Walter Brend

C

Cliff Stamp

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Les, you have stated a couple of times about how highly you rate his knives. Exactly what are the specifics?

What type of steel is used. What Rockell hardness is it brought to? Is the tempering uniform or differential? What type of knives does he make? Are they all fighting based? What is the wait list like?

And just why do you value them so much. How do they perform in comparasion to the other customs and production knives you have used?

-Cliff
 
Cliff,

Walter was a butcher before he bacame a knife cutter. So he had everyday experience with which steels held up best, which designs cut best, etc.

He has been making knives for almost 20 years now. I have been buying his knives for 12. In 1987, our Battalion was ordered to go to Somalia. This was in response to the Ethopians coming across the border stealling the grain that had been shipped to Somalia from the "We are the World" concert. On a trip like this you have to go through a procedure of doing a lot of paperwork. One of the things you have to do is make out a will (first hint that this is not a social call). At that station, I was stopped by a JAG Captain and was informed that my beloved Robert Parrish Custom Knife violated the Geneva Convention, because of the serrated top edge. I guess it causes a wound that is difficult to stitch up. I then asked the Captain if I promised to make sure anyone I used this knife on was dead could I take it. He found no humor in that statement. Note, the Infantry guys around me found that statement quite amusing. Needless to say I took the knife, we were there for 5 days. Came home, no incidents.

I realized I had to find a new knife. I was reading Soldier of Fortune magazine and found an article on Walter. I ordered one, waited 2 months to get it, but it was everything I had ever hoped for in a large fixed blade.

Walter, designed the Model 2 with the input of a A-Team stationed at FT. Bragg at the time. They field tested them and came back with recommendations,Walter listened to their advice and improved the knife.

One of the things I like most about Walters Knives is that they are always improving. Little things mostly, but he is always refining the knife.

In my experiece, ok all you Mad Dog's SIT! There is no better tactical fixed blade available. My knife never....NEVER failed in over 10 years of hard demanding use all over the world. I saw knives from Gerber, Randall, Buck, Scharde, Cold Steel, Old Timer, Uncle Henry, Spyderco, Benchmade and Timberline fail. These failures ranged from the tip breaking off, the blade breaking in half, the rubberized scales coming off after only one field problem, cushy rubber grips becoming dry rotted after a trip to Pananma for Jungle Warfare School, Leather handles unwrapping. Of all of the factory Knives, my experience was that Al Mar was the best. Because, tactical folders as we know them today did not exsist, I carried a Al Mar Sere folder for 7 years. Its the only factory knife I still own.

Other fixed blades I would carry are from the following makers:

Peter Bauchop
David Broadwell
Jim Hammond
Al Polkowski
Jim Siska
Bob Terzuola

I have never used a Mad Dog. I have owned a couple. A-2 Steel is a great steel, so Im sure they cut, but they will also rust badly in a salt water environment. Hard Chrome, like any other coating will eventually come off. The first place will be the edge as you sharpen your knife. If you are in a position where you may find yourself in a lot of different environments. Rust resistance does come into play. However, if you take care of your blade every day then that shouldnt be a problem. In the field I cleaned my Brend everytime I cleaned my M-16 which was at least once a day, some days more.

Brend's knives are Rc at 57-59, the blades are cryrogencially treated. He uses mostly ATS-34, I personally use D-2 on mine.

Walter makes several styles, His Model 1 is a Loveless Style fighter, Model 2 is his signature mode and comes in several blade lenghts, Model 5 has a upswept blade. He makes a couple other models, to include, hunters, skinners, even folders. His original folder is $1,200.

Walter's knvies are expensive, and worth every penny. I have never lost one, ever. They have never not performed, ever.

This is why knives are more fun than guns. People get much more excited about "their" knife than they do a gun. Knives exeude a primal instinct in men (and some women).

Walters wait is approximatley 18 months. Fortunately, for all of you who visit this site, your moderator is Walter's number 1 Dealer (there's a big surprise).

My first love in custom knives are tactical fixed blades. I may be most critical of this type of knife over any other.

Walter's Model 2 is $600. Yes, its expensive, but then the best always is.



------------------
Les Robertson
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
It is easier to get things done with a kind word and a knife, than with a kind word alone!


