Reiff v CPK

[Thiess08]

Hey guys! I have been going back and forth between two blades I've been thinking about getting, and decided to go here for some help deciding. I am trying to decide between getting the Reiff F5, or waiting longer and make the investment in a CPK HDFK. I do want to get a knife that is tough, and that can hold an edge well, but I don't want it to be too hard to maintain. I also do want it to be good at striking a ferro rod. I also really want it to be more versitile and be able to do a task well whenever it pops up. Whichever one I get will probably be my main belt knife for whenever I go out to the woods though. What's your guy's opinion?

 

[kafolarbear]

I have a CPK EDC 3 in their signature Delta 3V and it has been pretty easy to maintain a decently sharp edge, I haven't had the need to do anything outside of honing and stropping since I received it almost 3 months ago. It won't strike a fire steel though, the only part of the spine that is sharp is closer to the tip.

 

[DMG]

I have a Carothers field knife in 3V and have zero complaints. I use the choil area to strike a ferro rod.

 

[ferider]

Between F5 and HDFK, the size is significantly different. Might want to look at the CPK BFK / FK2 instead, easier to find and cheaper, too.

No experience with Reiff knives, but I hear good things. CPK knives are the best there are, in my collection, at least.

 

[91bravo]

I have multiple CPKs and love them all. For striking a fire steel, just throw a broken piece of hacksaw in your kit for cheap, and save the edge on your knife. All my fire steels have a piece of hacksaw or firesteel.com striker tethered to them. Never had any experience with Reiff knives though.

 

[unwisefool]

I really like CPK knives, some of the best ergonomicsive ever held. Instead of striking my knife on a rod for sparks, I use a lighter. Or as a backup, matches.

 

[SharpBits]

I use a lighter. Or as a backup, matches.

Haha, I was thinking along the same lines. Ferro rods are already cheating, may as well go right to a lighter.

 

[Jsega51]

CPK knife that is tough? Easy to care for? Main belt knife? Let’s add easy to obtain also….


Basic Field Knife “BFK”. They come in Delta 3V and also in Magnacut, they’re in production now being offered for sales on here on BF on Fridays, stock is being made for their website at some point as well. They’re a great value and the perfect do it all size for carrying around all day.

 

[RousingRabbles]

You're looking at pretty different options here. The Reiff F5 is most comparable to the BFK in size and weight. The HDFK is closer to something like a CRK Pacific. I have no experience with Reiff, but I've heard good things. Ultimately, all are probably great, can't go wrong options. It just kind of depends what specific things you want to do with it. If you want a "do everything" knife then sticking with the slightly smaller F5 or BFK would be more ideal. If you want a knife you can beat the crap out of, do a few different camp chores, but will be cumbersome for detailed cutting and carving, you want the HDFK.

 

[Lorien]

here's a link to a thread that's all about the HDFK; https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/testing-testing-hdfk-aka-n-a-s-k.1501435/

 

[Synov]

I know nothing about Reiff, but CPKs are basically the best fixed blades on the planet, because I said so.

 

[Mr. Tettnanger]

Between F5 and HDFK, the size is significantly different. Might want to look at the CPK BFK / FK2 instead, easier to find and cheaper, too.

No experience with Reiff knives, but I hear good things. CPK knives are the best there are, in my collection, at least.

You're looking at pretty different options here. The Reiff F5 is most comparable to the BFK in size and weight. The HDFK is closer to something like a CRK Pacific. I have no experience with Reiff, but I've heard good things. Ultimately, all are probably great, can't go wrong options. It just kind of depends what specific things you want to do with it. If you want a "do everything" knife then sticking with the slightly smaller F5 or BFK would be more ideal. If you want a knife you can beat the crap out of, do a few different camp chores, but will be cumbersome for detailed cutting and carving, you want the HDFK.

The Reiff F5 is closer in size to the Carothers BFK.


I agree with the above members. I have owned multiples of the Reiff F5 (and others) and Carothers BFK's. Both design are well thought out and practical.

With that said, I would much rather have a Carothers BFK on my side than the Reiff F5. Every Carothers that I have owned has been perfect. PERFECT. I returned my last Reiff knife because of uneven grind and marks on the blade that made it appear used. I am almost sure that it wasn't, but it looked like it. For the price.....I expected better.

Neither companies knives are easy to get, but Carothers seem to be putting out more and more to get them in the users hand.

I am hoping to score a BFK on a Friday drop to get one back in house. I'll never buy another Reiff.