View Full Version : Your knife for Bushcraft...
Hi there,
Thanks for reading my post.
Maybe this has been asked before, but I was wondering wich main knife you use for Bushcraft? I mean the knife you don't leave home without when you go into the woods......
For myself:
Knife : F1
Manufacturer: Fällkniven
Link: http://www.fallkniven.se/a1f1/f1_en.htm
Greetings,
Jeroen
This is mine:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/diabolik/sheathfront.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/diabolik/P1010009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/diabolik/P1010010.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/diabolik/P1010007.jpg
made by me, under the supurb guidence of Chris
Paganwolf
28-12-2004, 09:18
Heres mine, its a Bison custom, which incidently now has a little brother a smaller utility neck knife...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/jlamour1/knives.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/jlamour1/BBnew1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/jlamour1/bbanditwolf.jpg
My woodland knife:
http://hellzteeth.com/images/geneingram30.JPG
A Gene Ingram #30 Drop Point. The wood is spalted maple. I'll usually have either my small classic Sebenza or a BRKT Mini Canadian as backup.
Bison for me...still can't upload pics as digi isn't being all that great!
I also have an Allan Blade Bushcrafter, as featured in my avatar. Have a look at this (http://www.bushcraftuk.net/community/showthread.php?t=4229) thread. Scroll down for pics of it.
I also use a Northstar, which has done very well for me. You can see a pic of one here (http://66.147.225.206/index.php?cPath=3_152_5_140_31 2&osCsid=98abe636fcb5887920bfa87 dc0ad491a) . To find more info on it just do a Northstar search.
:biggthump
a mora, thought my F1 would go for trips
Probably this one:
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images9/osfgreenmicarta1b.jpg
Blade is 5/32" O1 with a tapered tang. Ground by Nick Wheeler. The scales are micarta and were mounted and sculpted by Jamie Knowlden (blademan). The sheath was done by Jamie Briggs. I don't own a better or more comfortable knife for heavy duty woodcraft.
Nightfall
28-12-2004, 15:29
Allan Blade Pack Pal for me.
This knife (http://riflestocks.tripod.com/pics32.html) is my preferred all-rounder. I hope to furnish some pictures taken using it in the field shortly.
ChrisKavanaugh
28-12-2004, 17:09
The trouble with this lot is we resemble the movie sight gag of Mad Max characters surrendering weapons at some checkpoint. My primary core emergency/ outdoors knife is also an F1 with a RSK-1 folder. I have several Moras scattered about my various emergency kits in reserve. They're inexpensive, razor sharp and make impromptu gifts to new friends on the trail in need. I also have an Inuit Ulu and Martindale machete for use as needed.
This is mine...
The Bison Bushcraft
http://img86.exs.cx/img86/3977/bb25db.jpg
Sorry guys, but i have serious respect fro the good old Frosts Mora in HC Steel. First came across one on a Woodlore course, I still use the first one i was issued with.
:super:
http://www.bearclawbushcraft.co.uk/images/trading/classicmora.jpg
Georgina gave me a Classic Mora for Christmas. They are light, strong, very sharp and cheap. IMO it makes an ideal Bushcraft knife. She bought it from Gary at Bearclaw Bushcraft (http://www.bearclawbushcraft.co.uk/trading/tools.htm)
tenbears10
28-12-2004, 19:13
This is mine, for now. I have a couple of new knives just arrived or on the way soon so it might be relegated from top spot. I will have to see how the new ones shape up.
http://img51.exs.cx/img51/5603/20040602image00456vu.jpg
It is a gene ingram 20b and I've had it nearly a year now. It's hardly worn in.
rapidboy
28-12-2004, 20:59
I tend to rotate these as EDC's but with the current anti knife feelings I'm thinking about carrying a folder as my EDC for a while and keeping these strictly for shooting and bushcraft duty but it seems such a shame not to use them.
(or perhaps working on a concealed carry sheath like Stuarts cross draw sheath)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/404_0409_1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/404_0407_1.jpg
I like the sheath and the balance of the Alan Wood but i prefer the blade shape of the Woodlore.
I just finished putting this together and when i get a sheath made i will carry it for a while to see how it performs.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/408_0896_1aa.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/rapidboy1/408_0888_1.jpg
Im still waiting for an OSF which i think could be the best of the bunch.
rb
rapidboy
29-12-2004, 00:49
Depends on the spec ,01 ,ATS-34 stainless ,S30V stainless ,stock removal , forged ,Grind height (1/3, 1/2, 2/3)?......
