Names That Amuse Me

JK Knives

JK Knives

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First off, let me say I`m as guilty as the next guy for using these names for knives. What is a "bushcraft knife?" What is a "camp knife?" What is a "tactical" or "combat knife?" I collect old outdoors books from the 1920`s through the 1950`s, and nobody gave their knives names like these. For camping they recommend a pocket knife, axe, and a thin bladed sheath knife, with a blade no longer than 5", usually around 4 1/2". They also called "bushcrafting" "woodcrafting" back then. What`s the difference? I doubt they used a special knife for their chores, probably whatever hunting or fishing knife that they had with them, along with their pocket knife. Steve Dick wrote a great article in one of the older Knives Annuals, that gave his ideas of what makes a good camp knife. Guess what, he chose something on the order of a thinner blade boning knife!
I`d like to hear your thoughts and opinions on this subject.
 
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I think it has a lot to do with sales hype. For instance, about a year ago I listed on ebay a hunting/skinning knife with a 5" blade, black micarta scales, and black leather belt sheath with a starting bid of $175. It sat for a week with no bids. I then relisted it but changed the title to Tactical Operations Knife and ended up with 4 bidders. It sold for $265!
 
I find it interesting too. Especially the "fighter" word used with a knife. Knives have been used in combat for a long time, but not to often in modern times. People simply don't carry them like they once did, and certainly aren't trained in combat arms.
 
It's a different generation that can't relate to days of old. It's the same as it ever was with a new name to attract the younger generation. I find it quite amusing to see the same entertainment that was going on 30 years ago, still having a strong standing with a different style of presentation. It saddens me to see traditional give way to modern even though it's the same. Some things should always be a reminder of how things were and helped shape this great place we live in and never be forgotten.
 
I can't understand, well no I understand it, but I don't want thicker knives for anything I intend to use anyway, 1/8" is pushing it for me most of the time :)

Seems no matter what the edge is like a thinner knife will always be better at cutting, splitting and the like, just my opinion of course.

other then that, language changes, and yeah, lots of marketing, people playing ninja in their minds etc :p
 
I find that, except for special circumstances, what makes a knife work makes a knife work. I am a full time LEO and one of my favorite folders is the Wegner designed Pro Hunter. I find the characteristics that make it a good "hunting" knife make it excel as a "tactical" knife, edc, etc. Many people I know would never consider this because it is a "hunting" knife.
 
I agree with what has been said. i think it is an interesting conversation, John. And, i agree with you that i don't think old timers were like, "Oh, hold on, this is my 'hunting' knife....let me go and get my 'bushcrafting' knife." I think mostly it is a way for (hate to say it) knife guys like us to talk knives. and yes, of course it is marketing too. interesting story jackhammer. everyone has their interests, so knife makers and promoters start to categorize their knives to appeal to certain users. that's the way i see it anyway. good thread. :thumbup:
 
George Herter offered 3 fixed blade knives for sale:
1- Herter's Canadian Fish Fillet & Camp Knife with 5" blade
2- Herter's Bull Cook Knife -4" blade
3- The Herter's Famous Improved Bowie Knife 5" blade

notice the reoccurring name HERTER'S

and unlike knives by FxxxxxBxxx Forge you could get a sheath from the same place you bought the knife
So what does this have to do with anything, I dunno
But give me my JK Improved Modified Best Ever Bowie, any medium sized quality folder (Buck 483 Bucklite this week) and my full sized axe and I'm good to go.

Tactical is a frame of mind added to a sense of purpose.
 
B JACKSON said:
Tactical is a frame of mind added to a sense of purpose.
Click to expand...


nicely said. I don't consider whether a knife is tactical or not because, well, I work at a university and play in the woods and work farm-like chores in between, so my opinion doesn't count for much....but I do appreciate a good turn of phrase :)
 
What if I use my tactical knife while I am hunting to split wood for kindling to start a fire in my camp? Is it still a tactical knife or is it a hunting knife or a bushcraft knife or a camp knife or a tactical hunting bushcraft camp knife? Yeesh!
 
I pretty much agree with most of what has been said already, and I do think there is a bit of practicality to labeling the knives with a "type." It is not all marketing hype, although that certainly plays a part, and there is nothing wrong with marketing. But as a maker/seller/manufacturer of knives, with the vast quantity of knives and styles out there, it is very important to get your knives classified properly.

If you just call it "Knife #1, #2," etc., how are people going to find you on ebay, the internet, wherever. Additionally, you increase your visibility by getting your knives classed properly. All knives are knives, but not all are designed for "bushcraft," "survival," or "tactical" purposes. Those are the common terms people use to search for knives, so whether people care for it or not, you should use those buzzwords to some extent in marketing your knives, if you want to be seen. It weeds out non-applicable knives. In my opinion, anyway.

I'm not huge on the term "survival knife," as for many it conjures up images of guys in camo and bandanas, bomb shelters, and possibly even anarchists, depending on who you talk to. I much prefer the term "hollow handle knife." But guess what many, if not most, people type in google when looking for hollow handle knives? It is what it is.

Sam
 
Back then, a knife was just a knife.

Now, after all the years and advances in the ability to craft/manufacture the knives, and advances in metallurgy, we now have the luxury of being able to buy a knife that was made for a specific niche.

Tactical sounds more manly than niche.

Improvements are not a bad thing, nor is tradition.

best

mqqn
 
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