Review Razor Edge Knives cutsom paring knife M390

[miso2]

Hi all,


I've got my first custom fixed blade from Josh REK Knives .

It was an auction piece, and I was lucky to be able to grab it.
Because sheath was not included, I ordered a slip sheath from Dave @Horsewright through Josh.
The whole experience was easy and a joy.
Both Josh and Dave are efficient and trustful in communications and transactions.

I have been eyeing on Bark River Bird and Trout to fulfill my craving on a thin blade fixed knife.
Then this paring knife came up on Instagram.

The specs

  Overall length:              240 mm (9.5”)
  Blade Length:                116 mm (4.56”)
  Blade thickness:             2.4 mm (0.095”)
  Edge thickness:              0.076 mm (0.003”)
  Edge angle:                  15 DPS
  Blade material:              M390
  Blade grind:                 Flat grind
  Handle thickness:            8 mm (0.32”)
  Handle material:             Stabilized Oak with red G10 liners
  Sheath:                      Leather slip sheath from Horse Wright
  Weight:                      74 g (2.6 oz)

I am very glad that I did find and jump right on the auction!
I am also glad that I got the nice leather sheath from Dave!

Image curtesy of Dave at Horse Wright.

 

[miso2]

Although the blade stock is not as thin as that of my Takamura paring knife, but man, it is ground really really thin and ground perfectly.
It is so thin that I cannot measure the thickness behind the edge accurately with my caliper.
The number is from Josh.

As the result, it cuts into and slices thick medium like carrot extremely well.

I should add that the edge Josh put was very nice as expected from him.
Few light swipes on the DMT EEF plate made it super aggressive.
M390 is really a sweet blade steel for its sharpenability and ease of maintenance.
It may become too aggressive though......
My first bite right away....

 

[miso2]

The oak handle with 3D contour and red G10 accent is beautiful and works perfect in wet conditions.

With this and the slicey blade, I am now using this knife as the sole kitchen knife for my use.
It is the most sliciest one in my kitchen.
(Takamura Paring should be the best, but my wife abuses it badly......)

 

[miso2]

In conclusion, this REK paring knife is a super-slicey fixed blade, which I have been dreaming of.
Hope that he is making more of his original knives in the future.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Nice review, thanks!

 

[REK Knives]

Thanks for the review brother! Love seeing knives I've made/modified getting used! Pics are great too!

 

[J D Wijbenga]

Excellent review! Thanks for posting!