Knives of Alaska Question

G

Gautier

Joined
Aug 31, 2006
Messages
461
Hi All, been lurking a while now, and finally decided to bust my Bladesforum
cherry, so to speak.

With such a large and knowledgable community of people, I was hoping I'd find the answer to my question, so without further adieu.

What can you folks tell me, positive or negative, about Knives of Alaska? I have been searching product reviews for a while now, to no avail, or with mixed results that leave a lot to be desired. Any information you could furnish would be appreciated. Be it personal experience or secondhand knowledge.

As a few starting points; Quality of steel, and type (as I've heard mixed reports of AUS-8 and D2, and I'm no steel expert by any means), edge retention, handle comfort, overall quality and performance.


Thanks in advance, Gautier
 
Personally, I'd pass on them. They've had issues with quality control in the past. I've handled several of their blades and have not been impressed with the NIB edge sharpness, quality of the edge grind and finish. I'd suggest looking at Spyderco (ZDP189/BG42/S30V excellent stuff), Benchmade (their S30V and D2 is great) and Fallkniven (their laminated VG-10 and SPGS 3G blades are excellent).

Look especially at the Endura and Delica in the ZDP 189 and for a more robust blade the Military in BG42. These suggestions are far and away the very best values in the industry for the best quality and performance for the buck.

Just my $.02.

Good Luck!

NJ
 
I have a Cub Bear caping knife from KOA. Got it three or four years ago. It's made of D2 steel, partially serrated. VERY sharp. But I think they stopped using D2.

By the way, welcome to the forums, Gautier!
 
Thanks for the responses, I appreciate the feedback, and thanks for the welcome as well.

Gautier
 
I've used their knives for years with good results. Mostly built for outdoorsmen with emphasis on hunting and fishing. Main steel used is D2 but they also use 154CM, S30V and 440C. All their knives that I've used were shaving sharp right out of the box. They used to outsource some products out of Japan but now all their products are American made.
 
I bought this set in '96 or '97. The F&F is very good and very sharp out of the box. The leather is very nice also. I just haven't had a need to use them.
knivesofalaska
 
My Cub Bear came with a nice stag handle as above. My boy beagle was INSANE for it. He had to have it! One evening I got out of the shower to find him holding it in his paws, in the sheath, handle up, gnawing away. I had to replace the handle with a paracord wrap.

My beagle got over it. Then one day I brought home a huge shed elk antler...
 
:thumbup: I have an Alaskan Hunter (now discontinued) drop point in D2. Great heat treat; slices forever. They have a new line coming out, separate from their "sister" Diamond Blades line, called "Country Magnum" line, I think. This new line has larger handles; this is a good thing because the handle on mine is a little short for me.
I spoke to Candy down in Dennison, Texas, and they have a lifetime warranty on their heat treat. If you get one, and it either chips, or won't hold an edge, just send it back and they'll send you a new one. I also have a Camp Knife out of D2, with ironwood scales; again, no problems; holds a great edge.
 
Thanks again for all the feedback fellas, it's much appreciated. Like any good knifeaholic though, I've already got my eyes on some other things. :D So many blades, so little time and money.


Thanks, Gautier
 
TIZWIN said:
I have a Cub Bear caping knife from KOA. Got it three or four years ago. It's made of D2 steel, partially serrated. VERY sharp. But I think they stopped using D2.
Click to expand...

I believe the DiamondBlade line, from the sister company to KOA, will have a Pinnacle I model (or perhaps a Pinnacle II) that is the same basic shape as the Cub Bear, but with a Friction Forged D2 Edge. I got a prelease version, and I love it.

Carl
 
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