Thoughts on the Nyala?

BMCGear · May 3, 2016

So, I know there are a lot of good fixed blades out there. Many companies that specialize in outdoors blades but I really like the lines of the Nyala. I'm considering getting it as an all around belt knife. It'll be on my belt for an all around utility blade when use in fishing and camping scenarios. I usually carry a larger blade or hatchet/axe when camping as well. This isn't a "survival" knife for me. I just want a really good belt knife that I can use when out and about in the outdoors.

In your experience is the Nyala up for the challenge? Or should I look elsewhere?

shike · May 3, 2016

I love mine, however if you plan on splitting wood with it for building a fire or whatever other bush craft plans you have for it, perhaps a flat ground blade might serve better.

I am very impressed with this knife (the Esse 4), I only wish the handle was a bit longer.

BMCGear · May 3, 2016

Thanks for the reply. I've never had to baton would and don't see a time where I would. But again, I generally carry something larger on me for that if I needed it.

Dangerously · May 3, 2016

There was a thread in general recently (where did it go?), claiming to be doing market research for possible future CRK products. Among the listed possible products was an "adventure" style outdoors fixed blade, either 4.5" or 5.5".

I hope it does come to fruition. The Nyala looks great for game processing, but not quite what I want in a woods-bumming knife.

Edit: here's the link http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Knives-(CRK)-Have-input-in-the-next-CRK-knife!

saylorbrand · May 3, 2016

shike said:
I love mine, however if you plan on splitting wood with it for building a fire or whatever other bush craft plans you have for it, perhaps a flat ground blade might serve better.

I am very impressed with this knife, I only wish the handle was a bit longer.

I would agree. I edc my Nyala, it's great. I wouldn't feel comfortable batoning, or prying. Everything else though that needs cut, it's great. Cutting machine. I mean fantastic edge on this bad boy. The handle is extremely comfortable, and very stable. Get it, you will not regret it.

saylorbrand · May 3, 2016

I would say, if it didn't have the swedge, I would like it much better. If the swedge makes you nervous, look at fiddleback forge production bush finger. Same materials and similar in size and build. No swedge and same price.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

shike · May 3, 2016

bluemetalchurch said:
Thanks for the reply. I've never had to baton would and don't see a time where I would. But again, I generally carry something larger on me for that if I needed it.

Then you would love the Nyala.

Maven · May 3, 2016

I think the Nyala is very capable, but I don't like swedges on my woods only knives. I like the insingo version but I still wouldn't carry that camping either. The Fiddleback Bushfinger (and Hiking Buddy) are excellent woods knives. I loved my Hiking Buddy until someone decided they loved it more.

I was just about ready to buy a Bushfinger for the woods (replacing an LTWK Genesis which I found too big, too heavy, and decided scandi wasn't for me) but I was still co concerned 3.9" was bigger than I wanted. I too always carry tools specifically dedicated to processing firewood and honestly never batonned a knife through a log in the first 35yrs of my life. I was brought up to not put a knife through wood I couldn't wrap my hand around as that's why I carry an axe and a saw.....

I decided to pass on the still kinda large (to me) Bushfinger (and Nyala) and am getting myself a Little Bush from Shaerk knives on this forum. S30V, terotuf handles, 3-1/4" blade flat ground, convexed edge weighs less than a large Sebenza.

Okay...got real long and mildly self derailled, if you like the looks and specs of the Nyala, go for it. You know what works for you best. And if you don't know(like I didn't k ow with the LT).....you can sell it, it's a CRK. Someone will want it.

James Longstreet · May 4, 2016

I like it as a all arround knife. There are always better choices for specialists disciplines and there are so many great manufacturers out there. My choice for the Nyala was definitely driven by my enthusiasm for CRK, not because it is the best fixed blade out there. But what is the "best knife" for the individual can only be answered by the individual, knowing the expected tasks for the knife and his/her personal taste.

I went for the insingo blade shape and replaced the scales by grooved CF scales.

saylorbrand · May 4, 2016

James Longstreet said:
I like it as a all arround knife. There are always better choices for specialists disciplines and there are so many great manufacturers out there. My choice for the Nyala was definitely driven by my enthusiasm for CRK, not because it is the best fixed blade out there. But what is the "best knife" for the individual can only be answered by the individual, knowing the expected tasks for the knife and his/her personal taste.

I went for the insingo blade shape and replaced the scales by grooved CF scales.

Nyala Insingo CF, 01

Nyala Insingo CF, 02

Nyala Insingo CF, 03

Nyala Insingo CF, 05

Nyala Insingo CF, 09

Looks excellent.

1AbominAble1 · May 8, 2016

I've had more knives for hunting, general use than I can remember and in that size range (or an inch and a half either way) the Nyala has been the best I've found so far for my needs.
It processes deer superbly, the edge retention on the 3 I have is excellent, the handle ergo's are great in any grip I use, and the sheath is okay- though I use Kydex.
It's worth the new price but at $180-200 as an average on the exchange it's even better.

I'm not one for a swedge on a knife but this one is fine since it's fairly thick blade stock. The only time I notice it is when I have to pierce something to begin a cut, and at that point I'm happy it's there.

SMBH · May 9, 2016

I have had my Nyala for a few months now and it has served me well. Handled every task it was given.

The Nyala is, by far, the best small fixed blade I have ever owned or used.

One great, small feature of the Nyala that much of the competition lacks is a sharpening choil. The Nyala gets it right.

David Berkowitz · May 10, 2016

What is the sharpening choil and how is it used?

SMBH · May 10, 2016

David Berkowitz said:
What is the sharpening choil and how is it used?

On some knives, between the blade and the tang, there's a little notch.

That's the sharpening choil. It makes getting the entire edge of the knife sharp much easier because you won't contact the plunge when you're sharpening.

Some people don't like having a sharpening choil on their knives because they believe it interferes with cutting ability and can snag on material being cut. I haven't had this problem, and I find a sharpening choil to be a really nice feature for a knife to have.