Collector’ item means two things: pride of ownership based on the rarity of the product, and it means the product is overpriced given its actual performance value. In this case, I would say 120 euros overpriced.
The knife arrived quickly and reasonably well packaged, though given the price one would expect a wooden presentation box.
The first impression is stunningly good. A beautiful knife-sheath-ferro rod combo. The second impression was less favorable: sheath retention was so tight, it took serious force to pull the knife (and I am quite strong). After a couple of days trying to just stretch the sheath I gave up and wet-moulded the sheath to where it has good retention, but the knife can be drawn with one hand. Clearly this should not happen, given that Kasperi specializes in leather work: a disappointing start.
The second disappointment is aesthetic: out of the sheath the handle looks oversized, too bulky for the blade. Those are personal quibbles, of course. However, compared to direct competitors like the Casström Lars Fält, the LionSteel B40 or the Brisa Trooper 115 (see picture) I find this knife both the least aesthetically pleasing and the least convincing design.
But then: I am comparing to what I consider to be three of the very best comparable knives in the world. Coming in second to them is no shame. Using the Kasperi-Roselli for a while, I did come to appreciate its rugged design. I also appreciate Roselli in general, and this is a much better knife than their own full tang hunting knife.
At the end of the day, the knife was worth the money to me, though as a collector’s item, rather than an especially successful design. For those on a tighter budget: the same money will buy any two of the other knives I mentioned…
