Grohmann #4 Survival Knife

R

RubberJohnny

Joined
Mar 11, 2006
Messages
216
I'm in the market for a good quality traditional knife and I stumbled upon the Grohmann survival knife. I love the exotic look of it and I was wondering if anyone has had experience with this knife or Grohmann in general. I am also wondering which steel and handle is the best. http:// www.grohmannknives.com/pages/r4s.html
 
Ihope you get some responses as well, I have been thinking of that model in carbon steel for a few weeks, but haven't found much feedback on them.
 
The only reason I'm really holding back from buying this knife is that I've heard that the steel is too soft and won't hold an edge well.

P.S. If I do purchase this knife it will probably be in the form of a knife kit because it is a good bit cheaper and I think it will be a ton of fun to make my own handle.(Unfortunatley since the knife is made at home it voids the warranty).
 
Something else to consider, the Ghromann knives have rather unique ergonomics that some people like and some don't. I have two (a #1 and #2) myself and really like the feel of the handles.

-Bob
 
According to the Grohman sales rep, the best steel for use is their carbon steel. The stainless is a quality german steel, but will not hold an edge as long as the carbon steel.

I don't have one, but do know several people who use their basic knife and bird/trout. They are very useable knives that hold up well and are perfect for camping.
 
Thanks alot you guys! I think I'm gonna buy the knife kit for the Grohmann survival knife and see if I have any nice woods around the house to make my own handle.
 
If I'm not mistaken the Grohman Survival is issued to the Canadian military. Probably quite a decent field knife.
 
yobbos1 said:
If I'm not mistaken the Grohman Survival is issued to the Canadian military. Probably quite a decent field knife.
Click to expand...

Actually it's the #3 Boat knife that is Canadian issue, the Grohman Survival is the #4.
 
I have used a Grohmann #4 traditional grind as one of my primary outdoor knives for the last few years, and I can recommend it without any reservations. It's a wonderful blade design, with a comfortable handle and excellent general capabilities. I haven't encountered a problem with edge retention. It's a relatively thick blade, so you won't be getting the same sort of edge that you would see on a Mora or even a Becker, which means that it doesn't lend itself to 'hair popping' sharpness. Nevertheless, it goes through wood, meat, and everything inbetween without any problems. You can also order a flat grind version; I don't have experience with this type.

My #4 sees a lot of use in food prep, where it is the perfect size and shape for most tasks, either in the kitchen or the campsite. The design of the blade means that you can slice effectively without worrying about contacting the cutting board with your finger.

My only complaint (if you can call it that) with the #4 is that the sheath retention strap can be scored by the knife edge when drawing. It's a wonderful sheath design, and very comfortable, but I'm concerned that a few years of consistent use - and I really use this one a lot - will lead to a severed retention strap. I don't know how this could be avoided, though, and it's probably easily fixed down the road.

I hope that helps, and I hope that you enjoy your Grohmann. I recommend the classic #1 design as well. If it weren't for the looks I'd get, this would easily be my first choice for an edc knife - and it's a beautiful design as well.

All the best,

- Mike
 
I am really thinking of adding a Grohmann to me collection. I'll probably end up with a #1, when I am honest with myself, the smaller knives end up getting more use from me than big knives.
 
As mentor mentioned, the sheath is a little weak...my strap was sliced and is now taped. I'm going to get a kydex sheath done up for it I think.

I have the #4 in carbon with the flat-grind and put a little convex on the secondary bevel, it's been outstanding at holding its edge and is much easier to touch up via stropping.

The handle seems a little odd, but in combination with the upswept blade, it allows some decent handling qualities for varied tasks. I've done a little chopping with it and the balance lends itself well to that. Overall a great knife, and the carbon steel has been pretty much trouble free if just give it a little attention. I do have the #1 and #3 in stainless, they're okay, but they do require more attention to maintaining the edge.

Here's my #4 in comparison to a few other knives:

MidSizedBlades.jpg


ROCK6
 
I first purchased the Survival knife as a kit w/ S.S. blade. After using it for a while, I sold it. I just didn't care for the stainless blade. I did like the design however. I have since purchased the #1 in carbon steel and love it. I would highly recommend you purchase a carbon blade. Gets much sharper, easy to touch up. Just my opinion.
 
When I was up in Nova Scotia in 2001 I bought a bunch of knives from them. Thier factory / store has a big knife sticking out of the building. I personally kept the #1 and #3 and one pocket knife and I gave a bunch away for gifts. "The Last Confederate" is right in that the size of the knives are just right for using. I prefer the #3 over the #1. I like the #1 in the store, but I tend to use the #3 the most.
 
I have two Grohmann #4, both with wood handles but one in stainless and one in carbon steel. That these knives don't get more credit in the hunting, outdoor and bushcraft categories is a shame. I have recently gotten an S1 Fallkniven and was super excited and it is a great knife, but as a outdoor/bushcraft knife my Grohmann 4 in Stainless is superior. I have small hands for a guy and the Grohmann does not feel too large in my hand. I have used it for various bushcraft tasks and I realize now how well it performs. It is definitely a good deer skinner too, but I prefer the carbon one a bit more for that task, that said this is definitely a great hunting/skinning knife in the stainless. For the price I can't believe that the stainless is not a choice in most comparisons.
 
So. Is it any less relevant? Maybe someone else happens across this like I did when I was looking for opinions on different grinds of knives. None of this information has changed to my knowledge.
mbkr said:
You guys realize this thread is 17.5 years old? 🧟‍♀️
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top