Problem with delayed gratification

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william O

Joined
Feb 5, 2009
Messages
96
I've been searching for the perfect bushcraft folder since learning of my son's Scout Troop's no-fixed blade policy. I really enjoy a scandi grind since I find it easiest for my poor skills to sharpen, and it's a great carving style. I think I might have found the perfect folder for me in the Bernie Garland Bushcraft Folder: http://www.bushcraftliving.com/reviews/40-cutting-tools/162-bernie-garland-bushcraft-folder scandi grind, O-1, comfy looking handle, gorgeous. So I ordered one a few weeks ago.

Problem is the wait for a custom kife. Although it's well worth it, I've got problems with waiting, so I ordered the first runner up in my perfect folder list, the Enzo Folder. https://www.brisa.fi/portal/index.p...d=product_info&cPath=119_244&products_id=2349. Scandi, D-2. I love my Enzo Trapper, and hoped the Folder would perform similarly. I wasn't disappointed. I don't much like the looks of the Enzo Folder, and it might not prove to be the most ergonomical handle, but the slim profile does fit nicely in the pocket, and it seems to cut just the same as my Trapper. So far I LOVE it! It will certainly keep my happy for the next few weeks as I wait for the Bernie Garland folder, and I will continue to carry it as more of a EDC knife.

But I'm really looking forward to the BG Bushcraft Folder!!! I think it will have just the right performance AND bushcrafty look that I've been looking for!
 
it's not out there dude, a bushcrafty folder is a fixed blade... lol... the fixed blade policy is so stupid, Boise has a no fixie carry policy though it's not enforced... one of the most stupid rules in the book, in my opinion.
 
Waiting sucks for sure. It definitely has kept me from ordering a few customs I really like. I know if they popped up in the makers forum I would snatch them up, but the thought of waiting months is just too much for me. I just waited a couple weeks on a custom because I was having a custom sheath made to go along with it and didn't even like that...
 
Are they going to kick your son out if you show up with a fixed blade? Honestly I know if I had a son and he were in boy scouts I wouldn't give a hoot about what they say, just do it. Apolagize later, then next month's outing everyone will have forgotten and not give a crap anyway...
 
I had to wait 10 months for a Koster bushcraft so I feel ya. After you get the knife though, it'll be worth it. That's an awesome looking folder by the way. Did you order it like in the pics or did you choose different scales?
 
PayetteRucker said:
Are they going to kick your son out if you show up with a fixed blade? Honestly I know if I had a son and he were in boy scouts I wouldn't give a hoot about what they say, just do it. Apolagize later, then next month's outing everyone will have forgotten and not give a crap anyway...
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Dude, it's the Boy Scouts. If you want to be part of the organization, you need to play by their rules, even if you don't agree with them. And it's not his son that can't carry, it's HIM. I think it's ridiculous indeed, but he needs to and does respect their rules.
 
remmmm said:
Dude, it's the Boy Scouts. If you want to be part of the organization, you need to play by their rules, even if you don't agree with them. And it's not his son that can't carry, it's HIM. I think it's ridiculous indeed, but he needs to and does respect their rules.
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Yep. Fight from the inside and you really achieve better results. Force the issue from the outside and the system bites on you the culo.
 
PayetteRucker said:
Are they going to kick your son out if you show up with a fixed blade? Honestly I know if I had a son and he were in boy scouts I wouldn't give a hoot about what they say, just do it. Apolagize later, then next month's outing everyone will have forgotten and not give a crap anyway...
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I couldn't disagree more. Specifically, I think the Troop (most, I hear) are dead wrong, and I feel much safer processing kindling with a Mora (or better yet a full tang fixed blade) than my GB Wildlife Hatchet, but I'm hoping my son will learn about character, leadership, FOLLOWERSHIP, etc., more even than outdoor skills. I'd be even more delighted if, with my nudging, he tried to change the rule. But while the rule is the rule, I think he should follow it. I intend to. Oh, and I'll let you know if the Bernie Garland ends up being the great, practical Bushcraft Folder I think it will.
 
