JK Knives Algonquin Combi-Edge Knife

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Hi All,

I'm going to use this thread to post some review comments about my newest blade from JK Handmade Knives, the Algonquin Combi-Edge Knife, or ACEK. Stomper has just finished the knife, and I have not yet received it, but I want this to be a comprehensive review thread, so I'm going to start with a few thoughts on design.

The idea for the ACEK has been bouncing around my head for the better part of a year, but it was a thread started by pitdog - 'post your crazy knife designs', I believe - that gave me a reason to put my thoughts on paper.

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The basic principle is pretty straightforward: When I am woods-bumming, I find that I tend to use the forward portion of my belt knife for most cutting, chopping, and slicing tasks (including light trail clearing, wood splitting, and food prep), and the backward portion nearest the handle for shaving wood, making fuzz-sticks, cutting notches, and so on. I decided that it would be interesting to design a knife with a dual-grind blade that takes these different tasks into consideration. And, since Stomper's motto is 'Your design or mine', and since he has made some awesome knives for me in the past, I was only too happy to go to him with this idea.

Here's a look at the finished ACEK. It's about 10.5" long, with a tiger maple handle, O-1 steel, and a combination grind. The forward portion has Stomper's usual convex grind + edge bevel, and the back few inches are scandi-ground. This will give me a tough, sharp edge for basic tasks, and a dedicated wood-shaving portion for fire prep. I really like the way that the knife turned out, and I can't wait to take it for a spin. I decided to name it the 'Algonquin Combi-Edge Knife' after Algonquin Park, one of my favourite camping, canoeing, and hiking spots.

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What do you guys think?

I will update this thread with plenty of pics and some serious post-outing reveiw thoughts once I get my hands on this beauty. Until then, you can check out Stomper's 'making of' thread here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=716510 .

All the best,

- Mike
 
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Darn good lookin' knife! If it performs half as good as it looks, you'll have a winner!

It's got a little of the Tom Brown Tracker look to it? Not near as extreme though.
 
Thanks for the comments, gents!

I have never really been a fan of the Tom Brown Tracker or WSK models, though I can definitely see the similarities between those blades and the ACEK (both have a combination edge).

The blades that were in my mind when I was sketching this one were the Grohmann # 4 (one of my all-time favourites) and various interpretations of the Nessmuk.

All the best,

- Mike
 
I like it! Though I'd probably have polished up the dark region of the blade purely for cosmetic reasons myself. :)
 
I love it. I really like the coffin type handle as well. I'd be interested to hear how it feels for food prep and other tasks that would utilize the two different grinds.
 
looking forwards to this, as i have been lurking over at JK forum and did enjoy the making of thread. i really like johns knifes and need to save up some cash to afford one for myself. great design! great work on the knife John!
 
I'm glad my thread inspired such a cool design, well done for designing it and a big well done to John for bringing it to life !!!!!
 
right on Mike.. that thing looks cool... it's a very interesting design, John did a great job bringing it to life...:thumbup:
 
Sharp_newbie said:
looking forwards to this, as i have been lurking over at JK forum and did enjoy the making of thread. i really like johns knifes and need to save up some cash to afford one for myself. great design! great work on the knife John!
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Lucky for you, John's very reasonable in my opinion.
 
Thats very interesting Mike. I always trust your say so on steel, so I am excited to see what you think of this one in the future.

John did a great job!
 
Thanks guys.

Anything specific you would like to see in my review(s)? I will definitely be doing food prep, fire-making, light trail maintenance, and notching. I will also be discussing handle comfort and grip positions, the sheath, and overall f&f. Personally speaking, I am most interested in seeing how it performs at the point of grind transition.

All the best,

- Mike
 
Featherstick would be cool.

Another useful demo would be cleaning game/fish is possible.

Looks like a useful version of the TB Tracker! Im sure it will work great, can't wait for the review!
 
Well, I arrived home today to find a package waiting for me. Inside was my ACEK. To say that this was a much-anticipated knife would be an understatement.

I haven't had the opportunity to take it out for a serious spin yet, but I'm hoping to get the chance this weekend. In the meantime, here are a few thoughts on how it looks and how it feels in-hand.

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Appearances: Take a good look at the nice, shiny blade fellas, because it will probably have the start of a healthy patina when you see it next. I really like the way this one turned out. This is my first JK knife with a light handle (a deep maple), and I think it contrasts nicely with the heat treat finish on the flats. The knife has nice lines - it reminds me of a cross between my JK Hudson Bay and a Nessmuk or Grohmann #4. Stomper was thoughtful enough to include a little extra feature - one side of the blade has his maker's mark, and the other side has the initial for my last name. Which is just cool.

Fit and finish: The forward convexed portion has a smooth finish, as does the scandi-ground portion. The grinds are totally symmetrical, which is what I look for in a custom. Stomper really delivers when it comes to his grinds and edges. The handle scales fit with no gaps (another must for me), and they are also almost perfectly symmetrical. There are no gaps around the pins. I'm not one for assigning numerical criteria to such things, but I'll give the fit and finish on this knife a solid 'A'.

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Handling: The knife balances right at the front end of the scales, and it feels nice and light in the hand. It has heft enough for the sort of light chopping I often do on hikes (trail maintenance mostly), and the handle widens at the end to provide a sure grip when swinging. It is comfy in a standard chopping grip, and I doubt there will be any hot spots. In a controlled cutting / slicing grip, my thumb naturally gravitates to the serrations. This feels comfortable, too, but the squared spine may require a bit of softening towards the thumb area for more prolonged cutting. It feels like it will handle nicely in the kitchen or on the trail.

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Sheath: I asked for one of Stomper's fold-over pouch sheaths, and he delivered. It has a dark, slightly mottled finish and the stitching seems very sturdy. The sheath rides low on my belt, and since the handle doesn't protrude very far past the end, there is no risk of the dreaded 'seated gut-poke'. Two features stand out for me. The first is the fit - the ACEK fits its sheath snugly, and you could wave it upside-down with a fair bit of force without risking an unintended draw. The second stand-out feature is the way that Stomper has sewn the welt to match the thickness of the blade. A single welt runs all the way along the edge and bottom of the sheath, but where the blade thickens (near the scandi edge and handle), he has added an extra welt layer to accommodate the knife's size. This was a thoughtful touch. Anyway, the sheath was just what I was looking for - a snug, overbuilt utilitarian pouch that should hold up to years of use.

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The Combi-edge: I'll put it simply - I think the combi-edge idea works. My main concern was that it would prove difficult to cut using the transition area between the two grinds, but this definitely does not seem to be the case. The forward convexed portion has a terrific edge (that came razor-effing-sharp), and it will definitely see the most use. The rear portion has a scandi edge that seems like it will be a great for woodworking (its intended purpose). If I had to name one criticism that I have with this knife (and it's a minor one), it's that the scandi grind also has a secondary edge bevel. I am not used to this on my scandis, but I'm willing to give it a try. If it turns out that I would prefer a zero-grind, I can easily get out the coarse Japanese water stone and go to town. My prediction - and I will test this out at the earliest possible opportunity - is that this knife will prove to be a great hiking and camping companion.

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A few comparison shots with its big brother, my Hudson Bay:

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I fear that this is the last time you will see my ACEK in an indoor, urban setting. My next update will come in the form of a trail maintenance / fire-starting / woodworking report. Stay tuned, and let me know if you have any questions.

Stomper, thanks for another great knife. Great work!

All the best,

- Mike
 
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