Winkler belt knife

D

Dylan Kermon

Joined
Apr 10, 2020
Messages
30
Looking at getting a belt knife from winkler but can’t find a ton of info aside from one or two reviews on here. Anyone have one? What do you love what do you hate? What are your uses for it? How’s the steel perform overall? If I get one I’ll likely be carrying it scout carry small of back, anyone carry that way and if so how do you like it?
 
I have one, I really like it. I use it for cutting stuff and the like. I have it setup for vertical carry on my belt. The sheath is excellent.

Otherwise I might have preferred the micarta scales to wood but the overall package really seems to work.
 
I don't own the Belt Knife model but I have handled them and I own several Winkler knives. The Hunting Knife I have is close in size to the Belt Knife. I like the look of the maple handles but I prefer the feel of the micarta over the wood ... the Maple is lighter than the micarta if that matters ... I think the micarta balances better.

As far as the steel it takes a nice edge and is tough. It can't compete with some of the high alloy steels but it holds a decent edge and is not difficult to sharpen. I think the designs are well thought out and made to use so they are comfortable in hand for me. Some don't like the hybrid kydex/leather lined sheaths but I kind of do. I use Sagewood leather drop loops for belt carry.

Overall they are solid knives that I trust. You can probably find less expensive knives that may have fancier steels or materials. But if you like the Winklers and like a good simple design that is a tough well built knife ... I think you'll be happy with a Belt Knife. It's a great size for an all around blade and well balanced.
 
I had one and traded it off. Not because of any fault of the knife, just wasn’t using it. It’s a nice knife if you have a use for it. I will say mine had an extremely thick edge grind. It would still cut but was really thick behind the edge. I had the sculpted curly maple scales. Would have preferred the smooth, but they weren’t available at the time.
 
I own several Winklers, very good indeed.

1563385458245.jpg


The belt knife isnt my favourite, in fact it's my least favourite, because the handle is quite long (unless you have meaty wide hands) and the scales are pretty thin. I feel like my old Hunting Knife has a much better blade/handle ratio, and thicker grips.

The Belt Knife is basically Winkler Knives' brand made object, you know about them probably because of the knife. However they make a ton of different models for different purposes, and I would say they're very well thought. I'd use the belt knife as a general use outdoor knife. Also useful in the farm or ranch, to cook as well but it's thick behind the edge.

My favourite in that pic is all things considered the Recon. Much thinner behind the edge, incredible balance and weight, very pointy while being thick, straight tang but tapered blade. I say this because this model is perhaps not what you would first consider when looking at buying a Winkler, it's not a famous model and is more "niche", yet it's a considerably better knife for what I like in knives, and in the same way you may want to consider other less popular models that would better suit your needs.

I started for the fame but stayed for the feel and performance. Many times you'll hear how good they feel, how light they are for their size and thickness, how well balanced they feel in the hand, the tapered tangs etc... this is all true, but many people forget to mention the excellent performance, which I as a knife collector can objectively proof. Winklers cut very well, keep their edges very well, both in time and against abuse and accidents. Much much better than other very famous brands that are known for toughness or sharpness (which also make awesome knives)
 
DPC said:
I own several Winklers, very good indeed.

1563385458245.jpg


The belt knife isnt my favourite, in fact it's my least favourite, because the handle is quite long (unless you have meaty wide hands) and the scales are pretty thin. I feel like my old Hunting Knife has a much better blade/handle ratio, and thicker grips.

The Belt Knife is basically Winkler Knives' brand made object, you know about them probably because of the knife. However they make a ton of different models for different purposes, and I would say they're very well thought. I'd use the belt knife as a general use outdoor knife. Also useful in the farm or ranch, to cook as well but it's thick behind the edge.

My favourite in that pic is all things considered the Recon. Much thinner behind the edge, incredible balance and weight, very pointy while being thick, straight tang but tapered blade. I say this because this model is perhaps not what you would first consider when looking at buying a Winkler, it's not a famous model and is more "niche", yet it's a considerably better knife for what I like in knives, and in the same way you may want to consider other less popular models that would better suit your needs.

I started for the fame but stayed for the feel and performance. Many times you'll hear how good they feel, how light they are for their size and thickness, how well balanced they feel in the hand, the tapered tangs etc... this is all true, but many people forget to mention the excellent performance, which I as a knife collector can objectively proof. Winklers cut very well, keep their edges very well, both in time and against abuse and accidents. Much much better than other very famous brands that are known for toughness or sharpness (which also make awesome knives)
Click to expand...
Thanks, I have a few busse knives that I like, my only real hold up on winklers is the sheaths being made mostly to be carried horizontally, as I feel it would be too high vertical
 
Dylan Kermon said:
Thanks, I have a few busse knives that I like, my only real hold up on winklers is the sheaths being made mostly to be carried horizontally, as I feel it would be too high vertical
Click to expand...

