Review: JK Kentucky Fieldmate

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Oct 10, 2007
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I designed and had John of JK Handmade Knives make me a pocket-able fixed blade to carry while hunting. Previously I used a folder but wanted a fixed blade for ease of cleaning after using on game. Since I've used this JK Kentucky Fieldmate for a while now, I thought I'd share my thoughts on it.

JK Kentucky Fieldmate specs
6" overall, 2 1/2" blade, 7/8" tall, and 3/32" thick O1

When I received it new a couple years ago.
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I went with a pocket/neck sheath. This thing practically disappears in your pocket. Last week while out checking my trail camera I put it in my back pocket. I pulled it out to cut a few small branches, then proceeded to put it up. When I was ready to leave, I noticed it wasn't in my back pocket, and started to panic wondering where I lost it at. Luckily, I checked my front pocket, and there it was. Didn't even notice it there til I checked.

I got this to pocket carry while turkey hunting, but upon receiving it in winter had to use it for something. First thing I did was cut a couple notches and some curls.
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My intended purpose
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I really like the size. It makes a great edc fixed blade.
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It's seen various use
In the kitchen
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And in the field
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Whittling
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I will say that extended use cutting on this seasoned walnut, after an hour or so, resulted in some hand fatigue. Using gloves helped with that. If whittling for hours on end is your intended purpose I'd choose a different handle, but for edc type tasks this works just fine.

I can without a doubt tell you that after owning this a couple years, it's a keeper. I carry it every spring and fall hunting, and rotate it along with a few others throughout the year.

It's developing a nice patina from use now.
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If your looking for a fixed blade edc that can be comfortably pocket carried, you've found it. At least, it has filled that role nicely for me.
 
My thoughts exactly! Thanks!
Considering the handle, what would you change for a long whittling session?

That was last year when I did that, honestly can't remember the exact reason it fatigued my hands. Maybe I'm getting soft, because the gloves seamed to help. My thought at the time to fix it was to get an EDC Kephart, I thought the handle was more neutral without the finger groove. I got it but haven't tried whittling with it, seems there is always something going on.

Here's a photo of the edc kephart while in the deer stand.
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I'm doing a temporary swap with Outdoorsfan and he sent my his KY fieldmate, have to say I second everything in this review, first impressions? other then the words "Hubba Hubba" and "man, he really knows how to sharpen a knife" I'd have to say it's one of the most usable little edc's I've ever held.
 
i guess that spear pointed knives, with full flat grind, are the best to be used in field, hunting and others stuffs.
 
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