A photo journal of my search for the right knife...

[Diomedes Industries]

Here is how it went for me.

First came a Muskratman Buscrafter:

I did not like the blade as it came with a micro bevel. The handle was very comfortable. I sold it and bought:

A Koster 1st generation Bushcrafter in CPM 3V. Handle slabs were too thin - but a very nice knife. I sold it and bought:

A second generation Koster Bushcrafter in Cocobolo and CPM 3V. I kept this for a long while - but eventually sold it when I got a 3rd generation Buscrafter. However, I bought this while I had the Koster:

Bark River Aurora. I loved this knife. Learned how to make leather sheaths and made a sheath or two for this - the sheath in the picture was one I made. However, as I bought other knives, I decided the blade was a little too long.

Once I started learning how to make sheaths - I started trading sheaths for steel with a few makers, and getting referrals from a few others.

I have owned a bunch of Walt Davis Knives. Many did not fit me - some did - some I loved but sold to fund other projects - here is a smattering of these knives:

Cont...

 

[Diomedes Industries]

I do have one Walt Knife that will likely not leave my hands for some time. A collaboration between him and I in Mesquite. It is the middle one in this lineup:

He is a great guy and has a great talent for knives. He often sends me multiple blades to chose from, I make sheaths for the rest and I keep what I want. How can I ask for more?

My search was still on however so I bought:

A Bark River Rampless Gunny. What a great knife. Nimble in the hand and did everything I wanted from it. However, I sold it due to the handle being a little too small for my hands. I am a fairly big guy - so I would recommend this knife to anyone. While I owned this I bought:

A Bark River Kephart Full Tang and Kephart Companion. I love both of these blades. I think that the Kephart is a little ugly - but it is one of the best knives I own. I love the companion when carried with the Kephart. I can see why Horace carried these blades.

I was still searching for a replacement for my Aurora and Gunny - so I bought:

A Bark River Knife Forums - Hiking and Camping Forum Knife. This was a special run of 30. I loved this blade so much (it is in G10) that I bought one in Desert Ironwood. These two knives are built on the Aurora platform - so they have the same handle - but a shorter blade, just under 4 inches. I love these two blades, and although I may part with one - I will not part with both.

However, I had just sold my Koster 2nd generation so I wanted another Scandi to take its place. So I bought:

and

A Koster Third Generation in 01 and a Koster Third Generation in Cocobolo (CPM 154 Stainless). Both sheaths are made by myself.


Along the way in this journey I have been able to handle many knives, either during passarounds - or making sheaths for them.

I was lucky to get my hands on some of Brian Andrews work - this is Rock 6's blade:

Here is a smattering of Fiddlebacks work. I will have my own design collaboration if Andy's talents soon. He is a great maker and takes care of his customers:

Cont...

 

[Diomedes Industries]

Here are a few passarounds I was lucky enough to be a part of:

This is a Stomper blade. It was not my speed - but I really admire his work. By a worker - for workers. I am loving more and more his designs as I see them. There may be one in my future if he keeps it up!

This is an NWA blade. Nicks work is superb. His designs do not fit my needs - but his work is so clean, so even, and so well executed that I would not hesitate to refer anyone to him. I love his temper lines.

So where does this leave me:

1) Extremely greatful to many people for all the advice and graciousness.

2) Still searching - but not for the perfect knife. Mostly just wanting to get my hands on more blades. I have a BH Bushcrafter set coming as well as a Spyderco. I have my favorite blades, and this will likely not change - I buy some - I sell some. I am lucky enough to afford them.

3) Happy to visit here every day and see what else may tease me.

TF

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Man--what a selection!!!

I'm jealous

 

[j williams]

Hey thats awesome TF..... Great lineup youve had. Ive really gone through a MASS quanity of blades too. However, no regrets, I have learned alot through working with several makers styles...

What no Laconico???? Tisk tisk...

Good stuff....Holla at me if you ever want to part with that G10 H&C BRKT....

I really like your horizontal/verticle leather. Looks really nice... :thumbup:

 

[XMP]

Great selection of knives, and your sheaths get better looking all the time. I covered a lot of the same ground myself. At the moment I'm going back and forth between a Bark River Gunny (likewise without the ramp) and the FT Kephart. I really like them both. The Kephart isn't great looking but it is an incredibly comfortable knife to use IMO.

