Burnside Jack, comments and/or opinions....

G

george c

Joined
Jan 26, 2013
Messages
66
Hi Folks,

Yes, back again. I keep telling myself no more knives!!!

I received a #72 a few days ago and have a #73 headed my way.

Since the Burnside Jack was introduced I've come close on several occasions to buying one. But, haven't. It sure is a terrific looking knife...and, I like the least expensive model, the Pioneer Bone version. It looks really "cool" as kids might say. A nice shape and an interesting blade type (I know little or nothing about blade types and styles). Also, like how the name is on the blade and the "rough or unfinished" part at the top.

As I best remember, I've only seen one post about this knife.

As always, will greatly appreciate your sage comments and opinions.

Regards,

George
 
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I bought 2. One to use one to hold back. One is pioneer bone the other is the green camel bone. I love the looks but never carry em. I always have my Sodbuster on me. I hate just letting the Burnside sit in used but so it goes.
 
I've been carrying mine and using it since day 1. I love it.

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I need to take some updated pictures, but I too have carried it almost exclusively since day one. It is strong, well put together, and really wants to be used. The quality is top notch. If it strikes your fancy, pull the trigger, you won't be disappointed!

Here is a pic from a few weeks ago
 
I bought one in stag, and absolutely love its rugged looks. I am in the process of deciding whether to carry it, or keep it pristine!
Tough decision!

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Somebody has got to say it......I prefer the Indian river jack. The burnside blade to grip angle is to far under 180 degrees for me. But yes I agree the blade does look nice.
 
Mine just got through Aussie customs so should be in my hands tomorrow. I am excited but sincerely hope I don't like it too much because of course I'll have to buy another to keep safe!

Damn.
 
So it arrived today... What can I say? Dissapointed? Not a chance!

I had pretty high expectations of this knife, knowing that Northwoods was Derrick's own baby And all. And I am not unacustomed to that slight feeling of 'oh well another user', let's see if it grows on me when a new knife hits the growing collection. And sure some knives do unexpectedly grow on you.

However this was a different experience to receive and unpack. Straight away I got the philosophy - packaged in the sheath it was meant to be used out of. A different style of sheath that reveals its utility as soon as you start using it.

As for the knife that slid so welcomingly into my eager hands... Well. Initial response was my heart skipping a beat as I realised the fortune of my purchase. The weight is perfect for the size knife. It has gravitas and says here I am, I will not fail you. The fit and finish is flawless. Maybe people with higher standards could pick fault but I certainly can't and I work bloody hard for my money so I don't settle for seconds...!

The walk and talk just spot on for me. I like a firm backspring and while this is firm I can open the blade with a pinch, so it is good for my poor flimsy nails! Having said that the matchstick nail pull is nice and deep and easy to use. The aesthetic of the logo underneath is much more understated than comes across on the web images and really suit the design philosophy of the knife. As does the unpolished heat treat scale. In no way does this detract from the fit and finish. Instead it again reinforces the philosophy behind the knife. The philosphy of form meeting function (Bauhaus), or the utalitarian beauty that is described by the Japanese as wabi sabi... Maybe I am going too far, but the over riding point is that there is a definite philosophy being applied to the design and execution of this knife. One that is bold and immediately apparent on even the briefest inspection.

Again, once I had it in my hands I grocked it (Robert Heinlein... stranger in a stran... Doesn't matter some of you will get the reference).

The blade geometry is again fitting for the knife. Regardless what your 'perfect' knife pattern is this definite variation from an established norm is setting new standards and design philosophies that respect and build on long standing and proven traditions. In some sense I feel as if J.R.R. Tolkein almost had a hand in all of this. It is that sort of evolutionary shift for me. I went from Enid Blyton to Tolkein....

Anyway. I hope I have made some sense. If nothing else I am sure you can at least appreciate my enthusiasm!

I look forward to many more knives with subtle innovations that draw from Derrick's obvious passion, knowledge and philosophy from Northwoods. And if they maintain this level of fit and finish you got me - hook, line and slipjoint!

Richard
 
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waynorth said:
I bought one in stag, and absolutely love its rugged looks. I am in the process of deciding whether to carry it, or keep it pristine!
Tough decision!
Click to expand...

