Eka Swede 8

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unluckyPete

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Apr 25, 2015
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6
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Material: Sandvik 12C27 (stainless steel), 58HRc, Scandinavian grind
Locking mechanism: Backlock
Blade length: 8cm
Overall length: 18.5cm
Blade thicknes: 2.8mm
Handle material: Bubinga (African rosewood), black Proflex

Eka is a traditional Swedish knife making company, making knives since 1882. Eka Swede 8 is their traditional, general use backlock folder. In Europe, this knife retails for 50-70eur depending on the gift packaging and handle material. In US it can be found for $40-$50.

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I have ordered 2 of these knives, one with bubinga and one with plain black proflex handle, to keep the one I liked more, and give the other one away as a present. Knives arrived at a plain white boxes without a sheath. Out of the box, the black version was reasonably sharp and the knife opens with a nice reasuring click of the lock, which is very solid. The grind was nice and even but the angle of the bevel was inconsistent. It was too steep at the heel, much shallower at the belly and too steep again at the tip again. Bubbinga handled knife was much duller out of the box and had the same problem with the bevel. Also the opening action was not as smooth and there was play in the blade. This was resolved by cleaning the pivot and tightening the it properly. You can also notice, that the lock doesn't sit precisely against the frame. I believe this is only a cosmetic failure and it doesn't affect the function of the lock.

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I corrected the bevel on an Edge Pro Apex and the knife was hair popping sharp.

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I like the looks of the bubinga handle, but I prefer the ergonomics and feel of the proflex handle. As this is not supposed to be a safe queen, I prefer the function over form and will keep the black one for myself.

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One reason, I like the ergonomics of the proflex handle more, is that the bubinga version has protruding liner and the wood doesn't sit flush against it. When gripping the handle hard, this can be little bit uncomfortable, as the liner presses against your palm.

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Proflex version hides the liner inside the handle. It looks cleaner and the handle is slightly beefier thanks to the extra material.

Overal, this is a very nice knife. If I had paid over 60eur for it, I might have been little bit disappointed because of the above state reasons, but, if you can find this knife for a good price, I highly recommend it.

My original review with larger images: http://unluckypete.com/2015/04/eka-swede-8-review/
 
Those are some good looking knives. I'd prefer it without the secondary bevel, but non the less looks great for the price.
 
I just received the plain handle version of the Bubinga model and I am very happy with my knife. The checkering and lanyard attachment loop are not on my knife, but I chose the plain version version for the looks. My handle fits almost flush with the spine, so it may be a matter of chance if you get one you like. Moderate heft for the size, and my blade was nicely sharpened and shaped on arrival.

The sheath is ok. However, I probably will not use it because the back of the snap will likely mar the handle wood when it is snapped shut.

A very nice knife. I may also get a black ProFlex version after a while.
 
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