New Knife - Joker Bowie 7.87"

As the attentive reader you are, you have probably noticed that I have gone from a single knife from Spanish Joker to broadening that part of the collection considerably. Now it is time for another one. A knife that somewhat follows the same aesthetic as a folding knife called Becada. There is actually a thought behind that. Something that I intend to develop at a later time.

The common denominator is, of course, the handle material that is found in that folding knife, but is also found in this model called Bowie 7.87".

The name is purely descriptive as it, of course, tells you what type of knife it is, but also informs you about how long the blade is!

Joker Bowie 7.87"

This is far from Joker's largest Bowie. This variant is available in a longer version called 9.45", which translated means a 24 cm blade. In addition to that, the Bowie Hunter and Crown are found with 25 cm blades. But I chose the slightly smaller version for two reasons. One is balance in aesthetics. I think that this particular ratio between blade and handle looks extra appealing.

The same goes for the handle material, which is stag horn. I have always had a soft spot for white handles. And since I believe that elephants, walruses and other animals should be allowed to keep their teeth, this is an excellent substitute.

If you don't like this material, there are alternatives. Other horns from cattle or buffalo, but also wood. In this case, walnut is used in this model. It must be admitted that it is also stylish.

The harmonious, beautiful lines are emphasised by the materials, deer antler in the handle and leather in the sheath.

Although this is not the largest of the Bowie knives, it is still impressive. As it should be, it has a clip point blade, and it is 200 mm long. The thickness of the material is almost five millimetres, 4.8 to be exact. The material, Böhler N695, is the same as that found in my previous Bush Camp Knife. This is perhaps not so surprising since it is actually the same type of knife, but with a different appeal in terms of form.

The blade has a nice but somewhat difficult to photograph shiny satin finish. The massive finger guard is polished to a shine, as is the part of the steel that makes up the tang. This is a full tang knife, by the way. This does two things. First, the balance is excellent. The balance point is found in the middle of the guard. Despite its size, the knife therefore feels smaller and lighter. The knife has a length of 323 mm and a weight of 415 g.

The other thing that is achieved with a full tang is durability. In combination with a steel that is at least theoretically a more impact-resistant version of N690, it sounds excellent. A knife this big attracts you to do slightly heavier tasks. That was also how they were used historically.

The package is rounded off with a lanyard made of leather that ends with a deer antler button. The latter can be placed inside the belt if you want to be extra sure of keeping your knife. Otherwise, the sheath does an excellent job at that. It keeps the knife in place without rattling or any other sound.

The material is solid leather of good quality, and extra work has been put into it by providing it with decorative elements and seams.

Incidentally, this applies to the entire knife. It feels both solid and well-made. In addition to the case, it is noticeable on the very sharp and even factory edge and not least on the handle, which is very well polished. Some comment I saw online remarked that the tang stood proud over the rest of the handle. That is not the case here. Everything is even and soft.

The combined expression makes me fall for this knife immediately. Of course, it can be argued that everything it can do can also be done with a different type of "camp knife" and perhaps better since they don't have large finger guards that could possibly get in the way. But in that case, it's actually about aesthetics. This IS simply better looking, any questions about that?

As usual, I will write a review when there is evidence for one.

Joker

/ J - goes full Bowie

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Joker Bush Camp Knife

With the good first impressions from the Ranger I previously presented in the back of my mind, I felt that it was necessary to test at least one more knife from Joker's modern segment. And to continue on the path chosen, I aimed at another outdoor knife. One that could act as a complement or sometimes a replacement for the Ranger, I thought.

The choice fell on the Bush Camp Knife. Now it must be said that this is a knife that is, how should I put it, tangible! It is big and sturdy. A knife that does not apologise for itself. A knife that is intended to be used as a "camp knife", as it is called in English. Or instead of a small axe, one might think up here in the north. However, the idea is not new; even at these latitudes, the Sami have their stuorraniibi (a direct translation from Saami to English is "large knife"), for example.

The knife comes with a sturdy leather sheath and some extra paracord.

But this particular piece comes from Spain; it is both designed and manufactured in Albacete. It may be important to point out that today, when origin marking rules can vary.*

Bush Camp Knife measures 340 mm in total length, of which the drop point blade accounts for 200 mm. The knife is of full tang construction, and the thickness of the material is 6 mm. In other words, you are not likely to break it in the first place. Especially not as the blade is 45 mm high. The blade has a high flat grind or a high sabre grind if you prefer. The steel is Böhler N695. A slightly tougher relative of the N690 often used in folding knives.