 
Les, Mad Dog's knives are O1 not A2. Anyway, are there pictures of the Brend designs you mention online?

One thing that strikes me as odd is that the knives are ATS-34 and D2, yet they are really tough knives. When you say you have seen Randals and such break in the field I assume that the Brends have done similar tasks and not failed? What I don't quite understand how this is possible when neither ATS-34 or D2 are generally promoted as tough steels in the same class as A2 or O1. I realize that it is not needed in a fighter, but can a Brend withstand heavy prying?

-Cliff

 
Cliff,

There is way too much hype about steels out there. For the most part, good quality steel that is heat treated properly is as good as any other for most tasks. I know this is not what most people want to hear, but that is the truth in the matter.

Take folders for instance, Im sure most people realize that the pivot pin would swedge or break long before the 1/8" piece of steel would. Take a piece of 1/8" stock and try and break it with your bare hands. Put it in a vise and try and break it. If you can let me know, Ill get us on Letterman!

D-2 is in fact a stainless steel, it is at the very bottom of the list. It is almost a tool steel. It offers a great comprimise between Stainless and Tool steels.

When I saw the Randall Break it was at Northern Warfare School in Alaska. A fellow Infantry Captain had a Randall Model 14, he stuck it into the ice (we were attempting to cut out a window for our Igloo. Note, neither the window nor the Igloo were successful.) Once he chopped out his window, he knelt down to pry it loose and his blade snapped. About 1 1/2" from the tip. He lamented that he couldnt believe he broke his model 14. I offered comfort and told him in fact he now had a model 15. He of course found no humor in that. Then of course he threw down the challange.

I took my Model 2, 8 1/2" blade D-2, cut out a piece of ice twice the size of what he cut. Shoved the Brend under the ice and jumped on the the knife. The ice lifted loose,the Brend was intact. Strangely enough I sold 5 of Walters Knives at the end of the School.

By the way the temp was around -35 degrees. Of course when your blade has been cryrogenical treated, -35 has no impact on it.

Walters knives can withstand any prying you care to try. All his knives are full tang knives.

The model 2 is on my Web Site. Im lucky to have those, the Brends generally dont last very long.



------------------
Les Robertson
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
It is easier to get things done with a kind word and a knife, than with a kind word alone!


 
That is great stuff, Les! I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed and benefitted from your posts on this thread. Thanks for taking the time to share all that.

Harv
 
Les, I am lookng at a picture of the #2 now and I have some concerns about it I was wondering if you would address. As with Steve I appreciate you taking the time to share your considerable experience and especially your direct and frank manner, it is refreshing.

Anyway, from a fighting point of view there are obvious reasons for wanting a sharpened false edge or even a full double edge on a knife, but doesn't that make the knife too weak for any kind of heavy use? This is one of the popular ideas that you hit on again and again but and yet your recommended tactical field knife is the Brend #2.

I would have at first just marked this up to you having the Brend as a fighting tool only but then after reading a bit on your webpage and some of your posts (including the ones on this thread), it seems that you would not be adverse to using the Brend #2 for chopping, digging and even heavy prying (is this for the ATS-34 as well as the D2 versions?). This seems to directly contradict current popular opinion as you are promoting the Brend #2 as anything but a fragile knife.

By the way do you sell the #2 in D2 and do you offer any other models?

-Cliff
 
Hi Cliff,

Actually, the top edge is misleading you. I really dont consider this knife a fighter as much as I do a tool in the field. The Army is real good about giving you firearms to take to the field, as both a Infantry Platoon leader (twice) and a Company Commander, I carried both a M-16 and a .45. I also had the good fortune to attend Sniper School, the M-16 instructor course, M-60 Machinegun instructor course. I also rated expert with the M203 Grenade Launcher. I took being technically proficient with the weapons at my disposal. I even went through what we referred to as the "Back Pack Nuke" course. A course on the use of a particular very small yeild nuclear device!

During my time as an Infantry Man I received not formal knife training from the US Army. I dont really include 2 hours with a Bayonet as knife training.

Also, as a S-3 Air, I attended a course that taught me how to manage and call for, Army Artillery, Naval Gun Fire, and Tac Air from one of any three services.

