Knives - Guess I'll start here

[Leryt]

Hey, looked through all the forum categories and either there isn't a blade forum or I'm blind as all get out. So I'm coming here asking about a few things. I was given a really nice "high end" hunting knife prior to my move to the Fairbanks area 3 years ago: Bark River Bravo 1. Knife has processed out a couple of moose, a Caribou and I'm still looking for an FMA Cow Moose and hopefully a 40 Mile Caribou later this year.
I love the knife and am convinced I want to go with Convex Grinds henceforth and ever more. So here is where I start.

Anybody else have an experience with Convex Edges? Anybody have experience with Bark River Knives and/or Backjack Knives? I have the Bravo 1 that was given o me, but I think I'm going to be looking for a smaller EDC knife and maybe a second hunting size knife plus probably a large camp/trail knife.

How many knives do you guys carry and what are you carrying? Thanks!

 

[KantishnaCabin]

I still carry my trusty old Gerber, but It hasn't left the sheath in the last five years since I bought a Havalon. Havalons and the other replaceable blade razor knives are the ticket in my humble opinion. I hate sharpening knives while trying to quarter a moose.

 

[The German]

Ok gents, I've been packing these-2 for quite awhile now, they were both made in the mid-80's in Red Lodge Montana, the Steel is from an old Buckboard/Wagon Spring,,,, I carry a Diamond Tool, and a Arkansas White Stone with me as well,,,,, it doesn't take much, and you can Shave with either one.
TG:topjob:

View attachment 98396 View attachment 98397

 

[Leryt]

Here is a picture of my Bark River Bravo with Canvas Micarta Handle, and my first hunting knife an Old Western L66 my dad unfortunatley tried to modify before handing it down.
I love the Bark River, and even with my average sharpening on a strop it stayed sharper then any of my other knives. I carry the Bark and a Strop in the field with two different grit compounds on each side. I'm thinking I want to get a 3 sided strop to use three compounds for fun though it would take a little more space. I love the ease and the longevity of the Convex Edge. I was hoping to find a Convex knife maker or someone familiar with them up here in the interior so I could get some help becoming more competent with their care and to maybe convert a few other knives.

German... OOOO... those are some nice looking knives. They look awesome. Great longevity out of them.

I'm looking at getting an EDC knife next and then a second hunter or a bowie.

 

[The German]

Ok then,,,,, looks like you got it figured out anyway, and yea, my 12" Elk leg-bone handle Bowie, is never-off my Belt, and is close at hand when in the Rack, as well as my S&W 329PD, and that Skinner has a Cocobolo Rosewood handle.
TG:topjob:

 

[Leryt]

Oooohhhhh man!!! I did a thing and this knife is awesome. Hopefully I can get a Cow with the Population DM788 Archery Hunt to try it out!

 

[AKBEE]

Bark River has a good reputation and strong following. