First Bushcrafter?

GearBarrel.com

GearBarrel.com

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Jan 20, 2012
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Merry Christmas all!

So I have a little extra cash flow and would love to hear your suggestion for my first serious bushcraft knife. I was looking into a Skookum Bush Tool (I haven't been able to even figur out where to purchase one yet) and the Spyderco Bushcraft offering. My price range is between $50-$200. I would like something that will last me years and I will be able to pass on to one of my sons :-)

Thanks for your suggestions!
 
Here are my suggestions in your price range
Ka-Bar BK16
Blind Horse Knives Woodsman Pro
Helle Temagami
 
I've been trying to decide this myself. I have a custom sheath ordered from Infidel but don't even have a knife to go in it yet.

I have been drooling over Benchmades Bushcraft knife but there are so many others to choose from. Condor is recommended but a lot of places and people but that's more of an entry level option.

Do you prefer a more traditional looking knife with wood scales? If not I also like the TOPS Dragonfly.
 
Merry Christmas.
I'd suggest looking around your area get as many blades in your hand as possible then choose the knife that feels the best for you in your price range. I have a lot of knives (Becker, Case fixed blade,PAL+Schrade from WW2 full tang is a must) but always seem to fall back on my PUMA clip point hunter that I've had and used for 20 years. If your gonna chop wood take a hawk or small ax with you. Everybody talks about extra weight, just look at it as an extra blade.
God Bless
Tracy
 
I've had many, but always went back to my F1. But if you're more into wood handles, I would try to find a Blind Horse Knives Bushcrafter.
 
If you wanna go with the classic bushcrafter knife, look for scandi grind in O1.

I know there are some Blind Horse Knives still available through Battle Horse Knives, they have blanks left for the woodsman pro in scandi grind.

A used Fiddleback or the spyderco bushcrafter are good options as well.
 
New Skookum is a 3 yr. wait , unless on secondary market. Super knife. I'd recommend the Spyderco in G-10 as great traditional style bushcraft knife. I also have a bunch of Blind Horse bushcrafters , another good knife. The F1 is an awesome stainless bushcrafter also. Lots of choices in the $150-200 range ,including customs.

My personal favorite is the Benchmade Sibert 162 , even though I own many of all the above .
 
The BM 162 is a great knife, best currently available. It will outlast everyone of us...

I also recommend the Blind Horse bushcrafter, however, they are no longer in business and buying secondhand would be outside your stated price range.
 
The Skookum is very cool, if you don't mind the wait.

Other options would be:

-Fallkniven F1

-Bark River Aurora, Northstar (I actually use a Bravo 1 a lot, although not a bushcraft oriented design)

-Kellam Worlverine Pro

-Roselli Hunter or Carpenter in UHC

-Helle Harmoni or Futura (I like their laminated blades)

And there are lots more (like the TOPS B.O.B. and so on).
 
Wow LOVIN all the recommends on Christmas Day. Anyone have thoughts about starting a fire with flint and knife with stainless steel ( not possible right?). So many good suggestions. If you can take 1 bushcraft knife into the wild for 1 year what would it be? You all rock!!!
 
rajincagin said:
The BM 162 is a great knife, best currently available. It will outlast everyone of us...

I also recommend the Blind Horse bushcrafter, however, they are no longer in business and buying secondhand would be outside your stated price range.
Click to expand...

Can you elaborate on why you personal thinks it's the best right now ?
 
I would have saved myself a ton of money if I'd just bought an F1 a lot sooner.

It is one of the few knives I have found that truly measures up to the internet hype.
 
Commando said:
I would have saved myself a ton of money if I'd just bought an F1 a lot sooner.

It is one of the few knives I have found that truly measures up to the internet hype.
Click to expand...

What is it about the F1 that's won you over? What does it do exceptionally well over other knives you have owned? Thank for your input!
 
I believe it's the perfect length, perfect grind and perfect steel (all imo). I got the 3G model so I paid a little more than the VG10 model. I love convex grinds since they're the easiest for me to sharpen and sharpen well. I bought a left and right hand zytel sheath for when I carry a pistol with me in the woods. I love them and I think they are a well thought out design. I have a factory leather sheath, too, but I don't care for it nearly as much. There's nothing wrong with it though. I really like the handle material and pretty much everything about the knife. I really can't explain it any better than that.

I bought an S1 first and while it seems like it's a robust design, it basically does nothing for me and it's probably one of my least favorite knives?
 
kgnikon said:
Can you elaborate on why you personal thinks it's the best right now ?
Click to expand...

Blade steel is great, s30v, stainless and durable. Lots of bushcraft knives are made from tool steel, which is fine but they are not as resistant to rust, though with proper care and maintenance, will last just as long. S30v is just more worry free.

Fit and finish, BM quality is second to none, enough said.
 
Commando said:
I believe it's the perfect length, perfect grind and perfect steel (all imo). I got the 3G model so I paid a little more than the VG10 model. I love convex grinds since they're the easiest for me to sharpen and sharpen well. I bought a left and right hand zytel sheath for when I carry a pistol with me in the woods. I love them and I think they are a well thought out design. I have a factory leather sheath, too, but I don't care for it nearly as much. There's nothing wrong with it though. I really like the handle material and pretty much everything about the knife. I really can't explain it any better than that.

I bought an S1 first and while it seems like it's a robust design, it basically does nothing for me and it's probably one of my least favorite knives?
Click to expand...

Thanks for your concise take! Can you talk me thru benefits of the 3G vs. VG10?
 
Franciscomv said:
The Skookum is very cool, if you don't mind the wait.

Other options would be:

-Fallkniven F1

-Bark River Aurora, Northstar (I actually use a Bravo 1 a lot, although not a bushcraft oriented design)

-Kellam Worlverine Pro

-Roselli Hunter or Carpenter in UHC

-Helle Harmoni or Futura (I like their laminated blades)

And there are lots more (like the TOPS B.O.B. and so on).
Click to expand...

I read that the Bravo 1 is one heck of a knife. Can you give a short list of what you really like about it? TheA1 steel seems like good stuff--however I don't know much about it :-/. Seems like a dry useful knife though. Thanks!
 
In that price range I would certainly look into some custom makers instead of just production makes. Take a look at some of the offerings from Gray Wolf Knives, Blind Horses are also mentioned and fit in that range as well.
 
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