O1 with a tapered tang was around $60.
I have been waiting 6 month sand still no word so i dont know if or when i will get mine but they all look great.
RovingArcher
29-12-2004, 03:34
I have a few blades scattered throughout my gear. My most used is a BRKT NorthStar, but on occassion I also carry Frosts SwAK and a Mora 2000.
Sorry, no pics as I've lost the cable for my digicam...:cry:
I always take two of the following three:
Opinel;
Frost Mora;
Laap puuku.
Depends on the spec ,01 ,ATS-34 stainless ,S30V stainless ,stock removal , forged ,Grind height (1/3, 1/2, 2/3)?......
O1 with a tapered tang was around $60.
I have been waiting 6 month sand still no word so i dont know if or when i will get mine but they all look great.
$60?!?!?!? Thats like £32?!?!!?
Jake, if I'm not mistaken, that would be the price for just the blade. I have three OSF knives and the blanks were in the $40-$60 range. It was an incredible deal that Nick Wheeler provided and we were VERY lucky to get them. I think Nick will be selling his own version of a scandi ground full tang field knife very soon and based on the prototype that I've seen, it's quite a beauty. Schwert is testing them right now and if he stumbles across this thread, maybe he will post a pic. :-)
mojofilter
29-12-2004, 13:52
I generally use one of these knives for bushy purposes, which one depends on how I feel, but I am particularly fond of the classic mora!
http://img1.yoxio.com/img/125347.jpg (http://www.yoxio.com)
This knife (http://riflestocks.tripod.com/pics32.html) is my preferred all-rounder. I hope to furnish some pictures taken using it in the field shortly.
zambezi, that's a nice looking knife by Roger! He does great work. I have a little custom project going on with him right now and I'm pretty excited about it. It's a design I made up several years ago but never got around to completing, mainly because I suck at grinding. :lol: So I turned the project over to Roger and it's gonna happen! My design also has an exposed tang.
I don't think Roger will mind if I post a progress picture. The top blank is one I sent him that has been lying around far too long. :lol: The bottom is the one he is working on which he cut from S30V stock. The tang will be tapered and the blade will have a scandi grind. The exposed tang will be used primarily for scraping and will be around 0.080" thick. IIRC, the stock thickness is 5/32".
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images9/hoodoo_profile1.JPG
Hoodoo, I can certainly vouch for Roger's work and am well pleased with his faithful rendering of my design. In my case I wanted the hammer end of the tang to remain quite chunky [versatile] so Roger thinned the tang only slightly from 0.2 at the spine to 5/32 at the heel. [5mm and 4mm in new money]
I look forward to seeing your finished blade, and know you will not be disappointed.
I carry a Cold Steel Master Hunter as my main knife although I carry a small folder as well and a folding saw
SquirrelBoy
29-12-2004, 20:07
I have used a Frosts Mora (green handle) knife that I was issued on a Woodlore course - fantastic value for money (£10).It has a very thin blade which does flex a bit but has taken a good beating over the years ive had it.
I will be sporting my A.W. Woodlore soon as I get the time to go walkies...
Off topic:
I carry a Cold Steel Master Hunter as my main knife
Adi how do you get on with this knife as I bought one many moons ago and has sat idol in a drawer. In the pic its the top one for those wondering :biggthump
http://img61.exs.cx/img61/6844/coldsteelmasterhunter2mc.jpg
I love my CS Master Hunter! I just had a few tiny mods done to it. ;)
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images9/csmasterhunter1d.jpg
Another vote for the 5/32 OSF in O1. It sees more use than any other knife I own. Despite the higher grind, its edge refuses to bow. Nick Wheeler is a class act. I still have a spare OSF blade lying around that I need to finish.
But my 98' Woodlore really comes close ;)
http://www.xs4all.nl/~eraaij/woodlore_osf_fendels/osfwoodlore.jpg
Wow! I just remembered something. It was the blade of the CS Master Hunter that I used as a model for my Roger Linger Custom shown above. I really like that design.
SquirrelBoy
29-12-2004, 21:58
Hoodoo that CS Master Hunter looks great - can you tell me what you have done to it!
