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Wilderness knives with a bit of character

Discussion in 'Wilderness & Survival Skills' started by Mentor, Jul 29, 2010.

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  1. Jul 29, 2010 #1
    Mentor

    Mentor

    3,124
    Nov 27, 2004
    Hi All,

    I was looking at my knife cabinet today and I realized that it doesn't really contain any 'just like new' knives. All of my knives, and especially the customs, were purchased as users, and I try to get out there and put them to work as often as possible. They are well-maintained, but they do show a bit of wear - patinas on the carbon steel, small scuffs and dings on the handles, and plenty of wear spots on the sheaths. I think that this sort of thing adds plenty of character to a field knife and really makes it feel like it's 'mine'.

    Does anyone else feel this way?

    If so, let's see some images of well-travelled woods knives!

    Here are a few 'before' and 'after' shots of my users:

    My brand new JK anniversary knife:

    [​IMG]

    The same knife after a bunch of outings, a few longer trips, some serious snowshoeing, and a bit of rounding on the handle scales:

    [​IMG]

    My JK Algonquin Combi-Edge Knife (ACEK), shiny and new.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    And, after near-constant use for months:

    [​IMG]

    A JK Hudson Bay sitting on John's stump, fresh from the shop:

    [​IMG]

    The same knife, after some brush clearing and wandering about Algonquin.

    [​IMG]

    Here's my EDC scandi, fresh from the belt sander:

    [​IMG]

    And, after a few years of constant carry, here it is today:

    [​IMG]

    All the best,

    - Mike
     
  2. Jul 29, 2010 #2
    pitdog

    pitdog

    12,294
    Apr 13, 2007
    Great stuff Mike, I hate safe queens !
     
  3. Jul 29, 2010 #3
    hollowdweller

    hollowdweller

    13,171
    Sep 22, 2003
    [​IMG]
     
  4. Jul 29, 2010 #4
    mrbear

    mrbear

    1,018
    Sep 17, 2009
    Safe Queens are meant FOR queens.
    I know guys that died with PRISTINE custom pistols in their safes and their widows/kids sold them for a fraction.
    USE YOUR TOYS GUYS!
    :thumbup:
     
  5. Jul 29, 2010 #5
    BryFry

    BryFry

    1,707
    Jul 29, 2009
    Nice knives guys! Most of my heavy users from past years were cheep ugly things, but here are a few I've been breaking in lately...

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    ...OK, so the Fallknivens haven't been beaten much "YET" but still ....aren't they purdy! :)
     
  6. Jul 29, 2010 #6
    pitdog

    pitdog

    12,294
    Apr 13, 2007
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Jul 29, 2010 #7
    Havokk

    Havokk

    146
    Dec 4, 2000
    Ooooooo those Fallkniven pix are making me jealous.

    *hangs head*I have to admit to having a couple of safe queens. If civilisation collapses then they will be used, but I don't really have much use for them otherwise.

    B
     
  8. Jul 29, 2010 #8
    iBlade

    iBlade

    446
    Jul 24, 2008
    Hey there, nice to see another Kiwi on the site!
     
  9. Jul 29, 2010 #9
    Mentor

    Mentor

    3,124
    Nov 27, 2004
    Great knives, guys. Pit, those blades look like they have seen a few hikes - and your knatchet and ttsk definitely have reputations as users! How do you maintain your kephart handle between outings?

    BryFry, I dig the custom work on your hatchet handle! And those Fallknivens are just sweet.

    All the best,

    - Mike
     
  10. Jul 30, 2010 #10
    Cpl Punishment

    Cpl Punishment

    7,035
    Jan 28, 2006
    My most used (bit bright for the wear to really show much:
    [​IMG]

    A little more contrast of the CAK:
    [​IMG]

    and R-10:
    [​IMG]

    These are well traveled (the knives), but a side effect of the Scandi grind is that you take off most of the wear when you sharpen them.
    [​IMG]
     
  11. Jul 30, 2010 #11
    hollowdweller

    hollowdweller

    13,171
    Sep 22, 2003
    I have some customs I've never used. Damascus, pimped out stuff. Also have a huge switch collection that isn't carried much.

    However most of my hatchets, khuks, and bushcraft/camping blades have been used. Some a lot.
     
  12. Jul 30, 2010 #12
    Shotgun

    Shotgun

    8,247
    Feb 3, 2006
    New-ish Howler

    [​IMG]

    After a stripping and with a natural patina starting. Don't have the knife anymore though.

    [​IMG]
     
  13. Jul 30, 2010 #13
    hollowdweller

    hollowdweller

    13,171
    Sep 22, 2003
    [​IMG]


    Safe Queens
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  14. Aug 6, 2010 #14
    mad bodhi

    mad bodhi

    86
    Nov 7, 2004
    [​IMG] Bottom is my most prized knife.A carbon steel made in Pakistan bowie I purchased at a flea market many years ago.My companion through many misadventures from dayhikes to my only means of food and security in third world countries.Used for everything from kitchen knife duty to building furniture for the poor.It's been a knife,pry bar,shovel,and truncheon. It's ugly and beat to shit but still in one piece and sharp as Lucifers nipple.I sharpen it with a file and a few licks on the cement or any handy stone.I own expensive blades including another favorite, a Busse straight handle Battle Mistress but to this day I don't know which i'd choose if I had to.Above it is another Pakistani carbon steel bowie I treated to a makeover. I know most here dislike big blades but their what I grew up with and favor.
     
  15. Aug 6, 2010 #15
    Big Mike

    Big Mike

    3,653
    Aug 30, 2006
    A few well loved blades. :thumbup: :cool: :thumbup:


    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]




    Big Mike
     
  16. Aug 6, 2010 #16
    PayetteRucker

    PayetteRucker

    6,234
    Aug 4, 2009
    I love the various patina patterns that form on high carbon steel. Even my tramontina machetes that I have multiples of have formed patinas differently and are unique. It seems as though most knife handle form to fit your hand over time too-especially leather and softer woods. with use and constant pressure they just seem to mold to your hand.
     
  17. Aug 6, 2010 #17
    Mentor

    Mentor

    3,124
    Nov 27, 2004
    Some great late additions here! mad bodhi, that's definitely a well-travelled knife. Bonus points for getting me to choke on my coffee when I read 'sharp as lucifer's nipple'. Awesome.

    All the best,

    - Mike
     

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