So as you can see I possed the skills and the tools to cause death and destruction starting from a long way away from my position.

With all the weaponry I have just mentioned I will tell you this. In the Army if it comes down to hand to hand combat, something has gone really, really wrong.

With that in mind, I picked my Brend Model 2, with the 8 1/2" blade, D-2, for its ability as a tool over its ability as a fighter. Acutally, the Brend Model 1 would be a much better choice as a pure fighting knife or look at the LDC F5 by George Herron.

No, sharpening the top edge does not take away from its ability to hack or pry. Also, an intersting thing about the Model 2, is that Walter grinds the hollows so that the 1/4" spine goes all the way down to almost the very tip of the knife. If you were to look at the tip, it looks like a diamond.

To truly appreciate this knife, all you have to do is hold one in your hand. You will agree its the best feeling knife you ever held.

Yes, they are available in D-2. This is a $50 option.

Also, if you get a chance and go to my web site and look at the exclusives page. Check out the David Broadwell MLR. This is more of a fighter, but would be a great field knife. I designed this to be a compliment piece for the Brend. I do have a MLR in stock with a D-2 Blade.

Let me know how many you want! <G>



------------------
Les Robertson
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
It is easier to get things done with a kind word and a knife, than with a kind word alone!


 
Enjoyed this thread alot! Just wanted to make a point about blade strength-it depends on both the steel used, the hardness and grain structure(both controlled by the heat treating process) AND the blade geometry, with cross section being critical. Any load applied to the blade is reacted by the metal that is there. The bigger the cross section area, the stronger the blade. Walter retains a beefy spine (referred to as a diamond cross section on one of the replies) almost all the way to the tip. Some Randalls I have seen do not-Since Stress is calculated as load divided by area, the bigger the cross sectional area, the lower the stress to the steel. Hence, a higher load can be applied without failure. Sorry guys, I'm an Aerospace Engineer!!

In addition, sharp notches and abrupt contour changes create "stress risers" which are points where the stress concentrates and causes the steel to fail-this is why stick tang knives can be weak at the guard area if the transition from the blade width to the tang width is accomplished abruptly, with sharp 90 degree corners.

Walter has very flowing lines to his blades, and seems to have developed an optimum combo of spine geometry and edge thickness. All of these things contribute to the strength of his knives.

Something to strive for, and the subtle mark of genius.

RJ Martin
 
I've heard amazing things about Brend's ATS-34 heat treat in the past, and toughness stories similar to the things Les is saying. Never quite knew whether to believe it, so I've never repeated it.

One thing about Brend's knives, you should handle 'em for sure before you buy. Every one I've handled had handles made for guys with very large hands. Too big for me to consider buying, but maybe fits perfectly for some of you out there.

Joe
jat@cup.hp.com
 
RJ, thanks for the info, not to dispute Les, but a lot of what he is saying sounds absolutely incredible. And Les, thanks for clearing that up about the practicality of the #2 for use as a tool.

So I looking at 18 months for a D2 model? What do you require to put one on order, a deposit or full up front payment? And by the way, what is the warrently policy?

As for the MLR, nice design. I have a very cheap rip off I bought awhile back and really liked the design. Something to keep in mind.

And Joe, every handle I have felt, including the TUSK and 20" Ang Khola, was always wanting to be a bit beefier if anything, so I am not concerned about the Brend's unless Walter is a gorilla.

-Cliff

 
Let me say up front that RJ Martin is a very good friend of mine. His work is clearly the best tactical Japanese knives being produced.

I knew that 4 years ago, and most, finally are figuring that out.

RJ explained the secret of Walters knives perfectly. By the way he was not bragging about being an Aerospace Engineer. Ive spent alot of time with him, and would never know he is as smart as he is by just talking with him. Others I know have commented on just how well he hides his intellgence!

All joking aside, this is what you really need to understand about blade geometry and why some knives work and some don't.

Walter's work!

Also, I gotta tell ya, those RJ Martin knives arent half bad either. Do yourself a favor and get one. There may not be a sharper knife on the planet.



------------------
Les Robertson
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
It is easier to get things done with a kind word and a knife, than with a kind word alone!


 
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