Best Kephart Knife?

kobold said:
I don't have any, but some time ago I compared a few and Bark River's had the thinnest stock IIRC.
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I noticed that too. Getting one is the probelm. Like some have said only the ones with bigger blades or handles not many tend to like are available. I'm really trying to get a wood handle on a knife like this, as I think it suits it. I tend to favour Walnut, which is prbably a good thing as its oftentimes not expensive!
 
gazz98 said:
Ah thanks. I searched for the BR Kephart and only saw the 5.3" one. One thing about BR knives, I have large hands and I find their handles are on the short side. YMMV.
I do own one BR, the Bravo 1.25 .

Actually, BR makes a mini kephart too. A little on the small side for me personally.
https://www.dlttrading.com/mini-kephart-3v-turquoise-acrylic-black-liners-928

Found the specs on the 4" BR Kephart. 4.25" blade length, handle about 4.69". That is a good size kephart.

I haven't read much on the Pathfinder knife but Dave C knows his stuff. If their HT is good on the 1095, that is a very reasonable price.
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Thanks. I agree with you. I love that 4.3" Bark River (BR) Kephart, just can't get one!
I was researching Dave C's/ BHK knives last night. They are beautiful looking knives with lots of character and good value too. The curly maple handles are gorgeous! He made a Kephart also. I saw a video on Your Tube where a guy compared it to the LT Genesis. Genesis may of had the ergonomic edge, but again, the wood handle on Daves knife... Ahhh... I'll have to see what comes up I guess.

I have an 4" OKC Bird and Small Game #7024 (Kephart). Personally I think its a great knife dimenstions wise. I love the fact it has a long walnut handle. It feels fantastic in the hand - it really fills your hand and the rectangular shape give good control, especially for dressing game. I'm not sure how good the handle would be as a bushcrafter, as I havent tried it. Many swear by the 'broomstick' shape with slightly flat sides, but I havent tried one yet, but I want too. The blade is only about 2mm thick and its FFG. Of course like the Condor Kephart, its a cheap knife and the 1095 gave 'OK' edge retention, but it sharpens easily.
 
In Edwards Opinion said:
Point taken, but did you read my post or just the title? Firstly everyones best is different. Thats why I accentuated 'best' (in quotation marks). This is also why I specifically shared the things I find that make the 'best' Kephart knife. After all I'm the one buying it. Its just my opinion, but I am also asking others as they may show me somthing I havent seen yet or offer further ideas. If I knew what the best Kephart knife was I probably wouldn't be posting this thread. I agree that the LT model is a good exmaple. I do not agree that the BKT is. This is because Kephart used a 4-4.3" blade, not a 5+ inch blade. I also personally do not like the flared guards, the thicker blade stock and the recessed bolts holding the handle on the BKT for reasons mentioned above.
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I actually did read your full post which is why I put my "best" in quotation marks too.

If you notice when you look at specific models stating they are a Kephart style they all look different. If you are looking for the closest to what the original knife looked like the the Kabar/Becker is the closest I have seen. But most knives calling themselves "Kephart" Knife fit an overall general description which is why it is a loaded or difficult question. Since you just asked for the "best" kephart knife, what is the "best" you are looking for? Best match to the original knife or the best overall quality or the best from the ones you have listed?
 
i know you said you do not like the flared guards of the BKT, but it may one thing that may be considered with the other models you are looking at, meaning do the handles have enough contours or shaped well enough where it will sit in the hand well and not move while working? Not finger grooves which I dislike, but shaped to fit the contours of the hand naturally, or comfortably in different grips. It is a working knife, so the handle shape is important. i found that while I like the LTW broomstick handle, it Is after all neutral by being more rounded, I do wish it was slightly contoured more, to feel more natural in my grip, with better control. I do like being able grab it closer to the front with my thumb, choke up I guess.
 
Another LTWK fan of the Bushcrafter HC.. But to be real honest.. I do ZERO Bushcrafting stuff.. I just use it as I would do as any other FB knife.. Hope that makes sense..😎
John ✌️
 
In Edwards Opinion said:
Hi. I agree with and noticed everything you said. The LTWK isn't just an expensive knife, you actually seem to get a very good product. I think the handle is the longest of the bunch and arguably the best shape ('flatish broomstick'). I like it very much, but I just wanted to explore some more options first.
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If LTWK would do a run of the Genesis in 3/32" CPM 3V or CPM Cruwear, I'd hit the BUY IT button like an epileptic bongo player.
 
mmyron1 said:
I actually did read your full post which is why I put my "best" in quotation marks too.

