Kephart blade question

[dbltap45acp]

I started a thread the other day looking for opinions on a new scandi blade, the thread can be seen here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=689482 if you are interested. I started thinking though, I am happy with with the Koster I have, and I have never tried a Kephart before. That style deserves to be in my lineup of bushcraft blades.

What would you say would be a good choice for a Kephart blade? I know Stomper makes one hell of a Kephart, I have heard this from many people atleast. Who would be your top makers for this blade style. Please post a picture if you have one from a maker of your choice.

I am still on a waiting list for a Skookum, as well on Brian Andrews list, so another nice scandi will be in my future anyways. Thanks for input guys.

 

[11x11x]

I have a classy looking JK Kephart. And love it. The Kephart design is very simple, unassuming knife. And I would actually be interested in seeing a scandi grind Kephart.

 

[pitdog]

Matt of ML Knives makes an awesome Kephart...

Here she is when she was new....

 

[XMP]

The Bark River Kephart is a really handy knife for woodcraft and works well in the kitchen too. I'd encourage you to consider it.

Here's a few pictures of mine from Halloween.

 

[dbltap45acp]

I have to admit, the Barkie looks great, i didnt know they made a full tang version.

Matt's looks very comfy, dont think you would get many hot spots with the grips on that one, very nice. What did that one set you back?

 

[markv]

all good makers listed in above posts.
for that matter ask Dfarmer. his stuff is awesome. sharp as heck


i have a great Bryan Breeden.. check out his stuff .
Koyote could do a kephart if he wanted
buzz

 

[raylaconico]

Here are a couple I did a few months ago. These are a bit fancier than my usual Kepharts. These have nice wood handles and hand rubbed finishes while my standard Kepharts will have a machine finish with micarta handles. I like doing these knives, they're very simple.

 

[ivan51]

^^^^ those are real nice looking Ray:thumbup:

 

[C Bryant]

These guys rock the Kephart like you would not believe.

Stomper
Matt (ML Knives)
Ray Laconico
Mark Wohlwend

kdg's

Mtnfolkmike's

My baby one... big one is in the making

My ML. It doesn't look like it, but it's the pocket version.

Reuben's (bearthedog)

 

[dbltap45acp]

Those are all awsome guys, thanks for the pictures. What do you prefer thickness wise for this style, 1/8" all the way up to what? Also, what type of steel, would you say 1095 would do ok if someone did not want a tool steel?

Ray, your knives are sweet, my wife hates you already.

 

[Steven Andrews]

I have one by Matt Lesniewski. It is one of my very favourite knives.

 

[stanley_white]

JK Handmade Knives XL Kephart -- my design.

 

[EMT_Lee]

I've also got an ML Kephart, and it is my favorite knife. I've handled a JK, and I prefer the ML Keppy, personally. YMMV. Mine has a lanyard hole, but otherwise it looks like the others that have been posted. But, I'll try to get my own picture up later.

 

[kgd]

Scott Gossman makes a nice kephart. DP-knives does them regularly also. A somewhat different design, but Koyote's modern seax is worth checking into.

I do like my tactical black (paper micarta) kephy from Stomper quite a bit. I had mine made to be 4.5" in length and I think that is a perfect bushcraft size, mine was also made of 1095 rather than O1. I like 1/8" stock for all around utility and I prefer handle slabs. The kephy is just a basic spear point knife and its pure utility.

 

[Varg Lobos]

I have both Stomper's version and Bark River's full tang version. My favorite by far is Bark River's. It just feels so great in my hand. The handle and balance is perfect.

Here's a pic of when it was new.

 

[j williams]

IMO Matt (ML) makes the best keppy. Great edge, great F&F, great ballance, and the leather is tops. You cant go wrong. I really liked the one I had.

 

[j williams]

Heres some Keppy pron!!

This one is FANTASTIC. Mark Wohlwend kephart

JK keppy is a really solid user.

The Cadilac IMO.... The ML.

 

[j williams]

And dont leave out Scott Gossman!!! He makes a badass keppy too!!!

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Scott does make a badass Kephart, but I really like his mini Kephart. I have his regular Kephart, and his mini Kephart. A little bit bushcrafty, very versatile and comfortable. I also have one of ML's Kepharts, not only is it beautiful, but very functional. I just got J Neilsons interpretation of the Kephart design, and it is a great user. I think I put too much emphasis on needing a big handle, but it has proven to work out extremely well. I have had many more Keppies, but the ones above are my favorites.

 

[dbltap45acp]

Thats awsome, I appreciate everyones opinion on this.