Go-to Knives - my evolution (Warning: word heavy, pic light content follows)

[Peroni1973]

Okay so let’s start off by being clear – what follows are only my own personal, opinions and we all know how the rest of that expression about opinions goes right?

That said, I have spent some time with each of the following knives and have used them in a variety of capacities which I will touch more on later. The knives shown here reflect my current preferences in fixed blades but are by no means the sum total of the knives that I own and use. Rather they have tended to form the basis of my ‘go to’ group of knives. To be completely honest I could use a normal ESEE 3 in place of any of these knives and whilst it wouldn’t always be as comfortable, it would work.





L-R: 1) Fiddleback Forge - Bushfinger Curly Oak scales, O1 Steel , 1/8th Tapered Tang 2) Fiddleback Forge - KE Bushie Coffee Burlap scales, O1 Steel, 5/32" Tang Tapered 3) Arno Bernard - Zebra Spalted Maple scales, N690 Steel 4) Bark River - Ultra-Lite Bushcrafter, CPM 3V Steel 5) Carter Cutlery - Muteki Neck Knife White Steel laminated between stainless steel 6) Arno Bernard - Scavenger Series 35 Year Celebration - Giraffe Bone

So you can see that my preference typically runs in the 3-4 inch range, often to the smaller end of that scale. Of course, I will readily pair that with a parang, an axe or a saw depending upon the tasks at hand but I am deliberately focusing on my go-to knives here. With some 26 fixed blade knives in my possession right now (excluding others sold, lost or given away) I feel the need to pare down my collection and would still feel well catered for with these six knives.

4 of the 6 are carbon steel. I have stated previously, that I have kind of come full circle on steels. I was drawn into the whole super-steel thing via my folders. Long story short, ease of maintenance is a bigger deal for me that unparalleled edge holding. I like A2, O1 and 1095 steels. I also have used CPM 3V and whilst one of the knives here has it (the Ultra Lite Bushcrafter) I find it more challenging to maintain but the overall design of the knife keeps it in my list. In fact, it is one of the few knives that I have a duplicate of, however that is because its 0.090 inch blade thickness and its 2.7 oz (lack of) weight rather than its super steel. Sacrilegious as is it to some (many?) here, my final position on steels is that if you have found tools which work for you to sharpen your knives then the steel is not the be-all, end-all.

This brings me to blade thickness, but before I do a word on blade ‘geometry’. That word is ‘unqualified’. I don’t measure my blade thicknesses, I wouldn’t really know where to start. Of these knives, 2 are hollow ground (the Arno Bernards), 2 are convex with a flat(‘ish) final edge (Fiddlebacks), one is ‘scandi-vex’ (BRKT) which I have flattened out a bit and one is flat with a micro bevel (Carter Cutlery). Guess what? – they all cut stuff well. Whilst I wouldn’t chose to baton with a hollow ground blade, I honestly don’t really baton with these knives (if I had to chose one to baton with it would be the thicker convex ground KE Bushie). For me, those tasks are better suited to my axes/parangs (parangs which cost less than $50). I do reprofile edges, but honestly, it is often an unintentional part of how I sharpen. If I find a blade isn’t slicing as I’d like it too, I will flatten my angle a bit and therefore thin the edge (naturally, I’ll do the opposite if I notice edge damage). Then I put it back to work and see how it does. I know, I know it lacks the scientific approach some people love but this kind of trial and error is acceptable to me. What’s more it actually works for me too. I accept and appreciate that it may not suit everyone.

On thickness – I now like my blades thinner. I started out thinking that a sharpened pry-bar was a sign of excellence. Then I started to use them. Don’t get me wrong we can still make them cut but it just seems like more effort, with more weight for very little gain. So I prefer my blades thinner as stated. I love that we have a greater variety of thinner blades. I also find myself gravitating towards the balance both physically and aesthetically, of tapered tang knives – it is a relatively minor thing and balance can be achieved much more easily by skeletonizing the handle portion of the blade but I just like the overall results of the taper better – as a result 5 out of the 6 have tapered tangs. (Hey, it’s just my personal preference here – oh and that preference means that I have another KE Bushie inbound, but this one has a 1/8th thickness blade – thanks Redbird777!)

Finally, yes they are tools and I really do want to use all my knives – hopefully a lot. That said, for anyone who uses tools we have all experienced preferences. My preference is for quality, comfortable, hand fitting knives which I feel like I can easily and safely control. Whilst I understand the urge to keep new things pristine, I enjoy using the damn things too much for that and I have come to love the character that they develop through such usage. Apologies to those who like action shots, I’m no photographer (clearly!) and I just sharpened and cleaned up all these knives which prompted this commentary.

Anyway, I’d love to read about the evolution of your personal preferences for your go-to knives…

Thanks for sticking with me through this long-assed post!

Ben

 

[collim1]

Mine is pretty simple.

