Woodlore Style Knife

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wendysman8888

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Oct 18, 2013
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I am looking to purchase a Woodlore style knife that won't break the bank...I have had a couple Mora's for some time now but am looking for something with a wooden handle and just an overall satisfaction feeling of a knife that I have pride in looking at....

I really don't want to break the bank and would like to keep it at $100 or less...

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
 
Enzo Trapper

I know it's not a "Woodlore", but might be something worth looking into.
 
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All the reviews on the boker were horrible from what ive read....have you had good luck with them? Are there any other options that I am unaware of?
 
I'd say contact Bryan Breeden on here. I don't know all his price points, but maybe he could make something custom for you? He does a lot with Micarta and G10, but has also made some beautiful wooden handled knives as well.

I can say that I thoroughly enjoy the custom knife Bryan made for me.
 
I've been researching this very topic myself. If I were only buying a knife for myself, I'd order up something from Fiddleback, Andrews, or Koster and be done with it. However, I have a house full of teenagers - all of whom expect me to buy 'em gear, so I am also looking for "bang for the buck".

So, here's what my research has led me to thus far (and for purposes of full disclosure, I have not used all of these knives, so I am not recommending anything. I am just pointing out options).

If you are really on a tight budget, (or have a kid prone to losing and/or destroying gear like my son) I'd suggest a carbon steel Mora Clipper. They're around $15.

The next step up would be a heavier duty Mora - like one of their Bushcraft models. These are around $35.

Next, take a look at the Condor knives. They start around $45-50 and go up from there.

How about a Becker Model 16? Around $75 and bulletproof.

Or, a TOPS B.O.B - 1095 steel, nice Scandi grind, well designed handles and all around a very decent piece of equipment to be had for a hair over $100.

I would also state that while it is not strictly a Woodlore style knife, when I'm playing in the woods my Esee Izula II gets used more than anything else these days.

As far as Bryan Breeden goes, when I last emailed him (about 4-6 weeks ago) he was so slammed that he was not taking new orders. I managed to pick up a used Kephart that he made in O1. That thing is absolutely bullet proof and it cuts like a laser. It's the best $125 that I've spent in a very long time.

I hope that this helps to give you a starting point. Good luck with your search.
 
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Google Gray Wolf Knives. His prices are right in line with what you are after as are his products. He posts here and sells here as well, but you can order directly from him I believe.
 
The Condor Bushlore is a fair knife and built like a tank. If you want a very stout knife with the bushlore blade shape, I'd consider it. It will work for your purposes. The Condor Kephart is a similar knife with a thinner blade stock. I like it, but it might be a tad too thin. It feels like a steak knife in your hand. The Condor Hudson Bay is another one (larger) that could be a consideration. Any time you get a knife with a blade length over 6", I think you have to learn how to use it unless big knives are your thing.

The KaBar Becker BK-16 or BK-17 are great woods knives in a very practical size for using for everything other than chopping. No wood handle. I am most impressed with the value of these knives. Other Beckers that might work are the BK-2 (another tank), BK-10... tweener and one I am considering buying as up until recently I thought it had the same bar steel thickness as the BK-2 (0.25", but it is actually 0.188"). A bit bigger and you have the BK-7 which is pretty cool knife with a 7" blade. The BK-9 is its big brother. Many like the chopping abilty with both of these knives, but the BK-9 is a better chopper than the BK-7. I just don't do much chopping with a knife other than for fun.

Bark River makes some good bushlore type knives but they tend to cost in the $150+ kind of range. I have been eyeing up a bushore knife made by Bark River for Blackjack which is in 1095 steel. It has a lot of appeal to me, but the price is not cheap at least to me.
 
I would suggest the becker bk16/17, also if you want cheap & good quality I would consider a mora (any model)
 
Cashmore said:
Google Gray Wolf Knives. His prices are right in line with what you are after as are his products. He posts here and sells here as well, but you can order directly from him I believe.
Click to expand...

For a Woodlore clone
look no further............

Aaron Wolf of Grey Wolf Knives
Website
http://www.graywolfknives.com/Products.html

Found here
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/me...ay-wolf-knives

His M5s are classic spear blades
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...-5s-Price-drop

Or this drop point Bushcraft style
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...rice-drop-SOLD

His zero grinds are screaming sharp and stay so with just stropping
The balance of his knives are excellent
He adds a leather sheath with or without a dangler, or in kydex
Speak to him about handle thickness
I really like his walnut and patina finish

He might well manage two weeks

I highly recomend his work
 
Check out Brazilian cutliero Ivan Campos -- I have one of his Scandi's in 1070, one of the sharpest knives I own. I'd depend on it anywhere.
 
Here is my input (based on trial an error)
- Enzo trapper: excellent knife
- Condor bushlore clone: the HT must be crap. The blade edge will deform very easily
- Mora knives: cheap and extremely effective

I would get the enzo for a bombproof choice
 
Cashmore said:
Google Gray Wolf Knives. His prices are right in line with what you are after as are his products. He posts here and sells here as well, but you can order directly from him I believe.
Click to expand...

We have several of their knives and hatchets...quality at a great price point.
 
Some knives you can get just the blade and make your own handles. Or take something like a Mora ,take off the plastic and replace with wood.
 
Condor Bushlore- I have one and it's a solid knife. Not the best looking but a good user and a great knife for the low price. There were some issues with the heat treat on early runs, but Condor has addressed this and current knives are heat treated properly.

I'm well satisfied with mine.
 
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