Survival/Bushcraft Knife

DOC-CANADA said:
...And if you're going to check out custom knives, make sure you check out Bryan Breeden, a fellow forumite.

Doc
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Plus one here, if you're going to deviate from your list and check out customs there are several good makers here but I only have experience with Bryan's and Rick's (Magnussen). The two best "dedicated" bushcraft knives in my house came from these two guys. I was lucky and got one from Rick before he was written about, won awards, and became all famous and stuff :). My reason for liking the RAT/ESEE knives so much is that while they use a steel I like a lot 1095, and have an awesome heat treat...I've busted a few pine knots, and split a good bit of fatwood, as well as a couple of old cedar hearth boards with my RC4 no effect yet...I really love all the carry options their sheaths give me.
 
Thanks for all the information and recommendations.. The comparison shots for the knives listed was perfect. The suggestion of custom knives was also helpful. There are alot of great knives made by JK and Bryan Breedeen. I'll be sure to use this information in picking the right knife and let you guys know which one I chose.
 
savagesicslayer said:
BRKT Bravo-1: ...The kydex sheath it comes with leaves a lot to be desired.
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Not all Bravo-1 sheaths are Kydex, there are three or four leather options available.



This one comes standard with natural handle material Bravo's. :thumbup: :cool: :thumbup:



Big Mike
 
Mentor said:
Koyote does a great scandi-vex grind that would be awesome...
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Though not on the original list, like others have stated Christof Harper of Koyote Knives does a great job of making tough use tools.

His heat treatment and geometry on saw blade steels is hard to fault.

He will work with you to build a knife to meet you needs. :thumbup:



Here are some photos of a combo he just finished for me. :D







Photos by C. Harper.


Big Mike
 
Without a doubt I'd get one of the makers to knock you one out !

JK Knives, ML Knives, Koyote knives, Dan Koster and Dave farmer knives are all ones I can highly recommend from experience.
Breeden knives, Laconico and Mark Wohlwend are some others that I have heard good things about......I'm certainly hoping they are true with regards to Mark !!!!:D
 
I would check out Blind Horse Knives. The Boattail Scandi and the Bushcrafter are very nice. Also the Scattycrafter. LT and Dan are great guys.

Also Ray Laconico, Bryan Breeden, JK and the ESEE's
 
Check JK knives he has a nice survival knife and most of his knives is are your price range. There is also a thread where one of his customers really ran a hideous torture test on one of his blades!!!
I will also vouch for the Bravo 1 in A2 steel. (I actually like the kydex sheath, stays secure and with a tek-lok it's pretty versatile.
 
you mention hunting- not sure what your hunting, but it's my experience regardless of the game sought- a small, nimble knife is what you want for field dressing

something larger for the ribs (big game)- a axe or saw would certainly suffice and would be beneficial in a survival situation (you'd want a wood blade for the saw in addition to the bone blade if that's your choice)
 
WJC01 said:
Check JK knives he has a nice survival knife and most of his knives is are your price range. There is also a thread where one of his customers really ran a hideous torture test on one of his blades!!!
I will also vouch for the Bravo 1 in A2 steel. (I actually like the kydex sheath, stays secure and with a tek-lok it's pretty versatile.
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:thumbup: I also like the kydex sheath ( I have both) and prefer it over the leather one.

Doc
 
Here's another vote for Bryan Breeden Knives. The utility & camp knife that he made for me is excellent. It's my choice for field work and my Mora 2000 always comes along as backup.

I'd also suggest getting yourself a good SAK. I always have a Victorinox Trekker on my belt and have found it to be a real asset in the field.
 
This is the Overlander knife from Tops, good little knife all around:)
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Ok thanks for all the replies. I think I have found which knife would work best for me.

The ESEE-4 by Rat Cutlery
-Good sheath with many options
-1095 which will be easy to sharpen and maintain
-Good overall size in length and width (Did not want a really thick knife)
-Great warranty

The convex grind is something I am not too familiar with and believe I would have a hard time sharpening, given my skill. To those who prefer convex I am sure it does have many pros to it and maybe in the future with more experience I may turn to a knife with one.

The custom knives mentioned are great and I can definitly see myself purchasing some down the road, but as for now I will see how I do with my selection.

Thanks again for your help. Bladeforums is definitly a site I will be going to first for advice and would recommend anyone to visit it.
 
Combatkobe said:
Ok thanks for all the replies. I think I have found which knife would work best for me.

The ESEE-4 by Rat Cutlery
-Good sheath with many options
-1095 which will be easy to sharpen and maintain
-Good overall size in length and width (Did not want a really thick knife)
-Great warranty

The convex grind is something I am not too familiar with and believe I would have a hard time sharpening, given my skill. To those who prefer convex I am sure it does have many pros to it and maybe in the future with more experience I may turn to a knife with one.

The custom knives mentioned are great and I can definitly see myself purchasing some down the road, but as for now I will see how I do with my selection.

Thanks again for your help. Bladeforums is definitly a site I will be going to first for advice and would recommend anyone to visit it.
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You had the answer before the beginning;) Good luck!:)
 
Combatkobe said:
The convex grind is something I am not too familiar with and believe I would have a hard time sharpening, given my skill. To those who prefer convex I am sure it does have many pros to it and maybe in the future with more experience I may turn to a knife with one.
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don't be afraid of convex edge geometry, it really is nothing to be scared of.

i'm constantly amazed at how many people have the wrong impressions about convex edges and have somehow deluded themselves into thinking they are difficult to sharpen. they're not.

the sandpaper/mousepad trick is only needed on a sometimes basis and if you can strop blade on a leather strop, then you can sharpen a convex edge just fine.

for basic touch-ups of the edge, a flat stone followed by some stropping works just fine.
 
I put a convex edge on my RC4 and it cuts like a laser.

The ESEE4 is a great little knife. You've made an excellent choice.

RAT PACK #103
 
As mentioned above, Stomper (JK Handmade Knives) makes a wicked Kephart. High quality, good price and the perfect all around blade.
 
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