Mora no 1, Mora Companion, Mora 2/0, Mora Bushcraft Black. Then I got into the GB Wildlife Hatchet and BK9 for choppers. Then a Bahco Laplander folding saw. I always have a multitool of some sort on me either a Leatherman or Victorinox as backups to a fixed blade when outdoors or as a primary knife in the city.

Truth be told the Companion and Bushcraft black were meant to replace the no 1, but they just can't do it. The no 1 is a great little knife. The BK9 was an attempt at the "one knife" concept, and no surprise there that didn't really work. Its the first knife left at home most trips out. The little Mora no 1 carries so easily around my neck. A Vic Farmer or Trekker has a surprisingly capable little saw and can handle minor campsite construction and fire prep chores.

Almost nothing can out slice that little Mora's thin blade. As cool as heavy duty blades are they just don't cut like a ~2mm or so blade.

 

[Peroni1973]

Thanks for posting your experiences collim1!

I'll agree that Mora's are terrific knives at an AMAZING price/value and that they excel at slicing/carving - that's probably why I have 3 of them! One point which has been made before (by others much more scientific than me) - the ESEE 3 with it's thin blade stock but taller blade can be readily re-profiled to similar edge angles as the Moras. I think many of us lump all ESEE's in with 4 and 5's which get progressively thicker (the 5 is crazy thick!)

Enjoy your knives (and hatchets and saws and multi-tools, etc., etc.)

Ben

 

[collim1]

Practicality usually wins and I rarely have enough space or time to take half the toys into the woods I want to. I don't ever get the chance to go in the woods just for the sake of playing with my gadgets. Usually I am taking the canoe down the river, hunting, or fishing and those tasks coupled with keeping tabs on the family leaves me little time to test out new knives.

That little flat ground knife 3rd from the left in your top picture is really beautiful to me. I would be interested in knowing a little more about if you have the time. It looks like a serious little slicer, but with some real backbone to it.

 

[Peroni1973]

Third from the left is an Arno Bernard - Zebra Spalted Maple scales, N690 Steel

View attachment 553471

Photo courtesy of Kniveshipfree.com

I really like AB's knives. The company is a South African based, family run affair. The blade is actually slightly hollow ground, think Chris Reeves, "large hollow" grind on the 25's. I bought this as a dedicated skinner and it was my first AB knife. I followed it up with the smaller one on the far right for more of an EDC fixed blade - think upscale Izula II and you'll have about the right size on that one.

AB used to use Bohler N690 but I notice on their later knives they are using S35VN now. As I mentioned that isn't really a deal-maker/breaker for me. I find N690 performs similarly to VG10 (if that helps).

I love the size of the Zebra - I found it hard to get a sense of the scale of the various models but I think the Zebra would work really well on anything from small game up to deer for skinning. I have only used it on smaller game so far. The handle is particularly comfortable, very stable and locked-in without being restrictive and it is really surprisingly light in hand.

Highly recommended if you are after a 'stainless' slicer.

Hope that helps some...

Ben

 

[Catherine_Montana]

Thank you for your post.

I am using fixed blades more especially my Buck Ranger Skinner knife. I carry this everyday in a fanny pack when I leave the house and when I work in my yard.

I do not have a huge collection of knives. I use what I own and I have no safe queens.

I like single blade folding knives but when it comes down to it... I will take a fixed blade knife the MOST now for conceal carry (Legal blade length.) and open carry.

This is what I own now:

Buck Ranger Skinner FB Knife

Buck 110 Folding Hunter
Buck The 55

Buck Vanguard

Cold Steel Canadian Belt Knife

Grohmann-Russell Canadian Belt Knife #1

I gave my Buck Vanguard to my husband and he insisted that I take it BACK since I am using fixed blade knives the most. He gave me the older Cold Steel knife and the Grohmann knife.

Right now, I consider myself a FIXED BLADE knife lady hands down.

So yes, I have evolved in my own way as a knife owner.

I ADORE beautiful folding knives and traditional pocket knives but when it comes to my arthritis on good and bad days... I need a FB knife the most! I liked my few former knives from my late husband too. Including the military ones!

I like good camp axes, hatchets and tomahawks that suit my size, older age and hands too.

Cate

 

[Peroni1973]

Cate,

Thanks so much for your input on this thread! I love the fact that you "use what [you] own and... have no safe queens".

I also really appreciate folders and love the looks of the traditionals, though I only have a few as practicality utility often out weights my final decision of which folder earns pocket time.

That Grohmann-Russell Canadian Belt Knife #1 looks like a really handy tool of a good size:weight ratio and the Vanguard has some classic lines to it. The closest I have is a Blackjack 125 Heavy hunter which is terrific but is a little 'over-kill' for most of my needs. In fact, it is at my Dad's house as he appreciates the classic styling - not that he uses it much .

I think is a a testament to your late husband that he insisted that you use his gift from you, the Vanguard. He sounds like a classy guy. Furthermore, it is a testament to you both that you continue to use your knives.

Thanks again for sharing...

