So I have a Koster Bushcraft on its way?

Stainz said:
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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If you want to contrast the Bark River with the Koster I'd say they are both semi custom knives.

I like the scandi grind and 3v in the koster, but in most of the Bark River Bushcraft style knives the handles are much better contoured than the stock Koster and wider so they don't dig into your hand on whittling hard objects.

Comparing the Koster Bushcraft with the Bark River Aurora, both of which I have- I'd say that I like the compactness, the grind and the steel better on the Koster but the overall shape and handle better on the Aurora.

Both are sort of thin in the blade top to bottom for my taste and a little thick in the blade side to side for my taste. I think for me the Koster handles a bit better due to the compactness of it but the Aurora is better for extended cutting due to the thicker blade and overall shape, especially the thicker and curvier handle. I think the Koster cuts a bit deeper with the same pressure due to the thinner scandi grind. Normally comparing scandi to convex I'd give the convex the edge for durability but with the 3v the Koster cuts deeper and is as durable.

Although they are near the same thickness at the spine I'd say the Aurora slices better because the grind removes more steel farther back on the blade. Less of a wedging effect.

Like somebody said with Bark River there's no waiting list which is good, and the quality is as good or better than the Koster depending on the particular knife. Also with problems I have found it much easier to get a hold of Mike Stewart and return a knife for any reason than Dan who is basically making knives in the same way as Bark River but is just one person which makes it really hard to contact him sometimes.
 
I would love to get one of these - I just can't find one for sale. :(

I want to order one when he gets back from his trip - but I keep looking.

TF
 
hollowdweller said:
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.
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So..whats is your # 1 knife of this design?
 
There is a 3v model out there for sale..its listed in the trade forum here on BF..for sale on another forum..I would tell you were, but that would be spamming..
 
gunknifenut said:
So..whats is your # 1 knife of this design?
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Skookum Bush Tool. It's only 1/8" thick. Nice belly to the blade. The handle is comfortable in a variety of grips. The weakness would be 01 is not as durable as 3v in this sort of grind and it's a bit bulkier and heavier than the Koster.
 
I had one..actually a blank I made into one. It just didn't do it for me. No belly, straight handle, scandi grind. All features I don't care for.
 
hollowdweller said:
Skookum Bush Tool. It's only 1/8" thick. Nice belly to the blade. The handle is comfortable in a variety of grips. The weakness would be 01 is not as durable as 3v in this sort of grind and it's a bit bulkier and heavier than the Koster.
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I was hoping you said that.
 
You sir, are in trouble.

THAT little link cost me some money! ;) Thanks man - Bushcraft in 3V with two sheaths - for a reduced price... SWEET!

TF
 
Not only are Scandi grinds hot - Scandi women are hot:

NYHETER-12s11-madde-92_368.jpg


TF
 
Talfuchre said:
You sir, are in trouble.

THAT little link cost me some money! ;) Thanks man - Bushcraft in 3V with two sheaths - for a reduced price... SWEET!

TF
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What are fellow addicts for??? :D

Enjoy that one. Just watch out....they bite :o
 
WOW...if you cant do it with a scandi...blade...then you are bumming.
 
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