"classic" looking knives?

E

excalibur21

Joined
Feb 16, 2010
Messages
53
Hello all,

Long time lurker, First time poster and I hope this doesn't seem too long winded.

I got my Ka-bar in 9th grade and it has served me better then I could have asked and still going strong despite the various bumps and dings. However, 3 years later, I've wanted to switch it up a bit.

I've been on the look out for a more "classic" looking combo to replace the Ka-bar, Gerber hatchet (I've read bad things about these but i think it's an awesome hatchet), and my CRKT M16-13Z that are my current woods buddies. I live near Seattle in some pretty dense foliage, I've figured out what works over the years.

I've wanted something bigger then my Ka-bar for awhile so something in the 8-10in range is in order. Also got interested in working more on survival stuff and bushcrafting so I assume a 4 inch ish blade would be in order as well?

I've done some research and have fond ALOT of really nice blades that would be perfect for me (BK-9/ESEE-5/6 and the ESEE-3/4 respectively), except for one thing. I wanted something "older" or more "classic" looking. Also that whole money thing :rolleyes: . I wanted something really classic looking, Trade knives and such. I kinda like the Condor Hudson Bay but I haven't heard a whole lot about them, same with the Condor Bushlore/craft. What I have read indicates they'd be good knives but, are they truly great tools, or are they just great for the price?

I've read alot but at this point i think it's time to get a dialog going with some people who have hopefully had some experience with the Condor's or other similar blades. What is your opinion of these knives? or are their any others I should consider? I've looked at the BR Hudson Bay but again, stupid money thing...Thank you for any help and I hope that was clear enough.
 
Bark River has some more classic looking blades. There's also that Buck fixed blade around $50, I forget what it's called.
 
RTAK-II

It might not have the classic look, but they are reasonably priced knives in your size range.
 
there are a couple of cold steel trailmasters on the exchange -- 9.5" of USA made Carbon V steel -- it doesn't get much more classic than that.
OTOH, is there really a difference between "truly great" and "great for the price" if your budget is under $100 for 2 blades?
Condor makes very good blades in 1075 carbon steel. This is not a super premuim "modern" steel, but their heat treat is good and there is nothing wrong with the product so long as you take care of it. (don't leave it out in the rain or store it in a damp sheath for the most part)
 
excalibur21 said:
I wanted something "older" or more "classic" looking. Also that whole money thing :rolleyes: . I wanted something really classic looking, Trade knives and such.
Click to expand...

Luckily, you can get cheap trade knives, via the 'Old Hickory' brand (I think they're made by Ontario). There's a guy named Ragnar who sells them and some others makes through his store.
 
randomlooker said:
Luckily, you can get cheap trade knives, via the 'Old Hickory' brand (I think they're made by Ontario). There's a guy named Ragnar who sells them and some others makes through his store.
Click to expand...
good call - google "ragweed forge" -- lots of options there.
 
Thanks for the speedy replies.

I have done some reading on the Old Hickories, my main concern is, are they thick enough for heavy brushwork? They are kitchen knives after all.

ya, probably should have given an idea for a buget, my bad. I was thinking around 100-150 for both the chopper and the smaller bushcrafter, I have An ontario 18", Gransfors Bruks or Wetterlings, and CS trail hawk on the list as well.

I'm comfortable with a decent carbon steel, nothing fancy is required, my Ka-bar was 1095 and that has treated me fine. I'm glad to hear that about the Condors though. I'm perfectly cappable of taking care of a knife.

Another thing I was thinking of is striping the paint/coating off of the possible RTAK/ESEE/BKs and add some wood handles. Thoughts on that?
 
excalibur21 said:
Thanks for the speedy replies.

I have done some reading on the Old Hickories, my main concern is, are they thick enough for heavy brushwork? They are kitchen knives after all.
Click to expand...

"Classically" an axe or hatchet was used for heavy brushwork. This "chopper knife" idea is a relatively new concept.
 
The Hudson Bay is a fine knife and tougher than all get out and the sheath it comes with is excellent it looks like it cost more than the entire knife also if your looking to spend a bit more the Becker bk-9 is a very good knife and if your looking for a smaller bushcrafter in the under 50 dollars range I'd take a look at the Mora 2000 it's definitly a step up from your standard mora.
 
marcinek said:
"Classically" an axe or hatchet was used for heavy brushwork. This "chopper knife" idea is a relatively new concept.
Click to expand...

I don't think it's that new of a concept, there have been fairly large knives around for awhile right? And as I said I'm on the look out for something bigger then my Ka-Bar. Something big enough to get through the annoying vine maple branch in the way but small enough to allow placement that would deploy fast enough to make it worth carrying one at all. I already have a hatchet and it works quite well for chopping down small dead standing trees and processing said wood. but for what I need, or at least think I need, a larger knife is better.

whetrock said:
The Hudson Bay is a fine knife and tougher than all get out and the sheath it comes with is excellent it looks like it cost more than the entire knife also if your looking to spend a bit more the Becker bk-9 is a very good knife and if your looking for a smaller bushcrafter in the under 50 dollars range I'd take a look at the Mora 2000 it's definitly a step up from your standard mora.
Click to expand...

I like what I'm hearing about the Condor. Glad to know it's a good knife. Picking between the BK-9 and the HB will probably be reliant on available funds.

I'm very familiar with the Mora brand, I personally don't own any but they are extremely popular in my circle of trackers/hikers/and other outdoorsy types and have used them occasionally. Good knives, sharp, but they always felt a little flimsy because of the thinner blade, guess I hadn't put one through it's paces yet and was used to my Ka-Bar. Are they tougher then they look? And to be honest I'm not really loving the look of the plastic on them right now. I know at some point function must rule over form but that's kinda what i'm researching right now. Any "prettier" looking alternatives to the Mora? I ran into the Condor Bushlore and Bushcrafter. Anyone have any info about those?
 
One shameless self-bump before I let it fade into obscurity. At least until I make a desision and post pics anyway ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top