Photos Kepharts...They just Work

David Mary said:
I took a chance on making a minimalist zero ground scandivex Kephart variant with no guard. But it's just been sitting, so maybe it was a bad idea. Bad design? Or does my cardboard and tape residue encrusted cutting mat just scare everyone away now? šŸ¤£

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David, you asked, so I'm answering...


1) That is a gorgeous knife, and I can't believe someone hasn't snatched that up already. I believe you ran that with two other knives. And, out of the three, that would be the first I'd buy...if just for the burlap Micarta. And,

2) I don't think it has the abrupt taper to the tip (*both top and bottom) that would cause folks to look at it and think, "Kephart". Trust me, run that thing as a "Scandi-vex EDC Steak Knife", and it'll be gone in a few hours.



*I'd usually have to hit you up for a $500 "consultation" fee, but will let it slide this time.
 
David Mary said:
I took a chance on making a minimalist zero ground scandivex Kephart variant with no guard. But it's just been sitting, so maybe it was a bad idea. Bad design? Or does my cardboard and tape residue encrusted cutting mat just scare everyone away now? šŸ¤£

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I have one of your Kepharts and if I were in the market I'd gobble this one up. Is that a 5" blade?
Thanks for the tips and kind words about my adding liners. It's my first mod. First of many I hope.
 
I have to say, I just donā€™t get ā€œitā€. Visually unappealing IMO, they just look unfinished, as if someone forgot to grind the tip. The handle shapes while not exciting, look neutral which I am a fan of, but what is so desirable about that boot knife looking blade shape with only one edge?

I must be missing something as they seem popular.
 
BJE said:
I have to say, I just donā€™t get ā€œitā€. Visually unappealing IMO, they just look unfinished, as if someone forgot to grind the tip. The handle shapes while not exciting, look neutral which I am a fan of, but what is so desirable about that boot knife looking blade shape with only one edge?

I must be missing something as they seem popular.
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Are you saying Kepharts in general?

Have you ever used one, just Curious?
 
Crag the Brewer said:
Are you saying Kepharts in general?

Have you ever used one, just Curious?
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Yes, the pattern in general. I have used knives that were similar in shape to maybe fit the bill though none that I recall bearing the title ā€œkephartā€.

I knew someone was gonna say the obvious ā€œyou must use one to knowā€, just hoping someone could quantify the magic qualities without me having to spend money on a very plain and boring knife (my opinion onlyā€, to be able to see why makes them so popular.
 
Donā€™t get me wrong, I love simple designs and can appreciate something for what it isnā€™t trying to be, just wondering why so many like this half butcher half boot knife style so much.
 
BJE said:
Donā€™t get me wrong, I love simple designs and can appreciate something for what it isnā€™t trying to be, just wondering why so many like this half butcher half boot knife style so much.
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A good Kephart can do just about everything one needs an outdoors knife to do - it can process wood, dress game, kitchen work (keep in mind the original Kephart was a thin knife, unlike some of the modern interpretations). It's just a good, simple, all-arounder. As the title of the thread suggests, "They just work."
 
BJE said:
Donā€™t get me wrong, I love simple designs and can appreciate something for what it isnā€™t trying to be, just wondering why so many like this half butcher half boot knife style so much.
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The way you describe It makes me tingle inside......šŸ˜šŸ˜šŸ˜

Me personally, I LOVE boring, simple knives. Half butcher have boot knife....
Yum! I could just eat That up. Haha.

Exactly describing a knife I'm working on.....
with 7 inches of 3V blade goodness.
 
Crag the Brewer said:
The way you describe It makes me tingle inside......šŸ˜šŸ˜šŸ˜

Me personally, I LOVE boring, simple knives. Half butcher have boot knife....
Yum! I could just eat That up. Haha.

Exactly describing a knife I'm working on.....
with 7 inches of 3V blade goodness.
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This almost looks like a Rio Grande camp knife. We better see some really nice handle slabs to do it justice. šŸ‘
 
cbach8tw said:
This almost looks like a Rio Grande camp knife. We better see some really nice handle slabs to do it justice. šŸ‘
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Minus the guard.... But Yeah.
A guarded version might be fun too. I was thinking of maybe doing a Larger version, but idk if the handle could "handle" that balance? lol

I'm thinking Osage orange? or maybe ebony? idk.....Any Ideas?
 
Smithhammer said:
Those would be my top 2 choices, but a good piece of high contrast bocote could look pretty cool too.
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I haven't worked with bocote yet? :D Always looking for more wood to buy...haha
I have some nice walnut, maple, ebony, Osage, leopard wood, oak, some bland/brown mesquite.... Then an odd assortment of synthetics (which im not a fan of working with)
 
Crag the Brewer said:
I haven't worked with bocote yet? :D Always looking for more wood to buy...haha
I have some nice walnut, maple, ebony, Osage, leopard wood, oak, some bland/brown mesquite.... Then an odd assortment of synthetics (which im not a fan of working with)
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I like Osage as a choice, but curly maple would look awesome too. I think this is curly maple on my small Montana Americana (for pic of the handle only).C8D48A4C-C231-4C21-A98F-981FB481E85B.jpegAA51CA5A-6572-4FA7-9DDB-70ACE6CC1D2C.jpeg
 
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You'd think after my being a carpenter for at least half my life I'd like wood handles but noooooo, I'm a canvas micarta type guy for hard use knives. I love the grip. Wood can get slippery when damp.
I've always been different.
About the only knife I have with wood slabs is my BK 62 and I'd love green canvas micarta on it.
 
762cal said:
My 1st kephart was @Nathan the Machinist 's.

I bought it mainly because of the said maker's reputation and I am just a sucker for broomstick handle shaped knives.

And as an architect I tend to like simplicity in things/designs that just work. And kephart happened to be the pinnacle of that. I've had and used a lot of knives, but this particular design just did it for me. Many friends and family said it's too much money for a 'simple knife' but in the end it's the knife that ends up being used in our hiking trips/kitchen/etc.


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I have made a written review about this knife, but wrote it in my native language. You can read it here
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I recently purchased a CPK Kephart in 3v and I love it. Fit, finish and feel are all great. It will be my carry all the time blade in the woods.
 
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