Review Yggdrasil Knives Muninn XL

  

Introduction

Muninn XL is the second in a series of five throwing knives I intend to review from English Yggdrasil Knives* It is a small one-man company found close to Manchester in England. The man behind the Old Norse-sounding name is Joe Bardsley. In addition to being a knife smith and knife manufacturer, he also likes knife throwing, which led to, among other things, these knives.

In addition to throwing gear, he currently focuses on outdoor knives. So there is a bit of each to discover. But here the focus is on a raven.

Appearance and Dimensions

It's not just Odin's ravens that come in pairs, but also certain throwing knives from Yggdrasil it seems. In plain language, this means that Munnin XL shares length with the previously reviewed Huginn XL, they are both 25 cm long. The thickness is also the same, and this also applies to the entire series. The steel used is 6mm thick and the width of this model varies from just over 30mm to around 23mm at its narrowest. This gives a weight of 254 grams, which makes Munnin the heavyweight of the bunch.

It also means that the knife, albeit by a very small margin, ends up on the heavier side of no spin knives if the limit is drawn at 250 grams, which is not entirely unusual.

A spear, two ravens, and a skiing god. Muninn XL is second from the left

One of Odin's two ravens interpreted in throwing knife format, Muninn XL from Yggdrasil Knives

Then it can be quickly established that the appearance differs quite dramatically both from its raven friend and also from the other Yggdrasil knives. Here we have more of a compact arrow with a longer handle part and shorter edges. They are around seven centimeters long and 11 mm wide. It makes for a more robust knife in general.

This knife is quite shiny. If you want a darker shade, Yggdrasil Forge is known for a finish where the colors that occur during the heat treatment are left behind. It gives a unique appearance and a look that is not found on so many other knives. Original but a bit impractical is what I think about it.

This also applies to all dark or blackened throwing knives. It may look cool, but it's damn boring when you have to look for your knives among leaves and grass in the forest or in the growing autumn darkness up here in the cold north. Well, it should be shiny! It is significantly easier to see.

Material

The material is also the recurring one in all the throwing knives that Mr Bardsley has in production. He starts from a piece of 1080 carbon steel. This means a material with fairly high carbon content, which means that it can be hardened quite hard if desired. It is done here and reportedly the steel is close to 65HRC, which is extremely hard. If the knife was left in that condition it would be so brittle that I suspect it would basically explode on the first few throws. Therefore, the knives are then heat treated so they end up at a more adequate 55 HRC. A number significantly better suited for a throwing knife. Now I just think these numbers apply for the edges and the tip should be added.

So far, the knives from Yggdrasil have proven quite durable in all the parts that are not too thin. The tips have had a tendency to wear off pretty quickly, especially on the more pointed models (read the Lavaeteinn XL where it broke). But that does not apply to the Muninn XL to the same extent. It is quite robust. 

The handles are quite soft and end in this case with a point

That with one exception and that is the handle is too soft in my opinion I'm not sure it's hardened at all. In this case, it means that nicks and splinters easily occur, just like on the other models. It is a scourge if a man like me throws a lot and often at the same target. That is, several knives in a target board, which leads to them occasionally colliding or hitting each other.

To Throw

Although some external dimensions are common to the two ravens, the Muninn XL feels completely different to throw than its brother. On the one hand, it is heavier, but above all, the balance is not the same. Of course, the shorter blade contributes to that. The balance point is found 13.5/11.5 cm from the tip/back end which makes it more neutrally balanced. Certainly still somewhat rear-heavy but to a clearly lesser extent.

There are no major changes that need to be made for a throwing knife to feel different or even completely change properties in the air can be added. Those who have tried to design one themselves know that.

The penetration ability is good and behind the tip is found around 250 g which helps

If you combine those features, this is a pretty good knife to throw most things with. "All round" is an expression that describes the model well. Mainly it is a No spin knife in my eyes but it is not limited to that area.

- Rotational Throwing

Knives with this symmetrical appearance and a weight of more than 250 grams are usually not completely unsuitable for rotational throwing. This applies to the Muninn XL as well. Possibly this model can be perceived as too small if you have to throw from longer distances. Then at least I prefer slightly larger blades for a calmer rotation and more stable behavior in the air. I'm mainly talking about lengths over five meters.

Having said that, it behaves calmly and cleanly from mainly three meters, which is the first usual competition distance (if you don't insist on throwing from two meters, which some, mainly Americans, do). A lap becomes quite natural from this distance and you don't need to compensate in any way.

