- Joined
- May 25, 2011
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- 854
This is my review of model #3 from Gray Wolf Knives (http://graywolfknives.com/)
Ive had the knife for close to a month now and have used it in a manner that is typical for me (slicing food, cutting various items and making chunks of wood into something that sometimes roughly resembles a man-made object).
Vital statistics are as follows: (from Gray Wolf Knives Website)
Blade length: about 4 5/8"
Handle length: about 4 5/8"
Blade thickness: 1/8"
Steel: 1095 (59 rc)
Handle material: black walnut
Pins: brass
Lanyard tube: 1/4" brass
Finish: blued heat treat finish
Blade width: 1"
First Impressions:
This is my first knife from a custom maker, so I was alternating between extreme excitement and slight apprehension prior to taking delivery of the knife. I should not have worried, as the entire buying experience could not have been better and the actual product is far superior to anything in my wildest imagination.
Fit and finish is perfect at least I cannot see how it could be better. There are no gaps, the handle is flush with the (full) tang and the bevel is even from tip to stern. The knife has a beautiful balance and remains comfortable in a variety of holds almost as though it were merely an extension of my hand.
This knife has a great feel to it; enough heft to let you know that youre holding a serious tool, yet light enough to allow for hours of constant use.
Its not an ornate knife, but I find the simple lines and rugged usefulness to have a beauty all of their own. My favorite knives are always like that: solid, hardy knives that provide a lifetimes use and the ultimate bang for the buck. Besides, Id be too scared to use a knife that was too pretty (if I ever bought one).
Performance:
After admiring the knife for a few minutes, it saw its first use in helping me prepare a turkey and tomato sandwich. (I forgot to mention the fact that the knife was extremely sharp upon delivery, so there was no need to spend time sharpening it).
Slicing through the turkey breast was no challenge at all (nor did I expect it to be) as the knife cut through the meat like a razor. Similar results were experienced with the tomato and I soon found myself munching on a delicious sandwich as I contemplated further tasks for my newest toy/tool.
First up was the paper test (after wiping the blade down) push cutting through thin paper was a breeze and I soon graduated to shaving hairs off my arm (figuring bald spots on my head would be slightly more noticeable).
Next I figured Id try my hand at carving wood, so I fired up the trusty chainsaw and lopped off a few likely-looking branches from a fallen tree.
Now Ive never carved a wooden spoon before (and Im not sure I have now, either) but I decided that would be my first project. I didnt pre-shape the chosen chunk of branch; wanting to give the knife a full workout by seeing how it did with power cuts (as well as delicate slicing and chipping).
The knife was a joy to use; handling every type of cut (in my very limited repertoire) with an ease that belied my newbie status as a carver of wood.
In fact I enjoyed myself so much that I then decided to make a spatula and an Atlatl (afterwards) using nothing but my Gray Wolf knife (and some sandpaper). I did end up carving the bowl (of the spoon) out with a crooked knife since I couldnt figure out how to carve it with my Gray Wolf knife.
Side note:
Much to my surprise; my wife was inappropriately astonished by the proximity my newly manufactured albeit smaller chunk of wood had to man-made utensils (bless her heart). She even suggested (with that gleam of riches to come in her eyes) that I proceed to sell my creations. But that dream died quickly when I explained how Id have to get $100 for a wooden spoon-like object (since I had at least 10 hours of work into it) that could be purchased anywhere for a few dollars each.
Still . If anyone is interested
No?
Oh well, so much for those dreams of being a wooden spoon mogul (and the riches that go along with it).
Final Analysis:
Gray Wolf (Aaron) makes an outstanding knife. His bang for the buck ratio is incredible; especially when you consider the fact that the tools he makes will give you a lifetimes worth of excellent service.
Ive got somewhere around 50 fixed-blade knives thus far. Among them are one dozen (or so) Mora knives and a mixture of Scandinavian knives (Ahti, Helle, Kellam, Roselli, etc..) all of them are excellent knives and perfectly capable tools. (I really like that style of knife)
But my favorite knives are the two (so far) from Gray Wolf knives. In addition to the model #3 knife, I also have a model #4 Gray Wolf knife (not pictured). (The model #4 knife is every bit as good as the knife being reviewed possibly better because the blade is shorter).
I havent had to sharpen the knife, although I do make it a practice to strop the knife (homemade strop) when Im done using it for the day. Ive found a few strokes on each side will bring the knife back to its original sharpness and that it is quite easy to maintain the makers grind. I suspect that if Im not careless, stropping is the only form of sharpening Ill ever have to do with this knife.
