Review Joker Ranger

- a Spanish challenger

It is time to take a closer look at the Spanish-made Joker Knives Ranger. This knife belongs to a category often referred to as "bushcraft knives." Personally, I prefer the Swedish term *friluftsliv* (outdoor life) over "bushcraft." The Swedish term feels broader; it encompasses more than just the activities of those who set traps, carve wooden spoons and *kåsor* (traditional wooden cups), construct bow drills, or engage in other advanced bushcraft skills.

*Friluftsliv*—at least for me—encompasses everything one does outdoors. This includes cleaning mushrooms, hunting, hiking, camping, cooking outdoors, fishing, or whatever other pursuits one might engage in. It can take many different forms, depending on the individual and where they live.

Joker Ranger

That is where I would place this knife. It is, quite simply, a knife that works for most tasks—with the possible exception of clearing brush or felling small trees. The Ranger is a model that was introduced last year; it possesses all the attributes such a knife should have, including a high-quality leather sheath and a fire steel. Furthermore, it can be ordered with a "Scandinavian grind," should you so desire.

However, it is not quite as purely focused on "bushcraft"—if one chooses to use that English term—as other models in Joker’s catalog, such as the Nessmuk or the Bush Lord.

Incidentally, the Ranger is both designed and manufactured in Albacete, Spain. That said, I do not know who is behind the model, or whether it was a team effort.

Ranger, an outdoor knife available with various grind options, a choice of handle materials, and with or without a fire steel.

Short version: Joker Ranger, A bushcraft knife that can undoubtedly compete with the best—especially when the price is factored into the equation.

Blade

They say you shouldn’t commit sacrilege—which, in this context, means that anything other than a drop-point blade is essentially out of the question for this type of knife. Naturally, that is exactly what we find here.

The length, too, tends to be fixed at a size almost always seen on Scandinavian knives: roughly 10 cm, give or take a centimeter. In this specific case, it measures 110 mm in length, with a thickness of 3.8 mm and a maximum height of 31.5 mm—perhaps slightly taller than what you would typically find on a comparable Scandinavian knife. A wider blade has both pros and cons; while it makes it easier to execute straight cuts in certain materials, it also makes it more difficult to change direction—for that very same reason. These characteristics become particularly apparent during tasks such as food preparation. 

On the presentation side of the blade you will find Joker's logo, model name, steel type and country of manufacture. The other side is sterile. The finish on the blade is a durable satin.

A substantial drop-point blade in Sandvik 14C28N

The steel used also has a Scandinavian connection, being a Swedish alloy: 14C28N. It is a steel frequently used in folding knives these days, so I am quite familiar with it—though it is somewhat less common in fixed-blade knives. Generally speaking, it is a "budget steel"—a term that should be used with some caution—that offers a very well-balanced set of properties.

It takes a very sharp edge and retains it for a "decently long time," as I like to put it. Another advantage is that it is easy to sharpen. Furthermore—and this is significant in this context—it is highly corrosion-resistant. It’s not quite on the level of a kitchen sink, but it can certainly withstand a great deal of moisture—a factor of no small importance when spending time outdoors, especially at these latitudes.

The tip is quite thin and therefore effective. If a more robust tip is desired, the version with a "Scandi grind" is a better choice.

The blade tapers significantly, resulting in a rather thin and sharp tip. Again, if you want a more durable tip, you should choose the alternative grind option. A "Scandi grind" naturally leaves more material behind the edge, making the tip stronger. It is worth noting that the factory edge on my unit was more than acceptable—in fact, it was quite good. It was sharp and reasonably even, though not perfectly so; a human being was clearly involved in the process. I suspect the person was right-handed, given that the edge on one side is slightly higher than on the other. The thickness behind the edge is 0.6 mm—a solid figure, considering the tasks for which the knife is intended.

The Ranger is available with either a full flat grind—as seen here—or a Scandinavian grind. I opted against the latter for the same reason I prefer the term "outdoor life" (*friluftsliv*): while I certainly do some wood carving, that isn't the only thing I use my knives for, and for broader purposes, I find a flat-ground blade to be more versatile.

Anyone who has tried to chop carrots with a Morakniv knows what I’m talking about. For those who don’t: a "Scandi grind" tends to split hard items, such as fruits or root vegetables. This is especially true when the blades are on the thicker side, as is the case here. There is a reason why traditional knives from this part of the world are rarely very thick along the spine. 

This time, there actually wasn't a fire—at least not using a fire steel. It was too wet.

