Graham Knives Razel
Walking the Razel’s Edge
I first started seriously looking at the Graham Brothers’
knives when they came out with a pair of outstanding tactical tomahawks and
announced them on a popular knife forum. I was blown away by the designs as well
as the obvious quality in materials and finish. I went to their site and was
immediately impressed by the knives Jon and Josh are producing and especially
intrigued by their Razel design – an obvious nod to the straight razor with
its brutally straight edge and squared-off tip. I am hesitant to compare it to a
chisel in looks, as this description might mislead folks into thinking the Razel
is a “chisel grind” knife, ground only on one side of the blade. Indeed, the
Razel is symmetrically V-ground, which adds to the versatility of this already
useful blade.
When I contacted the Grahams, they immediately agreed to
supply a “Utility” Razel for my review. Within days, the package from
Cleveland, Tennessee, arrived. When I opened the package, I thought a serious
mistake had occurred. The knife I found was, in my mind, hardly a “utility”
grade piece of hardware. When I think of utility grade, I picture no adornment
– plain Jane – and often cut-priced material. The Razel I received was one
of the most beautiful knives I have ever held – and I have held a few. I was
so impressed, I didn’t know if I could actually use it for fear of hurting it.
I called Josh Graham and asked why he had sent such a fine
knife when all I wanted was a “user,” something I could beat on. Josh just
laughed and explained that the knife I was holding was indicative of what anyone
would get if they ordered a fairly generic Razel with additional options. All I
could say was wow.
Here’s why. The steel is S30V, heat treated by Paul Bos and
impeccably ground on both sides. Primary edge and “point” edge are seriously
sharp. The space just forward of the handles on the spine of the blade is
tastefully file-worked for extra thumb “grippiness” and good looks. The full
tang makes up the gracefully curving handle with two finger grooves, ending in
an extended butt that juts past the handle scales. The handle material is a
lovely caramel-colored Micarta® from Mark Nelson. The scales are attached by
mosaic pins and sandwich a red liner against the tang on either side. A large,
brass-lined lanyard hole completes the handle.
A squared-off leather sheath, molded on the front side to the
blade and the front half of the handle, completes the package. The back side is
flat, with a strong, coated clip for deep-pocket carry. Yeah, that’s right –
the Razel was designed to be carried in a front pocket comfortably and
effectively. The Graham Brothers are one of a handful of knife-making companies
that offer purpose-built fixed blade pocket knives (FXBPKs). Sure, some neck or
belt knives can be stuffed into a pocket or clipped inside, but they either need
to be drawn with the sheath still on, or they stick way out. The Razel was
designed to sit comfortably clipped in a pocket with enough handle sticking out
so it can be easily grasped and withdrawn.
So, how effective is the squared-off tip of the Razel? I
joked to Josh Graham that it didn’t need to penetrate well. After all, when
was the last time you needed to stab someone? He quickly assured me penetration
was not an issue with the Razel; he had personally stabbed a phonebook easily
through several hundred pages. He explained the tip actually has two points and
a very sharp blade in between. Well, I had to try it myself. Taking last
year’s phone book (I waited until the new ones arrived, to the relief of my
wife), I slammed the Razel into it with considerable force. I was impressed when
over an inch penetrated before stopping. I must say that I did not go full
strength as I was not wearing gloves and did not want to damage my hand from a
forceful stop. Needless to say, the penetration I attained was pretty darned
good.
I have been using the Razel for mundane cutting chores for
several months now. The blade has not needed sharpening, and I find the geometry
great for heavy or light cutting. The whole knife shows very little wear, and no
doubt it will last a lifetime. It is very much a tool, designed and built to be
used. I liked it so much that I bought a Graham Brothers wharncliffe knife that
I am now putting through its paces. It is nice to have a couple of fixed-blade
knives that I can slide into a pocket, ready for immediate use rather than
languishing in my safe with all the other fixed blades.
Since acquiring the Razel, I have had no hesitation in
recommending Graham Brothers products to anyone. In fact, I am sure I have been
quite annoying in my plugging this company. I don’t care – we need more
companies that produce first-rate, innovative designs. And those companies out
there that are doing this type of high-quality work deserve our business.
David Grant (EDC Magazine)