I am posting this in several groups. I am ready for a new subject to write about. I decided to ask my buds at IKC for suggestions. So give me some suggestions....even pink knives. LOL!
I know Ontario Knife Company out of Franklinville, NY has the current USMC combat knife contract. As for the rest of your answer...lets just say it is complicated.
No military service in the USA issues all of their combat service men and women a combat knife, tomahawk, multi-tool or even a pocket knife. I know a Ranger who served in Vietnam in a LRRP unit. He told me all of his fellow Rangers in this unit, had to buy their own combat knife before going overseas. Most of them went to a knife maker in Panama, where they took the jungle survival training, and had one made. The main reason they did this is 18 to 20 year old kids didn't have the money to buy a KA-BAR.
The knives you see approved are just ones who were put in the GSA Schedules. Now if a Colonel wants his fire eaters and life takers to have the $350 combat knife then he just has his people order them from the GSA schedules. All contractors who want to do business with Uncle Sam have sales people getting their products into the right hands. One thing I do know, US Military generally does not issue a combat knife. The SF guys and Seal guys I know buy their own combat knife.
As an example, I know many Marines and Rangers who had to buy extra mag for their M9 semi-auto 9mm pistols as they were only issued one with the gun. The problem is complex with too many cooks in the kitchen. I could go on for some time about this issue. I hope this helps Don.
Yes I like to call it management through crisis. Our military is the finest in the World on destroying, killing and taking ground but let peace break out and they are clueless. I learned this when working with them in Iraq. I have hear this said before by much smarter people than me. One army for war and one for peace. I would think with all the billions we pump into the military we could afford a $50 knife for each combat soldier. Ok I have to get down off the soapbox now be for I fall and break hip. LOL! Thanks Don.
Clint, you're spot on about our government requiring combat soldiers to buy their own knives. Where are the government's priorities, anyway? Maybe the solution would be for the government/military to contract with knifemakers to submit bids to make knives for combat soldiers. The knives would be available at no charge to combat soldiers and they could select from a variety of them. Also, there could be a limit on the contract price the military pays for those combat knives, say $100.00. Since the government/military just LOVES contracting for military goods and services, they should really go for this idea. There would also be an added benefit if only knives made in the U.S.A. would be eligible for bidding, thus keeping Americans employed making them.
I can add some validation to Clint Thompson's info. I was the Supply Officer of a Marine Corps infantry unit in Vietnam. I had a safe full of Marine Corps K-Bars (they were in a safe because they would otherwise quickly disappear ). No one was "authorized" by the Table of Equipment to be issued one. So why did we have them? The better question is,"Who needed one ?". Every man who was issued a rifle was also issued a bayonet. The bayonet would serve its purpose on the end of a rifle or in your grasp. In all my years in the Marine Corps I never saw anyone carry or use a K-Bar Marine Corps "fighting knife". I have one that I bought thru a commercial source. Have I ever used it? No; it is simply memorabilia. I think so much of the concept of "fighting men" carrying "fighting knives" is fantasy ---- Rambo-itis. As Clint divulged, no US military service routinely issues knives to its troops. Must be a reason; or, rather, no reason to do so.
To date the one and only true "combat knife" is contracted and carries a GSA catalog number. As I said it is Ontario Knife Company in New York state. The military does not require our boys and girls to buy a combat knife....only if they want one then they have to buy it themselves. As best as I can tell, this situation with combat knives being not issued goes back before WWII.
In the PX our soldiers can buy a KA-BAR, Gerber, SOG and maybe Ontario combat knives or combat type knives. I believe the Ka-Bar knives were about $50. I believe the knife companies sell the knives to the PX, private company, at near cost and this company sells them for about double that. Sad for sure. The German's sell their soldiers such things at below factory cost.
YO Smiling-Knife - that scagel style is spectacular!!!!!!!!! I am intrigued by William Scagel's history, story and his profound influence on the custom knife world....That is a beautiful piece!