 

- Half Spin

One of the details that makes this knife more comfortable than the Huginn XL to throw "instinctive no spin" with is the depression above the edges. There you can rest an index finger if necessary without the sensation of cutting yourself. If you then want to move your finger further up the handle, it works perfectly thanks to the flat sides. Here, the short edges help to increase the grip possibilities. It makes a big difference in a positive direction in my opinion.

Then I prefer even longer knives for underhand throwing. Especially when the distances get longer, read over five meters. Then I like to see that the knives are around or over thirty centimeters. But it's a lot about personal preference and taste.

- No Spin

This is the area that this knife is intended for and for that reason, of course, this is where it is at its best. Compared to the other knives from Yggdrasil, this is perhaps the easiest to throw. Much of that can be traced to a combination of weight and balance. Simply put, it's harder to get a lighter knife to stick. This is especially true from longer distances. An excellent example of that is the spear in the first picture called Lavaeteinn, which is actually quite difficult to throw.

"Flight of the Raven"

Here, the extra grams help in that the thrower does not have to use as much power as otherwise. Momentum simply. Then it can be added that it is easy to throw for being a neutral no spin knife. In my opinion, a back-heavy ditto is always easier to learn to throw with. They are self-correcting in the air in a way that neutral blades are not. But in return, Yggdrasil Muninn XL and similar knives are easier to use with slightly different grips.

This is more true for beginners. You can throw everything with No-spin techniques, it's more about finding your personal preferences as everything doesn't feel as good to throw with.

"Ravens and a Crow"

In general, the Munnin XL is fairly easy to learn how to use. The rear end, which swells out slightly in width, helps to stop the rotation at the actual release, which facilitates the throw. My regular grip works fine with the exception that I don't like the tip that forms at the rear end. It rests against my hand and it is no problem if it is thrown one, ten, or even fifty throws. But if you throw a couple of hundred or a thousand throws, it starts to feel against the hand.

A piece of advice from me to all designers and manufacturers, there should only be one pointy end on throwing knives. No corners, edges, or tip on handles. 

Conclusion

Of the Yggdrasil models I've tried, this is one of the easiest to throw. The extra weight gives more authority when the knife hits, which means that it sticks to the targets to a greater extent. This also applies to those made of harder materials. The weight also means that you need to use less power than with, for example, Lavaeteinn XL.

The balance point also makes the Munnin XL more all-round than the other models in my opinion. However, the focus is still on No Spin throwing.

But, there are a couple of details I'm not entirely comfortable with and that I would have changed. One is the pointed end of the handle. It may look good, but it's easy to bump into with your hand every now and then. This applies both when the knife is to be removed from the target and if it is carried in a sheath. Another disadvantage is that it becomes more sensitive to impacts than a rounded top. For those reasons, I always prefer knives with a softer shaped rear end. In addition, the shape also gives a couple of corners that end up against the inside of the hand when you grip the knife, which is not an advantage.

There is another downside to the knife. The material is sometimes perceived as too soft.** All throwing knives get their scars, but here marks, nicks, and metal splinters turn up more easily than usual. It has caused me to cut my hands more than once on this and the other Yggdrasil knives. Now I've learned, but it cost me a little blood, and some sweat but no tears.

Nowadays, even this raven has its scars. The bill is flatter and the plumage is a little tufted on Yggdrasil Knives Muninn XL

Then it can be stated that, in my eyes, the characteristics that make the knife easy to throw contribute to making it somewhat less visually attractive. Shorter edges and longer handles give a less "knife-like" and more arrow-like appearance. It is the same concern that all "Arrow"-like knives suffer from to an even greater extent one might add.

Now it may sound like I'm being negative but in this case, looks aren't everything. Throwing knives can almost be seen as a form of tool and this is a good one anyway. As I said, the models from Yggdrasil have a slightly different character and this one is perhaps the most all-round focused.

If that's what you're looking for and you want something that not everyone else has, Muninn XL is a good option. 

Yggdrasil Forge

Specifications:

Steel: 1080 Carbon Steel

Length: 250 mm

Width: 30-22 mm

Thickness: 6 mm

Weight: 254 g

Balance point: 13,5/11,5 cm from tip/back

/ J - bird tamer

* When I started writing this review they were called Yggdrasil Forge but could then be confused with another company and have therefore changed their name.

** Something that at the time of publication of this text has changed. Yggdrasil can harden and heat-treat knives in a different way than before.

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review Yggdrasil Forge Huginn XL

  

Introduction

If you pass through Manchester, England, you might meet Joe Bardsley. Or maybe not, it's quite a big city after all. But it's in that part of the world you find the man behind Yggdrasil Forge. He both forges and manufactures knives of various kinds with a focus on bushcraft and throwing knives.

