This Knife Showcase takes a close look at the Lajolo Knife Urban 01 LP “La Prima”, a limited edition of only 300 pieces, produced and distributed by Extrema Ratio.
The knife was designed by the master of arms Danilo Rossi Lajolo of Cossano, who created the World Calix Academy in 2007.
You can find the knife at the “The Factory” along with lots more.
SHOWCASE VIDEO:
SHOWCASE GALLERY:
Discussing the Showcase:
The ideal place to discuss this showcase is on the Tactical Reviews Facebook Page
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.
Chris Reeve Knives have been creating superbly built classic knives for decades. Once you have made the commitment to this level of quality, the next logical step is to really put your stamp on it by adding embellishments and customisations. This showcase details the upgrades and customisations I have added to the standard Inkosi I reviewed early last year, and have been made possible only thanks to Tim Reeve’s (and the team at CRK’s) amazing attention to detail.
The Four Upgrades/Customisations/Options:
This knife is no drawer queen, and although I use without abusing I realise this is the best it is going to look, so for this showcase I have pulled out all the stops to capture it at its finest. Once old and showing its age I can look back at how it looked in its youth.
This Inkosi has been given four embellishments, any of which could be done on its own or combined with any of the others, and these are by no means the only options as the joy of customisation is that you can find what works for you.
Hawk Clip:
The first of the four updates has got to be the easiest and possibly most functional. CRK’s Hawk clip is a pocket clip that allows me like pocket clips. It has a ‘pinch-to-open’ design making fitting it to your pocket as easy as it gets and, as you can release it with a pinch, you get no pocket wear at all. Why can’t all pocket clips be like this? In this case it is a limited edition Hawk clip in a tumbled finish; typically they are bead blasted.
CRK's Hawk clip in a tumbled finish.
Comparing the clips' sizes.
The easiest of upgrades with just one screw.
With the Hawk being shorter, you can see where the original clip was resting against the handle.
The Hawk clip is a 'pinch to open' clip making its action simple and positive.
Adding a Wicked Edge:
Edges can be functional and sharp without being beautiful. Wicked Edge knife edges are beautiful and functional, and of course stunningly sharp. There is an investment in time to put a precise, even, polished edge on a blade, and an edge which in itself won’t last any longer, so the decision to have a Wicked Edge is more about the looks than ultimate performance. They just look so good.
Using a set of 0.6/1.4 micron Wicked Edge Ceramic stones to get the final polish.
I always tape up the blade just in case any grit on the clamp jaws might mark it.
Presentation quality edge.
Wicked Edge!
Custom Engraved Handle:
And now the jewel in the crown. Tim Reeve has been designing and making limited run custom engraved handle designs, adding another level of interest to the CRK lineup. That said, in this case it is a special one-off engraved handle designed and executed by an artist. You’ll also notice this is not an engraving made on the original handle scale, but instead is a replacement which is able to simply swap out the original handle thanks to the super precision of all CRK knife parts.
A package from CRK is always exciting.
Especially so when you find a custom handle inside! (and a belt pouch)
Oh yes!
Oh YES!
Just the right amount of depth and texture.
CRK's precision allows for this to be a drop-in replacement with no adjustments or fitting.
Using a CRK care kit for the job with thread lock and lubricant.
Fully disassembled.
A bit of lubricant on the new handle ready for the washer to move over.
Putting it back together.
Video Edited with – Cyberlink Director Suite 5 (PowerDirector 16 and AudioDirector 7)
Belt Pouch:
Once you have taken the care to make your CRK knife your own, do you want to let it roll around with your pocket change, or hang onto the edge of your pocket, or would you rather provide it with a secure carry option? In fitting with the quality of CRK, the belt pouch offered to house and carry it is of equivalent quality but in leather. If you are a specialist in crafting metal, then instead of changing focus for the leatherwork, CRK have their pouches made by Gfeller, a well respected maker, and one that can live up to the CRK logo it bears.
A minor note is that the Hawk clip does make the fit into this pouch a bit tighter, but it does fit OK and the leather will accommodate it more over time. The knife with original clip slips into the pouch more easily.
It is immediately clear this is a quality belt pouch. (But is it the wrong size?)
Nice thick leather is used.
Strong stitching through three thick layers.
