I know you guys can help me...

quattromori

quattromori

Joined
May 7, 2011
Messages
3,426
Hi everybody,
yet another "outdoors FB suggestion" thread... :rolleyes:
I rarely post in this subforum (I'm mostly a traditional knife nut), but I do read alot here in the outdoors section, and I have learned alot from many of you guys.
So, at the moment I'm after a new smallish FB for outdoor use...it may exist among production knives, but I haven't found it yet, so I thought you guys could help me.
I'm looking for something in the 7" (overall) range. Micarta handles. Full flat grind. Not picky on steel, as long as it's properly heat treated and decent enough.
Yes, I know many of you guys are about to shoot alot of "Izula" suggestions. It was my first thought as well, but then I had second thoughts. The thing is, I'd like a thinner blade.
So, should I go for a Scrapivore/Swamp Warden and find some micarta handles for it? are there other option in the production market? or should I just get a custom made knife?
Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

:cool:
 
Ever thought about the Ontario SK-5? Decent size, good 154-CM steel, good sheath for an Ontario. It might be a bit longer than you want though
 
there are aftermarket scales for sale for the swamp warden right now in orange G10, green canvav micarta and black paper micarta being CNC'd to order with the possibility of more materials
 
23698012,
the Ontario is too bg for my needs, but thank you for the suggestion.

darkaether,
I've seen the scales you are talking about...so I assume your answer is "get a Swamp Warden", right? :)

:cool:
 
I admit I like the Dozier...but it's pretty thick (3/16" at the spine), even thicker than an Izula :(
Thanks alot for your suggestions :)

:cool:
 
check these hiking buddies out at 1/8". hot off the press.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/994341-Fiddleback-Friday-9-21-12 Andy Roy makes superb knives.
I think custom is a good way to go. Seems like you have something pretty specific in mind. Most outdoors knives are thicker to handle the fun. A custom maker could grind you something nice and thin or with distal taper. Plus you end up with something thats YOUR knife.
 
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What about a BHK Frontier Valley or Bush Baby?
I do not actually own any of them but I am really thinking in getting me one as a Christmas present. So far I am partial to the Forntier Valley.

I bought a Bushcrafter flat grind during the summer and have been using and loving it a lot.

Not sure if they are available in Italy, I bought mine during a business trip to the US.

Hope this helps.
 
How about getting Bryan Breeden to make a larger version of my Bugaboo knife with a Micarta handle, it cuts like a laser and would no doubt still cost less than a Warden even with the handle.
Anyway onto the little knife......This is what I call a true Necker, most so called neckers are far too heavy to really wear around your neck. This little guy is super light and super sharp.

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Made a little fuzzy~

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The nice square spine throws great sparks from my ferro-rod~

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First trip out and I'm already loving this knife !

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Click to expand...

I've been considering one myself !
 
Enzo 95 in flat grind. It's 3.4mm thick so thinner than an Izula. It's D2 as well and the leather sheaths aren't too shabby either. I think its a better package in every respect; especially when you consider the Enzo handle as default vs what the Izula ships like and the Izula sheath, and that the Enzo is only about 20 quid more here.
 
Does the handle have to be Micarta ? If not then take a look at the Scrapyard 311, basically a Swampwarden with res-C handles !
 
Thanks for the suggestions and inputs!
I will buy the knife in the US anyway, so whatever is available to you, will be at reach.
I had seen the BHK Bushbaby before. It fits my requirements, just didn't catch my eye really. Don't know why.
As for the Scrapyard 311...it had passed totally under my radar. I would prefer micarta, but I'm not totally closed to other handle materials.
As for your Bryan Breeden Bugaboo...it seems that, in the end, the custom knife suggestion always comes back. What's the steel (and relative thickness) of your knife? I like the blade profile pretty much.
Thanks again guys!

:cool:
 
quattromori said:
Thanks for the suggestions and inputs!
I will buy the knife in the US anyway, so whatever is available to you, will be at reach.
I had seen the BHK Bushbaby before. It fits my requirements, just didn't catch my eye really. Don't know why.
As for the Scrapyard 311...it had passed totally under my radar. I would prefer micarta, but I'm not totally closed to other handle materials.
As for your Bryan Breeden Bugaboo...it seems that, in the end, the custom knife suggestion always comes back. What's the steel (and relative thickness) of your knife? I like the blade profile pretty much.
Thanks again guys!

:cool:
Click to expand...

Mine is a skinny one 3/32" I think, Bryan can make them whatever thickness you want though. I believe the steel is O1 !
 
The EnZo range is a great suggestion, especially if you'd like to piece together a kit (literally only gluing and filing in the example below).

The FFG EnZo Elver is only $70

3E7BBD90-3CFB-41E9-887A-D627E0DF0E45-3505-0000032E67D394A6_zps36216fdc.jpg
 
-A.G. Russell Woodswalker
-Arno Bernard makes a bunch, if you're willing to forego the Micarta for bone, wood or G10
-Bark River. Go to their website, they make about a dozen knives that you might like. The owner has horrible business ethics, but the knives are good. Kinda like Microtech.
-Blackjack 155
-Go to Blind Horse Knives' website. They make as many as Bark River, and the owners actually care about their customers, too.
-Buck: Ergohunter Waterfowler/Small Game (No Micarta, but a great value.)
-Bush Monkey: Glacier EDC, Javelina, Mighty Monk
-Charles May: Bench Barlow, Bob White, Cow Killer, Fire Ant, Neck Knife, Tallahatchie, Trace
-cKc Pen Knife
-Fiddleback Karda
-Gene Ingram
-TOPS

Bunch more here.
 
A few more makers to think about !

I took three of my favourite EDC's out today and played around to compare them a little. I started to rough out a spoon but ran out of time as I was going out for a coffee with Mrs Pit !

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All three are great knives but I was quite suprised that the Ryan weeks knife just edged ahead of the other two. I have tweaked the edge more to suit my needs ( Which I do with most of my knives ) but considering it's 3/16" stock compared with the 1/8" stock of the others I was still suprised !

I still prefer 1/8" ( Or smaller....my 3/32" Pitdog Mora still rules ) stock for my med/small blades but this little knife really does well even compared to other top makers work !
Click to expand...
 
You can get any of the Adventure Sworn knives flat ground. Looks to me like several of them would fit the bill for you.

Just MY take on steel, but D2 is rather different than a lot of other steels. I personally don't care for it at all. I find it hard to sharpen and I never get the edge I want (and it's a Dozier, so I assume it's been done right). It's not my quote but I think it sums it up perfectly: "D2 takes a lousy edge and holds it forever".

Not trying to derail the topic or get into a steel debate...just wanted to point out that an otherwise great knife might not get loved if the steel isn't what YOU are accustomed to or like.
 
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