Need recommendations for knife/bladesmith

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bigmonkey

Joined
Dec 14, 2000
Messages
14
Hi every body! I'm a new member and I need your expertise. I do a lot of hunting(deer and elk) up in the Rockies. That and I live out of a rucksack quite a bit courtesy of the military. I've been looking at a Randall #25 trapper. It feels and handles great. The #5 looks good also but I can't find one to compare. The problem is the tangs and handles seem a little flimsy to me. My local Randall dealer assures me that they would never fail under normal use. I don't doubt that since I'm almost a fanatic about taking care of my gear. I'm concerned about emergencies when I'm miles from no where. What I need is someone who can make me a blade that is tough as hell and keep a good edge. But I don't want a knife that looks and handles like a sharpened crowbar either. This knife will be used hard for hunting and general camping use. Thanks for any suggestions or info.
 
My favorite hunting/camping/utility knife is the Tim Wegner/Rob Simonich Talonite Pro Hunter. Full tang, thick Talonite, so it's monster tough, with a wonderfully ergonomic handle that will melt into your hand, and be comfortable through the hardest use. The blade is big enough to handle nearly anything, but not too big to be convenient, with a shape that lends itself to most any task, especially skinning. The harder you work it, the happier Tim and Rob will be.

It may disappoint you if you're really enthusiastic about doing maintenance chores, though, as the Talonite holds a working edge forever and is completely impervious to rust and staining! You can sharpen it and clean it all you want, but you're doing it to make yourself happy, not the knife!

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It's a "special" item, so it isn't listed on the site. Follow the link, and give Tim a call or send him an e-mail for info.

http://www.blade-tech.com

[This message has been edited by Brian_Turner (edited 12-15-2000).]
 
Welcome to the forums, bigmonkey. You'll find a contingent of hardcore Randall lovers here who will quickly confirm what your local Randall dealer has told you, namely that Randall knives are a good investment that will last a long time. That having been said, I would urge you to take a look at the Busse Badger Attack with the new ergonomic handle (BA-E as it's known in Busse circles). I don't know of another production blade made today that can boast such high levels of strength, toughness and wear resistance all at the same time. The blade on this one is about 4.5" long which is a little big for deer and a little small for some camp chores, but obviously some compromises will have to be made to accomplish both tasks with one blade. The blade is also 1/4" thick, but unlike many of the sharpened prybars out there today, this one features a full flat grind all the way from the primary edge bevel to the spine. Check out the Busse forum here and you'll be able to learn much more about these fine knives.

There is also quite a number of outstanding custom makers here who could build something to your exact specifications in just about any combination of blade material, handle material, length and width that you could imagine.

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Semper Fi

-Bill
 
Bob Dozier makes really strong knives meant to be used hard. The blade steel is D2, which is a Very wear resistant steel. His handles are made from shaped micarta and are ergonomically designed. For a reasonably priced knife ($150-$200), it would be hard to find a better user. the Yukon Pro skinner is an outstanding hunting knife with a 3.5 inch blade and a relatively large handle. If you want something bigger, the Professional Guides knife (4 3/4 inch blade) would be a great choice.

Have a look at Dozier knives at www.knifeart.com

Dozier knives


On the other hand, two of my brothers collect and use Randalls. They both really like the model 25 for hunting. The model 5 is maybe a little more general purpose oriented. I do not think you need to worry too much about the handle falling off or failing. You can see all of the Randall line at www.nordicknives.com

Paracelsus
 
I don't have one of the fixed blade Wegners, yet. But I can vouch that the design rocks.

I will also suggest Matt Lamey at www.lameyknives.com

Allen Blade at
http://www.geocities.com/bladecutlery/blade_cutlery_site001.htm

Neil Blackwood at
http://blackwoodknives.com/

Here is one that Neil has for sale now:
View


a more detailed description can be found here
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum36/HTML/000119.html

and Bob Dozier at
http://www.dozierknives.com/

All the above make knives that will last a lifetime. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them.


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Dennis Bible

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[This message has been edited by shootist16 (edited 12-15-2000).]
 
Thanks for all the great info. This was exactly what I was hoping to find here. Hhmm, now all I have to do is choose. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
 
Here are a pair of drop point hunters for your perusal.
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=306668&a=2279510&p=31477716&Sequence=0&res=high" TARGET=_blank>
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</A>

The top knife is a 3/16" Talonite (r) bladed knife made by Tom Mayo. The scales are linen micarta, full exposed tang.

Bottom knife is a Mad Dog Mako, 1/4" thick 01 steel, hard chrome finish, composite grip.

I believe either would prove adequate for your needs, but the Talonite knife would hold a sharp edge longer, and is, of course, totally corrosion proof.

Hope this helps, Walt
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by bigmonkey:
Thanks for all the great info. This was exactly what I was hoping to find here. Hhmm, now all I have to do is choose. Decisions, decisions, decisions.</font>
Click to expand...

Please let us know which knife you decide upon.



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Dennis Bible

mylogosmall.gif
 
I sure will. I'm going to get in touch with a few bladesmiths after the first of January. Ed Caffrey, Geno Denning, Bob Hollar, and Matt Lamey all have designs I like. Any body have first hand experience with any of these individuals/knives?
 
Bigmonkey: Don't forget to check on Chris Reeve's fabulous 1 piece fixed blades. I have one and I can guarantee you that you cannot find a stronger knife. Except for the screw cap on the end of the handle, they are made from one piece of steel. A great, strong, sharp design.
 
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