Knives - Issue August 2022 by PerpustakaanIIM.Majalah

NEW LES STROUD FORAGING TOOLS

SPECIAL BUSHCRAFT SECTION:

• Top Blade Choices • Learn Basic Skills

A HISTORIC LOOK AL at HollowSurvival KHnandle ives

FRY UTILITY HUNTER Top Custom Goes Production

3 NEW EDC FOLDERS from Helle of Norway Reiﬀ Knives F6 Leuku Survival Knife

MORAKNIV KANSBOL Survival/ Bushcraft Ready BEN ORFORD TRAPPER Double-Duty Performer

knivesillustrated.com SEPT./OCT. 2022 • VOL. 36, NO. 5 • U.S. $5.99 • DISPLAY UNTIL: 9/6/2022

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PLUS:

ADD A FOLDING SAW To

Your Camp Kit

Upgrade Favorite Blades with Aftermarket Handles

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 VOLUME 36, NUMBER 5 WWW.KNIVESILLUSTRATED.COM

ON THE COVER SPECIAL SECTION: BUSHCRAFT 24

CAMPCRAFT CAPABLE Use the proper tools and skills for survival necessity and camp comfort. BY KI STAFF

WILD HARVEST KNIVES Wilderness and kitchen tools from Les Stroud and Chef Paul Rogalski. BY TIM STETZER

TOOTHY TOOLS For camp or survival, it’s hard to beat a good saw. BY REUBEN BOLIEU

BUSHCRAFT KNIFE BASICS Take your bushcrafting to the next level with these techniques. BY REUBEN BOLIEU

DUAL-PURPOSE PERFORMER The Ben Orford Trapper does double duty for bushcraft, hunting. BY KEVIN ESTELA

A GOOD START When you load your pack, start with a Morakniv Kansbol. BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

OTHER FEATURES 10

MERGING OF THE MINDS What’s it like for a custom knifemaker to work with a company on a small-run production blade? BY JASON FRY

FRY UTILITY HUNTER This handy fixed blade offers custom quality at a production price. BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

SKANDI FOLDERS Three new EDC blades from Helle of Norway. BY KI STAFF

Cover Photo: Reiff Knives F6 Leuku Survival Knife. Photo by Reuben Bolieu. Cover Design: Jacqui Dawson

KNIVES ILLUSTRATED (ISSN 0898-8943) is published seven times a year, January/ February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November and December, by Engaged Media LLC, 2220 Sedwick Road, Durham, NC 27713. Periodical postage paid at Durham, NC, and additional mailing oﬃces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to KNIVES ILLUSTRATED c/o Engaged Media LLC, ColorArt, 101 Workman Court, Eureka, MO 63025. Canadian Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC., P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada. GST#855050365RT001 ©2022 by Engaged Media LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 Volume 36 • Number 5

EDITORIAL Steven Paul Barlow Editor Wendy Wilson Managing Editor Rayna M. Padgett Editorial Intern

DESIGN Jacqui Dawson Art Director

CONTRIBUTORS Reuben Bolieu, Jim Cobb, Kevin Estela, Jason Fry, Tim Stetzer

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CUSTOMER SERVICE

76 64

HISTORIC BLADES: HOLLOW-HANDLE SURVIVAL KNIVES From top-of-the-line models to cheap knockoﬀs, these were once popular. BY JIM COBB

CUSTOM TOUCHES Outﬁt your favorite knife with a handle upgrade. BY JASON FRY

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REIFF KNIVES The spirit of the wolf goes with these rugged, American-made ﬁeld knives. BY REUBEN BOLIEU

COLUMNS 06 EDITOR’S EDGE BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW 08 GEAR UP BY TIM STETZER

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 5

EDITOR’S EDGE

ALIEN ENCOUNTERS: WHY DO YOU CARRY A KNIFE?

ow do you handle it when you encounter an alien? By alien, I mean, of course, one of those strange, other-worldly creatures that isn’t obsessed with knives and never carries one. Some of you knife enthusiasts out there might still believe there’s no such thing because everyone you call friend carries a knife or two. But these aliens do exist, and they’re not the only ones bladelessly prowling the earth in secrecy. I mean, look at Bigfoot. He’s rarely seen and never with a knife on his belt or even with just a belt now that I think about it. While aliens can be disguised as any normal person, they often reveal themselves when they ask incredulously, “Why do you carry a knife?” as if you’re an alien for doing so. Rather than instinctively shrinking back in horror at realizing you’re face to face with an alien, try to maintain a cool demeanor and provide an answer while using your peripheral vision to note any possible avenues of escape. Potential responses could range from the flippant “to trim my nails,” to the innocent “to open my mail,” to the logical “I have lots of packages to open” or “because I need one when I go camping.” If you use a vague response, such as “just in case,” squint your eyes slightly and nod as if you know something they don’t. This might well end the conversation right there and get you off the hook.

You can let an alien handle one of your knives, but never give an alien a fork. abluecup / iStock photo

“WHEN DEALING WITH ANY ALIEN WITH EDGED-TOOL INDIFFERENCE, IT’S IMPORTANT NOT TO DO ANYTHING THAT COULD TURN THIS CREATURE INTO AN ANTI-KNIFE ADVOCATE.”

KNI VESI L LUST RAT E D.COM INSTAG RA M: @KNI VESI L LUST RAT E DM AGAZIN E

6 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

When dealing with any alien with edged-tool indifference, it’s important not to do anything that could turn this creature into an anti-knife advocate. For that reason, try to avoid whipping out your big-bladed automatic or assisted opener for the effect of it and saying in your best tough-guy voice, “Because no one’s going to mess with me!” This might alienate—yes that’s the right word—the alien, prompting it to change into its actual, hideous form. At this point, it’s likely to start snarling and spewing political and ethical opinions at you.

It’s much preferred to use a more humanizing approach with any alien you meet. Be kind and patient at the alien’s lack of knife knowledge. You could cite specific examples of times when the knife you carried was particularly useful in solving some problem. Avoid the “whittled tent stakes” cliché if you can and try not to be too boastful of your own resourcefulness. You can let an alien handle one of your knives too, but never give an alien a fork. We need to be tolerant of all aliens we meet and try to educate them on our knifecarrying way of life. If we don’t, they could eat us alive. Steven Paul Barlow Editor

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GEAR UP

CRKT RELEASES NEW HATCHET BY TIM STETZER, PHOTOS BY TIM STETZER AND MANUFACTURERS

1. CRKT Chogan Hatchet

2. Galco Change Carrier

The Chogan Hatchet is another design by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical. According to CRKT, it’s based on a classic rifleman’s tomahawk hatchet from 1804. I actually thought it looked like a carpenter’s hatchet, which is fine, too, because the company makes great camp tools. The head is made from forged 1055 carbon steel with a 3.16-inch edge blade on one side and a hammerhead on the other. The head is affixed to a glass-reinforced nylon handle that should resist weather and breakage. It’s the perfect size for hammering tent stakes,

Have you ever wanted a handy way to carry loose change and be able to thump someone who needs it at the same time? Well, if so, Galco has you covered with its new change carrier. It snaps onto your belt or bag strap and is handy enough to get to when you need to pull out your Aldi quarter, but it also quickly unsnaps into a handy sap weighted down with all of your worldly wealth in coins. It’s a slick, low profile self-defense tool that has a common lawful purpose as well, carrying around all that pesky change. As always, check your local laws before you start swinging your change carrier around, but if you can carry one, it’s a neat tool to have.

splitting kindling, or other camp chores. At under $50, it’s an affordable piece of kit, too.

< SPECS: CRKT Chogan Hatchet • Blade Length: 3.16 inches • Blade Edge: Plain • Blade Steel: 1055 carbon steel • Blade Finish: Manganese phosphate coating • Blade Thickness: 0.91 inch • Overall Length: 13.19 inches • Weight: 1.48 pounds • Handle: Glass-reinforced nylon • MSRP: $48 CRKT.com

8 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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< FEATURES:

3. XShear Medic Shears If you’re a first responder or work in an ER, then trauma shears are part of your go-to kit. Even if you aren’t, they’re extremely useful in your own med kits or even around the shop. Basic shears are relatively cheap, but that’s because they’re disposable. They aren’t built to last but rather to be thrown out when they get dull or break. XShear founder Wes Brubaker is a flight nurse and paramedic, and he wanted something better, so he set about designing and manufacturing it himself. XShears are made by one of the makers of high-end scissors out of a stainless-steel blade that’s twice as thick as regular trauma shears. They’re sharpened to a razor edge, and they have a much sturdier center bolt that won’t loosen up over time. You’ll notice the blade shape has a steady curve rather than the angled blades of conventional trauma shears. The patented curved blade makes it easier to slide under tight clothing and safely cut away from the patient. I had a chance to work with a pair of XShears and can say they’re definitely well-built and comfortable to use. I didn’t have any medical calls, but I did use them on heavy zip ties and some heavy plastic matting that laughed at my utility knife. The XShears zipped through the material like it was paper. I plan on keeping a pair on my work bench and grabbing another pair for my trauma kit.

XShear Medic Shears • Hardened stainless steel blades, twice as thick as most trauma shears • Sharpened to razor edge • Patented blunt tip and curved design for gentler edge near skin • Soft touch inner handles for comfort and slip resistance • Heavy duty center bolt that won't loosen over time • Variety of handle colors and blade finishes • Black titanium coating on blades provides extra durability and sleek matte black appearance • 90-day guarantee • Five-year warranty • Free expedited shipping within the USA • MSRP: $39.95 XShear.com

SPECS: > CJRB Hyperlite, J1922B G10 handle • Blade Length: 4.17 inches • Blade Thickness: 0.11 inch • Blade Finish: Sand polish/ black PVD coating • Blade Grind: Flat • Blade Material: AR-RPM9 • Blade Hardness: HRC59-61 • Blade Style: Drop point • Overall Length: 8.19 inches • Handle Material: G10 • Weight: 3.53 ounces • MSRP: $79.99 ArtisanCutlery.net

< FEATURES: Galco Change Carrier • Carries coins in a slotted pocket • Unsnaps to become impact weapon • Sauvage leather • Black or tan • 4.5 x 3 inches folded, 9 x 3 inches unfolded • $59 GalcoGunleather.com

4. CJRB Hyperlite If you’re familiar with Joe Flowers from Global Bushcraft, you know that there’s little that can’t be accomplished by locking him in a room with an energy drink and some sugar. When Joe was tasked to come up with an ultra-light fixed blade for hiking and backpacking, it didn’t take him long to come up with the Hyperlite for CJRB, a subsidiary of Artisan Knives. The Hyperlite comes in at a ridiculously light 2.47 ounces for the skeletonized version with no scales and a still feathery 3.53 ounces for the model with G10 scales, not too shabby for a full tang, 4-inch fixed blade knife. The knives have a blade of AR-RPM9 powdered steel with a flat grind and either a sand polish or black PVD coating. The Hyperlite comes with a nice, streamlined Kydex sheath suitable for belt or pack carry. Three versions are available: the skeletonized model, the G10 model, and a model with Micarta scales. These run between $66.66 and $93.33 depending on handles.

5. Field Notes National Parks Series With cell phones these days, it’s sometimes easy to forget that we used to carry notebooks to jot stuff down. Well, not everyone has forgotten, and if you spend a lot of time in the outdoors, you know it’s nice to have something that doesn’t rely on batteries to take and reference notes. The folks at Field Notes know this and have been providing excellent field notebooks for a long time now. The National Parks series gives you all of the quality you’d expect from Field Notes and couples them with some great covers with artwork celebrating our national parks. The books have 48 pages marked with a 3/16-inch graph that can be used for whatever you need to record. Take notes on hiking and camping locations, draw maps, sketch, or take down range and field of fire notes from your hunting blind or tree stand. There are currently 18 books, and they come in six different packs of three, so you can pick a pack with your favorite parks or get all 18. Inside, you’ll find a brief history of the park and a spot for the official National Park Passport. Field Notes also donates five percent of retail and wholesale purchases to the National Parks Service.

SPECS: >

Field Notes National Parks Series • Six packs, 18 parks • Made in USA • Graph Paper 3½ × 5½ inches • 48 Pages • $14.95 FieldNotesBrand.com

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 9

MERGING M OF THE

The handmade version of Jason Fry’s Utility Hunter is one of his most popular patterns. It is typically offered in 154CM stainless, pictured here with Australian ringed gidgee and a sheath by Fry.

“I KNEW THIS KNIFE WAS A SOLID DESIGN, I HAD TUNED MY PREFERENCES FOR SPECIFICATIONS, AND DEMAND FOR MY HANDMADE VERSIONS WAS GREATER THAN MY ABILITY TO SUPPLY.” 10 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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“What does it take to have a knife manufactured? How long does it take? What kind of tools do they use? How does the process work for getting your design to them, and what’s the process they use to create it? What about supply chain issues? Who builds the sheaths? If I bought a bunch, who would buy them?

MINDS WHAT’S IT LIKE FOR A CUSTOM KNIFEMAKER TO WORK WITH A COMPANY ON A SMALL-RUN PRODUCTION BLADE?

For these questions and many more my best answer at the time was, “I don’t know.” From the knife buyer side, many of the questions are the same. How much does a Bark River or Benchmade or White River production knife cost for them to manufacture? Who decides the steel and handle material for each model? If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to manufacture a knife in the USA, I’ll walk you through the process.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JASON FRY

BEGIN WITH A DESIGN I personally began the journey by making roughly 100 of the same hunting-sized knives over the past 10 or so years. The design was the evolution of my preferences for all-around carry and skinning whitetail deer. For many years, I had this pattern waterjet cut and either outsourced the heat treat or did them myself in batches.

The large blue grinding stones pictured here are what do the work on the CNC bevel grinding machine. For reference, the knife in the picture is less than 8 inches long.

any knifemakers go through a stage where they think, “It would be great if I could get someone else to manufacture my best design.” I came to that conclusion myself toward the end of 2021 and partnered with White River Knife & Tool out of Fremont, Michigan, to make a batch of my Utility Hunter knives. Looking back, I had plenty of questions and not many available answers, so I figured I’d share the story.

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I suppose it’s possible to draw out a knife on paper, decide that you’ve got a winner, then go looking for production. I’m a slow-and-steady type guy, so it appealed to me more to tweak and improve my design over time and have a proven sales record before stepping off into manufacturing. I knew this knife was a solid design, I had tuned my preferences for specifications, and demand for my handmade versions was greater than my ability to supply.

OUT FOR BIDS Once I had the design in mind, I had to find a company to do the manufacturing. I talked to five or six companies. One told me that Covidrelated shutdowns had left them with a 30,000-knife backlog and they couldn’t do it. Another had a minimum order of 500 pieces. Some

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 11

quit responding to email. I ended up with firm quotes from several companies. Decisions had to be made that I hadn’t anticipated. To generate an accurate quote, a manufacturer needs to know the steel type and handle material preference. Steel type turned into a complex choice. Each producer has a few steel types in which they specialize or prefer. Sometimes they’ll oﬀer a better price on steel that they have on hand versus having to order steel for your project. Sometimes the steel that you want or that they prefer is slow to come from the steel supplier. Do you wait for the steel you want if it adds four months to the project? Do you “settle” for a less preferred steel if it cuts the overall price by 10%? What handle material do you go with that’s the perfect combination of durable, aﬀordable, and desirable?

In my case, I gave the companies some latitude, because I wanted them to use their knowledge as well and propose a knife they’d be comfortable making that, in their experience, was a good steel and handle material combination. I know what I like in a custom, but I trusted their expertise as manufacturers to make good recommendations.

CALCULATIONS Quotes came back as a cost per piece on a speciﬁc quantity, but we weren’t talking apples to apples. One company charged the same cost per piece on the ﬁrst run and future runs, but their cost was lower. Another company charged initial setup fees but didn’t charge as much for setup on future runs. One quoted me Kydex sheaths made in-house, and the other pointed me toward

12 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

A box of Fry’s Utility Hunter blades awaits the next production stage at White River Knife & Tool.

Top, Left: Each blade design has its own custom fixture to hold it during the grinding process. Here, one of Fry’s knives is set up in the bevel grinding machine. Top, Right: White River uses a vibratory tumbler that holds roughly 300 pounds of ceramic media and can process several hundred knives at once. Bottom, Left: The handle material is CNC milled and then hand or machine finished to final shape. The process yields repeatable results so that the fit-up is clean and tight regardless of the variety of materials used.

a leather sheath maker with whom they do business. I turned to my brother, the accountant, and he put together an Excel projection that helped me to calculate the final cost per piece, total cost for the project, and my percentage margin at various target price points. There were some softer variables as well. Both finalists had been used by friends of mine, and so I was somewhat familiar with their reputations. I had spoken to representatives of both knivesillustrated.com

“THE BLADE AND HANDLE FINISHES WERE FLAWLESS, AND THE KNIVES CAME HAIR-POPPING SHARP.” companies via email and in person during the process, and one was much more responsive.