Thanks for the comments guys. Robert, this one will be part of my collection. I don't really have a need to use it. I just like the looks of it. I still want a Marbles style hunting knife with a stag pommel. A few of the Sheffield companies like Wostenholm and Wade & Butcher made them. I'll have a look at the makers Shlomo, thanks for that. Cheers, Steve
Those Marble's knives are cheap junk…No, they’re pure unadulterated kaka and no, knife snobbery isn't at play here.
Those Marble's knives are not cheap junk because of where they are made (Chi-Comm) they are cheap junk because of how and with what they are made.
Stay as far away from them as possible; do not handle them as they will turn green on you and stain your hands...NO, that is not an exaggeration.
Those same knives, seven/ eight years ago, were selling in the $100+ range but then Marble's was still owned and operated and made (for the most part) locally.
Here is a link where you can read about the Marble knives and acquire some good knowledge when you decide to find that Marble knife you would like to buy. I have two which I bought some time ago. In the last few years the price of the original Marble knives has shot up. Here is the link: http://marblesplus.knifeclubs.com/?tag=history
I agree with Shlomo. Any knife that is advertized as having a "stainless steel blade" has a very good chance of being near worthless. I have some cooking pots made from stainless steel and they don't cut worth a darn or hold an edge. Same can be said for "surgical steel" ---- those surgical scapels are made to use one time and then throw away. Make sure the blade is quality BLADE STEEL , some of which is stainless (CPM 154, ATS 34, S30V, 440C, 12C27, etc) and some which will stain (1095, D2, 0-1).
I acquired this Keen Kutter knife recently. Looks like a butcher knife or some sort of skinner maybe. The handle looks like cocobolo or rosewood. The blade is aproximately 6.5 inches long and it is 11 inches long overall. All opinions and further information welcome. Thanks.
Your E. O. Simmons Keen Kutter butcher knife was made around 1910 to 1935. Simmons Hardware in St. Louis who kept the trademark from 1870 to…..I believe around 1939 or 1940. E. O. Simmons Hardware used this brand name as their premiere kitchen product line including cutlery. E.O. Simmons owned the controlling interest in Walden Knife Company and in 1923 the merger of Simmons Hardware and Winchester caused the Walden manufacturing equipment to be moved to New Haven Conn. where Winchester made the line until Shapleigh bought the Walden controlling interest in 1940. Keen Kutter trademark has been used by a couple of companies including Frost Cutlery who made the pocket knives in the 1990’s.
Bear and Son Knives currently own this trademark and uphold the high quality tradition. I have one of their knives in a Cheetah pattern.
The older pristine Keen Cutter made by Simmons are worth about $100 to $400 taking into account of pattern, condition and handle material. Other Keen Cutter pocket knives prior to 1940 are worth around $70 to about $350 taking in account of pattern, condition and handle material. Bone/Stag handles or scales will bring the higher prices. Your butcher knife is very cool to me as I like all things that cut. However, not too many people collect old butcher knives so in my opinion, $25 would be the top end on the value. Thanks for sharing Smiling-Knife.
Just got the Camillus CQB-1 from ebay!Woohoo!I like it and have always wanted it.Tested it by stabbing some cardboard and wood planks,diced pickles up for chicken salad,and cut thru a small water bottle cleanly today.I am carrying it via merc harness,knife inverted, and it is not uncomfortable as well as easy access.
I didnt have a cameraman here,but I just cut thru a 2liter bottle w/ the CQB1!Ok there was a small thread of uncut 2liter.I was shocked I was able to cut that!
So it is that time of year again and for most of us the fixed blades come out in the fall. So show us what you have and is there anything that your thinking of adding this season? We have been taking a look at the Bark River Woodland
Both knives have substantial blades that should handle some serious prying and poking with a slight edge for the A1. A spec that I listed above is one of my own creation that I call "point taper". (I know there's a fancy term but bear with me anyway.) What I'm referring to is how far back from the tip the full thickness of the blade starts to taper to a point (length of the swedge). Logically, the closer to the tip the blade retains a full thickness, the stronger the tip should be. Add the fact the A1 has a little deeper belly, I gotta give this one to the Fallkniven. They have a reputation for having a very strong blade and it's easy to see why.
