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So I have a Koster Bushcraft on its way?

KiljoyKutlery

KiljoyKutlery

KILJOY KutLery, hand made in Luling Texas
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jun 9, 2006
Messages
5,533
What should I expect? I picked up a 3v with kydex off of the exchange..I have held one before, but didnt get to cut with it...I am thinking that its a keeper, what do you guys think. Gene
 
I was really bored last night so i decided to polish the edge to the best of my ability(using my new Fallkniven DC4 stone and a strop) and damn that thing cuts like a laser now! I forgot how much I loved the knife, so comfortable.
 
in my experience, koster's knives come a tad dull and toothy from him (but will certainly still cut well), i don't know if yours has been sharpened or not.

but the grinds are very even and tight, the handles are comfortable (if a tad on small side depending on your hands) and the overall picture is a nice one.

is it a flat grind or a scandi? if its flat you can send it to me to convex and/or polish the edge up for you. i am not confident in my ability to do that with a scandi and make it look good yet.
 
nice score... i recently sold mine... :rolleyes: it's agreat knife, but i just wasn't that into it.. everyone else i have spoken with loves them... they're crazy sharp.. i'm sure you'll love it... i had it for a while and had only used it a few times, so i passed it on... i tend to prefder a little more belly on my knives...
 
I don't know about his knives coming a tad dull, His flat grind may not be the sharpest out there but far from dull. The scandi edge he put on my Bushcraft can cut you by looking at it. Overall fit and finish ws excellent on mine. I also got it in 3V. It feels great in hand and is comfortable to use. I am more than happy with mine. If I were to change anything, I would put a little more belly on the blade as Mike stated.

newblades041.jpg
 
tony, i suppose a tad dull is relative...like i say they will still cut well, but they could be sharper.
 
siguy said:
tony, i suppose a tad dull is relative...like i say they will still cut well, but they could be sharper.
Click to expand...

My Nessmuk has a flatgrind and it came sharp, but not scary sharp. However I can't imagine the Scandi Edge on my Bushcraft getting any sharper:eek:

I plan on giving it a good work out at Marty's place in August, so that will give you the opportunity to return the hair popping edge to it in September if you'd be so kind. I suck at sharpening knives:o
 
I've been eyeing the Koster bushcraft since he's shown them here, I totally have to get one!!! I love how pointy it is for a scandi ground knife.

I better go find the waiting list...:thumbup:
 
duh just realized that the bushcraft is scandi...

that means that i retract my offer to sharpen it (at least until i get some diamond benchstones so i can do a scandi justice)
 
Good thought for a thread! What's the 3V like to touch up and sharpen? Diamond only or does a sharpmaker, wet sand, or strop also work?
 
Got a Bushcraft (in 3V) in a trade, and just got a leftover Nessmuk (in 1095) from Blade.
My Bushcraft came wicked sharp, and I've used it just about every day since I got it.
Haven't had a chance to try the Nessmuk out yet, but if it's anything like the Bushcraft,
I'll be a very happy person.
 
:thumbup:Koster Bushcraft is definitely a keeper, if it suits you (ergos, uses, etc). I'd say the quality is there.
I have the 3v steel with natural canvas & JRE sheath (same as Takao) from the pre-order run. It tags along many of my outdoor adventures.
I like the as-forged flats, 3v steel (first experience), 4" blade length, scandi grind (came very sharp, crisp even grind), and the fact that the maker is active & available here on bladeforums (listed in no order).
A rugged full-tang scandi in micarta & leather (with firesteel loop even). Nice lightweight package that shouldn't quit on ya. Kydex should get you even more use in conditions such as in rain or ability to clean.
If I were to get another one like it (I don't foresee parting with mine), I would prefer more of a Kephart-influenced handle. I just feel like I tend to grip harder with my pinky/ring knuckles to compensate, and I'd be more comfortable/natural in prolonged use otherwise.
 
The only thing I worry about is the size..IIRC it was a bit on the skinny side...but that doesnt mean that I wont like it...I have owned smaller knives that work fine..its alll in the ergos. I am looking forward to carving with the 3v..and sharpening it.
If I was to throw in my 2 cents on sharpening a scandi. I recomend a large steel block, such as I use at work for my chisels. I like the 600 grit, (I am thinking about a finer grit) and then a strop..just to take the burr off. I can shave a nats ass with my scandis..and its pretty easy to get them that way. Gene
 
I really like all the Koster knives I've ever owned. Dan's got a gift for design.
 
I've had 3. The first one was super sharp the other 2 just under shaving.

I like mine but I think the stock handle is too slim for me. The 2 I have I had him put thicker scales on and send to me for profiling.

The 3v steel is slow to sharpen but slow to dull. Of all of the bushcraft scandi type blades I have, it has never had any chipping despite a very fine edge.

Like the other folks have said I love the very pointy tip.

If I was going to change anything with them it would be to give the blade more belly like some have said, make the blade a bit thinner so it slices better but thicker spine to edge.

Some people think the handle is too short but works fine for me.

Due to the design I think it's superior for carving using the 1/3 of the blade near the tip. The whole design seems to give great control in that type of cutting. Also due to the design I don't think it power cuts using the part of the blade near the handle as well as a blade with more belly and a thicker blade.

This blade is in my top 5 of this type of knife due to the fine edge, the compactness, and the super tough steel. It is not #1 due to the design and specs. It also is one of the very best bargains of this type of blade you can get.
 
Good post HD. I agree. I liked my koster, didnt see much use so I sold it. The handleswere a little to slim for me. He makes a heluva blade though, and my 3v one was easy to sharpen, came razor sharp, and a scandi is super easy to touch up.
 
I wasn't fond of the waiting list, although I understand it's necessity due to his popularity. I have a few custom knives - several Greco's and a Vollmer. They are nice - great attention to detail - visible in pix, even. I discovered Bark River after Christmas - and found a less expensive path to get a finely made custom-like knife - in the handle I like/want - with a great sheath - by return mail/UPS. If I could physically see/handle a Koster, I might learn to appreciate the wait for same. Naw, I'll just order another B R! YMMV.

Stainz
 
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