RISKY BUSINESS When a small-timer decides to step into having knives manufactured, he bears most of the risk himself. I’ve had people “congratulate” me for the project, which is odd to me because all I have done is pay out a chunk of money to buy some product. The maker bears the deposit cost up front, is responsible for paying off the product, and ultimately is responsible for sales and marketing. If the knife doesn’t sell, the maker loses money. What it came down to for me was faith. I had confidence that I had a proven design, that I could sell knives in quantity and make a return for my investment. I didn’t have confidence that the money would “all work out,” but a timely large sale convinced me that the One who has provided for me time and again would bless this project as well. When it came to managing the risk, I had more confidence investing in myself and my knife business than throwing my money at the stock or crypto markets.

LET’S DO IT! Once a decision was made to go with White River, nothing began until I paid my 50% deposit up knivesillustrated.com

front. From that point forward, I expected a four-month lead time based on the company’s initial quotes. We went with CPM S35VN steel because the team had it in-house and it’s one of their specialties. For handle material, I wanted to use the new Ultrex Suretouch rubber/G10 laminate, but then we figured out that the lead time on that material was too far out to meet our timeline. The rubber component of the Suretouch had availability challenges, so Ultrex couldn’t manufacture in a timely manner. If you run into supply issues, it may not always be your manufacturer; it can also be people from whom they purchase. I ended up using other connections to find a supply of Suretouch to cover around half of the planned knives, and I turned White River loose to choose from among its available handle materials to do the rest.

GET ’ER DONE Being a knifemaker, I am intimately familiar with how I build my one-ata-time Utility Hunters. I have a CAD profile of this knife because I’ve had it waterjet cut in the past, so sharing the basic design was easy. I also built a prototype and sent it to White River so that the designers could get the handle contours as close to the way I build them as possible.

Above, Left: For this project, the final design featured both the mark of Jason Fry and the mark of White River, as well as the steel specification and a made in the USA designation.

Above, Right: The final product was a well-made group of Utility Hunters exactly to specifications.

I also sent a set of detailed notes about which specifications were critical, such as edge thickness and handle contour. Other items were less critical, such as whether to use pins or bolts, or what type or size of bolts to use. I left some of the choices up to the guys at White River. White River cuts out its blades with a CNC laser. From there, the knives are ground or milled to final contour finish, holes are reamed to dimension, and the blades are sent for heat treatment. Much like many of us do in our own businesses, parts of our jobs can be outsourced to contractors, while other tasks are best handled in house. Some tasks are fully automated, while others are done one at a time by hand. Once the blades come back from heat treatment, it’s time for grinding the bevels. I personally grind a blade by holding it in my hand. I use a 2 x 72-inch belt grinder, and I grind them one at a time. How does a manufacturer grind blades by the hundreds? Some manufacturers like Fiddleback Forge have people who hand grind every blade. White River and most of the larger companies, such as Buck or

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 13

ASSEMBLY BY HAND The knives are then marked using a fiber laser etcher. For my knife, I chose to have it marked both with my name and the White River logo as well as the steel type and USA. If you choose to have your design built, you’ll have to decide how to mark it in a way that will differentiate it from your handmade knives. You also may not want to go with just the manufacturer’s logo if you’re contracting your own design.

WHITE RIVER KNIFE & TOOL: A SOLID, FAMILY-RUN OPERATION White River Knife and Tool out of Fremont, Michigan, is a family business. John Sr. and his wife Susan, and sons John Jr. and Matt Cammenga are the brains and the brawn behind the company. John Sr. started putting the business together in 2010, with manufacturing starting in September 2011. John Jr. does the in-house design work, computer programming and CAD, and manages the grinding equipment. Matt manages the CAM software and writes code for the CNC machines. White River’s most popular models include the flagship M1 that comes with a variety of handle materials: paracord, flat G10, and 3D contoured. The company’s Firecraft series is designed for survival tasks. They include a bow drill divot in the handle and have sharpened spines for striking a ferro rod. White River also has two popular fillet knife patterns, including a floating corkhandled knife that was featured on the How It’s Made television show. The company also manufactures three production versions of Jerry Fisk’s famous Sendero hunter pattern. It does OEM manufacturing for Exodus Knife and Tool, Rewild, and Argali. It sells direct, and its knives are also available at dealers, including KnifeCenter, Blade HQ, and DLT trading. Certain models are also available at Duluth Trading Company.

Benchmade, use CNC machines with large grinding wheels. Blades are ground in batches on grinding machines that have two independent grinding wheels and two sets of X/Y/Z axes joined as one machine. This A- and B-sided machine processes two different blades at the same time. The right-side wheel grinds the A side of the blade, after which the blade is moved over to the second position on the left machine where the B side of the blade is ground. During this time another blade has been loaded into the A side so the machine is essentially grinding two blades at once.

Above: White River Knife & Tool is run by the Cammenga family. From the left are John Jr., Matt, Susan, and John Sr. Each has a critical role in the company’s work.

A knife without a sheath is not much fun to carry. I went through a similar quote and production process with Smith and Sons for my leather sheaths. One of the company’s standard designs fit my knife, so I purchased some of those, and also had the company build a slightly longer version to my specifications.

One of the challenges in CNC is figuring out the proper fixture to hold the work piece. Each knife design requires its own specially designed fixtures. The shop looks like almost any other CNC machine shop, except that a knife shop also has double disk grinders and bevel grinders. The specialized knife grinders are a fairly rare machine and require a niche skill set. I specified a stonewash finish on my knives, and White River uses the same finish on many of its production models. Its vibratory finisher uses around 300 pounds of ceramic media and can handle roughly 200 blades at a time. The tumbling operation takes 8-12 hours for the machine to do its work. Handle material is cut to shape primarily on a CNC mill. Depending on the knife setup, the handle may then be blasted, sanded by hand, or polished on a belt.

14 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

Regardless of who builds a knife, it should be sharp when it gets delivered. White River hand sharpens each and every knife at 18 degrees using fine grit belts and finishes with a leather hone. The staff who sharpen are diligently trained prior to being turned loose on customer projects. Blades that don’t pass initial quality control in earlier stages of the manufacturing process are used for sharpening practice for the new guys.

FINAL RESULTS

SOURCES Fry Custom Knives FryCustomKnives.com Instagram: @Frycustomknives White River Knife & Tool WhiteRiverKnives.com Instagram: @whiteriverknives Ultrex (makers of SureTouch) Ultrex.com

Eight months after we began our discussion, and five months after I paid my deposit to formally start the job, my knives arrived. I was personally very impressed by the quality and feel of the knives. The fit and finish was excellent, and very comparable to my handmade versions. The plunges were deadeven on every knife. The blade and handle finishes were flawless, and the knives came hair-popping sharp. By contracting with White River, I now have the opportunity to sell knives in bigger batches for gifts or resale. I can also provide a quality knife to my specifications, built in Michigan, at a good price point so that my customers have a knife that will do the jobs of utility and hunting. KI knivesillustrated.com

Benefits of the ViperSharp system:

Removable clamp -(helps with testing edge during sharpening and also allows multiple clamps for longer blades) Lock rings prevent damage to blade Angle adjustment without limits (1 degree, 1/2 degree...) from 10 to 35 degrees. No slop with the all metal, self lubricating guide bearing 2 strops included with every kit Lapping films available

Use code ki for an extra 10% off *code good through Sept 1, 2022

vipersharp.com | (801) 735-8021

REVIEW

FRY

UTILITY HUNTER The production version of the Fry Utility Hunter is manufactured to high standards by White River Knives.

16 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

“I BELIEVE FRY HAS ACCOMPLISHED THIS GOLDILOCKS JUSTRIGHT BALANCE OF ART AND PERFORMANCE VERY NICELY IN THIS DESIGN.”

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THIS HANDY FIXED BLADE OFFERS CUSTOM QUALITY AT A PRODUCTION PRICE STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

ots of knifemakers are turning out great custom and smallbatch knives of their own designs. Purchasing one is the best way to get exactly the knife you want.

However, the buyer can encounter two potential obstacles. The first hurdle is price. Individual knifemakers typically put in lots of time and talent into each piece they sell. The prices are usually very much in line with that effort, but that might make particular models out of reach financially for many buyers. The second hurdle, availability, is affected by consumer demand and a maker’s limitations on how many pieces can be completed. Some makers’ knives are so highly sought after that getting one usually involves either a lengthy wait or timely luck.

The included leather pouch-style sheath is well made and holds the knife securely.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 17

Jason Fry, a highly regarded Texas maker, hopes to have solved these problems by contracting to have one of his more popular designs— the Utility Hunter—manufactured in a small production run by White River Knives in Fremont, Michigan. The hope is that anyone who wants one of his Utility Hunter knives can get one without a long wait. (Note: On page 10 of this issue, Fry talks about what it’s like for a custom knifemaker to work with a manufacturer.) White River Knives is building these knives in the USA from USA-sourced materials to Fry’s specifications with the same thickness, profile, and edge that you’d find on one of his custom blades. There will be a few differences, however. The production version will feature a stonewashed blade finish, bolted-on handle scales, and a straight tang.

GOLDILOCKS EVERY WAY I love knives that fall into the Goldilocks just-right, mid-sized range. They’re large enough to handle most tasks while being small enough to be convenient to carry. But “just-right” needs to cover more than size. Fry’s Utility Hunter is an attractive knife made of high-quality materials that you’ll be proud to carry. Yet its value is very much tied to its ability to be useful for a variety of tasks in a way that makes it a comfortable and natural extension of the hand that holds it. “My knives are at the same time tools and works of art,” says Fry on his website. “A pretty knife that doesn’t hold an edge isn’t much of a knife. On the other hand, an ugly knife isn’t any better than what can be bought at the store for

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SPECS Top, Left: The production versions of the Utility Hunter include the logos of both Fry Custom Knives and White River Knives.

Top, Right and Bottom, Left: The handle on the author’s knife is G10. However, some of these knives will feature grippy Ultrex Suretouch scales. Note the well-placed pinky finger groove.

Bottom, Right: The loop on the leather sheath will easily accommodate a belt up to 1 ½ inches wide.

FRY UTILITY HUNTER Manufacturer: White River Knives (WhiteRiverKnives.com) Overall Length: 7 ¾ inches Blade Length: 3 ¼ inches Handle Length: 4 ½ inches Blade Thickness: 0.125 inch Steel: CPM S35VN Blade Finish: Tumbled stonewashed Handle Material: G10 (tested) or Ultrex Suretouch Sheath: Leather (SmithAndSonsKnives.com) Origin: USA MSRP: $225

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“THOSE HANDLE SCALES FEATURE PINKY FINGER CONTOURS, WHICH IS A NICE, SUBTLE TOUCH THAT ADDS TO THE OVERALL GREAT FEEL OF THE KNIFE IN THE HAND.” much less. I try to make every knife both functional and beautiful.” I believe Fry has accomplished this Goldilocks just-right balance of art and performance very nicely in this design.

THE SPECIFICS So, let’s look at the numbers on this knife. It measures 7 ¾ inches overall with a 3 ¼-inch, stonewashed blade and 4 ½-inch handle. The knife is a full-tang design with a drop-point blade and flat grind. It’s made from a 1/8-inch (0.125-inch) CPM S35VN steel about 15/16-inch wide. The steel is heat treated to 59/60 RC. The handle is shaped to provide a slight finger guard at the front and is curved with a slight flare at the butt. This shape is very conducive to taking a comfortable, secure grip on the knife. The scales on my knife are a nicely executed green and black G10 held in place with knivesillustrated.com

Torx bolts. Those handle scales feature pinky finger contours, which is a nice, subtle touch that adds to the overall great feel of the knife in the hand.

Above: The Utility Hunter has a simple elegance and the proper dimensions to be a highly useful and often carried knife.

There’s an unlined lanyard hole too that I might use when traveling by canoe or kayak. If I become concerned about losing a knife with green and black handle scales, I can always run a short length of fluorescent ribbon through the lanyard hole. Historically, though, I haven’t been prone to losing knives in the woods. A variety of handle colors are available. Some of the knives feature Ultrex Suretouch scales instead of G10. Suretouch is a grippy material that features composite layers of G10 and rubber. A brown leather, pouch-style sheath made by Smith & Sons Knife Company in Sulphur, Louisiana, is

included. It holds the knife deeply and securely. The belt loop will fit belts up to 1 ½ inches wide and is set up for right-side carry. However, I’ll probably carry it on my left side as a cross-draw rig to accommodate the handgun holster I’ll most likely have positioned on my right side when I don’t opt for a chest holster.

MORE THAN A HUNTING KNIFE

SOURCE Fry Custom Knives FryCustomKnives.com

Just because this knife has “Hunter” in its name, don’t think for a minute that this knife is limited in any way to that role. Yes, it’s what I’d consider the perfect size and shape for fielddressing most game animals. One mistake many new hunters make is carrying a knife that’s unnecessarily large for the job. Yes, I’ll use a knife with more belly for skinning and knives with longer blades for butchering, but those aren’t things that are

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for instance, as my primary go-to woods knife that I might have to use for myriad cutting chores. But I am apt to carry something such as the Fry Utility Hunter.

IN USE

typically done in the field with up to and including deer-sized game. So, while the Fry Utility Hunter would make an excellent hunting knife, it’s sized and configured to make a great all-year woods companion. The “Utility” part of this knife’s moniker is the one I’d emphasize. Specialization when it comes to knives can sometimes be a good thing, but let’s face it:

I’m not going to carry a half dozen or more knives when I’m covering miles off pavement. Even in camp, as a matter of convenience I’m likely to grab the knife that’s close at hand, the one that’s on my belt or in my pocket. So, it makes sense that the knife close at hand should be as versatile as possible. I’m not going to choose a specialist such as a karambit,

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Top: The author found the handle to be a good fit for his average-sized hands. The knife stayed comfortable and easy to control throughout his test. Above: The droppoint blade is 3 ¼ inches long—ideal for a field/hunting knife— and it’s made of quality S35VN steel.

This knife arrived with a great, sharp edge. I expected that. Just as important is how the knife handles and its ability to make various cuts without it fighting against the user. Yes, how a knife feels can be a very subjective thing, but I found this knife so comfortable in use that it was as if Fry and White River had taken a mold of my hand in shaping the handle. No, I can’t guarantee that kind of fit for you, but I’m guessing this knife will be a good fit for more people than not. The grip is not overly bulbous, so it carries well, but it’s not so thin that there’s nothing to grasp. Most of my use with this knife so far has been with woody materials and various types of cordage. Due to the timing of the test, I haven’t been able to field-dress game with it yet, but I did slice some beef steaks and veggies with it and the knife did

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The Fry Utility Hunter by White River Knives is suitable for any outdoor adventure and shouldn’t be limited in use to the hunting seasons alone.

WHO IS JASON FRY? Jason Fry is a custom knifemaker living in Wolﬀorth, Texas. This family man (father of four boys) hasn’t quit his day job yet. He works as a behavior analyst for developmentally disabled persons. But knifemaking is more than a hobby with him. He’s on the board of directors of the Knifemakers’ Guild, an apprentice in American Bladesmith Society, and vice-president of the Texas Knifemakers’ Guild. Aside from his regular knife designs, he’s especially known for incorporating materials from historical objects into one-of-a-kind collectibles. For instance, in a Bowie that won “Best Bowie” in the Guild awards at the 2021 International Custom Cutlery Expo, he used 1836-layer Damascus and an 1836 half dollar to commemorate the year of Texas’ independence. The Damascus and the guard contained nails from the Mexican meeting house after the Battle of San Jacinto, and the spacer and butt cap were relics from the “Sea of Mud” camp during the Mexican retreat. The handle wood was live oak from the “Sam Houston Runaway Scrape Oak” where Sam knivesillustrated.com

and the Texian Army camped on the ﬁrst night of the Runaway Scrape after the fall of the Alamo. Fry is a lifelong hunter, trapper, and fisherman. In 2003, he found he was skinning so many raccoons that he needed another sharp knife for the job. He remembered a blade he had ground from a file, but set aside, while he had been in high school. He put a handle on that blade and his first knife was completed. Five years later, he was stuck on knifemaking for good. He makes knives both by forging and by stock removal. He often performs the heat treat himself, using a digitally controlled kiln and then using dry ice for cryogenic tempering. His preferred steels include: 1080/1084 carbon steel and CM 154 and AEBL stainless steels. Sometimes he uses ﬁles or other “found” or historic steel. Additionally, he has a home-built power hammer and makes his own Damascus steel out of 1095, 1084, and 15n20. Fry has shared his knifemaking knowledge too as the author of Knifemaking Hacks, and Blade’s Guide to Knife Buying, both published by Caribou Press and as the editor of Next Level Knifemaking.

very well. Although this wouldn’t be my first choice as a dedicated food prep blade, as I said, the knife on my belt needs to be able to do many things.

WHILE THEY LAST The combination of Fry’s design and oversight, together with the manufacturing excellence of White River Knives, has resulted in a knife worthy to be worn on anyone’s belt. It’s a simple design that, upon a close look and time in the field with it, has proven that some real thought went into it. For now, this knife is available only on Fry’s website. My guess is that Fry will have to order more from White River on a consistent basis. I’m holding on to mine and I hope to purchase one for my son for the upcoming hunting season. That’s the only sure way to keep mine from disappearing into his gear bag. KI

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SKANDI FOLDERS

The Helle Nipa features a 2.71-inch blade, back lock, and a curly birchwood handle.

HELLE OF NORWAY INTRODUCES THREE NEW EDC BLADES

s part of its 90th anniversary, Helle of Norway has introduced three new Scandinavian folding knives that honor the brand’s outdoor heritage and age-old Nordic tradition. These new models take many standard features of Helle’s fixed-blade knives and integrate them in compact, lightweight, and durable folders for everyday carry.

Helle’s folding knives each features a drop-point blade with a true Scandinavian grind that distinguishes a Scandinavian knife from all the rest. This creates an acute angle in the blade for a razor-sharp edge that is easy to sharpen and maintain. Beautifully handcrafted wooden handles ensure each knife has its own one-of-akind look. The locking mechanism and stainless steel liners ensure a strong and dependable folder.

NIPA The medium-sized Nipa features a 3.70-inch handle and deploys a small but mighty 2.71-inch 12C27 steel blade. It has a true Scandinavian grind for making all kinds of cuts, plus a contoured curly birchwood handle and reversible carry clip. The Nipa can tackle plenty of everyday tasks and is built to grace your pocket for years to come. MSRP $199

RAUD— Medium & Small The Helle Raud comes in two sizes. Each EDC-sized folder features a handcrafted birchwood handle dyed red to honor its Scandinavian roots, stainless steel liners, and a back lock. The Raud-Medium has a 3.70-inchlong handle with a low profile and an angular shape that provides a solid four-finger grip for mediumsized hands or a comfortable three-finger grip for larger hands. It has a 2.71-inch drop-point blade of 12C27 steel for corrosion resistance and edge retention, and a reversible carry clip. The Scandinavian flat ground edge is easy to maintain and can tackle plenty of tasks. MSRP $149 The Raud-Small is compact EDC folder that features a 2.165-inch 12C27 steel blade and 3.15-inch

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The Raud-Small and Raud-Medium are EDC knives with birchwood handles in the traditional Scandinavian red color.

SOURCE Helle of Norway Helle.com

handcrafted curly birchwood handle that provides for a solid three-finger grip. Each Raud-Small is accompanied by a natural color leather lanyard. MSRP $134

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BUSHCRAFT

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SPECIAL SECTION

BUSHCRAFT

CAPABLE USE THE PROPER TOOLS AND SKILLS FOR SURVIVAL NECESSITY AND CAMP COMFORT BY KI STAFF, PHOTO BY REUBEN BOLIEU

hen you have the proper tools and have learned the necessary skills, you can carve with confidence in any backwoods setting. Whether you’re making a frog gigging spear to catch your dinner in a survival

situation or making a stool for lounging around the campfire, your job will be much easier with the proper blades and techniques to get the job done. In this special section we look at some of the top knives for these tasks and show you how to make best use of them.

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SPECIAL SECTION

BUSHCRAFT

Left: Les Stroud designed both the Foraging Tool and the Survivorman Machete in conjunction with his new PBS television show, Wild Harvest. The author gave both blades a good workout. They’re fun and efficient tools to use. Opposite Page, Top Right: Les Stroud and Chef Paul Rogalski team up on PBS’s Wild Harvest series to make amazing meals from ingredients foraged from around North America. Photo from Les Stroud.

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BUSHCRAFT

KNIVES WILDERNESS AND KITCHEN TOOLS FROM LES STROUD AND CHEF PAUL ROGALSKI STORY BY TIM STETZER, PHOTOS BY TIM STETZER AND EMILY STETZER

hen I heard Les Stroud had a new project and some new blades to go along with it, I was interested. I’ve used and reviewed Les’s other collaborations over the years and was looking forward to seeing the latest designs. When I found out that he was doing this set of tools with L.T. Wright Knives, I was even more excited. I’ve known those guys for years and have always been impressed with their work. The new knives revolve around Les Stroud and Chef Paul Rogalski’s new television show Wild Harvest. Wild Harvest is described as a “foraging and culinary journey through the wilds of North America.” It follows Les finding wild edibles and bringing them back to Paul who turns them into amazing meals. Wild Harvest is broadcast on PBS in the United States, and the first season is also available on Les Stroud’s YouTube channel. Season Two should be airing soon. Two sets of tools have come out of Wild Harvest so far: a machete and a foraging tool designed by Les, and a set of kitchen knives and tools designed by Paul. I got ahold of the machete and foraging tool for some hands-on time and got some info on the kitchen knives.

Global Bushcraft Symposium in Canada back in 2019. Later that year, conversations began on making a Survivorman machete and Les mentioned a new show he was going to be filming, Wild Harvest. L.T. offered to send out an Overland Machete along with a Camp Kitchen set for Les and Paul to try out on the show. After the filming of the first season, they started to work with Paul on the kitchen set and Les on the machete as well as a new foraging tool.

SURVIVORMAN MACHETE

LES MEETS L.T.

Les Stroud’s Survivorman Machete started out as an L.T. Wright Knives Overland Machete, but went through an evolution of prototyping, testing, and tweaking over two years until Les was satisfied enough to label it with the Survivorman name.

Much like the film industry has the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, the knife world has the Six Degrees of Joe Flowers from Global Bushcraft. Joe introduced Les to the crew at L.T. Wright Knives during the

The Survivorman Machete measures 19 ¼ inches overall with a 12 7/8-inch sharpened edge. The blade is 3/32-inch thick 1075 high carbon steel with a dual convex grind. There’s a finer convex edge near the

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SPECIAL SECTION

BUSHCRAFT

handle for carving that fades into a more robust chopping convex near the belly that continues through to the tip. The high carbon steel blade is given some rust and corrosion resistance using a two-stage foodsafe patina. The Survivorman logo is emblazoned on the flat of the blade towards the tip. The 6 ¼-inch handle of natural canvas Micarta is both chemically and mechanically attached to the knife with marine-grade epoxy, stainless screws, and brass nuts. It has a very comfortable, contoured handle with a forward lanyard hole. The Survivorman Machete comes with a very well-made JRE Industries ambidextrous

Top, Left: With roots in the Japanese HoriHori gardening knife, the Foraging Tool has a big, wide 5 ¾-inch blade of A2 tool steel and a trowel-like blade profile. At 11 ½ inches overall it looks shorter due to its wide blade. Top, Right: The Foraging Tool carries the Wild Harvest logo on the blade and L.T. Wright Knives logo on the tang. Bottom, Left: The grips on the Foraging Tool are of burlap Micarta and are large and well contoured. Bottom, Right: The Foraging Tool is made from a single chunk of 5/32-inch-thick A2 tool steel.

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dangler sheath that has a set of removable dual belt loops as well as a large D-ring and multiple lashing points. MSRP on the Survivorman Machete is $269.

WILD HARVEST FORAGING TOOL Les’ Wild Harvest Foraging Tool started life as a traditional Japanese Hori-Hori, which is a kind of a mix of knife and trowel frequently used for gardening. The design evolved through testing into a much more

rugged tool that maintained the heart and purpose of the Hori-Hori. The Foraging Tool is made from a single chunk of 5/32-inch-thick A2 tool steel with a saber grind. It has a broad spear-point blade with an unsharpened swedge that gives a good profile for plunging into even hard soil or clay. The A2 tool steel makes for a very rugged blade that’s still easy to sharpen in the field. The Tool measures 11 ½ inches overall with a 5 ¾-inch sharpened edge. The brown burlap Micarta

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BUSHCRAFT

“WHEN YOU WORK WITH THE SURVIVORMAN MACHETE AND THE WILD HARVEST FORAGING TOOL, YOU CAN TELL THAT A LOT OF THOUGHT AND EXPERIENCE WENT INTO THE DESIGNS.”

SPECS handles are both chemically and mechanically attached to the knife with marine-grade epoxy, stainless screws, and brass nuts. The tool comes with the Wild Harvest logo on the presentation side and Les’ initials on the opposite side. MSRP on the Foraging Tool is $336.

FIELD WORK I had a couple of nice spring days to take the Wild Harvest tools out and put them through their paces. The Survivorman Machete is a handy size

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Above, Left: Dig in! The Foraging Tool is made to dig, so don’t hesitate on plunging that blade into the dirt. It does a good job of moving dirt and cutting through roots to help harvest plants. Top, Right: The Foraging Tool worked well for digging into rotten logs for punk or insects. Bottom, Right: The author used the Foraging Tool to gather bulbs from flowers growing in the woods near his house.

to strap to your pack or wear on your belt if you’re going to be using it a lot around the camp or homestead. The JRE leather sheath is top quality and allows for a variety of carry and mounting methods. The Micarta handle on the machete is well contoured and extremely comfortable. It’s long enough for even the biggest gloved hands and allows for a variety of grips. You can easily choke up on it for detail work, or choke back and give yourself a little bit more

WILD HARVEST FORAGING TOOL Blade Length: 5 ¾ inches Blade Steel: A2 tool steel Grind: Saber grind Finish: Satin finish Overall Length: 11 ½ inches Weight: 15.7 ounces (author’s scale) Handles: Brown burlap Micarta Sheath: None • Handcrafted in Wintersville, Ohio MSRP: $336

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SPECIAL SECTION

BUSHCRAFT

The author always carves a wooden stake shortly after arriving at camp. Just in case.

SPECS SURVIVORMAN MACHETE Blade Length: 12 7/8 inches Blade Steel: 1075 high carbon steel Grind: Dual convex grind Finish: Food-safe two-stage patina Overall Length: 19 ¼ inches Weight: 19.2 ounces (author’s scale) Handles: Natural canvas Micarta Sheath: JRE Industries ambidextrous sheath • Handcrafted in Wintersville, Ohio MSRP: $269

leverage for snap cuts or reach if needed. The dual grind gives you a great edge near the handle that worked well for carving, while the more robust grind on the rest of the blade held up well to chopping and incidental ground contact. I used the machete to clear jagger bushes in the woods near my house. “Jagger” is a Western Pennsylvania catch-all word for any number of thorny plants. I had to look up what people called them in other parts of the country because around here they’re

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Top, Left: The Survivorman Machete made short work of branches for kindling or stakes. Center, Left: The machete comes with a top-quality leather sheath from JRE Industries out of Schaumburg, Illinois. Bottom, Left: The JRE sheath for the machete has removable danglers that allow a variety of carry and attachment options. Top, Right: The fine edge near the handle of the machete made carving easy.

jagger bushes. Either way, the Survivorman Machete did a nice job on them. Snap cuts were easy and the keen edge sliced through them with ease. I had enough length to the blade too to fling aside the cut pieces and get them off the trail without having to touch them. I also cut up a bunch of branches in the 1-inch diameter range that would be good for kindling or shelter building. I sharpened some stakes as well, which is usually one of the first things I

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BUSHCRAFT

The Survivorman Machete is a little over 19 inches in length with a blade that’s just shy of 13 inches. The blade is made from 1075 high carbon steel and is finished with a two-stage, foodsafe patina. The Survivorman logo is proudly emblazoned on the flat of the machete blade.

“THEY AREN’T FLASHY, BUT THEY SIMPLY WORK WELL, AND THE EXECUTION OF THE DESIGNS BY L.T. WRIGHT KNIVES IS FLAWLESS.” do when I hit camp. My buddies laugh at me sometimes for that, but we haven’t gotten attacked by vampires yet, so who gets the last laugh there? When notching and carving the stakes, I had surprisingly good control for this being such a large blade, thanks in large part to the excellent handle design, and thin blade grind near the handle. Once I cleared my path into the woods, I pulled out the Foraging Tool to see what it could do. As it didn’t come with a sheath, I

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hand-crafted an artisan-quality cardboard and duct tape blade cover so that I could safely carry the tool in my daypack. Ask anyone who knows me, I’m a master with cardboard and duct tape. Leather is a passing fad; I’m ahead of the curve on its replacement. The Foraging Tool is a neat critter. It has its obvious Hori-Hori roots, but it’s extremely sturdy and well made. The wide blade is almost shovel-like and in fact it works great for digging. I used it to

Top, Left: The Micarta scales of the machete have a fit and finish well above what most people would expect for a machete. Bottom, Left: The Survivorman Machete was very efficient at cutting up branches for kindling and stakes.

Right: The Survivorman Machete was handy and well balanced. The big, well-contoured handle on the machete made it very comfortable to use, even for extended periods of time.

harvest some flower bulbs for my wife. I’ll admit that I hesitated a minute before plunging the Foraging Tool into the ground because it really is a finely built custom blade. It’s made for work, though, so I got over that and dug in with vigor. The big handle is comfortable and worked well with or without work gloves and in a variety of holds. Harvesting plants is obviously a primary task for it, but I was thinking that it would also work great for digging cat holes,

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BUSHCRAFT

CHEF PAUL ROGALSKI SIGNATURE COLLECTION I stuck to my wheelhouse with the field knives for the main part of this article, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about the kitchen side of Wild Harvest and Chef Paul Rogalski’s Signature Collection knives. Chef Paul Rogalski is the co-owner and chief culinary officer at Calgary’s acclaimed Rouge Restaurant, which is on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Chef Paul works with locally sourced ingredients and, together with Les, uses that background to create amazing meals with ingredients from the world around us. Chef Paul’s Kitchen Series consists of four knives: an 8-inch chef knife, a 10inch slicing knife, a 6-inch boning knife, and a 2 1/8-inch turning knife. All of the knives are made from AEB-L stainless steel and feature L.T. Wright’s distinctive Grind Thru Cutlery grind. This grind is described as “where the entire knife is tapered from the spine to the cutting edge and then is chisel ground to make a very powerful cutting geometry.”

They have brown burlap Micarta handles that are chemically and mechanically attached to the knife with marinegrade epoxy and stainless screws and brass nuts just like L.T.’s field knives. The knives have the Wild Harvest logo on one side of the blade and Chef Paul’s initials on the opposite side. You can buy the knives individually, with prices running from $185 to $290, but if you buy the whole set, you probably want to check out the Chef Paul Knife Roll to carry them in. The knife roll is crafted by the artisans at JRE Industries of genuine leather with a live edge so that each roll has unique characteristics. The inner side of the roll is soft to protect the knives and there are custom Kydex inserts molded to each knife in each tool slot. The Kydex is removable for cleaning. The roll comes with a removable leather strop to keep your edges fine-tuned, and there’s an adjustable and removable carry strap. The Knife Roll is $375 without knives, but if you’re all in on the set, you may as well get the best to carry them.

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Above, Left: Chef Paul Rogalski’s 8-inch chef knife made by L.T. Wright Knives. L.T. Wright photo.

Above, Right: The Wild Harvest Kitchen Set can be carried in the Chef Paul Knife Roll made by JRE Industries. L.T. Wright photo

making drainage trenches around your tent or shelter, or digging fire pits. I also attacked some rotten logs to get to some dry punk for fire starting and to look for insects for bait or to eat in a pinch, but I’m no Paul Rogalski, so I didn’t sample the bugs this time.

BOUNTIFUL HARVEST OF BLADES

CONTACT INFO WildHarvestFilms.com LTWrightKnives.com

When you work with the Survivorman Machete and the Wild Harvest Foraging Tool, you can tell that a lot of thought and experience went into the designs. They aren’t flashy, but they simply work well, and the execution of the designs by L.T. Wright Knives is flawless. The Foraging Tool is fairly unique and that broad blade draws knife nerds like moths to a flame. As soon as you pull it out, people want to mess with it. With these two tools and maybe a smaller fixed blade or folder, you’d be extremely well-equipped for whatever adventures that the wilderness threw at you. KI

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Overall 7 5/8", 3” Blade, 1 1/8” Width, 5/32” Thick.

