- Joined
- May 7, 2012
- Messages
- 4,971
The Field knife.
Ive been a knife collector for about 4 years now. I consider myself new to the industry, the culture and would be the first to say I have a lot to learn and a desire to do it. Im no expert or seasoned reviewer. Like anyone else, I have my own individual history, experience and injuries. My cranky knuckles when its cold, the old thumb injury from motorcycle racing and a myriad of other variables that affect the way I perceive and come to form an opinion of a knife.
Like most people these days, I do a lot of that learning on the internet, in particular on the forums. The forums are an amazing environment where so many of us like-minded people share experiences, ask questions, dig through old information that they become an essential resource in addressing our concerns or guiding our decisions about a new knife.
There is however something you cant tell by reading reviews, browsing spec sheets or imagining how that perfect looking knife you are looking at a picture of will fit in your hand. That is, how will that knife actually feel in your hand. Something about a knife is only perceptible by touch.
At the two knife stores I visit, I tend to wear out my welcome with the sales person behind the counter asking to fondle knives both of us know I wont buy. I make small talk, let them hold and examine whatever pocket knife I brought that day, which tends to be something interesting as I carefully chose something they will be curious about. I dont want to be too demanding without giving something in return.
I dont always just look. Between online dealers who know me by name, my local stores or the forums; I buy a knife every week or two, generally speaking. Like most other people, I have used knives for the vast majority of my knife. I estimate I have held hundreds of knives over the recent years alone.
These days I am getting much better at just looking at a knife, the ergonomics, and the spec sheet and guessing what will work, and what is questionable. Sometimes I buy just to confirm my suspicions. Its getting harder for me to get excited these days, with so many quality manufacturers and makers putting out amazing knives that would last a normal person a lifetime, there is something new around every corner. It feels like a knife can get outdated before you even break it in. With all the perfect well staged pictures, exotic materials and the never ending claims of the new super steel that will change everything one can start to get burnt out on it all.
So when I first heard about the Field knife maybe 6 months ago, I didnt get too excited. 3V, micarta, G10, OK nothing exciting here. Oh a new heat treat? Thats nice. Lets see if I have any new emails Nope. Ok new heat treat thats fancy. Sure, I will watch the video.
When I saw the video of Nathan comparing industry standard 3V, INFI and what we all know now to be Delta 3V I started to get interested.
[video=youtube;6imZ4Vo8iwA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6imZ4Vo8iwA[/video]
Priced in the mid 200s, the FK is not cost prohibitive to many of us, and the market was strong for Nathans products so I didnt have much to lose. Like many others before it, I could sell it in the same condition I bought it after a reasonable examination and have a minimal loss if any. After letting it sit in my mind for a while, I went ahead and bought one. Ill admit I was mildly excited to get it, but nothing crazy. I left it for a day before I even got to opening it.
My wife and I often sit down together for a tea after we get the toddler in bed. Its the time we use to focus on one another and have adult conversation. Admittedly on occasion I unbox a knife, or maybe box one up at the dining room table while she tells me about her day. She can chatter away, and I will try to listen attentively, looking up at her, nodding, answering her while I go through the paces of unboxing as I have so many times before.
This time started off like many others. At first glance un-boxing my FK was nothing special. No fancy packaging, no fancy cloth and in its average looking kydex sheath, I didnt have much of a first reaction.
Nothing could compare to the moment I drew it from the sheath, and fell into my hand.
Its perfect. I said it aloud.
As I looked up to my wife sitting across the table, our eyes met and I repeated myself. Its perfect.
So you like it? she asked.
I looked back down at the field knife. I adjusted my grip, then again. I moved it gently, slightly between my fingers, effortlessly like I had done it hundreds of times before, but it was my first. I looked up at her again and said This is the best knife I have ever held.
And I meant it.
At first glance the handle doesnt look revolutionary, but there are a few subtle differences that separate it from the pack. They create a sum greater than their total taking it from great and moving it in to the range of simply amazing. I couldnt spot one small detail that would make it fit, or feel better in my hand.
I am used to a balance point that is right up in the index finger grove. Many designers push to have it there. Often that is considered the best and most neutral balance and I too have thought that is what I want. But holding the Field knife, it balances slightly to the rear of the index finger grove. It ever so slightly rolls back into my hand, so smoothly it actually invites my pinky finger up, bringing my ring finger along into a comfortable, easy grip. My fingers communicate the position of the knife, and I know where it is, exactly. My fingers meet it perfectly.