I have a few Busse knives that I like as well, that's one of the brands I was refering to in the toughness department. Busses dont come with sheaths stock so anything goes. As for Winklers, the sheath is indeed prone to horizontal carry in many models. This is because the screws and kydex/ hook insert is located roughly in the middle of the sheaths, and many sheaths cover the knives really well and symmetrically. Just look at where the screws are on the sheath on any Winkler to roughly measure where it would hang from if carried vertically.

Im sure someone makes extenders and longer danglers and loops. I carry the longer Recon vertically no problem, and use the smaller Contingency strapped downwards to my backpack.
 
Dylan Kermon said:
Thanks, I have a few busse knives that I like, my only real hold up on winklers is the sheaths being made mostly to be carried horizontally, as I feel it would be too high vertical
Click to expand...
I like the sheath vertical and high. Never an issue drawing the knife. I like it's up high and wont' snag. Comfy sitting in a vehicle too.
 
DPC said:
I own several Winklers, very good indeed.

1563385458245.jpg


The belt knife isnt my favourite, in fact it's my least favourite, because the handle is quite long (unless you have meaty wide hands) and the scales are pretty thin. I feel like my old Hunting Knife has a much better blade/handle ratio, and thicker grips.

The Belt Knife is basically Winkler Knives' brand made object, you know about them probably because of the knife. However they make a ton of different models for different purposes, and I would say they're very well thought. I'd use the belt knife as a general use outdoor knife. Also useful in the farm or ranch, to cook as well but it's thick behind the edge.

My favourite in that pic is all things considered the Recon. Much thinner behind the edge, incredible balance and weight, very pointy while being thick, straight tang but tapered blade. I say this because this model is perhaps not what you would first consider when looking at buying a Winkler, it's not a famous model and is more "niche", yet it's a considerably better knife for what I like in knives, and in the same way you may want to consider other less popular models that would better suit your needs.

I started for the fame but stayed for the feel and performance. Many times you'll hear how good they feel, how light they are for their size and thickness, how well balanced they feel in the hand, the tapered tangs etc... this is all true, but many people forget to mention the excellent performance, which I as a knife collector can objectively proof. Winklers cut very well, keep their edges very well, both in time and against abuse and accidents. Much much better than other very famous brands that are known for toughness or sharpness (which also make awesome knives)
Click to expand...


Have always.loved and wanted that.top one!! Sayoc no? Anyway nice bunch.of knives!
 
H
DPC said:
I have a few Busse knives that I like as well, that's one of the brands I was refering to in the toughness department. Busses dont come with sheaths stock so anything goes. As for Winklers, the sheath is indeed prone to horizontal carry in many models. This is because the screws and kydex/ hook insert is located roughly in the middle of the sheaths, and many sheaths cover the knives really well and symmetrically. Just look at where the screws are on the sheath on any Winkler to roughly measure where it would hang from if carried vertically.

Im sure someone makes extenders and longer danglers and loops. I carry the longer Recon vertically no problem, and use the smaller Contingency strapped downwards to my backpack.
Click to expand...
How’s the edge retention and ease of sharpening compared to something like infi
 
Anyone have one of their axes as well? If I get a knife I’ll probably pair it with one of their axes for bigger chopping, because reasons of course lol
 
Dylan Kermon said:
H

How’s the edge retention and ease of sharpening compared to something like infi
Click to expand...

Busse makes the edges toothy, which I love. Winkler does as well. There's extreme variety between models, in both brands, of edge thickness and geometry. Some Busses have thicker edges than Winklers (Boss Jack - Belt/Hunting Knife) , some Winklers have thicker edges than Busses (Native - Active Duty) (This is my case with MY knives). Some edges are special, like the assymetrical convex edge on my Busse B5 (which is one of my all time favourite knives, period) which I absolutely love.

I would say Winklers are a bit toothier, getting cut with them seems absolutely nasty, since they bite extremely well. Interesting because I've never cut myself at all with any of them, but I have with my beloved Busses. Have you seen that video where Daniel push cuts a thick rope with a belt knife in one swoop? I believe it to be perfectly true and possible.