One detail I definitely appreciate is how the ricasso is almost perfectly straight in relation to the blade. Combined with the fact that the cutting edge extends all the way to the base, this allows for cutting very close to the handle—where you have the most leverage. This is something often overlooked, as modern knives frequently feature "choils" intended to bring the user’s hand closer to the material being cut—which makes one wonder why, given that this design is superior. It must be admitted, however, that one potential drawback is that the knife may eventually become slightly more difficult to resharpen. Regardless of the sharpening system used, there is a risk of getting so close to the handle that you either scuff the handle material or end up with a small "smile" at the base of the edge.

Speaking of sharpening, the spine is—naturally—quite sharp, designed to be used with the included fire steel; it would be strange if it weren't.

The general characteristics of the Ranger are very well-balanced. While it might not be the best choice for cutting dry wood, it more than makes up for this when working with green wood, as well as ropes and cordage—I’ve tested it on everything from natural materials like hemp to synthetics like nylon. This does take a slight toll on the edge, but a few passes on a strop are all it takes to get it razor-sharp again.

The Ranger has also served as a stand-in for an "EDC" (everyday carry) knife—though that term is a bit of a misnomer, as I haven’t actually carried it every single day; it’s a little too large for that. Still, it has seen plenty of use: cutting through plastic of various thicknesses and hardnesses, slicing up cardboard, and even shredding some old wall-to-wall carpeting. The latter was a rather unsavory task, so the knife required a thorough cleaning before I felt comfortable using it to prepare food again.

This is not a chef’s knife, but outdoor cooking doesn’t have to be all that complicated. This knife handles onions, tomatoes, and root vegetables with ease—a task where its broad blade really shines. The Ranger is just as effective when it comes to slicing up a sausage or disjointing a chicken. In fact, it is a highly capable knife for this type of use.

It can therefore be concluded that the Ranger is, in fact, as versatile as it looks.

Handle

This knife features a handle made of black Canvas Micarta, though other materials—such as various types of wood—are also available; you can choose between olive or walnut. The handle is robust, measuring 120 mm in length and a full 23 mm in width, with a height that varies between 26 and 29 mm. A pair of red liners adds a subtle pop of color.

A very comfortable and ergonomic handle

The design is simple yet well-considered, featuring a finger guard, a "duckbill" pommel, and a subtle 3D contour reminiscent of a Coca-Cola bottle—meaning the sides are not entirely flat. They are finely polished and secured with two sturdy rivets, alongside a steel tube that passes through the handle and serves as a lanyard hole. As shown in the image, the knife features a full-tang construction, which naturally provides superior strength compared to other designs.

Ranger features a full-tang construction with red liners and, in this case, scales made of Canvas Micarta.

As mentioned, the Ranger has a substantial handle, which ensures a good grip even for a fairly large hand. In fact, I had my wife test the knife, and she found it too bulky to work with. That is something to keep in mind when buying a knife; not everyone has the same hand size or shape. Some people have broad palms, others have long fingers, and some have both. In this case, however, the knife is aimed at those with somewhat larger hands.

All common grips, including reverse grips, work perfectly with this handle.

This knife can easily be used with all conventional grips—whether a hammer grip, a saber grip, or a reverse grip. I do have one minor criticism: the handle is a bit too thick toward the front. Joker could have flattened the sides there to make a "pinch grip" more comfortable.

Overall, however, the handle is ergonomic; you can work with it for extended periods without developing chafing or hand fatigue. This is important, given the intended use case—unlike with a small EDC folding knife, the tasks performed with a tool like this may actually take a bit longer to complete.

Sheath

As is fitting, the knife comes with a good sheath—in this case, made from sturdy, 3 mm thick leather. In my experience, Spaniards in general, and Joker Knives in particular, excel at crafting sheaths from this material.

A fundamentally simple yet well-functioning sheath, featuring a couple of different suspension options.

The construction is of a fairly simple, lightweight design, but to increase durability, the edge features double stitching, along with an eyelet at each end. This sheath is not likely to fall apart anytime soon.

One thing I do miss, however, is a drainage hole for water. On the other hand, this hasn’t caused any issues during the test period—I rarely go swimming or wading while carrying my knives.

The sheath grips the knife securely. The knife stays firmly in place, with no risk of it falling out. You can easily turn the sheath upside down and give it a light shake without the knife coming loose. About half of the handle protrudes from the sheath; this, combined with the "duckbill" shape of the handle, makes drawing the knife very easy.

