Play Time with a NWA Field Knife

Brian Andrews · Feb 28, 2009

Okay....I guess I have been living in a bubble. I haven't "actively" participated in the forum until the last few months. So, I guess I have been missing out on all that Nick has to offer in terms of knives.

A friend, that is fortunate enough to own multiple NWA knives, sent me a green micarta field knife to play with.

I am unfortunate enough to not own a single one of Nick's knives. After playing with this one, I think that will have to change.

I am sure most of you know the specs on this knife, but the blade is 5" long, and I mic'ed the thickness at .183" and is O1. While this is both a touch longer and thicker than I would normally pick for a normal woodsbumming knife, it is always good to try something that is different.

So, I got some time outdoors (just in the backyard) to see what I thought of the knife.

But first, some knife porn.

The fit and finish of Nick's knives are perhaps the best I have ever seen. Here are several shots showing some key areas.

The photo shows the full height flat grind well. The secondary bevel is a highly polished v-grind that is very sharp! I am not sure if that is the way it was shipped, or from the current owner sharpening it.

To Be Continued.....

Brian Andrews · Feb 28, 2009

I have see Nick's leather sheaths, and they are very nice, wax hardened leather. But, my friend sent this to me with custom kydex from Mike Billman. I have to say, the the kydex work was top notch!

To Be Continued......

Brian Andrews · Feb 28, 2009

So.....I haven't done much with the knife so far.

Someone loans you a knife, and it is not yours. What is the first thing you have to do? Beat it with a baton, of course!

It was cold and I wanted to get a fire going.

In no time, I had a nice pile of kindling going.

Both the length and thickness were great for this, and I would expect it to be.

So, I tried some of my more typical stuff. Points and notches and things.

To Be Continued......

Brian Andrews · Feb 28, 2009

A good pot handing, or pot lifter notch.

Of course, we need to see what kind of fuzz it can do.

It was pretty cool, for a thicker knife than I am used to, I had no problems making the super fine curls.

I was interested to see if the serrations would help on my firesteel or not.

The wood was extra stubborn, but I did finally get it to light.

That is about all I got to do with it so far. I wouldn't mind trying it out in the kitchen, as I do most of my food prep with my belt knife. I am also hoping to get it out in the woods tomorrow as well.

What a great knife!

B

KuRUpTD · Feb 28, 2009

That's a badass knife - great review.

savagesicslayer · Feb 28, 2009

Great review.If I didn't know better I'd say the sheath I got with mine was Kydex.Tough sheath that's gonna last.
My NWA knife is one of the finest blades I've ever handled.I'm keeping mine as my hiking knife on my annual multi day hike.Thanks Nick.

SpookyPistolero · Feb 28, 2009

I've wanted one of those for a long time, they look sweet. You snapped some great pics too. :thumbup:

Also, I hate you for having a sweet Sig.

Rockywolf · Feb 28, 2009

Good review, bro. I used to own one of these, but recent money trouble forced it to go. I have myself on his list for one of these with a shorter blade and bocote handle. His products are excellent!

tknife · Feb 28, 2009

Wow, you take some really great pics! Great review too. Your shots show the attention to detail that I really love in Nicks knives. Your friend makes a helluva nice Kydex sheath too, the green looks cool with the green handle. :thumbup:

Gramps · Feb 28, 2009

GREAT photos and review. Does Nick have a website where one can go to see his other work ?

- regards

tknife · Feb 28, 2009

He doesn't have a site, but if you search here under NWA, you will see more of his work. The knives in my sig are also by him.

Diomedes Industries · Feb 28, 2009

Dang - I was hoping for a few more pictures...

TF

blgoode · Feb 28, 2009

very cool!!!!!! Great images

tonym · Feb 28, 2009

Great pics and review brian. I agree 100% about Nick's fit and finish and I will say he puts a razor sharp edge on his knives as well!

NWA · Feb 28, 2009

Great pics Brian! You need to bring that rifle by for a look see

Or, maybe we could work out a trade

Seriously though, thanks for the great review and pics. I can sure tell I need to work on my camera skills after looking at your photos. I even went out and bought a Cannon Rebel XSI and my pics still don't look that nice. Maybe you could school me on that.

Thanks again
Nick

raindog101 · Feb 28, 2009

tonym said:
Great pics and review brian. I agree 100% about Nick's fit and finish and I will say he puts a razor sharp edge on his knives as well!

Yep, they come sharp as all get-out, straight from the man himself. I asked him what sharpener he uses for his final edge. Answer: Lansky system. Very nice results with it, if you ask me!

mtnfolk mike · Feb 28, 2009

wow.. great review and pics Brian...

:thumbup: Nick's knives are top notch.. all solid blades meant to be used..

i like that kydex rig a lot...

that is a Hanzo right?? is that Brian T's??

Snow · Feb 28, 2009

My favorite knife. Great pictures.

Brian Andrews · Feb 28, 2009

mtnfolk mike said:
i like that kydex rig a lot... that is a Hanzo right?? is that Brian T's??

I have no idea what a Hanzo is

But, you are right, Brian T. He told me the kydex was from Mike Billman.

Big Mike · Feb 28, 2009

Great Stuff Brian, :thumbup:

:thumbup:

I need to get one of Nick's knives.

"If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space."

Big Mike