Koster Bushcraft Knife

H

hollowdweller

Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
13,182
I thought I might do a little review.

When I first got mine I felt the scales were a bit too narrow across the back for extended cutting. I asked Dan and good dude he is he let me send that one back in and then sent me one all glued up but not shaped so I could shape it according to my grip:thumbup:
KB.jpg


In order to evaluate something I like to have something to compare it to so I used a Skookum Bush tool. Both sliced well. I'd give the Skookum a bit of an edge on slicing because the blade is thinner but both worked fine. The Koster is a bit lighter so it maybe handled a little faster.

KBslicing1.jpg

KBslicing2.jpg


Next I tried some whittling on thick wood. Both knives performed well. Also both were very comfortable because I left the handle wide on the Koster. I thought that due to the different shapes of the blade each seemed to excel on a certain angle of cut but overall they were both excellent.
KBcutting.jpg

I also split some wood with the Koster. I believe the Koster holds an edge over the Skookum and my other scandi bushcraft knives because the 3V steel seems to be a bit tougher and despite multiple batonings I could detect no chipping or edge dulling.
KBsplitting.jpg
 
Nice write up and pics. I am very impressed with the Koster bushcraft. Even though it goes against what most feel on this forum, I am not the biggest Scandi grind fan. But it is growing on me :D
 
The light was not too good down in the hollow so I climbed up to the ridge for some sun to take some better pics

KBlowgap.jpg

KBme.jpg


Here's the contour on both handles. I still need to smooth the milling marks off on the spine and do a little finishing work on the handle on the other side because I just got it Friday
KBhandle4.jpg


Here's the Koster and Skookum together to hilight the difft shapes. I don't really think either shape has an advantage over the other. I like the butt cap on the Skookum and I really like the thumb ramp firesteel striker on the Koster:thumbup:

KBSBT.jpg


One thing that I do want to mention. Both handles were super comfortable to me, but the Koster does appear to have a slightly smaller gripping surface, although the handle is near the same length due to the knob or whatever you would call it on the pommel area.

Here's some pics to illustrate:
KBhandle1.jpg

KBHandle2.jpg

KBhandle3.jpg


In conclusion the Koster is a great knife. I'd say the strength is in the edge geometry that make it cut deep with minimal effort. With the thicker handle there is no cramping on extended cutting of hard materials. The 3v steel seems to be the best steel I have tried yet for a scandi edge due to you being able to have a very fine edge without a lot of chipping or deformity of the edge.

Another plus on the Koster is price. For instance I think the Koster is cheaper and to get the 3V on the Skookum it's 40 bucks over the standard price. So really I think this knife represents a great deal for what you get.:thumbup:
 
Very cool review HD. And the handle came out great too. Looks VERY comfortable in the hand.
 
Great write up, thanks.

I have a question though.
What is the thickness on those blades? 3/32", 1/8", thicker, thinner?
 
Nice review and nice knives bro.
I think I prefer the Skookum, just slightly, but I think that was a great idea you had to finish your own slabs !
 
Stingray,

The Skookum is 1/8" , the Koster is thicker. It is not as thick as my 4mm SWC bushcraft. I'm thinking the Koster is .120 or something?

Pitdog,

I can't decide. They are both pretty equal in cutting. I think the Skookum is slightly better in slicing but only very slightly.

The first Koster I got felt way more comfortable than the Skookum just holding it but when I cut for an extended period it was too narrow and would cramp my palm.

Now with my customized handle I think the Skookum feels more comfortable just holding it but on extended cutting they are both really comfortable.

I think the Koster has the better edge retention due to the really superior steel.

The difft shape of the blades on both give each an advantage on certain types of cuts.
 
It will be interesting to hear how they both are to sharpen although with the Koster I guess that won't be for quite a long time !!!
 
hollowdweller said:
Another plus on the Koster is price. For instance I think the Koster is cheaper and to get the 3V on the Skookum it's 40 bucks over the standard price. So really I think this knife represents a great deal for what you get.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Great write-up, HD. I just got my Koster BC, and I think the point above is one that is truly worth repeating.......

Andy
 
I have yet to see a Koster knife, pictured in this forum, that I didn't immediately like. I think I'll add one of his knives to my ever-growing wish list.
 
It has been added to my list and order has been placed....just waiting my turn in a long line for a great blade, mine has Green micarta handle to match my NWA BF knives !
 
hollowdweller said:
The Skookum is 1/8" , the Koster is thicker. It is not as thick as my 4mm SWC bushcraft. I'm thinking the Koster is .120 or something?
Click to expand...

1/8 = .125

In Dan's offering, he stated that the thickness would be in the 0.135-0.15" range.
 
hollowdweller - Awesome Review:thumbup:
Thanks a bunch for not only taking the time to post it, but the comparision pics really top it off.
 
As much as I am into 3mm blades for bush work (and happy SBT owner) - I must say that the Koster looks like a very good knife. The lesser height should make it a good maneuverable carver. Does he make them in 3mm ? :)

-Emile
 
Thanks Poppy, I love the comparison pics....I didn't get the Koster because I have to Skookums on order...I ordered one in A2 and one in 3V...I can't wait to see how the 2 steels compair...I have already decided that my O1 blades seem to have a slight edge over A2 in edge retention...but thats just my gut feelings at this point..I have to do some more testing for myself. Gene
 
Barrabas said:
hollowdweller - Awesome Review:thumbup:
Thanks a bunch for not only taking the time to post it, but the comparision pics really top it off.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I like to compare stuff like that. Really most knives will cut well but sometimes you need to compare one to the other in order to figure out what each is best for.

It's neat to like switch off one after the other to see what each feels like:thumbup:
 
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