5.5" Green Beret - Camp knife chores

M

machine26

Joined
Sep 3, 2009
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Chris Reeve Green Beret 5.5"

I've owned the CRK GB for a few years now, it's always been one of my favorite blades to use. It's a military style knife and there aren't many "bushcrafty" reviews of the GB are out there, so why not do one.

Here is a pic of it compared to the Becker Camp Magnum just for size reference.
gbbk5.jpg



First up as always, chopping. It is a fighting knife, not a camp knife so it's not really designed to be used for chopping. It isn't all that great at it, as everyone probably suspects, but it's passable. This is after 20 chops.
gbchop.jpg



It's a very comfortable knife to use for extended periods, takes a great edge and is light/nimble in the hand so it works great for carving. I could use this knife all day comfortably.
gbtrap.jpg


gbspear.jpg



One of the grips I use while carving trap parts. Turns out that knees don't make the best tripods.
gbcarvegrip.jpg



The serrations don't get in the way of making feather sticks.
gbfeatherstick.jpg



I used it for batonning. Went through knots with the plain edge and serrations, no damage done.
gbbaton.jpg


gbbatonpile.jpg



Processing fatlighter stump.
gbfatlighter1.jpg


gbfatlighter2.jpg



Conclusion: The CRK GB is a great all around knife. It isn't the best chopper but it's a joy to use for carving and other regular camp cutting tasks. The ergonomic handle fits my hand well and doesn't cause undue fatigue. I would recommend the GB if you're looking for a good all around camp knife.
 
It's nice to see this review of what I believe to be a very nice line of knives. I've had my professional Soldiers knife on my hip for almost three years everyday.... Never had any kind of issue with it. It cuts things, opens doors, cleans out deer, holds an edge very well, etc... etc... I've seen some rather questionable videos pretty much damning anything by Chris Reeve. Probably resulting in loss of sales for them. It's really a shame. I'll attest that at least in my experience they are quality knives that can withstand some unorthodox use - speaking from experience here.

Nice review Machine26!!! and nice knife!!!
 
By the way, if I were still active duty, I would be carrying a 7" version of the Green Beret. Really don't have a need for a military type knife at this point, but.... Just sayin.
 
Glad yall enjoyed it :thumbup: . I did this review this past friday I think it was, today I put my mountaineer 1 to use so keep an eye out for that.
 
tiogatires said:
I've seen some rather questionable videos pretty much damning anything by Chris Reeve. Probably resulting in loss of sales for them. It's really a shame. I'll attest that at least in my experience they are quality knives that can withstand some unorthodox use - speaking from experience here.
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I doubt much loss of sales. During this same period, they had to expand production facilities. :)
 
Great review. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

I have only handled the GB in the shop....it feels so good! I am not a big fixed blade guy, but if funds allow I would not hesitate to get one. There just something about how it melts in the hand. Give credit to Bill Harsey for that IMO. I watch the CRK DVD where he talks about knives, damn that man can draw and sketch a damn fine knife before he even starts to do any machining. Then credit for Chris Reeve for producing such a fine knife.
 
I just got a 7", and plan to give it a try camping this summer. It is my first Reeve knife and so far I am impressed.
 
Marthinus> You're right about Harsey, every knife he's designed that I've used/held felt great.

High Gear> CRK's wont disappoint that's for sure. Feel free to post pics of your new knife.
 
Great review Machine26. Well done and lots of good pictures. :thumbup: :thumbup:

I use my 7" Green Beret for everything you do and it is my camp building tool of choice. I do find the extra blade length and the little bit more blade weight "out front" does indeed help when chopping, which I tend to do quite a bit of. So I have never had any complaints in that department with my 7".

Because I do a bit of chopping with the knife and have rather large hands I have tightly wrapped the rear 2/3 of the handle with paracord, which gives me some extra diameter to the handle as well as a comfortable "cushion" for my hand when chopping. My paracord wrap goes from the rear of the handle right up to the point where the retaining strap of the sheath covers the handle. I love the way it feels and fits my hand.

The Green Beret is a great camp building tool and is just plain fun to use. While the selection of 7" or 5.5" is a personal preference I don't think either is a wrong choice. It's a fine tool all around. :)
 
Desert Hermit said:
Great review Machine26. Well done and lots of good pictures. :thumbup: :thumbup:

I use my 7" Green Beret for everything you do and it is my camp building tool of choice. I do find the extra blade length and the little bit more blade weight "out front" does indeed help when chopping, which I tend to do quite a bit of. So I have never had any complaints in that department with my 7".

Because I do a bit of chopping with the knife and have rather large hands I have tightly wrapped the rear 2/3 of the handle with paracord, which gives me some extra diameter to the handle as well as a comfortable "cushion" for my hand when chopping. My paracord wrap goes from the rear of the handle right up to the point where the retaining strap of the sheath covers the handle. I love the way it feels and fits my hand.

The Green Beret is a great camp building tool and is just plain fun to use. While the selection of 7" or 5.5" is a personal preference I don't think either is a wrong choice. It's a fine tool all around. :)
Click to expand...


Thanks Desert.

I miss my GB, been thinking about replacing it with a 7" GB or Pacific.
 
I have Both The 7 inch and 5.5 I trust Both I have Had them 4+ Years now No issues trusted them when I bought them and I trust them now. I Don't put stock in videos that I believe have a agenda especially when they compare tool steel to non tool steel they are different. Its like comparing apples and oranges both are fruit both are round but different. really enjoyed your review Great job.
 
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