Well I've convinced myself that I "need" a new knife in the 3.5"-4.5" range. So far I've considered a Shrade Sharpfinger, Fallkniven F1, Livesay U.S. Marshal, Cold Steel Master Hunter, Dozier Pro Guide, and a Marble's Woodcraft. Any other good choices? I'll be using the knife for typical camp chores such as splitting kindling, shaving hardwood, etc. What should I buy?
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- Thread starter CH
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- Jun 29, 1999
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- 9,838
Buy 'em all. I have read nothing but good about all of these. The CS Master Hunter is great steel, a superb handle (albeit some people don't like Kraton). The F1 VG-10 steel holds an edge as well as Carbon V, in my experience, but is harder to sharpen (not that this is a problem with diamond hones, it just takes a little longer); its Therorun grip is similar to but harder than Kraton. Overall, the F1 is a handier size, especially wrapped in a Concealex sheath from Normark. Marbles' knives in 52100 take and hold an unbelievably good edge and come in a variety of grip options. The Sharpfinger is a tried and true design in excellent 1095 steel, but the sheath is poor quality; get one from Normark.
[This message has been edited by Alberta Ed (edited 12-26-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Alberta Ed (edited 12-26-2000).]
I don't see any of these knives as being well-designed for splitting kindling. Shaving hardwood is another matter. Maybe you should elaborate on the etc. part.
The Sharpfinger is a smaller knife. Great for fine work. Not the ideal blade design for gutting an animal but will get the job done. Great design for everything else and easy on the pocketbook. Don't know about the F1. I have an A1 and it's a great knife. If you want to chop, the A1 would be the best of the lot. Don't know about the Marshall. The CS Master Hunter is an optimal hunting design. Very stout spine, flat ground and and all around excellent choice. Not a chopper though, but with the stout spine, you could hammer on it, as you could with the Fallkniven. The Woodcraft is not a chopper either. It was originally designed for hunting, scraping hides with the spine, and whittling and slicing things. Wonderful knife. I have two. The tips I would classify as delicate. The blade is a convex grind and may take a little practice to sharpen. The Dozier Pro Guide is an awesome knife. It is hollow ground and more designed for slicing and general utility, but not chopping, although it would probably take some hammering. It is a very solid knife and the most well-made of the lot. I would pick it over the others. Still, if you want something to chop with but are willing to sacrifice a little in the tip area for doing fine work, the Camillus Companion is a great choice. The Companion coupled with a more versatile pocket knife, make a good field combination. But as Alberta Ed sez, buy 'em all. They are all great knives.
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Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
The Sharpfinger is a smaller knife. Great for fine work. Not the ideal blade design for gutting an animal but will get the job done. Great design for everything else and easy on the pocketbook. Don't know about the F1. I have an A1 and it's a great knife. If you want to chop, the A1 would be the best of the lot. Don't know about the Marshall. The CS Master Hunter is an optimal hunting design. Very stout spine, flat ground and and all around excellent choice. Not a chopper though, but with the stout spine, you could hammer on it, as you could with the Fallkniven. The Woodcraft is not a chopper either. It was originally designed for hunting, scraping hides with the spine, and whittling and slicing things. Wonderful knife. I have two. The tips I would classify as delicate. The blade is a convex grind and may take a little practice to sharpen. The Dozier Pro Guide is an awesome knife. It is hollow ground and more designed for slicing and general utility, but not chopping, although it would probably take some hammering. It is a very solid knife and the most well-made of the lot. I would pick it over the others. Still, if you want something to chop with but are willing to sacrifice a little in the tip area for doing fine work, the Camillus Companion is a great choice. The Companion coupled with a more versatile pocket knife, make a good field combination. But as Alberta Ed sez, buy 'em all. They are all great knives.
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Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
- Joined
- Nov 10, 1999
- Messages
- 132
You won't regret getting the F1, I received one as a going away present from my last job (wrapped up, not inserted!) and it's been fantastic. The blade is a bit short for splitting kindling (>3") but I usually carry a hatchet for this. I just got a Fiskars Camp Axe which is great for firewood; sharp, perfect angles and very light and strong. I would also recommend a small splitting wedge (especially if you saw up your wood) hammer it into a 3-4" log, usually using a similar size piece, then drive down with a 1.5" stick. I've seen it done and it works a treat.
Iain
Iain