Need help deciding between two knives

M

Morton Henderson

Joined
Oct 4, 2015
Messages
64
Hello:

I am having a difficult time deciding between two knives, so I thought that someone here might offer the right nudge in one direction or the other. The two knives are the Winkler II Belt Knife and the Battle Horse Knives Highlander with a saber grind blade. By the time I add curly maple scales and the leather/kydex sheath to the Highlander, the prices are very close ($325 vs $350). The overall lengths and blade lengths are very close, but the Highlander would be a saber grind and the Winkler flat. They will be used selectively on occasion for varying general outdoor and camp-type jobs. I always have a Fallkniven F1/Benchmade Mini-Griptilian (S30V) combo either on my person or nearby, so whichever knife I end-up buying here will be for intentional and planned use rather than EDC. This purchase is as much for beauty as it is for function and utility, so factor that in. I really like the steels used in both of these knives and also their useful overall sizes and blade shapes. Plus; the nostalgic side of me likes that they are both available with wood scales. Thanks for your ideas.

Mort
 
Hi Mort.....


Oh...tough decision you have in front of you......owning both brands of knives I can offer a little help. Though let me mention that I haven't owned the Highlander (similar models from them)and I own both a Belt and Field Knife from Winkler.
I too am a bit of a traditionalist so the maple handles just felt right on this style of knife......so I'm going to simply bullet point this....
...Winkler Belt and Field knives definitely a more refined knife all the way around
...Winkler sheaths - felt lined kydex with leather over wrap ( no chance of scratching blade )
...Winkler handle - at 4 1/2" some might say it feels short but it holds the hand tight with no were to go
...Winkler steel - thicker and an upgrade steel from BHK O1
...Winkler blade is more up swept towards the tip and robust
Now I will mainly carry the Belt knife because it's more concealed though tramping around woods were I won't run into many others the Field Knife is my go to.

...BHK sheaths - kydex ( well we know that will scratch )
...BHK handle - full and hand filling with extra room
...BHK steel -thinner stock O1 that patina's very nicely
...BHK blade - tip is pointier for those that enjoy bushcraft type work ..the spine is also much sharper for those
using fire steels
If and when I purchase a Highlander it would have to be flat ground
Lastly, the Winkler knives just feel more robust in hand and a feeling that nothing could go wrong regardless of their use.
 
Thank you Boggs, for the great input. A few questions about the Winkler if I may:
--How tough is the coating on the Winkler blade?
--How does the finish on the wood scales compare between the two?
--If I went with the standard leather sheath on the Highlander for a savings of $75, would that lean the decision in favor of the BHK?

I appreciate the help.

Mort
 
Mort...

Both types of coating that are applied to Winkler knives stand up very well to digging and battening wood typically only needing to be wiped with wet cloth..mine show wear from hitting rocks. The finish on the wood goes to BHK for sure and they definitely are gorgeous..Winkler handles are bead blasted for utility. And for the savings yes it would. One thing I neglected to mention regarding the sheaths..the Winkler does ride high on the belt whereas the BHK with the dangler allows more freedom and choice.
 
Thanks again, Boggs. Right now, I'm tipping toward the Highlander with curly maple scales and the standard leather sheath with a dangler. However, I really like the unique blade shape and lean dimensions of the Winkler Belt Knife. As you stated in your first reply; "tough decision." I think that I see myself having both in short time. Take care.
 
I have had a number of these for years, there is a place on line where you can get them, not known by many, not all of the range, they have them in the UK a real bonus if you want it now !

The prices are not discounted !
 
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