Eka Swede- an alternative to the Buck 110

P

pjackst

Joined
Jun 5, 2014
Messages
278
I love my Eka Swede 8 in 12c27 and clad in bubinga wood scales. It is a basic lockback hollow-ground knife similar to the Buck 110 with a nice belly and an overall classic design. I think I paid about $40 for it. Are there any people who have experience with Eka knives? How's the quality been for you? It's my only one. Check it out if you are looking to obtain something similar to the famous pocket hunting knife but perhaps something that stands out a bit too ;)
 
I had a Normark 25 years ago and it was a solid working knife. The only thing I didn't like was the release lever/back lock protrusion on the handle. Very sharp, solid and cut wonderfully. Lost it to somebody who wanted it more than me.
 
I love mine! I got it in a boxed set with a Wenger SAK with matching scales a long time ago before I really knew much about knives. In fact, for quite a while I just assumed it was a Wenger model.

Anyway, I think it's not only a good alternative to the Buck 110, I actually think it's a better knife. The tip is stronger, the lock is placed in such a way that you just can't accidentally unlock it (not that that's an issue with the 110, though), it's also lighter.

Based on my very positive experience with the Swede 92 I bought a Swede 88 and it isn't nearly as good (very thin blade, sloppy lock up, etc.).
 
On the Swedes, does the tip hit inside the handle to stop closure or is there a "kick"?
 
I don't have it on me but I think there is a kick. Not sure, but it is nicely solid when closed, and solid when locked. Buttttt there is just a teeny degree of bladeplay in the "backward" direction (like, if you grasp the knife and press the edge into something with some force, the blade sorta clicks backward just a hair).

It was $40 so I was not expecting the height of F&F but I am very happy with it. Worker enough, but not out of place on a dinner tabletop either
 
Last edited:
Franciscomv said:
Based on my very positive experience with the Swede 92 I bought a Swede 88 and it isn't nearly as good (very thin blade, sloppy lock up, etc.).
Click to expand...

I wanted one of those 88's in Masur. I have never handled one but I wanted a cross between a gent's blade and a worker. Something handsome but also just a tad rugged. You know, like my facial hair ;)
 
davek14 said:
On the Swedes, does the tip hit inside the handle to stop closure or is there a "kick"?
Click to expand...

On my redesigned Swede 8 that I picked up a few months ago, there is a kick--of sorts--which butts up against a stop pin when closed.

pjackst said:
Buttttt there is just a teeny degree of bladeplay in the "backward" direction (like, if you grasp the knife and press the edge into something with some force, the blade sorta clicks backward just a hair).
Click to expand...

Same here. I'm normally very sensitive to blade play, but I'm not at all bothered by this nearly imperceptible blade movement in just that one direction.
 
cairndude said:
On my redesigned Swede 8 that I picked up a few months ago, there is a kick--of sorts--which butts up against a stop pin when closed.
Click to expand...

Cool, so the sharp edge doesn't hit. That sounds like a "retrofit" or mod you can do.
 
Speaking of the kick problem on the Swedes I solved that some 30 years back by putting a
piece of leather/paracord (you could probably use a little glue if you wanted it to really stay put , but I never had too) where the edge hits the back-spacer , never had a problem since.


1234,,,,:)
 
1234 said:
Speaking of the kick problem on the Swedes I solved that some 30 years back by putting a
piece of leather/paracord (you could probably use a little glue if you wanted it to really stay put , but I never had too) where the edge hits the back-spacer , never had a problem since.


1234,,,,:)
Click to expand...
Good idea! I'm going to try this on my Swede's and French slip joints.
 
Got an old Eka Swede 38 I use every day at work.
When I started my current job in 2003 I found it in the bottom of an old toolbox they dug out for me. Looked old and beatup at the time, but it was sharp and the size seemed practical so I shined it up a little. Had it in daily use since and it's still with me.
Love this little thing.
 
cairndude said:
Same here. I'm normally very sensitive to blade play, but I'm not at all bothered by this nearly imperceptible blade movement in just that one direction.
Click to expand...

Agreed. It is not as if it wobbles all over the place- just a teeny little jag backward, NBD.
 
St3ff3n said:
Got an old Eka Swede 38 I use every day at work.
When I started my current job in 2003 I found it in the bottom of an old toolbox they dug out for me. Looked old and beatup at the time, but it was sharp and the size seemed practical so I shined it up a little. Had it in daily use since and it's still with me.
Love this little thing.
Click to expand...
Glad to know its still in service ;) I really like the Swede 8 and I will likely acquire another model or two in the near future.
 
I have a EKA Swede 110 (yes that's the model number), unfortunately no longer available. I got it 15 years ago. It has stainless steel, Sandvik 12c27 hardened to 56-57 Rc. It has a spear point blade with an eliptical plastic handle, cutout for your first finger and a button. The steel is great, takes and holds a razor edge. It's a thin blade with a scandi grind. The handle is very ergonomic.


Its locking mechanism is unique. The knife blade is partially opened by pushing on the button. You then use the nail nick to open the blade. When fully opened it locks and the lock is released using the button. The lock fits into a slot on the back of the tang. After the knife breaks in, you can push the button and readily flick it open and it locks. This could be illegal in Sweden and the reason it is discontinued.

Unfortunately it suffers from two problems. First it is a little fat for the pocket. Second, I dropped it on concrete (closed) and the two piece hollow plastic handle separated slightly. You can push it together, but it opens a little. No problem during use; it's not broken, still works, but it's disconcerting.
 
This right here is a great knife, i wish i had the single edge versions... all of them
And those FFG fixed blades

EKASwingBlade.jpg
 
I bought a Swede 8 while on a hiking trip, knowing that I was paying too much at the shop where I bought it but not minding since I considered it a souvenir. Nice knife, but a drunk hobo must have done the stitching on the sheath.
 
I tend to think the buck 110 as beefier.
I did once owed an eka 88
And found it a dependable tool.
It's wasn't entirely unique in any way.
And mediocre that I decided
It would serve a better role in horticulture.
I give it a positive report for Grafting purposes.
 
1234 said:
Speaking of the kick problem on the Swedes I solved that some 30 years back by putting a
piece of leather/paracord (you could probably use a little glue if you wanted it to really stay put , but I never had too) where the edge hits the back-spacer , never had a problem since.


1234,,,,:)
Click to expand...

Well, Photobucket's working now. I've done this to a few knives, Normark Big Swede, a keychain EKA that used to be sold by that "viking forge" site, and the Mercator. I've only still got the Mercator.

A pin in the handle and a slightly ground spot for it to hit. What they do now sounds similar.

Not my idea, got it on the net somewhere. Like it though.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top