That's where I come into the picture. This is probably the world's first written review of these knives. I have had these knives with the designation "XL" for a while now. These are, as the name suggests, larger versions of the originals and it was only when they were released I became interested, I must admit. I intend to return to why.

The entire XL family from Yggdrasil Forge. Today's review object Huginn is found on the far left

Like the brand, the knives take their names from Old Norse mythology, and first up is one of Odin's ravens in the form of the Huginn XL. It also happens to be my favorite to throw with

Appearance and Dimensions

Huginn XL has something familiar about it, which is not so strange. This applies to the appearance, how the knife feels to hold in the hand and even to throw. 

Throwing knives must be kept within certain parameters as the area of use has a real influence on how they can be designed. They are thus more limited in appearance than knives in general. Even so, they can feel very different in the hand.

Someone said it resembles an "Arrow". If so, very vaguely. Here in comparison to two such knives from Acejet and Wulflund

This particular knife could be said to belong to the "Arrow" category.* At the same time, I would probably argue that it does not, or at least not fully since the Huginn is almost as related to a classic dagger. Compared to the German arrow, the handle is narrower, the blade is wider, and not least the edges are significantly different with symmetrical wide dagger-like edges. It doesn't look like the "tent stake" that a friend compared that type of knife to.

Huginn XL, a 25 cm long double-edged throwing dagger

As I said, XL is an add-on that can be discussed. Or in relation to the original, it is of course larger. That knife measured a modest 23 cm in length and this one boasts 25 cm. In addition, it has increased in width and thus also in weight. Huginn XL weighs 238 g. This specific knife can be added. It can vary by a few grams as those knives are hand-sharpened. In addition, I myself filed away a few grams when I straightened the tip.

The thickness is well chosen 6 mm. Here you can simply say that throwing knives are often found in two categories. Either the thinner segment which is 5-6 mm or the thicker segment which is around 8 mm. Then, of course, there are exceptions in both directions from that rule. But most professional models are in that range.

The blade on the Huginn is at its widest 31.5 mm and the handle varies in width from 31.2 mm down to 22.2 mm. The secondary edges are about one centimeter broad and they end with a safety edge that is over a millimeter thick. Regarding the appearance in general, it should be added that this is one of the first editions and that the version that is now in production may deviate slightly in terms of dimensions and thus weight.

The softly rounded back is just over three centimeters at its widest

The finish is polished or rather sanded in this case, but all throwing knives from Yggdrasil Forge can be obtained in an alternative version which means that the color that occurs during the heat treatment is left. It gives a kind of oil shimmer in different shades. It looks pretty cool and the pattern becomes unique for each knife. The disadvantage is that it is dark and thus somewhat less suitable for those who have their throwing range outdoors. Anyone who throws will understand what I mean. I can just say that shadows and dark leaves on the ground don't mix well with throwing knives. Or, to be more precise, they do just that. 

At the top of the handle is an etched version of the tree of life, Yggdrasil with a Thor's hammer beneath which is the Yggdrasil Forge logo.

Material

All Yggdrasil throwing knives currently start as a single piece of 1080 carbon steel. After they have been shaped, they are hardened up to 65 HRC and then heat-treated down to a soft 55 HRC. A necessity for a throwing knife. The forces and vibrations that occur during both hits and misses cause knives to break during practice. A throw or two is fine with any knife even some folding knives, thousands and tens of thousands of throws is not. Don't believe anyone who says otherwise.

The material is 6 mm thick carbon steel

The advantage of this type of steel is that it is tough and impact-resistant. Characteristics that are important in a throwing knife. However, the hardening was not quite to the fullest in this version. But it is something that seems to have been fixed now.

On this knife, like its cousins, especially the handles are a little too soft. The result is splinters and notches in the knife, which on more than one occasion resulted in blood wounds. It is enough for the knives to touch each other a little too hard when they stick in the target or hit something when you miss. If you are not careful enough when you pick them up for the next throw, accidents can happen. Sure, that goes for most throwing knives, but here the risk is unusually high.

To Throw

Although the appearance literally screams "no spin", the Huginn XL is actually an excellent all-round knife. It could possibly be objected that it is a bit too light to be an optimal knife for rotational throwing and somewhat too short. But since it is fairly neutrally balanced, that technique also works fine.

The penetration is good, but the knife likes to turn on its side during flight

However, the shape makes the knife feel most natural for no spin  The slightly swelling handle helps with the index finger push, and the knife also has a softly rounded top on the handle, which I appreciate. I'm not a fan of pointy rear ends. It is not pleasant to the hand when handling knives in general or when prying them out of targets. It's something you notice after a while and may not discover from a quick glance at a picture. Things that look cool are not always so when the practical aspects are to be assessed.

In general, this knife belongs to the lighter category when it comes to throwing knives, despite the "XL" suffix to the name. That's why I'm a little skeptical about the originals. Of course, you can throw knives as light as you like, including Bo Shuriken's with a weight of around 100 g, but in general, it can be said that a line between lighter and heavier no-spin knives can be drawn between those weighing under respectively over 250 grams. Although Huginn belongs to one of the heavier ones from Yggdrasil Forge, the knife still belongs to the lighter category. It is not a decisive factor but worth considering. 

- Rotational Throwing

When throwing rotational with these knives, they can be treated like any other shorter and lighter knife. This means that the thrower has to compensate a little for the length by holding a bit further out on the handle and thus making it feel longer. Or rather, that's how I do it. Since both that and the light weight make the knife rotate more quickly, the knife can be angled more forward in the hand while the rotation starts later. The latter is achieved by letting the throw strive towards the target to a greater extent than otherwise.

Throws with Huginn and Muninn and Ullr

If you do this, Huginn XL is fairly accurate from both 3m (one rotation) and 4m (one-and-a-half rotation) as well as 5m (two rotations). Much further than that I don't like to throw this knife, at least not with spin. Knives this light have a tendency to flutter a bit in the air and this is especially true if it is not completely windless. In addition, the rotation is not entirely easy to control. A heavier knife simply spins more slowly and more majestically. This makes it easier to assess the rotation speed and the reverse of course applies to smaller knives.

- Half Spin

For half-rotation techniques, Huginn is very good. Shorter throws from two to four meters work great, especially with military half-spin. The same applies to backhand throws and not least underhand throws. The latter I think is no problem to manage up to six meters. It is certainly possible to throw longer distances with this knife as well, but it is not optimal for that. It is easier to master with longer and heavier knives. At least that's true for me. It is always the thrower that is the measure of everything, unless the knives are completely wrongly designed that is.

Instinctive No spin with an index finger on the edge is not my favorite technique with this knife as it actually borders on being too wide and has too much edge in my opinion. Not that you can cut yourself on the safety edge but that combined with the rather sensitive metal I mentioned earlier makes me hesitate to let it slip out of my hand without checking it first and even then it gives a slightly uncomfortable feeling. If you get over it, of course, that technique also works.

However, if you compare it with a knife that has flatter sides to rest your finger against, such as the Yggdrasil Forge Muninn XL, the difference becomes obvious.

- No Spin

It is, of course, within this area that this knife's main merits are to be found. After all, it has a fairly classic "throwing knife look" and a spearhead shape. Anyone who sees Huginn does not have to doubt what it is. And anyone who knows a bit more about knife throwing quickly realizes that it is mainly a no-spin knife.

Mixed throwing techniques withHuginn XL

As such, it behaves calmly and controllably. No direct surprises in any direction, either negative or positive. The knife performs as it looks, so to speak. This means a knife that has a nice balance in the air and is fairly easy to stick in a target. 

Penetration is good without being exceptional. With the relative sharpness and those edges, I would have expected even harder hits actually. But the tip is quite broad and when I throw it likes to turn half a turn around its own axis whereupon the tip hits the target across against the wood grain. It gives slightly less penetration but not so bad that it affects the overall impression. Then I'm talking about targets made from hard, slow-grown birch being used as a reference**. The modest weight also means that the knife does not have to hit so hard to stay in place. Then it should be added that it is my technique that contributes to its turning, not the knife.

Conclusion

As I do not have a complete set of three of this particular model, there have been slightly fewer throws than usual for the review. But since I've had the knives since early 2023, there have still been just over 1,000 throws with Huginn XL.

With both that time and those throws behind me, I can state that I think this is a good throwing knife model, especially for beginners. Maybe even for the slightly more experienced by all means, but let me explain. I believe that it is the novice who needs extra good knives that are easy to throw and thus learn with. The already fully-fledged can throw basically anything and both stick knives and do it with precision. 

If you are less experienced, it is good if knives are predictable and do roughly what you expect from them. That's what Huginn XL does. It is a knife with the center of gravity slightly shifted towards the back end, which makes it most suitable for no-spin throwing. The same weight ratio also makes it a very good semi-rotational knife. However, this model is not so extreme that you can't use it for rotational techniques. That characteristic also makes it beginner's friendly. You simply don't have to decide! Once you've decided, there will be more knives in your life, believe me.

Then there are things that could be better and that is especially true of this knife. After contact with Bardsley, I know that he has different and better equipment for heat treatment now than was the case a year ago. This means that the knives you buy today are better in that area. This particular knife is too soft, especially in the handle for my liking. Of course, if you only throw one knife per target, indoors with some kind of rubber mat underneath, there might not be a problem. If you, like me have an outdoor throwing range as well as throw in the forest where there is both gravel and stone and not least practice a lot, damage occurs too easily. This particular steel also has a tendency to chip rather than get soft dents, if I put it that way.

It can also be noted that the edges are not completely symmetrical, for example. But those are details that don't matter on a throwing knife and that I consider to be more the charm of a mostly handmade item rather than a flaw. It gives charm and personality. You pay for a handmade product and that's what you get!

Odin's bird and Thor's hammer get along well together. I too enjoy spending time with Huginn XL from Yggdrasil Forge

You also get an all-around focused throwing knife with a focus on no-spin throwing, which also looks good! The finish was good on this example but the other option with the heat treatment color is more pronounced. But be prepared to look further for your knives if you buy the dark version.

Along with that comes the fact that you're getting a pretty unique product that not everyone else has and that you're supporting a small business.

If this sounds like something to you, a set costs SEK 1,900 at the time of writing. The knives can also be purchased separately if desired. There used to be a website, but currently, the knives are most easily bought via Yggdrasil Forge at Etsy. 

Yggdrasil Forge

Specifikcations:

Steel: 1080 Carbon Steel

Length: 250 mm

Width: 31,2 mm

Thickness: 6 mm

Weight: 238 g (Stated 250g)

Point of Balance: 106 mm/144mm from the back of the handle/tip

/ J - let the knives fly

* A model designed by the German knife thrower Thomas "Tom Tom" Hampich and which has gained many followers. 

** At least one, the one to the right in the film clips. 

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Recension Yggdrasil Forge Huginn XL

 

Inledning

Om du passerar Manchester i England kanske du träffar på Joe Bardsley. Eller kanske inte, det är en rätt stor stad. Men i den delen av världen hittas mannen bakom Yggdrasil Forge. Han både smider och tillverkar knivar av olika slag med fokus på bushcraft- och kastknivar. 

Det är där jag kommer in i bilden. Det här är troligen världens första skrivna recension av de här knivarna. Under en längre tid har det stiftats bekantskap med en serie kastknivar signerade Bardsley och med tillägget "XL". Det rör sig således om större versioner av originalen och det var först då jag blev intresserad måste medges. Jag ämnar återkomma till varför. 

Hela XL-familjen från Yggdrasil Forge. Dagens recensionsobjekt Huginn hittas längst till vänster

Liksom varumärket hämtar knivarna namn från fornnordisk mytologi och först ut är en av Odens korpar i form av Huginn XL. Det råkar även vara en modellerna som jag tycker bäst om att kasta med kan jag avslöja redan i förväg. 

Utseende och mått

Huginn XL har något bekant över sig vilket inte är så konstigt. Det gäller utseendet, hur kniven känns att hålla i handen och till och med kasta med. Kastknivar kan inte göras i hur många grundvarianter som helst eftersom användningsområdet har ett reellt inflytande på  hur de kan utformas. De är således mer begränsade i utseende än knivar i stort. Trots det kan de upplevas mycket olika i hand. 

Någon sade att den påminner om en "Arrow". Mycket vagt i så fall, här jämfört med två sådana knivar från Acejet och Wulflund

Just den här kniven skulle kunna sägas tillhöra "Arrow"-skolan.* Samtidigt vill jag nog hävda att den inte gör det eller åtminstone inte fullt ut eftersom Huginn är nästan lika besläktat med en klassisk dolk. Jämfört med den tyska pilen är handtaget smalare, bladet bredare och inte minst är slipningen väsentligt annorlunda med symmetriska breda dolklika eggar. Den ser inte alls ut som den "tältpinne" som en vän jämförde den typen av kniv med. 

En 25 cm lång tveeggad kastdolk

XL är som sagt ett tillägg som kan diskuteras. Eller i relation till orginalet är den förstås större. Den kniven mätte nämligen blygsamma 23 cm på längden och den här ståtar med 25 cm. Därtill har den ökat i bredd och därmed även i vikt. Huginn XL väger 238 g. I den här versionen kan tilläggas. Det kan variera med något gram då de knivarna är handslipade. Därtill har jag själv filat bort något gram när jag riktat spetsen. 