This is made by Gfeller for CRK.
The belt loop is integral.
A clever folded and layered structure makes this very strong.
There is another press stud hiding under the flap.
As delivered it is configured for the smaller size of knife, so does look too small.
To reconfigure for the large Inkosi, just move the press stud cover.
Now it is the right size for this Inkosi.
The press studs are covered inside with leather, so won't be scratching your handle.
The complete Upgrade:
The best it will ever look, and captured for posterity, this is the Inkosi wearing all it finery. It’s going to be carried, it’s going to be used, and it will bear the signs of wear, so perhaps it will look even better in time.
The result is thanks to Tim Reeve's stunning work and attention to detail.
If you didn't know, you wouldn't know, but customisations can be understated and meaningful.
The Wicked Edge is just the cherry on top.
The subtle and clever design has the logo the right way up when using the Inkosi.
Not forgetting the Hawk clip.
Plus the Inkosi's 'safe place'.
Looking forward to seeing the Impinda with custom scales. What will you choose for your CRK?
While the latest ‘stand-out’ designs compete for our attention, often it is the quiet ones you need to look out for, and for me, this is what the Spyderco Shaman is. I very nearly passed this by while at IWA 2018 as it is a plain looking knife with stonewashed blade and matt handle – nothing exciting. Well thanks to Joyce at Spyderco, I didn’t miss out on this fantastic knife that nearly flew under the radar. This is not just a bigger ‘Native’, it is much more than that.
Gallery:
A quick note before you dive into the gallery; look out for the excellent ergonomics – with the Shaman, Spyderco have rounded all the handle edges of the matt finish G-10 handles, and this makes for a completely different feel for the knife, almost getting on for the feeling of a fixed blade. The compression lock keeps the lock out of the way of the grip nicely, and the finger choil and thumb jimping give a super secure grip. This one just feels right in the hand and pocket.
The lanyard hole also has the clip fixing holes around it.
There are also clip fixing holes around the pivot bolt.
The clip has a hole to provide access to the pivot screw or lanyard hole depending on where you fit it.
Spyderco's compression lock is used.
There is a generous section of jimping.
Phosphor-bronze washers are used.
A feature that makes the Shaman stand out are the curves and comfortable rounded edges.
Looking down into the compression lock. Check Spyderco's website for more information on this lock.
The Shaman between a Manix 2 XL and Native 5 Lightweight.
BESS Certified sharpness testing:
Before we get to the photos, also included in this showcase are the results of the factory edge sharpness testing. These are impressive results; see the gallery for the certificates.
The BESS ‘C’ scale of sharpness, was developed by Mike Brubacher (Brubacher Edge Sharpness Scale).
A chart showing where on the BESS scale a blade is.
The Shaman’s factory edge has an average BESS ‘C’ sharpness of 211. At this sharpness it easily and cleanly slices 80gsm copier paper, and will shave hair from your arm. Spyderco reliably supply very sharp factory edges, and this, though not the best, is at the sharpness I would aim to re-sharpen a knife to, so more than adequate.
Don’t let the Spyderco Shaman pass you by, it is much more knife than its unassuming looks might indicate.
Discussing the Showcase:
The ideal place to freely discuss these reviews is on a forum. If you started reading the shorter forum version of the review, but followed the link this full exclusive review, please return to that forum to discuss the review there.
If you read the review entirely on Tactical Reviews, please consider one of the following to join in, or start, a discussion.
Buck’s 110 Folding Hunter has been a firm favourite since its release in 1963, and is probably the most copied folding knife design in existence. Its traditional mixture of brass and wood (Macassar Ebony Dymondwood), along with the elegant lines and simple lock-back mechanism, has made it a classic with enduring appeal. Now brought up to date in terms of materials with the 110 Folding Hunter Pro using S30V blade steel and Nickel Silver with G10 handle inserts, you can now keep the traditional style but not compromise on blade performance if you need the extra edge retention the S30V will give you.
BESS Certified sharpness testing:
Before we get to the photos, also included in this showcase are the results of the factory edge sharpness testing. These are impressive results; see the gallery for the certificates.
The BESS ‘C’ scale of sharpness, was developed by Mike Brubacher (Brubacher Edge Sharpness Scale).
A chart showing where on the BESS scale a blade is.