Furthermore, this sheath features an additional touch: it comes equipped with a holder and a ferro rod. A nice bonus from Joker is that the ferro rod is quite substantial, and its handle is crafted from the same materials—spacers included—as the handle of the knife itself. The ferro rod handle features a hole with an elastic cord that keeps it securely in place.

Here, the knife is carried low on the belt. I don’t like having the knife handle digging into my side.

The Ranger can be carried in a few different ways, thanks to a flexible system. For one, the knife can be carried high on the belt by detaching the upper loop—which is easily done, as the ring holding it in place can be opened.

Alternatively, the knife can be carried lower using an additional loop, or "dangler." This loop can be unfastened via two snap buttons, meaning you don’t have to remove your belt if you want to take off the knife or change its position. I find this particularly useful, as it makes it easy to remove the knife from your belt and attach it to your backpack instead.

Everything is secured to the sheath with three rivets.

Conclusion

It was exciting to see what the Ranger had to offer, as this was my first encounter with the "other" side of Joker Knives. Previously, I had only owned a classic Navaja-style folding knife from them, and this is something entirely different.

With this, Joker has firmly established a foothold in the highly lucrative "bushcraft" segment—not just through this particular knife, but also via a few larger models geared toward what are primarily known in the U.S. as "camp knives." Their catalog also includes even more specialized, dedicated bushcraft models. It is a broad range, especially considering that each model is available in several variations—featuring different grinds, handle materials, and the option of including a fire steel.

Ranger is a knife that fits well with the rest of your equipment.

One of the first things that struck me—an impression that has lingered—is that this is a damn well-made knife. That holds true regardless of what you compare it to, and we haven’t even discussed the price yet. Every material, and every transition between materials, is executed with great care. This applies to everything: the shaping of the Micarta and the handle spacers, the finish and edge of the blade, and even the stitching on the sheath. The Ranger feels like a true working knife, yet one with a certain level of refinement.

Joker has also opted for well-chosen materials. Sandvik 14C28N is not the most expensive steel, but it is a capable choice—even if it doesn't compete with high-end steels like 3V or similar. Then again, that isn't always necessary. The canvas Micarta is excellent, and the same can be said for the leather used for the sheath. Furthermore, I’d like to give special credit for the versatility in how the knife can be carried on a belt; I prefer a lower carry position when wearing it on my belt, while a higher position works better when I attach the knife to my backpack.

Ranger has been with me for an entire season, from early spring to late autumn.

If I were to raise any objection, it wouldn’t be a personal one; however, I am aware of a distinction between classic European brands and modern, more sterile-looking blades—the latter intended to evoke the clean aesthetic of custom knives. There is some information on the blade itself, but as I said, it’s not something I care about or even think about.

In terms of functionality, the Ranger is as versatile as one could hope for—especially in this configuration. If you know that you do a great deal of wood carving, I would recommend the alternative grind option. However, with this full flat grind, you get—in addition to various other benefits—a knife that works excellently for food preparation, as well as for hunting small game. It might not be the absolute optimal knife—perhaps a bit more belly to the blade would be desirable—but it is certainly good enough.

The only thing you need to consider is the size of your hands. If you know that you have small hands, you might want to look at a different Joker model.

Joker Ranger, a knife for all weather and all seasons

All in all, the Joker Ranger is a very pleasant discovery. It is a well-built and exceptionally capable knife that can more than hold its own against the competition. In fact, rather than looking up to its rivals, it actually challenges many of them.

When you factor in the price, the package becomes even more attractive. I noticed that the knife is currently available for well under its standard full retail price of €100—though it should be noted that this is the version without a fire steel. To be precise, it was priced at €85 on a European website.

I find it very hard to imagine any other manufacturer producing a better knife at that price point. Try it for yourself and see!

Joker

Specifications:

Length Overall: 235 mm
Blade Length: 110 mm
Blade Thickness: 3,8 mm
Steel: Sandvik 14C28N
Weight: 185 g for just the knife, 328 g including sheath and fire steel (weighed by me)
Handle: Canvas Micarta
Sheath: Leather

Produced by Joker Knives, made in Spain


/ J - the forest troll

New Knife - Joker Becada

The other day I presented a very imposing knife from Joker in the form of the Bowie 7.87". One of its most distinctive features, besides the elegant lines, was the handle in very fine deer antler. That and the fact that a Bowie knife is certainly very all-round but has its limitations due to its size made me look for a complement.

