8 inch camp knife: options

Revolverrodger

Revolverrodger

Joined
Jul 23, 2007
Messages
3,878
Hello !
I am looking to purchase a solid 8 inch blade camp knife
I don't see many options in that blade length
I would need
- full tang
- cardon/ tool steel
Thank you for your lind suggestions
 
Go to Bark River's web site and start browsing, they have a gazillion different fixed blades in every shape and size. The Bravo 2 is right around 8" if I remember correctly but has more of a tacticool style. The handle of the Bravo 2 is incredible, and they're available in A2 or 3V steels.

If you want a lighter, but classy and traditionally styled, 8"ish knife, the Blackjack model 1-7 is super light and a great performer in A2 steel. I like the Blackjacks because of the hidden tang design, the carbon steel blades stay sharp and cut well but there is no exposed tang to rust from contact with my hand and sweat. Blackjack knives are made by Bark River. For the record, hidden tangs can be quite strong, provided that the knife is designed and built properly.
 
The Bravo 2 is a 7" kabar style knife. As a camp knife something like the original Hudson Bay might be better. Have a look at the Bark River suppliers to see if they have something in a style and size that appeals.

You might also want to check out whether Swamprat or Scrapyard are offering something in an 8" blade. Or just hold your breath for two weeks for the Busse Basic-8.
 
Kabar Becker BK-5

8" Trailing Point in 1095CroVan steel. Designed by Jerry Fisk and Ethan Becker.

Excellent camp knife, great slicer, and tough enough to handle moderate~hard chopping tasks.

And currently on sale at Coyle Outdoors for <$70.
 
TravisH said:
Kabar Becker BK-5

8" Trailing Point in 1095CroVan steel. Designed by Jerry Fisk and Ethan Becker.

Excellent camp knife, great slicer, and tough enough to handle moderate~hard chopping tasks.

And currently on sale at Coyle Outdoors for <$70.
Click to expand...

+1 This!

This is a Great Camp Knife, and Tate at Coyle outdoors is a Great guy and will definitely take care of you in any way he can!
http://www.coyleoutdoors.com/bk-5/

It says out of stock, but send him a PM, Dexwithers, see how he can help you.
 
To me, the Bark River Hudson Bay is as stereotypical of a camp knife as you can get.
 
I already have a Junglas that is excellent.
I'm in the market for a smaller more transportable chopper. I think 8 inch would be a good compromise.
I have looked at the BK5 but it's not my type of design.
Strange that there are not so many production options
 
Another Bark River knife to consider is the Canadian Camp II. It has an 8" blade in A2 tool steel, and unlike some of their other models, it has finger grooves on the handle.
 
I'd go an inch larger and get the BK9. I am not a big knife guy, but I was gifted one and have been impressed with it.
 
I'd tend to say that 7-8in length is a bit akward for camp knives. For chopping you want more length, where for most other camp related things you want less length for greater control and maneuverability. Eight inches could be pretty decent for batoning I'd suppose (I rarely try to split anything > ~ five/six inches), and could save you some length/weight if thats what you're thinking.

If it were me, I'd be going up a touch in size and getting a Becker BK9. Its my most used camping knife, and while its a pretty large knife, it is surprising how well it does with smaller knife tasks. Feathersticking and making tent poles are not a problem for me with it.

There is also the Condor Hudson bay (its just a bit under 8in IIRC).

And I'll second the other comments about checking with some custom makers, as for the price of something like the Junglas you should be able to get something in a basic carbon/tool steel very easily, with the added bonus that it will be exactly what you've always hoped and dreamed of :).

Good luck :).
 
TravisH said:
Kabar Becker BK-5

8" Trailing Point in 1095CroVan steel. Designed by Jerry Fisk and Ethan Becker.

Excellent camp knife, great slicer, and tough enough to handle moderate~hard chopping tasks.

And currently on sale at Coyle Outdoors for <$70.
Click to expand...

Another vote for the BK5. :thumbup:
 
Old Hickory 7" butcher knife. If interested, do a search on Youtube.

OH77.jpg
 
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