Joker Bush Camp Knife 

The weight is 485 g, which gives it enough mass to be a good cleaver. At the same time, the knife is well balanced with the balance point just in front of the handle, so the knife feels nimble and lively despite its size.

To round off the package, Bush Camp comes with a sturdy leather sheath. The Spaniards know how to make one, it can be noted at this point. The sheath is made of strong, quality leather and is sewn with double seams. The knife is made to be worn both high on the belt or a little lower in an extra loop. Since the belt loop is attached with press studs, it is easy to switch between them or if you want to remove the knife from the belt without taking it off.

Just like the previous Joker knife, this one feels extremely solid. I'm thinking of build quality. The finish on the blade is well done, the factory edge is good, the transitions between the materials in the handle are excellent, and, not least, the sheath exudes quality. An extra bonus that can't be seen in the picture is that the knife is so well-balanced.

For these reasons and many more, I'm looking forward to testing this Spanish knife as well. A report will follow!

Joker

/ J - goes for a double

* The Bark River Knives scandal echoes in the back of my mind as I write this.

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

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.

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Karesuandokniven Tundran

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

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

Welcome to the model called Tundran.

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

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

Karesuandokniven Tundran

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karesundokniven

/ J - looking for his Norrland roots

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

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

Review Karesuandokniven Bäver 10

  

- the companion

This is the larger of two rodents found in the Swedish Karesuandoknivens catalogue, and the model is called, as the title suggests, Bäver/Beaver 10. If you want an even more agile and, above all, smaller knife, there is also a Bäver 8. The numbers have a certain bearing, I can reveal. However, regardless of which knife you choose, you will receive a high-quality product made in Sweden.

Karesuandokniven Bäver 10

Karesuando knives marketed themselves for a while as being the world's northernmost knife manufacturer. Unfortunately, I had to shatter that illusion at one point, when I discovered another one located thirty miles due north. But Karesuando is still damn far north in the world for most people, and now they have reclaimed the throne as the manufacturer I had in mind has now moved production to more southern regions.

The reason I mention geography is that it permeates the entire manufacturing and the company.

Knives, axes and other products from Karesuandokniven stand with at least one foot firmly placed in the traditional, but the other hovers a little above the modern without being trampled down yet. Most materials are sourced from the local area, with birch, reindeer antler, leather and Swedish-made steel. But modern elements have also crept in, such as stainless steel axes and folding knives with carbon fibre frames.

Today's review item, however, does not contain any particular surprises in terms of materials. The question is rather how well they have been used.

Bäver is a traditional hunting and outdoor knife with that little something extra.

Short version: Karesuandokniven Bäver 10, a rodent with a superb bite, nice fur and which is pleasant to hold. A pet for life

Blade

The addition to the name Bäver reveals one thing about this knife, namely the length of the blade. Accordingly, it measures 100 mm. Of that, the edge extends over 95 mm. That is, as with most Scandinavian knives, you can cut close to the handle, which is a feature I appreciate, as that is where you have the most power and control. I am not a fan of the American invention of providing knife blades with "forward choils" as they are mostly in the way when not in use.

The blade is a very slight drop-point bordering on a straight blade. The grind is not unsurprisingly a "Scandi grind"

The steel used in this specific edition is the highly regarded 12C27. If a more exclusive steel is desired, the knife is also available in Damasteel's "Dense Twist" pattern.

There is quite a lot to say about 12C27. Among other things, it is perhaps a bit too simple to find on a knife in this price range, and it is somewhat dated at this point. After all, it is a steel that has been used by Morakniv for many years. But it is also extremely tried and tested, which means that the knowledge of how to harden, heat treat, and best sharpen the steel is also well established. In this way, it is easy to get the most out of the material.

This is noticeable in this case as the blade has held its sharpness very well. During the year I have used the knife, I have not had to resharpen it, but have maintained it with a strop and sharpening rod as I usually do, and it has worked well. It should be added that I have not cut too heavily or roughly with the knife. In plain language, this means no dirty anchor ropes with sand in them or rubber tyres or the like. For those types of tasks, I use other knives. Read "that I care less about".

Then both the material and the finish help to keep corrosion at bay. 12C27 is a stainless steel, and the surface has been given a mirror polish. This means that rust does not take hold even in very humid weather.

The steel is a polished 12C27

The Bävern 10 is a distinct hunting and outdoor knife, and as such it is mainly natural materials with some elements of, for example, nylon rope, tape, thinner plastic and cardboard that are cut. At least that applies to me.

