Changing up what knives I carry.

G

gpewett

Joined
Dec 5, 2010
Messages
85
For a year or so now when I go hunt or camp or am just working on the land I tend to carry my edc folder which is an Emerson Commander and an Ontario fixed blade. I have found that for the things I do this is not a good combination, both of the blades are rather thick and although the Ontario is good for splitting logs I think I would prefer a hatchet and a much smaller thinner fixed blade. The reason I want a smaller more maneuverable fixed blade is because cleaned a deer or fileting a fish is very difficult with such a thick hefty knife. Any suggestions on a conservatively priced fixed blade that will last for a good while and hold a good edge and suggestions on a good all around hatchet would be great too. Maybe even one that incorporates a crow bar. Thank you
 
What length of blade do you prefer? Blade profile? Grind? What kind of handle?

Could you say more about what sort of uses you plan on?

I would expect that unless you constrain things a bit more, the thread could just turn into a laundry list of "I have X and like it" posts. Nothing wrong with that, mind you. Just a bit scatter shot, is all.
 
A puukko or other light Scandinavian blade (check out Ragweed Forge) and a Hudson's Bay single bit would be my ideal combo.
 
This forum leans a bit toward folders for their own sake.

How about asking in some of the brand forums what they like in a general purpose fish and game knife? Bucks and Kabars are still pretty reasonable, and they do make smaller ones than first come to mind.

Hatchet and prybar, you might be talking about some of the tactical tomahawks. Not my cup of tea, so I don't know how well "breaching" combines with wood-chopping. But there are plenty in the axe, tomahawk, and hatchet forum who'd be happy to discuss it.

Let us know what you decide on.
 
Just take a look at Hess Knifeworks. Their Caper in Burl is simply outstanding, small compact knife for skinning but will carry out filet work, food prep, make firesticks. A really amazing small (but not tiny) knife that is inexpensive yet made in the US.

Plus, get a nice Traditional folding pocket-knife, they fit in so well with outdoors life.
 
Since the OP isn't specifically looking for traditional knives this might do better in the General sub-forum.
 
willgoy said:
Just take a look at Hess Knifeworks. Their Caper in Burl is simply outstanding, small compact knife for skinning but will carry out filet work, food prep, make firesticks. A really amazing small (but not tiny) knife that is inexpensive yet made in the US.

Plus, get a nice Traditional folding pocket-knife, they fit in so well with outdoors life.
Click to expand...

Wow, those Hess knives look amazing. This is the first I've heard of them.

Ditto on the recommendation for a nice traditional slipjoint, as well. The OP should check out Great Eastern Cutlery. Top-shelf stuff.
 
Yea I am looking for a knife with more modern handle materials. I think the pry bar combo probably isn't the best idea after looking at some. I guess I am looking for a small blade that will mostly be used for food prep and cleaning of game and fish. I just want a very versatile knife with no re curve on the blade so it is easier to sharpen and can hold an edge well. It will be used one day for skinning deer and the next for fish and produce. If this is the wrong forums how should I move it?
 
Have a look at the Buck 102 Woodsman, or the 105 Pathfinder, either one would be excellent for what you have described for uses.
 
http://www.buckknives.com/

For a conservatively priced multi-purpose knife, I would look closely at the Boone and Crocket Bucklite Max fixed blade. It's a drop point and has an easy to spot orange handle. They can usually be found well under $50. The 102 and 105 Sitflyer suggested are great too and have clip points. A personal preference thing.

If you can deal with hunting around auction sites, you can often find serviceable older fixed blade like from Western and Schrade. Typically these use carbon steel blade with thinner, flatter ground blades. I just picked up a Schrade H-15 for next to nothing and love the flatter saber grind.
 
I like those bucks too. But I am looking for a more personal knife I just like buying things from smaller companies in the US. This would be my dream knife http://www.burtfoster.com/available/available_48.htm but he is back ordered for a while and I don't have the money to get his military fixed blade for my deployment and also get one of his hunting knives. The blade shape and overall look of the knife is exactly what I am looking for. Nothing fancy just something that will last and something that is clean looking.
 
gpewett said:
How much do those hess knives usually run? i cant find a price or dealer anywhere
Click to expand...

www.hessknifeworks.com

Or just by googling Hess Knifeworks you will see dealers (don't KNOW if I'm allowed to mention dealers here as it's not allowed in Traditionals unless the dealer is a paying member...) These are well priced affordable knives, really like the one I got last week.

Thanks, Will
 
I don't do hatchets. For a hard-use cheap folder with excellent blade-steel, I would reco the Kershaw "blem" sale going on right now. I just ordered a Kershaw 1725CB JYD, aka JunkYardDog, for about 1/2 of retail price, and any blem sold here is a cosmetic defect only. Kershawguy is a paying member/dealer here and has a great rep on the forum.
The edge of this "composite" folder is D2 which will go a long time between sharpenings and is a tough no-excuses knife.
Of course, if you wish, he also has a list of his Zero Tolerance "blems" which provide you with a wealth of tough-use folders.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1016191
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top