Winkler II Belt Knife initial impressions and review

R

rpn

Gold Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2008
Messages
6,029
I haven’t seen a lot on this knife as I was researching it and thought I would post some pics and thoughts. I’m planning on adding more as I use it more. Seems to me a good chunk of what I had read came from our own Edwood- so thanks to you for putting information out there!

I was thinking about more of a tactical/utility blade for my small collection and was about ready to start looking for a Busse Leaner Meaner Street. But, it dawned on me as I looked at the knife that I’ve been more partial to fuller handle sizes. I had already been eyeing Mr. Winkler’s knives and the size and blade shape of the belt knife really spoke to me. I liked the look of the sheath and uberknives had a nice promo so I was in.

Enough of my blah blah blah- on to some pics!

Glamour shot- strikes me as 18th-19th century design meets modern bad a** maker.



I love this size knife...there is a lot of knife in this small package.



Obligatory fuzz sticks and “beat on me like you’re mad” pics. Does real well! It’s a thick knife but the geometry cuts pretty dang well!









Not an obligatory pic- but I wanted a mean knife and this is it…check out this slash and stab- oh my!! This social worker’s inner beast is pleased!



Tip strength? Check! Crappy pic? Check! :foot:



A little cross batoning with no problem.



These are my other main go to blades. The Koyote Little Big Knife is simply the best all-around woods knife I own. The Howling Rat is a tough beast with great blade design and I love res-c handles. If I was going to hike the Appalachian Trail tomorrow- this is the knife I would take. Note the tapered tang on the Belt Knife. I like the jimping as well- feels good and adds a touch 'o' class!





Cut a few things in the kitchen. That slight recurve went right through the chicken like a laser. Not the greatest fruit and veggie knife you are going to have with this thick blade.





Some random thoughts: balance point is on the front pin. Handle is very comfortable and it’s a lively blade in hand. The sheath has a leather attachment on the back and a couple different sized Chicago screws and spacers. I’m struggling a bit to get the size I want for easy on/easy off and haven’t been able to get it set for horizontal carry yet. Might buy some longer screws. I’ve touched up the edge a couple of times on my sharpmaker and it’s responding quite well.



Overall I am very pleased with this buy. It’s clearly a well made, versatile, tough and potentially nasty blade that’s great looking as well!

 
Last edited:
Believe me when I say- my pleasure! :D

It's one of those knives that as soon as it's out of the box and in your hand, you are smiling and know you made a good buy. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
Last edited:
I like it, looks like a real winner. What kind of steel is it made from ? Looks useable to me.
 
Thanks for the review on very appealing knife!
What is the "coating" on the blade? Looks like some sort of blueing or patina kind of thing..
 
I put the sheath on one of my thicker belts to stretch out the leather a bit and was able to get it on a thinner belt for horizontal carry. It is a light knife for carry.



The handle is really growing on me nicely. Very comfortable both in size and shape. Looks to be a great outdoor companion! Made a couple walking sticks for the kids...tactical duty for a middle-aged father of 2 little ones! ;)

I just ordered the diamond stones for my sharpmaker and look forward to using them on this edge.

Just a couple shots...my 4 yr old found turkey tracks before her brother or me!

Have some new beaver action too...must have just moved to this area because it wasn't here 2 days ago.



 
Last edited:
I decided to go after the edge a little more aggressively and broke out my Lansky...worked well!



Something I look for in my knives is being able to go from fine fine cuts to more power cuts like making stakes. This knife does it no problem. :thumbup:



I'm becoming a fan of this knife if you can't tell. :D :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
I've the Spike edition and just a great edc blade. Thinking of the Field Knife though. Just have never used the spike end in the woods or at camp. Nice rev. though. keepem sharp

PS mine is an early edition with 52-100
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the review. Glad the knife is working well for you. This knife is made from 80CRV2.

Daniel
 
Great review, RPN. I've used mine hunting for the last year. Made easy work on the ribcage of two whitetails. Then sliced up onions, venison and potatoes for the pan. I used a Tek-Lok to mount the sheath diagonally, I find it most comfortable walking or sitting.
What angle did you use on the Lansky? Mine is convex right now, I might change that.
I'll try to find or take pics.
 
Thanks guys. :thumbup:

Mrgreen, I'm sharpening at 30 degrees right now. Did a nice job- pretty uniform. Going to find the diamond stones for my sharpmaker in my mailbox today too and I look forward to using them...

Good to hear about it as a hunting knife!
 
Last edited:
I've heard that steel is popular with knifemakers, along with 1084, personally I think it'd make for a fine blade. Tough, simple, Carbon steel, on a woods knife is hard to beat. Shouldn't be a bear to sharpen, and hold a reasonable edge. I think it's fitting on a knife like that, not everything has to be the newest whiz-bang, super steel. DW, strikes me as the type, that doesn't try to fix what isn't broken.
 
whetrock said:
I've heard that steel is popular with knifemakers, along with 1084, personally I think it'd make for a fine blade. Tough, simple, Carbon steel, on a woods knife is hard to beat. Shouldn't be a bear to sharpen, and hold a reasonable edge. I think it's fitting on a knife like that, not everything has to be the newest whiz-bang, super steel. DW, strikes me as the type, that doesn't try to fix what isn't broken.
Click to expand...


Also known as L2 or a 1084 mod.

Very good steel for knives.
 
I met Dan Winkler at the Plaza show last October for the first time and after our conversation I walked away thinking to myself this is an upfront guy who is humble and applied his craft well! Looking at his website later on I was extremely impressed with his accomplishments. I never knew that he made the hawks in the movie the "Last of the Mohigans". As a collector and user of customs, the man behind the knife means a lot to me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top