Now, when I roll my right thumb down from a saber grip, or lift it up from a hammer grip to shift into a pinch grip, the knife follows like a dance partner I have known for decades. That balance point keeps it weighted just slightly to the hand so there is no question of balance or loss of grip. It transitions like a dream.
Pinch grip is something I have used a lot in my life. My Grandfather was a commercial gill net fisherman. I spent days at a time pulling salmon into his boat then unloading hundreds of them onto the dock where I dressed them by hand when I was exhausted, sleep deprived and covered in fish slime, blood and guts. Countless fish went before my blade. For this task I always used a pinch grip. It became something so familiar to me I cannot hold a knife without checking it. Its so comfortable I use it often when I process vegetables and wood.
While we are talking about the grip, there is just enough palm swell to fill the hand, but not so much the hand feels like its stuffed and conforming around the handle. Its contoured enough to ensure your grip is secure, but not so much it feels awkward. It suggests where you should hold it, but does so gently. It doesnt overly interfere with your hand if you try and hold it in a way different from the intended method. Its well-mannered and polite. Almost soft, without a hot spot or a pressure point I could find.
The groves cut into the handle go on perhaps a 30 degree angle, from top to bottom so they form roughly a perpendicular set of lines to the direction of the force your hand will apply when pushing down and forward on the knife during use. It feels gripper than the looks suggest. Most of mine are G10, and the material has a depth to it you cannot capture in a photograph. Its machined exquisitely. Better than any I have ever had.
The finger guard and index finger grove is shaped just right. When you push too hard against it, it gives you a little feedback that you are too far forward. Its not painful for my size 10(L) hand, but it seems deliberately angled, shaped and placed to gently suggest you move your hand a touch back from it. It doesnt seem like it was meant to be pushed against.
At the rear of the knife, just behind a lanyard hole is a little feature I very much appreciate. A wedge shaped pommel. This is perfect for me. I never use the butt end of my knife for hammering. Never. I use a rock, a stick, my palm or my foot, but never the knife. Another thing I never like to do is use my knife tip for prying. This is exactly where the pommel is perfect for me. I can use it from prying without worry of tip damage. Brilliant.
With your index finger in the grove, but not jammed against the guard your thumb falls perfectly onto the thumb ramp, which is short and subtle but perfectly functional. The jimping progresses quickly in depth and length. Its comfortable enough to use on bare hands, not aggressive or sharp. The angle of it complements the position, and it simply works at retaining the thumb without the need for anything more. Its perfect.
The spine is chamfered, so you wont be throwing sparks with it. The bevels are all clean and exactly even. The grinds are all perfectly placed, executed properly, and again are dead even.
Moving towards the blade, we find the choil. Its not big enough to be a finger choil. Its bigger than the average sharpening choil. Often Nathan grinds the edge just a little bit up into the choil, which would serve as a little reminder you were getting too close to the edge on a normal finger choil, but not this one. I dont know the purpose but it works just fine.
The blade is sleek and looks like it was made for cutting, unusual these days in a market full of knives that look like they are about to be stamped into a Froe, or came from one. The Field knife is like a sports car that gets the lines just right so it just looks fast, even when its sitting still.
At the ricasso its .188. With the durability of the 3V Delta heat treat, at 4.625 blade length it should be basically indestructible. The lines seem I would venture to call it sexy. It certainly has a specific type of appeal if this beautiful shaped drop point is your style. There is enough belly forward to give it suitability to a wide variety of tasks, but not so much you would call it a skinner. The tip is somewhat fine compared to many other offerings these days, but that should be fine as when you need to pry, you can use the pommel. The tip should be great for fine work. I dont make traps, but I would love to see someone who does put this to the test.
The mark is milled, but looks almost engraved. It comes out super clean and defined. I think Nathan leaves the colour from the heat treat in it, but I could be wrong as some of my examples show this more than others. Its beautiful regardless.
The edge has a clean, even grind, with all of mine coming shaving sharp, or slightly better.
The finish is an excellent stonewash. Its done well so it gives depth to the steel. In different kinds of light it gives beautiful highlights. I can't capture it in pics well. And a little bonus, it hides finger prints and small scratches well. I would love to see one of these after a little ferric acid if it were a different steel.
Finally, the fit is outstanding between the handle slabs and the tang. The way it is fastened, with positioning pins, there is no adjustment necessary.
My sincere opinion is the Field knife is one of the greatest executed designs to be found in the knife scene today. I am thoroughly impressed with Nathan, Lorien and Jo.
