Bushcraft STYLE Knife Passaround

[siguy]

Got the knives in today, just in time to take them for an overnighter with a buddy and my brother. My buddy enjoys knives alot, and likes to carve, so it will be good to get his opinion too.

 

[Joezilla]

Just a heads up.

I sent our newest mod Joezilla my own personal bushcraft by Walter to test out during the P.W.Y.P. Gathering in N.C.

There should be fair amount of people there, and Joe said he would report back with his feedback for Walter!

I look forward to the great pics Joe takes as well as his personal feedback. Maybe he will even shoot a video!

I saved this post for a time when I could "resurrect" this thread.

It was a very good workhorse at PWYP! The thick handle slabs and thin flat grind made it an instant hit with all the fabulous whittling that it was able to do! The knife made extremely long distinct curls while making fuzz sticks, yet was able to throw the thick chunks of wood quickly while making a spoon. I did not have any problems with odd grinds or re-sharpening, as it held an edge very well while working some serious hardwoods. The four pins were laid out geometrically, right in line with each other and the overall handle design was well thought out, not rushed and improvised. The little details like these really set Walter apart from many other makers. The grind was neither to high nor to thin, and did not mis-behave while doing what a knife should. It spat out fine carvings with no problem, and the knife was still able to handle the heavy stuff. Walter made quite the knife, while listening to customer demands when he envisioned this cutting tool. My only complaint was the sheath, which it sounds like Tal is already helping out with. I can't wait to see what become of this maker!!!!!

 

[siguy]

These knives are, unsurprisingly, every bit as good as Walt's other knives that I've handled. I took them along on an overnighter with a friend of mine, and my brother, and both used the knives. My friend really took a liking to the shorter knife, and more-or-less claimed ownership of it while we were in the woods.

Fit and finish on these knives is not flawless, but very good nonetheless. The scales are flush with the tang all the way around, the pins are very carefully laid out, and the scales are symmetrically shaped. The primary grind is smooth and even, and wonderfully thin at the edge. The edge itself is a nicely done convex bevel with a high polish that is gently transitioned into the primary grind, leaving no apparent shoulder to create friction when cutting. There are a few coarse grind marks that are just barely visible on the edge side of the tang, which is the only real finish issue.

The sheaths that come with the knives are spartan, but attractive in their own right and extremely functional. They are sturdy and hold the knives securely. I prefer a dangler sheath, but these are a prime example of a well made sheath in this design.

In terms of performance:
These knives are both excellent cutters due to the terrific cutting geometry they have. They have high, thin grinds that terminate with highly polished convex bevels. This results in lightsaber-like performance when cutting wood, food, and other things like cardboard and cordage. Walt has done a terrific job in creating a very good cutting edge, which is one of the most important aspects of a knife.

The handles on both knives are contoured very nicely. They are a bit larger in diameter than I prefer, but I have strange tastes. They are thoroughly comfortable, and after some extensive use I never had an issue with any rough spots, hot spots, or awkward hand positions.

These knives make feather sticks, cut notches, slice apples and hotdogs, and baton kindling with ease.

The biggest drawback of these knives, for me, is purely a personal style preference. They have wide blades that terminate in a fairly bull-nosed tip. I much prefer a narrow blade with a pointy tip (The mora #1 is an excellent example exactly the sort of blade shape I love). I would be very excited to see Walt's interpretation of a blade shaped like a mora, and I'm sure that he would execute it wonderfully. Blade shape wise, these knives don't really do it for me. Tony knows my preferences (since I whine about how wide his blades are all the time when I get to handle them ), but asked me to get in on this passaround anyways, and I'm glad he did. :thumbup:

These knives are a pleasure to use, and apart from my personal style preferences getting in the way, they are just about perfect bushcraft knives.

My friend's comments:
He agreed with me, independently (I waited to hear what he wanted to say before I agreed), about the point of the blades. He thought they should be a bit pointier, to make certain carving actions easier. He also noticed the weight of these knives, which is inherent in a micarta handled knife. He sure did enjoy using the short knife though!

 

[WalterDavis]

Wow, thanks to both you gentlemen:thumbup: I'm glad all the knives performed well

 

[WalterDavis]

Sorry for the delay here, all! Tony shipped the small knife back to me last week, and I just got 'er cleaned up. I was going to impress the winner with my improved leatherworking skills, but 1) they're not that improved, and 2) my new job is working nights and kicking my butt, so I sent 'er off to TF for new pants:thumbup: In case anyone's missed it, TF's been doing sheaths for my Bushcraft Style knives pretty much since he saw how much I needed help when he first got these passaround knives Aside from doing great leather work, he's a super cool guy and has helped me out a bunch, so I really wanted to say Thank-You, TF!

Now for the drawing! After TF is done, the refreshed knife and new sheath will be heading towards BarberFobic1992's house!!!! Congrats, Brendan:thumbup: There's an PM heading your way shortly!

And again, many thanks to everyone who participated in the passaround, and to Tony for running it for me!!! I've learned a ton, and my knifemaking has improved quite a bit as a direct result of everyone's testing. I can't tell you all how much I appreciate you taking the time to give me so much information and feedback, it would literally take years to learn what I've learned from this thread. THANK-YOU to all of you

 

[Diomedes Industries]

Cool - Walt said it is on my way. Barber - let me know what you want for pants for this bad boy.

TF

 

[KuRUpTD]

Congrats Brendan.

 

[BarberFobic1992]

Whow! Very cool! Thanks a bunch Walt and TF, this is great news to come home to!