A spec I'm not qualified to comment on with any great authority is the blade steel. The composition of the Carbon V steel has always been a bit vague to me in that I think there was more then one recipe for Carbon V. The VG10 Laminated blade has an excellent reputation and it appears that rep' is upheld through my experience.
Another critical point is the difference in weight. Both of these are terrific knives and I wouldn't blink an eye grabbing either one and heading off into unknown territory for a week of survival exercises requiring a reliable blade. IF I had the time to pick one over the other.... I'd grab the Fallkniven and the weight would be a big factor. While 2.3 ounces doesn't sound like much, once you start doing some chopping or wood splitting, that extra 2+ ounces makes a huge difference. You have to feel it to believe it.
But the strongest reason influencing me to grab the A1 is the edge retention. Both knives got a thorough workout including running the blades through the gravel splitting wood. By the way, I don't think that's an unrealistic aspect to the test as most knives that are in the field for any extended length of time without proper attention often see some unexpectedly rough use. Both did a great job on edge retention, but the A1 definitely wins. While you could see minor dings in both blades after the workout, the A1 would slice through a sheet of birch bark as smooth as butter. The SRK did a good job, but you could feel blade drag on the burrs. AND, it only took about 10-12 strokes on a piece of cardboard for an improvised strop to bring the A1 back to good as new condition. Unbelievable. Not only did it hold an edge, it was a piece of cake cleaning up the rough spots. I'm not sure I've ever seen a blade this tough be so easy to bring the edge back. I have a 80's vintage Buck 110 that can take an edge, hold it fairly well, but is an absolute bear to sharpen if you let it get too far past 'touch up time'.
While I was testing these two knives out, I thought about how many years I "saved" money by buying less then the best when it came to hunting clothing, boots and knives. (Guns were a different thing!) What a mistake. While $150+ might be a lot of cash for a knife, I'd fully expect either the Cold Steel or theFallkniven to 'outlive' most of us. Fortunately, I figured out the quality thing some years back, but boy do I wish I'd found out about the A1 sooner!!!
On the Fallkniven, ....keep your grip on the handle...period. That blade is sharp!!
Another minor detail I particularly liked about the Cold Steel is the top swedge or false edge. It's bit sharper then the A1's and worked fantastic for fire starting with the Fire steel. If you've ever used a Swedish FireSteel and have struck the starter with a sharpened knife blade, you know you can throw some serioussparks. The problem is, those sparks are extremely hot and can be tough on the finest knife blade. The top of the blade however is another thing. You don't depend on it for a cutting edge and if it gets an incidental knick or ding, no big deal. I think I'll remedy that situation on the Fallkniven with a little judicious file work.
The handles on both knives are pretty equal in my estimation. The Cold steel has some shallow grooves on the top and bottom of the grip that offer minimal additional gripping surface. Not a big deal. One point for the Fallkniven is the full tang that's exposed at the butt. Nice minor detail if you need a lightweight hammer or you're in a situation where you need to open a car window in a hurry.
Both knives have a black coating on them of questionable effectiveness. On the Cold Steel it does a fair job of protecting the carbon blade, but the finish on both blades wears off and on the Cold Steel it chips.
I had used the Cold Steel before and had touched up the edge prior to heading out. The Fallkniven was new out of the box and was literally razor sharp.
Since I gave the Cold Steel a thorough workout previously, I really spent most of my efforts on evaluating the Falkniven. First task at hand was building a fire and splitting a little wood. Take note of the where the blade's heading.
Yup, right into the gravel. Now, while it wasn't a destruction test and I wouldn't normally recommend doing this, I had my camp mate put both knives through a few extreme conditions. We shaved some kindling, did some splitting basically using the knife as a wedge and trimmed a few limbs around the tent, cut a little rope and started on supper.
No....those aren't my hands. At this point the Fallkniven held an edge over the Cold Steel. While both were still in shaving shape, the Fallkniven had the edge.
While both knives held an edge in fantastic fashion, both blades are pretty thick for any delicate work around the kitchen. And of course, that's where the Great Easterns can come in!! You can also see in this picture where the finish has started to wear off after a little wood splitting.
One of the 'specs' I listed above is the ricasso on the blades. That's the unsharpened portion between the hand and the blade. The Cold Steel has a distinct advantage if you're like me and like to move your hand up as close to the 'working' area as possible on small trimming jobs.
A friend and member recently put this n his blog. Its longer than we normally see but it is quite interesting
Cold Steel SRK vs Fallkniven A1
While I'm a huge fan of the Great Easterns and actually use them, I do head out in the woods on occasion and feel a need for a little sturdier 'camp' knife. Earlier this summer I posted my impression of the SRK Carbon V and came away with the impression that it was a great knife and did everything demanded in fine form.
But, always in search of a 'better mouse trap' (or in this case, 'sharper knife') I've been selling the Fallkniven's for quite some time and watched a destruction video on youtube that was pretty amazing. So, it was kind of a natural to take one out on a trip see if the Fallkniven was as great as it appeared. And just as important, how does it compare with the SRK?
So to lay some ground work, the Fallkniven A1 is on the left next to it's leather sheath from the guys at JRE with a sleeve for the Firesteel, and on the right is a Cold Steel SRK with Carbon V blade. While I'm not a huge fan of the 'tactical' style sheaths, the aftermarket JRE leather sheath is terrific. When the Fallkniven is bottomed in the sheath, it's not gonna fall out. Tip it upside down, shake it, try to 'throw' it out of the sheath.....oh yeah, that baby stays put. The other great feature is the sleeve (barely visible behind the knife) for a Swedish Army size FireSteel. Are you listening Dan???... the only add on that would finish the sheath would be a pocket to carry a DMT pocket stone. Otherwise, very nice!
Here's a list of the critical specs on the two knives.
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Used Eli Jensen custom Prionus fixed blade to open plastic sealed packages when we went shooting and opened beer after done shooting for day/nightprionus
Here is the A.G. Russell Sting with Cocobolo wood and black composite handles. I have received them as samples and testing. The cocobolo handle one will go to a current Navy Seal for testing and review. I will be writing about these in an article for Knives Illustrated some time this spring.
Thanks, Steve for directing me here. Don't know if life is a circle, a straight line or a sine wave, but folders just don't do it for me anymore. So, if life is pretty much a straight line, a folder will never be on my belt again.
Howard and all fixed blade collectors, this is a vintage Kissing Crane, Rattle Snake Skinner. This is a fine old knife from Germany. The sheath has East Germany on it, to the best of my knowledge it wasn't called that for a long time. Our president Ronald Reagan was in office when that era ended, I think. Anyone with some dates would be appreciated.
Clint Thompson
Oct 28, 2011
Clint Thompson
Don....
I know Ontario Knife Company out of Franklinville, NY has the current USMC combat knife contract. As for the rest of your answer...lets just say it is complicated.
No military service in the USA issues all of their combat service men and women a combat knife, tomahawk, multi-tool or even a pocket knife. I know a Ranger who served in Vietnam in a LRRP unit. He told me all of his fellow Rangers in this unit, had to buy their own combat knife before going overseas. Most of them went to a knife maker in Panama, where they took the jungle survival training, and had one made. The main reason they did this is 18 to 20 year old kids didn't have the money to buy a KA-BAR.
The knives you see approved are just ones who were put in the GSA Schedules. Now if a Colonel wants his fire eaters and life takers to have the $350 combat knife then he just has his people order them from the GSA schedules. All contractors who want to do business with Uncle Sam have sales people getting their products into the right hands. One thing I do know, US Military generally does not issue a combat knife. The SF guys and Seal guys I know buy their own combat knife.
As an example, I know many Marines and Rangers who had to buy extra mag for their M9 semi-auto 9mm pistols as they were only issued one with the gun. The problem is complex with too many cooks in the kitchen. I could go on for some time about this issue. I hope this helps Don.
Oct 28, 2011
Clint Thompson
Don...
Yes I like to call it management through crisis. Our military is the finest in the World on destroying, killing and taking ground but let peace break out and they are clueless. I learned this when working with them in Iraq. I have hear this said before by much smarter people than me. One army for war and one for peace. I would think with all the billions we pump into the military we could afford a $50 knife for each combat soldier. Ok I have to get down off the soapbox now be for I fall and break hip. LOL! Thanks Don.
Oct 29, 2011
Jeremi Lett
Oct 29, 2011
Terry Waldele
Oct 29, 2011
John Lovell
Oct 29, 2011
Clint Thompson
John...
To date the one and only true "combat knife" is contracted and carries a GSA catalog number. As I said it is Ontario Knife Company in New York state. The military does not require our boys and girls to buy a combat knife....only if they want one then they have to buy it themselves. As best as I can tell, this situation with combat knives being not issued goes back before WWII.
In the PX our soldiers can buy a KA-BAR, Gerber, SOG and maybe Ontario combat knives or combat type knives. I believe the Ka-Bar knives were about $50. I believe the knife companies sell the knives to the PX, private company, at near cost and this company sells them for about double that. Sad for sure. The German's sell their soldiers such things at below factory cost.
Oct 29, 2011
Smiling-Knife
Justed added this one to my small collection of fixed blade knives.
Feb 11, 2012
Jerry Moores
YO Smiling-Knife - that scagel style is spectacular!!!!!!!!! I am intrigued by William Scagel's history, story and his profound influence on the custom knife world....That is a beautiful piece!
Feb 11, 2012
Smiling-Knife
Thanks for the comments Jerry. :)
Feb 11, 2012
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
I love Scagel knives, check out Treeman knives, they make some fine ones. I like the one you have, will it be a user or a collector for you?
Feb 11, 2012
Shlomo ben Maved
Why not check out Scagel Knives themselves--of course not old Will himslf and at Scagel Forums.
Knives Ship Free has has hundreds of the above's models.
There's also:
Bark River Knife and Tool is making a few
Northwoods Knives, (The Custom Shoppe, LLC) of Gladstone Michigan, O/O by David Shirley is also making models.
Treeman Knives = Jim “Treeman” Behring
Tomes Knives is making some great reproductions
2G Knives from Spain is making some lovely, quite inexpensive blades
Feb 11, 2012
Smiling-Knife
Thanks for the comments guys. Robert, this one will be part of my collection. I don't really have a need to use it. I just like the looks of it. I still want a Marbles style hunting knife with a stag pommel. A few of the Sheffield companies like Wostenholm and Wade & Butcher made them. I'll have a look at the makers Shlomo, thanks for that. Cheers, Steve
Feb 12, 2012
Clint Thompson
Smiling Knife....
Check this link out for Marble knife. http://www.smkw.com/webapp/eCommerce/products/Marble%26%23146%3Bs+O...
Feb 12, 2012
Shlomo ben Maved
Those Marble's knives are cheap junk…No, they’re pure unadulterated kaka and no, knife snobbery isn't at play here.
Those Marble's knives are not cheap junk because of where they are made (Chi-Comm) they are cheap junk because of how and with what they are made.
Stay as far away from them as possible; do not handle them as they will turn green on you and stain your hands...NO, that is not an exaggeration.
Those same knives, seven/ eight years ago, were selling in the $100+ range but then Marble's was still owned and operated and made (for the most part) locally.
Feb 12, 2012
Clint Thompson
Smiling Knife....
Here is a link where you can read about the Marble knives and acquire some good knowledge when you decide to find that Marble knife you would like to buy. I have two which I bought some time ago. In the last few years the price of the original Marble knives has shot up. Here is the link: http://marblesplus.knifeclubs.com/?tag=history
Feb 12, 2012
John Lovell
I agree with Shlomo. Any knife that is advertized as having a "stainless steel blade" has a very good chance of being near worthless. I have some cooking pots made from stainless steel and they don't cut worth a darn or hold an edge. Same can be said for "surgical steel" ---- those surgical scapels are made to use one time and then throw away. Make sure the blade is quality BLADE STEEL , some of which is stainless (CPM 154, ATS 34, S30V, 440C, 12C27, etc) and some which will stain (1095, D2, 0-1).
