First and maybe only production bush knife?

Woodrow F Call

Woodrow F Call

Joined
Jan 3, 2013
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Normally, I like traditional pocket knives, but I'm getting the itch for something to do all outdoor activities. I thought the idea of a bush knife might fit the bill. It's most common chore would be skinning and processing game, but it would likely get used for other things. A custom knife is going to be out of my price range.......

Anyways, what's a good do all knife? I was thinking ESEE-4, but I don't know anything about these type of knives. What do you think?
 
Thanks.... I was thinking that I wanted something in a carbon steel like 1095, but I'm not completely stuck on it.
 
Woodrow F Call said:
Normally A custom knife is going to be out of my price range.......
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Fortunately, you are WRONG. In the Knifemaker's Market..Fixed Blades, you will find a nice variety of "custom" fixed blades in 1095, San Mai, damascus, and other steels with wonderful hardwood burl handles. And most of them no more than $250 or so.
And a "pure" custom may cost you as little as $150. The makers are experienced and great guys to deal with.
SonnyDaze
 
Also, if you're specifically looking for great production bush knives, there are many great options in the range of the ESEE-4. The Becker BK16 is an awesome belt knife in the same size range, and Condor Tool and Knife offers many different styles in that size, like the Kephart, Tavian, Woodlaw, Bushlore, Rodan, Basic Bushcraft, Sapien...you get the idea. As Sonny said, if you are willing to be patient, you might find something under the $200 mark in the knifemakers market that fits the bill. My suggestion? Try Condor out first to establish what you want. They're no frills, hard work knives that look very traditional. Made from 1075 steel, I believe.
 
I was looking at buying a used production knife. I'm not sure I want a $200 knife unless there is some outstanding reason I should go that route.
 
Bark River Knives and Blind Horse Knives. Can't go wrong with either.
 
ESEE has the no questions asked lifetime warranty.

You owe it to yourself though to check out the Knifemakers For Sale forum. There are some exceptionally nice knives there for great prices. Until recently I had ignored that section, but that was my loss. My next fixed blade will most likely come from there.
 
Tops BOB Fieldcraft knife. Same steel as ESEE4, little longer blade. Scandinavian grind with convex edge, came shaving sharp once stripped it pushes hair. Far more comfortable handle than ESEE4 with bowdrill divot on each side. Comes with just as good of a sheath as the ESEE4. If not better. Got mine from theknifeconnection.com for a great price will free shipping.

I have an ESEE4 and the edge was too thick till I convexed it. The BOB Fieldcraft also has no choice which is a huge plus. A child on a knife this size makes no sense as it just gets in the way and reduces performance.
 
why not look at a becker bk 16. same steel as the esee 4 but a lot cheaper im thinking of getting one myself.
 
Here just a few factory knives that are more than suitable for bushcraft. The top one is a custom, but the other three are factory knifes. I'd also throw out one of several Bark River models, as well as several from Randall Made.
BushBabys.jpg
 
ESEE-4 fits the bill for a great all-rounder. Personally I'd go for Bark River Aurora as it's lighter, fits my hand better and they can be had on the Exchange for not much more than $100. However, if your primary purpose for this knife is game processing, don't discount the Buck Vanguard, which is my go to game knife without a second thought. A great handle/grip, laser sharp and at a very attractive price point.
 
I really like the spyderco temperance 2. You should check them out, I use mine for everything under the sun.
 
Sonnydaze said:
Fortunately, you are WRONG. In the Knifemaker's Market..Fixed Blades, you will find a nice variety of "custom" fixed blades in 1095, San Mai, damascus, and other steels with wonderful hardwood burl handles. And most of them no more than $250 or so.
And a "pure" custom may cost you as little as $150. The makers are experienced and great guys to deal with.
SonnyDaze
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I agree but the prices can be even lower than that. I switched to full customs after years of buying production knives and can always find something in my budget that is both exactly what I want and unique enough to really be "mine." My favorite bush knife is a custom I paid less than $100 for. I love the free market.
 
Woodrow F Call said:
...It's most common chore would be skinning and processing game...


...I was thinking ESEE-4...


...What do you think?
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Personally, I find the ESEE-4's blade to be a little too thick,

...and the edge bevels a bit too obtuse,

...to excel in the chores you mention.



Though it is a hell for stout knife.


I think you have better choices listed above.

Don't overlook the secondary market.




Big Mike
 
Woodrow F Call said:
Normally, I like traditional pocket knives, but I'm getting the itch for something to do all outdoor activities. I thought the idea of a bush knife might fit the bill. It's most common chore would be skinning and processing game, but it would likely get used for other things...
Click to expand...

Have you seen the Survive! Knives GSO-4.1? It's the Guy Seiferd's redesign of his EDC-4. Google 'survive edc-4' for videos and reviews.
 
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