- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 638
As I stated in the order thread I received my Bushcraft Knife today and could not believe how different it feels in hand. I think one of the most asked for changes I heard about concerning the older generations was for thicker, more hand filling scales and the gen 3 knife sure delivers. I had no issues or problems with my older bushcraft but from a first impression standpoint the new handles appear to address these concerns. I would have to give the knife a good workout to check for hot spots and such but at first glance everything appears comfortable and the knife seem to "lock into" my hand much better. I think this is due to hump on the old handle being moved from before the lanyard hole to behind the lanyard hole on the new model. It seems make the handle feel longer in the hand without adding much if any length. Also the guard is more pronounced as well. Here is a couple handle length shots maybe you can tell what I'm talking about. Old school on top, Gen3 on the bottom.
Here is a shot of the handle guard. Slightly more protruding. I know some dislike any kind of finger guard on a bushcraft styled knife. Personally I don't mind them on mine.
Gen3 on the left, Old School on the right.
The handle thickness seems to be a major change in this generation. I think a lot of people will like this. As I said earlier I have had no problems with the thinner handles on Dan's older bushcrafters so I'll reserve judgment on how well these new one's work until I've taken it outdoors a bit. Here is a shot of the comparative thicknesses.
Gen3 on the left, Old school on the right.
The only other differences I can notice off the bat is the blade finish and style of thumb jimping. The thumb rest seems to be just as functional on the Gen3 as the old model. I think I like the look of the older jimping better but honestly it's probably just because I'm so used to it.
As far a the finish... I'm still up in the air. My older model had the "as forged" finish and with the exception of the blade finish seeming to load up with wood goop (baton through some wood and you'll know what I mean) I had no issues with it. Both knives I have are CPM3V and I'm wondering if the new knife will be as corrosion resistant as the old one. I had ZERO rust issues with my older bushcrafter and I really abused it. If the Gen3 is as corrosion resistant as the older one then I think the new one is much better looking (Shiny = Bling).
I didn't get a sheath with the knife as I was unsure if this was going to be a keeper. After handling it some I am going to hold on to it so now I'm looking into my sheath options. For giggles I tried throwing it in my JRE sheath I got for my old bushcrafter and there is no way it will fit. I was happy with the JRE sheath so I will probably get in touch with Dan @ JRE and see where they are with the new Koster sheaths and get one of those ordered.
Hope this helps those who were wondering about the differences in the new Gen3 model. Sorry for the long post. I don't usually type so much :foot:
Here is a shot of the handle guard. Slightly more protruding. I know some dislike any kind of finger guard on a bushcraft styled knife. Personally I don't mind them on mine.
Gen3 on the left, Old School on the right.
The handle thickness seems to be a major change in this generation. I think a lot of people will like this. As I said earlier I have had no problems with the thinner handles on Dan's older bushcrafters so I'll reserve judgment on how well these new one's work until I've taken it outdoors a bit. Here is a shot of the comparative thicknesses.
Gen3 on the left, Old school on the right.
The only other differences I can notice off the bat is the blade finish and style of thumb jimping. The thumb rest seems to be just as functional on the Gen3 as the old model. I think I like the look of the older jimping better but honestly it's probably just because I'm so used to it.
As far a the finish... I'm still up in the air. My older model had the "as forged" finish and with the exception of the blade finish seeming to load up with wood goop (baton through some wood and you'll know what I mean) I had no issues with it. Both knives I have are CPM3V and I'm wondering if the new knife will be as corrosion resistant as the old one. I had ZERO rust issues with my older bushcrafter and I really abused it. If the Gen3 is as corrosion resistant as the older one then I think the new one is much better looking (Shiny = Bling).
I didn't get a sheath with the knife as I was unsure if this was going to be a keeper. After handling it some I am going to hold on to it so now I'm looking into my sheath options. For giggles I tried throwing it in my JRE sheath I got for my old bushcrafter and there is no way it will fit. I was happy with the JRE sheath so I will probably get in touch with Dan @ JRE and see where they are with the new Koster sheaths and get one of those ordered.
Hope this helps those who were wondering about the differences in the new Gen3 model. Sorry for the long post. I don't usually type so much :foot:
