As there has been some discussion of Ontario Knives here in fixed blades, I thought I would post a couple pictures of the Ontario plant for those folks here who don't live anywhere near Bradford, PA or Franklinville NY (Ontario Knives. Franklinville is a small town and Ontario knives is a block back from homes on Main Street, and isn't visible from Main Street, unless you are heading in from the North. Luckily I was driving in from the West so it was easier to spot. Kinda like Queen, its planted right there in town.
At the time Ontario didn't offer tours through the plant, but you could buy any knife that was hanging on the wall, which included Paul Scheiter's Blackbird SK-5, at a price a little better than online, and no tax.
Charlie, I like the look of it and see a good number of uses for it. as they say good all around design
When it see it on the belt however I have to wonder about the length of the handle. It appears that either that person is as short as I am or the knife would extend the entire length of my torso LOL
I too have not heard of this knife brand. There are hundreds of knife makers who punch out one knife at a time. The picture below depicts and well and standard designed knife. If you buy one let us know how it works out.
Thanks for the link. I watched the videos about hand making the first knife, and the knife sharpness and destruction tests. Gough did a great job of finding the best steel for his blades. I noticed that CPM-3V was #1 in the tests - same as the Survive Knives steel. https://www.surviveknives.com/ although he ultimately chose A-2.
Also, he made the extreme choice to baton the knives through walnut, against the grain, with a hammer, and all the blades survived. I can't think of anybody who would recommend batoning with a hammer! - Not that he recommends it, but he did it in his tests. And a crowbar on the side of the blade edge is another over-the-top test - but some knives survived it!
That is the same problem I had with the Kydex sheath from Survive Knives - the knife sits too high on the belt. Fortunately, Guy Seiferd at Survive Knives now offers a drop-down solution (Dangler Belt Loop).
I know that a lot of guys don't like the destruction tests. Many think they are too extreme, and not practical for what most people put their knives through, but I figure that the knife to have is the one that passes these tests that Gough, and others do/did. For example, knives are not meant to pry with the tip, but in a pinch, you'll do it. Save yourself some aggravation and buy a knife that can survive multiple abuses, even if you don't think you would ever abuse a knife like this. In a tough spot, you'll do most anything. To his credit, Gough didn't tell us which knives failed the tests or some folks would be hopping mad. Here are the top three from his tests:
I bought a fixed blade knife from our own, Alex Noot. He made the knife out of an old rasp. It came out great. It's a fine knife. He is a part timer, that makes one knife at a time.
Bought a few TOPS B.O.B knives. the tom brown tracker, large and small, the Tops Knives BROS01 B.O.B (why they put a divot in the handle for fire starting I'll never know. It's missing the notch) and the 200 covert fixed blade. Going out next week end to field test. Any feed back?
The divot in the handle is for bow drill fire starting. You put the top of the bow drill stick in the divot as a secure place while working the bow drill. Hunting for a rock with a divot in it or another piece of wood in which you have to carve a divot takes more time. I have the BROSBLM - same knife, but black (grey) linen Micarta handles. Bought it a month or so ago.
It's been a bit cold to do any extensive testing, but with a blade length of 4.5" it is minimally adequate for batoning firewood. Any wood branch larger than 2" dia. will be more difficult to split since there won't be much of the front of the knife sticking out to hit with the baton.
Feedback: I would be interested in your field test. I'll get out there when it warms up. I got this knife to see if I was missing something about 1095 steel. The cheapest price I could find for the B.O.B. knives was $100., and in one of the SHOT Show videos, I think it was TOPS that had a series of "Tactical" blades for which they want $200.+
I'm getting to be old as dirt, and can remember $.35/gal gasoline, and there were 1095 knives available when gasoline was $.35/gal. Now, while I regularly use an Internet inflation calculator to keep my mind tuned to reality, so I can see that a $25. knife in 1967 would cost me $175.00 today, it is difficult for my mind to accept that 1095 is worth $200.- $300. today when there are other steels (stainless) that can be had for about the same money - heat-treat and all.
For example, the Gough knife for which you gave us the link, is selling his hand crafted A2 knife, that he beat the hell out of, for $300.
I know what the divot's for, but I'm used to having a notch, like on my fire board. I remember you could rummage for enough change in the ashtray to get to the big city and make it back. Cigarettes were about the same in price. I'd love to get a Gouch knife but his waiting list begins after the dark end of 2014. We're having a blast of cold front coming through-N. Maryland. I mat do some testing in my garage. Shop hard for the TOP BOB knives. I've seen the prices vary $75 for those bad boys. Se ya.
Thanks for the Scrapyard Knives link. The Mud Mutt seems to be a reasonably priced hunk of SR101/52100 steel. I don't have a knife in SR101, and I'll thank you not to tempt me further as I am behind on Canoe and Butterbean collecting due to buying fixed-blades in other steels that I didn't have; hahahaha.
Say, I know that the Gough knife has a long wait, but as I recall, my Bark River Bravo 1 is A2 steel (Same as Gough "Resolute"), without the wait. Blade shape is different though, and the Bark River is a convex grind.
Hahahahaha. Bark River knives are tough to resist. Of course, you have to buy all the various grit pastes to sharpen em, unless you use sandpaper. My Bark River Bravo 1 stays in my hunting bag (for flesh only) so I haven't had to sharpen it. I am used to "regular" grind knife sharpening so it will take some practice to pull the knife backwards.
You can buy or DIY a honing block like this guy is using (a 2-sided leather hone for the grit pastes) if you have a country fabric store near you. I used to live right next to the Amish area in Lancaster County, PA (it's about an hour drive now), and I just wandered into an independent fabric store (haven't tried JoAnn fabric stores), and found that they sold odd lots of leather - really thick stuff that looked like shoe sole leather down to thin split leather. And, it was inexpensive for a relatively large piece. Cut it to the size you want and glue it to a piece of 1 X 3 or scrap piece of plywood.
By the way, Charlie, if you do or want to do some whittling, I think the grit pastes/leather strop method of sharpening the blades is recommended. The whittlers here on iKC would know best, I'm what you would call a rag ass whittler (old steel mill term for the unskilled). A wood block and grit paste came with my Carvin Jack. I'm guessing that carving knives need a convex edge.
Thanks for the info. BTW, my mud mutt is on the way! Thanks. Found this field sharpening kit for Bark River knives Complete Sharpening Kit for Field or Home w/ S3 Dry Box - Black' on Knives Ship Free. I'm waiting for warm weather to field test my new knives. It 9-30 degrees. I'm too old to play in the ice and snow.
You might want to get your Falcon out of that tree after the spring floods. I have been outside only to shovel snow, get the mail, and get wood for the fireplace . It's supposed to warm up some for the Super Bowl.
Glad to be here. I only have two fixed blades. The Buck 102 was a gift from my father in 1975 on my 25th birthday and the other is an Al Warren Walrus oosik custom.
Sorry bad link on the Buck 102 but the img of the Warren knife seems to work okay. Trying to figure out what went wrong and how to eidt the post. Photos of both my fixed blades can be found in my photos.
Thanks to some training and coaching from Jan I think I may have learned how to do this. Here is my old Buck 102 that my Father gave me for my 25th birthday in 1975.
Being a new member, thought I mite show me newest creation. Red and black obsidian blade with braided bitter brush and yucca handle. Yes no. what do you think.
I wanted to let iKC first – the pictures and Pre-order option for the White River/Jerry Fisk knife – the Sendero Bushcraft™ hunter – is going online today!
This first run will go quickly.
Of interest to collectors: Jerry Fisk has agreed that for all customers who Pre-order through our website, he will personally sign the box. So, if someone goes online, they can pre-order for $25. That entire $25 is then applied against the purchase price when the knives are finished in May/June. He will sign the pre-ordered ones and also the ones actually sold at the BLADE show.
That's a fine line up of fixed blades. I've new lined up all of mine, that might be something to do. I really love fixed blades and I have some really nice ones.
Howard P Reynolds
Clay, Pre-ordered the GSO10 in April and still waiting. Anxious to see how it looks/works in my hand,
Sep 9, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
As there has been some discussion of Ontario Knives here in fixed blades, I thought I would post a couple pictures of the Ontario plant for those folks here who don't live anywhere near Bradford, PA or Franklinville NY (Ontario Knives. Franklinville is a small town and Ontario knives is a block back from homes on Main Street, and isn't visible from Main Street, unless you are heading in from the North. Luckily I was driving in from the West so it was easier to spot. Kinda like Queen, its planted right there in town.
Sep 13, 2013
Jan Carter
Our own Reed Cutlery!!!!!!!!!!
REED CUTLERY, MADE IN THE USA
DAMASCUS SERIES, SECOND RELEASE!!
Reed Cutlery Co. Damascus Skinning knife, pattern #RCSWB580D in a Walnut presentation case.
Sep 14, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Beautiful little worker, Jan!
Sep 14, 2013
Featured
Craig Henry
Very nice!
Sep 14, 2013
Jan Carter
I would love to see some more self builds and how about the little known makers above? Have any to add to them?
Dec 28, 2013
Charlie Smith
Any body heard of Gouch Custom Knives?
Jan 4, 2014
Jan Carter
Charlie, I have not. Any pictures? Love to makers work I have never seen before
Jan 4, 2014
Charlie Smith
re: Gouch knives. http://goughcustom.com/
Jan 4, 2014
Charlie Smith
Jan 4, 2014
Jan Carter
Charlie, I like the look of it and see a good number of uses for it. as they say good all around design
When it see it on the belt however I have to wonder about the length of the handle. It appears that either that person is as short as I am or the knife would extend the entire length of my torso LOL
Jan 4, 2014
Clint Thompson
I too have not heard of this knife brand. There are hundreds of knife makers who punch out one knife at a time. The picture below depicts and well and standard designed knife. If you buy one let us know how it works out.
Jan 4, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
Charlie,
Thanks for the link. I watched the videos about hand making the first knife, and the knife sharpness and destruction tests. Gough did a great job of finding the best steel for his blades. I noticed that CPM-3V was #1 in the tests - same as the Survive Knives steel. https://www.surviveknives.com/ although he ultimately chose A-2.
Also, he made the extreme choice to baton the knives through walnut, against the grain, with a hammer, and all the blades survived. I can't think of anybody who would recommend batoning with a hammer! - Not that he recommends it, but he did it in his tests. And a crowbar on the side of the blade edge is another over-the-top test - but some knives survived it!
Jan 5, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
Jan,
That is the same problem I had with the Kydex sheath from Survive Knives - the knife sits too high on the belt. Fortunately, Guy Seiferd at Survive Knives now offers a drop-down solution (Dangler Belt Loop).
Jan 5, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
I know that a lot of guys don't like the destruction tests. Many think they are too extreme, and not practical for what most people put their knives through, but I figure that the knife to have is the one that passes these tests that Gough, and others do/did. For example, knives are not meant to pry with the tip, but in a pinch, you'll do it. Save yourself some aggravation and buy a knife that can survive multiple abuses, even if you don't think you would ever abuse a knife like this. In a tough spot, you'll do most anything. To his credit, Gough didn't tell us which knives failed the tests or some folks would be hopping mad. Here are the top three from his tests:
1. CPM-3V
2. A-2
3. O-1
Jan 5, 2014
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
I bought a fixed blade knife from our own, Alex Noot. He made the knife out of an old rasp. It came out great. It's a fine knife. He is a part timer, that makes one knife at a time.
Jan 5, 2014
Charlie Smith
Bought a few TOPS B.O.B knives. the tom brown tracker, large and small, the Tops Knives BROS01 B.O.B (why they put a divot in the handle for fire starting I'll never know. It's missing the notch) and the 200 covert fixed blade. Going out next week end to field test. Any feed back?
Jan 20, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
Charlie,
The divot in the handle is for bow drill fire starting. You put the top of the bow drill stick in the divot as a secure place while working the bow drill. Hunting for a rock with a divot in it or another piece of wood in which you have to carve a divot takes more time. I have the BROSBLM - same knife, but black (grey) linen Micarta handles. Bought it a month or so ago.
Feedback: I would be interested in your field test. I'll get out there when it warms up. I got this knife to see if I was missing something about 1095 steel. The cheapest price I could find for the B.O.B. knives was $100., and in one of the SHOT Show videos, I think it was TOPS that had a series of "Tactical" blades for which they want $200.+
I'm getting to be old as dirt, and can remember $.35/gal gasoline, and there were 1095 knives available when gasoline was $.35/gal. Now, while I regularly use an Internet inflation calculator to keep my mind tuned to reality, so I can see that a $25. knife in 1967 would cost me $175.00 today, it is difficult for my mind to accept that 1095 is worth $200.- $300. today when there are other steels (stainless) that can be had for about the same money - heat-treat and all.
For example, the Gough knife for which you gave us the link, is selling his hand crafted A2 knife, that he beat the hell out of, for $300.
Jan 20, 2014
Charlie Smith
I know what the divot's for, but I'm used to having a notch, like on my fire board. I remember you could rummage for enough change in the ashtray to get to the big city and make it back. Cigarettes were about the same in price. I'd love to get a Gouch knife but his waiting list begins after the dark end of 2014. We're having a blast of cold front coming through-N. Maryland. I mat do some testing in my garage. Shop hard for the TOP BOB knives. I've seen the prices vary $75 for those bad boys. Se ya.
Jan 20, 2014
Charlie Smith
Ran across a neat fixed blade site. http://www.scrapyardknives.com/
Ordered a Mud Mutt and am waiting for "fulfillment." Check the site out.
Great verbage.
Jan 21, 2014
Charlie Smith
I'm gonna test-drive Red Hills Custom Kydex sheath. I plan to throw him a very old but virginal Entrek force recon. Lets see how it comes out.
http://www.redhillsheaths.com/index.html
Jan 21, 2014
Charlie Smith
Harold. I got it! the divot in the handle is for holding the top of stick for bow stating a fire. I feel so foolish. Thanks for guiding me.
Jan 21, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
Charlie,
Thanks for the Scrapyard Knives link. The Mud Mutt seems to be a reasonably priced hunk of SR101/52100 steel. I don't have a knife in SR101, and I'll thank you not to tempt me further as I am behind on Canoe and Butterbean collecting due to buying fixed-blades in other steels that I didn't have; hahahaha.
Say, I know that the Gough knife has a long wait, but as I recall, my Bark River Bravo 1 is A2 steel (Same as Gough "Resolute"), without the wait. Blade shape is different though, and the Bark River is a convex grind.
Jan 21, 2014
Charlie Smith
You evil man. I went to the site, and I was struck with the NEED. It's all your fault.
Thanks for the info. I bought the little one, pocket sized he said.
Jan 29, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
Charlie,
Hahahahaha. Bark River knives are tough to resist. Of course, you have to buy all the various grit pastes to sharpen em, unless you use sandpaper. My Bark River Bravo 1 stays in my hunting bag (for flesh only) so I haven't had to sharpen it. I am used to "regular" grind knife sharpening so it will take some practice to pull the knife backwards.
Jan 29, 2014
Charlie Smith
Ok Obi 'wan Kenobi, please educate this poor soul about sharpening Bark River knives. Thanks
Jan 30, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
Charlie,
Here is a pretty good video, and the guy is sharpening a Bark River knife!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQCkKPGSOtA
You can buy or DIY a honing block like this guy is using (a 2-sided leather hone for the grit pastes) if you have a country fabric store near you. I used to live right next to the Amish area in Lancaster County, PA (it's about an hour drive now), and I just wandered into an independent fabric store (haven't tried JoAnn fabric stores), and found that they sold odd lots of leather - really thick stuff that looked like shoe sole leather down to thin split leather. And, it was inexpensive for a relatively large piece. Cut it to the size you want and glue it to a piece of 1 X 3 or scrap piece of plywood.
Jan 30, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
By the way, Charlie, if you do or want to do some whittling, I think the grit pastes/leather strop method of sharpening the blades is recommended. The whittlers here on iKC would know best, I'm what you would call a rag ass whittler (old steel mill term for the unskilled). A wood block and grit paste came with my Carvin Jack. I'm guessing that carving knives need a convex edge.
Jan 30, 2014
Charlie Smith
Thanks for the info. BTW, my mud mutt is on the way! Thanks. Found this field sharpening kit for Bark River knives Complete Sharpening Kit for Field or Home w/ S3 Dry Box - Black' on Knives Ship Free. I'm waiting for warm weather to field test my new knives. It 9-30 degrees. I'm too old to play in the ice and snow.
Jan 30, 2014
Steve Scheuerman (Manx)
Yeah, have to be careful sharpening those convex edges. I have the same issue with my Blackjacks.
Jan 30, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
Charlie,
You might want to get your Falcon out of that tree after the spring floods. I have been outside only to shovel snow, get the mail, and get wood for the fireplace . It's supposed to warm up some for the Super Bowl.
Jan 30, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
Hey, that Bark River sharpening kit from kniveshipfree.com is pretty neat.
Jan 30, 2014
David Selph
Glad to be here. I only have two fixed blades. The Buck 102 was a gift from my father in 1975 on my 25th birthday and the other is an Al Warren Walrus oosik custom.
Buck 102
Buck102
IMG_7733.jpg
IMG_7734.jpg
AC (Al) Warren
Jan 30, 2014
David Selph
Sorry bad link on the Buck 102 but the img of the Warren knife seems to work okay. Trying to figure out what went wrong and how to eidt the post. Photos of both my fixed blades can be found in my photos.
Jan 30, 2014
mike magri
found this old kinfolks t a garage sale
Jan 30, 2014
David Selph
Thanks to some training and coaching from Jan I think I may have learned how to do this. Here is my old Buck 102 that my Father gave me for my 25th birthday in 1975.
Jan 30, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
Welcome to fixed blades. The A.C. Warren looks like a nice working knife, and the Buck is a classic.
Jan 30, 2014
KnifeMaker
chipmonk
Being a new member, thought I mite show me newest creation. Red and black obsidian blade with braided bitter brush and yucca handle. Yes no. what do you think.
Jan 31, 2014
Jan Carter
Clip Point - Tiger Stripe Maple from a company that is coming on strong with design and quality!
Feb 14, 2014
Jan Carter
CHECK THIS OUT!!!!
I wanted to let iKC first – the pictures and Pre-order option for the White River/Jerry Fisk knife – the Sendero Bushcraft™ hunter – is going online today!
This first run will go quickly.
Of interest to collectors: Jerry Fisk has agreed that for all customers who Pre-order through our website, he will personally sign the box. So, if someone goes online, they can pre-order for $25. That entire $25 is then applied against the purchase price when the knives are finished in May/June. He will sign the pre-ordered ones and also the ones actually sold at the BLADE show.
Thought you would want to know…
John
John Cammenga
White River Knife and Tool, Inc.
Mar 31, 2014
Ken Spielvogel
Apr 9, 2014
Howard P Reynolds
Finger grooves, guard, sturdy blade, pouch for a DMT diamond 3" hone; I like it.
Apr 9, 2014
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
I used one like that years ago, for a while, until it got stolen. Good knife.
Apr 9, 2014
Ken Spielvogel
Apr 30, 2014
Ken Spielvogel
Hen & Rooster
Apr 30, 2014
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
That's a fine line up of fixed blades. I've new lined up all of mine, that might be something to do. I really love fixed blades and I have some really nice ones.
May 1, 2014
Ken Spielvogel
Robert, I would love to see some of your fixed blades. I bet you do have some really nice ones.
May 1, 2014
Brad T.
Yeah Robert. Let us see those cajun owned fixed blades.
May 1, 2014
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
May 1, 2014
Ken Spielvogel
Very nice Robert
May 1, 2014