I guess you`ve cut the rubber handle off and made your own, also what have you done to the edge - is it a full flat now?
It has given me ideas on how to customise mine as I dont like the grind or the rubber handle. I have to agree on the shape though, tis sweet..
I`ll have to look up on how to make a leather sheath too :biggthump
Cheers!
Adi how do you get on with this knife as I bought one many moons ago and has sat idol in a drawer. In the pic its the top one for those wondering :biggthump
http://img61.exs.cx/img61/6844/coldsteelmasterhunter2mc.jpg
Yes mine is the top one as well. I bought mine when they first came out, back then they were considered the best bush knife around. It has been a good companion to me although it is a big lump of metal; I do only use it for the heaviest work though. It has a carbon steel blade which has been really hard to care for whilst in the field, you get rust spots in the mater of hours but the blade has a nice patina now.
I own a number of Frost Clipper Field knives and they are great utility knives.
I also own a couple of Brusletto knives.
Nigel, I sent that off to blademan (Jamie Knowlden) and he replaced the rubber handle with a coffin tang micarta handle. He also convexed the edge. I believe Chad did the same and when I saw Chad's, I just had to have mine done as well. Mine is AUS 8a steel, not Carbon V. Jamie does some incredible handles.
SquirrelBoy
30-12-2004, 11:54
Cheers Hoodoo, could well be a project in the making there :naughty:
I was at one point going to put it on here for sale - am glad I didnt as I really do like the shape of the blade, just didnt like the handle too much..
:biggthump
Steve1701D
31-12-2004, 02:27
More and more it's becoming one of these two,
http://www.hunt101.com/img/141671.JPG
Or a combo of these:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/Drivetech/BarkRiversRuckSAKOpinel1.jpg
The Bark Rivers hold an edge really well and get very sharp, the Helle just feels about perfect, and the Rucksak is handy as can be. I still have alot to learn about bushcraft, though. Up until a few years ago my choice would have been my Buck 119. A very cool knife, but not the best for bushcrafty stuff. For some reason, I think I'm starting to become addicted to scandi knives lately... :naughty:
Paganwolf
31-12-2004, 04:58
Addicted to scandi knives, i cant understand it :?: :naughty: :rolmao: mind you :shock:
More and more it's becoming one of these two,
http://www.hunt101.com/img/141671.JPG
Or a combo of these:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/Drivetech/BarkRiversRuckSAKOpinel1.jpg
The Bark Rivers hold an edge really well and get very sharp, the Helle just feels about perfect, and the Rucksak is handy as can be. I still have alot to learn about bushcraft, though. Up until a few years ago my choice would have been my Buck 119. A very cool knife, but not the best for bushcrafty stuff. For some reason, I think I'm starting to become addicted to scandi knives lately... :naughty:
Hi Steve,
I also have the Helle Fjellkniven & am really pleased with it. I will also use an Opinel No 8 :super:
Steve1701D
31-12-2004, 22:43
Hi Steve,
I also have the Helle Fjellkniven & am really pleased with it. I will also use an Opinel No 8 :super:
That Fjellkniven grows on me every time I use it. It's also my main kitchen knife at the moment, just to get a chance to use it more :wink: Only complaint is that the softer outer steel in the laminate scratches easily, but I got it to use, so I can live with it.
I also have a Helle Nying, but I haven't had the chance to use it very much. It's a nice size, unusual handle shape to it. I'll try to post a pic of mine once I get my new camera figured out.
Opinals are pretty cool, too! The one in the pic is a #9, and I have rounded the end of the handle off a bit. Developes a nice patina, and gets real sharp! I would like to drop the point someday when I get around to it!
Cheers Hoodoo, still thats pretty awesome for the price...:biggthump
I agree with my fellow Hoosier Steve that the Fjelkniven is an excellent knife. I've had the Helle Harding for years (same blade as the Fjelkniven) and I've always been impressed with how that short little scandi bevel bites into wood. I recently bought a Fjelkniven and am very impressed with how it fits in the hand although Iwill probably eventually round off the butt. Those laminated blades are not good for striking a ferro rod with the spine but I always keep something else handy for that so it's not a problem.
Here comes the barbarian... :D
I carry bigger & tougher blades, mainly because they offer a few more possibilities (splitting wood, chopping, and high energy batonning... for example...).