Knifemaker: Bidinger Knives

CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE Hole sizes: Bolster 1/8", Handle 1/4", Lanyard 1/4". FINISH PRICE CITGO Oil 1 gal. BS201 $51.95 CAT.# STEEL 1095 Stonewash $27.45 CITGO Oil 5 gal. BS205 $169.95 J3196 BS301 PARK’S 50 Oil 1 gal. $56.95 80CrV2 Steel BS305 PARK’S 50 Oil 5 gal. $212.95 The high carbon, chrome-vanadium BS401 PARK’S AAA Oil 1 gal. $44.95 chemical composition makes BS405 PARK’S AAA Oil 5 gal. $159.95 Pattern #3 Blade 80CrV2 a good steel for knives. Overall 7", 2 1/2” Blade, 1” Width, 5/32” Thick. Hole sizes: Bolster 1/8", Handle 1/8", Lanyard 1/4". Machines easy, has great edge Metal Powders STEEL FINISH PRICE retention, wear resisitance, and 325 mesh metal powders - perfect CAT.# toughness. Aim Hardness 57. for creating your own mokume, J3828 D2 Satin $38.45 G10 Liners Chemistry:C .85, Cr .60, Mn .50, Si adding inlays, or cold casting J3838 CPM® S30V® Satin $49.45 .30, Ni .40, Mo .10, P .025, S .020 Available in two thicknesses, 1/64” or parts for your next project. Metal SIZE LENGTH PRICE powders of 1084, 1095 or 1080 with 1/32”. 5” x 10” G10 Spacer Material CAT# Specify thickness & color when CZ0615 3/32” x 1 1/2” 18” $8.95 a 2% pure nickel or 4% pure nickel ordering $7.95 Each CZ0620 3/32” x 2” 18” $11.95 mix for making canister damascus. Pattern #21 Blade Overall 7 3/4", 3” Blade, 1 1/8” Width, 5/32” Thick. CZ0815 1/8” x 1 1/2” 18” $9.75 Hole sizes: Bolster 1/8", Handle 1/4", Lanyard 1/4". CZ0820 1/8” x 2” 18” $12.95 CAT.# STEEL FINISH PRICE CZ1015 5/32” x 1 1/2” 18” $12.15 440C Satin J2108 $37.35 CZ1020 5/32” x 2” 18” $16.25 D2 Satin J2128 $37.35 CZ1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” 18” $14.65 CZ1220 3/16” x 2” 18” $19.50 Save time and money CZ1615 1/4” x 1 1/2” 18” $19.25 when you select Norton Vulcanized Fiber CZ1620 1/4” x 2” 18” $25.65 Blaze or BlueFire belts, Set of 10 - One of each color which last 50 to 200 percent longer CV0615 3/32” x 1 1/2” 36” $15.40 #MI995 - $12.95 than comparable belts. Blaze belts CV0620 3/32” x 2” 36” $20.50 G-10 Rods are also offered in 1” x 30”, 1” x 42” CV0815 1/8” x 1 1/2” 36” $16.85 and 2” x 48”. CV0820 1/8” x 2” 36” $22.45 CAT# METAL SIZE PRICE CV1015 5/32” x 1 1/2” 36” $20.95 PSBR2 Brass 2 lb $33.95 CV1020 5/32” x 2” 36” $27.95 PSCU2 Copper 2 lb $39.95 CV1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” 36” $25.25 PSBZ2 Bronze 2 lb $39.95 CV1220 3/16” x 2” 36” $33.65 PSNS2 Nickel Silver 2 lb $68.95 CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE CV1615 1/4” x 1 1/2” 36” $32.95 PSBR5 Brass 5 lb $73.95 NA72036 2” x 72”..36 grit $12.95 CV1620 1/4” x 2” 36” $43.95 Knife PSCU5 Copper 5 lb $97.95 NA72050 2” x 72”..50 grit $12.95 Maker: 15N20 PSBZ5 Bronze 5 lb $84.95 NA72060 2” x 72”..60 grit $10.45 Bidinger With a 2% high nickel content, PSNS5 Nickel Silver 5 lb $143.95 NA72080 2” x 72”..80 grit $10.45 Knives .. $9.95 15N20 is the layer of steel that PSNI1 Pure Nickel 1 lb $45.95 NA72120 2” x 72” 120 grit G-10 colors rods used for pinning produces the bright contrast 1084 5 lbs $28.95 handles. Offered in three diameters all for making Damascus. Typical PS845 PS955 1095 5 lbs $29.95 CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE with 12” lengths. chemistry:C .75, Mn .40, Si .30, PS802 1080 w/2% Ni 5 lbs $29.95 NA8036 CAT# COLOR SIZE PRICE Ni 2.00, P max .020, S max .010 2” x 72”..36 grit $9.95 PS804 1080 w/4% Ni 5 lbs $31.95 NA8050 2” x 72”..50 grit $8.50 MI28411 Blue 1/8” $4.99 CAT# SIZE LENGTH PRICE .. 1084 25 lbs $142.95 NA8060 2” x 72” 60 grit $7.95 MI28071 Lime Green 1/8” $4.99 XN152 .049” x 1 1/2” 12” $4.50 PS841 .. 2” x 72” 80 grit $7.50 PS951 1095 25 lbs $142.95 NA8080 MI28211 Red 1/8” $4.99 XN252 .049” x 2” 12” $5.50 .. 2” x 72” 120 grit NA8120 $6.50 MI28311 Orange 1/8” $4.99 XN198 .095” x 1 1/2” 18” $12.95 Knifemakers 3/16” x 12” Mosaic Pins MI23411 Blue 3/16” $5.99 XN298 .095” x 2” 18” $14.95 Center MI23071 Lime Green 3/16” $5.99 XN118 .120” x 1 1/2” 18” $14.95 MI23211 Red 3/16” $5.99 XN218 .120” x 2” 18” $17.95 Scribe MI23311 Orange 3/16” $5.99 Shown XN196 .090” x 1 1/2” 36” $26.95 #MP300 #MP310 #MP320 #MP330 marking .090” x 2” 36” $31.95 MI24411 Blue 1/4” $6.99 XN296 CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE 36” $33.95 center in steel MI24071 Lime Green 1/4” $6.99 XN116 .120” x 1 1/2” Morning Star $23.95 MP300 .120” x 2” 36” $37.95 MI24211 Red 1/4” $6.99 XN216 Lucky Clover $23.95 Scribe the center lines as a guide MP310 MI24311 Orange 1/4” $6.99 Speeding Bullet $30.95 for grinding knife blades. Can be MP320 1084 High Carbon Steel West System Adhesives Sunrise Glory $30.95 adjusted from 0-1/2” with 1/32” per MP330 1084 Forging Steel is an excellent revolution using the fine adjustment steel for beginning knife makers screw. Uses a Carbide tip. G/Flex® and professionals alike. An ideal CAT.# Epoxy DESCRIPTION PRICE choice for forging and for layering Center Scribe JS305 $39.95 with 15N20 for Damascus. Hot JS307 Replace Carbide Tip $9.95 rolled and annealed.

G5 Epoxy WEST SYSTEM G-FLEX EPOXY is a toughened, resilient two-part epoxy engineered for superior grip. G-Flex absorbs the stresses of expansion, contraction, shock and vibration. Cures in 3-4 hours. G5 EPOXY is a fast curing epoxy for quick repairs, tooling and general bonding. Cures in 3-5 mins. CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE WE6508 G-Flex Liquid 8oz $26.95 WE8654 G5 5 Minute Epoxy $25.95

Chemistry:C .80/.93, Mn .60/.90 CAT# SIZE LENGTH PRICE XW1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” 18” $13.23 XW1220 3/16” x 2” 18” $19.26 XW1240 3/16” x 4” 18” $33.75 XW1615 1/4” x 1 1/2” 18” $19.26 XW1620 1/4” x 2” 18” $22.89 XW1640 1/4” x 4” 18” $48.24 XV1215 3/16” x 1 1/2” XV1220 3/16” x 2” XV1240 3/16” x 4” XV1615 1/4” x 1 1/2” XV1620 1/4” x 2” XV1640 1/4” x 4”

36” 36” 36” 36” 36” 36”

$24.09 $33.75 $63.94 $33.75 $48.24 $90.51

Hardened File Guide

Precision machined from A-2 tool steel and hardened to 62RHC. Overall 3.250”, maximum blade width 2”, each jaw is 3/8” x 3/4”. Made in USA. CAT.# DESCRIPTION PRICE File Guide FG101 $49.95

Heavy Duty Red Canvas Handle with Lucky Clover Mosaic Pin 1/4” x 12” Mosaic Pins

#MP485

CAT.# MP440 MP405 MP400 MP430

#MP405

#MP400

DESCRIPTION Silver Star Circle Of Light Pandora’s Box Full House

#MP430

PRICE $45.95 $45.95 $45.95 $45.95

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BUSHCRAFT

TOOLS FOR CAMP OR SURVIVAL, IT’S HARD TO BEAT A GOOD SAW STORY AND PHOTOS BY REUBEN BOLIEU

ome people would say that multitools have no soul. Lacking is that desire to sit on the couch while watching TV and repeatedly deploy our needle-nose pliers, screwdrivers, bottle opener, and small blade if it has one.

The same could be said about a folding saw. Both examples don’t have that cool factor that a folding knife or fixed blade does. However, they are often the most practical tools for many tasks in the backyard or a wilderness setting. Most people who first get bit by the “survival bug” get caught up in its romance rather than its likeliness. The idea of chopping through the forest with machetes and axes or getting an instant fire started often dances around in our heads. We gear up and set out to battle with nature, often with two or three of everything, just in case. Is a folding saw included in the kit?

CALORIC TRADE-OFF Processing wood, making hunting blinds, shelters, fire, and general campcraft can be done in the survival spirit with a large chopping tool, which makes a lot of commotion, thus giving ourselves away and scaring off wildlife—both two- and four-legged. Chopping comes with a great expenditure of calories to accomplish similar results produced with the smooth, quiet motion of a saw. The work we do must produce greater results than the calories spent. I like to think of the saw as a stealthy cutter.

34 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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“CHOPPING COMES WITH A GREAT EXPENDITURE OF CALORIES TO ACCOMPLISH SIMILAR RESULTS PRODUCED WITH THE SMOOTH, QUIET MOTION OF A SAW.”

PROPER SAW USE A saw will easily outcut an axe or large chopping blade. A saw will not slice bread, split or chop wood, blaze a trail, or skin game, yet its attributes are just as rewarding. When using a large chopping blade such as a machete or heavy knife, it is possible to have a few bad swings that produce no results but waste energy. However, every pull counts with a saw, and there is less wasted motion or risk of injury. To use a saw correctly is to use a saw safely. When first attempting to cut a downed log lying on the ground, make sure it isn’t too large for the saw’s blade. When making the initial cut with the saw, place the blade where you want it, and place your free hand (left hand if you are right-handed), on the right side of the saw blade and grip the log, crossing over your saw blade.

Reaching over the blade with a free hand is a safe way to use a saw. The Corona 10inch folding saw made short work of cutting through hardwood in a California survival class.

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This may seem a little awkward at first, but if and when the saw blade skips out while establishing the cut, it will only rub against the left inner forearm with the spine and be safe. Most people will place their free hand near the saw blade when making the initial cut, and if the saw blade skips around while trying to establish itself in the log, it will leave the most uneven gash on the top of the knuckles of the free hand. I have seen more cuts on the hands of others and myself from saw teeth skipping around and landing on the knuckles than from a knife. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 35

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Use the cross-arm method until the top of the saw blade (spine) is deep in the wood, and then adjust to the more natural, comfortable grip with the free hand. We want a saw that shreds through wood, but getting cut in the process is counterproductive. Speed is of the essence, but safety is paramount. Cutting branches hanging up off the ground (green or dry) can be done neatly by first holding the branch safely and securely with the free hand and making a cut on the underside first, maybe about three to four pull-strokes. Then complete the sawing from the top, and the branch will break cleanly without the bark stripping off unevenly. Use the knee method, often called the plumbers vice, when sawing long branches and wood that is

Above: This sawing technique is called a knee-bend cut or plumbers vice. The inexpensive Dollar General folding saw wasn’t bad and was worth trying out. Right: The author cut 4-inch-diameter oak with the Corona 7-inch Razor Tooth Saw. The ergonomic handle is comfortable with or without gloves.

OPPOSITE PAGE Top: Three Survival folding saws: Bohco 7-inch, Dollar General, and Corona Razor Tooth 10-inch. All were formidable tools during the author’s review. Bottom: The Bahco 7-inch folding saw is one of bushcraft’s most identifiable and used saws. This lightweight folding saw has become the industry standard with its smaller teeth, providing a smooth sawing action.

36 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

not attached to a tree. Simply kneel with one knee on the ground and place the wood in the bend of the standing leg (right leg if righthanded). This technique will help secure the wood and the free hand holding the other end.

Compared to swinging a machete, tomahawk, hatchet, big knife, or axe, using a saw is safer for the people around us. Cutting overhead with a saw is safer than with a hatchet or machete. In a book on woodcraft, I read that there are no

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BUSHCRAFT

“FAST CUTTING IS A JUDICIOUS COMBINATION OF THE SPEED WITH WHICH THE SAW MOVES BACK AND FORTH AND THE DOWNWARD FORCE ON THE BLADE.” minor injuries with a hatchet or axe; this is true, so use the saw for cutting branches up high!

SAW-OFF I have used the same three folding saws for several years to see how they fared against each other over time. The Bahco Laplander 7-inch is considered the industry standard that almost every conversation begins and ends with about folding saws. Additionally, I used the large Corona Razor Tooth Saw 10-inch and a cheaper model I observed featured in a saw-off video online. It was a green-handled 7-inch pruning saw from the Dollar General store and had almost no identifying marks or brands on it, yet in the video, it kept up with some of the other big names out there.

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“A SAW WILL EASILY OUTCUT AN AXE OR LARGE CHOPPING BLADE ... EVERY PULL COUNTS WITH A SAW, AND THERE IS LESS WASTED MOTION OR RISK OF INJURY. ”

PERFECT COMBO: BIG SAW, SMALL AXE The combination of using a larger saw in conjunction

Above: During a saw-off competition in Harriman State Park, New York, the author put his Corona Razor Tooth 7-inch folding saw against a Bahco 7-inch folding saw. The Corona had the edge on hard oak with its larger, aggressive teeth.

with a smaller axe, hatchet, or tomahawk is a very practical one. Larger diameter hardwood is easier to cut to size with a saw than an axe. Not only is it faster and safer, but it makes less noise. The quieter we are in the forest, the more wildlife we may see and the less attention we will bring to ourselves. If you are like me, I like the seclusion of the woods, especially on a solo trip. I’d rather not have a lot of people meddling around my camp looking for the giant woodpecker making all those chopping sounds. For some of you out there, silence in an escape and evasion scenario is the difference between life and death, but most of us are just out camping and not hiding from deadly forces. 38 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

OPPOSITE PAGE Top: Once the saw blade has completely cleared the wood, it is safe to place the free hand in a more comfortable place on the wood. Center: The Corona Razor Tooth Saw with a 7-inch blade has large teeth compared to the Bahco folding saw. As a bonus, the saw has a very sharp 90-degree-angle spine for scraping bark and striking a ferro rod. Bottom: Heavy-duty folding buck saw handcrafted and designed by Bob Dustrude in Northern Minnesota. The 21-inch saw weighs only 15 ounces.

My results had the Bahco as king of the smaller diameter pieces of wood due to its smaller teeth, which allowed for very smooth cutting. The Dollar General saw did well, better than expected. The teeth were larger than the Bahco, and the handle had a curve to it like all pruning saws, which gave it a fair amount of leverage. The real wood-shredder was the larger 10-inch bladed Corona Razor Tooth. The teeth are large, and the blade is also dramatically curved like the handle. The Corona handle had more options for gripping and a very easy-to-see color. It was big but worth the extra weight and bulk, especially when used to cut enough wood for the fire in the wintertime.

HONORABLE MENTIONS My most used folding saws are those of my Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Hiker and One-Handed Trekker. They are small and handy, yet very sharp and effective on green and dry wood.

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A 7-inch blade version of the Corona Razor Tooth Saw also features all the same ergonomics as its big brother but in a smaller compact size. The Silky Pocket Boy was used for the saw-off, but I couldn’t give it a fair assessment because the tip broke off before the saw-off. However, it cut smoothly and would have been a great force to be reckoned with and a contender. A folding saw cuts through wood very efficiently and usually fits in a cargo pocket. Due to the way saw blades are stamped out, the spine is usually left fairly sharp and can be used to spark a ferrocerium rod. When paired with another tool for splitting and doing light-medium chopping, most of the bases for wood processing are covered. The folding saw is the ultimate team player in a survival or camp situation.

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FOLDING BUCK SAW The Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw is one tool I want to take when it’s time to head for the hills; this is no ordinary buck saw. This saw is entirely made in the USA, constructed of high tensile extruded aluminum and hardwood for a lifetime of heavy use. The 21-inch model is light at about 15 ounces, yet hard-use and bush ready. It has a very rounded, comfortable wood handle. There are only two assembly parts to this saw, no wing nuts or bolts to lose, and it assembles with one hand. Keeping things practical, the Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw accepts any standard 21-inch bow saw blade. These are only some of the features that make Bob’s saw one of today’s best folding buck saws.

