lookin' for hunting knife suggestions

Runs With Scissors

Runs With Scissors

Joined
Dec 3, 2000
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Happily, I had an excuse to use my beloved Bark River hunting knife this season. Sadly, it didn't feel as good as it once did in my worn out, messed up weakening, and pre-maturely aging hands. The handle felt too thin, the knife too heavy and clumsy.

I got a hold of my Father's Spyderco Moran and got along with his MUCH better than my own. I might consider one for myself, inspite of the fact that they gave the new ones a flat grind instead of the original convex edges.

So here's what I want:

3.5-4" convex edge, maybe flat grind, but convex preferred
thin, thin, thin blade

lightest weight possible for the knife.

fat handle, easy to grip

good enough edge retention for a couple two or three caribou between sharpenings

The only aesthetic hold up I have is that I prefer wood handles.

So far all the Bark Rivers don't quite fit, except...I am liking the Canadian Special.

I've kicked around the idea of a Helle too. So far, I've never used one for hunting, but I've had a few friends rave about them. If I decided the scandi-edge sucked, I suppose I could convex it?

So...what do y'all suggest?

thanks!
 
Maybe the Buck Alpha Hunter with the Rosewood and AST-34 steel. I can speak very well for the Helle knives as well but then I love Scandi's.
 
'Ol Bud I would say that Bryan Breeden could make or already has just what you are looking for, check out his KAT knife or PSKK :thumbup: Bryan is a Great guy & will help you anway he can ! He is a member here look him up, maybe he will chime in & help you out ;)
 
Try a Helle, once you go Scandi you never go back...

Of course there are plenty of custom/semi-custom makers here, and you'll probably be better suited with one of those.
 
many of the mora knives, and why not the Moran?

But many of the scandinavian, buck knives, and even a few lower end (but still nice knives) Rapala skinners are good buys.
 
Mayhaps a little Boker. 85mm blade of CPM S60V [what was designated 440V]. I suspect not as tough as S30V at very high hardness but I doubt that matters in this design. It's a much improved version of 440C from Crucible.

Carbon 2.15%
Chromium 17.00%
Vanadium 5.50%
Manganese 0.40%
Molybdenum 1.00%
Silicon 0.40%

Attached to that there's a 4" contoured 4" handle of walnut that doesn't look too ugly to my eye.

here does them at $114.95, though may be even better if you shop around

I'd convex the edge of that happily enough. Corrosion resistant. Wear resistant. Looks pretty good to me, especially at the price point.

bkr10-06_133440460.jpg
 
I'll put in another vote for Bryan Breeden. He makes some nice, light knives in the size range you specified, and he'll definitely put some comfy handles on it for you. He does a good convex edge, as well.
 
You have a dizzying array of choices when you factor in our local contributing custom makers. Ray Laconico can make any thickness cut like crazy with his tall flat grinds and convex edges. Ray\'s knives are a personal favorite of mine and he is a good friend. I have a Nessmuk from him that skins like a dream. When you couple his grinds with 1/8 inch or less stock, magic happens.

ML makes some great knives that look old and perform with the best modern blades. Fiddleback has mastered the toothy convex edge. I have not owned a Breeden or Koyote knife (yet) but the reviews are very positive. All of these makers regularly make convex edged knives that are true customs for prices around (often less) what you will pay for a BRKT.

The Canadian Special is one of my favorite Barkies. It would be a fine choice as well. However, it may not be as thin as you like.

Also, you may consider a Fallkniven F1. It is probably thicker than you want but I find it to be an excellent all around blade, whether in camp or dressing out game.
 
For thin customs, don't overlook Koyote knives. You really should check them out.
 
Richard J makes a hell of a hunting knife.
Thin convexed chisel grind is one of the best cutters out there, his neapreen handles don't get slippery, and his heat treat leads to a blade that will hold an edge for a long time.
The big hog skinner he made me is still the sharpest knife I own, splits hairs all day like its nothing.
He can do wood handles to, and the way he contours them they fit the hand great.
 
My friend, an avid deer hunter, used this Nessmuk knife this season...He liked it very much (2 deers so far).

022.jpg


CPM S30V (59rc), convex grind, stabilized maple, oal 8.25".
 
Busse Boney Active Duty (BAD). Super-comfortable grip, 3.5" drop point blade (.125" thick), and best of all, INFI steel! I have a pile of hunting knives and this one has quickly become a favorite. It came flat ground (as shown in the photo below), so I convexed the edge on a belt sander.

BAD%20and%20sheath.jpg




Another choice (one that has done two caribou for me and was still shaving sharp) but isn't quite so thin is the Fallkniven F1.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
defaultuser said:
My friend, an avid deer hunter, used this Nessmuk knife this season...He liked it very much (2 deers so far).

022.jpg


CPM S30V (59rc), convex grind, stabilized maple, oal 8.25".
Click to expand...

Holy crap! That is beautiful! Start selling them! :thumbup:
 
Oh and to participate in the OP's question, I would suggest a Koyote knife. He makes many styles, they are sharp as hell and thin...great tools.
 
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