The Explorer is Flexcut’s take on the classic Scandinavian puukko knife. This versatile little fixed blade with its razor-sharp scandi-ground 1095 has a traditional shape, while the handle is a bit less so. It is from a polished canvas micarta with modern contouring as opposed to the more rounded or even cone shaped handles of traditional examples.
Flexcut (www.flexcut.com) is most well known for their wood-carving tools, but they launched a line of 4 knives, known as the Hawthorne Collection, this past year.
Knife Magazine Staff Correspondent Steven Masello wrote about the Hawthorne Collection in the January 2019 issue of Knife Magazine, and reviewed the Flexcut Nomad from the series in particular.
Premium Online Members can see the complete January 2019 issue, as well as the entire archive library of Knife Magazine (2015-present) and Knife World (1975-2015 though we only have back to 2004 uploaded so far). You will find complete issues from our archive under “The Vault” tab at the top of the page, or you can just click this link.
Since we are giving away the Flexcut Explorer today (7/29 – Day 59), we have moved Steven’s article to the free side of the website, and it can be viewed below. Just click the box below to see this article as it was published in Knife Magazine!
If you want to win the Explorer or other knives from our 100 Days Giveaway, you must Register for a free account, and leave a comment on our official contest thread (here)
You can learn what Flexcut feels is important about the knife by watching this short video:
As you can see in the video, the Explorer has a finer tip than most “bush” knives. Combined with the scandi-grind, Flexcut’s origins as a woodcarving-tool maker shows through. This thing seems capable of some pretty fine detail work.
Specs: as provided by Flexcut
- Steel: 1095, black oxide finish, 56-58HRC
- Blade Length: 3 7/8″
- OAL: 8 3/8″
- Thickness: .0118″
- Weight: 4.2 oz
- Fasteners: Stainless Torx
- Sheath- Leather
- Handle: OD Green Micarta
Personal Observations:
The fit and finish on this knife are excellent. For example, plunge-lines are not the greatest of concerns on a woodcarving tool, but the folks doing the grinding at Flexcut nail them on the Explorer. Better than many respected production companies.
The Ergonomics are great, with the handle filling my medium sized hand with length to spare. No hot spots are obvious from handling the knife, though I obviously couldn’t test the knife appropriately since it is going to be given away.
I really like the Flexcut detailing in the stainless handle fasteners. A nice touch, and something I don’t often see.
For more information on the Explorer, visit: https://www.flexcut.com/home/product/explorer