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SPECS BAHCO FOLDING SAW

SAWING WITH BOB When using a buck saw, there is a lot of tension put on the tool, the work, and the body. A saw frame should be heavy-duty enough to keep the saw blade straight under significant tension, and some believe it is rare to find a collapsible saw that meets this criterion. Using the Bob Dustrude saw provides comfort in knowing it’s the right tool for the job. When cutting with a buck saw, reach inside the bow section and grasp the wood being cut, which supports the wood and is an added measure of safety, should the saw skip and land on top of the hand and fingers. Once the saw blade is visually inside the wood, it is safe to put the support hand back in a more natural place and continue the cut as done with a folding saw. The space between the saw blade and the aluminum frame will determine how wide the diameter of logs can be cut. If the log can be rolled freely, it can cut through twice the diameter. The length of any saw blade will indicate how fast it will cut. A longer blade will

Top, Left: Here is the Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw along with a Mora 510 sheath knife and 14-inch Tramontina Bolo Machete. Trios such as this have been used by woodsmen for at least a decade, having one tool to cut large diameter wood, one tool to split it, and one tool for carving. Top, Right: The proper way to use a buck saw is to reach in the bow to start the cut, and then once the saw blade is deep in the wood, the position can be changed. Bottom, Right: Easyto-see instructions printed directly on the wood handle. This saw is more comfortable to use bare-handed in colder weather because the wood doesn’t conduct the cold as much as metal.

SOURCES Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw FrostRiver.com Bahco Bahco.com Corona CoronaToolsUSA.com

40 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

have a longer stroke, thus cutting through wood faster. The saw I used featured a 21-inch blade; naturally, the 30-inch blade would cut faster. Use the weight of the saw first, and then eventually put some downward force with the wrist of the hand holding the saw. The late bushcraft and wilderness survival instructor Mors Kochanski wrote a great book called “Bushcraft: Outdoors Skills and Wilderness Survival,” with a very in-depth section on saw craft. He wrote, “Fast cutting is a judicious combination of the speed with which the saw moves back and forth and the downward force on the blade. If too much force is used, you will tire quickly. A full-length stroke is worth three short ones that take twice the effort.”

USEFUL TOOL The Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw is perfect for canoeing, camping, horse packing, trail maintenance, backpacking, permanent camps, and wilderness travel. Each saw is handmade in the USA and is the most efficient portable buck saw out there. KI

Blade Length: 7.5 inches Blade Material: Stainless steel Handle Material: Plastic over rubber Color: Green/black Made In: Sweden MSRP: $30

CORONA RAZOR TOOTH SAW Blade Length: 7 inches / 10 inches Blade Material: Stainless steel Handle Material: Plastic over rubber Color: Red/black Made In: Korea MSRP: $33.15 (7-inch); $37.60 (10-inch)

DOLLAR GENERAL GENERIC SAW Blade Length: 7 inches Blade Material: Stainless steel Handle Material: Plastic over rubber Color: Green/black Made In: China MSRP: $4

BOB DUSTRUDE QUICK BUCK SAW Blade Length: 21 inches Blade Material: Stainless steel Handle Material: Oak/aluminum Color: Natural Made In: USA MSRP: $85

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Chris Reeve Knives

FROM THE BACKCOUNTRY TO HOME

THE INYONI ORDER AT CHRISREEVE.COM

SCARED OR PREPARED? In this size, the F1x Elmax is one of our best knives. It’s strong, sharp and safe, what else can you ask for? Low price? Quality knives are never cheap.

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PRODUCT DETAILS:

F1x Elmax

Total length (mm) 220 Blade length (mm) 102 Blade thickness (mm) 5 Weight (knife) 222 g Blade profile Convex Steel Elmax Hardness (HRC) 61-62 Handle material Thermorun Sheath Zytel

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BUSHCRAFT

KNIFE TAKE YOUR BUSHCRAFTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH THESE TECHNIQUES STORY AND PHOTOS BY REUBEN BOLIEU

here is a right and a wrong way to do things, whether you’re swinging a hammer, golf club, baseball bat, or machete. Technique, in general, allows us to execute a specific task over a long period of time without injury, producing maximum results. Use and practice these knife grips to ensure safe and efficient cutting. Technique beats all!

SAFETY FIRST Working with tools always requires a safety brieﬁng, especially when it’s a tool that can cause great injury and bodily harm to the user or onlooker. Several tips and procedures have been adopted for knife use and safety through books and teachings. One general term is the blood circle, which teaches that a person with arm stretched out should be able to make a complete circle with the knife or other sharp tool in hand and be clear of any person or pets. It isn’t stressed enough that this should also include tarps, backpacks, tents, and water containers. The blood triangle, more dramatically known as the death triangle, pertains primarily to sitting and carving. Do not use any portion of your leg as your backstop or cutting board. When removing large amounts of wood,

42 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

cut oﬀ to the side of your body on your dominant knifehand side. Or, lean forward, resting your forearms and elbow on your knees with your work project and knife out of your blood triangle. However, don’t forget the blood circle. Some knife cuts, such as a pull-cut, allow you to cut towards yourself in a controlled, slow way. For the most part, cut away from yourself.

FOREHAND (FIST) GRIP The most basic, natural grip we use to grip things securely is a forehand grip. This grip is for power cutting and removing a lot of material to reduce wood and to rough shape. The knife is held with all fingers curled around the handle like a fist. The thumb is not on the spine. Most people’s natural habit is putting their thumb on the knife’s spine—don’t.

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BUSHCRAFT

Bushcraft knives can accomplish many tasks to help us be self-sufficient. A bushcraft knife is an essential tool for all bushcraft tasks.

“I FEEL ANY KNIFE THAT IS NOT TOO LARGE IN STATURE OR TOO WEIGHTY AND THAT CAN BE HELD COMFORTABLY AND RESHARPENED EASILY IS A GOOD CANDIDATE.”

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Holding your work (wood) off to the side, safely with the blade tip pointing up slightly, slice from the base of the blade to the tip. Lock your wrist and elbow, and move from the shoulder as if punching down through the floor. The basic motion looks like shrugging your shoulder. Another good adaptation of this technique is to pull the wood back against the knife, using your work/project hand. PRO TIP: This is not a jarring of the elbow motion.

CHEST-LEVER GRIP The chest-lever grip is a typical palm-up grip in bushcrafting. This is used for powerful, controlled cuts. It uses the lat muscles with the power coming from leveraging against the body. The knife blade is turned, facing out and away towards the right (if right-handed) with the palm facing up.

Top, Left: The followthrough cut of a chest-lever grip keeps the forearms glued to your body. This honors the blood circle safety rules. Top, Right: Chestlever grip provides a powerful cut that happens right under your eyes yet is safe. This palm-up power cut is great for carving through knots and hardwood. Bottom, Left: Thumbassisted push cut on a common seven-notch for a stake. This is a very controlled cut using a palm-up grip. Bottom, Right: In a standing position, the forehand grip (fist grip) generates power from locking the wrist and elbow and using punching down motion from the shoulder. The blood circle must be kept in mind with this powerful cut.

44 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

Grip the knife, thumb on the handle or side of the blade while the other hand holds the work. Once the edge makes contact where you want to cut, the shoulders are rotated forward, and the hands are then pulled apart by the shoulders opening up, leveraging against the torso.

hinge in a cutting motion (like scissors), using the thumb of the non-knife handle to push the back of the knife into the wood. It has a short cutting span, soft to medium power, and maximum control. A more controlled, detailed version of the chest-lever grip is this thumb-assisted push cut.

NOTE: The hands are still connected to the ribs. Imagine a chicken walking. The forehand and chest-lever grip provide powerful cuts for removing a lot of wood.

PEELING GRIP

THUMB-ASSISTED PUSH CUT This grip is also known as a scissor grip cut. The wood and the knife mimic the scissors’ appearance and movement from an overhead view. This is a thumb-assisted push cut utilizing the non-cutting hand’s thumb. The knife and wood

This grip is called a draw grip, apple peeling grip, or paring grip. It is a more detailed, finishing cut, not a powerful one. It’s used to finish the ends of a spoon handle, the top of the spoon bowl, chamfering a tent stake, and trimming wood to be flat. Hold the knife in a reverse grip with the blade facing you. Holding the back of the knife handle in your fingers, placing your thumb of the same hand on

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BUSHCRAFT

“THE KNIFE IS THE SMALLEST AND MOST PORTABLE OF ALL THE CUTTING TOOLS. LIGHT AND UNOBTRUSIVE, THE KNIFE IS READILY AVAILABLE FOR HUNDREDS OF EVERYDAY TASKS…” the back end of the work, and using your other hand to clasp the work. Ensure the thumb of the knife hand is out of the path of the blade as you close your hand making a loose fist, providing a slow controlled cut. NOTE: This grip is handy for delicate carving and finishing the ends of items.

BUSHCRAFT BATONING A knife is not a chopping tool as it has no weight behind it. However, if the back of the knife is struck with something heavy, it can make suitable cuts. Any stout,

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Above, Left: Sitting, the author honors the blood triangle by using this power cut off to the side. Power is generated from the shoulder, and caution is given to living things and gear as well. Top, Right: The start of a peeling grip shows the thumb under and out of the blade’s path Bottom, Right: Using a peeling grip, the knife passes the thumb as it follows through. This is common for flattening the end of a digging stick, as seen here.

heavy stick that is comfortable to hold is a baton. It will assist a knife in cutting down and limbing small trees and making many cutting operations easier. Branches and small saplings can be cut down with a knife and baton in a few minutes. What makes batoning “bushcraft batoning?” Simply, it’s using a baton for controlled cross-grain stop cuts, V-notches, and splitting wood that is no wider than your wrist in diameter. Limbing branches off a standing or downed tree can

quickly be done with a baton and is safer than using an axe.

BEAVER CHEW Cutting a green or dry branch to the desired size while leaving a somewhat rounded end for pounding into the ground is accomplished with the beaver chew. This method for cutting through any stick is to make a series of cuts (nicks) around it. The thicker the stick, the more time is required to be repeated a few times, each time cutting

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BUSHCRAFT Bushcraft batoning to trim the ends of a fork. This is well within the acceptable parameters of batoning with a bushcraft knife, even if it is not full tang.

A thumb-assisted push cut (scissor cut) is the author’s go-to grip for carving, reducing materials, opening packages, and easily transferring over to a chest-lever grip.

SCANDINAVIAN GRIND Commonly referred to as a “Scandi,” this grind is found mainly on Scandinavian-made knives such as the Puukko and more commercialized Morakniv knives, primarily used for woodwork and general utility in Denmark, Finland, Estonia, and Sweden. Scandinavian ground knives have influenced knifemakers worldwide. Several knife grinds are available on the market, and the major ones include convex, flat, Scandi, saber, and hollow. However, it is often a choice between Scandi, flat, and convex for bushcraft. The primary job of a bushcraft blade is to cut deeply, making it ideal for carving and removing large amounts of wood. The Scandi, due to its single bevel and zero grind, has an excellent cutting ability, as there is no change in the angle that can cause friction. However, the wedge created by the intersecting planes hampers the blade when cutting into thick materials. Try a Scandinavian grind and compare it to other grinds when bushcrafting and judge how well it excels for you.

The author is seen beaver chewing through a thick piece of dry beech. The process can be done through one side, or the work can be turned over and tackled from the opposite side.

deeper. When the cut is half or twothirds through the stick, break it oﬀ and trim the end.

TENSION CUTTING SAPLINGS Here is another knife technique used to take down small green trees up to wrist size in thickness: Applying tension, bend the tree, and with one hand, hold firmly. At the bend point, where there is the most stress is where the cut is started at a 45-degree angle. No sawing action is required, just a rocking back and forth motion of the blade, cutting the fibers under

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Top, Right: The result of a beaver chewing through wood leaves a rounded end for utensils or to hammer in the ground for stakes. This easy bush fork was made and cut to size with a beaver chew. Center, Right: Cutting a small tree down with a knife is an easy task when done right. The hand holding the tree should not be positioned too far out. Holding the tree about 12 inches from the initial cut gives the author more control of the falling sapling. Bottom, Right: The author uses a small baton to cut a V-notch, cross-grain, in a large branch. When a hatchet or saw is not available, this method will help cut larger pieces of wood down to size.

tension. The most important part of this is the end of the cut when the tree is ready to snap. Restrain the tree from falling prematurely, requiring more work than is necessary to finish the cut. If done correctly, this should take no more than 10 seconds. This method applies to long saplings cut from trees that need to be sectioned. It’s accomplished by stepping on the top of the sapling, holding it in place, and bending the sapling over the thigh or hip. The cut is made at the bend, being careful not to cut any part of the body during the follow-through.

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This is a good example of splitting wrist-thick wood with a baton. A stout 4-inch blade proved to be sufficient.

Tilting the knife so the tip points up or down, will produce curly shavings. Straight 90-degree cuts with a Scandinavian grind will produce thick, wide straight cuts, not the curls needed.

FEATHER STICKING Shaved pieces of deadwood that can be used as tinder (if made very thin) and kindling is known as a feather stick or fuzz stick. Although there are a variety of techniques to accomplish this, here is the most basic version. Start with a forehand grip and resist every urge to place the thumb of your knife hand on the spine. Using jimping or a jimping grip gives uneven pressure and often is the cause why feathers don’t stay on the stick. Think ahead when reducing green wood for carving

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projects and keep the shavings no matter how thick they may be for making a fire. Greenwood shaved thinly will dry out fast. Make them thin, if possible, or keep larger shavings to use as kindling. Multiuse and getting the most out of everything we work on and cut is true bushcrafting!

THE BUSH KNIFE “The knife is the smallest and most portable of all the cutting tools. Light and unobtrusive, the knife is readily available for hundreds of everyday tasks in bush living.” —Mors Kochanski

Above, Left: An icepick grip can be used to split small pieces of wood for a one-stick fire, progressively splitting the wood thinner. Like a hatchet technique, the knife and wood come down on a hard surface together, and a slight twist splits the wood. Above, Center: When making a feather stick, start as close to the top as possible and carve down with the tip of the knife pointed slightly upward. This will give the feathers more curls, and the knife will have less resistance when slicing.

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BUSHCRAFT Two proper bushcraft knives that both fit the criteria of the famed Mors Kochanski book Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival. The Morakniv Classic No. 1 (bottom) is undoubtedly the featured knife in the diagrams. The Bear Forest Knives “Simple” is the full-tang American equivalent of the Morakniv classics #1 and #2.

GOOD CHOICES Here are a couple of good choices in knives to get started in bushcraft basics:

MORAKNIV Model: Classic No. 1 Overall/Blade Length: 7.75 inches/3.90 inches Thickness: 2.5 mm Steel: Carbon Finish: Satin Grind: Scandinavian zero grind Handle: Red-stained birch Sheath: Black polymer Weight: 2.5 ounces (with sheath) Made in: Sweden MSRP: $36.99 Morakniv.se • Info@Morakniv.se

BEAR FOREST KNIVES Model: The Simple Overall/Blade Length: 8 inches/4 inches Thickness: 1/16 inch Steel: 52100 high carbon Grind: Scandinavian zero grind Finish: Rock tumbled acid wash Handles: Padauk wood Sheath: Kydex Weight: 5.5 ounces (with sheath) Made in: U.S.A. MSRP: $99 BearForestKnives.com ContactUs@BearForestKnives.com

GIVE IT A TRY What defines a good bushcraft knife? I feel any knife that is not too large in stature or too weighty and that can be held comfortably and resharpened easily is a good candidate. Typically, a knife designed for bushcraft and carving tasks doesn’t have jimping for the thumb on the spine. The curvature of the cutting edge should extend for the entire length of the blade. A general-purpose bushcraft knife should have a blade as long as the palm’s width and have the blade tip close to the profile centerline of the handle. The back of the handle and the spine should be on the same line. The handle should be oval in the cross-section with scales made from either wood, Micarta, or plastic, and not have any finger cutouts that dictate where you have to hold the knife; this limits efficient grips and can cause blisters (hot spots). Handle length should fill your palm comfortably. Scandinavian blade grinds are expected on a bushcraft knife but are not the only acceptable grinds at all, in my opinion. KI

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Try Stick is a practice tool meant to fine-tune knife skills that apply to bushcraft. Every possible notch needed for bush living resides in the suggested 17 notches applied to a Try Stick.

PRACTICE MAKING THESE CUTS WITH YOUR BUSHCRAFT KNIFE Popularized by wilderness educator, survival instructor, and author Mors Kochanski, the Try Stick is designed for practicing and demonstrating the use of a knife as a wood carving tool. While some notches are more practical and regularly used, making tent pegs, pot hangers, and digging sticks, many of the notches on a Try Stick are used less frequently and are decorative. There are about 17 possible notches that can be applied to a Try Stick. However, picking as many as can fit on a stick seems to be the norm. There isn’t a set amount of notches that must be made; a Try Stick is about using a knife and practicing safely.

TRY STICK NOTCHES 1. The Round Notch 2. The Pot Hook 3. The Saddle Notch 4. Square Notch 5. The Mitred Lapped Notch 6. The Jogged and Wedge Splice 7. The Dovetail Pin and Socket 8. The Dovetail Notch 9. The V-Notch 10. Spear Notch 11. The Knife Tip Mortice 12. Diameter Reduction 13. The Knife Edge 14. The Split 15. The Bow Notch 16. The Latch Notch 17. The Whistle Project 18. Bark Stripping

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DUAL-PURPOSE THE BEN ORFORD TRAPPER DOES DOUBLE DUTY FOR BUSHCRAFT, HUNTING STORY AND PHOTOS BY KEVIN ESTELA

ick up most bushcraft books and you’ll likely find a very common blade shape in the section on edged tools. It seems like one of the most prevalent knives advocated for is a spearpoint blade. This is due largely to the work of the renowned British bushcrafter/naturalist Ray Mears. Now, pick up a hunting book and you’ll most likely find the hunting knife suggested is a drop-point blade with a hollow or flat grind.

Every so often, a knife comes along that defies convention and blends concepts from two different circles into something really impressive. I found the Ben Orford Trapper at the center of the bushcraft and hunting Venn diagram and had to give it a go. I wanted to see if one knife could handle both bushcraft tasks and hunting knife duties. I contacted Ben and asked for a trapper in my preferred dimensions, and what he sent was nothing less than a functional work of art.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS I received my sample of the Ben Orford Trapper at a great time of year between hunting seasons and when most would view camping season as ramping up. This knife is made in Orford’s shop, The Craft Lab, in the U.K. For full disclosure, I paid for this sample and the shipping along with the international money transfer with conversion fees. The added fees can be 50 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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“A KNIFE LIKE THE ORFORD TRAPPER BLENDS THE BEST DESIGN ELEMENTS OF THE HUNTING AND BUSHCRAFT WORLD.”

AEB-L is an excellent rust-resistant steel. The author was told it will perform like “stainless O1” and that expectation came true.

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The author made these curls with a lessthan-ideal dried-out piece of driftwood found while making a fire for cooking.

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The Ben Orford Trapper is available with either a leather or a Kydex sheath. For this review, Ben supplied a green Kydex sheath with black nylon drop loop. The knife is available with various blade grinds. The Scandi grind provided on the author’s knife was keen and flawless.

SPECS ORFORD TRAPPER Steel: AEB-L Rockwell Hardness: 60RC Blade Length: 99 mm (3.9 inches) Thickness: 4 mm (0.157 inch) Handle Length: 114 mm (4.5 inches) Handle Material: Green Micarta with natural Micarta thick liners Overall Length: 8 3/8 inches Weight: 7.55 ounces without sheath, 9.74 with sheath Sheath: Kydex Price: From £325 British Pounds/$436.22 USD

seen as an inconvenience and, spoiler alert, they were the only disappointments I would experience in evaluating this blade. Communication with the maker was excellent, and he was a total gentleman in responding promptly. In typical Craft Lab form, the knife was finished second to none with no large grind marks and a handle that felt just right in the hand. For my particular sample, I requested a slightly shorter handle than the typical dimensions for better dexterity as a hunting knife. The handle is green Micarta with natural Micarta liners with a

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Inset, Center, Left: Designed with a shorter handle than the standard Trapper, the “E-Trapper” is shown with a standard Swiss Army Knife for size reference. Above, Left: The Ben Orford logo can be seen proudly displayed on the Scandi-edge blade of the Orford Trapper.

Above, Right: The Orford Trapper was made with 4mmthick AEBB-L steel.

matte finish set of stainless steel pins and lanyard tubing. I wanted AEB-L as the blade steel given its reputation as a steel that performs like O1 but is less prone to rust. Ben made this blade out of 4 mm (0.157 inch) stock, which is thicker than one-eighth (0.118) inch but thinner than three-sixteenth (0.197) inch. I was curious how this thicker blade would perform and if it would favor one use or another. Staying true to the combo bushcraft/hunting knife, I chose a Scandi edge. The Craft Lab puts a 13-degree angle on each side for 26 total. The Scandi grind excels

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“ EVEN WITH BLOODY HANDS, I WAS ABLE TO RETAIN A GOOD PURCHASE ON THE HANDLE ...”

Top, Left: The author used the Orford Trapper to process a deer leg in camp. During the evaluation, the knife worked well for hunting needs as well as bushcraft. Bottom, Left: The Orford Trapper works well for the fisherman as well as the hunter.

at cutting wood, and I didn’t expect any issue with slicing up game meat. The Trapper Knife is available with a rounded or squared spine. I needed to decide one way or the other that would favor the characteristics of a bushcraft knife or a hunting knife. In the end I decided on the sharpened spine. Traditionally, makers rounded the spine. This helped with a choked up grip or index-finger supported skinning grip especially when processing game. I decided this knife would be carried and used for fire starting more than it would be used to break down game, which led to my decision.

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SHEATH Ben and Lois Orford offer both leather and Kydex sheaths. The end user will be well served with either selection, but for this particular blade, Kydex was requested. I wanted a sheath that would perform as well around potential moisture as the AEB-L steel. Kydex, as we all know, doesn’t absorb moisture and would be relatively maintenance free. While traditional bushcraft knives arguably look best in leather, a knife that could also be used for cleaning game will be rinsed regularly, and the safest place for a butchering blade is in its sheath.

Above, Right: The author used the Orford Trapper to clean multiple trout during his review.

The sheath provided is OD green in color with black webbing for the drop leg belt loop, but many color combinations are available upon request. My only suggestion or critical comment regarding sheath design is the webbing choice. Orford uses a flat webbing that has more flexibility, and I would like to see a more rigid web option or perhaps a sewn insert combined with tubular webbing. There is a slight flare to the front of the sheath opening that helps the user defeat the retention prior to drawing the blade. Even the edges of the sheath are cleanly sanded and look uniform. Finishing off the sheath is a very subtle Ben and Lois Orford logo.

FIELD TEST I hypothesized the Ben Orford Trapper would make a great bushcraft and hunting knife. I needed a series of practical field

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“THE TRAPPER HAS AMPLE HEFT TO INSPIRE CONFIDENCE TO USE IT HARD.” Top, Left: The author used a campout with plenty of camp chores (such as trimming willow saplings to size for pot hangers and grilling sticks) as the primary test bed for his assessment of the Orford Trapper.

Center, Left: The author created a classic woodsman trio of tools (knife, saw, axe) that included the Orford Trapper, Bahco Laplander, and Gransfors Bruks Forest Axe.

Bottom, Left: The author only had to use a fine Arkansas stone and a strop pad to maintain the blade. AEB-L sharpens similarly to O1 steel.

Top, Right: The author used the Orford Trapper for tip-first firewood splitting. The thick stock had no issue with this type of use.

tests to assess the duality of the blade. I used a campout with plenty of game meat prep and camp chores as the primary test bed. I used the Orford Trapper to set up a bushcraft campfire complete with pot hangers for making coffee and grilling sticks for cooking slices of meat. This also included cutting thumbthickness forked sticks to support the cross bar that held everything in place. I trimmed willow saplings to size and processed plenty of firewood out of the dead and downed wood from a nearby creek with plenty washed up on shore from a higher water mark. I used the trapper to tip-split smaller tree branches and then batoned through the rest. From these halved sections, I feathered shavings to take a spark. At no time did the Trapper pick up any damage to the blade. I was very impressed with the keen finished Scandi edge as

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The author used the Orford Trapper to create a bushcraft cooking setup with “Y” branch uprights to hold his coffee pot in camp.

well as the comfort in hand. As a wood splitter, the wider blade with the thicker shoulders split whatever I batoned through easily. The Trapper has ample heft to inspire confidence to use it hard. I powered through more wood to add to the fire and develop a strong bed of coals. I also wore the Trapper as an EDC knife and used it for a wide range of daily tasks, such as cutting cordage, slicing cardboard to make target backers, and prepping meals throughout the course of the evaluation. Because hunting camp is always better with food, I thawed a frozen deer leg from a previous hunting season and used the Trapper to dice up the meat. I took it to a backstrap steak and cleaned the silver skin connective tissue using the belly of the blade. Even with bloody hands, I was able to retain a good purchase on the handle and never felt like my grip was becoming insecure.

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I didn’t have much fat to work with, and I can’t speak to how the handle would feel with it on there as can happen in cold weather as it cools down. As expected, the blade looked brand new when I was done with cutting up the venison and cutting up the other foods that went with it for dinner. AEB-L is an incredibly resilient steel when it comes to stain resistance. As I waited for food to cook, I used the Orford Trapper to carve Kochanski try sticks and feather additional rounds of wood. The knife is incredibly functional and it looks great paired with a solid Scandinavian hatchet such as the GB Outdoor Axe and a folding saw such as the Bahco Laplander. Even though it was not big-game hunting season when I received the knife, our fishing season is year-round and I was able to take a few trout for yet another meal. I used the Orford Trapper to slice them from vent to gills and under

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BUSHCRAFT the jaw plate. Ben designed the trapper to be comfortable in a “skinning” grip with the index finger supporting the tip of the blade. This is the same grip I used for cleaning the fish and the knife felt like an extension of my hand doing so.

SPECS ORFORD KNIVES THORN Steel: AEB-L at 60RC Blade Length: 2 inches Thickness: 3 mm (1/8 inch) Overall Length: 4 11/16 inches Weight: 1.23 ounces without sheath, 1.73 ounces with sheath Sheath: Kydex neck Price: From £87.50/$108.62

THE THORN IS ANOTHER ORFORD CLASSIC Sometimes you can’t easily access your belt knife and sometimes you take off your neck knife. Other times, you carry a blade that doesn’t feel like a neck knife at all. Ben Orford produces the Thorn neck knife that is easily worn and forgotten about until you need it. The small size and light weight make it a true neck knife.

handle for more security. In a past issue of Knives Illustrated, I reviewed the Orford Parang and this Thorn is exactly the knife you want to use when drawing a large knife is impractical.

I know the Orford Thorn is not going to replace all your knives, but it will be used frequently Designed to be a companion blade, the because it wins the convenience battle Thorn complements Orford’s larger knives handedly. You’ll use it for cutting cordage, exceptionally well. In combination with the opening packages, trimming fishing line from Trapper featured in this article, it makes an lures, scraping ferro rods, and more. Made from excellent small blade for caping and fine highly rust resistant AEB-L like the Trapper, hide removal tasks. The knife has a near you don’t have to worry about maintenance mirror-polished Scandi grind that makes cutting or the effects the sweat from your body will effortless. The handle looks small and it is, but have on the blade. The Thorn is one of those when the 18 inches of cordage are held in the knives you will find increasingly useful as hand as well, it creates an extended flexible you wear it more and more.

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Top, Left: The Ray Mears-inspired bushcraft necklace is complemented by the Ben Orford Thorn. Above, Center and Inset: The Ben Orford Thorn makes an excellent companion to the Orford Trapper.

SOURCE BenAndLoisOrford.com

I trimmed up the fins and sliced up lemons to cook the fish over the campfire. Even though this knife was not intended to be a fish processing knife, it works fine as one, and I changed my assessment of the knife serving as a hybrid bushcraft and hunting knife to an all-around outdoor utility blade.

MAINTENANCE One of the major selling points of O1 steel, years after its introduction on the market, is the ease in which it can be sharpened. I did a side-by-side comparison of the AEB-L Trapper with a bushcraft knife made from O1 and found the same progress and perception of sharpness was attained as I progressed from higher grit stones to the highest. During the test, the Orford Trapper never fell to a point where I could honestly call it dull. It did pick up a couple spots on the edge that caught light when I examined the edge, and I can only assume it was from grits of sand on the wood I split and used to burn. That said, the spots were very minor and when I tested the edge drawing it along the body of a Sharpie marker, it didn’t skip. The steel never once stained or developed rust. This lack of patina is something that might dissuade someone from buying but, that is the nature of steels like AEB-L.

EXCELLENT BLEND A knife like the Orford Trapper blends the best design elements of the hunting and bushcraft world. Considering if it is more one style than the other is natural if you use it long enough. While it may seem like a cop out, I can honestly say it handles just about any task from both design influences with ease. I’ll be happy to carry the Orford Trapper for any hunting, fishing, camping, or trekking trips to the woods. Hopefully I’ll be able to combine multiple interests into one trip the same way this knife design combines multiple blade styles into the perfect multi-purpose blade. KI knivesillustrated.com

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The Morakniv Kansbol with Survival Kit is an affordable, bushcraft/ hunting blade with a sheath that features a sharpener and fire steel.

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WHEN YOU LOAD YOUR PACK, START WITH A MORAKNIV KANSBOL STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

RAB IT AND GO. That’s a feature I like in my outdoor gear. It’s not because I’m expecting to have to evacuate my home on a moment’s notice. I’m fortunate to live in an area where natural and human-made threats are very limited.

“…IF YOU NEED SOME FINESSE TO MAKE WHAT YOU NEED, THIS KNIFE CAN HANDLE IT…IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES.” knivesillustrated.com

But I’m not a person who often plans his activities well in advance. If I decide on an impulse to go on a hike or do an overnight in the woods, I don’t want to spend half the day going over a mental checklist and gathering the gear I need. For that reason I keep several outdoor kits ready—or nearly ready—to go. I have kits in a waist pack, shoulder sack, lumbar pack, daypack, and larger ruck outfitted with basic gear. I just add food and water and I’m set. I’m not normally a TV-VCR-phonograph type of guy who gravitates to combined-use gizmos. But for my smaller kits—the waist pack and shoulder sack especially—I’m apt to make some concessions for weight and space considerations.

THE KANSBOL KIT Recently, I’ve been using the Morakniv Kansbol with Survival Kit and I really like it. Morakniv is well known in the bushcraft community for making very sharp and very affordable thinbladed knives. The Kansbol with Survival Kit is actually one of the company’s more expensive knives with a suggested retail

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The included ferro rod is a great firestarter, capable of making hundreds of fires. It snaps into loops on the sheath, so you’ll always have it with you.

Kansbol or Garberg models that did not come with the survival kit, the kit can be purchased separately for about $27.

price of $71.99. If you’re a smart shopper, however, you can slice quite a bit off that price. Even so, this knife is a bargain when you compare it to what else is out there. This model is Morakniv’s Kansbol fixed blade with a sleeve that fits over the sheath. That sleeve features a diamond knife sharpener on one side and a ferrocerium (ferro) rod loop on the other. A ferro rod (fire steel) is included. If you have one of the

Center, Left: The grippy TPE handle on the Kansbol would be especially secure when working around water, in stormy conditions, or when processing game. Center, Right: The sheath attaches to a belt or pack with a flexible leather loop. Bottom, Left: A diamond knife sharpener is included on one side of the sheath’s “survival kit” sleeve and is good for quick edge touchups in the field.

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OK, the Kansbol with Survival Kit doesn’t have everything you might need in a survival situation, but it’s a good start. My packs always include at a minimum: a knife, lighter, tinder, compass, emergency poncho, steel cup, water container, and usually a water filter or purification device. Having a ferro rod on the sheath is a good idea. Lighters are handy, but they can be broken or malfunction. I like to carry a ferro rod as an additional fire-starting device and often use one to light a homemade alcohol stove. I can get hundreds of fires from a single ferro rod. On most hikes or camping trips, I usually don’t need to sharpen my blades. However, a twisted knee,

sprained ankle, or wrong turn can turn a daytime jaunt into an overnight ordeal. That could heap more demands on the knife I carry if I need to build a shelter or fashion a crutch or travois. Having the ability to keep the blade sharp is a good idea.

THE KNIFE ITSELF The Kansbol measures 8.75 inches overall. About 4.29 inches of that make up the sharpened blade. In true Morakniv fashion, that blade is thinner than many knives this size at just 0.098 inch thick. It’s made of recycled Swedish stainless steel. The barrel-style handle is a bit wider in the middle to fill the palm and offers plenty of room for even the largest hands. It’s made of rubbery TPE with diamond-pattern checkering for texture on the sides. It features a slight finger guard at the front—enough for most uses—

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“THE BLADE OF THE KANSBOL HAS A SCANDI GRIND FROM THE HANDLE TO ABOUT HALFWAY OUT, THEN THE BLADE TAPERS ALONG ITS ENTIRE WIDTH ON EACH SIDE TO THE POINT.” and a pommel at the rear. There’s a lanyard hole, too, if you want to make use of that. The polymer sheath features two drain holes to keep moisture and debris from building up in it. The flexible leather belt loop is secured to one side without the option of moving it, but you won’t have to. The knife will fit the sheath with the blade facing either way, so you can position it for right- or left-side carry on the belt. The knife clicks into the sheath and rides deeply in it. The knife stays in place reasonably well, but without the need for a crowbar to draw the knife when needed. The ferro rod clicks in securely too, so there shouldn’t be a problem with

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it working its way out of the loop and becoming lost. A length of thin, reflective cord is included with the kit that can be tied as a lanyard to either the ferro rod or the knife itself. I didn’t use it because I didn’t want it to catch on things when walking through thick brush.

UNUSUAL BLADE If you’re looking at different Morakniv models, you’ll notice lots of similarities between the Garberg and the Kansbol until you look closely at the blade itself. The Garberg features a Scandi grind the entire length of the blade. The blade of the Kansbol has a Scandi grind from the handle to about halfway

Top: The Kansbol is a quality knife at a reasonable price. Its light weight makes it easy to bring along on most any outing.

Left: The blade of the Kansbol is unusual in that half has a traditional Scandi grind and the other half tapers to the tip.

SPECS MORAKNIV KANSBOL Blade length: 4.29 inches Blade Thickness: 0.098 inch Overall Length: 8.75 inches Weight: 6.25 ounces Steel Type: Swedish stainless steel Handle Material: TPE-rubber Sheath: Polymer, ambidextrous, integral sharpener, ferro rod loop Other: Ferro rod included Origin: Sweden MSRP: $71.99

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out, then the blade tapers along its entire width on each side to the point. “The Kansbol knife was developed as a successor to the very popular Mora 2000 that has been a bestseller for Morakniv for over 30 years,” said Thomas Erikkson, product specialist with Morakniv. “The knife blade has the same blade design as its predecessor that consists of a typical Scandi grind edge close to the handle and a more skinning type of edge towards the tip that is better suited for skinning the hunter’s prey as well as for the camper’s food preps around the campfire. The Kansbol is the better light weight option to Garberg when

you have to carry your gear and has a priority to keep the weight down that you have to carry yourself.” To quantify that weight difference, the Garberg weighs about 8.72 ounces, while the Kansbol is just 6.25 ounces. The edges of the blade spine are rather sharp too. That makes the spine handy for processing tinder and using it as a striker for the ferro rod.

Top: The Kansbol’s barrel-shaped TPE handle allows for a very comfortable and secure grip on the knife. Above: The Kansbol would be a good, lightweight companion for a small folding saw, such as this Outdoor Edge Flip n’ Saw.

PART OF THE KIT The Kansbol came with a good, sharp edge. It’s very good for working in wood, although I can see the narrow, tapered tip being a good penetrator if you were working on

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SOURCE Morakniv.se/en

something such as an animal hide to improvise foot coverings, mitts, or other needed items. This isn’t a beefy blade that you will pound on and abuse. But if you need some finesse to make what you need, this knife can handle it, whether you’re simply trying to make your wilderness stay more enjoyable or if you’re struggling to survive unexpected circumstances. For now, this knife has found a home in the PocketUp Companion Bag (PocketUp.net) I carry over my shoulder when traveling light. For the price of them, I might pick up one or two more. KI

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HISTORIC BLADES

HOLLOW-HANDLE

SURVIVAL KNIVES FROM TOP-OF-THELINE MODELS TO CHEAP KNOCKOFFS, THESE WERE ONCE POPULAR STORY BY JIM COBB

was barely a teenager the first time I saw “First Blood,” my dad having brought the VHS home from a rental store. Like so many people at the time, I was immediately drawn to Rambo’s knife. It had dramatic lines and came complete with survival gear stored in the hollow handle. I’d never seen anything like it before. Shortly after seeing that movie, I learned it was Jimmy Lile who had designed and produced the Rambo knife. That took a little research, given that this was years before the internet would become commonplace. It took even more time and eﬀort to track down a telephone number for him, but I managed that as well. (Sadly, I chickened out when calling him, something I regret to this day.)

Some of Newt Martin’s survival knives bear obvious inspiration from the “First Blood” models. Ed Martin photo.

While hollow-handle survival knives had been around for a while, it wasn’t until Stallone’s fateful turn as the pushed-too-far former Green Beret John Rambo that they became well known. It wasn’t long before countless diﬀerent models hit the market, many of dubious quality.

RANDALL MODEL 18 The Randall Model 18 predates the Rambo knife a bit, having gone into production in the early 1960s. It became popular with troops sent to Vietnam. Originally, it was made with a smooth handle that was wrapped with cordage. Later models oﬀered a checkered handle, which could still be wrapped if the user desired.

64 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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The knife from “First Blood II,” called the Mission knife, was a bit larger than the original. JimmyLile.com photo.

The one that started it all, the “First Blood” knife created by Jimmy Lile. JimmyLile.com photo.

“WHILE THEY AREN’T NEARLY AS POPULAR TODAY, FOR A BRIEF PERIOD HOLLOWHANDLE SURVIVAL KNIVES WERE ALL THE RAGE.”

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 65

Here you can see the small folding knife that was originally intended to be stored in the hollow handle of the “First Blood” knife. JimmyLile.com photo. The BuckMaster had two spikes that screwed into the guard. This was a feature unique to this knife and was always eye-catching. James Carlisle photo.

The idea was to provide a robust survival tool to pilots and crew members in case their planes went down in the jungle. To that end, the spine of the blade was outfitted with saw teeth that could be used to tear through the side of a plane, saving the blade’s sharp edge. The handle was hollow and used to store a few survival essentials, such as waterproof matches, fishhooks and line, and water purification tablets.

Chris Reeve developed a line of hollow handle knives that were machined out of a single billet of steel. Lee’s Cutlery photo.

FIRST BLOOD

something that might look neat on film. Lile imagined what it would be like to be stranded somewhere with just a knife and started piecing together what that knife would need to accomplish. It isn’t a stretch to figure that Lile looked at the Randall Model 18 for some inspiration.

In 1981, Sylvester Stallone approached Jimmy Lile about designing a knife for his new movie. He instructed the already legendary knifemaker to create a truly useful tool, rather than just make

He landed on a modified Bowie blade profile, with the spine dotted with saw teeth that could be used to cut wood as well as thin metal. The “First Blood” knife had screwdriver

The Model 18 is still in production today and carries a hefty price tag. Vintage models from the Vietnam era pop up from time to time on the secondary market as well.

66 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

Top, Right: Over the years, there were various versions of the BuckMaster released, such as this black oxide edition. Dane Manzie photo.

Center: Jimmy Lile and Sylvester Stallone, two people who were instrumental in driving the popularity of these survival knives. JimmyLile.com photo.

Bottom, Right: This ad ran in countless magazines in the 1980s, and readers bought thousands of these knives as a result. Gary Warnett photo.

heads on the guard, one slotted and one Phillips. The guard also had two holes, to be used to lash the knife to a staff to use as a spear. The butt cap had a small compass inside for emergency navigation. The hollow handle originally housed a small folding knife, though this was changed to feature things such as waterproof matches and a needle and thread. Lile made 100 serial-numbered knives with this design, six of which were used during the filming of the movie.

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“…THERE WERE THE COUNTLESS EVER-CHEAPER KNOCKOFFS THAT…WERE SLAPPED TOGETHER FROM SHODDY MATERIALS AND SOMETIMES FELL APART IF YOU LOOKED AT THEM TOO HARD.” The movie and the knife both proved popular enough to warrant sequels a few years later. The second edition Lile knife, often referred to as the Mission knife, was a bit larger, 15.625 inches in total length compared to 14 inches for the original. The Mission knife also had a darker finish on the blade, so that the polished edge would be more eye-catching on screen. As with the original, Lile produced an original run of 100 serial-numbered knives of this design. Lile’s shop continued to produce these designs for several years, selling them at various shows. After Jimmy Lile passed away in 1991, the torch was eventually passed to knifemaker Vaughn Neeley, who began making these knives for Lile Knives, LLC. With over 40 years of experience in knifemaking, including his own line called Timberline Knives, Neeley is producing Lile

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Left: “First Blood,” the first of the Rambo series of movies, spurred consumer interest in hollowhandle survival knives such as this “First Blood” licensed replica. Author photo.

Top, Right: This licensed replica of the “First Blood” knife came complete with a small survival kit secured in the handle. Author photo.

Bottom, Right: Just one example of the inexpensive knockoff hollow-handle survival knives that flooded the market. Author photo.

knives that are in very high demand, and for good reason.

OFTEN IMITATED As the popularity of the Rambo knife swept the country, it was inevitable that other makers and companies would try to capitalize on it with their own versions. United Cutlery was granted the rights to mass produce copies of the knives from First Blood and First Blood II. However, the quality was nowhere near what you’d find on a Jimmy Lile original. Granted, you weren’t paying the high-end price, either. Buck entered the hollow-handle market in the 1980s with its Model 184 BuckMaster. CJ Buck designed it for use by the Navy SEALs. As it was intended for use in or near the water, it was made from stainless-steel from end to end, with a non-reflective finish. The spine featured two different types of saw teeth, one

for wood and one for cordage. The sheath featured a built-in sharpening stone and had optional pouches you could attach to it. Perhaps the most striking feature was the presence of two spikes that screwed into the guard. These were used to secure the knife in place while a line was attached to it, such as for rappelling. Buck did a few different iterations of this model over the years, with tweaks here and there. The company ceased production of it entirely in 1997, and the knife has become a collector’s item, often fetching fairly high prices on the secondary market. By all accounts, the BuckMaster is a solidly built knife and something that was always intended for realworld use and abuse. In the mid-1980s, Chris Reeve developed a survival knife that was made from a solid billet of steel with a removable end cap. It eventually spawned a line of knives of different

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 67

NEWT MARTIN

sizes and blade profiles, but all were one-piece and all featured hollow handles with end caps. This line of knives is no longer in production and when you can find one for sale, it commands a hefty price. Knifeco came out with The Survivor that had a sheath that could be used as a slingshot. It came complete with rubber tubing, which it was said could be used as a tourniquet in a pinch. The sheath had a small knob at the end, and the blade had a matching hole. Combined, they became a wire cutter. The hollow handle came filled with an assortment of supplies, including matches, fishing gear, and a tiny whistle. Knifeco had another model it called The Ultimate Survival Knife. It had a bottle opener or cap lifter cut into the spine of the knife, and the handle terminated in a threaded cap that featured a somewhat bulbous compass. This model was available with either a black handle or a black blade and camouflage handle. And then there were the countless ever-cheaper knockoffs that you could find at any flea market across the country. Usually bearing nothing more than a “Made in China” stamp on the blade, they were slapped together from shoddy materials and sometimes fell apart if you looked at them too hard. The blade was affixed to the handle by means of a threaded bolt and, often, this bolt would snap

68 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • JULY/AUGUST 2022

Top, Left: If you’re looking for an inexpensive hollowhandle knife today, head down to Harbor Freight. Harbor Freight photo.

Top, Right: Newt Martin, modern master of the hollowhandle survival knife. Ed Martin photo.

Above: This survival knife from Newt Martin is more of an original design. Ed Martin photo.

under moderate pressure. But that didn’t stop throngs of wannabe survivalists from scooping them up for use on their secret missions in the forests and ﬁelds. Most of these lower-tier knives came with small survival kits already stowed away in the handle. The contents varied a bit but usually included a few matches, some fishing line, a couple of fishhooks, and sometimes a folded-up wire saw. This saw was laughable, as it usually snapped apart the first time you tried to unfold it.

FADED POPULARITY While they aren’t nearly as popular today, for a brief period hollow-handle survival knives were all the rage. Most of us probably had at least one and some of us likely had several. They were fun, they were neat, but unless you could afford the real deal, let’s face it: They weren’t all that awesome.

Newt Martin from Martin Knives was an amazingly talented knifemaker. He produced several hollow-handle survival knives during his all-too-brief career. One of the keys to his success was adding aircraft-grade epoxy to the joint where the blade is attached to the handle, creating a rock-solid knife that can withstand virtually anything thrown its way. Most of these knives were essentially variations of the same theme, with a cordage-wrapped handle and sawtooth-backed blade. But there were a few exceptions here and there, such as leaving the spine smooth. Sadly, Newt passed away in February 2018 after a lengthy battle with leukemia. Still, an awful lot of us had the time of our lives taking these knives out into the woods and, well, that alone is worth the price we paid for them. KI

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CUSTOM This trio of Eklipse 3.5-inch tantos from Hinderer Knives features its top-ofthe-line anodized titanium scales in three different footprint patterns. Hinderer Knives photo.

70 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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OUTFIT YOUR FAVORITE KNIFE WITH A HANDLE UPGRADE STORY BY JASON FRY

ave you ever been shopping for a car (back in the days when cars were affordable) and you find the exact car that you want, but in the wrong color? In that scenario you have two choices: take it or leave it. You’re not likely to change the color of a brand new car, although you can occasionally wait for your color of choice to come into the dealership. Those of us who like knives don’t have to live with “take it or leave it” when it comes to handle material, thanks to a unique group of crafters and manufacturers who specialize in knife handle replacement.

This Buck 119 rehandled by Jeff Nowak with a Fred Bear bow riser features the wellknown Bear medallion. Jeff Nowak photo.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 71

“SOME KNIVES ARE SO POPULAR AND WIDESPREAD THAT IT’S PROFITABLE FOR THIRD-PARTY MAKERS TO OFFER HANDLE SCALES.” MADE THAT WAY Some knives are manufactured or built with interchangeable handles as part of the package. Rick Hinderer Knives has long been known for featuring interchangeable handles. The company’s direct website has immediately available handles for four of its models, including the popular XM18 and both sizes of the Eklipse series. Currently available themes include various footprints—turkey, deer, and dog—machined in titanium and selectively anodized. Additionally, multiple dealers carry Hinderer scales in a plethora of colors and materials. Whether you want bright G10 or fancy polished titanium, you can get it to fit your Hinderer knife. For even the most dedicated collectors, swapping parts and adding custom scales is part of the fun. Roland Ruehl has a nice collection of Hinderers. He’s been a part of the community so long that he even got his dog’s name put on a set of scales. “On almost all my XM series Hinderers, I swap the original scale and clip screws with Torx screws from TiConnector,” he said. In 1997, Halpert Titanium began making various knife parts for individual craftsmen and later for the industry as an OEM

manufacturer. After years of doing production work as the OEM for other brands, Halpert made the business decision to stop manufacturing other people’s knives and focus on its own designs. The company created its own subsidiary knife company, Three Rivers Knives. Three Rivers has several popular models, most notably the Atom and the Neutron 2. Because it began first as a knife parts manufacturer, it’s no surprise that Three Rivers designed its production knives to have interchangeable parts. Unique to the company is an innovative handle design that allows the handles to be changed with just two screws. The scales fit around the pivot, so that you don’t have to take the knife all the way apart to swap the handles. Three Rivers is an experienced manufacturer of parts, and thus has the flexibility to innovate. If the designers want to do something in a new material, it’s nearly as simple as going to the other side of the building and getting it done. Take the Atom, for example. It was originally designed to utilize 0.140-inchthick material, as there were limitations on thicknesses

72 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

Top, Left and Right: This Blade HQ exclusive Benchmade Bugout sports a set of Flytanium scales, backspacer, and thumb stud. Also pictured are the OEM G10 scales and green barrel spacers. Edward Garcia photo.

Above: Roland Ruehl’s Hinderer collection includes a variety of customized scales, screws, and grinds. Roland Reuhl photo.

available to fit the original Neutron that required 0.063-inch thickness. By designing for variety, Three Rivers is able to offer flat scales in G10, Micarta, and carbon fiber. The company also offers 3D milled and contoured synthetics, and at the top of the line it has 3D-milled titanium scales. It sells knives and scales separately and is one of the few places you can buy a knife

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SOURCES Hinderer Knives RickHindererKnives.com Instagram: @hinderer_knives Three Rivers Knives ThreeRiversMfg.com Instagram: @MTicoon Facebook group: TiCOONS Really Matter (TRM)

“naked” without scales. Three Rivers has a dedicated group of fans, including one customer who owns 16 of the Atom knives, all with different handle materials. No other company builds its knives with intentional modification in mind. It wants you to swap your knife parts around, in contrast to some companies for whom modification voids the warranty.

AFTERMARKET OPTIONS Some knives are so popular and widespread that it’s profitable for third-party makers to offer handle scales. One such third-party company is Flytanium. It makes scales for more than half a dozen designs each from Benchmade and Spyderco, as well as a less extensive catalog for Kershaw, Gerber, Civivi, Ontario, Victorinox, and CRKT. For the popular Benchmade Bugout, for example, it offers more than 50 different replacement parts, including various colors of thumb studs, back spacers, and handle scales. If you love your Bugout but want snazzy purple, you can get it. Flytanium scales are available at Blade HQ, Knives Plus, and Knifeworks. Another company that specializes in third-party CNC titanium knife handles is Rockscale. Based in

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California, it offers titanium options for five Benchmade and four Spyderco models. Although they’re a little pricier, they are 100% made in the USA. It’s a smaller operation, but company’s quality is top notch. A third option in this same category is Australia’s xxxAdrenalinxxx Custom Designs. Beginning in 2012, it specializes in custom-designed, anodized titanium parts to fit knives from ZT Zero Tolerance, Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, Emerson, and Hinderer. The company frequently sells on eBay and ships to the USA.

ONE-OFF CRAFTSMEN Certain craftsmen’s and women’s primary art is handle customization. These are not the ones who will unscrew a set of handle covers and put new ones on. These are the folks who will take a handle off a production knife and go in an entirely different direction than the original. One such niche artist is Jeff Nowak of Michigan. Jeff runs an online archery shop that specializes in Fred Bear brand archery equipment. He’s a Bear bow collector as well and knows most of what there is to know about Fred Bear and his legacy. Jeff specializes in re-handling Buck brand knives with materials from Bear bows. Bear risers often have

Above: Jeff Nowak modified this Buck 110 folding hunter to include the signature Bear riser stripe. Jeff Nowak photo.

Flytanium Flytanium.com Instagram: @flytanium and #deadflysociety Rockscale RockScaleDesign.com Instagram: @rockscaledesign xxxAdrenalinxxx www.xxxAdrenalinxxx.com Instagram @x_x_x_a_d_r_e_n_a_l_i_n_x_x_x Jeff Nowak—Northern Michigan Archery jeffnowak76@yahoo.com Santa Fe Stoneworks SantaFeStoneworks.com Instagram: @santafestoneworks David Yellowhorse Yellowhorseltd.com Knafs Knafs.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 73

“MANY CUSTOM HANDLES CAN BE BUILT WITH SIMPLE HAND TOOLS, SUCH AS FILES, DRILLS, AND SANDPAPER. AS THE QUALITY OF YOUR TOOLS IMPROVES, SO LIKELY WILL THE QUALITY OF YOUR WORK.” a distinctive stripe, and Jeff takes care to incorporate the stripe into his work in creative ways. For a typical Buck fixed blade with a pommel, such as the model 119, replacing the handle is difficult and complex. The pommel is pinned, not threaded, and it’s a challenge to remove. Once the pommel is off, the handle must be boiled to heat the glue enough to remove the black phenolic handle. Jeff also re-handles the classic Buck 110 Folding Hunter.

known for his work with Case knives and the Buck 110. Those handles became notable enough that Case picked them up for licensing. Now, in addition to the company’s one-off custom work and standard modifications, you can get a genuine Case knife from the factory in the Yellowhorse style.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

On the more commercial end are the craftsmen and women at Santa Fe Stoneworks. Out in the dry country of New Mexico, they specialize in Southwestern style art handles. They’ve partnered with Spyderco and Kershaw on customized handle runs. They also do one-off work and produce their own line of knife designs as well.

Many people are satisfied with the knives they buy. On the other hand, many of us are never satisfied and want to tinker. For those of us who like to continually mess with things and can’t leave “good enough” alone, the world of replaceable scales is wide open territory. But what if you’re not into complexity, or don’t know how to take your new knife apart? Thankfully there are plenty of resources to help.

In the same genre you’ll find David Yellowhorse. A qualified Navajo silversmith in his own right, he turned his attention to applying his distinctive style to knife handles. Yellowhorse modifies a variety of brands and styles but is most well

Flytanium has an active social media presence, and its enthusiasts are always ready to answer questions. YouTube is also full of how-to videos for scale replacement on a huge variety of production knives. For example,

74 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

Above: Three Rivers Knives’ models the Neutron, Atom, and Nerd are built with interchangeable handles in mind. They come in all kinds of creative colors! Three Rivers Knives photo.

“Benchmade Bugout scale swap” yields a dozen or more videos that can walk you through the process. Many times, all you need to perform a scale swap is a simple set of Torx bits in common sizes. The IFixit kit is among the best, and many enthusiasts prefer bits from Wiha for their durability. An Ifixit kit with Wiha bits and a pry bar is available at www.knafs.com. If you don’t want to spring for the best, a simple Torx kit from a big box store will suffice. If you want to tackle projects beyond a simple scale swap, the tools become more complex. Many custom handles can be built with simple hand tools, such as files, drills, and sandpaper. As the quality of your tools improves, so likely will the quality of your work. Knifemakers who have a 2 x 72-inch grinder and a mill or drill press are well set up to modify just about any handle they choose. Whatever your interest and whatever your skill set, there’s a handle modification out there just waiting for you. KI

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REVIEW

Reiff Knives Bushcraft F4 Survival Knife and Reiff F6 Leuku Survival Knife. Two new offerings from the brothers at Reiff Knives are made in the USA.

76 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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REIFF KNIVES

THE SPIRIT OF THE WOLF GOES WITH THESE RUGGED, AMERICAN-MADE FIELD KNIVES STORY AND PHOTOS BY REUBEN BOLIEU

he driving forces behind Reiff Knives are Ben and Stu Shank. They are no strangers to American manufacturing startup ventures. The wolf emblem easily identifies these robust, rugged knives. I had to know, so I asked Stu why the wolf was chosen. “In my mind, the wolf is the quintessential representation of the North American outdoors,” he said. “I love that they can go it alone, but are at their best in tightknit families. Reiff Knives being a family business, it felt like the best representation of what we wanted to build into our company: the ideas of wild living, family values, and unwavering loyalty to one another. To me, they are a shining example of survival against the odds.” The Reiff name came from their great grandmother Anna Reiff. “We really liked the name, and our grandparent’s story resonated with us in relation to this project because she was willing to leave everything comfortable in her life behind her for a noble purpose,” said Stu. The brothers at Reiff have also taken a huge leap of faith to start Reiff Knives, fueled by a passion for knives and a purpose to be part of America’s solution to bring back American manufacturing.

WHY REIFF KNIVES? The Leuku-style Reiff F6 was the bruiser of the pair. The author didn’t spare it when batoning through hardwood.

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What do you get with Reiff knives? Browsing the Reiff Knives website or holding an F4 or F6 it’s clear: The company is striving for higher expectations for production knives. Everything about Reiff emits quality

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • KNIVES ILLUSTRATED 77

The F6 excelled in handle comfort when batoning or chopping. Choking back on the handle allows a little more power into chops while staying secure in the hand.

and confidence. Its practical knife designs ensure that every feature has a purpose. From beginning to end, Reiff Knives are made in the USA and built by experienced American craftsmen using the most modern manufacturing techniques and highest quality American-made materials. The Reiff Knives F-Series is a line of tough, hard-use outdoor knives made from premium, CPM-3V high alloy steel. They both have droppoint blades and high saber grinds, resulting in a fine 20-degree micro convex. The F4 Bushcraft Survival Knife, with a 4-inch blade, and the F6 Leuku Survival Knife, with a 6-inch blade, are designed to handle any task the wilderness can throw at them. If you ever had a knife that you loved but wished the handle was a little longer or hand-filling, look no further. Calling all large and extralarge hands out there: There is

finally a knife handle with which you won’t be disappointed when it comes to the size. These fullsized G10 handles are designed for extended use. A sure-grip prevents the knife from slipping in your hand, making it safer and reducing fatigue. The thick fulltang is skeletonized to reduce the overall weight and make them ideal carry companions wherever you may roam. Reiff Knives offers two options for sheaths: leather and Kydex. Both offer a secure hold on your knife and a ferrocerium rod holder.

F6 If the F6 sounds like the name of a fighter jet, that’s fitting as Reiff F6 is aerodynamic like one. It’s a medium to a large knife, but with grace. It is the Reiff Knives version of a Scandinavian Leuku. I treated the F6 like I

78 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

SPECS Top, Left: Two knives, the Reiff Knives Bushcraft F4 Survival Knife and Reiff F6 Leuku Survival Knife, offer CPM-3V Steel and G10 handle scales.

Top, Right: Black Kydex sheaths with a ferrocerium rod loop come standard with both Reiff knives. A leather sheath from JRE Leather is also an option.

Bottom, Left: G10 scales in OD green, black, and coyote tan are available. The handles are perfectly paired with the blade and comfortably contoured.

REIFF F6 Overall Length: 11.25 inches Blade Length: 6 inches Cutting Edge: 5.75 inches Blade Thickness: 3/16 inch Blade Material: CPM-3V Blade Style: Drop point Edge Type: Convex Blade Grind: Saber grind Finish: Acid stonewash Handle Length: 5.25 inches Handle Material: G10 Weight: 12.9 ounces Sheath: Black Kydex/leather Made in the USA MSRP: $384

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“YOU CAN BET YOUR LIFE ON REIFF KNIVES FROM THE BACKWOODS TO THE FRONT LINES.” It took the author about 10 minutes to get the trap carved and set up. The help of a maul made the stop cuts and the 45-degree cuts super fast.

would any sheath knife meant for light- to medium-heavy tasks, with light chopping in the form of rough shaping and making tools to help make the wilderness more homey. With a seasoned beech tree blown over last year, I decided to make a new maul/mallet for a betterthan-average baton. I enlisted the help of a 24-inch bucksaw and cut a diameter that was a little under 5 inches wide and approximately 8 inches long. I sawed the width of the saw blade deep around the beech and stood it up for phase two. Using a subpar piece of wood as a baton, I hammered the spine of the F6 into the top portion that would eventually be my handle. I like wider handles on these bushcraft-style

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mauls, so I made sure not to make it too thin. I carved downwards toward my stop-cut made with the saw, so there was a swell towards the end for the handle to grip securely. This project was to aid the next one, and it did that well. I try to make a thing or two with every knife I use to evaluate how it performs. I cut a green branch of witch hazel that was about the length of my leg and no thicker than a broomstick. I bent the green piece of wood, applied the appropriate amount of tension with my left hand, and made sure to choke back on the handle of the F6 and deliver one concise chop to sever the branch neatly. This 45-degree-angle cut was the first cut of my Figure Four trap.

Top, Left: A good saw and knife project is making a super baton called a maul. Cutting around the circumference of the wood with a saw and then using a temporary baton and the F6, the author carved and chipped away to form the handle. Top, Right: The maul and F6 were used to trim the trap parts to size and add two 45-degree angles to the end pieces. Center, Right: For fire prepping, the author tests every knife by making feather sticks. If the edge geometry is correct, thin, curly feathers can easily be made. Bottom, Right: Making a maul with the F6 was the first project the author employed the Leuko-style knife to complete.

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SPECS

THE LEUKU Leuku is the Finnish name for the Sami knife, a large knife traditionally used by Sami, indigenous people inhabiting the Arctic area of Lapland in Scandinavia. It is also called “stuorra niibi,” which means “big knife.” Traditionally, it has a long, wide blade suited for light chopping tasks such as delimbing, cutting small trees for shelter poles, brush clearing, bone-breaking, and butchering tasks. It’s sometimes used as a substitute for a hatchet, chopping, and splitting small amounts of firewood.

REIFF F4 Overall Length: 9 inches Blade Length: 4 inches Cutting Edge: 3.8 inches Blade Thickness: 5/32 inch Blade Material: CPM-3V Blade Style: Drop point Edge Type: Convex Blade Grind: Saber grind Finish: Acid stonewash Handle Length: 5 inches Handle Material: G10 Weight: 7.7 ounces Sheath: Black Kydex/leather • Made in the USA MSRP: $334 The newly crafted maul (baton) I created minutes before and the F6 would play instrumental parts in this next project. At first, three stop-cuts were made one-third of the way into the wood. With weight-bearing notches for a deadfall, we can always make them deeper. We can’t reverse the operation. Two diagonal pieces were needed; rather than carve

80 KNIVES ILLUSTRATED • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

Top, Left: While on the go, the author used the F4 to slice up tomatoes, avocados, cheese, and anything needing slicing. It passed the tomato slicing test without a hitch. Left: One of the ultimate tests performed with a knife is making a try stick. The result of a good try stick is based on blade sharpness, handle comfort, and cutting technique.

them, I decided to save time and baton them to shape. The finger-tothumb thickness of the greenwood was no match for the grind of the F6. The blade cut through smoothly without any unwanted splitting you sometimes get with thicker knives.

Center, Right: A dovetail notch can be tricky if the knife doesn’t have enough taper towards the tip. Clip points and drop points do a good job clearing out the wood, as seen here on this tricky notch.

I picked up a hard stick made of beech that I beaver-chewed to length with the F6, leaving the top somewhat rounded. There was a knot that was in the perfect spot to act as a place to catch some cordage. I carved under the knot, making it a natural notch. The end portion that would stick into the ground was done by choking back on the handle and using short, controlled chops on each side, forming a chisel. A little finetune carving and the stake was done, totaling 2 minutes of work.

Bottom, Right: Making pot hanger notches with the F4 was easy with a maul and making the cuts angled slightly. The angle helps form the bird’s beak tip undercut that rests on the support wedge.

After carving the maul’s handle, chopping and batoning greenwood for a trap, and carving a hardwood stake, it was time to do some fine carving with the F6 to check the edge. Straight-grained, dry poplar was used

Top, Right: The sharp tip of the Reiff F4 was perfect for cutting a square out of a piece of greenwood.

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“FOR THE SAKE OF CONTROL, I ONLY LIFTED THE KNIFE 12 INCHES AND DIDN’T FEEL THE NEED TO GO NORMAN BATES PSYCHO-STYLE BEFORE PLUNGING INTO THE AMMO CANISTER.” to make feather sticks, which was the type of work a Leuku knife would be called upon to do. Within no time at all, I had a feathery tinder stick that would take a spark. After this great display of woodsmanship, I put the F6 to work in the kitchen.

F4 The smaller Reiff Knife is a robust general bushcraft knife called the F4. With a 4-inch long blade and 5-inch long handle, it has the beef of a hard-use survival knife yet retains the elegance of a detailed carver. Spine thickness is right at 5/32-inch thick. It has a skeletonized handle like its big brother, the F6, to reduce weight and be carry friendly. A knife this size screams to be used for some bushcraft projects. I strongly believe the best way to get acquainted with a tool, especially a knife, is to use it to make things. I had a length of green witch hazel from a previous project and made a try stick with it. I put 11 notches on it due

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Above, Left: The author plunged the Reiff F4 into a metal ammo canister with the help of a maul. The knife’s tip and edge are greatly tested during this type of test.

Above, Right: The completed Burtonsville Rig arm was made with the Reiff F4. Three to five notches are the norm for this type of suspension system.

Right: The Reiff F4 came out nearly unscathed, needing only light sharpening on one side of the blade. The tip showed no chipping, and the handle remained solid, despite being pounded on with a maul.

SOURCE Reiff Knives www.ReiffKnives.com Hello@ReiffKnives.com

CPM-3V STEEL PROPERTIES According to its chemical composition and hardness, CPM-3V steel offers the following properties: EDGE RETENTION: With 58-60HRC steel, the CPM-3V steel is a hard steel that gives great edge retention. CORROSION RESISTANCE: Even if it’s not stainless steel, the CPM-3V steel has more than 7% chromium, making it great for corrosion resistance. WEAR RESISTANCE: CPM-3V steel offers great wear resistance due to the high amount of carbon and vanadium.

“WHETHER SHAVING FEATHER STICKS, BUILDING A FIRE, OR FIELD DRESSING DINNER, THESE KNIVES WILL GET THE JOB DONE AND ASK FOR MORE!” to the size. For the round reduction, I used the front part of the blade, where it curves (belly) to remove a small amount at a time, creating thin shavings. Cutting a square out of the greenwood was easily done with the sharp point of the F4. Greenwood is tough on a keen blade, and the next task was slicing tomatoes and mozzarella cheese for a Mediterranean wrap in camp. The initial moment the blade of the F4 kissed the tomato, it sliced with absolute grace. The cheese was next, and eventually, the whole wrap was halved. More camp food was cut with the F4 over several weeks and more crafts. The Burtonsville Cooking Rig is a simple and very effective method of hanging a pot over a fire and adjusting the heat level by moving the pot up and down. I’ve used these for several years and need to replace the adjuster arm with the notches every so often. Having a new F4 gave me the perfect reason to make one.

The green sapling can be about arm’s length or shorter and thumbto-broomstick thick. A series of X-notches with an undercut are carved the length of the stick. If materials permit, a trimmed forked end makes a perfect bale holder and saves us from making an extra notch. The X-notches are placed an equal distance apart. Start by placing the knife’s edge on the greenwood— hammer the spine in two directions (with the help of a baton), forming an X. The blade should sink in about half the width of the stick. The best tip I can offer when making the X-notch is to angle the blade slightly towards the direction of the top of the stick for each X cut. Carve from the bottom of the X up, and there will be a natural undercut, resulting in a pointy bird’s beak that, if done correctly, points down towards the forked bottom. The F4 was tested for blade and tip toughness on an ammo canister as a

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Above: The F6 was on kitchen duty for one month during this review. In true Leuku style, it prepped meat and vegetables well.

SHARPNESS: The rule of sharpness is simple. The harder the steel, the harder to sharpen; in this case, CPM3V is a hard steel with great edge retention. MACHINABILITY: CPM-3V steel is very machinable and easy to grind. TOUGHNESS: Excellent toughness all around; CPM-3V steel has a great break resistance. It may be one of the toughest steels. grand finale. I held the F4 in an icepick grip with leather gloves on, the blade facing away from me. For the sake of control, I only lifted the knife 12 inches and didn’t feel the need to go Norman Bates Psycho-style before plunging into the ammo canister. I used a baton to hammer the blade in about 3 inches and then gave it a few back-and-forth shakes for posterity. The edge wasn’t damaged with chips or tip damage; it just needed to be aligned on one side and sharpened.

QUALITY TO COUNT ON You can bet your life on Reiff knives from the backwoods to the front lines. These heirloom quality knives will provide generations of fond memories and reliable use. Whether shaving feather sticks, building a fire, or field dressing dinner, these knives will get the job done and ask for more! KI knivesillustrated.com

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Knives - Issue August 2022

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