BHK Boat Tail Scandi: A Review

paleojoe

paleojoe

Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
538
Hello everyone!

So I must confess. I often look and drool over Scandi blades.
The design, the history, the steels and grind, are all part of a tradition passed down through experience and use that appeals to me.

Among my Scandi blades, I've always been on the lookout for an excellent, smaller sized full-tang Scandi with enough belly to make the crossover into hunting without losing the tip control necessary for woodwork.

The BHK Boat Tail Scandi has fit that category well, and with excellent customer service to back it up.

med_1263240029-DSCN2541.JPG



Specs:
-1/8" thick 1095 carbon steel
- cutting edge of 3.25"
- handle length of 4.5"
- OAL of 7.75"

med_1263240300-DSCN2549.JPG
med_1263240319-DSCN2553.JPG


I ordered my blade in December 2009, very close to Christmas. In addition, being left-handed, I asked L.T. if I could get a left-handed sheath. His response was quick, he was eager to meet my request, and three days later, I had the blade and sheath in my hand.

I was very thankful, and promised to post a review once I put some hours in with it.:D

med_1263240343-DSCN2554.JPG


Since then, it has quickly become my daily go-to work blade. I have used it for countless hours of carving, cutting, slicing, and batoning. I've put it through sticky saps and wet wood. I've used it to make snacks and bone deer. I've used it to break down cardboard and open packages.

The zero-edge was expertly done. It cuts like a hungry Scandi should. Every movement easily cuts ribbons, hardwood and softwood alike. Every pass bites, no glancing whatsoever.

It works equally well for hard bushcraft and fine woodwork.
The 3" blade is not designed for chopping, or batoning large rounds, but it can hold its own with the toughest kindling, and I did not hold back in whacking it through a few very sticky, starchy pieces of fire-hardened Yucca. A quick rinse and it was clean, without being dulled at all, which put a smile on my face. I then took it to fresh Cypress, seasoned Cedar, seasoned Redwood, seasoned Birch, fire-hardened Cottonwood, and seasoned Madrone, no worries here. No rolling or noticeable micro-chips whatsoever.

med_1263241649-DSCN2582.JPG



More to come!!! :D
 
Style:
The look of the blade is what first caused me to double take.
The long handle appealed to my larger, wider-sized hands.
Being an avid woodcrafter, I could instantly see the variety of grips this allowed for.

med_1263241927-DSCN2551.JPG


The style holds the Scandi tradition in a very simple, tough and elegant package. Smooth lines, swept blade, straight spine.
I love the fact that the edge grind goes right up to the ricasso/handle.
This is especially useful for shaving cuts or close push cuts.

med_1263242200-DSCN2740.JPG


The long lanyard is a great choice, I won't be removing it. The way it is retained by the sheath band is very clever.
I may replace it for one a bit longer as it doesn't fit around my hand to hang off my wrist, which I think might be a good addition, especially as the term "Boat Tail' implies some maritime tasks, such as working with line, nets, or in a boat.
For this, I would like a lanyard to fit around my wrist, just for added security as it can get slimy and I'd hate to drop this beautiful knife! I know Davey Jones would definitely keep this one!:D

med_1263242358-DSCN2547.JPG


Steel:
I love the matte finish. This adds to the humble yet strong look.
The 1095 steel was a good choice on this one. Although it has a reputation for rust, this one is meant to be a tough user.
I'm of the mind that a tough belt knife should have a nice patina of wear.
In fact, the patina is what urges me to use it more! I could easily force a patina with mustard or vinegars, but I think I'll let this one go on its own.
The heat treat was spot-on and the edge is both strong and arrived sharp enough to shave hairs.
The BHK etched logo is wonderfully appealing.

The spine is very angular, and makes a great spark thrower for firesteels. It works equally well for shaving fine tinder. It is so angular that after an hour I noticed fine slices on my thumb from thumb push cuts on the spine. No worry, I used the spine for some sanding on a piece I was working and it toned the sharpness down and this wasn't an issue anymore.




More to come!!!! :D
 
Last edited:
Handle:
After many hours back-to-back, of carving and woodwork over the holidays, I have not had one instance of discomfort.
No hot spots, no chaffing, no cramping.
The bead-blasted black Micarta scales had a bluish look at first, but wears to a darker black look without the canvas patterning as easily visible as hand oils work in.
Combine the well-used look of the handle with some good use patina and you have a Scandi that is truly built for passing down to the grandchildren.

med_1263243437-DSCN2805.JPG


The handle slabs are very filling for how slightly thin they first appear. Most knife handles could always benefit from a little thickening, but as is, there's no major issue.

med_1263243209-DSCN2615.JPG


I love the rounded pommel, and the slight handle taper towards the ricasso for excellent choke control.

Sheath:
There's something about danglers for Scandi blades, isn't there? :D The choice of black leather is pure class. The fact that it can be reversed, tightening the nut, to have it be a swivel high ride belt sheath is another appeal. I think the retention strap for the lanyard knot on the knife is very clever and a simple remedy. It doesn't really need the added strap, the sheath is very snug and holds the knife upside down, with no sliding. The lanyard helps with the extraction as the sheath encloses a good amount of the handle for a firm grip.
A very well made, sleek sheath that beats many of the factory sheaths I have seen. :thumbup:

med_1263243530-DSCN2557.JPG
med_1263243664-DSCN2545.JPG



More to come!!!! :D
 
Bushcraft:
I used the BHK Boat Tail Scandi to carve a variety of Australian Aboriginal tools, pictured are: a few Atlatl spear throwers with flint blades, a flint blade knife, a couple bullroarers, and a bullroarer/atlatl thrower/bowl multitool.

med_1263244501-DSCN2765.JPG
med_1263234443-DSCN2587.JPG


It was very dexterous and quick in the hand, but solid enough to handle knots and hardwood grain with ease. It was easy to get a feel for, no initial 'feeling out' time. I went right to the task and the blade followed.

med_1263244557-DSCN2747.JPG
med_1263244609-DSCN2759.JPG


I used it to split firewood, like this sappy kindling.

med_1263244539-DSCN2743.JPG


I used it to tip drill. Although the blade tip may not be as pointed for this as say a Mora, it handled the job with no worries, and the slight drop point allowed for excellent penetration. The grind cross-shaved like a champ!

med_1263244720-DSCN2809.JPG


As said earlier, the spine is very angular and is useful for firesteels, sanding, or grating light tinder...




More to come!!! :D
 
Food Prep:
I used it to make sandwiches, finely slice veggies, and bone some deer meat off a nice leg a buddy gave me from a recent hunt.

med_1263245522-DSCN2794.JPG


The belly proved useful for game work, and would handle skinning, no worries.
The long handle for food prep and zero-edge again proved useful. The combination of upsweep and slight drop point make for a very versatile blade point.


Comparison:
A few comparison shots with a Fallkniven H1, and the Bark River Liten Bror.

med_1263245350-DSCN2536.JPG

med_1263245389-DSCN2540.JPG


Among the blades I own, the one that I find The BHK Boat Tail Scandi to be very akin to is the Fallkniven H1.
I’ve heard many times the want for a scaled down version of the H1. Slimmer, shorter in blade, and lighter.
In many ways, the BHK Boat Tail Scandi fills that role for me.
The blade itself shares some of the design attributes of the H1, but with a scandi grind instead of convex and of course different steel.
The handle, although different material from the H1, is very filling, and rivals the handle comfort of most of the 3" full-tang knives that I have handled.


Overall:
This was my first foray into Blind Horse Knives, and this knife speaks both of attention to detail and user demand.
It also displays simple, quality craftsmanship, while keeping the price reasonable.
This aspect is becoming very, very hard to find!
I would not hesitate in buying another Blind Horse Knife, and love the direction they are headed with their line!


Thanks BHK crew! :D


med_1263225755-Timo_Rush_sized.jpg
 
wow.. awesome review and pics Paleojoe...:thumbup: the boat tail scandi has surely become one of my favorite's as well.. the thing is crazy sharp.. i love it.. mine has been seeing a lot of use lately... :)
 
Thanks Mike!

Your pics were the ones that did me in!;)

Best 90$ I've spent on a knife!
 
VERY nice review paleojoe. :thumbup: Some good lookin' bushcraft projects too.

Jeff
 
Lovely blade and some very handsome carvings/projects you've done! This blade is pretty darn attractive to me, I feel certain I'll break down and get one within the next six months or so... Sad when you can predict that sort of thing!
 
PJ, I was going to do a review of this knife as well, but after reading this it seams like you stole all my thoughts on this knife. I mean word for word! Even down to the comparison with the H1. I love the H1 and always wanted a smaller version of it, and yes this is it!.:thumbup::thumbup:

I love the comparison pic next to the Liten Bohr, as I was thinking about that knife as well. But after that pic, I think the Liten Bohr's handle is too small in diameter for me.

BHK, hit a home run with this knife and I look forward to more of their offerings in scandi:thumbup:
 
Last edited:
The comparison shots REALLY help.

I think this would be the whittler to beat all whittlers around any camp and a very serviceable bushcraft blade.

Thanks,

TF
 
Good review. I've been hearing a lot about BHK, but haven't really looked at any. I guess I should pay a little more attention to them, now.
 
Thanks gents! They are indeed between batches but the new batch should be out real, real soon!:thumbup:


Also,

tonym said:
PJ, I was going to do a review of this knife as well, but after reading this it seams like you stole all my thoughts on this knife. I mean word for word! Even down to the comparison with the H1. I love the H1 and always wanted a smaller version of it, and yes this is it!.:thumbup::thumbup:

I love the comparison pic next to the Liten Bohr, as I was thinking about that knife as well. But after that pic, I think the Liten Bohr's handle is too small in diameter for me.

BHK, hit a home run with this knife and I look forward to more of their offerings in scandi:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Sorry brotha!:D Glad you noticed the same things I did on this one!

As for the Liten Bror, the slabs are thicker. The only real fault I find with the Liten Bror lies in the choke grip. The slabs are thick and have a steep drop at the ricasso instead of a slow taper, making the choke grip somewhat uncomfortable. The integrated guard makes it also somewhat restrictive. But otherwise it is a great general use bushcraft convex-scandi.:thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top