Sitting around the fire pit knife.

As others have noted, for the occasional fire, you can use just about anything with a sharp edge to make shavings so long as you can get enough purchase on the handle. A Victorinox Classic is too small for my big hands.

But, for a knife dedicated to fire making, here's what I like.

First, I like a boy's axe to split cut firewood (approx 6"-8" across) down to kindling sized (about 1" across). I find splitting kindling smaller than this size with a hatchet or axe to be tedious and clumsy. So, I want a knife for the last bit.

Second, for splitting 1" wood down to pencil sized, I like to use a fixed blade knife. Anything with a 3" blade or longer will work but I prefer something in the 4"-5" range and hugely prefer something with a convex geometry. The convex geometry helps the splitting.

Third, for taking kindling down to shavings or for making feather sticks, I prefer a handle with a significant palm swell (to fill my big hand in a power hold) and flattish sides (for edge angle control). I also like a convexed edge and blade grind to create nice full, easy to control shavings.

My favorite fire making knife is an old Schrade fixed blade that has a nice convexed sabre grind.
Schrade H-15 Modified by Pinnah, on Flickr

My other favorite is a Mora Companion that I've convexed on a stone. I like this knife's grip better than any that I've used and like the blade a lot better after it's been convexed.
Mora Companion by Pinnah, on Flickr
 
Thanks for all the great replies. I'll grab a Mora for a beater knife BUT I REALLY LIKE the looks of some of the JK knives pictured in other parts of the forum. But JK's website does not have a whole lot of description, pricing and info to get a good grasp of what I may want. Looks like he is still developing his web site. So how does one get a good feel for the different models he makes. Pics would help, hint, hint.
 
70 pages of photos here:
JK Knives Picture Thread
Below are just the knives and tools he has made this year.
Completed JK Knives of 2016

I will try to dig up the photos of mine, they will be when new since I don't take many "user" photos. Though rest assured, they are all users (4 of them).
 
NJBillK said:
70 pages of photos here:
JK Knives Picture Thread
Below are just the knives and tools he has made this year.
Completed JK Knives of 2016

I will try to dig up the photos of mine, they will be when new since I don't take many "user" photos. Though rest assured, they are all users (4 of them).
Click to expand...

I've looked through these and some fine looking knives. Problem is that it can be difficult with some photos when you see something that catches your eye to figure out what model it is and the size dimensions.
 
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What model is this? Blade length, overall length?

DSC_7676.JPG


Figured out how to use his website. The Compact Tool looks nice also. As does the knife he has pictured in "handle material choices". It is picture 3 of 17 in handle material choices and pictured in Maple Burl but not sure which model it is.
 
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Shown above, That is a Rule #9, 9" overall, 4 3/8" blade, the handle on that one shown above is torched maple. It is one of his more popular and Loved models.

The one that is #3 in his scale options is a Mini Appalachia, aside from a friction folder, that will likely be my next purchase from him.
Looks to be a Great all around we with enough belly for slicing and a lower edge to aid usage in a kitchen and camp food prep. Great design.
For a better look, follow this link.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Appalachia-Special-and-Mini-Appalachia-Video
 
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Last night I made a fire for the wife and friends in the fire pit and widdled with my Fallkniven F1. Just trying to familiarize myself with the blade. Worked well.
 
I'll be glad when the evening cool down a bit, too hot to really enjoy a fire right now. My trusty CQC-10BTS, replete with convexed chisel edge, is my campfire companion knife.







 
Anyone have comparison shots of size, blade shape and blade spine of the Appalachia Special and Rule # 9? Would like to get a good look at these 2 side by side.
 
If you want to impress your friends, use your Mora to cut the seal on a bottle of Templeton.
 
Bugs57 said:
.....What knife would be a good choice for making wood shavings from firewood to get the fire started and maybe do a little whittling during the burn?
Click to expand...

Up until recently, I was using my Becker BK9 for all splitting tasks to include everything from cutting trees down to the fine task of whittling for the starter kindling. She's a tremendous workhorse and if kept sharp, can do all large and small tasks. I have recently gotten the BK16 however, so the small tasks will now be delegated to it. I sharpened it up and it can feather stick toothpicks.

You can't go wrong with anything from Becker made by Kabar. They have a full range of sizes and thicknesses to suit your needs. They make folders as well.

Also, as others have mentioned, you can go with a Mora, which is a knife I don't own, but from what I hear it's a tremendous little slicer at such a brilliant price. They can be had for around $15-ish bucks. Look in the exchange for custom makers too. We have some fantastic makers here on the forums that make customs that will blow your mind for great prices.

As far as folders go, I would suggest as others have--a traditional slip joint. There are many different styles, patterns, colors, steels, and handle material. You can't go wrong there. We have a subforum dedicated to the traditional slippies. If something like that spikes your interest I would give it a look-see.
 
Winter lasts a few days longer up here. Any good sharp knife will answer your call.

The Helle Harding would be a nice choice. Mine does a nice job.
 
Depending on size desired and budget I echo the comments suggesting a Mora Companion, Becker BK16 (two of my favorites) Camp Tramp or any of the 1095 KaBar/Ontario fixed blades - good values all.
 
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