- Joined
- May 5, 2014
- Messages
- 4,135
My intent for this review is to add a little here and there as I use the knife, detailing positives and negative as I go. I have not really found a good review of a Winkler Belt Knife and hope to capture some pics and details that will help other to decide if this knife is for them.
The other week I finally pulled the trigger on a Winkler Belt Knife. I had been holding off because I didn't like the 90 degree drop at the area where the index finger makes contact with the ricasso. Well recently I noticed that they changed the shape of the finger drop to a nice radius. I dont know how long ago they did this, but once I saw it I knew that the handle would be pretty comfortable. Since my interest was piqued, I started watching videos of Mr. Winkler and he seems like a great dude. I have also heard awesome things about his warranty service. The “tactical” sales pitch or intent of the belt knife doesnt effect me either way, but I do appreciate Mr. Winkler’s support of our armed forces. For me, I need a robust, general purpose knife that may handle whatever outdoor task I throw at it and that includes, kitchen duty, game cleaning and possibly firewood prep.
I opted for the tan micarta handle and the blade steel is 80crv2. I havent had any experience with this steel before, so we will see how it holds up. My favorite fixed blade steel is CPM 3V. Obviously, 80crv2 isnt going to be as stain resistant or wear resistant, but it is supposedly quite tough.
My first impression right out of the box is that the knife is a tool meant to be used. Its not perfect. You can tell that other than the blank being either laser or waterjet cut, the rest of the knife is completely hand made. The ergonmics are perfect. The handle is very comfortable. The sheath is well designed (not my cup of tea though). The edge is shaving sharp. The full flat grind is even and the edge is almost mirror polished. The shoulder of the edge is not too thick, from the ricasso up until the belly. Once the edge starts to curve into the belly the shoulder starts to get thicker and thicker. I wasnt sure if I was going to like this or not, but my thought is that it was designed to have a very robust tip that can handle stabbing, prying or drilling, and a thinner, slicier primary edge that will handle the usual outdoors/utility chores. The tapered tang is a nice touch. The caswell finish is a matte dark grey, almost black. I think the knife is going to look exceptional when the finish starts to wear.
I think that the knife has a sexy look to it. The gentle curve of the handle looks nice, sweeping the opposite direction as the tip. I love long clip point bowies. Here are a few pics on the day I got the knife
The other week I finally pulled the trigger on a Winkler Belt Knife. I had been holding off because I didn't like the 90 degree drop at the area where the index finger makes contact with the ricasso. Well recently I noticed that they changed the shape of the finger drop to a nice radius. I dont know how long ago they did this, but once I saw it I knew that the handle would be pretty comfortable. Since my interest was piqued, I started watching videos of Mr. Winkler and he seems like a great dude. I have also heard awesome things about his warranty service. The “tactical” sales pitch or intent of the belt knife doesnt effect me either way, but I do appreciate Mr. Winkler’s support of our armed forces. For me, I need a robust, general purpose knife that may handle whatever outdoor task I throw at it and that includes, kitchen duty, game cleaning and possibly firewood prep.
I opted for the tan micarta handle and the blade steel is 80crv2. I havent had any experience with this steel before, so we will see how it holds up. My favorite fixed blade steel is CPM 3V. Obviously, 80crv2 isnt going to be as stain resistant or wear resistant, but it is supposedly quite tough.
My first impression right out of the box is that the knife is a tool meant to be used. Its not perfect. You can tell that other than the blank being either laser or waterjet cut, the rest of the knife is completely hand made. The ergonmics are perfect. The handle is very comfortable. The sheath is well designed (not my cup of tea though). The edge is shaving sharp. The full flat grind is even and the edge is almost mirror polished. The shoulder of the edge is not too thick, from the ricasso up until the belly. Once the edge starts to curve into the belly the shoulder starts to get thicker and thicker. I wasnt sure if I was going to like this or not, but my thought is that it was designed to have a very robust tip that can handle stabbing, prying or drilling, and a thinner, slicier primary edge that will handle the usual outdoors/utility chores. The tapered tang is a nice touch. The caswell finish is a matte dark grey, almost black. I think the knife is going to look exceptional when the finish starts to wear.
I think that the knife has a sexy look to it. The gentle curve of the handle looks nice, sweeping the opposite direction as the tip. I love long clip point bowies. Here are a few pics on the day I got the knife
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