Ive been a knife collector for about 4 years now. I consider myself new to the industry, the culture and would be the first to say I have a lot to learn and a desire to do it. Im no expert or seasoned reviewer. Like anyone else, I have my own individual history, experience and injuries. My cranky knuckles when its cold, the old thumb injury from motorcycle racing and a myriad of other variables that affect the way I perceive and come to form an opinion of a knife.
Like most people these days, I do a lot of that learning on the internet, in particular on the forums. The forums are an amazing environment where so many of us like-minded people share experiences, ask questions, dig through old information that they become an essential resource in addressing our concerns or guiding our decisions about a new knife.
There is however something you cant tell by reading reviews, browsing spec sheets or imagining how that perfect looking knife you are looking at a picture of will fit in your hand. That is, how will that knife actually feel in your hand. Something about a knife is only perceptible by touch.
At the two knife stores I visit, I tend to wear out my welcome with the sales person behind the counter asking to fondle knives both of us know I wont buy. I make small talk, let them hold and examine whatever pocket knife I brought that day, which tends to be something interesting as I carefully chose something they will be curious about. I dont want to be too demanding without giving something in return.
I dont always just look. Between online dealers who know me by name, my local stores or the forums; I buy a knife every week or two, generally speaking. Like most other people, I have used knives for the vast majority of my knife. I estimate I have held hundreds of knives over the recent years alone.
These days I am getting much better at just looking at a knife, the ergonomics, and the spec sheet and guessing what will work, and what is questionable. Sometimes I buy just to confirm my suspicions. Its getting harder for me to get excited these days, with so many quality manufacturers and makers putting out amazing knives that would last a normal person a lifetime, there is something new around every corner. It feels like a knife can get outdated before you even break it in. With all the perfect well staged pictures, exotic materials and the never ending claims of the new super steel that will change everything one can start to get burnt out on it all.
So when I first heard about the Field knife maybe 6 months ago, I didnt get too excited. 3V, micarta, G10, OK nothing exciting here. Oh a new heat treat? Thats nice. Lets see if I have any new emails Nope. Ok new heat treat thats fancy. Sure, I will watch the video.
When I saw the video of Nathan comparing industry standard 3V, INFI and what we all know now to be Delta 3V I started to get interested.
[video=youtube;6imZ4Vo8iwA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6imZ4Vo8iwA[/video]
Priced in the mid 200s, the FK is not cost prohibitive to many of us, and the market was strong for Nathans products so I didnt have much to lose. Like many others before it, I could sell it in the same condition I bought it after a reasonable examination and have a minimal loss if any. After letting it sit in my mind for a while, I went ahead and bought one. Ill admit I was mildly excited to get it, but nothing crazy. I left it for a day before I even got to opening it.
My wife and I often sit down together for a tea after we get the toddler in bed. Its the time we use to focus on one another and have adult conversation. Admittedly on occasion I unbox a knife, or maybe box one up at the dining room table while she tells me about her day. She can chatter away, and I will try to listen attentively, looking up at her, nodding, answering her while I go through the paces of unboxing as I have so many times before.
This time started off like many others. At first glance un-boxing my FK was nothing special. No fancy packaging, no fancy cloth and in its average looking kydex sheath, I didnt have much of a first reaction.
Nothing could compare to the moment I drew it from the sheath, and fell into my hand.
Its perfect. I said it aloud.
As I looked up to my wife sitting across the table, our eyes met and I repeated myself. Its perfect.
So you like it? she asked.
I looked back down at the field knife. I adjusted my grip, then again. I moved it gently, slightly between my fingers, effortlessly like I had done it hundreds of times before, but it was my first. I looked up at her again and said This is the best knife I have ever held.
And I meant it.
At first glance the handle doesnt look revolutionary, but there are a few subtle differences that separate it from the pack. They create a sum greater than their total taking it from great and moving it in to the range of simply amazing. I couldnt spot one small detail that would make it fit, or feel better in my hand.
I am used to a balance point that is right up in the index finger grove. Many designers push to have it there. Often that is considered the best and most neutral balance and I too have thought that is what I want. But holding the Field knife, it balances slightly to the rear of the index finger grove. It ever so slightly rolls back into my hand, so smoothly it actually invites my pinky finger up, bringing my ring finger along into a comfortable, easy grip. My fingers communicate the position of the knife, and I know where it is, exactly. My fingers meet it perfectly.