If you notice when you look at specific models stating they are a Kephart style they all look different. If you are looking for the closest to what the original knife looked like the the Kabar/Becker is the closest I have seen. But most knives calling themselves "Kephart" Knife fit an overall general description which is why it is a loaded or difficult question. Since you just asked for the "best" kephart knife, what is the "best" you are looking for? Best match to the original knife or the best overall quality or the best from the ones you have listed?
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I think we are going around in circles here, Bud. Not a fan of the KA-Bar, for reasons stated. Yes many of the Kepharts vary in their features, but they follow a similar design. Looking a version of the Kephart based on the criteria/ features I gave and have come to appreciate after 46 years of knife collecting, use and listening to others. Not saying this is the best Kaphart for everyone, but so far and in my opinion, I have found it to be the 'best' for me.
 
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cbach8tw said:
i know you said you do not like the flared guards of the BKT, but it may one thing that may be considered with the other models you are looking at, meaning do the handles have enough contours or shaped well enough where it will sit in the hand well and not move while working? Not finger grooves which I dislike, but shaped to fit the contours of the hand naturally, or comfortably in different grips. It is a working knife, so the handle shape is important. i found that while I like the LTW broomstick handle, it Is after all neutral by being more rounded, I do wish it was slightly contoured more, to feel more natural in my grip, with better control. I do like being able grab it closer to the front with my thumb, choke up I guess.
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You make some good points here. From what I have read, seen and experienced a broomstick shaped handle that is to some extent flat on the sides makes the 'best' handle for a classic Bushcraft Kephart knive. Similar to the ancient Puukkos, less was more. These make excellent work only knives as there is so much fine control without a guard, but use to fit the bill for everything in the old days I read.

Also knives with flat sided handles give more control. I've found this more so with dressing game and utility tasks, but I see no reason it should be applicable with Bushcraft, and by looking at old Kepharts. In fact I was surprised to see a picture of the LT Wright Genesis showing it too has flat shaped sides, albeit they are subtle (its hard to see in You Tube videos sometimes). People have also spoken about the length and how it sits in the end of the palm. I dont recall this but I do know I like a generous handle on most of my knives, save say a Gentlemans folder. Too many mnaufaturers make handles that are too short, but thats changing.

Point taken on contoured handles too - they are great! The LT Wright Outback has this, its a 'border patrol handle shape', as Randall knives refers to it. I have a Terava' Jakkari-Puukko 110 from Verastelleka and the handle is fantastic! Are you aware of it? IMO, this is the best handle there is as an all rounder I have used so far. I mean as a work knife that can be used even for defense or hard use. I would call it the 'best' tactcial bushcraft design.

But for this Kephart I just want a classic 'broomstick shape' as so many swear by for sheer working use, like carving. In fact I am even wondering if the guard on the LT Genesis will 'get in the way', although I'd prefer it, as you never know what you may need to do with it. As my OKC 7024 Fish aand Small Game (Kephart) arived with a chipped spine, I am thinking of grinding off the lower guard too see how it performs - I will call this the 'Western version of the ancient Puukko!' lol..

I've been on a bit of a traditional knife binge in the past 6 months. I have this OKC 7024 is still a great knife. I highly recommend it, especially if you have large hands. Its a beautiful knife and its cheap too. I also just brought 2 Green River Knives the wife isn't happy about, a 1924 J. Russell Fish/ Hunting Knife and an 1830's Belt Knife 2212 (see below respectively). Thanks to everyone for all the tips. I think I will aim for an LT Wright or a Bark River, which ever comes up first. Both great knives!

Cheers,
Eddy



...For those interested and as mentioned above, here are some of my (new) classic styled knives.


1924 Ontario 5.5" Knife Hunter #7026 (Remake of the classic butcher knives men first sheathed for use in the field!); and 4" Ontario Knife Fish and Small Game #7024 (Kephart). Pics of my actual knives.
iCst1yyl.jpg





1800's (Not sure what year?? Some have said 1830. If anyone knows please advise?) J. Russell (Green River Knife Works remake) Fish/ Hunting Knife (Not my pic, but on its way). Note America's oldest knife company, and still in existence!
M49RG1pl.jpg





1830 J. Russell (Green River Knife Works remake) Belt Knife #2212 (Not my pic, but on its way)
SaeKuyml.jpg





Contemporary Terava' Jakkari-Puukko #110 4.3" and #140 5.5". (Pics of my actual knives).
g3imn1Rl.jpg




Not my actual knife pictured here. It is a 4.3" #110 on Verastellekas site, Finland. Note 'border patrol handle shape'
Lc5oxx5l.jpg
 
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Sounds like the OKC fish knife is perfect for you.

My issue with Kephart knives in general is that people want to make them “perfect” by deviating from the pattern but still want to call it a Kephart.

The Kephart is a specific knife that was offered in 2 lengths. It is not a general pattern. It has specific features one of them is the flaired scales.