Just carry the bloody thing! I'm pretty sure part of the philosophy of this thing (that I've been rabbiting on and on about) is for it to be used. I mean it comes with the blade partly unpolished 'look at me I'm rugged and useful!' And it comes in a sheath... You can't sell it back on the forum saying BNIB now can you? There's no fetishistic collectable tube or certificate... Just a solid knife in a useful pouch...

You don't have to listen to me - I'm Australian! :-p But I do think of the people who make these things and remember seeing a Japanese swordsmith interviewed. He lamented that because he had become so good at his craft all his swords were now destined for safes as investments... I make coffee for a living, remote comparison but people often tell me they don't want to drink the coffee cause of the pretty pattern on top. I think to myself 'bloody idiot, I can make you another!' Same here... It isn't going to be the last knife you own and it hasn't been made to be kept 'precious'. Was that another Tolkein reference?

Ok, I maybe have to switch to decaf!

Richard
 
Richard, Richard, Richard....

What little resolve I had left was dashed against the rocks after reading your review.

Yes, I have one headed my way.

Richard, really enjoy your "style" of writing. Will look forward to more comments from you.

Regards,

George
 
I see only things to like with this knife. I'd buy immediately except the "raw from the forge finish" doesn't work for me. I use my knife for all daily tasks and this includes (mainly) eating, snacking, prepping some food... I like an easy to clean, and to keep clean, blade. I want my knife to be adequate with my life. Raw or rough finish ? Thanks, but no thanks.
 
herisson said:
I see only things to like with this knife. I'd buy immediately except the "raw from the forge finish" doesn't work for me. I use my knife for all daily tasks and this includes (mainly) eating, snacking, prepping some food... I like an easy to clean, and to keep clean, blade. I want my knife to be adequate with my life. Raw or rough finish ? Thanks, but no thanks.
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The finish on the spine of the knife really shouldn't put you off. Unless of course you have Sheldon Cooper levels of OCD... The nail nick on any folder would harbour more bacteria, the finish is just a patina really. I've seen more on kitchen knives sold at 'Hello Asia' shops. I have no hesitation to use this knife for food prep. Like any food utensil attention to hygiene is important but I don't see why this knife would be any more danger?

Mind you the finish does scream 'I'm a Man's knife'. You could kill, skin and butcher an animal with it then sit down to a bloody rare steak. The type of Man who would use this knife could accidentally drop his steak in the dirt and just pick it back up; and with a quick wipe down on his 501s, hoe back in.

Richard
 
herisson said:
I see only things to like with this knife. I'd buy immediately except the "raw from the forge finish" doesn't work for me. I use my knife for all daily tasks and this includes (mainly) eating, snacking, prepping some food... I like an easy to clean, and to keep clean, blade. I want my knife to be adequate with my life. Raw or rough finish ? Thanks, but no thanks.
Click to expand...

The rough finish isn't for everyone. That being said, it ally is only an issue when the knife is brand new. It is not that rough and once you get a working patina on it, you won't even be able to see the scale.
 
okbohn said:
The rough finish isn't for everyone. That being said, it ally is only an issue when the knife is brand new. It is not that rough and once you get a working patina on it, you won't even be able to see the scale.
Click to expand...

You're right. I actually wouldn't mind scrubbing the spine of the new knife with a ScotchBrite pad or superfine sandpaper. Did that for a Svord Peasant and it looks like a patinaed 1095 blade. Easy to wipe clean on the trousers. It's a very nice knife for sure. I use to browse Northwoods once in a while. I would love a Burnside Jack with a bellied clip blade (got already too many spear points)...
 
Hi Folks,

Received my Burnside today. Nice looking knife. This is absolutely a solidly-built knife. There's no blade play, not a hint or suggestion of play. Yes, rock solid. No gaps. The blade is perfectly centered with no rub. The tip/point of the blade is safely tucked into the frame.

A nicely-made leather pouch included. Oh yeah, a really nifty leather cardholder was sent (I think they include one with orders over $100). Thanks, Derrick! Derrick has a video showing the holder. Though I have a slim wallet, I think I'll be able to use the holder as a wallet. You know, a few credit cards and driver's license.

No buyer's remorse here... Almost forgot, seems pretty sharp. Cut some paper. Tonight, get's broken in with a Granny Smith.

Thanks, Derrick.

Hope you folks are having a great weekend.

Regards,

George
 
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