Godstjockleken är väl valda 6 mm. Här kan man förenklat säga att kastknivar ofta hittas i endera det tunnare segmentet vilket är 5-6 mm eller det tjockare vilket ligger kring 8 mm. Sedan finns det undantag åt båda håll från den regeln förstås. Men de flesta professionella modeller hittas i det spannet.

Bladet på Huginn är som bredast 31,5 mm och handtaget varierar i bredd från 31,2 mm ned till 22,2mm. Slipfaserna är cirka en centimeter och de avslutas med en säkerhetsegg som är lite drygt en millimeter bred eller kanske tjock beroende på hur man betraktar den. Gällande utseendet generellt bör tilläggas att det här är en av de första utgåvorna och att den version som är i produktion nu kan avvika något vad gäller mått och därmed vikt. 

Den mjukt rundade bakänden är som bredast strax över tre centimeter

Finishen är polerad eller kanske snarare slipad i det här fallet men alla kastknivar från Yggdrasil Forge kan fås i ett alternativt utförande som innebär att färgen som uppstår vid värmebehandlingen lämnas kvar. Det ger ett slags oljeskimmer i olika nyanser. Det ser rätt häftigt ut och mönstret blir unikt för varje kniv. Nackdelen med den är att den är mörk och därmed något mindre lämpad för den som har sin kastbana utomhus. Den som kastar förstår vad jag menar.

Längst upp på handtaget hittas en etsad version av livet träd, Yggdrasil med en torshammare under vilket är Yggdrasil Forges logotyp.

Material

Alla kastknivar från Yggdrasil startar för närvarande som en bit 1080 kolstål. Efter att de slipats fram härdas de upp till 65 HRC för att sedan värmebehandlas ned till  mjuka 55 HRC. En nödvändighet för en kastkniv. De krafter och vibrationer som uppstår vid såväl träffar som missar gör att knivar bryts av om man tränar med dem annars. Ett kast eller två går bra med vilken kniv som helst, tusentals och tiotusentals kast gör det inte. Tro ingen som säger något annat.  

Materialet är 6 mm tjockt kolstål

Fördelen med den här typen av stål är att det är segt och slagtåligt. Egenskaper som är viktiga hos en kastkniv. Däremot var inte härdningen helt till fyllest i den här versionen. Men det är något som lär vara åtgärdat nu. 

På den här kniven liksom sina kusiner är framförallt handtagen lite för mjuka. Det ger lätt upphov till såväl metallflisor som jack i kniven vilket vid mer ett tillfälle resulterat i blodvite för min del. Det räcker med att knivarna touchar varandra lite olyckligt när de sätter sig i tavlan eller slår i något när man missar för att det skall inträffa. Är man sedan inte försiktig nog när man plockar upp dem och kastar igen kan olyckan vara framme. Det kan hända med de flesta kastknivar men här är risken osedvanligt hög.  

Att kasta

Trots att utseendet formligen skriker "no spin" är faktiskt Huginn XL en utmärkt allround-kniv. Möjligen kan invändas att den är lite för lätt för att vara en optimal rotationskniv samt något för kort. Men då den är tämligen  neutralt balancerad fungerar även den typen av kast. 

Penetrationen är duglig men kniven vill gärna lägga sig på sidan i luften

Formen gör emellertid att kniven känns mest naturlig att kasta no spin med. Där hjälper det lätt svällande handtaget till och kniven har också en mjukt rundat topp på handtaget vilket jag uppskattar. Jag är ingen vän av spetsiga bakändar. Det är inte skönt mot handen när man hanterar kniven eller då man lirkar ur dem ur måltavlor. Det är sådant man märker efter hand och kanske inte upptäcker vid en snabb blick på en bild. Saker som ser häftiga ut är inte alltid det när de praktiska aspekterna skall bedömas. 

Generellt tillhör den här kniven den lättare skolan när det gäller kastknivar trots suffixet "XL" till namnet. Det är därför jag är lite skeptisk till originalen. Visst kan man kasta hur lätta knivar som helst inklusive Bo Shurikens kring 100 g men generellt kan sägas att en gräns mellan lättare och tyngre nospin-knivar kan dras mellan dem som väger under 250 gram respektive över den siffran. Trots att Huginn tillhör en av de tyngre från Yggdrasil Forge så tillhör kniven ändå den lättare kategorin. Det är inte avgörande men värt att ta i beaktande. 

