Challenge: 4.5"-5" blades in .125" stock and stainless?

Daniel L

Daniel L

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Joined
Nov 2, 1998
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I recently got a Bark River Aurora LT in Elmax, and it's nice, but I like thinner stock and the grip is a little slick when dry (even tho I bought matte canvas micarta).

I'd like to find a knife that is:

1. Either a spearpoint like the Aurora or a Clip Point (no drop points)
2. Flat ground (not scandi, but convex is ok)
3. 1/8" stock ideally (must be under .15")
4. 4.5"-5" long and made from a stainless or semi-stainless (D2 is ok, but no 01/1095)
5. Contoured thick micarta/G10 grips, neutral with no finger notches
6. Preferably Production
7. To keep the range open let's say $250 budget including sheath (preferably kydex)

There isn't much out there... 5/32" to 3/16" is common but too thick for my preferences.

If the Bark River Aurora LT was even slimmer and grippier, it would be perfect.

No I don't baton :)

So... what's out there?
 
Why production though? There's two knives that fit (or close to) your specs, for a cheaper price than you list, by custom makers on page 1 of the Exchange right now (In: fixed blade - for sale by Knifemakers). I'd go custom!
 
Actually I probably mean not full custom with waiting periods and uncertain design... I'm looking at some LT Wright knives that fit the specs. But I don't think I'd call them "custom".
I'll check out the Exchange :)
 
Bark River's Kephart 5" fits most of your parameters. No experience with the stainlessness of CPM 4V, but it is classified as a semi stainless steel. Overall I think it would be a great pick, first one that came to mind for me.
 
JerryRig said:
Bark River's Kephart 5" fits most of your parameters. No experience with the stainlessness of CPM 4V, but it is classified as a semi stainless steel. Overall I think it would be a great pick, first one that came to mind for me.
Click to expand...

Thanks... that's a good one! I missed that one, mainly because I've never liked the looks of Kepharts but I'll look into it!
 
Kepharts have surprised me too, maybe not catch your eyes at first, but once you realize the basic shape has so many potential uses, they have a character all their own, classic lines. Definitely keep looking that the exchange for good customs, but I also thought of Lt Wright knives. The Genesis.
 
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I would stay away from BRK products in general - these forums have a lot of history about them which should be examined before you make your purchase.
 
I have been very pleased with this Maserin knife, which has thin blade with a saber grind, tho the blade is a touch short for your criteria.
Sy4HXnC.jpg

MD-18810_20160513110848_c3f4f6a0b1b0c925.jpg

here is another version with a 4 1/4" length and .14 thickness
l43vVA2ZTRKtkQGsGybB_Banner.jpg
 
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Also Lucas Forge makes sereral that fit your criteria and Adam at AA Forge here on the forum would make you one in 1/8 I think.

In addition, Joe Calton at Calton Cutlery makes a very tough 4" hunter with a fairly thin blade. I have one and it is an amazing knife.
 
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So... what's out there ?
Click to expand...
A veritable plethora !
A cornucopia of delightful cutting tools !
Find the knife you really like for handle (texture and shape) with blade steel you want . . .
then . . .
challenge right back at cha . . .
give it the grind gring to the thickness you need (or get it ground by some one here).
 
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This is very obviously too short for you but given as one example of what I am talking about. It was 5mm stock and I went 2.2mm (three mm is about 1/8 inch).
Maybe a Cold Steel SRK ?
I sure like these handles in use anyway (that's 3V steel in mine).
IMG_3916.jpg
 
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