But as I said, wood, both fresh and dry, and meat are what are most relevant given the knife's design. Now I am not a hunter, so no deer have been skinned, and not even a small pike has been filleted, as I am hardly a frequent fisherman either. I take care of the practical parts related to meat handling in the kitchen as I am interested in cooking and also work as a chef. So I have handled fish and also poultry, pork and beef. The knife has also been taken to work so that I would have more user time as background for the review. 

The knife cuts food well as long as you don't get the idea of ​​chopping too many carrots and the like, of course. This type of grind is not particularly good for this. That's just the nature of things. The beaver has a typical "Scandi grind" as it is called nowadays, even though this one has a small micro-edge. The factory edge was otherwise very good - sharp, even and symmetrical.

What happens in this type of material, for example, root vegetables, is that the blade tends to act as a wedge and wants to crack what is being cut. Compared to a kitchen knife, blades made for hunting and especially outdoor activities are thicker to withstand more abuse. In this case, 3.2 mm, which is also well chosen for the purpose.

By that I mean that it is thin enough to cut well in different types of meat and durable enough to handle other things that are relevant, such as mainly wood in different shapes. In that area, this knife excels. The comfortable handle paired with a blade with a good bite gives you pleasure at work. This is a knife you can work with for a long time. The ergonomics are very good.

Then this edge angle bites excellently into wood, so everything from cutting sticks to lighting fires to carving goes well with the Bäver 10. Everything else, on the other hand, had disappointed me.

Handle

Given that the Bävern 10 is actually a slightly larger knife than one might be led to believe from the pictures, the handle is quite spacious. The total length is 11 cm, and of that, 10 cm is available for the fingers. This means that most hands can fit regardless of size. The same applies if you are wearing a thinner glove. The handle is full without being excessively thick. It measures between 25 mm at its widest at the back to 19 mm at its narrowest. It also has a bulge in the middle, although it only measures a few millimetres, so that detail is more of a cosmetic nature than practical. The height varies between 25 and 30 mm.

The materials used are traditional, with a brass finger guard followed by a reindeer antler insert as decoration, and then most of the handle is made of dark-stained birch. The finish is excellent with fine transitions between the materials and a polished surface. 

The handle is mainly made of birch with elements of reindeer antler and a brass finger guard.

It is noticeable that these are proven shapes as the handle literally melts into the hand. At least that is the case for me. This applies regardless of how the knife is gripped. All the most common ways of holding a knife work. Both the hammer grip and sabre grip with a thumb on the handle back/blade base feel comfortable. The same applies if an index finger is placed on the blade's back for precision cuts. Turning the knife to carve towards you feels just as smooth. Much thanks to the fact that the handle is certainly shaped but still in a fairly modest way. 

The handle is slightly widened in the middle and widens at the back

Gripping the knife in a pinch with a thumb on the flat side for really small detail work is also possible, as the handle is not excessively thick at the front.

Bävern 10 bjuder på ett mycket ergonomiskt handtag som är bekvämt i alla fattningar

Then the finger guard doesn't get in the way of work either. But it is quite diminutive with a height of around five millimetres. But it is enough in return for you to feel that it is there. More is not needed on an average hunting/outdoor knife that is not to be used for stabbing, in my opinion.

Sheath

The case that comes with the Bäver 10 is quite simple but works well. It is a traditional "fold-over" type leather case. Slightly less traditional is the internal plastic reinforcement.

What makes the case more locally rooted and somewhat more exclusive than many others is that it uses reindeer skin as a material. On the outside, the Karesuando knife logo is embossed into the leather, as can be seen. 

The case is sewn from reindeer leather.

The fit is good as the knife does not rattle when it is in the sheath. Something I am somewhat allergic to. I assume that all hunters are like that, too, as you don't want anything to make a sound when you are on a pass or sneaking up on something. In my case, it's mostly because I get annoyed by the sound.

The knife is so secure that you can turn the sheath upside down and shake it slightly without it falling out. If you flick your wrist, of course, you have the knife on the ground.

The belt loop accommodates belts up to 40 mm wide

To carry the knife, there is a simple belt loop that is attached with three rivets made of antique-treated steel. The loop is nothing out of the ordinary but allows the knife to hang at a comfortable height. This makes it easy to reach and pull, and put away again. Personally, I am not a fan of knives that sit too high on the belt. Perhaps because I have a certain roundness, which means that the handle then tends to poke me in the side.

The loop takes belts up to about four cm thick. In other words, it works with everything except the widest waist belts.

