Phil Hartsfield

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knivesanonymous

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Aug 19, 2007
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Im thinking about purchasing a Phil Hartsfield knife for an EDC. I heard his knives are some of the stongest in the industry. I want to know what others think? I know his knives are expensive is it worth it to buy one?
 
The search engine is your friend.

Hartsfield knives are well made, but crudely finished. Doesn't hurt their cutting performance, as nobody seems to complain about the cutting performance. In fact, people rave about his knives and the cutting ability. Prices are usually quite high for a Hartsfield knife, and lots of folks are willing to pay these prices. I'm not one of them, however. I would rather spend less money on an R.J. Martin knife of similar style, and have it finished much better and cut just as well. This, of course, is MY opinion, and not meant to offend anybody who loves and buys Hartsfield knives.
 
hartsfield definitely has a cultlike following. his knives are extremely sharp, but difficult to sharpen. wide range of models and sizes, i have considered a couple, but never pulled the trigger.

i find them fairly comfortable in the hand, tank like, but as danbo mentioned, fit and finish are average.

im not a fan of neck sheaths, but his are probably some of the best around. excellent retention, but dont scratch up the blade.
 
Danbo said:
The search engine is your friend.

Hartsfield knives are well made, but crudely finished. Doesn't hurt their cutting performance, as nobody seems to complain about the cutting performance. In fact, people rave about his knives and the cutting ability. Prices are usually quite high for a Hartsfield knife, and lots of folks are willing to pay these prices. I'm not one of them, however. I would rather spend less money on an R.J. Martin knife of similar style, and have it finished much better and cut just as well. This, of course, is MY opinion, and not meant to offend anybody who loves and buys Hartsfield knives.
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Ditto. I've literally seen a couple of Hartsfields that were sharpened sticks of steel, chisel ground too, that have a price tag of over $500. Sorry, I just don't think they're worth it.
 
If you are wanting one for carry as you say,, R.J. Martin is a great choice. A lot of knife of the money. Hartsfields do indeed have a cult like following, but a rather narrow one. For collectin, and possible return on the dollar, the Hartsfield is probably fine. Just be aware that like others have pointed out in this and other threads , the following is strong in the proper circles, but somewhat narrow.
 
Thanks for all the information. Where is the best place to find an RJ model? I did notice that the finish isnt that clean on the Hartsfield. I just want a stong knife that can be used for many cutting chores. How hard do you think it would be to sharpen a Hartsfield knife? What would be the best method of doing it?
 
knivesanonymous said:
Thanks for all the information. Where is the best place to find an RJ model? I did notice that the finish isnt that clean on the Hartsfield. I just want a stong knife that can be used for many cutting chores. How hard do you think it would be to sharpen a Hartsfield knife? What would be the best method of doing it?
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they all have a deep chisel grind, which is not easy to sharpen. phill actually prefers you send it in for sharpening from what i have read.

i could be done on a leather strop or grinding wheel. but i wouldnt mess with it. phill's sharpening is considered somewhat legendary, so i would send it in when it started to dull.
 
Don't be mislead and think that Phill's knives are poorly finished. Myself along with a lot of others happen to like his finish. Polishing a blade does nothing to enhance it's abilities. Phill could easily do as others and take a bit longer to polish, he doesn't see that as necessary. In no way does a Hartsfield appear "unfinished".

You owe it to yourself to hold and examine a knife from the Hartsfields so you can form your own opinion.

Win
 
Phill's blades are some of the finest out there. If you have Hartsfield questions ask Hartsfield. He is a pleasure to talk to. I own three of his blades and in my mind there's nothing like them. IF you have the money get a Hartsfield, you'll never regret it.
Nice words WIN.
Lycosa
 
Lycosa said:
Phill's blades are some of the finest out there. If you have Hartsfield questions ask Hartsfield. He is a pleasure to talk to. I own three of his blades and in my mind there's nothing like them. IF you have the money get a Hartsfield, you'll never regret it.
Lycosa
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Bet that Kool-Aid tastes good, huh?;)

knivesanonymous, Nordic Knives has a decent selection available right now, some at reasonable prices.

If it is an extremely strong knife that you are looking for, I would really recommend that you look at Busse Knives. If you want a very good cutter, with a more "refined" finish, R.J. Martin sells a lot of knives in the Japanese style through Robertson's Custom Cutlery.

Many who have purchased Hartsfield knives have great fondness for them...might just be the knife for you.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Hartsfield knives have a cult following. Many say that they are good performers, and I have no reason not to believe that. However, in terms of value, I think they are very overpriced. I also find them rather unattractive and heavy, personally.

Win - my understanding is that polishing a blade does enhance its rust resistance, all other things being equal. Most collectors also find a fine polish or hand rub much prettier than grind marks.
 
If the decision was mine, I'd go R.J Martin. Like Hartsfield's work, but just a touch too spendy for me.
 
So i went to Nordic knives and I gave in and bought a Phil Hartsfild.
I still want to get a RJ to compair. I have to say the thing is sharp sharp. Almost scary sharp. Thanks for all your guys help i will let you know how it performs. Also i shave with a straight razor and i good at stropping it so i will tell you if that helps when the knife needs to be sharpened. Thanks
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I've never found the chisel grind any more difficult to sharpen; you just lay the bevel flat on the hone and stroke forward until you have a wire edge, then strop or stroke very lightly on the other side until the burr disappears.
 
Very nice Hartsfield you picked up. Being from So. CA you should make a call to Phill and go visit. I've not been but friends tell me he's a great host.

I'll be interested hearing your take on it's cutting ability and how you view the knifes curb appeal.

Win
 
The part about asking Phil about one of his own knives is pretty funny. That's like saying, "If you want an objective opinion about a Ford truck (How does it perform? Is it overpriced? Etc.) go ask a Ford salesman!"

I like the way Phil's knives look. I have heard from people I trust that they cut great. But I would want a Turk's head knot between my hand and that blade.

John
 
Congrats on your Hartsfield!

You should still get a RJ Martin though... I have one of his 4 inch Rampages and it is a work of art. Incredibly sharp, stout as anything I have ever held, and the handle design is awesome.

Mine is out of contoured green/black G-10 which RJ then grooves to add even more grippiness. Mine also has the striations on the blade, which makes for a very striking looking knife without detracting from its function in any way.

I would love to own one of RJ's Japanese style knives. He's also a great guy and very professional with his correspondence.
 
I met RJ at the 2007 Atlanta Blade show and he is a great guy very nice to talk to and very informative.

Today I wanted to see what the Hartsfield could stand up to cutting through a one inch thick branch. It cut through it in two swips to the same spot..... crazy. My friend Kevin had his mouth dropped. He said that is one sharp knife.
 
lol...did you buy a kozuka or a MACHETE? j/k =) Phill's blades are incredible! Wish I had the funds or the patience!
 
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