Description
Model NL1 Thor. It’s a strong chopper of world-class quality, where nothing has been spared to make the knife as strong, beautiful and comfortable as possible. The knife is a pleasure to look at and a thrill to use.
The laminated blade is forged with an edge of VG10W steel to which we have added tungsten (W). In general, the addition of tungsten means that the edge becomes substantially more solid and keeps the sharpness better, at least that is what our own tests have showed. And the sides are made of a tough, all-stainless 420J2 steel. This excellent combination of metals brings together all conceivable and desirable knife properties including resilience, resistance to torque and edge-durability all in a single blade. A 7 mm (0.28″) thick blade in itself would be strong enough for most tasks – with laminate technology one can expect an additional 20% strength in the form of resistance to bending, as compared to a solid VG10W blade.
Everyone who has used a chopper knows that it is designed for heavy use, which makes great demands on the blade and handle. Our handle consists of specially selected oxhide: sadly a material that is usually overlooked by manufacturers, but which gives a sure and rugged grip. It ages beautifully and as the years pass it acquires an attractive brown patina, and it is unaffected by oil and solvents and impervious to water. Dryness might cause small cracks on the handle but they disappear when the knife is put to use again.
We are persisting with the convex edge, since we consider this to be the ultimate combination of cutting performance and edge strength, and of course our NL1 Thor knife features this. Anyone who knows anything about knife making knows that such an edge can only be made by hand, and that’s why 99.99% of all knives don’t have that kind of edge. Knives in general are of course mass produced, where CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) robots and grinders shape the blades as best they can. The machines are loaded with stacks of blades so that production can go on 24 hours a day and the result is quite often really good – good knives at affordable quotes. However, if you want top-drawer strength, corrosion-resistance, edge durability and design, the machine hasn’t been made that can come even close to the craftsmanship of a trained, skilled knifesmith. Therefore, we take great pride in being able to present the first model in our Northern Lights Series – the NL1 Thor, well aware of that only the most quality-conscious will appreciate its assets. It felt natural to give this chopper the name of the Aesir’s strongest and most powerful god, the ruler of the Aesir’s domicile, Asgard, the strong, red-bearded god of thunder – Thor.
The knife comes with a black high quality leather sheath.
Read an objective review of the NL1 Thor: Best Bowie Knives of 2024, Tested (fieldandstream.com)