I also carry Moras or (more often) my F1 (which really is a favourite I admit).
http://www.davidmanise.com/img/blades.jpg
Left to right :
F1 -- very used... :)
Benchmade mini-afck -- My EDC
Swamp Rat Camp Tramp -- My all-time favourite blade... Top notch steel and incredible versatility. You can chop a small tree down AND skin a squirrel with that blade.
Becker Brute -- Too heavy, doesn't chop much better than the Camp Tramp... I don't carry that one in the bush very often. Still, it's one tough blade...
If I carry only ONE knife, it's the Camp Tramp.
Cheers,
David
Cheers Hoodoo, still thats pretty awesome for the price...:biggthump
Yup, with sheath and scales added, I don't have much over $100 in any of them. I think my stainless ats 34 was the most expensive.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images7/osfstainless1b.jpg
As you can tell, I will use any excuse to shameless post a pic of one of my osf knives. :wave:
rapidboy
02-01-2005, 17:10
Whats the scale material on that one Hoodoo ?
Red micarta. Blade is 1/8" ats34.
rapidboy
02-01-2005, 17:50
Thats one sweet blade
nice sheath too. Simple and elegant :super:
Rhapsody
02-01-2005, 18:47
I use a Fallkniven F1 and it's the most expensive bit of kit I own! I'm looking for a new knife soon, though, and I'm thinking of getting one of them there puukko type ones... Not that there's anything wrong with the F1, however... I just fancy a change. I also use a cheap army surplus Golok, which does me just fine for cutting up firewood and matches the rest of my cheap ex-army kit. Good kit is cheap kit, if you ask me, and living in what is traditionally an army town it's all over the place!
Hoodoo, did you rehandle the "Brute"?
As you can tell, I will use any excuse to shameless post a pic of one of my osf knives. :wave:
hear, hear:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~eraaij/osfats34.jpg
ATS 34, lignum vitae and 2/3 grind. :wave:
I'll repeat for both of those...sweet!
[QUOTE=Paganwolf]Heres mine, its a Bison custom, which incidently now has a little brother a smaller utility neck knife...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/jlamour1/knives.jpg
Paganwolf,
That's a nice neck knife, who's it by? Is it your own design?
Rob.
Hoodoo, did you rehandle the "Brute"?
Tahawk, I think you have the wrong guy. I do have a Brute though. Doesn't everybody? :lol:
i've been trying to find out if its still possible to get an OSF blade.. dont think it is though!
Paganwolf
03-01-2005, 01:19
RJP its a bison the same make as the big one, you can phone Bison up and get on the list for one, its a new one he is doing :wink: http://www.bisonbushcraft.co.uk
Hoodoo, did you rehandle the "Brute"?
Tahawk,
Yes, I removed the plastic slabs (slippery). I straight wrapped a layer of leather and added a paracord wrapping. This handle is indestructible and it gives a great yet comfortable grip. The only downside is that the paracord absorbs anything fluid, thus it's not great for skinning.
Cheers,
David
i've been waiting for a couple of years for my osf, or does it just feel like it??? :roll: :o):
cheers, and.
i've been trying to find out if its still possible to get an OSF blade.. dont think it is though!
Yeah but Nick's new bushcraft knife is a stunner. Prolly more pricey but we got Nick for the osf knife at a rock bottom price. He is incredible--and he's just a youngun. :shock:
Carcajou Garou
04-01-2005, 06:57
Randall #3, stag handle
Puma Hunter's Companion, stag handle
Puma Game Warden folder
GB hunter's Hatchet
Nick is rapidly becomming one of those that I look up to for guidance in better knife making. He has impressed me both in what I have seen online and from what I have heard him speak to me over the phone and email. He is, in my opinion, a real rising star. A star of which I hope to keep contact with.
RL
wow!!!!! you guys have a kings ransom in knife steel--- make that a couple of kings and a duke or two!! I have a technique for you guys doing your own handles and such. If theres a shop where you can get boat repair materials, try getting some epoxy clearcoat, [brush on], and to it add a little of that non-slip additive they use on boat decks, makes a nearly indestuctable coating,very good grip and works really great over paracord. I have been using it for years,have not found anything better.
Hi there, Thanks for reading my post.
Maybe this has been asked before, but I was wondering wich main knife you use for Bushcraft? I mean the knife you don't leave home without when you go into the woods......
