Ken Warner BGG - Folding Hunting Knife

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UnknownVT

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Feb 15, 2003
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Once in a while a knife makes you go whoa! -
this one is in sheer size alone....

Ken Warner's page says it's not a small knife.....






This is hardly a pocket knife....

Back Track -

Ken Warner is a legend in the knife world -
he was the editor of the annual Knives 'XX series for twenty years from 1980 to 2000.

He has been responsible for promoting convex edges
and was Knifeware who sold later BlackJack knives -
he also had a collaboration with the late Bill Moran for a large camp knife the Rio Grande
production by the original BlackJack Knives (under Mike Stewart) see this.
I think that won the 1990 Blade Show Imported Knife of the Year.

KenWarner060616.jpg

Ken Warner @ Blade Show 2006 as Knifeware selling BlackJack Knives.


Ken Warner @ Blade Show 2008 - actually holding the Ken Warner BGG folding hunting knife

Back to this knife -
Size comparison to my two most recent reviews -

Top: Enlan Bee L01-MCT and Bottom: Mcusta 113D - "Tsuchi" (links to respective reviews)

How about some that are closer to the same size?

Chris Reeve Large Sebenza -


the nearest I have -

Top: Kershaw JunkYard Dog II (link to review) and Bottom: Benchmade 710 Axis

Sizes closed -


OK I think you get the idea - the handle is massive -
it is 5" closed, at 1 9/16" wide and 15/16" thick (not counting that protrusion) -



(blade is nicely centered)

the rest of the measurements are 3 3/4" blade length (I know the specs say 4" - but I measured 3.75") and measured 3/16 thick (vs 0.170" spec)
and it weighs in at a hefty 7.6oz - that's nearly 1/2 lb!
compare to large Sebenza - 4.75oz, BenchMade Axis 710 - 4.32oz and the JYD2 - 5.77oz.

The handle is green and black layered (linen) Micarta -

The blade steel is 10Cr17
according to places on the web like ZKnives.com on GB 10Cr17 Knife Steel -
says the Carbon content is only 0.12% (that's really low) -
10Cr17(GB) - Highly stainless steel, normally it's not used in blades, mostly as a cladding for the hard inner core, but some budget knives are made from it.
Click to expand...

Unless Ken Warner made a really dreadful mistake in specifying and choosing the steel to produce these knives -
- where he claims the blade is:
done in 440C-equivalent stainless steel
Click to expand...

The designation of 10Cr17 -
my guess - using the same nomenclature of the other Chinese steel series (such as 8Cr13MoV etc)
where that "10" is probably for 1.0% Carbon -
which seems to make sense as 440C is about ~1.0% Carbon.

Opened -

everything is nicely aligned

Lock up is solid -

that button protrusion presses out an internal release bar that depresses the substantial locking liner to allow the blade to close.
once the blade has been initially/partially folded - have to release the button -
otherwise the internal release bar gets in the way of the blade closing.

One of the main features of this BGG knife is the convex grind/edge - it is continuously convex -
zero bevel (ie: without a separate edge bevel) which makes cutting through things great - and the knife is really, really sharp.

Edge at about ~110x magnification

(taken on cheapo usb microscope)
showing the continuous convex grind/edge.





The handle does fill the hand really well - in comparison - other knife handles all start to feel like compromises -
which they all are, to maintain compactness/portability -

So looking at it another way this Ken Warner BGG folding knife has a no compromise handle -
that is designed to fit/fill the hand -
obviously it pays the "penalty" of being massive and non-pocket size -
but it is not a problem to carry in its supplied carrying belt pouch.

Oh, did I mention the price?

I got it for under $15 shipped brand new "buy it now" - off that well known auction site....

Now that's a massive bargain!

--
Vincent

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The tag that came with the knife -


Very useful information on how to maintain a convex edge, inside -


Some relevant knives - these are the KnifeWare BlackJack smalls -
the Cocobolo AUS-10 Seki, Japan, and the Kraton in 8Cr13 made in China


Effingham, Il BlackJack Trail Guide with Dymar handle


Effingham BlackJack AWAC bead-blast finish - I think a special for Cutlery Shoppe - one of the few knives that did not have a convex edge -
it was so obtuse that I sent it to BlackJack for re-profile and re-sharpen with a convex edge.


--
Vincent

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I really like the looks of this knife. A belated thanks for the review (I didn't see this until you linked it in your M-Tech thread). :thumbup:

Screw it. I just broke down and bought one for a whopping $17 at the auction place. If it sucks, I'm gonna totally blame you...:D
 
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G. Scott H. said:
I really like the looks of this knife. A belated thanks for the review (I didn't see this until you linked it in your M-Tech thread). :thumbup:
Screw it. I just broke down and bought one for a whopping $17 at the auction place. If it sucks, I'm gonna totally blame you...:D
Click to expand...

