Seeking advice for field knife

B

Blade

Joined
Oct 11, 1998
Messages
205
I would like to hear some suggestions for a knife maker for a blade primarily used as a camp/trail/field knife. (Not as an ax, nor as saw!)

I want a 6-inch high-carbon blade bevelled for left-hand use with stag handle. Right now, the Randall Model 5 seems like a good fit but I don't want to overlook others out there.

Unfortunately I don't have access to a lot of shows or knife shops locally. My research has been primarily knife publications, catalogues, Internet and word of mouth from friends.

I would appreciate ANY suggestions!



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Life is a journey, not a guided tour -- GO ARMED!
-->BLADE


 
Check out the work of Ricky Fowler. Seems to be a lot of knife for a very reasonable price.

Let us know what you decide.

Derek
 
Mel Sorg "MadPoet" has just finished a third knife for me. His knives balance beautifully in the hand and beg to be used. He is great to work with and his prices are fair. I just checked and he has a couple camp knives in stock (not stag tho).
http://www.angelfire.com/mn/madpoet/index.html

George Tichbourne's knives look real nice also.
George, I especially liked the look of your kitchen set pictured in KI.
 
I would have to second the MadPoet vote. I have one of his finished knives and had Mel make two cuystom kit blades and he does great work. Very comfortable designs with 100% use in mind. Versatile and stylish, and priced well, too. Can't go wrong there, and his D-2 is AWESOME!
Steve
 
If you are not looking for prying or axe like chopping ability why not get a very good well known, lost cost, high value production slicer like the Deerhunter. After using this for a week or two it will allow you to tell a custom maker exactly what you want in comparison to it.

http://www.agrussell.com/agrussell/agdh-34.html

I would go with Madpoet in 3V. Why? Simple. I want to get him to make a knife for me in 3V and if he makes one for you then you can describe its performance to me and I can use that information to figure out exactly what I should get.
smile.gif


-Cliff
 
I would have to say for the steel, 3V or 52100. Either can be very strong, tough and hold an edge very well. 3V has the reputation of being the most indestructable blade steel out there, but 52100 is way up there, somewhat cheaper and can be differentially tempered. Either way, tell us what you get so we can drool.
Aaron

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aaronm@cs.brandeis.edu
I like my women like I like my knives: strong, sharp, well-formed and pattern-welded!
 
Just want to say to all thanks for the helpful advice. It is really appreciated. I'm starting to narrow the focus down and the suggestions here have helped.

More importantly you've all saved me some bucks -- some of the makers mentioned are better priced and better steel than what I was originally considering. Of course saving money now means I can spend more on one of the other makers, right?
wink.gif


I'll decide soon and let you know, thanks again.

------------------
Life is a journey, not a guided tour -- GO ARMED!
-->BLADE


 
Tell Mel that JW "the Camp Set Guy" sent you.
My "MadPoet" 2 knife set will be here any day!
4.5" skinner and 3" boning/caping blades with ironwood scales in a combo sheath.
from Birds to Bison, and everything in between.
 
I promised to post my decision and here we go.

First let me thank one and all for some good replies and suggestions -- it really did help alot.

I have ordered a five-inch clip-point D-2 steel skinner from Mel Sorg "MadPoet" Knives. The knife will be handled with whitetail antler bolstered in desert ironwood and comes complete with a custom sheath.

Many factors -- including the good recommendations here -- led to the decision. Most were based on the use planned for the knife. A lesser factor is that in three weeks, I'll be up in the MadPoet stomping grounds and will get to pick up the knife and meet Mel in person. That too, I think, is an important part of a custom knife -- really getting to know the maker.

For his part Mel has been exceptionally helpful, even making some changes at my request and putting himself on a tight delievery time frame.

I appreciate his effort and think others should know about the type of service he offers.

Thanks again Mel -- Can't wait till the Cass Lake run begins
smile.gif


Thanks also to all above on this thread, I'll not forget some of the other great makers mentioned here!


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Life is a journey, not a guided tour -- GO ARMED!
-->BLADE


 
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