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Welcome to my Svord Peasant knife review, knife nuts!
In my quest to find the best and cheapest traditional or missionary-style folders, I've ended up with another friction folder—the Svord Peasant. I bought both the aluminum and synthetic-handled versions for reasons I could probably ramble about for 45 minutes if this were a video.
Let's dive in!
In This Article
- Pros and Cons
- Dimensions and Specs
- Design and Materials
- Handle and Ergonomics
- Action and Lock
- Pocket Predicament
- Comparison
- Video Review
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- The Svord Peasant is a friction folder that comes in both aluminum and polypropylene handle versions.
- It's got a 3-inch drop point blade made from Swedish 15N20 tool steel.
- The steel is tough but not wear-resistant, so you'll be sharpening more often.
- The polypropylene handle is more comfortable than the aluminum one.
- It's a non-locking knife that relies on friction and your grip to stay open.
- There's no pocket clip, so it's more of a folding knife than a pocket knife.
- It might make a decent cheap camp blade if you're into friction folders.
Pros and Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|
|
Numbers and Nonsense
Alright, let's break down these dimensions for this Svord Peasant knife review:
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 8.25" |
| Blade Length | 3.25" |
| Weight | 2.80 oz. |
| Blade Thickness | 0.08" |
| Blade Style | Drop Point |
| Blade Grind | Flat |
| Finish | Satin |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Handle Length | 5.25" |
| Handle Thickness | 0.65" |
| Handle Material | Wood |
| Knife Type | Manual |
| Lock Type | Friction |
| Country of Origin | New Zealand |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Opener | Flipper |
Steel Shenanigans and Design Deets
Our New Zealand-made friend sports a 3-ish inch drop-point blade in Swedish 15N20 tool steel. It's used in bandsaws and as a co-steel in Damascus mashup rap battles of history. It's not very wear-resistant, so you'll be sharpening more often, but it takes an easy edge, and it's tough. No, that doesn't mean you can pry with it, Einstein!
Handle Hullabaloo
Let's talk handles. They are large and make the blade look smaller than it is... I mean, the blades are only about 3 inches... but the handles are long.
Polypropylene Handle
The polypropylene handle is nice and comfortable. It's thick and without a lot of give. It has a little bit of texture on it, too, so as not to make it super slick, but it's still a little smooth. It sounds like I'm selling a laxative or cigarette.
Aluminum Handle
The aluminum-handled version, however... well, it ain't for me. It's super thin, and the handle bows inward as you grip it. I actually bought this one first and didn't like the handle much because it feels cheap. Plus, the blade rubs on the aluminum, too, when closed.
This brings up something else... the tip of the blade touches the rivet or screw near the back of the handle on both models. So, make sure you close it slowly to avoid a deformed edge over time near the tip. It seems they could add a metal or plastic rivet sleeve over the screws on the end to improve the flex near the back… and if it were plastic, well, it would save wear on the blade.
Both versions have a bump up top that might cause discomfort during heavy cutting. It doesn't bother me much and ain't sharp at all, nice and rounded. The aluminum handles version, while not sharp on the underside, may not be comfortable for long-term cutting like the plastic one.
Friction Folder Fiasco
No locks here, folks! It's all about friction, downward cutting force, and your grip. The plastic version has an adjustable brass screw pivot, while the aluminum's got rivets. One-handed opening? Sure, if you enjoy awkward finger gymnastics and potential cuts. Two hands are safer, but who needs safety when you can look cool, right?
Pocket Predicament
To me, a pocket knife needs a clip. This is more of a folding knife than a pocket knife. There's a hole in the tang, so maybe MacGyver something? The aluminum version might slip in your pocket, but the polypropylene's a bit bulky.
Knife Fight Club
Let's look at the competitors in this Svord Peasant knife review:
Higo no Kami
Another roughly finished piece. This handle has little to no flex compared to the aluminum-handled Peasant. But the blade grind is uneven, which is what you get for a handmade blade. The edge on the Peasant is also not even... so fans of the Benchmade Bugout might not notice! Hey-yo!
Benchmade Bugout
The Bugout is very light and durable, and costs quite a bit more. My edge grind was fine on the Bugout. It has a strong lockup and is a better all-around knife, personally—but not for the budget-conscious. And for fans of Crayola blue handles, the Peasant comes in all the colors of the rainbow.
Opinel No. 8
It's about the same price as the Peasant, and it locks. I prefer the Opinel to the Peasant; however, the Opinel wood handle does get harder to open and close when wet. If you use the Opinel in wet conditions often, buy the synthetic outdoor handle. Just know that that one costs about twice as much.
Video Review
The Final Slice on My Svord Peasant Knife Review
Honestly, if I had to pick a budget-friendly classic folder, it probably wouldn't be the Svord Peasant. There's nothing really wrong with it; I'm just not big on friction folders.
It might make a good cheap camp blade, though. It's light enough for a pack or car camping kit. The handle is comfortable, and it doesn't discolor as easily as the Opinel. But make sure you wipe it down after use to prevent rust.
