Camp Knife?

[JK Knives]

What are your thoughts on what a camp knife should be? A big chopper, or something to prepare camp meals, make fuzzsticks, or just do a bit of carving around the fire? I`m partial to the latter, and that is where I think the Herters Improved Bowie copy really shines. (that`s just me, your opinion may not be the same). Let`s hear your thoughts.

This Improved Bowie is for jds1, and has olivewood handles, with red liners and brass pins.

 

[fmendez]

IMO, a camp knife should be a utility tool that like a good tool is practical, looks good and feel right in the hand. It should be versatile to carve wood, food prep. And starting fires. Being a big chopper is not that important to me since i bring a hatchet.
This is just my prefernces, i think you built many knives that fit the bill

 

[jds1]

You fooled me! I was expecting to see this in the "Almost Ready to Ship" thread. THAT is my idea of a PERFECT Camp Knife. If you need any more of a blade, use an axe. The whole package looks wonderful as usual! Nice work Mr. K.

Jeff

 

[Rockywolf]

I think a camp knife should be tough enough to use as a batoning tool, shave fuzz sticks, do any necessary bushcraft, be used as food prep, AND anything else the user desires. Not too big, not too small, nimble, hold a keen edge and easily field sharpened.

 

[mqqn]

Hi John -

I really like the design of the Improved Bowie - Jeff's version is great!

Question - what is the purpose of the portion on the back edge of the blade where the grind ends, just before where the handle begins?

Looking at the picture of Jeff's knife, I was thinking if the handle's lower edge were to sweep upward just before meeting the blade, and then the edge was ground all the way to the rearmost point (like the kitchen knife), you would be able to use the whole blade when slicing, chopping etc. That would also give you a sturdy place to make deep notching etc.

I just wonder what the thoughts are between the two design directions.

I am also thinking what one of these would look like in snakewood. Like Taht's said - crackheads have nothing on me. ;^)

best

mqqn

 

[grunt soldier]

I really like the looks of it. it would make solid camp knife. to me a camp knife is any blade you actually take and use. I like them a bit bigger. 6-8 inch blade for me. not to big but not to small. enough to baton with and light chopping for shelter building. still light and nimble.

again good looking blade sir.

 

[Ossa1970]

Hey John, great work on the Improved Bowie. jds1 congradulations, I know you will love it. For a camp knife I want it to do both light camp stuff and the more serious stuff like baton, etc.... I find the Kephart and Nessmuk does both especially the the HD blades. That just me. If i was on an extended outing out like deer camp where space and weight are not a factor, the Improved Bowie would make an excellent camp knife. keep up the great work John!

 

[MidwestDave]

I couldn't decide. That's why I have both a thick chopping Camp Knife and a thin slicing Camp Knife.


Dave

 

[tundratrader]

I like about a six inch knife for general camp use. Big enough to split wood, small enough for delicate work and I am now leaning towards a thin knife after using the viKtim. I am done with sharpened pry bars!

 

[JackHammer]

I'd probably go with John's kephart design, 6.5" long and 3/16" thick.

 

[Mr. Night]

that is a pretty darn nice knife, and I'll bet its plenty useful around the camp. that being said, I like a little more chopper if'n I'm to only have 1 knife at the campsite.

something like this, for example: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/939306-Special-Thanks

 

[M3mphis]

Maybe I'm crazy...the ultimate camp knife to me is one that I would also use in the kitchen at home. The improved bowie looks great to me. The most important tasks for a camp knife in my book is slicing up onions, taters, etc; spreading mayo on my pack sammich, butter on my pancakes. That being said, I always have a hatchet or axe with me (or 5 ).

 

[jds1]

This Improved Bowie is for jds1, and has olivewood handles, with red liners and brass pins.

This knife has been a real pleasure in the kitchen (both camp & home). Even though I've only had it a few days, it has become a favorite for food prep. Nice design John.

Jeff

 

[pitdog]

I think the Lobo is a perfect camp knife !