The troop might have a troop policy about the knives, but BSA doesn't have a policy against fixed blades. They simply suggest that they not invest in "large unwieldily sheath knives" like fantasy knives.

IMO a fixed blade is perfect for a Boy Scout. I don't know why the troop would have a policy against them. I suggest you have your son bring this up with the SPL because it is supposed to be "youth run". Barring that, talk to the committee yourself.
 
I've been disappointed with a lot of folders I've gotten recently. Spyderco Jess Horn lightweight (too small for my bear paws to manipulate), Benchmade 707 S30V limited edition (same as the Horn), Benchmade Dejavoo (liner lock closes way too easily, reverse of the others I had) and the 760 Lum Ti model. Feels great, I am not a fan of tantos, but I like this one. However, the knife has come open in my pocket a couple times, and when closing the blade, it wants to bounce back a little bit.

I've started paring down my folders a lot recently. All I have left are the following

Victorinox Farmer blue, Victorinox Soldier new linerlock design, Spyderco Military, Spyderco Native III, Spyderco Bob T slipit, Benchmade 710, Benchmade Ritter Griptilian, Remington Camillus made scout, Ontario RAT Dan Burke railsplitter, Buck 301, Buck Cabelas 501 with rose wood and buffalo scales, Tidioute Scout trapper, an older Winchester Moose and a Belknap scout knife made by Boker. Oh yeah, large and small micarta Sebenzas. I foresee unloading a few more. The Farmer, Bob T slipit and Remington scout get most of my folder use. If I need anything bigger, I go for a fixed blade.

Mmmm, those could bring a few nice bushcrafters and camp knives.
 
I got one of the Enzo folders yesterday too.

I really think it's a neat thing. Mine locks up like a bank vault.

Beautiful zero scandi grind.

I even like the looks of it.

Flips open fast as an assisted opening.

My only criticisim is the scales are slightly smaller than the liner. so you can see the liner all the way around. Far as I can see there's no reason they couldn't have let the liners o all the way out to the edge of the liner. The thumb stud is plenty far enough from the liner and I can't see it would interfere with the unlocking the liner either.

I'm thinking about doing thicker scales green micarta.
 
not too late to go 'old school'. :)


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As per the opinel thread open at the moment, they make great bushcraft folders, if a bit thin. The lock is simple and foolproof.
 
Shotgun said:
I had to wait 10 months for a Koster bushcraft so I feel ya. After you get the knife though, it'll be worth it. That's an awesome looking folder by the way. Did you order it like in the pics or did you choose different scales?
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At first I did ask that Bernie finda set of scales similar to the once pictured. He said he would look for something, or I could pick something online. He said he had great success with http://www.staburl.com. I ended up ordering double stabalized box elder scales with amber, purple and some black accents. Beautiful. I have to say that I'm really enjoying the process of personalizing a knife being specifically built for ME! I've really enjoyed emailing Bernie Garland too. I could be wrong, but I think this knife might have "soul."
 
william O said:
I couldn't disagree more. Specifically, I think the Troop (most, I hear) are dead wrong, and I feel much safer processing kindling with a Mora (or better yet a full tang fixed blade) than my GB Wildlife Hatchet, but I'm hoping my son will learn about character, leadership, FOLLOWERSHIP, etc., more even than outdoor skills. I'd be even more delighted if, with my nudging, he tried to change the rule. But while the rule is the rule, I think he should follow it. I intend to. Oh, and I'll let you know if the Bernie Garland ends up being the great, practical Bushcraft Folder I think it will.
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I guess it's better to have some sort of outdoor organization than none at all... but I'd still make damn sure my son was completely capable with a fixed blade knife and knew the downside to folders.
 
You could always pick up an Eka from Ragnar to tide you over for now. :)

swede-82.jpg
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
You could always pick up an Eka from Ragnar to tide you over for now. :)

swede-82.jpg
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I've been after one of those for a while now. Ragnar is out of stock and he told me he will remain so until he can get confirmation that they are still being made in Sweden. I guess he's hearing otherwise from somewhere.

I've had this for a while now and have been very happy with it. Pure carbon blade gets hellishly sharp.

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