G. Scott H. thanks for your comment -
and possible blame :p

Well it's a whopping knife - it's huge -
be careful it cuts like nobody's business, as it is fully convex ground......

Having had mine for a while now I can attest it cannot possibly be the same as the GB 10Cr17 Knife Steel (as listed on ZKnives.com)
This 10Cr17 has to be 1.0% Carbon with 17% Chromium, following the same convention as the other Chinese steels (such as 8Cr13MoV)

Hope you enjoy this big handful of a knife.

--
Vincent

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G. Scott H. said:
The steel question is still unresolved in my mind (though I tend to believe the same as you about following the convention of Chinese steel naming). We had a thread several years ago, but there's still disagreement: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/533703-10Cr17-Steel. In any case, I should have the knife in hand by Tuesday. Can't wait. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

My "conjectures" - nothing definitive -

(1) in my use this Ken Warner BGG knife seems to hold a good edge -
a steel with a mere 0.12% carbon just would not -
that would be like using a sharpened table knife.

(2) I would trust Ken Warner's reputation - I know him personally -

He was the editor of Knives XX for 20 years
- personal friends with numerous legendary knifemakers
and collaborator, co-designer with some, like Bill Moran.....
it is highly unlikely he would make a mistake of specifying a steel with only 0.12% carbon -
and even if he really made a mistake - he would have corrected it pretty early on.

He also states "440C-equivalent stainless steel" -
440C is about to 1% Carbon and 17% chromium.....

So unless Ken Warner is deliberately trying to deceive-
and using genuine junk steel entirely UNsuitable for knives -
(what a stupid thing to do when there are lots of inexpensive blade steels
that are bound to perform better than one with a mere 0.12% carbon)

I would tend to think the 10Cr17 steel is really nominal 1.0% carbon and 17% chromium.
ie: like Ken Warner says: "440C-equivalent stainless steel"

I hope you'll enjoy the knife
and please let us know if you really think the steel is only 0.12% carbon?

Thanks,

--
Vincent

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UnknownVT said:
I would tend to think the 10Cr17 steel is really nominal 1.0% carbon and 17% chromium.
ie: like Ken Warner says: "440C-equivalent stainless steel"
Click to expand...

That's how I look at it, too. I'll definitely report back after I get some use out of it. I plan to carry it at work to break down (and slice up in this case) cardboard boxes over a couple weeks and see how the edge holds up. :thumbup:
 
G. Scott H. said:
That's how I look at it, too. I'll definitely report back after I get some use out of it. I plan to carry it at work to break down (and slice up in this case) cardboard boxes over a couple weeks and see how the edge holds up. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Look forward to hearing your take on all this.

Beware that box-cutters will out cut just about any knife on cutting cardboard boxes -
that's why they are called box-cutters.

Just like almost any reasonable real kitchen knife will out cut on food -
almost any folder and even fixed blade knife -
as they are purpose designed for the task.

BTW -

pictured with the BGG and SAK is the Ken Warner Utility fixed blade (with great hard plastic sheath, leather is also available at a higher price!)




also in this 10CR17 steel - shown is the semi-double edged version in gray/black Micarta -
but single edged is available as well as green/black Micarta
and if you thought the BGG was whoppingly priced -
I got this KW utility for all of $11 delivered.

Do a search on "Ken Warner knife" at the auction site then sort price low to high...

--
Vincent

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Got it today in the mail. Blade shaves hair from tip to about 2/3 of the way back, but needs some work near the handle. Locks up like a vault, and I LOVE the button release for the liner lock. I wish more knives had this feature. The only downside on mine is that there are two areas on the left scale where the green layers of micarta are sort of "smeared" across the black. I don't know how else to describe it. Looks like some flaws in the micarta of something, idk. Purely cosmetic, however, so no big deal. I was thinking of mounting a pocket clip on it for pocket carry, but it's just way too big and heavy for that. :eek: Definitely a pouch knife. I like it. :cool:
 
G. Scott H. said:
Got it today in the mail. Blade shaves hair from tip to about 2/3 of the way back, but needs some work near the handle. Locks up like a vault, and I LOVE the button release for the liner lock. I wish more knives had this feature. The only downside on mine is that there are two areas on the left scale where the green layers of micarta are sort of "smeared" across the black. I don't know how else to describe it. Looks like some flaws in the micarta of something, idk. Purely cosmetic, however, so no big deal. I was thinking of mounting a pocket clip on it for pocket carry, but it's just way too big and heavy for that. :eek: Definitely a pouch knife. I like it. :cool:
Click to expand...

Cool! Thank you so much for telling us.

Mine does have a small section of the blade where it is not really sharp -
you can see it on this pic to illustrate the lock-up:
KWBGGlck131120_zpsc8a5123e.jpg

It may seem trivial in that pic - but looking at it on the blade it does encroach almost 5/8" (16mm) in from the choil.