You owe it to yourself to get a Gray Wolf knife youll be glad you did.
Ive had the knife for close to a month now and have used it in a manner that is typical for me (slicing food, cutting various items and making chunks of wood into something that sometimes roughly resembles a man-made object).
Vital statistics are as follows: (from Gray Wolf Knives Website)
Blade length: about 4 5/8"
Handle length: about 4 5/8"
Blade thickness: 1/8"
Steel: 1095 (59 rc)
Handle material: black walnut
Pins: brass
Lanyard tube: 1/4" brass
Finish: blued heat treat finish
Blade width: 1"
First Impressions:
This is my first knife from a custom maker, so I was alternating between extreme excitement and slight apprehension prior to taking delivery of the knife. I should not have worried, as the entire buying experience could not have been better and the actual product is far superior to anything in my wildest imagination.
Fit and finish is perfect at least I cannot see how it could be better. There are no gaps, the handle is flush with the (full) tang and the bevel is even from tip to stern. The knife has a beautiful balance and remains comfortable in a variety of holds almost as though it were merely an extension of my hand.
This knife has a great feel to it; enough heft to let you know that youre holding a serious tool, yet light enough to allow for hours of constant use.
Its not an ornate knife, but I find the simple lines and rugged usefulness to have a beauty all of their own. My favorite knives are always like that: solid, hardy knives that provide a lifetimes use and the ultimate bang for the buck. Besides, Id be too scared to use a knife that was too pretty (if I ever bought one).
Performance:
After admiring the knife for a few minutes, it saw its first use in helping me prepare a turkey and tomato sandwich. (I forgot to mention the fact that the knife was extremely sharp upon delivery, so there was no need to spend time sharpening it).
Slicing through the turkey breast was no challenge at all (nor did I expect it to be) as the knife cut through the meat like a razor. Similar results were experienced with the tomato and I soon found myself munching on a delicious sandwich as I contemplated further tasks for my newest toy/tool.
First up was the paper test (after wiping the blade down) push cutting through thin paper was a breeze and I soon graduated to shaving hairs off my arm (figuring bald spots on my head would be slightly more noticeable).
Next I figured Id try my hand at carving wood, so I fired up the trusty chainsaw and lopped off a few likely-looking branches from a fallen tree.
Now Ive never carved a wooden spoon before (and Im not sure I have now, either) but I decided that would be my first project. I didnt pre-shape the chosen chunk of branch; wanting to give the knife a full workout by seeing how it did with power cuts (as well as delicate slicing and chipping).
The knife was a joy to use; handling every type of cut (in my very limited repertoire) with an ease that belied my newbie status as a carver of wood.
In fact I enjoyed myself so much that I then decided to make a spatula and an Atlatl (afterwards) using nothing but my Gray Wolf knife (and some sandpaper). I did end up carving the bowl (of the spoon) out with a crooked knife since I couldnt figure out how to carve it with my Gray Wolf knife.
Side note:
Much to my surprise; my wife was inappropriately astonished by the proximity my newly manufactured albeit smaller chunk of wood had to man-made utensils (bless her heart). She even suggested (with that gleam of riches to come in her eyes) that I proceed to sell my creations. But that dream died quickly when I explained how Id have to get $100 for a wooden spoon-like object (since I had at least 10 hours of work into it) that could be purchased anywhere for a few dollars each.
Still . If anyone is interested
No?
Oh well, so much for those dreams of being a wooden spoon mogul (and the riches that go along with it).
Final Analysis:
Gray Wolf (Aaron) makes an outstanding knife. His bang for the buck ratio is incredible; especially when you consider the fact that the tools he makes will give you a lifetimes worth of excellent service.
Ive got somewhere around 50 fixed-blade knives thus far. Among them are one dozen (or so) Mora knives and a mixture of Scandinavian knives (Ahti, Helle, Kellam, Roselli, etc..) all of them are excellent knives and perfectly capable tools. (I really like that style of knife)
But my favorite knives are the two (so far) from Gray Wolf knives. In addition to the model #3 knife, I also have a model #4 Gray Wolf knife (not pictured). (The model #4 knife is every bit as good as the knife being reviewed possibly better because the blade is shorter).
I havent had to sharpen the knife, although I do make it a practice to strop the knife (homemade strop) when Im done using it for the day. Ive found a few strokes on each side will bring the knife back to its original sharpness and that it is quite easy to maintain the makers grind. I suspect that if Im not careless, stropping is the only form of sharpening Ill ever have to do with this knife.
You owe it to yourself to get a Gray Wolf knife youll be glad you did.
