Stiga Kjell Johannson
Blade description:
This classic Stiga Kjell Johansson is an all-wood offensive blade from the 1970s. It is recognized for its distinct conic handle, which bridges the feel of flared and straight grips to provide a comfortable, relaxed, and ergonomic fit for the hand.
Playing Characteristics
- Performance: Classified as an all-round blade, it offers a delicate touch for precise short-game play while maintaining explosive reserves for aggressive hitting. It is particularly effective for looping from short- to mid-distance.
- Feel and Feedback: The blade provides above-average vibration, offering high levels of feedback that allow for a nuanced feel during rallies.
- Sweet Spot: The sweet spot is medium-sized, demanding accurate timing and high precision from the player. It is less forgiving than modern equivalents, favoring those with refined technique and sound footwork.
- Speed and Pairing: While considered medium-slow by modern standards, its performance increases significantly when paired with harder, tensioned rubbers. The blade’s composition remains highly functional for contemporary play, provided the rubber choice compensates for the larger ball era.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — August 2022
I bought this blade 40 years ago, and it is still a very good blade now. Its sealed wood construction protects it from splintering. The blade has a medium-slow speed, but combining it with tensor rubbers makes it fast enough to win points. Its conic handle is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to hold. These blades are becoming rare to find in good condition. It has above-average vibration and a medium sweet spot. This blade is an excellent all-around choice for collectors or players who appreciate the feel of older Stiga blades. My first Stiga blade, purchased in 1973, had BTY Plous rubber if anyone remembers that. It’s saddening to see manufacturers discontinue the conic grip, which was a cross between flared and straight handles. With the larger ball, using a tensor with a harder sponge is recommended unless you are a beginner. This timeless classic is worth every cent.
#2 — November 2020
Hi, I have started back playing TT and I am using a Stiga Clipper with the KJ conic handle.
Would love to have a back up.
Is this blade for sale?
Thanks, Gary Fagan.
#3 — December 2016
When I first started playing table tennis around 1980, I used a second-hand Stiga Kjell Johanson blade with Mark V 2.0 rubbers on both sides. It possessed an unsurpassed fit and a conic handle that provided an exceptional feeling of control while maintaining a relaxed grip. The Kjell Johanson belonged to the “Offensive” family line, sharing similarities with the “Stellan Bengtsson” blade but with a distinct handle shape. Both blades offered a delicate touch and explosive power, allowing for both aggressive and short- to mid-distance looping play.
However, precise timing and footwork were crucial for optimal performance with this blade. While the current Offensive Classic may have a larger sweet spot, the original Kjell Johanson demanded precision, which ultimately contributed to my technical development.
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