The 110 Folding Hunter’s factory edge has an average BESS ‘C’ sharpness of 206. At this sharpness it easily and cleanly slices 80gsm copier paper, and will shave the hair from your arm. The 110 Folding Hunter Pro’s factory edge has an even more impressive average BESS ‘C’ sharpness of 195.
Gallery:
Now for the tour around the two versions of this classic knife design; enjoy! (Click on any image to enter the gallery viewer)
Discussing the Showcase:
The ideal place to freely discuss these reviews is on a forum. If you started reading the shorter forum version of the review, but followed the link this full exclusive review, please return to that forum to discuss the review there.
If you read the review entirely on Tactical Reviews, please consider one of the following to join in any discussion.
This year was the 45th edition of IWA OutdoorClassics at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg with 1,558 exhibitors and almost 47,000 trade visitors from around the world.
Exhibitors from almost 60 countries and trade visitors from about 130 countries gave the 45th edition of IWA OutdoorClassics even more of an international flavour than last year.
Tactical Reviews was there, and included here is a gallery of products that caught my eye as I went round the vast exhibition. Of course this is only a small taste of what was on show, with excellent products from Pohl Force, MecArmy, Mantis, Luminox, Armourlite/Isobrite, Morakniv, Nordic Pocket Saw, Hultafors, ZT, Victorinox, Leatherman, Fox, Oberland Arms, Buck, SOG, Nitecore, DYX, Wiley X, Spyderco, Chris Reeve Knives and Nordic Heat.
(When viewing the gallery, click on the image to remove the description, click again to bring it back)
Pohl Force Prototypes of the Force One and Mike Forty Two
MecArmy X3S Tiny USB Rechargeable lights
MecArmy SGN7 and SGN5 Personal Attack Alarm lights
MecArmy FL10 Carabiner lights
A MantisX Shooting trainer is fitted to this pistol
Luminox Tritium watches
Armourlite's Isobrite T-100 watch
Armourlite's Prototype of a 64 vial Isobrite Automatic T-100 watch
Morakniv have produced the Garberg in Carbon Steel
Morakniv's Carbon Steel Garberg
Nordic Pocket Saw - the name says it all
Nordic Pocket Saw making the saw dust fly
Hultafors blade tang has been exposed
Hultafors Åby Forest Axe on a Wetterhall Throwing Axe
Hultafors Åby Forest Axe with sharpening puck
ZT 2018 models 0609, 0462 and 0393
Victorinox Hunter Pro and Ranger Grip Boatsman
Leatherman's Tread Tempo (a watch with the Tread tool as a strap)
Fox Prototype friction folder and the Octopus fixed blade
Oberland Arms special edition Damast Sepp Jubiläumsmesser
Oberland Arms Imwoid Sepp, special edition Damast Sepp Jubiläumsmesser and Wuiderer Sepp
Pohl Force Prototype of the Force One
Pohl Force Prototypes of the Force One and Mike Forty Two
Pohl Force's Force One is a real handful
Buck Selkirk Folder and folding filleting knife
SOG's pre-production Power Pint and Power Litre, plus the production Poweraccess
SOG Baton Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4
Nitecore have a new range with infinitely adjustable output
DYX with a ground breaking single optic range finder
DYX with a ground breaking single optic range finder
DYX with a ground breaking rifle scope with integrated range finder
DYX with a ground breaking rifle scope with integrated range finder
Wiley X never stop innovating. That is protective eyewear with a metal frame
Three of Wiley X's 2018 models
Spyderco has throwing knives! Designed by specialist maker Moeller with each size coming as a set of three
Spyderco's Native family has grown with the Shaman and Lil' Native. There are back-lock and compression lock options
Rare Maxamet bladed Spydercos
Spyderco Szabohawk Hand Axe breaching tool
Chris Reeve Knives limited edition 'Doppler' design
Chris Reeve Knives limited edition Franklin quote design
Chris Reeve Knives Nyala with Insingo blade
Chris Reeve Knives limited edition 'Circuits' design
A few souvenirs from IWA - keep an eye out for the reviews
The Belgian Knife Society Show in Gembloux is one of those exceptional events. Taking over the entire Gembloux Town Hall, this annual show attracts hundreds of knife makers from all over the world, and a flock of knife enthusiasts eager to see the amazing work on display (and buy a lot of it).