Feb 12, 2012
Smiling-Knife
I acquired this Keen Kutter knife recently. Looks like a butcher knife or some sort of skinner maybe. The handle looks like cocobolo or rosewood. The blade is aproximately 6.5 inches long and it is 11 inches long overall. All opinions and further information welcome. Thanks.
[img]http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/smiling-knife/P1030671x.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/smiling-knife/P1030677x.jpg[/img]
Feb 21, 2012
Clint Thompson
Smiling-Knife....
Your E. O. Simmons Keen Kutter butcher knife was made around 1910 to 1935. Simmons Hardware in St. Louis who kept the trademark from 1870 to…..I believe around 1939 or 1940. E. O. Simmons Hardware used this brand name as their premiere kitchen product line including cutlery. E.O. Simmons owned the controlling interest in Walden Knife Company and in 1923 the merger of Simmons Hardware and Winchester caused the Walden manufacturing equipment to be moved to New Haven Conn. where Winchester made the line until Shapleigh bought the Walden controlling interest in 1940. Keen Kutter trademark has been used by a couple of companies including Frost Cutlery who made the pocket knives in the 1990’s.
Bear and Son Knives currently own this trademark and uphold the high quality tradition. I have one of their knives in a Cheetah pattern.
The older pristine Keen Cutter made by Simmons are worth about $100 to $400 taking into account of pattern, condition and handle material. Other Keen Cutter pocket knives prior to 1940 are worth around $70 to about $350 taking in account of pattern, condition and handle material. Bone/Stag handles or scales will bring the higher prices. Your butcher knife is very cool to me as I like all things that cut. However, not too many people collect old butcher knives so in my opinion, $25 would be the top end on the value. Thanks for sharing Smiling-Knife.
Feb 21, 2012
Smiling-Knife
Hi Clint. Thanks very much for the information. Much appreciated.
Feb 21, 2012
Jeremi Lett
Just got the Camillus CQB-1 from ebay!Woohoo!I like it and have always wanted it.Tested it by stabbing some cardboard and wood planks,diced pickles up for chicken salad,and cut thru a small water bottle cleanly today.I am carrying it via merc harness,knife inverted, and it is not uncomfortable as well as easy access.
Mar 8, 2012
Jeremi Lett
I didnt have a cameraman here,but I just cut thru a 2liter bottle w/ the CQB1!Ok there was a small thread of uncut 2liter.I was shocked I was able to cut that!
Mar 15, 2012
Jeremi Lett
I find a use for my knives I carry most everyday.I was lazy,forgot a kitchen steak knife,so I used my own!
Jun 3, 2012
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
Wow, they look great Rick, I knew you had some old time blood in you....lol
Jun 22, 2012
Jan Carter
So it is that time of year again and for most of us the fixed blades come out in the fall. So show us what you have and is there anything that your thinking of adding this season? We have been taking a look at the Bark River Woodland
Oct 9, 2012
Jan Carter
Spent some time looking at the Barkie but gotta tell you, this weekend I saw some fixed blades that I really like.
Oct 18, 2012
Jan Carter
Now I am taking a long hard look at the drop point
Oct 18, 2012
Jan Carter
Both knives have substantial blades that should handle some serious prying and poking with a slight edge for the A1. A spec that I listed above is one of my own creation that I call "point taper". (I know there's a fancy term but bear with me anyway.) What I'm referring to is how far back from the tip the full thickness of the blade starts to taper to a point (length of the swedge). Logically, the closer to the tip the blade retains a full thickness, the stronger the tip should be. Add the fact the A1 has a little deeper belly, I gotta give this one to the Fallkniven. They have a reputation for having a very strong blade and it's easy to see why.
A spec I'm not qualified to comment on with any great authority is the blade steel. The composition of the Carbon V steel has always been a bit vague to me in that I think there was more then one recipe for Carbon V. The VG10 Laminated blade has an excellent reputation and it appears that rep' is upheld through my experience.
Another critical point is the difference in weight. Both of these are terrific knives and I wouldn't blink an eye grabbing either one and heading off into unknown territory for a week of survival exercises requiring a reliable blade. IF I had the time to pick one over the other.... I'd grab the Fallkniven and the weight would be a big factor. While 2.3 ounces doesn't sound like much, once you start doing some chopping or wood splitting, that extra 2+ ounces makes a huge difference. You have to feel it to believe it.
But the strongest reason influencing me to grab the A1 is the edge retention. Both knives got a thorough workout including running the blades through the gravel splitting wood. By the way, I don't think that's an unrealistic aspect to the test as most knives that are in the field for any extended length of time without proper attention often see some unexpectedly rough use. Both did a great job on edge retention, but the A1 definitely wins. While you could see minor dings in both blades after the workout, the A1 would slice through a sheet of birch bark as smooth as butter. The SRK did a good job, but you could feel blade drag on the burrs. AND, it only took about 10-12 strokes on a piece of cardboard for an improvised strop to bring the A1 back to good as new condition. Unbelievable. Not only did it hold an edge, it was a piece of cake cleaning up the rough spots. I'm not sure I've ever seen a blade this tough be so easy to bring the edge back. I have a 80's vintage Buck 110 that can take an edge, hold it fairly well, but is an absolute bear to sharpen if you let it get too far past 'touch up time'.
While I was testing these two knives out, I thought about how many years I "saved" money by buying less then the best when it came to hunting clothing, boots and knives. (Guns were a different thing!) What a mistake. While $150+ might be a lot of cash for a knife, I'd fully expect either the Cold Steel or theFallkniven to 'outlive' most of us. Fortunately, I figured out the quality thing some years back, but boy do I wish I'd found out about the A1 sooner!!!
Oct 19, 2012
Jan Carter
On the Fallkniven, ....keep your grip on the handle...period. That blade is sharp!!
Another minor detail I particularly liked about the Cold Steel is the top swedge or false edge. It's bit sharper then the A1's and worked fantastic for fire starting with the Fire steel. If you've ever used a Swedish FireSteel and have struck the starter with a sharpened knife blade, you know you can throw some serioussparks. The problem is, those sparks are extremely hot and can be tough on the finest knife blade. The top of the blade however is another thing. You don't depend on it for a cutting edge and if it gets an incidental knick or ding, no big deal. I think I'll remedy that situation on the Fallkniven with a little judicious file work.
The handles on both knives are pretty equal in my estimation. The Cold steel has some shallow grooves on the top and bottom of the grip that offer minimal additional gripping surface. Not a big deal. One point for the Fallkniven is the full tang that's exposed at the butt. Nice minor detail if you need a lightweight hammer or you're in a situation where you need to open a car window in a hurry.
Oct 19, 2012
Jan Carter
I had used the Cold Steel before and had touched up the edge prior to heading out. The Fallkniven was new out of the box and was literally razor sharp.
Since I gave the Cold Steel a thorough workout previously, I really spent most of my efforts on evaluating the Falkniven. First task at hand was building a fire and splitting a little wood. Take note of the where the blade's heading.
Yup, right into the gravel. Now, while it wasn't a destruction test and I wouldn't normally recommend doing this, I had my camp mate put both knives through a few extreme conditions. We shaved some kindling, did some splitting basically using the knife as a wedge and trimmed a few limbs around the tent, cut a little rope and started on supper.
No....those aren't my hands. At this point the Fallkniven held an edge over the Cold Steel. While both were still in shaving shape, the Fallkniven had the edge.
While both knives held an edge in fantastic fashion, both blades are pretty thick for any delicate work around the kitchen. And of course, that's where the Great Easterns can come in!! You can also see in this picture where the finish has started to wear off after a little wood splitting.
One of the 'specs' I listed above is the ricasso on the blades. That's the unsharpened portion between the hand and the blade. The Cold Steel has a distinct advantage if you're like me and like to move your hand up as close to the 'working' area as possible on small trimming jobs.
Oct 19, 2012
Jan Carter
A friend and member recently put this n his blog. Its longer than we normally see but it is quite interesting
Cold Steel SRK vs Fallkniven A1
But, always in search of a 'better mouse trap' (or in this case, 'sharper knife') I've been selling the Fallkniven's for quite some time and watched a destruction video on youtube that was pretty amazing. So, it was kind of a natural to take one out on a trip see if the Fallkniven was as great as it appeared. And just as important, how does it compare with the SRK?
