Does anyone make big knives anymore?

If money is no object, I would go with a blade of your own design through any one of many ABS mastersmiths (no disrespect to great makers like Jerry Hossom, just my own preference for forged blades).

If you want a true workhorse for little money, Becker Knife and Tool makes a couple of blades that fit your description.

John
 
Tough to beat one of Jerry's knives in the category you mentioned.., but thanks for all the links guys..., so great stuff...


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Originally posted by Unbreakable
RL what is that last knife you have pictured? If that thing is 12" that's about what I was talking about? Who made it?
Click to expand...

Straight from Jerry Hossom's website (www.hossom.com)

Massive Retribution; it could have no other name. At 12” and 18” OAL, but weighing only 16 oz., this is a powerful knife capable of severing almost anything it encounters. Whether clearing a trail, chopping heavy rope, or taking down a target, this knife will serve with uncommon efficiency without hauling the excess weight normally associated with big knives. Price is $xxx in 154CM or $xxx in S30V or CPM-3V.


RL
 
I don't know exactly what you want in the knife but, I have a few personal requirements. I must be able to really use it. A large heavy dead knife will not do for me. Even if it is unbreakable, if I can't wield it effectively, it is the wrong choice.

I have held some very large Jerry Hossom knives and they are absolutely alive in my hand like no other. Even with my meager frame and puny body, I can manage efficient and effective blade movements. I am sure Jerry Hossom is not the only man who could make a large blade for me but, he is one I have personally experienced. Simply awesome and truly deceptive (pictures compared to actual in the hand experience). I have not found a single blade of Jerry's that was not well thought out and executed to perfection. Did I mention simply awesome? :D
 
Check out the goloks at www.valiantco.com . I haven't used these, but the price is right and I've read several favorable reviews. There was one in the Reviews forum a few months back and a google search for "golok knives" turned up a few more. The goloks are under the Java category. Most of them are sold out right now though, so I suppose it's not an immediate solution.
 
I have looked at many of the knives you guys have linked to, and would like to offer a humble opinion or two. Of course in the end, you'll have to decide if you like what you've bought, but personally, I immediately ruled out about half the suggestions at first glance. Why?
1. I don't much care for hollow grinds that only come halfway up the blade, especially on knives this size. I almost always prefer a full (from edge to spine) flat grind or convex grind, both with a convexed edge. Knives with a 'half hollow grind' leave you with a bunch of dead weight on the back of the blade, and a ridge line (the top of the grind) running down the blade that is not at all "aerodynamic". Also, the edge will not be aerodynamic either, since it must be about the same thickness about 1/4" up as it is at the very edge. Go out and clear some brush with such a knife, and you'll notice most of the sap and gunk will build up just behind the edge, and above the grind line. This is a sign of DRAG. I've done several before and after tests with such knives, where I reground the blade to be more aerodynamic, and the improvement in cutting performance was quite dramatic. If I wanted a very, very light for its size blade, I'd go with something from Mr Hossom, as his hollow grinds go all the way to the spine, and have better edge geometry.

2. Every time someone over at swordforum.com talks about using stainless steel for swords or knives this big, the replies are always full of a bunch of puking smilies. :barf: :barf: :barf: :barf: The experts there, and in the rags, almost always prefer some kind of simple high carbon steel with a differential heat treat. You may know that I recently broke my big Bowie. It was ATS-34 heat treated by Paul Bos, and it was 21" long. There was nothing wrong with the grinds, etc., the blade just couldn't take the abuse I put it thru. (I posted the story a week or 2 ago)

I'm not trying to knock anyone who likes or uses stainless, hollow grinds, etc. I just personally believe they're not the best choice for this particular application.
 
If price is no object check with Bill Burke , he will fix you right up with a tuff as nails knife . Also Bill Buxton from these forums or Ron Leuschen( Little Hen Knives ) , either one of these fellows will build you a damn fine and tough knife .
 
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