Thoughts on Winkler Knives?

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Properly heat-treated 80CrV2 is one of the better carbon-steel alloys for knives, it's plenty tough, cuts well, and sharpens easily enough. And Winkler knives are known for very good heat-treatment But a knife is more than just the steel it's made from. Not going to get philosophical here. Just look at how many Winkler knives are out there being used, whether in war zones, hog hunting in Texas, or in deer camps all over the country. If they didn't cut well, they wouldn't be so well-respected. I met Daniel and his wife back when they were wearing buckskins and furs, and riding high on the success of Last Of The Mohicans. Nice folks, beautiful knives, and extraordinary leather-work.

That being said, the overall design of most Winkler II production knives, with the high flat grind, tall blade profile, and ample belly, should provide for more than adequate cutting performance. They''re mostly mid-sized working knives, for harsh conditions and usage. No, they won't likely do as well at fine detail work as, say, a White River M1 Caper. But I wouldn't think of using the M1 as a draw-knife, even in an emergency. I might, with a Winkler!

I had considered the Blue Ridge Hunter, myself. I'm still considering it. It's about the same size as my EDC White River Sendero Classic, and roughly the same price. It's much thicker, .210" for the Winkler vs .130" for the Sendero. Carbon steel vs stainless was not a major consideration. I went with the Sendero because I wanted a thin blade. But do appreciate a SOLID working knife. The Winklers are all that.
 
I only have one which I purchased used. The previous owner apparently did not know how to sharpen a knife, but he clearly used it fairly hard. It is sharp now.

To me this is nothing like a sharpened crowbar. Just the opposite. It is as thin as I would ever want to go on a knife intended for hard use. The sheath is world class, and this should be factored in when considering the cost of the knife.

The steel is obviously not some super steel. The blade I own came pre scratched and stained and discolored. I could not possibly care less as I intend to use the knife. Most of us are steel snobs to at least a certain extent, but I suspect that this steel will turn out to be fine.
 
There's a bunch of em out there for sure. I've been making a lot of sheaths for Winkler's lately. This one just a couple of weeks ago and two others a few weeks prior

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I like them and the Carothers FK2. I chose the FK2 and am very happy with it.
 
I had the Belt Knife and it was one of the coolest knife/sheath combos I've ever owned. That said, it was too thick for anything I needed a knife to do (which aint much in reality). I was ok with the overall thickness and beefiness, but the final edge was very thick. In his defense, Mr. Winkler said he does them that way on purpose and will thin it out for you if you wish.
 
I have a Winkler Crusher Belt Knife. The steel can hold up to some tuff stuff. I have used it to create Tri-sticks and it does fairly well, not as great as my LT Wright GNS scandi. It does feather sticks very well. I have upmost confidence in mine. I have stabbed it into a 2x4, split a 2x4 with it and its still sharp. The finish wears very well and the sheath is excellent. Here are some pictures along with other knives for reference. 20210825_171041.jpg20210715_191951.jpg20210815_143305.jpg20220226_121003.jpg
 
Grosse318 said:
I have a Winkler Crusher Belt Knife. The steel can hold up to some tuff stuff. I have used it to create Tri-sticks and it does fairly well, not as great as my LT Wright GNS scandi. It does feather sticks very well. I have upmost confidence in mine. I have stabbed it into a 2x4, split a 2x4 with it and its still sharp. The finish wears very well and the sheath is excellent. Here are some pictures along with other knives for reference. View attachment 1821674View attachment 1821670View attachment 1821671View attachment 1821672
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How do you like it compared to your bravo 1? That has been my go to knife for a year now whenever I’m out expecting to build fires or to just do whatever shit out in the field, poor thing is all scratched up, lost its tip and had to be reground and used as a prybar, but it’s still my favorite knife I own.
 
I actually just ordered a Winkler field knife, I love the old school, rugged, traditional utilitarian look they have. I’ve a few 3V (including a CPK FK2) and I enjoy them. I’m not familiar with 80crv2, but I’ve used Beckers in 1095 extensively and if it’s a better steel than that, I think I’ll be happy.
 
My thoughts are that I want to get one for my bag and this thread is not helping dissuade me.

My main question is if I want to pick up the Belt Knife or a Drop Point Crusher.
 
coolbreezy37 said:
My opinion doesn’t really count for much, but the Drop Point Crusher was my second choice.
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I think the Drop Point honestly is probably a design that would fit my hand better and work better for my needs, but I've loved the look of Winkler's Belt Knife for years. Given the nature of our particular disease, I'll probably just end up with both. 😁
 
Insipid Moniker said:
I think the Drop Point honestly is probably a design that would fit my hand better and work better for my needs, but I've loved the look of Winkler's Belt Knife for years. Given the nature of our particular disease, I'll probably just end up with both. 😁
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Ain’t it the truth. Those 3V knives I mentioned? All bought within the past month. I think the DPC is a great looking knife. And if ya don’t like, you can recoup the majority of your loss.
 
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