So to lay some ground work, the Fallkniven A1 is on the left next to it's leather sheath from the guys at JRE with a sleeve for the Firesteel, and on the right is a Cold Steel SRK with Carbon V blade. While I'm not a huge fan of the 'tactical' style sheaths, the aftermarket JRE leather sheath is terrific. When the Fallkniven is bottomed in the sheath, it's not gonna fall out. Tip it upside down, shake it, try to 'throw' it out of the sheath.....oh yeah, that baby stays put. The other great feature is the sleeve (barely visible behind the knife) for a Swedish Army size FireSteel. Are you listening Dan???... the only add on that would finish the sheath would be a pocket to carry a DMT pocket stone. Otherwise, very nice!
Here's a list of the critical specs on the two knives.
Oct 19, 2012
Jan Carter
Oct 20, 2012
Clint Thompson
You could clean a fat chipmunk with this bad boy.
Oct 20, 2012
Jan Carter
Clint,
LOL, maybe even a couple
Oct 22, 2012
Jan Carter
Blade Magazine Holiday Gift Guide
Blind Horse Knives US-Made Blades
Find the perfect Christmas gift for under $75 with a BHK Frontier First or Frontier Valley! You can also check out one of our many other hand-made blades all built right here in the USA. Our skilled craftsmen produce a wide variety of sizes and styles so you get exactly what you need. Choose a long-lasting knife you will be proud to pass on to future generations. Custom orders are welcome and in-stock items ship as fast as we can!
Visit www.blindhorseknives.com
Nov 18, 2012
Jeremi Lett
Used Eli Jensen custom Prionus fixed blade to open plastic sealed packages when we went shooting and opened beer after done shooting for day/nightprionus
Dec 4, 2012
Jan Carter
Hey Jeremi is there a pic of that knife on your page? I couldnt find one and I would love to see it
Dec 21, 2012
Jan Carter
Anyone seen these>
Jan 14, 2013
Clint Thompson
Here is the A.G. Russell Sting with Cocobolo wood and black composite handles. I have received them as samples and testing. The cocobolo handle one will go to a current Navy Seal for testing and review. I will be writing about these in an article for Knives Illustrated some time this spring.
Jan 24, 2013
Jan Carter
They sure look very good! Cant wait to see the review. I like that oyu get multiples and have them both tested in different environments.
Feb 12, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Thanks, Steve for directing me here. Don't know if life is a circle, a straight line or a sine wave, but folders just don't do it for me anymore. So, if life is pretty much a straight line, a folder will never be on my belt again.
Feb 23, 2013
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
Welcome Howard, you will see alot of members here, the love of knives spills all over the place...LOL+-
Feb 23, 2013
Jan Carter
Welcome Howard!
Feb 24, 2013
Jan Carter
Feb 24, 2013
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
Howard and all fixed blade collectors, this is a vintage Kissing Crane, Rattle Snake Skinner. This is a fine old knife from Germany. The sheath has East Germany on it, to the best of my knowledge it wasn't called that for a long time. Our president Ronald Reagan was in office when that era ended, I think. Anyone with some dates would be appreciated.
Feb 24, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Thanks, Jan. Nothing like heft, feel and strength of a fixed-blade.
Feb 24, 2013
Featured
Craig Henry
That Kissing Crane is a beauty Robert!
This is my newest fixed blade. I need to get more. I'm looking to get a Buffalo Horn handled Case in the next few months.
Mar 23, 2013
Phil Ladwig
love fixed blades. Been working on my Western collection. Looking forward to going through the forum and checking them all out.
http://www.iknifecollector.com/photo/my-collection-2?context=album&...
Mar 23, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Craig,
Nice looking Case. Here's an imitation by Weske that was my brother's.
Mar 23, 2013
Howard P Reynolds
Had my Dad's (1913-1968) hunting knife that I think was homemade sitting on my desk so thought I would add it here.
Mar 23, 2013