For myself: Knife : F1 Manufacturer: Fällkniven
Link: http://www.fallkniven.se/a1f1/f1_en.htm
Greetings, Jeroen
I also use an F1 and an F1 (both customised), but these days I tend to grab my "old" Felleskap (blade by Trond on British Blades, handle and sheath by me).
I make the sheaths different these days though.
http://www.mamut.com/homepages/Norway/3/18/gjknives2/gjtrond01.jpg
At the Moment...
Knife: North Star
Manufacturer: Bark River (http://www.barkriverknifetool.com/)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/tomwhite101/DSCF0085.jpg
not a great photo...
do any of you guys make your own?. I will try to post picture of mine in a few days, its one of many i've made but I really would'nt call myself a knife maker. made it from old meat clever, [1930's], works well,[very], has multiple functions and like all the gear I make, as soon as I finished it, I found something on it that would be better if done differently, I really hate that sometimes!!!.
do any of you guys make your own?.
YES. the knife in second post in this thread was made by myself and numerous others after that were made by various members/owners
Gerd, does trond do full tangs?
he did a full tang model. The trouble is trond blades aren't made anymore IIRC sowe'll have to look elsewhere
TheViking
05-01-2005, 17:52
On Gerds site under the knife pictures, there are some Trond full tangs. Go into his site and click 'Kniver'. (the norwegian equivalent to Knives) :-)
Cool, i may just keep an eye out.
Gerd, does trond do full tangs?
Jake, he made the "Felleskap" blade for the guys on British Blades, but he will not be doing any more of them :cry: .
Very good blades!
C_Claycomb
06-01-2005, 22:23
Now for a slight departure from all these Scandis :roll: :lol:
http://freespace.virgin.net/en5chc.ky42420/Fowlerstyle.jpg
Blade is 5.75 inches of 5/32 O-1, and the guard extends about 0.75" from the ricasso. Though I am currently using a Swamp Rat Bog Dog (bottom-below), the above knife is my favorite of the knives I have made.
http://freespace.virgin.net/en5chc.ky42420/workingknives.jpg
I have had both knives do everything that I have wanted them to do in the field, from dressing game to carving spoons and fire sets to splitting wood.
Jury is still out on the Alan Blade Freelander, I have been unable to use it due to the handle size and section not suiting me, it just happens to be in shot with the Bog Dog :roll: .
The Rapid Response Folder has also been going bush with me and has been working out quite well despite its looks :-)
I have one or two to choose from but the one I reach for most is this.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/LJintheUK/blades/puranvarsi1.jpg
The blade is made by Puronvarsi, I got it from Brisa.fi the handle's curly birch. It's small and so light that I don't even notice it in it's neck sheath. It holds an edge well too. I did work down the tip slightly as it was a little too upswept for my taste but other than that an excellent blade.
In case you're interested the spoon is hawthorn that I roughed out this morning. It's not a tiny knife (75mm blade) it's just a big spoon as I have a big mouth :rolmao:
Celtic Dragon
08-01-2005, 17:50
This is mine, a blade blank from Texas Knife, finished off by me, thinking about getting a specific bush blade as the guard gets in the way, and the blade is a concave grind.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/verminhunter/DSC00067.JPG
I'm currently using either an A.W. Woodlore or a WS Woodlore with micarta handle. Neither getting much use at the moment but hopefully in the comming months that will change.
Brian
rapidboy
08-01-2005, 20:41
Brian ,any chance of a little review of the 2 knives.
Is there a big difference between them ?
Is the AW worth the wait and the extra dosh ?
I find my AW (not a woodlore) holds an edge slightly better than my WS Woodlore and it's also slightly better for casting sparks with a firesteel.
RB,
If you like I'll let you see the AW as you don't appear too far away from me. The AW is, as seen on previous posts, an extremely well made knife, you can certainly tell the difference in workmanship between the two (my WS had some marks on the blade and needed a bit of honing when it arrived). The handle of the AW is nicely shaped for my hand and is quite chunky where as the WS is a lot thinner(so if you have hands like shovels don't get the WS). I find the AW gives a better spark than the WS and holds its edge for longer, although neither knife have been used as much as I would like. The AW IMHO is worth both the wait and the cost . PM me if you want to see the AW up close (I'm away for two weeks fom monday but after that is OK).
Brian