<a href="//secondmedia-d.openx.net/w/1.0/rc?cs=524f239099920&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE" ><img src="//secondmedia-d.openx.net/w/1.0/ai?auid=103216&cs=524f239099920&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE" border="0" alt=""></a> Support BladeForums! Paid memberships don't see ads! Hi Folks, I'm in the market for a new midsized knife (4.5-5.5 inch). On my short list are the hunter and duke and I was hoping to see some comparison pics. I was also looking at the bushcrafter sr but I seem to gravitate to the other 2. This is a general purpose knife, I have other blades that fulfill specific niches. This is more, I got the hots for something new and this is the size I want. Thought and feedback welcome.
Here's a simple comparison shot of the Camp, Duke, Hunter, Bushfinger. The Duke isn't mine, I had it from an exchange, so I don't have a lot of experience with it. The Hunter is my most used kitchen knife and think it would be a good general purpose knife.
Here are some comparison photos for you to consider. Top to Bottom: Forager, Woodsman, Duke, & Hunter [/URL] [/URL] The Hunter and Duke have very similar length handles with the longer blade on the Duke. [/URL] I prefer the longer blade and neutral balance of the Duke. [/URL] Another model I like very much in this size range is the Bourbon Street Skinner. It has a taller handle than the Hunter and a nice curved shape on the top that fits more comfortably in the palm of my hand. The cutting edge length is longer too. [/URL] Wishing you luck in your search. Please keep us posted what you decide on. Phil
If you are looking for a general blade, the production duke is hard to beat. S-35V with a professional heat treat, a great grind and a better handle. Quality sheath too. If you can find one of the custom shop jobs, then it's probably even better. Really, you can't go wrong.
Having had both, my choice would be the Duke. Combined with a small knife for finer work, I would be very happy to have the Duke be part of a two knife only system. Bill
I bought a duke for Fiddleback weekend and came away impressed with the utility the pattern, yet it handles like a much smaller knife. Handles are very comfortable in a range of grips (hammer, reverse, etc), including a choked up pinch grip for finer detail work (agree 2 part system with smaller knife though). The camp is a beast, but again handles like a smaller knife, albeit one tall bladed smaller knife. Again the handles make the knife here, but I'm sure the woodsman and hunter handles are great as well...most FF Handles are.
@J_mcrane Not to throw you a curveball, but a Leuku (if you can find one) is an excellent choice in this size range. For comparison below: Woodsman, Duke, CS Duke Leuku, Bushfinger.
<a href="//secondmedia-d.openx.net/w/1.0/rc?cs=524f239099920&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE" ><img src="//secondmedia-d.openx.net/w/1.0/ai?auid=103216&cs=524f239099920&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE" border="0" alt=""></a> Support BladeForums! Paid memberships don't see ads! I agree with @Southern Gent ‘s recommendation for the Leuku. I have owned all four models shown in his photo. While I have nothing but high praise for the Duke & Woodsman, the one I have chosen to keep for my “bigger” knife as I shrink my collection is the Leuku. Mine is Fiddle-textured & tapered 5/32” O1 with a high grind. It is light to carry at 5.64 ounces and it has perfect neutral balance. The Leuku performs bigger than it looks. Phil