- Rotationskast

När man kastar rotationskast med de här knivarna får de behandlas som alla andra kortare och lättare knivar. Det vill säga att kastaren får kompensera lite för den ringa längden genom att hålla en  bit längre ut på handtaget. Eftersom både det och den ringa vikten gör att kniven roterar kvickt får kniven vinklas mer framåt mot tavlan samtidigt som själva rotationen påbörjas senare. Det sistnämnda åstadkoms genom att man låter kastet sträva mot tavlan i högre utsträckning än annars. 

Kast med både Huginn och Muninn samt Ullr

Gör man så är Huginn XL tämligen pricksäker både från 3m (ett varvs rotation), 4m (ett och ett halvt varvs rotation) samt 5m (två varvs rotation). Mycket längre än så kastar jag inte gärna den här kniven, i alla fall inte med snurr. Så här lätta knivar har en tendens att bli lite fladdriga i luften och det gäller särskilt om det inte är helt vindstilla. Dessutom är inte rotationen helt lätt att kontrollera. En tyngre kniv snurrar långsammare och mer majestätiskt helt enkelt. Det gör det enklare att bedöma rotationshastigheten och det omvända gäller förstås mindre knivar.  

- Half Spin

För halvrotationskast är Huginn mycket bra. Kortare kast från två till fyra meter fungerar utmärkt särskilt med Military Half spin. Detsamma gäller back hand-kast och inte minst underhandskast. Det senare tycker jag inte är några problem att klara upp till sex meter.  Det går säkert att kasta längre även med den här kniven men den är inte optimal för det. Det behärskas lättare med längre och tyngre knivar. Åtminstone i mitt fall. Det är alltid kastaren som är alltings mått om inte knivarna är helt felkonstruerade vill säga. 

Instinctive No spin med ett pekfinger på eggen är inte min favoritteknik med den här kniven då den faktiskt är på gränsen till bred samt har för mycket egg i mitt tycke. Inte för att det går att skära sig på säkerhetseggen men den i kombination med den rätt känsliga metallen jag nämnt tidigare gör att jag drar mig för att låta den glida ur handen utan att först ha kontrollerat den och även då ger det en lätt obekväm känsla. Kommer du över det fungerar förstås även den tekniken. 

Jämförs den med en kniv som har flatare sidor att vila fingret  mot som exempelvis Yggdrasil Forge Muninn XL blir dock skillnaden uppenbar. 

- No Spin

Det är förstås på det här området som den här knivens främsta förtjänster återfinns. Den har trots allt ett rätt klassiskt "kastknivsutseende" och en spjutspetsform. Den som ser Huginn behöver inte tveka på vad det är. Och den som kan lite mer knivkastning inser snabbt att det främst är en no spin-kniv. 

Blandade kasttekniker med Huginn XL

Som sådan uppträder den lugnt och kontrollerbart. Inga direkt överraskningar åt något håll vare sig negativt eller positivt. Kniven uppträder som den ser ut så att säga. Det betyder en kniv som har sympatisk balans i luften och som är tämligen lätt att sätta i tavlan. Vad gäller flykten i luften hjälper även balanspunkten till något förskjuten mot handtaget till som den är. 

Penetrationen är god utan att vara exceptionell. Med den relativa skärpan och de eggarna hade jag förväntat mig ännu mer faktiskt. Men kniven är tämligen bred och när jag kastar vill den gärna vrida sig ett halvt varv runt sin egen axel varpå spetsen träffar tavlan på tvärs mot fibrerna. Det ger lite sämre anslag men inte så illa att det påverkar totalintrycket. Då talar jag om att hårda, långsamvuxna björktavlor använts som referens**. Den blygsamma vikten gör även att kniven inte behöver träffa så hårt för att sitta kvar. Sedan bör tillläggas att det är min teknik som bidrar till att den vrider sig, inte kniven. 

Sammanfattning

Eftersom jag inte har ett komplett set om tre av den här specifika modellen har det blivit något färre kast än brukligt inför recensionen. Men då jag haft knivarna sedan tidigt 2023 så har det ändå blivit strax över 1000 kast med Huginn XL. 

Med både den tiden och de kasten i ryggen kan jag konstatera att jag tycker att det här är en bra kastknivsmodell och särskilt då för nybörjare faktiskt. Kanske även för den lite mer erfarne för all del men låt mig förklara. Jag anser nämligen att det är novisen som behöver extra bra knivar som är enkla att kasta och därmed lära sig med. Den som redan är fullfjädrad kan kasta i princip vad som helst och både sätta dem och göra det med precision. Sedan ökar kraven för den som vill tävla. 

Är du mindre van är det bra om knivar är förutsägbara och gör ungefär vad du kan förvänta dig av dem. Det gör Huginn XL. Det är en kniv med tyngdpunkten aningen förskjuten mot bakänden vilket gör den lämplig som den no spin-kniv jag främst betraktar den som. Samma viktförhållande gör den även till en mycket bra halvrotationskniv. Det är dock inte så extrem att du inte kan använda den till rotationskastning. Även den egenskapen gör den till en bra nybörjarkniv. Du behöver inte bestämma dig helt enkelt! När du sedan gjort det blir det gärna fler knivar, tro mig. 

Sedan finns det saker som kunde vara bättre och det gäller särskilt det här exemplaret. Efter kontakt med Bardsley så vet jag att han har annan och bättre utrustning för värmebehandling nu än vad som var aktuellt för ett år sedan. Det gör att de knivar du köper idag lär vara bättre på det området. Just den här specifika kniven är för mjuk, särskilt i handtaget för min smak. Visst, om du enbart kastar en kniv per tavla, inomhus med någon form av gummimatta under så kanske det inte uppstår problem. Om man som jag kastar såväl utomhus som i skogen där det finns både grus och sten och inte minst tränar mycket uppstår skador för lätt. Just det här stålet har dessutom en tendens till att flisa sig snarare än att det uppstår mjuka bucklor om jag uttrycker det så. 

Det går även att konstatera att exempelvis eggarna inte är helt symmetriska. Men det är detaljer som inte spelar någon roll på en kastkniv och som jag mer betraktar som charmen hos ett till största delen handgjort föremål snarare än en brist. Det skänker charm och personlighet. Du betalar för en handgjord produkt och det är vad du får! 

Odens fågel och Tors hammare trivs bra ihop. Även jag trivs med Huginn XL från Yggdrasil Forge

Du får även en allroundbetonad kastkniv med fokus på no spin-kastning som därtill ser bra ut! Finishen var god på det här exemplaret men det andra alternativet med värmebehandlingsfärgen är mer utpräglad. Men var beredd på att leta längre efter dina knivar om du köper den mörka versionen. 

Med på köpet följer det faktum att du får en tämligen unik produkt som inte alla andra har och att du stödjer ett litet företag. 

Om det här låter som något för dig så kostar ett set i skrivande stund 1,900 SEK. Knivarna kan även köpas enskilt om så önskas. Tidigare fanns en hemsida men för närvarande köpes knivarna enklast via Yggdrasil Forges hemvist på Etsy. 

Yggdrasil Forge

Specifikation:

Stål: 1080 kolstål

Längd: 250 mm

Bredd: 31,2 mm (30 mm uppgiven bredd)

Tjocklek: 6 mm

Vikt: 238 g (Uppgiven vikt 250g)

Balanspunkt: 106 mm/144mm från bakände/spets

/ J - låter knivarna flyga

* En modell designad av den tyske knivkastaren Thomas "Tom Tom" Hampich och som fått många efterföljare. 

** Den högra på filmerna

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Yggdrasil Forge Shard XL

It was, of course, only a matter of time before the fifth model in this series would be acquired as I had previously presented the other four. The series I'm talking about is "XL" from Yggdrasil Forge. It simply means that the man behind this one-man company from Manchester, Joe Bardsley, has made the knives one size larger. This model is named Shard.

  

Then, of course, it can be discussed whether they are to be considered extra large. I don't think so. But on the other hand, I haven't tried the originals.

Yggdrasil Forge Shard XL

In this case, extra-large means a knife that, like the others, measures a length of 25 cm and is made of 6 mm thick material. Incidentally, the material is 1080 carbon steel. The height of the handle is at most just over 31 mm. This gives a total weight of 251 g. This makes it the second heaviest in the series as the cousin Muninn XL ends up at 255 g. The Original Shard is three centimeters shorter and weighs around 200 g.

The finish on this knife deserves a mention as it is unique. Here, the original colors from the heat treatment have been left behind, which gives a shimmering, almost oily-like appearance. 

Variety is nice, but otherwise, I'm quite skeptical about darker throwing knives for mainly two reasons. For one thing, they tend to be harder to find outdoors, and believe me, if you learn how to throw a knife, you also have to look for them. And partly, all dark coating and surfaces have a tendency to rub off. This is especially true for throwing knives as they need to be maintained with a file occasionally to remove metal splinters and large nicks. How it holds up in this case remains to be seen.

What remains to be seen is also how Shard XL behaves when it is thrown. Primarily, it is a knife designed for no spin, but since it is fairly neutrally balanced, it most likely works well as a smaller rotation knife.

Yggdrasil Forge

/ J - curious