FKMD PARUS PREVIEW NEW RELEASE

Preview

Fox Knives, FKMD in Italy, have just released this amazing designed knife, The PARUS. There is a recapitulation of the large recurve section closest to the handle, which we have already seen in the very successful earlier models, such as: the FKMD TRAPPER (reviewed extensively by me) , FKMD TRAKKER, the FKMD Trapper 2 (also just released and reviewed by me). 

WHY is a recurved blade useful? Well, this recurve section forms a very practical function and can be explained by physics. The curve enables a greater contact area for cutting and slicing rounded objects such as small to medium sized: sticks, poles, ropes etc. It enables better "biting power" of the blade. To be honest recurved blades of course have been around for centuries!

The PARUS also features multiple grip positions, well placed finger choil, all combined into a very beefy 5mm/0.2 inch thick slab of N690 Cobalt martensitic stainless steel. 

Big thick (but not too thick! ie under 6mm) 5mm /0.2 inches, spine tapering to a well built swedge

I'm a real devotee of N690 and fact is, it is a very good stainless steel tool steel for making knives from. Good corrosion resistance and harden-ability heat treatment regimes make it a good choice for premium stainless steels. The FKMD Parus has a HRC of 58-60.

N690 Cobalt stainless tool steel

How is the balance of the FKMD PARUS?

The fulcrum is right at the choil for a well balanced knife. The "feel" is strong!

There is a big swedge up front but make no mistakes the chunk of steel under it is huge! This enables are very strong pointed knife.
The FKMD Parus is a knife built for the serious outdoors persons. In fact FKMD/Fox Knives are also selling it with a "survival kit" more on the latter later.


The N690 blade length is 7" to the hilt or 180mm in the metric, so this is not some huge chopper but a knife that is every sense a practical length. I would recommend a ceramic stick to sharpen this type of blade design, especially, the recurve section.

FKMD Parus showing multiple grip positions

My FKMD PARUS made short work of a green coconut!

Food preparation with the FKMD PARUS of such  large tropical fruits etc is no problem

The FKMD Parus also features Fox's ergonomic FORPRENE grip, no exposed tang to freeze your paws or to burn you in the desert. Forprene will resist all chemicals within a practical encounter, either urban or wilderness, without degrading.

How does it swing???

Well the FKMD Parus swings very fine! The knife geometry is well balanced and does not want to leave your hand when swinging this knife. That's not just due to the grippy nature of the handle but more importantly,  due to the weight distribution of the varying blade thicknesses. 

How about the sheath/carry system???

There is no disappointment when it comes to the carry system. I say carry system rather than sheath, as that's what it is, a "carry system"

Firstly there is a really cool easy to remove snap system, aided by a small plastic tab on the main knife retention snap. Gone are the days of frozen fingers trying to remove a stubborn snap. This is a great idea.

Secondly, the actual sheath itself is fully Molle compatible, front and back, well stitched and like the sheath of the PANABUS, the FKMD Parus sheath, one can also remove the belt strap via a quick release plastic buckle to enable the sheath (only) to be strapped to a pack or carried alternatively to on a belt.

A  big velcro belt loop enables the knife to mounted or removed from your belt without having to undo your belt, easy as.

Assisted opening of the main retention snap/strap on the FKMD PARUS, makes easy removal of the knife, especially if during cold weather.

Velcro belt loop, can also be easily removed via the quick release Fastex-type buckle.

Plenty of Molle loops for attachment of the "survival kit" if wanted or any other compatible pouch.

The weight of the FKMD PARUS is 342 grams (Approx. 12 Oz.) knife only and 486 grams (approx. 17 Oz.) with scabbard minus the supplied survival kit.

(WOW! That's basically 89 grams (approx. 3 Oz, less overall weight than competitor models). Less weight means going further and harder into the bush/wilderness and staying longer. That equals more fun!!!

Make no mistake the FKMD PARUS is one capable knife and the rest is up to the skills of the user.

As a "survival-type knife" I believe the FKMD Parus rocks! Let's see if my initial views based on usage over several weeks will reveal. Stay tuned to BushCampingTools for more info. Don't forget to check out my FaceBook page too.

Update!!!!!!!!!!! Here is my field review of the PARUS from FKMD

BCT

PS forgot to say the handle bolts are T15 torx socket heads. The tension of these bolts depends upon some stiction being set up by the Forprene. One could non-permanently Loctite them but probably not necessary.