The choice fell on another knife from Joker. This knife was also available with the same material in the handle and certainly has a different but equally elegant blade shape. In addition, it works as an excellent complement with its smaller format. The model is Becada.

Joker Becada

In true Joker spirit, there are several handle materials to choose from. If you want to continue the nature theme, there are horns from buffalo or bovine, and, in this case, deer stag.

If you want something less animalistic, there are also variants with wooden handles, and then you can choose olive wood or walnut.

But in this case, the choice was easy, even though I thought that the other variants were also nice to look at.

Becada has an elegant leaf-shaped drop point blade made of 14C28N and is available here with antler handles.

Becada is a small and agile folding knife that measures 175 mm in total. Of that, the blade is 80 mm. It is as thin as 2.3 mm, which together with a full flat grind and 14C28N steel should provide an excellent basis for cutting well. It can also be said that the elegant leaf-shaped blade is really attractive.

The handle is built around a steel frame that is 2.5 mm thick. On the outside, as mentioned, there are slabs of horn that are traditionally riveted in place. In other words, it is not a knife that you take apart. Especially not as it is a back lock. The lock bar in the back has also been given a pattern to complement the look. 

The total weight is 85 g, so it is a light knife, in other words. Becada lacks a clip, so it is best carried loose in a pocket or, as I intend to do, in a leather sheath with a clip.

The classic look paired with a solid feel based on the lack of play in the blade, good fit in the lock bar, and well-polished stag in the handle means that I am very much looking forward to carrying and using this knife. A report will come when it is done!

 

Joker

/ J - goes natural

#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 - Karesuandokniven Bäver 10

Sometimes, or rather quite often, my eyes are drawn to the traditionally classic and simple when it comes to aesthetics. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, they say. That certainly applies in this case. This is a really nice-looking knife. It was also the first thing that made me fall for it. That and previous experiences with this company. I have a couple of favorites from them already.

A typical box from Karesuandokniven

This knife is called Bäver 10. "Bäver" is Swedish for a certain well-known large rodent, a beaver. This knife is made by Swedish Karesuandokniven. 

Unsurprisingly, this company is found in the small village of Karesuando, north of the Arctic Circle.* A place that I can't help but feel a little related to, as parts of my family on my grandfather's side are from Tornedalen. It's the borderland between Sweden and Finland. 

Inside the box a leather sheath and an elegant hunting and outdoor knife

Karesuandokniven's products are deeply rooted in the area in which they are located. This applies to appearance as well as function and materials. Or the latter applies only partially. Certainly, traditional materials such as reindeer and moose antlers, reindeer skins, and Masur birch are found in knives and axes, but when it comes to steel, they have upgraded and diversified. Modern materials such as stainless damascus steel from Swedish Damasteel are often found in the most luxurious range. They also use "super steel" such as RWL-34 to name a few.

In this knife, however, a slightly less advanced but very capable steel is found, Sandvik 12C27. A very proven steel that has been used by many knife manufacturers in both Sweden and France over the years. This version came really sharp with a stated hardness of 58HRC. An excellent factory edge in the form of a classic "Scandi" grind.

The handle offers classic materials such as brass in the finger guard followed by a piece of reindeer horn and the rest is made of well-treated Masur birch. The reindeer horn is of course decorative, but the brass has its own history. If I'm not misinformed, it was historically attributed with properties such as helping to ward off evil spirits. It may be true or not, but it's pretty!

Karesuandokniven Bäver 10

Beaver 10 is a knife that is slightly larger than you might think. This manifests itself, among other things, in that you get a little more edge length than in the smaller knives from Karesuandokniven, as well as an extremely comfortable handle. The name actually tells how long the blade is as it measures 100 mm. There is also a smaller version for those who want it with an 80 mm blade. The thickness of the steel is a well-chosen 3.2 mm. The entire knife is 210 mm long. Then it is very light, my scale says the knife weighs in at 95g and the whole package stops at 164g.

The knife comes with a simple but well-stitched leather sheath with an excellent fit and an insert that prevents unnecessary wear.

Overall, my first impressions of this knife are at least as positive as the ones I got from seeing it in pictures. A very elegant model that feels good to hold and arrived really sharp. Now it will be interesting and fun to see how it behaves when it is used as well. A review follows, be sure!

Karesuandokniven

/ J - seek his roots

* For a while they marketed themselves as the northernmost knife brand in the world until I felt compelled to providentially point out that Norwegian Knivsmed Strömeng is found in Karasjok, which is another three-hundred kilometers in a straight north direction.

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre