Know what I want in a knife but can't find the knife

M

Mr zott

Joined
Dec 7, 2014
Messages
11
I am plan on using this knife as a neck knife, that can be used for small jobs here and there.

Things I am looking for:

Steel: I would prefer the steel to be S30V, 420, 420 HC, AUS 6. If the steel is not one of those four still post it because I may be interested still.(I am interested in Damascus, but because the majority of it is made over seas from non-reputable dealers I would prefer that no Damascus steel blade knifes are suggested:))

Blade style: Drop point, fixed blade, uncoated steel, minimal mods, gimping is acceptable

Overall length:I am looking for a knife that is no longer than 7.5in preferably under 7in

Budget: $100

Additional information:I will be putting my own wood handles on the knife, so a knife blank would be perfectly fine.(problem is I am having trouble finding one) I am also willing to make a deal with someone who can custom make the knife blank as long as they have some reputation or way of confirming that they can produce a sound product.

Photos in case it is hard to visualize what I am looking for:

0130156932373278742.jpg


perkins-damascus-blank-blade-bl9-1157-p.jpg


DSC_6930__38957.1391558892.1280.1280.jpg
 
I really like the Bark River Bravo Necker 2, in 3V steel. It is tough, sharpens up great, and I even backed mine over with my truck a few months ago, and it just took some resharpening on a DC4 and it was back to new. Don't have spec's in front of me, but its around a 3" blade length, can get different handle materials, and depending where you look, just slightly to a lot more than $100.

Plus, scales are just bolted on, so easy enough to put your own on.
 
The stainless Izula 440C is out of question, due to that fact that attaching a custom grip to that knife is not worth the effort.:(
 
Hey Danketch have you see the Bark River Bravo Necker 1? I think it in a satin finish might be good. What other steels would you say the 3V is similar too? Is 3V and CPM3V the same?
 
I just sold a Bravo Necker 1. I found it a lil small for me, but the Necker 2 was perfect for my uses. Bark River's 3v is CPM 3V. I think that it is only made by Crucible's powder metallurgy processes, so I think the only 3V out there is CPM 3V.

Edit- Also for me and my experiences with different blade steels- CPM 3V is like a more durable, less prone to chipping S30V (compared to my experiences with Benchmade's S30V) that is pretty easy to sharpen, especially in a convex blade grind, and as noted by me running it over with my truck, pretty tough steel.
 
Thanks for the suggestion Danketch, I will take it into account as I decide on a blade over the next week or so. I was leaning towards that benchmade pictured above, but I still need to think on it a bit. My main concern with any knife is that I am going to pay for crappy Dymondwood handles or rosewood that looks semi-decent, which is part of the reason I would love to find a decent blank that I can make a nice Macassar Ebony, or Cocobola handle for. If you find any blanks make sure to send them my way:)
 
There are some guys here who are service providers who sell some good wood. You can also look at auction sites for some. I got some really nice ironwood blanks for a good price on one of them that I am currently making scales for an Ontario machete.

You can also get something like an Enzo Trapper knife blank, in 01 or D2, and make your own scales for. I did that for an 01 Trapper, and have a Cocobolo scale on one side, and ironwood on the other.

Heres my thread on finishing one-

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Desert-Ironwood-Project-A-story-of-redemption!
 
I would like to see how your machete comes out.

In regards to knife blanks, I have no interest in 01 or D2 steel just because when the scales cost more than the knife it is a waste of time. No offense.

Not bad on finished that knife, had you done much woodworking up to this point? The more you make the easier it gets to add contours so that your knife feels more comfortable, which can be done extremely well if you are making a knife for yourself since you can make it fit your hand perfectly. I am guessing from the pictures that you more thank likely used a belt sander for the Trapper, which is good for removing large amounts of medium, but if you do ever look into doing contours make sure to hand sand it and take your time because in the end you will have a knife you like a lot more. Also not sure if you sealed/stained that knife I couldn't tell, but I find that if I am making a knife for daily use I would much prefer a sealed wood to help prevent wear and tear from handling. This obviously varies with wood.
 