Now, when I roll my right thumb down from a saber grip, or lift it up from a hammer grip to shift into a pinch grip, the knife follows like a dance partner I have known for decades. That balance point keeps it weighted just slightly to the hand so there is no question of balance or loss of grip. It transitions like a dream.
Pinch grip is something I have used a lot in my life. My Grandfather was a commercial gill net fisherman. I spent days at a time pulling salmon into his boat then unloading hundreds of them onto the dock where I dressed them by hand when I was exhausted, sleep deprived and covered in fish slime, blood and guts. Countless fish went before my blade. For this task I always used a pinch grip. It became something so familiar to me I cannot hold a knife without checking it. Its so comfortable I use it often when I process vegetables and wood.
While we are talking about the grip, there is just enough palm swell to fill the hand, but not so much the hand feels like its stuffed and conforming around the handle. Its contoured enough to ensure your grip is secure, but not so much it feels awkward. It suggests where you should hold it, but does so gently. It doesnt overly interfere with your hand if you try and hold it in a way different from the intended method. Its well-mannered and polite. Almost soft, without a hot spot or a pressure point I could find.
The groves cut into the handle go on perhaps a 30 degree angle, from top to bottom so they form roughly a perpendicular set of lines to the direction of the force your hand will apply when pushing down and forward on the knife during use. It feels gripper than the looks suggest. Most of mine are G10, and the material has a depth to it you cannot capture in a photograph. Its machined exquisitely. Better than any I have ever had.
The finger guard and index finger grove is shaped just right. When you push too hard against it, it gives you a little feedback that you are too far forward. Its not painful for my size 10(L) hand, but it seems deliberately angled, shaped and placed to gently suggest you move your hand a touch back from it. It doesnt seem like it was meant to be pushed against.
At the rear of the knife, just behind a lanyard hole is a little feature I very much appreciate. A wedge shaped pommel. This is perfect for me. I never use the butt end of my knife for hammering. Never. I use a rock, a stick, my palm or my foot, but never the knife. Another thing I never like to do is use my knife tip for prying. This is exactly where the pommel is perfect for me. I can use it from prying without worry of tip damage. Brilliant.
With your index finger in the grove, but not jammed against the guard your thumb falls perfectly onto the thumb ramp, which is short and subtle but perfectly functional. The jimping progresses quickly in depth and length. Its comfortable enough to use on bare hands, not aggressive or sharp. The angle of it complements the position, and it simply works at retaining the thumb without the need for anything more. Its perfect.
The spine is chamfered, so you wont be throwing sparks with it. The bevels are all clean and exactly even. The grinds are all perfectly placed, executed properly, and again are dead even.
Moving towards the blade, we find the choil. Its not big enough to be a finger choil. Its bigger than the average sharpening choil. Often Nathan grinds the edge just a little bit up into the choil, which would serve as a little reminder you were getting too close to the edge on a normal finger choil, but not this one. I dont know the purpose but it works just fine.
The blade is sleek and looks like it was made for cutting, unusual these days in a market full of knives that look like they are about to be stamped into a Froe, or came from one. The Field knife is like a sports car that gets the lines just right so it just looks fast, even when its sitting still.
At the ricasso its .188. With the durability of the 3V Delta heat treat, at 4.625 blade length it should be basically indestructible. The lines seem I would venture to call it sexy. It certainly has a specific type of appeal if this beautiful shaped drop point is your style. There is enough belly forward to give it suitability to a wide variety of tasks, but not so much you would call it a skinner. The tip is somewhat fine compared to many other offerings these days, but that should be fine as when you need to pry, you can use the pommel. The tip should be great for fine work. I dont make traps, but I would love to see someone who does put this to the test.
The mark is milled, but looks almost engraved. It comes out super clean and defined. I think Nathan leaves the colour from the heat treat in it, but I could be wrong as some of my examples show this more than others. Its beautiful regardless.
The edge has a clean, even grind, with all of mine coming shaving sharp, or slightly better.
The finish is an excellent stonewash. Its done well so it gives depth to the steel. In different kinds of light it gives beautiful highlights. I can't capture it in pics well. And a little bonus, it hides finger prints and small scratches well. I would love to see one of these after a little ferric acid if it were a different steel.
Finally, the fit is outstanding between the handle slabs and the tang. The way it is fastened, with positioning pins, there is no adjustment necessary.
My sincere opinion is the Field knife is one of the greatest executed designs to be found in the knife scene today. I am thoroughly impressed with Nathan, Lorien and Jo.
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