Good fixed blade whittling knife?

J

Jesse B.

Joined
Oct 23, 2009
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Can anyone recommend a solid whittling (and multipurpose outdoors) knife? My constraints are: ~$100 or less, ~4" blade, fixed. I've been looking at the ESEE 4 but I'm concerned that the coating might wear off and turn it into a high-maintenance knife. Are these concerns unfounded? Any other options?
Thanks
 
Concerns about the ESEE being high maintenance are largely unfounded.

Especially if it's a knife you use regularly. Basically, just don't put it away wet and it'll be fine.
Theres a sticky in the ESEE subforum about 1095 and rust, you could go look at that for details.
 
The best fixed blade whittling knife I've ever used is a Mora #122 wood carving knife with a 2 and 3/8" laminated carbon steel wharncliffe blade with a 61-62 rc core and traditional round birch handle. Beats everything else hands down.

Ragnar has them and they run only $15. Amazing bargain.

Oops--just noticed you want multi-purpose. :o Get the #122 anyway.
 
I really like my Blind Horse Bushbaby. Their Boat Tail Scandi is nice also.

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I think that a Mora is hard to beat for the money. Have a kydex sheath made for it, and you're good to go.
 
Even if you wear some of the ESEE coating off, so what, it's character. And the knife will slide through material better once smooth. The exposed 1095 will develop a patina, if you cut some apples, potatoes, beef, tomatoes, what ever. That patina will prevent rust, still don't put it away wet.
There are plenty of knives of that size, go with the best edge/grind/ergonomics you can afford. The ESEE has a awesome warranty!
 
Besides the Mora you could also try the Condor Woodlore or Bushcraft Basic for about $19.

Here is a little video series of some one testing out a 4" Basic. Seem like tough little buggers with pretty good edge retention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCJ2WS2YFSc&feature=related

I would probably go for the Mora Triflex or Condor Woodlore. See if they are enough for what you need, unless you know for sure you want to spend more money on micarta scales, kydex sheath, etc. The goodies are always expensive, a 1075 or 1095 blade cost about as much as a sandwich.
 
I just recieved the Condor Bushcraft Basic 5". I haven't used it, cause it's a X-mas gift for someone. But, my impression with the edge is that it is not that sharp, and from other reviews, I'm guessing that it just doesn't get that sharp. My Condor Culass machete came sharper, same 1075 steel.
It can work for some, but don't count on it being great for detail work.
From everything I've read, I'd go with a Mora before the Condor Bushcrafts.
 
I would suggest that any knife you have is good for whittling. Some blades facilitate certain tasks better...but depending on your approach it does not really matter.

The purposes for ME whittling are usually all about enjoying the process and mentally decompressing. To do that, I need only a quiet place, a chunk of wood, and a knife I like...If this sounds like what you are after then I suggest not buying anything and using what you have (assuming you own something you like).

Regarding wearing the coating off the ESEE...You have a lot of whittling ahead of you to accomplish this task. That coating is TOUGH! I think the 4 would be a fun choice for a whittling blade, but if you think you might enjoy carving shapes as you whittle, you might want something shorter and smaller for more control.
 
Joben said:
Concerns about the ESEE being high maintenance are largely unfounded.

Especially if it's a knife you use regularly. Basically, just don't put it away wet and it'll be fine.
Theres a sticky in the ESEE subforum about 1095 and rust, you could go look at that for details.
Click to expand...


1095 knives are more maintenance then stainless and other tool carbon steels. It may or may not matter to you but in high humidity environments you will require a coat of oil if you want to keep it rust free. Where I live I can get about 48 hours in a 60-80% humidity before I can see rust forming. Once it starts it gets bad quick

OP: ESEE knives have a kick ass coating, It will take normal use a long time to wear it down.
 
i think a Mora would definitely fit the bill for you.. though if you are wanting something a little fancier, i would suggest a scandi of some sort.. there are a lot of really nice knives out there these days, especially in your price range..
 
Sargent 666 said:
I really like my Blind Horse Bushbaby. Their Boat Tail Scandi is nice also.
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That Bushbaby looks great. Is that a special coating on the blade, or does it just have a layer of patina? I'm assuming it's O-1 tool steel. The ones on the Knife Connection don't have a coating.
 
LightGuy said:
That Bushbaby looks great. Is that a special coating on the blade, or does it just have a layer of patina? I'm assuming it's O-1 tool steel. The ones on the Knife Connection don't have a coating.
Click to expand...

It's a cold blueing from BHK and patina mixed.

The originals are 4140 saw blade steel, Maple handles and blued.

They switched to O1 and Micarta when the supplies ran low on the other materials.
 
Sargent 666 said:
It's a cold blueing from BHK and patina mixed.

The originals are 4140 saw blade steel, Maple handles and blued.

They switched to O1 and Micarta when the supplies ran low on the other materials.
Click to expand...

I love the cold blueing on the steel. any idea where you can get one with the blueing? Not sure if I'm allowed to ask that on here..
 
LightGuy said:
I love the cold blueing on the steel. any idea where you can get one with the blueing? Not sure if I'm allowed to ask that on here..
Click to expand...

Pretty sure that they'd do it for you as a custom ... or on a custom.

Their standard models are now satin and Micarta.

To get one like mine it would have to be a custom or on the exchange for an original model ... they do come up here for sale but rarely.

Mine are #13 and #25 from the original run.
 
CWL said:
Let me Google that for you...

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Blind+horse+knives

If you want to cold blue a carbon steel knife, all you need is a bottle of Cold Blue like Birchwood Casey or Brownells and a cotton rag... You can Google it yourself...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info about doing the Cold Blue myself - I'll definitely check that out! Regarding the google link, according to Sargent 666 I don't think finding a blued one I can buy ready made by BHK is going to be as simple as a google search...but it's the thought that counts! :thumbup:
 
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