Grohmann knives

[HFinn]

Is batonning something you traditionally do in Finland? I never heard of it here until Mors Kochanski got Americans talking about bushcraft instead of woodcraft.

I would not say so. Usually here hikers and hunters have with them something like a small axe for firewood. I did when I used to hunt. I personally find batoning a usefull technigue when I have to start a fire and split allready split firewood into smaller pieces to be used as a tinder (not to be confused with this dating business).

This boat knife got stuck in the wood and would not split it. Must be the geometry of the blade or something. This is a slicer/cutter and as such works well, in my opinion. I have also started to like the steel, I had first some reservations about it.

 

[pertinux]

#2 Trout & Bird, flat ground, carbon steel, rosewood handle

This knife is well-balanced, comfortable in hand, and oddly confounding.

I'm having an unusual, amusingly difficult time knowing how to think about it. Not what to think-- I really like the knife-- but how.

Keep in mind, almost all of my fixed blade knives thus far have ranged from tiny to small:

(TC Barlow in the mix for size comparison)

So, while this knife is the "smaller" of Grohmann's offerings, it's much more of a presence than, say, my current daily companion, an LT Wright Patriot, and its elliptical length tells:

Not that I didn't have the measurements ahead of time, nor is the knife That Big. It's just more than I knew to expect. Somehow.

A knifely knife, this:

Blade stamp:

(Will, as you can see, mine has none of the etching/labeling that I see in your pictures.)

The #2 is both strong (almost no lateral flex) and sprightly. The handle's relatively delicate silhouette belies its sturdy girth.

Here's where it gets fun, in hand:

Moving up the handle to the blade is comfortable as well:

So why my confusion? I apparently have no muscle memory for the blade's proportions and approach, so it's still new every time. The more I use the knife, the more I like it, but I'm still surprised by where and how the blade relates to the handle.

I'm attempting to not overthink it, but because it doesn't 'fit' in my brain yet, it leaves me... thinking. The closest analogy I've come to is that of a recumbent bicycle vs. a traditional upright model. Maybe?
(Disclaimer: I've never ridden a recumbent bicycle.)

I am heading out for an evening fire now, to play with sticks and stuff, and this Grohmann is coming along.

My brain and I are looking forward to getting to know it better.

~ P.

 

[Jack Black]

Interesting post P :thumbup:

 

[Will Power]

It's a very individual knife P that's for sure. It looks odd and because of this it is all the more surprising how ergonomic it is....rather like a Sharpfinger, it does become an extension of the hand. I suspect your 'shock' may be due to the fact that your other FBs are compact pocket carries really, the Grohmann is a long bird for sure. I chose the smaller Trout & Bird as opposed to the usual big one simply because I wanted a lighter weight more compact knife for travelling, but it aint no pocket-puukko that's a fact. Mine does have a stamped tang, not etched - my photos are never that competent so that's the confusion. I've been very pleased with it, a delight in the hand and good for food prep, picnics, gutting fish, the lot. I'm fine with their stainless, it's up to the job.

Thanks, Will

 

[SAK Guy]

Beautiful knife P and a really honest and through first impression! :thumbup:

 

[LostViking]

A dedicated Grohmann thread, excellent!
Thank you HFinn and Jack Black.

I am pleased to say I have a N.I.B. #3 Forces Knife headed my way from a trade deal. So I am more than pleased to have stumbled upon this thread.

I own a few other Grohmanns, but have lusted after the #3 the whole time. Very excited to have the opportunity to test it out.

Here is my #4 in a little "Camp Knife" shoot out I did a while ago,



A very capable woods knife,



It faired very well against the much larger competition. And it doesn't frighten the uninitiated like the others do.

 

[SAK Guy]

Great post LostViking!!

 

[Catherine_Montana]

A dedicated Grohmann thread, excellent!
Thank you HFinn and Jack Black.

I am pleased to say I have a N.I.B. #3 Forces Knife headed my way from a trade deal. So I am more than pleased to have stumbled upon this thread.

I own a few other Grohmanns, but have lusted after the #3 the whole time. Very excited to have the opportunity to test it out.

Here is my #4 in a little "Camp Knife" shoot out I did a while ago,



A very capable woods knife,



It faired very well against the much larger competition. And it doesn't frighten the uninitiated like the others do.

Nice write up, review and pictures too!

Thank you.

Cate

 

[LostViking]

Thanks for the kind words folks!

My #3 Forces knife showed up yesterday. I am pleased. My trade partner likes his new knife as well. So this one is officially mine now. I should have some photos up over the weekend.

I traded for this sight unseen, and it seems to be an older one with the blade stamp saying Pictou, N.S. Instead of just Canada. It arrived sharp enough. But I think there is room for improvement. Another thing that surprised me, was the knife is about a quarter inch shorter over all than my #1. I actually always thought it was a tad bigger.

I quite like the sheath. Then again, my first real knife, I bought with my own money back in the late '60s, had a fold over flap sheath. So does my F-1. I just like the style. This one holds the knife securely. Yet it is easy to insert and extract.

