Need (okay, want) Another Bushcraft/Hunting Knife. Suggestions?

It may be leaning more toward spear point than drop point, but a JK Kephart fits the other requirements...I love mine.
 
Wyoming762 said:
No doubt the Puuko is a fine knife, and I appreciate the suggestions, but it looks rather similar to my Mora, and I'm looking for something with a different flavor. I'm also not extremely wild about handles without any groves, just worries me that my hand might slip up at a time a really wouldn't want it to.
Nobody has any comments about the Landi? With the Bark Rivers I'm now leaning towards the Trail Buddy because, unlike the Aurora and the Kalahari which have convex grinds, it has a sabre grind. Just my preferences.
Click to expand...

There are SO many knives like this right now, even on this forum it is going to be difficult to find an opinion on all of them. I'd look for online reviews or videos. It seems like a decently appointed knife and sheath for $110, so unless the maker is a fraud, I don't see why you wouldn't like it. It's thin-ish, but not overly.
 
I've read something from years ago about Landi not getting knives delivered to some people who paid up front, but if I did get one I would be ordering it from a retailer. I can't, however, find much on the knife itself.
Anyway, I've been long in getting and deciding on a new knife because I have a problem: not only do I want a knife that is good, I want a knife that grabs me. The Aurora and the Kalahari and the Trail Buddy are good knives no doubt, but they just don't have that special feel to me. And that's my fault, not theirs'. Two knives I do, for whatever reasons, seem to like are the L.T. Wright Genesis (especially with the Scandi grind and Ironwood handle) and the above mentioned Landi Bushcraft (again with a wood, in this case walnut, handle and the Scandi grind.) I myself find it kind of sad that after much time looking I can really only find two knives I'd want to buy, and with a budget around $200, no less. You see, most people's problem is that they have all sorts of different things that they want to buy but can't afford; my problem is that I can't find things I like enough to want to buy. Pickiness is a real curse.
 
I typed "best bushcraft knife" into the google and hit "images". The majority look somewhat like the Landi and LT Wright. I'd take a look and click on some links - you may find a bunch more with a good look.


However, Landi seems to have enough of a rep to get sold on several different sites, you like the look and it is only $110 vs. $175 for the LT Wright. $110 is a pretty nice price on a knife completely ready to go of this type, so why don't you just get the Landi and be done with it? How big a mistake could it possibly be?

And if you don't like it, put it for sale on some forum for $90 and buy something else. Chances are you'll like it well enough, use it, and buy more knives anyway.
 
Wyoming762 said:
No doubt the Puuko is a fine knife, and I appreciate the suggestions, but it looks rather similar to my Mora, and I'm looking for something with a different flavor. I'm also not extremely wild about handles without any groves, just worries me that my hand might slip up at a time a really wouldn't want it to.
Nobody has any comments about the Landi? With the Bark Rivers I'm now leaning towards the Trail Buddy because, unlike the Aurora and the Kalahari which have convex grinds, it has a sabre grind. Just my preferences.
Click to expand...

It looks like you ruled out the BRKT knives already but I did want to point out that all Bark River knives have a convex grind. Whether it's just the final sharpened edge, done to look similar to a saber, or a full height grind they are all convex. It's the only way they finish knives.

The Koster Bushmaster fits most of the requirements but is a bit over budget and is right at the 5" length. Best of luck finding something you like.
 
Thanks for the tip. I couldn't find much on the Trail Buddy's grind, I only found one place and they said it was sabre.

It isn't that I don't like convex grinds (the thought of them, anyway, as I've never had one), I'm just very partial to flat, sabre, and Scandinavian grinds. I am also concerned I won't be able to sharpen one correctly. All this stuff about stropping on sand paper seems like a hassle in the field.
I was originally planning on going with a Jeff White Bush Knife and decided to try out the convex, but then decided that I would really rather stick with the Scandi (which that knife also comes in), but then decided I would be better suited by something in the 4" range. Did I say that I was picky?
 
Condor Nessmuk and/or Kephart? For your budget you could get both and still have money left.
 
I feel your pain. I too have the budget, but there are soo many choices out there to pick from. May not be EXACTLY what you are looking for, but it might temp you. Bark River Fox River is what I decided on last year. I am very happy with it. If you find a knife you like without a leather sheath, I can put together a leather sheath fairly inexpesive. IMO it's like saying a free Ferrari is crap because you don't like the tires. It can all be changed to your liking...

http://www.dlttrading.com/fox-river-green-linen-red-liners
 
You could browse Battle Horse Knives or LT Wright- a nice variety to choose from.
 
As a matter of fact, I'm strongly considering the L.T. Wright Genesis and GNS; and as of yesterday I have also happened upon the Lon Humphrey Kephart, which In like very much. I suspect the knife I buy will be one of these three.
 
Wyoming762 said:
As a matter of fact, I'm strongly considering the L.T. Wright Genesis and GNS; and as of yesterday I have also happened upon the Lon Humphrey Kephart, which In like very much. I suspect the knife I buy will be one of these three.
Click to expand...

The GNS looks great to me. :thumbup:

They come up pretty regularly on the exchange for about $100 which would leave you with more play money! :p
 
Some seriously pretty knives in this thread. :thumbup:

For your specs and budget you could buy a Becker BK-16 (or 17 if you prefer) strip it (and maybe polish it as well) and throw on a set of KaBar Micarta handle slabs. In fact, with some careful shopping and some dealing ... you could do this pretty near twice!
 
I've appreciated everybody's suggestions. Im going with the Kephart (unless somebody convinces me otherwise before I pull the trigger), and right now I'm deciding between flat or Scandi grind. Don't worry, I won't start any threads about that.
 
Wyoming762 said:
I've appreciated everybody's suggestions. Im going with the Kephart (unless somebody convinces me otherwise before I pull the trigger), and right now I'm deciding between flat or Scandi grind. Don't worry, I won't start any threads about that.
Click to expand...

Make a thread when you get it and use it though.
It might help others decide who are pondering getting the same sort of knife. :)
 
stabman said:
Make a thread when you get it and use it though.
It might help others decide who are pondering getting the same sort of knife. :)
Click to expand...

True that...

+pics... We all like pics...
Knife porn, hardcore or soft, all in good taste around here...
 
Benchmade makes the 162 and it's a great knife for under $200. People tend to give it crap, but that's because they don't own or use one in most cases.
 
If your budget it under 100$ I would suggest buying an old hickory and making a project out of it, they have lots to choose from ( butchers,Skinner's,slicers, and parers ) they're all under 20$, they have wood handles, and are American made with good carbon steel. If you aren't up to making the sheath you can get a simple one made for fairly cheap ( or from wilderness outfitters ) they're a really fun project that's super budget friendly, and it allows you to get exactly what you want. ( you can also use an old carbon steel kitchen knife from a thrift store )

Here's what I did with an old broken tipped 16" chef's knife my dad had from the army
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top