Help me pick my next knife

Srtr

Srtr

Joined
Feb 9, 2016
Messages
644
So I've been using a nor a bushcraft black for a while and love it but wanted to get something a little more "premium".

Would like something with a scandi grind, sharp 90 degree spine and non plastic handles.

4 1/2 to 4 3/4 inch range would be perfect.

And to top it off I've been wanting to try some steels I haven' used before, really wanting to try cpm3v but it' not a requirement whereas the others I'm kinda firm on.

Basically looking for a bushcrafter knife without labeling it that because I hate throwing that term around, seems like every hipster with a knife is a survivalist off grid bushcrafter these days...

Carving, fire starting light batoning etc, pretty much what the mora was designed for but more premium materials.



Im sure this has been asked a million times so I do appreciate any replies or suggestions.
 
If you want essentially an upgraded Mora but still keep it affordable, here are a couple that I don't own, but have gotten good reviews (first one) or just look interesting (second one). The TOPS knife, for a few more dollars you can get upgraded steel version going from 1095 to 154cm if you want stainless.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--TOPS-BOB-Brothers-of-Bushcraft--24775
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Real-Steel-Bushcraft-Plus-Fixed--70455

Beyond that and more $$, check out Fiddleback Forge, and LT Wright knives, both have many offerings.
 
Oh and the budget is about $350 max. Less is better but I'm not afraid of paying for quality.
 
I suggest you check out the Knife Maker's Market. There are so many craftsmen over there that I don't think I could even suggest one over another. The best part is that you'll spend the same amount on a Bark River as a fully custom made blade.
 
I like my Survive! GSO 4 it is the one with the yellow handle. I think he is still offering them in 3v. And I think he is offering a "bushcraft" model now
nBu5pRz.jpg
 
I’d suggest looking at JK handmade knives and telling him exactly what you want. He’s here on the forum and will make whatever you want. His O1 steel heat treat is stellar.
 
I think Bark River made some sort of scandi ground blade in 3v, might want to check it out. I'll add that some people don't think too highly of Bark River around here. I have no opinion or knowledge on why, but some research may affect your decision.
 
Blues Bender said:
I think Bark River made some sort of scandi ground blade in 3v, might want to check it out. I'll add that some people don't think too highly of Bark River around here. I have no opinion or knowledge on why, but some research may affect your decision.
Click to expand...

i think i read something a while back about some drama with BRK or something, not sure.

Would be a shame if they were a company to avoid because i was eyeballin their aurora and bushcrafter II as well. They look like something i might like.
 
Srtr said:
i think i read something a while back about some drama with BRK or something, not sure.

Would be a shame if they were a company to avoid because i was eyeballin their aurora and bushcrafter II as well. They look like something i might like.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I don't want to open a can of worms. BRK is too "traditional looking" for my taste, so I've had no interest to dig deeper on the subject. It's just something I've read multiple times over the years.
 
I just picked up a Bradford Guardian3, neat little knife. Although I don't know if they make a bushcraft knife, they are nice knives. Their Guardian4 has a 4.6" blade with 4.12" cutting edge. They're offered in 3V, M390 and I've seen a few in S30V. Don't know if there is more steel offerings.
Everything you described as to what you'll be doing fits the bill on a variety of good knives not necessarily labeled "bushcraft".
 
I'm no bushcrafter, so take this option with a grain of salt, but I've owned a Enzo Birk 75 scandi folder and found it to be of exceptional quality for the price. That said, Brisa, the company that makes Enzo, offers some fixed blade options in a limited variety of steels but with scandi grinds and (I think) 90 degree spines.

http://brisa.fi/enzo/enzo-trapper-knives.html
 
Srtr said:
So I've been using a nor a bushcraft black for a while and love it but wanted to get something a little more "premium".

Would like something with a scandi grind, sharp 90 degree spine and non plastic handles.

4 1/2 to 4 3/4 inch range would be perfect.

And to top it off I've been wanting to try some steels I haven' used before, really wanting to try cpm3v but it' not a requirement whereas the others I'm kinda firm on.

Basically looking for a bushcrafter knife without labeling it that because I hate throwing that term around, seems like every hipster with a knife is a survivalist off grid bushcrafter these days...

Carving, fire starting light batoning etc, pretty much what the mora was designed for but more premium materials.



Im sure this has been asked a million times so I do appreciate any replies or suggestions.
Click to expand...

The Spyderco Zoomer, set to come out next year, has my interest. Looks to be just about perfect, though it's pricey.
 
OP you didn't mention before my first post your $350 budget. Given that, and if you're REALLY committed to a more upscale bushcrafter, I'd seriously recommend the TOPS Bob I pointed you to in 154CM (about $165 and premo materials), or upgrade to LT Wright that I mentioned earlier. DltTrading and TheKnifeConnection both stock tons of LT Wright Bushcrafter models, you'll find something to like.

If open to a more general purpose utility knife, I like Ajack's suggestion of Bradford Guardian 4. I have one of those, it's an outstanding small field knife, has premo steel options and handle materials, and fits your budget at around $250.

y4mFaWI1M1nWEN-nvdcP03S7OabzjYKb8yaTPRdGUqucn9cDID6HnzCU4MeolVdtRpTuqsOxQbmDSDK-BwrHRecTrNGCgWRWumhPaGYltPzwlvo6eyrdFEm9tmpULP_ik-eiZX7LEicb2YEpEUfqP-7_5qU-lfC98xJzTrZWUm1WCeqCKsr-rUHKlV_BZGc_q80_fP9LaxJe8X_22mbFH-npA
 
Another custom maker worth looking at is @Daado . He uses 52100 almost exclusively, and his HT is Fantastic, thin behind the edge, but plenty durable. And his Antique Micarta is nice looking too, though he does also work with wood handles.
His communication is Very good and he will make you just about anything you want.
 
think i have my choices down to the LT Wright GNS in 3v and the bark river aurora, gonna check them both out and see which i might end up with.
 
Lon Humphrey Kephart Forged 3V.

I’d suggest one with all hammer marks and low Scandinavia grind. I may have to get one just because, but I do have one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top