A pet peave of mine, is poor fitting sheaths that allow a knife to rattle around and make noise. Or ones so tight that you have to give yourself a wdgie pulling them out. This one is snug. No noise, even when shaking at any angle. Yet it comes out nice and smooth. Simple and nicely done. The brass stud and leathe flap hole means it can be opened with no noise. Again nice.

A question for you Grohmann folks. Has anyone treated their sheaths to darken them up a bit? On my other Grohmanns, I just let nature run its course. I know this is really a leather question. But everyone treats their sheaths with different polishes and finishes from the factory. So I thought I'd ask it here.

For this sheath, since I waited so long to own it. I thought I might do something special to it, to make it mine.

The first chore for this knife will be to make me breakfast when I get done typing this. I am of the belief that any knife that I will get serious about using. Must be able to feed me. Let's be honest, how many sentries do you need to dispatch in a month? We eat three time a day. There are many other challenges after this. But it has to get out of the gate. I don't foresee any issues here.

More as time wears on,

 

[screened porch]

One thing I never liked about my 70's Bucks was the rattly flap holsters.
I use Johnson's paste wax on plain leather. Some will say mink oil or sno-seal. You could use paste shoe polish too, if you really want some color.

 

[LostViking]

I have had good luck with bee's wax or Obenauf's. But I have heard good things about Johnson's paste wax. Makes perfect sense.

Might give the paste shoe polish a go.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[timberweasel]

As a Canadian, it seemed to me that I must have a Grohmann in my collection at some point but I just never got around to picking one up. Very recently, I stumbled across the Mini Russell Lock Blade #R340S and decided that this was the one for me...

I ordered a pair of #R340S folders this afternoon and look forward to their arrival! :thumbup:

-Brett

 

[LostViking]

As promised, here are a few quick shots of my new Grohmann Forces Knife.

First off, I thought the sheath polishing project came out well. Just some brown shoe polish that was laying around. Sorry no before picture.

Thanks to scrteened porch for reminding me simple is better. Sometimes, I can tend to over think things.



A shot next to my newest KA-BAR just to give some scale for folks who may not be familiar with these knives.



I grabbed a small stick and split it down. Then tried my hand at a few feather sticks,



I'm sure they will improve as I get used to the knife.



But these would certainly get a fire started if necessary.



I see this as being a great size for a general purpose belt knife. It is a tad handle heavy. But being so light and nimble you really don't notice it.

The handle shape never totally made sense to me. Until I held it in my hand. The angled pommel offers a great reverse grip. Perhaps that has something to do with it being Canada's go to S.E.R.E. knife for so long. It is comfortable in, all the grips I tried.

More to come as I get acquainted with it.

LV,

 

[pertinux]

As a Canadian, it seemed to me that I must have a Grohmann in my collection at some point but I just never got around to picking one up. Very recently, I stumbled across the Mini Russell Lock Blade #R340S and decided that this was the one for me...

I ordered a pair of #R340S folders this afternoon and look forward to their arrival! :thumbup:

Those caught my eye as well. I look forward to seeing your pictures, and hearing what you think about the pattern.

A dedicated Grohmann thread, excellent!

I'm glad you found it, and appreciate your contributions. Good stuff.

The handle on that Grohmann looks the perfect handful. :thumbup:

A question for you Grohmann folks. Has anyone treated their sheaths to darken them up a bit? On my other Grohmanns, I just let nature run its course. I know this is really a leather question. But everyone treats their sheaths with different polishes and finishes from the factory. So I thought I'd ask it here.

Mine arrived sated (vs. as dry as the leather that has accompanied other purchases), so I'll leave it alone for now. Soon enough, I'll give it a coating of either Obenauf's LP, or a paste wax. Obenauf's is my default, but as the sheath is already a little on the soft side I don't want to risk over-softening it-- hence the notion of paste/polish.

Beautiful knife P and a really honest and through first impression! :thumbup:

Thanks! It's a funny thing. I don't have to try to like the knife, I already do. But... well, see my previous post, with the update below: the proof's in the cutting, as t'were.

Mine does have a stamped tang, not etched - my photos are never that competent so that's the confusion....

How's about the blade itself-- that looks to be an etch...? Just curious, as no two seem to be marked quite the same!

Interesting. The knives I'm seeing (including those above) are marked CANADA, while mine-- direct from Grohmann, in Canada, is not. Perhaps, given the direct source, "CANADA" is implied.

It's a very individual knife P that's for sure. It looks odd and because of this it is all the more surprising how ergonomic it is....rather like a Sharpfinger, it does become an extension of the hand. I suspect your 'shock' may be due to the fact that your other FBs are compact pocket carries really, the Grohmann is a long bird for sure. I chose the smaller Trout & Bird as opposed to the usual big one simply because I wanted a lighter weight more compact knife for travelling, but it aint no pocket-puukko that's a fact.

...I've been very pleased with it, a delight in the hand and good for food prep, picnics, gutting fish, the lot. I'm fine with their stainless, it's up to the job.

