Advice sought for my first CPK

somniloquist said:
Well folks, thanks to everyone's help here, I now have an FK2 enroute to me.
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Correct choice 👍🏻

Some love for the backside:
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I know that you originally said you wanted a slightly larger bladed knife but I think that you’ll find the FK2 is damn near perfect. It’s robust enough to baton wood and slicey enough for food prep. It’s balanced well and the ergonomics can’t be beat. If I could have only one woods/camping knife it would probably be a FK2.
 
gunslinger387 said:
I know that you originally said you wanted a slightly larger bladed knife but I think that you’ll find the FK2 is damn near perfect. It’s robust enough to baton wood and slicey enough for food prep. It’s balanced well and the ergonomics can’t be beat. If I could have only one woods/camping knife it would probably be a FK2.
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I am very happy to her this opinion! The FK2 seemed like it could do everything you mentioned and that makes it seem very appealing to me. I can't wait to get my hands on it.
 
somniloquist said:
Hi folks,

As the title states, I am looking to pick up my first CPK to see what they are all about. I have had good luck with most of my 3V knives in the past (with one notable exception) and I'm curious to see how the Delta heat treat compares to my production pieces.

I'm looking for something around 5" or so. I am a backcountry camper and canoeist and would like a decent sized but still relatively light knife to bring with me for wood processing, food prep and camp chores. I have a Busse BME2 that I love that serves as my big chopper and I'll probably stick with that for now for my "big" knife.

I've been doing some reading on the forum and the FK2 seems like it could be the right model for me. What do more experienced folks here think of that? Should I be considering any other models? You thoughts are most welcome. Thanks in advance!
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Depending on the amount of wood processing, the Kephart would be my choice, then the basic 5 field knife, then the field knife 2 (FK2). Why? Personal preference mostly. I like the Kephart's blade more and Nathan did the handle justice by keeping it slim and tall so it packs pretty flat. I dare say, it's become my favorite Kephart or Kephart inspired knife (Kephart style blade, different handle style). I use the CPK quite regularly around the kitchen as it spreads peanut butter and jam well and cuts the denser breads far better than a butter knife.

If I was doing more hard work, like wood processing, I would go after the handle on the field knives. It's thicker and more comfy for such uses.
 
Hi folks,

Just as a little addendum to this thread, my FK2 arrived and it is excellent. I get it now! If the design brief was to make a robust but packable knife, it seems like a big success. My big problem now is trying to decide which CPK will be my second. I'm thinking something a bit longer, maybe 6-7 inches.

The example I acquired shipped with terotuf scales which is an interesting material I have never tried before. It seems very grippy and has more exposed fibres than I have ever encountered with micarta or similar materials. I have to be honest, I'm not sure it's for me, at least not for this shorter sized knife. I think it could be an advantage for longer and heavier pieces though.

I was really hoping for burlap micarta and a fellow forumite made a very generous offer to send me a set to Canada for free. A big, big thanks to trevitrace trevitrace ! The scales really transformed the knife for me, both aesthetically and functionally. I can't wait to put it to work. I really appreciate his kindness and the kindness of others who offered their advice and helpful photos for me to choose.

So which one do I buy next??? 🤣
 
ferider said:
UF2 is still on sale (on Fri) and SDFK is starting. Just saying :)
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So those are the exact two that I am considering. I’m probably slightly in favour of the SDFK but chance seems like it could be the most important factor in that decision.

What do you guys think? SDFK seems like a sturdier, more chopper-like piece. UF looks to me more like a weapon that could also be used for camp chores. I’m not a tactical dude but I can’t deny the UF looks pretty sweet too…
 
somniloquist said:
So those are the exact two that I am considering. I’m probably slightly in favour of the SDFK but chance seems like it could be the most important factor in that decision.

What do you guys think? SDFK seems like a sturdier, more chopper-like piece. UF looks to me more like a weapon that could also be used for camp chores. I’m not a tactical dude but I can’t deny the UF looks pretty sweet too…
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Tough decisions. Buy both :) Myself, I'm still not sure if I'll go for the SDFK as I have the HDFK. The SDFK will make "clonk" on the floor when you go to the bathroom and it pulls your pants down. :) UF2 is only ~8oz and pretty much as thick as your FK2. Depends what you do when camping: firewood or steaks ?
 
ferider said:
Tough decisions. Buy both :) Myself, I'm still not sure if I'll go for the SDFK as I have the HDFK. The SDFK will make "clonk" on the floor when you go to the bathroom and it pulls your pants down. :) UF2 is only ~8oz and pretty much as thick as your FK2. Depends what you do when camping: firewood or steaks ?
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Ok I actually lolled at this. If I'm being honest, I process the wood to cook the steaks! Also, there's no bathroom floor where either of these knives will end up going...:D

I'm guessing the UF2 could probably take a few whacks from a baton though? The shape looks nimble and the weight sounds appealing. Hmmm...
 
somniloquist said:
Hi folks,

Just as a little addendum to this thread, my FK2 arrived and it is excellent. I get it now! If the design brief was to make a robust but packable knife, it seems like a big success. My big problem now is trying to decide which CPK will be my second. I'm thinking something a bit longer, maybe 6-7 inches.

The example I acquired shipped with terotuf scales which is an interesting material I have never tried before. It seems very grippy and has more exposed fibres than I have ever encountered with micarta or similar materials. I have to be honest, I'm not sure it's for me, at least not for this shorter sized knife. I think it could be an advantage for longer and heavier pieces though.

I was really hoping for burlap micarta and a fellow forumite made a very generous offer to send me a set to Canada for free. A big, big thanks to trevitrace trevitrace ! The scales really transformed the knife for me, both aesthetically and functionally. I can't wait to put it to work. I really appreciate his kindness and the kindness of others who offered their advice and helpful photos for me to choose.

So which one do I buy next??? 🤣
Click to expand...
I’d say buy a Behemoth Chopper if you can find one because they’re 6-7 inches, plus a few extra for shits and giggles.
FA061B0F-DD0B-4816-BC23-258C8ECEE8B3.jpeg
 
somniloquist said:
I'm guessing the UF2 could probably take a few whacks from a baton though?
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Sure. There is a swedge though.

Now, in my mind, forgetting about youtube videos, there are only two scenarios:

1) either: you have no firewood. Then you need a saw, and possibly a chopper or better an axe. Then you don't need a smaller knife (6" is small) to baton at all.
2) or: you have firewood. Then you baton for fire starters. Anything works, the longer the better. In our cabin, I have a dedicated 8" knife for that. With rubber handles (a SYKCO DS8), to please my sensitive hands 🤣

But, you do need to cook. At least I do .... no problem using an [SH]DFK for that, but the UF is a better meat cutter.

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And ... the UF is super portable if you have the right pants:

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