife are generally even nicer when the blade is slightly longer than the handle, but here the lines are found where they should be! Then the sheath can fool you. Before the knife is drawn, one almost wonders how there should be any blade at all on the knife, it looks so short when it is in the case.

M2M is a real hit in my opinion. Small and thus flexible, functional, and not tedious to rest your eyes on either

But the main advantages are found elsewhere than in appearance. M2M is both sympathetic to hold and work with. There are not many knives in my arsenal that can match this handle in relation to the size of the knife.* It is simply very well designed and thus provides excellent ergonomics.

When you also find a blade of this dignity at the other end of the knife, you can only be happy! A simple, stylish shape gives a blade that just cuts and cuts no matter what material it is presented to. M2M handles everything from simple outdoor kitchen duties via everyday materials such as plastic and the like to rough rope and not least wood. A relative of mine who is an avid hunter took a look at it and stated that it would be very good as a smaller hunting knife as well.

Then the sheath is quite advanced. Especially to be in leather and not of Kydex or a combo case of the two materials. Here, Lionsteel started from a traditional sheath but modernized it to suit today's requirements.

Sure, the leather sheath has a few small things that could be improved. One of them is that it now requires the user to be very careful when returning the knife to the sheath if you do not want to damage it and especially the strap that holds the knife in place. But the function itself is really good and the many options for attaching and carrying the knife should make most users happy.

Lionsteel M2M is an outdoor knife that suits most users and most challenges

In summary, it can only be said that I can really recommend this knife to anyone who is interested in a smaller all-around knife that can handle all forms of outdoor life. Then it can also be used for everyday use thanks to the small format, even if it may not be something you bring into the office. But if everyday life means that you are outdoors a lot, it is also a good EDC knife.

On Lionsteel's website, the M2M in this version costs € 188, and a Google search suggests that the stores are a bit cheaper than that. 

Specifications:

Length Overall: 203 mm
Blade Length: 90 mm
Blade Thickness: 4 mm
Steel: M390
Weight: 166/249 g with and without sheath (weighed by me)

Handle Material: Micarta
Sheath: Leather

Produced by Lionsteel, made in Italy


/ J - really delighted

* Some model from Karesuandokniven like Uraka does, but otherwise not many.

New Knife - Brisa Nessmuk

A Finnish interpretation of an American classic, could it be any good? I suspected so and have always been fascinated by Nessmuk as a knife type. It is so unusual that when you see lists of blade types, it is usually counted as a separate category. The appearance is characterized by the fact that the blade is actually wider at the front than at the base and that it has a tip that strongly resembles a typical butcher knife. This in turn has its very natural explanation as the inspiration is believed to have been "buffalo skinners".

The story begins about 130 years ago with a book about carpentry and camping written by Georg Washington Sears who in many ways can be said to be the source behind expressions such as "bushcraft" and "wilderness survival" as it is called nowadays. The name Nessmuk is said to mean "wood duck" in the Algonquin language and was the name of a young man from the Narragansett tribe with whom Sears became friends and who became his teacher in hunting, fishing, and outdoor life.

This is Finnish Brisa's interpretation of a Nessmuk.

Brisa Nessmuk

This knife is available in a couple of different versions where Brisa offers handles in black or green Micarta. Although I could not help but think that such a classic model with roots in the late 19th century does best with natural materials. That is why I went for the birch handle. However, it is stabilized wood so it is almost as durable as a composite material. In passing, it can be said, even if it is to precede future review, that the handle is extremely comfortable to grip. If it's half as nice to work with, it's a hit.

Speaking of material, this knife comes with steel that I have not encountered before and which I have been curious about. It is a fairly well-known carbon steel variant with the designation 80CrV2. It is a steel that is known for both taking and holding an edge exceptionally well at the same time as it is very impact resistant. Therefore, it often reappears in knives aimed at both outdoor life and military use. It should be great for this type of knife in other words.

The sheath is fairly simple but well sewn and made of thick leather. All in all, a very appealing package that will be fun to test in the coming months. 

/ J - found behind a spruce

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Knife Review Brisa Borka 90

  -  a foldable bushcraft knife

I have had another smaller folding knife from Brisa for a long time, which at the time was called Enzo. To be clear, it is not Brisa who changed their name, but they changed their knife brand to better reflect who is behind it. The older model I have is a Birk 75. A knife that is available both with a full flat grind blade and as on my knife with "scandi grind". The latter was very unusual at the time and it is still not something you see every day even though more brands have followed since. 

I also glanced at the larger variant, its big brother or, given the names, perhaps rather its father. Brisa Borka 90 is a large and sturdy knife that aims directly at the great outdoors where Birk has more the character of an EDC knife.

Brisa Borka 90

Brisa is a company located on the Finnish Baltic coast, more specifically Jakobstad. In addition to making knives, they sell everything that is associated with knife-making.

Their current lineup stretches from kitchen knives via fixed blades for hunting, fishing, and bushcraft to folding knives in different formats. Today's revies object, Borka 90, is their biggest folding knife.

A solid handle paired with an equally sturdy blade provides a robust folding knife

Twitter version: Brisa Borka 90, a sturdy folding knife for outdoor life born in the vast forests of Finland

Blade

One of the most distinctive features of Borka 90 is its blade and that is mostly due to the way it's sharpened, which is not the most common in the world of folding knives as I mentioned. But it is also a quite sturdy blade for belonging to a folding knife. It measures 9 cm in length, is 2.4 cm high and the thickness is 3.25 mm. If you perhaps recognize the proportions, it's not so strange. They are very close to a Mora Robust for example. Or other classic Scandinavian knife models for that matter. Here, Brisa has chosen to go for well-proven knowledge in terms of dimensions.

Borka 90 offers, as the name suggests, a 90 mm long knife blade

The grind is, as mentioned above, Scandinavian or more correctly a saber grind without a secondary edge or "zero grind" as it is called in English. The advantage is that it bites extremely well in wood of all kinds and that the tip becomes very strong on a blade ground this way. The disadvantage is that the bevels are low and steep, which gives wedge-like characteristics that almost crack some other materials. Slicing carrots, for example, is not a favorite task for this type of knife.

The factory edge on this knife was exemplary with a very smooth, centered, and sharp edge. No complaints whatsoever. As I often say, edges can be reground but how they arrive is a measure of precision in manufacturing and quality control. 

The steel used is N690Co, which is European steel from Böhler/Uddeholm that has approximately the same qualities as Japanese VG10. This means that it is very stainless, takes a keen edge but does not hold it for extremely long. It can be hardened to high numbers (in kitchen knives often around 60HRC) but is kept a little softer here even though I do not know the exact hardness. But it is wise to make a knife that is to be used in carving and whittling a little softer.

The finish on the blade is a nice polish and the marking is very discreet. Brisa's logo and knife steel in very small text on one side of the blade, other than that it is totally clean. 

The blade has a "Scandi grind" and discreet markings

Once put to work, Borka does not offer any surprises. It behaves just like any Morakniv. That is, the blade excels when it comes to cutting wood of all kinds, whether it is dry wood or fresh slats. You can carve everything from a simple barbecue stick to a walking staff or an extra tent pole. But also engage in proper woodcraft if you are so inclined. The edge bites well and it is easy to find the right angles for precision cuts.

One of the first tasks my knife was subjected to was to kill a Christmas tree

However, it is not the ultimate knife when it comes to simple tasks like cutting an apple. It almost cracks the fruit rather than cuts it because of the grind. However, the same problem is not experienced when it comes to cuts that do not extend all the way through whatever you are cutting. Then the sharp edge takes over. Therefore, Borka also works well to cut meat for instance. 

But like all sharp knives, it works for the most part. It's just not the best at everything. Cardboard, plastic, and other "everyday materials" Borka handle well. When it comes to EDC tasks other properties set the limits instead, such as this is not the fastest knife to pull, open, fold, and put away again. 

On the other hand, the tip is extremely capable of everything you might need a tip for. It is both sharp and strong. It is no problem to pry it loose from a piece of wood or to remove a splinter from a finger if so needed. 

Handle

In addition to the blade, the large and spacious handle is something that distinguishes Borka. The total length over the back is 12 cm, of which 10 cm is grip-area. The handle offers a pronounced finger guard and ends with a beak that prevents you from slipping when, for example, carving or performing other heavier knife work. At the rear end, there is also a hole for a lanyard. It is large enough to hold the standard 550 parachute cord that is often used for such things. 

The large handle has sides in brown-green micarta

The construction itself is solid as a bulldozer. The frame is made of steel that has not been lightened and on the outside, there are sides in brownish-green Micarta. They are worth an extra mention as they are both attractive with their distinct pattern and are nicely worked with a curved three-dimensional surface. They are screwed to the outside of the frame with three small T6 screws. There I would have liked to see a bit larger screw heads. They are easy to strip when they are this petite. The knife is made with a hidden pivot screw requiring that the sides be removed if you need to tighten or center the blade. The latter is, incidentally, perfect from the factory. I can add that it's needed, as the tolerances between handles and blades are very small.

The blade is well centered, which is lucky as the tolerances are small

The back of this knife is not open due to the type of lock. The great advantage of having a completely covered back on a folding knife handle is that the contact surface against the hand increases. It is something that is first noticed when you put a little force behind cuts as when working with wood, heavy rope, and the like and these are exactly the tasks that this knife can be used for. 

Borka offers a spacious handle that works in most grips

The handle easily swallows my hand in size "large" and it is also possible to use the knife with gloves on if desired or needed. However, it is not completely optimal for those with smaller hands. Something that was pointed out by my lady who when she tested it said that "my hand just slides around". She did not experience that she got the same good grip as me.

Otherwise, Borka is most comfortable in the strongest grips such as hammer grip and reverse grip for "draw cuts". Then, of course, it is excellent to grip the knife in a saber grip or place a forefinger on the blade, but it is not quite as comfortable as the slightly pointed stern feels a bit against the inside of the hand.

Opening and Lock

Borka 90 opens mainly with thumb studs and some effort. This means that it requires a strong thumb since the main way to open the blade offers a bit of resistance. The thumb studs are placed close to the handle, which I personally appreciate as they are not in the way when working. On the other hand, it does not provide the same leverage when the knife is to be opened, and then the strong spring tension from the lock is added. It is no problem to open the knife. It just does not belong to the smoothest in that regard.

The thumb studs are barrel-shaped and are placed close to the handle. Alternatively, there is a nail nick to facilitate opening

On the other hand, it is completely in line with the type of knife in question. It's as far away from "fidget toy" as it gets. This is a serious edged-tool for outdoor activities. Opening method number two is even more in line with that thought. The blade has a nail nick for those who use such. I must admit that I think it's redundant since there are working thumb studs. The notch is, however, large and deep enough to be grasped with your fingertips. Luckily, because if you try to put a fingernail in there it will break. 

The lock is strong but has a slight play up and down

The lock on this knife belongs to the stronger standard "back locks" that I have encountered. The Tri-Ad version of this lock type is, as most people know, a bit stronger. But among the more conventional ones, Borka is just beaten by Lionsteel TM1 in my collection. This means a solid lock bar, a strong spring, and a lot of contact surface against the blade. The latter means that you have to lift the lock quite high for it to release. As I said, it is a strong lock and even if it is possible to close the blade against a leg or something else, I definitely prefer to do it with two hands. The sound it makes is a muffled confidence-inspiring one.

There is a tiny problem with the lock. Laterally, it is as rigid as it should be, no play at all. There are also no gaps between the frame, handle sides, and lock bar. But up and down there is a small movement that can be felt, as it often does on back-locks. In this case, a little more than I am really happy with and it is enhanced by the lock bar sinking slightly inside the handle when the knife is opened. It is a detail that can be improved upon.

To Carry

Borka does not aim to be a small and flexible EDC knife. If you still want to use it as such, you can of course do it, but be aware of a substantial piece of hardware in your pocket. As I said, the length is 12 cm and it is also backed up by a thickness of 14 mm. The height is 31 mm. The same features that make it comfortable to work with making it less good to carry around. The weight is stated at 141 g on the website but on my scale, it weighs 132 g. It is positive when it goes in that direction.

The clip is of a fairly standard type and very strong. It works well thanks to the smooth scales under it

The clip is made of stainless steel and quite ordinary. The finish is polished, which nicely matches the blade. The spring tension is very strong and it could have been a problem if it were not for the fact that the Micarta used in the handle is quite smooth. It is not polished but well sanded and after a period of use, it becomes even softer. Therefore, it is no major problem to neither pull nor put Borka back in the pocket after use.

The clip can be removed if you feel like carrying the knife loosely in your pocket or buy the case that is available as an extra accessory. It can also be moved to the left side for those who need or prefer it that way. Since EDC isn't the main focus here is a bit of handle visible when the knife is carried. Just under an inch or so. 

To Conclude

I think this knife can be quite polarizing. Not because the design is extreme or because the color scheme is crazy or the materials are strange. But because, on the contrary, it is extremely traditional, if it wasn't foldable, it could be any Scandinavian knife. It can be seen when you place it next to a Mora Robust for example. This is also reflected in the choice of materials and construction. A micarta of good quality and well-established middle-class steel. In the same way, a back-lock is one of the most established solutions for folding knife safety available. 

The dimensions of both the blade and the handle are close to, for example, a Mora knife

But what distinguishes the Borka 90, in general, is that it is a well-built quality knife. All details such as a centered blade, a strong lock, and a really good factory edge are in place. To this can be added that the contoured and well-sharpened handle sides are a joy to hold and work with. It gives the knife a more exclusive feel than the average work knife. A couple of small details could have been better in my opinion and one is the precision of the lock. There are no malfunctions or safety shortcomings connected to it, but the small play up and down annoys me. Another is that the corners, especially the ones at the back are a bit too sharp for my liking. Fortunately, that it is easily remedied with a few minutes of sanding. 

Finns are known to be one of the few people in the world who drink more coffee than us Swedes. They are also known for making very good knives. Borka is a good example of that

But the great finesse and argument for this knife are that it is foldable. Here you have an alternative for those who are looking for such a knife with classic Scandinavian grind and do not want to sacrifice the performance it brings when it comes to "bushcraft" whether it involves hunting, camping, canoeing, mushroom picking, hiking, or other outdoor activities. 

I have, of course, tested it as an EDC knife as well, but in that area, it has its shortcomings. First, it is fairly bulky to carry around even if the weight itself is not dissuasive. Secondly, it's not the easiest knife to open. The thumb studs require that you press at the right angle and the strong spring tension must be overcome. In addition, the knife is most easily closed with two hands. In all simplicity, this means that it is not the quickest knife to deploy for a quick cut or two. But it was not intended as such either. 

Brisa Borka 90 where it best belongs, in the forest!

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a large and solid folding knife to carry in your pocket on a stroll in the great outdoors, Brisa Borka 90 is definitely a candidate worth considering. You buy it in most well-stocked online stores, or directly from  Brisa's. The price is then 146 €.

Specification:

Length Overall: 209 mm

Length Folded: 119 mm

Weight: 146 g

Blade Length: 90 mm

Blade Thickness: 3,25 mm

Blade Steel: N690Co

Handle Material: Micarta

Lock: Back lock

Produced by: Brisa, made in Finland

/ J 

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