I think you may be on to something-- length being primary, although the elliptical approach still baffles me brain (not my hand, my brain).

The first chore for this knife will be to make me breakfast when I get done typing this. I am of the belief that any knife that I will get serious about using must be able to feed me.

I'll confess, I've never thought along those lines! But now I am thinking about that-- and smiling.

Even without that as my own guiding directive, I put my #2 through some food prep paces last evening-- Taco night!

Despite its looks and my brain, the knife was -- to quote Will-- a delight in hand, and astonishingly direct in use. My vegebles stood no chance....

Next up: losing the scritchy nylon cord that arrived attached to the knife's lanyard hole.

Leather is clearly in order.

~ P.

 

[Raymond1000]

One of my first hiking/hunting knives was a knock-off Model 1. It was okay, I used it a while. But I never loved that handle shape. On any tool, handles are important to me.

I replaced it with a Puma and never looked back. Later I carried the number # 4 survival knife until I lost it. It has a much better handle than the # 1. So does # 3 boat knife.

I like a pouch type sheath. Holds the knife deep and secure. Nothing to snap or unsnap. No keeper strap to gradually slice through.

One reason I like that sheath style is the Grumman # 4. I liked that knife. It was my go-to choice on the trail. It was not the best for dressing game, but far from the worst.

I always kept it sheathed and snapped. Until, one day, there it wasn’t.

If you buy a # 4, get a better sheath for it.

 

[timberweasel]

A pair of brand-spankin' new Grohmann Mini Russell #R340S folders arrived a week or two ago. I gave both the ol' chicken-eye and coon finger and determined both are worthy additions to my collection. Popped one in my pocket and tucked the other back in the box to be stowed away...

The Good:

The build quality is comparable to a good Buck knife. Similar materials and good fit & finish. Not excellent, not spectacular, but very very solid. The design is excellent, however. Very comfortable in hand with most of the weight behind the middle finger when held in a saber grip. The knife is well-pinned and everything is flush with the rosewood scales. The jimping is functional without being too aggressive. The blade grinds are decent and fairly even throughout, and I like how they softened the shoulders in the mid-hollow grind; doesn't snag on your cutting material. The blade has a lovely sweep to it and a bit o' belly, which I like for versatility, and the swedge is a nice addition for piercing tasks; I think it would do an excellent job as a bird & trout knife. Oh, and did I mention that my Mini Russell is also one of the smoothest opening/closing lockbacks I've yet handled? Super easy to pinch the blade open.

The Bad:

There is nothing about the knife that I would consider 'bad.' The knife is solid.

The Picky:

Well, here it comes... the nit-picking niggles. Held up to the light when the knife is open will show a few slivers of light here and there. Nothing major and nothing I haven't seen on some of my GEC's, which I consider the 'gold standard' in production traditional pocket knives. There also seems to be a bit of uneveness in the grinds around the ricasso area. Upon close inspection, the jimping is not cut to uniform depth in the spine. When the blade is closed, there is a bit of slop between the scales, even though the blade is well centered at rest. There is just the slightest hint of side-to-side play when the blade is open. The factory edge is not impressive but easily remedied by a few licks on the stones.

The Bottom Line:

The Mini Russell is a welcome addition to my collection; the unique design really stands out in the crowd. It is a fantastic outdoorsy type pocket knife made to work--well worth the $65 CDN I paid for it. Glad Grohmann decided to re-release the mini version of their D.H. Russell folder! I'd love to see a full flat grind model in the future... :thumbup::thumbup:

Size comparison pics:

GEC #15 Radio, Grohmann Mini Russell, Buck 302 Solitaire, Case Medium Stockman

-Brett

 

[Jack Black]

Just did some catching up with this thread, great reading folks :thumbup:

 

[texasshipagent]

Great post , interesting to see a wider variety , don't get me wrong I love GEC and Case but nice to see others, good looking knife

 

[SAK Guy]

What knife is in the middle? Nice.

Thank you! That's a J Russell Green River Dadley from the 1976 Bicentennial Collection.

 

[SirJames]

I have owned several Grohmann knives and sold them all off...but I just bought another #3 in flatgrind stainless. I find many knives in brand new condition at pawn shops and flea markets at great prices, but the vast majority of used Grohmanns were indeeded used by their previous owners.

I am not crazy about the #1 or #2 as I prefer straighter handles and blades so the #3 is perfect as far as the 1-3 designs. I have used a #4 and it is the only Grohmann in the 1-4 range that feels like a fulll size general camp knife rather than just a skinning or camp kitchen knife. It is interestingly a beefed up #1 with the handle showing some #3 similarity especially near the back.

I have had their short skinner (the one with the bog handle) and it is the knife that compares best to other knives as the 1-4s are so distintive to Grohmann. A very nice nice but too spealized so I sold it off.

I wish Grohmann would start offering high end steels or even just a 1095 or 01 blade. They also need to come up with newer designs to market to collectors to generate new interest and new sales.