You probably can sand the handle down to the way you like the Micarta appearance.

Thanks,

--
Vincent

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Yes, mine is just like that near the ricasso, but then the dullness extends about 3/4" farther along the edge. This extra 3/4" isn't butter knife dull, it just doesn't shave. It'll be no sweat to straighten in out. Re: the scales. I'm thinking I'll either sand 'em down a wee bit and repolish them or perhaps take the opportunity to do some custom grooves or something. I haven't decided yet. I'm already looking at a Warner fixed blade. I'm leaning toward the SGG hunter. For the prices, of course, I'll probably end up with one of each knife in the line. :thumbup: I had no idea these knives existed prior to your review, so many, many thanks for making them known to me, VT. :cool:
 
G. Scott H. said:
Yes, mine is just like that near the ricasso, but then the dullness extends about 3/4" farther along the edge. This extra 3/4" isn't butter knife dull, it just doesn't shave. It'll be no sweat to straighten in out. Re: the scales. I'm thinking I'll either sand 'em down a wee bit and repolish them or perhaps take the opportunity to do some custom grooves or something. I haven't decided yet. I'm already looking at a Warner fixed blade. I'm leaning toward the SGG hunter. For the prices, of course, I'll probably end up with one of each knife in the line. :thumbup: I had no idea these knives existed prior to your review, so many, many thanks for making them known to me, VT. :cool:
Click to expand...

Nice, all of the Ken Warner knives are currently great value for money -
cheap in fact.

I really like the little utility knife I showed
I have two, the single and (semi-)double edged in gray/black Micarta -
as mentioned they are both available in green/black too -
as well as supplied with leather sheaths, instead of the Kydex like plastic ones (which I prefer).

These utilities are almost diametrically opposite to the BGG (and SGG) which are huge for their cutting length -
the KW0x utilities are very compact fixed blades for their cutting length -
and the plastic sheath makes them very convenient to unsheath/sheath and carry around.



Thank you for letting me know -
it is always very gratifying to know when someone is interested enough to obtain the knife being reviewed.

Thanks,

--
Vincent

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I couldn't resist the price and purchased the BGG and the single edge utility knife about a year and a half ago. I never have used the BGG, but it does seem to be a great knife. Especially at that price point. I think it would be good at it's intended purpose, hunting and skinning. It is LARGE in the hand, but that should make it easy to hang onto while gutting and skinning. Comes with a decent sheath too.
I have carried the utility knife quite a bit. I really like how small it is. It clips on the belt easily and has good retention. I thought it was great for clipping on when going out to take the dog for a walk.
I really think both of those knives are hard to beat for the money.
 
longun said:
I couldn't resist the price and purchased the BGG and the single edge utility knife about a year and a half ago. ...
I have carried the utility knife quite a bit. I really like how small it is. It clips on the belt easily and has good retention. I thought it was great for clipping on when going out to take the dog for a walk.
I really think both of those knives are hard to beat for the money.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for sharing about your ownership and experience of these Ken Warner knives.

I really agree with you about those plastic sheaths for the KW0x utility -
the clip does make it very versatile for attaching to just about anywhere,
and I like the way the knife clicks in to place in the sheath.

at the current low price of just under $11 shipped - with true convex edge and 10Cr17 (440C equivalent) steel
- got to make it a real bargain.

Thanks,

--
Vincent

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G. Scott H. said:
Pardon this slight derail of the thread, but how the hell did Kershaw know what I was thinking? I just saw this today:
http://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/knives/knife/thistle# :eek::thumbup:
Click to expand...

Good find - that's a nice looking Kershaw.

Although the button lock has been around for a while -
this KW BGG since at least 2008 -

Here are a couple found on that well known auction site:




Thanks,

--
Vincent

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VT, I just got one of the single edge utilities in the mail today. GREAT little knife. F&F are very nice, edge is shaving sharp, and I really dig the plastic clip sheath. The knife is smaller than I expected, which is a good thing. Since the sheath is ambi, I can carry it clipped inside my right front pocket with the knife turned around so it's positioned for a right hand draw. Thanks again for bringing this line to my attention. :thumbup:
 
G. Scott H. said:
VT, I just got one of the single edge utilities in the mail today. GREAT little knife. F&F are very nice, edge is shaving sharp, and I really dig the plastic clip sheath. The knife is smaller than I expected, which is a good thing. Since the sheath is ambi, I can carry it clipped inside my right front pocket with the knife turned around so it's positioned for a right hand draw. Thanks again for bringing this line to my attention. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Very cool!

Thanks for sharing.

Which did you get - single or (semi-) double edge, green or gray Micarta?

It's a neat knife -
but it was the Kydex-like plastic sheath that really gave it utility
(and to think it's actually more expensive with the leather sheath)

--
Vincent

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