Not saying you should not have the knife you want. Just that it won’t be a Kephart. The title of your thread is the reason for the responses you’ve received

The only perfect Kephart is the unused original one Ethan has. As close as possible to the original design is close to perfect. Any knives with “Improvements” or that deviate from that original design are at best modified Kepharts or not Kepharts at all.
 
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eveled said:
Sounds like the OKC fish knife is perfect for you.

My issue with Kephart knives in general is that people want to make them “perfect” by deviating from the pattern but still want to call it a Kephart.

The Kephart is a specific knife that was offered in 2 lengths. It is not a general pattern. It has specific features one of them is the flaired scales.

Not saying you should not have the knife you want. Just that it won’t be a Kephart. The title of your thread is the reason for the responses you’ve received

The only perfect Kephart is the unused original one Ethan has. As close as possible to the original design is close to perfect. Any “Improvements” or deviation from that design are at best modified Kepharts or not Kepharts at all.
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Oh, and how is that? But the OKC #7024 is not "perfect for me" for reasons I mentioned above? As I said, and again for just you - it lacks a broomstick handle needed for fine work.

And I am not trying to "make the original Kephart anything", bud. Sorry you felt that way. But I was trying to find a knife that meets my needs, as stated along the lines of a Kephart and choose a Kephart. Afterall this is what the manufacturers refer to them as, 'Kepharts'. What would you have suggested I wrote? "Here is a USMC KA-Bar now I want a Kephart styled knife?"

As you want to be so precise here, you are incorrect. Kepharts' knife, I mean the one he actually used was 4-4.3" blade, I know that for sure after reading many reptuable sources. Aside form this, anyone with any knife use here knows there no control with a 5.5" Kephart (blade = palm width principle). So I'm not interested in other 'Kepharts', especially to further confuse the issue.

Others have also questioned whether they had flared guards on the Kephart, most knives then did not. I think K-Bar put these on as a selling gimmick. I dont believe the models shown is the only Kephart in existence, as its not even a Kephart, with old man and nice soothing 'buy me now please' music playing in the background or not.

Furthermore and if you want to split hairs here and wage an attack on a newcommer willing to discuss the intracaies of a working blade, you stated...

"Not saying you should not have the knife you want. Just that it won’t be a Kephart. "title of your thread is the reason for the responses you’ve received"

In that case buddy you better contact PKS, Essee, Bark River, LT Wright, OKC, Condor and many others and tell them not to call their knife a Kephart as its not, according to you. And while your at it KA-Bar too. As Kephart did not ise a 5.5" blade.

And I also what response(s) have I received? Maybe you are just a 'glass half full' knida guy. Not sure. I recieved one from someone who cant read what I say, or doesnt want too. They guy who just liked yur post. After I explained myself? Twice? I fail to see how is this my fault? Sorry if this upset you too, great one.
 
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I didn’t wage an attack on you. I’m trying to educate you and help you.

Your title invites controversy. Maybe that’s what you want. IDK.

Im putting you on my ignore list. I don’t need your attitude.
 
Warning issued for Insults/Rude Behavior
eveled said:
I didn’t wage an attack on you. I’m trying to educate you and help you.

Your title invites controversy. Maybe that’s what you want. IDK.

Im putting you on my ignore list. I don’t need your attitude.
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I'm "inviting controversy? And what attidtude??" How dare you! False claims. And I'd be concerned if I was thinking along those lines if I were you. And I say this to help you! So speak for yourself.

YOU started on me! After your buddy, who I explained my rational too 3 times and he was still going, lol... And since when were facts or discussion an 'attitude problem', or more so 'my opinions'? Or are we all suppose to cow taow and shut up when you chime in? You should be thankful you have members who have the courage to think ouside the box. Its a free country, you know.

I stated my topic from the start, even giving examples. I also had the guts to elaborate on them with discussion. Maybe this what angers you. Blind Freddy could see what I was asking. And thanks, but I dont need 'your education' on this one.

I'm certainly open to constructive criticism, but I dont appreciate pretense and I certainly dont accept malicious accusations. From anyone.

Besides your already on my ignore list. Never liked bullies, especially manipulative and cowardly ones with power.
 
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This is JK's pocket Kephart. Great design and feel, the full sized one is really nice and you can customize it any way you want. Longer handle? Done, longer blade? Done. 3/32's no problem. This one is 3/32's 01 with Osage.
PX8DP71.jpg
 
Just rewatched Dave Canterbury, I always enjoyed his take on outdoors and survival. Don't have to have the best or most expensive gear as long as it works. Anyway he uses a Condor Kephart that looked pretty sweet. And for under $50 in some places it's hard to complain.
 
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