Bushcrafter opinions?

J

J-Baker

Joined
Feb 11, 2017
Messages
1
Hey all,

Joined the site recently after I decided it was time to ditch the Canadian Tire 15 dollar folders (That I still rather enjoy to be honest.)
I'm out in the woods for a weekend at least once a month, if not more, or for longer, a favorite trip being some portaging up north, but that not what I'm here to talk about. (for now Haha)

What I wanted to ask was for your opinions and things to consider when looking for a fixed blade for bush-craft and backpacking. I don't know much about the technical aspect of knives, but I would like a Handcrafted, and wanted to know just what to ask for/ and is reasonable.

Things I DO know I'm looking for:
Price: 300 max.
Not flashy
Good steel/Hardness(Heard 60 is good?)
Larger blade/handle (Don't need to be Rambo, but I like a big hearty grip.)

I've used and abused my knives with pretty much anything except Batoning in the past,(not a fan) but mainly it would be for rope cutting, small branches and other backpacking and camping general use.

Thank you so much for reading and helping! I hope you have an excellent day.
(and if you happen to know a knife maker who would be able to do this type of work, heck feel free to tell me. The fixed blades for sale forum is a scary place.)
~Baker
 
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Some recent controversy surrounding Bark River, I like my gunny hunter in 3 v, fiddle back forge Kephart are 2 of my favorites. You could throw a couple moras in there. Happy hunting, welcome to the family.
 
I'll jump in and recommend a Mora as well. They're light, cheap, and have excellent edge geometry. The Scandinavian grind is great for woodcraft. Choice of carbon or stainless steels, both of which are great. They even come with a functional scabbard.

The only thing I would like on a backwoods knife that's missing on most Moras is provision for a proper lanyard (especially for canoe camping). Most Moras don't have lanyard holes.

Since you're looking at custom knife options, you might want to look into having a puukko made. Basically, a handmade version of the workaday Mora with the handle custom fitted to your hands, plus provision for a lanyard attachment.
 
Svord Master Cutler General Purpose
SVO870MCMn.jpg

Length of Blade (inches) 6 1/4"
Over All Length (inches) 11"
Blade Shape General Purpose
Handle Material Black Micarta
Steel Specifications L-6
Blade Thickness (mm) 3.5mm
Weight: 15.8 oz.
Sheath Leather
http://www.svord.com/index.php?id_product=47&controller=product
 
If you add your location into your profile, who knows you might have a maker right near you and not know it yet.

There are a lot of great blades around, and to be honest you'll find something to that someone finds "controversial" about every maker. I'd suggest look at trying to get a few knives to try out, and see what you like, grind, handle material, steel, all that. At least until you really lock into what you like. (although I can't presume to know your budget) there are a lot of great blades between 75$ and 150$ to try out. But yes, also get a mora at least so you have a point of comparison to everything else.
 
Not exactly in your specs, but if it were me, and I had a $300 budget I would grab a hand made Finish puukko such the Tommi and a hatchet.

Mikko Inkeroinen - Tommi Puukko next to the Lionsteel M4.

 
All of the above are excellent suggestions, JB, and you really can't go wrong with any of them. All I would add is to forget 'batoning' and bring a hatchet or small axe, if you don't already.
 
For that money I would be perusing the custom knifemakers forum and get a unique handmade knife. But if you're set on production, I would consider Fallkniven, in addition to suggestions above.

As to what to ask for, that's hard. I'd look at some makers websites for ideas. They often have pics of their designs, for example here is a site by one great knifemaker who sells on BF: http://steingassknives.com/. When it comes to steel, the exact HRC is less important. Often a knifemaker is experienced with several steels and has a heat treat they like. I'd tell them what you need it for and take advice on the steel.
 
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Fallkniven f1
Barkriver gunny
These are my two favorite knives for bushcraft also they are both convex which I also prefer
 
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