I need a new 6"-7" knife

T

tychoseven

Joined
Aug 9, 2005
Messages
317
I was making myself a camp knife, but it broke after warping in the quench. I tried to straighten it before the martensite set up, but I was too late.

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I spent about a month working on this blade, and I'm not in the mood to start another right away. I'm going to budget about $150....maybe up to $200 but that's the high end. I need a good general-purpose blade with a 6"-7" blade length, and up to 3/16" thickness...no 1/4" prybars.

So far my considerations are:

RAT/ESSE RC-6
Swamp Rat Chopweiler
Something custom from somebody like ML knives, JK knives, Koyote, etc.

I really dig the trade/rustic/neo-tribal/as-forged look. I'd just get Rick Marchand to make me something but I can't afford his work:D
 
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Ive heard nothing but good things about the RC-6. I am waiting for my RC-4 to arrive.
 
You won't be dissapointed with any of these that you mention: ML knives, JK knives, Koyote, however on a knife that size JK Knives might be the only one that can do one for around $150...saying that it never hurts to e-mail the others and ask what they can do for ya !

Three others that I'd also ask are Mark Wohlwend ,Bryan Breeden and Bruce Culberson ( I only ever hear positive things about Bryans work. Mark and Bruce are only just figuring out how good they actually are so get in quick before their prices reflect on their work !;):thumbup:).

I much prefer having a custom knife but that's just me !
 
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Matt has several hand forged options in the 100 to 200 dollar range. Just depends on your tastes;

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95.00

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135.00

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149.00

No financial interest in the company, just a fan of the knives.

http://mlknives.com

Doc
 
JK would be my first though for what you are seeking, I know his work well, Breeden and Koyote are excellent as well, JK might offer the best price in that size range.
 
Ahh, I hadn't remembered Landi knives. Good looking blades. I'll inquire.

Sorry on the BK7 bushman5, I can't stand the handles.

I've got a custom idea I'm going to pitch to Stomper when he gets back to town.

The ESEE-6 is my top choice for a production blade, if I decide to go that route.

I'm also going to see if any makers will sell me a heat-treated blade blank, and let me put my own handles on...it could keep the cost down.
 
Bryan Breeden's Peacemaker will get you in that size and price range also.
 
Have John at JK make you a 6" bladed Kephart. His O1 is some of the most well finished steel I have encountered to date. While the other makers and manufacturers suggested here are all great, I have yet to come across any knife that offers as much for the money as a JK.
 
I don't think you want a Chopweiler. It's definitely a pry bar with micarta bolted on it. It's amazing for heavy duty work for it's length, but it's a big chunk of steel not really meant for much else, definitely not a "camp knife"
 
Here's my Lobo by JK Knives. 6.25" blade. Super comfy handle. I've seen it done with the dark forged finish too.

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I'll admit I've been eyeballing that Lobo:thumbup:...and I hear it will be going away soon.

How comfortable is the handle in different grips, like chest lever, pull, or pinch grip? I share Koyote's philosophy that handles should be simple and therefore versatile. Does the finger groove interfere with unusual grips?
 
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I really like Koyote's Alaskan but the RC 6 is a good choice too. I agree about the thickness. I had a srkw m6 and my complaint was the weight made it awkward. The chopweiler is 1/4 IIRC.
 
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