Ben

 

[Herlock]

Hi! Interesting topic and nice knives. I'm not so much into fixed blades (actually I own just a few, the Fallkniven Bros - A1 and F1 - an ER Shrapnel and a recently bought EKA Nordic W12) but I find myself rather aligned with some of your thoughts here:

If knives are tools they serve a purpose (which might differ) and they need some maintenance, as all the tools. Therefore I understand the choice of materials (not limited to the steel) which one feels at ease to maintain (time, machinery and skills being my parameters). I do the same.

If knives are cutting tools, from my little experience, I maintain thin blades cut better than thick ones. Same experience I have with angles. Acute angles perform better than obtuse angles in cutting. With acute angles I cut only once to slice, with obtuse I need maybe three/four cuts and precision and accuracy suffer. The edge also wears off much faster, due to more passes. Overall, I maintain that, as far as I am concern, a full flat grind is the more versatile and performs better in cutting capability.

From my little experience as knife hobbyist and week-end hiker (no expert whatsoever ), I maintain that, within a maximum of 2 weeks hiking/camping activities, the average user - as I am - cannot tell the difference between one blade steel and another. I play around with my knives a bit and made a couple of empirical tests on this. Same knives one in D2 and the other in N690Co; one in D2 and the other in Niolox. I was unable to tell the difference just by using them and judging their performances in hiking/camping chores. I had to read the label . But, as said, I'm just a week-end hiker .

Anyway, when it comes to blade steels, it seems to me, sometimes it's a bit like for the wines. A lot of expert sommeliers in front of labeled bottles. The real fun begins with blind tasting...

Take care.

 

[Catherine_Montana]

Cate,

Thanks so much for your input on this thread! I love the fact that you "use what [you] own and... have no safe queens".

I also really appreciate folders and love the looks of the traditionals, though I only have a few as practicality utility often out weights my final decision of which folder earns pocket time.

That Grohmann-Russell Canadian Belt Knife #1 looks like a really handy tool of a good size:weight ratio and the Vanguard has some classic lines to it. The closest I have is a Blackjack 125 Heavy hunter which is terrific but is a little 'over-kill' for most of my needs. In fact, it is at my Dad's house as he appreciates the classic styling - not that he uses it much .

I think is a a testament to your late husband that he insisted that you use his gift from you, the Vanguard. He sounds like a classy guy. Furthermore, it is a testament to you both that you continue to use your knives.

Thanks again for sharing...

Ben

Ben,

You're welcome.

I am a remarried widow and my Montana born and raised husband gave me the Buck Vanguard. No problem on the confusion.

Some of the older, traditional pocket/folding knives and military knives that belonged to my late husband shy of a couple got passed on to people who can USE THEM since my hands got worse since he died. I kept a couple and TRIED to use them but I had to go to a fixed blade knife or to the Buck ones. So I passed on some really NICE knives to super close friends, a couple of people in my family and donated some to a charity that helps Veterans. (Back east and out here in MT.) I gave a few to my Montana husband too.

I appreciate people who collect things. I admire their beautiful collections but I am not a collector shy of a few absolute cherished items in my life NOW.

I was never a collector like some people are BIG TIME COLLECTORS shy of BOOKS and extra swimsuits which got used on a regular basis! Maybe my former 15 or so firearms too. Grin.

You can't believe how many books I used to own PLUS I USED MY LIBRARY A LOT! Uh huh. ALL but a few books got donated to two libraries and some of them got gifted to close friends and family BEFORE I moved out west. I used to have some very nice art work in my former house back east too. Thirty plus years of marriage. My late husband's and my stuff was not overwhelming though. I ran a tight ship in a large house, a large garage and a small barn! Grin. What was NOT used, appreciated, read, looked at or listened to on a REGULAR BASIS got gifted or sold over the years. Our stuff was GIFTED to some people who loved it or donated. My late husband and I did sell some things over the years too.

We got out of sailing and power boating and started to travel some more a few years before his cancer was discovered. We camped in a Coleman pop up camper and had fun there too! We used a tent before that time frame or slept on one of our boats while they were tied up or anchored. I loved the sail boats the most. I like simple things and loved the SUNFISH more than the Siren sail boat too. Yet I liked to cruise with a power boat too. Go figure - I have eclectic tastes in all things.

Enjoy your journey into knives as you would anything else in life.

My MT husband hunts. He has hunted since he was a kid. He has his absolute FAVORITE hunting knives. You could not pry them from his hands even if they are not MODERN fancy knives. He likes his older hunting clothes and boots too.

He has his favorite pocket knives and his two multi tool kits too.

Take care.

Cate
PS:
I am the same way with firearms... USE IT or gift or sell it. So firearms have changed for me and so have knives over the years due to my arthritis, old injuries and AGE.

Typos and added more.

 

[Peroni1973]

Anyway, when it comes to blade steels, it seems to me, sometimes it's a bit like for the wines. A lot of expert sommeliers in front of labeled bottles. The real fun begins with blind tasting...
.

Hey Herlock,

Thanks for posting your thoughts and experiences. I like the comparison with sommeliers!

Cheers,

Ben