‘Showcase’ on Tactical Reviews:
The ‘Showcase’ is an opportunity for me to share some photographs, videos and thoughts about interesting or exceptional shows/exhibitions, knives, lights or other gear.
As well as all the exhibitors and demonstrations, the Belgian Knife Society (BKS) arranged for a couple of seminars. Tactical Reviews was there to record these excellent speakers and their words of wisdom.
The following videos are much longer than I would normally publish, but the information in them is very interesting and worth listening to. They are informal, so imagine you are really there in the room.
“The Complex Structure Of Viking Blades”
Owen Bush, (Bladesmith, Swordsmith and artist Blacksmith based in the London/Kent region of England – UK) explains the Viking forging techniques and using modelling clay Owen shows how the intricate pattern welded designs are formed in Damascus blades.
Video Edited with – Cyberlink Director Suite 5 (PowerDirector 16 and AudioDirector 7)
Camera – Panasonic HC-V770 Microphone – Tonor TN120308BL
The Viking Sword: What It Was And What It Was Not
Peter Johnsson (SWE) is a specialist in white weapons and takes you on a journey through time: the swords of the Roman era, continental blades, the Anglo-Saxon sword and the weapons of Eastern Europe and how sword design evoloved with changing requirements.
Video Edited with – Cyberlink Director Suite 5 (PowerDirector 16 and AudioDirector 7)
Camera – Panasonic HC-V770 Microphone – Tonor TN120308BL
Gallery:
This is a series of images from the show; enjoy!
Discussing a Showcase:
Please feel free to start a thread on any of the following forums as these are the ideal place to freely discuss it. If you started reading a forum thread that has brought you to this page, please return to that forum to discuss the Showcase there.
Knives UK is the UK’s only dedicated knife show. Now in it’s twelfth year, the show features some of the country’s top knife-makers and high quality custom blades, and is aimed at outdoor professionals, enthusiasts and collectors.
Many thanks to KnivesUK’s founder and organiser, Mike Keogh, for his continued dedication to organising and running the show. The mark of a great event is that as this year’s show comes to an end we are already looking forward to the next one; I certainly am.
‘Showcase’ on Tactical Reviews:
The ‘Showcase’ is an opportunity for me to share photographs, videos and thoughts about interesting or exceptional knives, lights or other gear.
Video Edited with – Cyberlink Director Suite 5 (PowerDirector 15 and AudioDirector 7)
Camera – Panasonic HC-V770 Microphone – Tonor TN120308BL and/or Takstar SGC-598
Knives UK 2017: – A Tour of the Show
Competition Knives Gallery: – The Entries
Run by the Edge Matters Forum, Knives UK hosted a knife makers competition; these are the entries received for consideration.
Competition Knives Gallery: – The Winners
Best Fixed Blade – Steve Nawacki
Best Folder – Ignatius
Young Maker – Oliver Slocombe
Amateur – Best from Scratch – Craig Burton
Amateur Best from Blank – Lee Bessant
Discussing a Showcase:
Please feel free to start a thread on any of the following forums as these are the ideal place to freely discuss it. If you started reading a forum thread that has brought you to this page, please return to that forum to discuss the Showcase there.
The Spyderco Euro Edge is one of Ed Schempp’s more recent designs and considered by many to be the best looking knife in Spyderco’s 2017 line up. Fortunately I was able to speak to Joyce Laituri about this knife when I visited Spyderco at IWA 2017.
‘Showcase’ on Tactical Reviews:
The ‘Showcase’ is an opportunity for me to share some photographs, videos and thoughts about interesting or exceptional knives, lights or other gear.
The following video is from a longer informal interview with Joyce of Spyderco recorded at IWA 2017 – it was not originally intended for publication.
Video Edited with – Cyberlink Director Suite 5 (PowerDirector 15 and AudioDirector 7)
Camera – Panasonic HC-V770 Microphone – Tonor TN120308BL and/or Takstar SGC-598
Gallery:
This is a series of images that speak for themselves; enjoy!
Discussing a Showcase:
Please feel free to start a thread on any of the following forums as these are the ideal place to freely discuss it. If you started reading a forum thread that has brought you to this page, please return to that forum to discuss the Showcase there.