Conclusion

With the Bäver 10, Karesuandokniven continues to expand its range with functional utility knives in luxury packaging. Function is based on tradition and simplicity. The latter is also what the aesthetics have developed from. It is simple and clean with little gems here and there.

In this case, it is the overall lines together with well-chosen materials that give the model its elegance. When this is then paired with good craftsmanship, it results in a superb knife.

By "luxury packaging", I mean that the knife is made in Sweden and mostly by hand. It gives a special feeling which also permeates the quality control. I have several knives from Karesuando, and they have all been of the highest quality. I have had my oldest (Järven) since 1990.

Autumn - apples, quinces and a beaver

The materials are not only what gives the traditional connection, but also what anchors the knife locally. This applies to both the knife handle and the sheath. As expected, dark-stained birch, reindeer antler and brass are found here. The latter is said to scare away evil spirits, which may be needed. In Sami tradition, the material is linked to magical properties. The sheath is simple but well-made in reindeer leather.

The blade steel is also partly traditional. By that, I mostly mean that for being stainless, 12C27 is quite old. A steel that has been used extensively in Moraknivar and in a significant part of French knife manufacturing for many years. But now it is probably a bit dated, and I think an upgrade could be in order even in the slightly simpler editions of Karesuandokniven's products.

If you are going to stick to stainless steels, some are both equally rust-resistant and are quite tough, and at the same time keep their sharpness significantly longer than this. But when I spoke of gems above, I meant, among other things, that the very shiny blade finish is not only nice to look at but also makes the knife even more resistant to stains.

In terms of function, the Bävern 10 performs exactly as I hoped. The blade has a good bite, whether you are cutting a big piece of meat, cutting a rope or carving wood. In addition, the handle is ergonomic, not only comfortable to hold for a short while but also to work with. Then the knife is light and well-balanced. The knife alone weighs as little as 95 g, and the entire package with sheath ends at 162 g according to my scale. This means that it does not weigh down a pack when you are hiking, for example.

Karesuandokniven Bävern 10, a good companion on all kinds of journeys

So overall, Beaver is what it seems to be. A beautiful utility knife with that little extra that is sometimes hard to describe. What comes from good design, fine materials and solid experience.

The price of the knife is currently around 2645 SEK, and for that, you get a life companion. An excellent gift for someone you love or maybe yourself.

Karesuandokniven

Specifications:

Length Overall: 210 mm
Blade Length: 100 mm
Blade Thickness: 3,2 mm
Steel: 12C27, HRC58
Weight: 95 g (knife only, 162 g with sheath)
Handle: Birch/Reindeer horn/Brass
Sheath: Reindeer leather

Produced by Karesuandokniven, made in Sweden


/ J - in pursuit of my northern roots

New Knife - Al Mar B-21 Folder

I recognize this knife, perhaps some attentive reader will note. That is both true and not. That is to say, I have previously both presented and reviewed another knife from  Al Mar that is very similar to this one. I am, of course, talking about the B-21, and this model therefore has the logical name B-21 Folder. At first glance, it is actually only the ability to fold that separates them.

This version is also the result of a collaboration between Kirk Rexroat and Al Mar.

Al Mar B-21 Folder

The B-21 Folder is a solid piece; in fact, it is almost identical in size to its fixed blade cousin. It is not always the case that manufacturers are so close when it comes to "translating" knives between folding knives and fixed blades. But in this case, they have made an effort to make it so.

This means that this knife also has a blade that is 95 mm long. Then it can be discussed whether it is exactly the same as the original, but it mostly depends on how they are measured. The shape of the handle is what makes things more complicated. The height of the blade is at most 35 mm, and the thickness is 3.3 mm. The steel used is D2 with a stated hardness of 59-60 HRC. The blade shape is also a modified Bowie. That is, a sturdy clip point that, here, has a significantly curved back. The finish is an elegant satin.

The distinctive modified clip point blade is back

The handle is built on a sturdy steel frame, and on the outside, you will find 3D-shaped sides of G10. It is a full 13 cm long, which gives the knife a total length of 226 mm open. It is therefore not a small knife. The weight is also substantial at 195 g.

The lock is a liner lock, and the opening is mainly done via thumb studs. Two hands are, of course, always an option.

No clip here, instead you get a sturdy belt sheath included

A little more unusual is that the knife lacks a clip and instead comes with a solid leather sheath. It is not only well-made but also quite elaborate. The question is, will I use it? If there is anything that points in that direction, it is the weight of the knife.

That question and others will be answered when the knife is reviewed.

Al Mar

/ J - have a déjà vu experience

#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.