How about a Brous Silent Soldier? It's a little higher than your price, but it's worth it. Or the CRKT Minimalist. Just some suggestions :) have a great day.
 
Why not get a Kershaw Skinner ($20)? It is the same size as the Izula, but in stainless 14c28n top flight steel and made in the USA? If you want something slightly larger then the Kershaw Field Knife Hunter is a great choice ($33). These knives are a good as anything you will find for more money.
 
I would look into jantz supply. They offer a wide variety of blade profiles in premade blanks of various steels. Most of their blanks are machined in the USA and can be bought in 1095 carbon, S30V, D2, 440C as well as damascus that I believe is supplied by Alabama damascus which is also the same company that has supplied kershaw with damascus for their lower cost Dammy knives like the damascus shallots a few years ago. I dont want to post a link because technically they are a dealer of knife related materials but since they provide materials rather than finished products Im not sure what the rules are as far as posting links. But Jantz supply would have more than enough options to satisfy your desires.
 
White River Backpacker fits the bill perfectly. $89.00 !!!!!!!!! Everything you require and ready to have a handle added by you. S30v, excellent ergos, 1/8 inch stock, flat ground, awesome stonewash, very close to your stated length at 7.00 with a 3 inch blade, and made in the USA! Also it has a profile similar to the examples you posted. I do not know why these aren't getting much love, because it is an exceptional design.

 
Last edited:
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I am really busy currently but I am slowly making my way through your suggestions hoping to find that one that I love. I will post an update once I have had the chance to look at some of the knives.
 
In response to suggestions:

New Zealand Svord: I like the look of the finished wood handled knife, but am not a huge fan of the blade cut and design. I would however be very satisfied if I could forge that blade myself.

Brous Silent Soldier: While the knife may be a good one I am not big on the modern design. I personally think the knife seems like it is something an assassin would carry. I am not an assassin.

CRKT Minimalist: Despite the low price tag of this knife I really like it. Yes it has cheaper steel then I would like, but for $35 it seems like a knife that I will probably pick up for the heck of it. Thanks.

Kershaw skinner: This knife is on my radar. I need to do a little more research on the steel and test some for myself, but from what I have heard Sandvik is a good all around steel. I mainly want to hold one, then I will know.

DPx Hest 2 and original: DPx knives are hit and miss with me. Some of them I love to death some of them I hate with a passion. In my opinion the Dpx hest original is a ugly knife, however the woodsman by DPx is one of my favorites. No matter what DPx it is though they are all fairly expensive, so for now I am going to put that on the not list.

Jantz Supply: I have browsed there website a little bit and they have a few models in particular that stood out to me.(39,40) I was looking and I am not sure if it is just my incompetence or what, but I was looking for S30V knife blanks but could only see raw steel for sale. In regards to their steel, I would also like feedback from others as to whether or not the Damascus used is in fact Alabama Damascus.(I pray it is not Pakistani)

White River Backpacker: I will admit it is a sharp knife, but like I mentioned above on the topic of the Izula is that I am wanting to make custom scales for the knife so a wrapped handle is out of the question. This knife was so close to meeting all that I was looking for. Do you know if by chance they make a version that is not skeletonized?
 
Last edited:
Mr zott said:
In response to suggestions:


White River Backpacker: I will admit it is a sharp knife, but like I mentioned above on the topic of the Izula is that I am wanting to make custom scales for the knife so a wrapped handle is out of the question. This knife was so close to meeting all that I was looking for. Do you know if by chance they make a version that is not skeletonized?
Click to expand...

I do not believe they make a non skeletonized version. How do you plan on attaching the handles?

If you look closely at the handle there is a cut out section inside it that is 1/4 inch (i believe, havent measured). Then ends of the slot are radiused 180 degrees and would allow you to use 1/4 inch tubing, pins, or chicago style screws to attach your handle. Just drill your holes in line with the ends of the slot. Or use hidden pins, by drilling into the backs of the scales but not all the way through. Have small pins through the slot of the knife and into the holes on the backs of the scales and secure with a good epoxy.

Here is the backpacker with G10 scales already on it from White River. The tubing is set where the ends of the slot in the handle.

http://www.whiteriverknives.com/collections/caper
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top