Thoughts on minimalist knives.

[fumbler]

Now that I like :thumbup:. A lot of people like balance and handle/blade lengths that are similar and it does make for a more aesthetically pleasing knife but I actually like a scalpel like, long handle with a small blade.

Are those chisel ground?

Thanks. I've cord wrapped one to see how it feels and it works well like that. If I produce these for sale I plan on wrapping with thin cord that you can take off and use to lash the knife to a stick for spear fishing.

The long handle/short blade gives you a lot of control.

They aren't chisel ground; the cutting ability isn't the best due to the thickness of the stock and chisel grinding them would result in very uneven cutting. I'm not a fan of chisel grinds for that reason unless it's on a thin blade.

 

[Rupestris]

They aren't chisel ground; the cutting ability isn't the best due to the thickness of the stock and chisel grinding them would result in very uneven cutting. I'm not a fan of chisel grinds for that reason unless it's on a thin blade.

Gotcha. Being left handed I'm not a fan of chisel grinds. In the pic the knife on the bottom has a bit of the ricasso area that wasn't ground (plunge line?) giving it a chisel ground look.

 

[fumbler]

Yeah, it does look like it could be chisel ground in that pic. It just looks like a deep plunge line because it's pretty thick stock for its width.

 

[ROCK6]

Good post. I like these “minimalist” knives and often add them to my regular sheath knife “systems”. The diminutive Buck Hartsook is another good one that I have added.

ROCK6

 

[whetrock]

Lots of food for thought in this thread, after handling several CRKT Folts minimalist, I'm kinda curious about the actual Alan Folts minimalist, I'm digging the blade profiles that are available, as well as the overall size, just seems like a very EDC worthy fixed blade. Definitely thinking about a CS Bird and Trout, for the heck of it.

 

[paperairplane]

I have used BK11/14's for a lot of tasks and either is a go to for light backpacking duties. I have also dressed and skinned a deer with an 11, and other than the handle being too short, the blade was perfect.

I do a lot of gardening and have an AG Russell Woodswalker that has a 2 3/8 blade - great for all the little cutting / harvesting tasks, cutting string to tie tomatoes, etc.

Honestly, I like doing big jobs with little knives more than doing little jobs with big knives.

 

[lmalterna]

Maybe we can talk Bryan into showing a detailed pic of how he sheaths his last ditch knife on his SERE? I love a thin profile "slip" pocket but the addition of a flap makes it not so low profile when on the front of the sheath. He incorprrated a slip pouch on the back side of the leather sheath and an extension of the drop belt loop acts as a flap securing the knife inside. In order to get to it, you remove primary knife and then fold the belt loop to expose last ditch knife.

The man should be making leather sheaths!!

I agree with above- the only real issue with these knive is grip security when wet or bloody. The CS B&T is not the best quality but the little pinky loop earns it points with me on this issue. It does make it longer than many offerings though. If it were O1 or 1095, it might even be useful as a striker.

Bill

 

[baeleg]

Anyone have any experience with the Marbles Bird & Trout? Looks very similar to the Cold Steel. I noticed Condor makes one too, but it lacks the pinky loop.

Marbles also makes a Trout Kit, which has a fish knife that has the loop and a gut hook. Could be pretty interesting.

 

[tracker 2]

I would like to give Bryan Breeden credit for making me the best neck knife I have had yet in my 47 years,01 steel,3/32"thickness 7"oal,3.5" blade length,green micarta scales with red liners,excellent kydex neck sheath and great heat treat .If you are searching for the perfect light knife to take into the woods send Bryan an email you will not be dispointed.

Tracker 2