I'm just sorry I missed out on the KF Hiking and Camping knife. It looks like a winner too.

 

[Diomedes Industries]

Thanks J. I have had a few offers on the H&C - there is one for sale at KF right now.

I have not had the joy to handle a Laconico with scales. I did handle this one a while back while making a sheath for it.

TF

 

[tonym]

Your too picky, but you have done your share to help out the ecconomy. Keep it!

 

[Mannlicher]

That horizontal sheath is the bomb :thumbup:

 

[Anrkst6973]

So much beautiful steel,wood and leather my keyboard needs a raincoat!

 

[pitdog]

Great stuff buddy, that made me smile ! At least you kinda keep to a theme unlike me who goes from one extreme to the other LOL !!!
I think you should try some of the ML Knives !!!!!

 

[coote]

Beautiful thanks. Your nice horizontal sheaths have inspired me.

 

[SouthernCross]

G'TF

...2) Still searching - but not for the perfect knife.....

If your no longer searching for your perfect knife, does that mean you have found it, or realised there is no such thing?


Kind regards
Mick

 

[myright]

G'TF



If your no longer searching for your perfect knife, does that mean you have found it, or realised there is no such thing?


Kind regards
Mick

After many knives bought and sold I've realized there is no such thing. I just love buying knives :thumbup:

 

[WalterDavis]

Dang TF! They say life's not about the destination, but the journey, and it looks like you're having a heck of a good trip Thanks for the good words:thumbup:

 

[Diomedes Industries]

G'TF



If your no longer searching for your perfect knife, does that mean you have found it, or realised there is no such thing?


Kind regards
Mick

GREAT question.

I think there is no such thing - for all jobs. All knives have their purpose / purposes.

I have to find the best knife for me - and I have found quite a few that fit the bill pretty well.

The top knives for me are:

1) Kephart FT - Simple and great knife. Ugly as sin, but works for everything I want it to. Isn't as thick as the H&C and is a little long.

2) Koster Bushcrafter. The one he made me in 01 is a dream. The CPM 154 is every bit as good but in stainless. Easy to sharpen, holds an edge great, and is a very hungry knife. It doesn't slice as well as the Kephart and you have to have a lot more control for fine work.

3) The H&C forum knife. Probably the best Barkie that fits my needs in the realm of thickness (Aurora style). I love that knife. It is sharp forever and does everything I ask. It isn't as hungry as the Koster.

4) The new Walt Davis Bushcrafter. It has one of the most comfortable handles I have held, is VERY nimble, and has a great blade. It isn't as hungry as the koster and it could be just a bit longer.


However, if you said to me that I had to choose one for the rest of my life, randomly -I wouldn't care about the outcome. I trust them all.


TF

 

[Raining]

There is a mini Aurora coming out soon. <4" blade in 3V.

Not sure about the dimensions compared to the H&C knife but sounds similar.

Excellent review. I really want to try a BRKT Kephart now.

 

[Rotte]

TF --

I have the impression that you have an optimal knife in mind. I get the sense you have specific characteristics in mind. That you may find a grail knife, that such a knife could just possibly exist. I admire your sense of purpose.

I'm afraid I'm somewhat the opposite: I'm a knife slut. I see a knife and think, "That could be useful, even if for just one night." No particular use in mind, or maybe a specific task in mind, e.g. shucking oysters.

I like the fact that in other threads a nice little debate got started about Wharnies being ideal for dressing game vs. knives with more belly. One task, different approaches. Same could be said for axe v. machete debates.

I think your approach suggests a more refined degree of craftsmanship. Mine, a sloppy exuberance. But there it is.

Good luck on your quest.

 

[ROCK6]

Well, I hope you never find the perfect knife...I think we all befefit from your endless search

I think it's truly an endless evolution for those that are cursed (or blessed) with an affection towards knives.

Thanks for sharing...now the post that needs to be created is: what blade are you cutting the turkey with?

ROCK6

 

[dboles]

Cool post.Very nice knives and some very fine leather work.I too am looking for a perfect blade although not at your speed,you sure had/have your hands on some beautiful blades.Lots of fun!- good hunting!!
Dan'l