Winklers do have the advantage however in edge retention and, if not pure plastic, material "toughness", in resistance to misshaps. I've had many (small) edge rolls and dings when I've done something inappropriate with my INFI. Never with my Winklers, even with the Recon that has a very, very thin edge profile compared to the rest. It's not about the steel, its about how it's treated, and with Winklers it's incredible in my experience. I've had to sharpen my Busse Active Duty, I've never had to sharpen any of my Winklers, the worst one needing maybe just a little stropping. Its like Ray Ennis with his amazing Entrek Knives that most everyone overlooks for being 440C steel, yet they are amazing and personally on par with both Busse and Winkler as far as quality go. Its not just the steel, its what the knifemaker does to treat it. I'd rather take an Entrek in 440C or a Winkler in 5160 or 80crv2 than an industrial mass produced knife with a supersteel.

As for other knives with other steels, I cannot be as objective. I'm a collector in therapy to reform myself aand use my awesome knives instead of always hoarding stuff, so in reality I mostly only use my Busse knives and my Winklers. I'm not a "tester", like some people on the forums and YouTube, I dont force my knives into doing certain tasks and then compare. I use them at home and outdoors, for whatever I need, and still I can see how some knives perform better than others.

As far as comparing to other steels I can tell you my Chris Reeves (s30v, s35vn) have excellent edge retention as well. I've never used them long enough to say when the edge becomes less sharp however, because it hasnt happened. I will say however that Winklers are very superior to ESEE and Ontario knives (1095), even though I'm aware of their respective prices.

Just my 2 cents as a summary, Busse wins prying open stuff, Winkler wins in the edge department, both in toothyness, retention, and resistance to damage. Sorry to write so much but I feel for how popular Winkler knives are and how many people love them there's not enough info at all for those who would be interested.
 
T
DPC said:
Busse makes the edges toothy, which I love. Winkler does as well. There's extreme variety between models, in both brands, of edge thickness and geometry. Some Busses have thicker edges than Winklers (Boss Jack - Belt/Hunting Knife) , some Winklers have thicker edges than Busses (Native - Active Duty) (This is my case with MY knives). Some edges are special, like the assymetrical convex edge on my Busse B5 (which is one of my all time favourite knives, period) which I absolutely love.

I would say Winklers are a bit toothier, getting cut with them seems absolutely nasty, since they bite extremely well. Interesting because I've never cut myself at all with any of them, but I have with my beloved Busses. Have you seen that video where Daniel push cuts a thick rope with a belt knife in one swoop? I believe it to be perfectly true and possible.

Winklers do have the advantage however in edge retention and, if not pure plastic, material "toughness", in resistance to misshaps. I've had many (small) edge rolls and dings when I've done something inappropriate with my INFI. Never with my Winklers, even with the Recon that has a very, very thin edge profile compared to the rest. It's not about the steel, its about how it's treated, and with Winklers it's incredible in my experience. I've had to sharpen my Busse Active Duty, I've never had to sharpen any of my Winklers, the worst one needing maybe just a little stropping. Its like Ray Ennis with his amazing Entrek Knives that most everyone overlooks for being 440C steel, yet they are amazing and personally on par with both Busse and Winkler as far as quality go. Its not just the steel, its what the knifemaker does to treat it. I'd rather take an Entrek in 440C or a Winkler in 5160 or 80crv2 than an industrial mass produced knife with a supersteel.

As for other knives with other steels, I cannot be as objective. I'm a collector in therapy to reform myself aand use my awesome knives instead of always hoarding stuff, so in reality I mostly only use my Busse knives and my Winklers. I'm not a "tester", like some people on the forums and YouTube, I dont force my knives into doing certain tasks and then compare. I use them at home and outdoors, for whatever I need, and still I can see how some knives perform better than others.

As far as comparing to other steels I can tell you my Chris Reeves (s30v, s35vn) have excellent edge retention as well. I've never used them long enough to say when the edge becomes less sharp however, because it hasnt happened. I will say however that Winklers are very superior to ESEE and Ontario knives (1095), even though I'm aware of their respective prices.

Just my 2 cents as a summary, Busse wins prying open stuff, Winkler wins in the edge department, both in toothyness, retention, and resistance to damage. Sorry to write so much but I feel for how popular Winkler knives are and how many people love them there's not enough info at all for those who would be interested.
Click to expand...
thanks, I’m really thinking I may sell a infi ratmandu for one
 
Dylan Kermon said:
Anyone have one of their axes as well? If I get a knife I’ll probably pair it with one of their axes for bigger chopping, because reasons of course lol
Click to expand...
I have a hunter ax as well. Totally worth it. I will see if I can pull up the pictures of them.
 
Danke42 said:
I have a hunter ax as well. Totally worth it. I will see if I can pull up the pictures of them.
Click to expand...
Old post but how’s that hunter ax? I’m looking at that or a Gränsfors of the similar size for splitting wood and kindling and light chopping around camp
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top