Razel, what for?

[aram]

I admit, the Mid-Tech Razel looks cool.

That's probably enough reason, but help me rationalize anyway.

What do you use your Razel for?

Thanks,
Aram

 

[peacefuljeffrey]

I guess it does look cool in a way, but I would not find it desirable, personally. Among a number of considerations that factor into whether I like a knife is the expected/actual ease of sharpening, and I would hate to have to try to sharpen that knife, particularly the front edge.

I also have a deep dislike for chisel-ground anything... um, except chisels of course.

I suppose that the forward cutting corner would work really well for slicing thin materials, like if you were clipping coupons out of a newspaper. I think, though, that the cutting chores that this knife is not good for would outnumber the ones it is good for. (Practicality is also one of my main considerations for deciding to like a knife.)

To me, the best knives have a belly to the blade, and I favor drop-points and spear points for that reason. I also go with Wharncliffe on occasion, but it's not by any means my favorite. Some Wharncliffes, like my Myerchin rigging knife, have a gentle curve to the blade, and it's not a perfect straight edge. That, to me, is nearly ideal (unless a stabbing poing is what is desired; but the Myerchin could stab a bit, in a pinch).

I'm sorry my reply to this query is not more positive, but I do think you should look at both sides. Plus, that's one expensive paint scraper!

-Jeffrey

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Jeffrey, if you ever held a Razel in your hand, you would never have said what you did!

First of all, the main edge is hollow ground, the front edge is flat ground. Just because the name comes from RAZor-chisEL doesn't mean it actually has a chisel grind.

It is a pleasure to sharpen. Since both edges are straight, you can use any kind of flat stone on them, unlike most curved or recurved edges. As well as it holds its edge, I've resharpened mine a few times. It gets used.

Mine even works in the kitchen. Especially on small fruits and vegetables, it's ideal. Also, that sharp front edge is great for putting force where you want it, not sawing away at a piece of material like a rope, but just shoving. If you do woodwork, it scores more precisely than a tanto and it's stronger than a wharnecliff.

And like every slightly different tool, it teaches you something about different ways to work.

 

[peacefuljeffrey]

Thanks for the additional insight, Esav.

I could not tell from the photo at New Graham that it was dual ground on the main edge. That's... interesting. How is it accomplished, to have one done that way, and the other done chisel-ground?

-Jeffrey

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Jeffrey, both edges are v-ground. The main edge is hollow and the front flat, but they are both ground symmetrically on both sides!

For those who need a bit of curve, there are Razels with a curved main edge and a ring at the butt. Look weird, feel good

 

[peacefuljeffrey]

Do you mean that the overall slab of blade also is symmetrical? The back side of the blade is not flat, but beveled?

If that's so... COOL! I hate asymmetrical blades.

-Jeffrey

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Exactly, cool it is. Both sides are beveled.

 

[inspira]

It looks like a chisel to me =/

 

[Jon Graham knives]

Esav, thanks for telling your experiance with the razel, Esav was one of our first customers to get a razel, and he is correct, both bevels are ground on
both sides.
I personally like a straight edge for utility purposes, but for those who
like a belly on their blade we have come out with the RAZEL SS wich
just like the RAZEL comes in different sizes, and by the blade show we
will have it also in a mid-tech pocket version .
Here is a RAZEL SS3

and a RAZEL SS5

 

[Gringogunsmith]

Hey Jon.
Flip it over and show the other side...

 

[BAfarmer]

I bought a mid tech razel (with green canvas micarta handles) two months ago to carry here on the farm. Man not a day goes by that it does not come in handy. I have used it to cut neting off round bales, cut open bags of grain, etc. One day I split an 5x5 round bale in half, to provide bedding for some sick calves, with very little effort. Could I have done this with other fixed blades........probably.........but the selling point for me was the chisel tip and the handy kydex pocket sheath. As far as sharpening the 154 cm steel takes a edge in no time and I have yet to find any chips. I spoke with Josh Graham before buying this knife. Considering he did not know me from adam he was very personable and gladly answered all of my questions. The only thing I dislike is the handle length. It is about an inch and a half to short for my hand. But that s just my two cents
Bob

 

[Jon Graham knives]

Hey Jon.
Flip it over and show the other side...

Here is a ringed RAZEL from both sides.

 

[Halfneck]

Really like that Razel SS5 - Can that knife's features be replicated in 1 of the smaller models?

Graham Knives are a quality product. When I saw them at their 1st Blade show I knew they would do well. Only problem now is they have a wait

Jon, tell Josh to bring plenty to the Blade show this year.

 

[Franciscomv]

I got some great advise from Esav on the Razel at another forum, ordered one and sent it to a friend of mine in the US so he could bring it with him to Argentina next week, saving me shipping and customs.

He opened the box, played with it for a while, and kept it! He just couldn't help it. He used it a bit and fell in love with it. He's ordering a new one for me, though, so all is good.

 

[Shann]

Just to throw in my two cents. I had a Razel on a pass around. If I did (or could) carry a fixed blade edc, it probably would be this. (in a new sheath without a doubt!) Its just so handy for all types of daily chores and looks like a tool, not a "you'll kill somebody with that" knife. I found the flat end and the corner to be more useful than a normal point. I didn't sharpen it while I had it but the only thing would be to be careful sharpening the front. :thumbup: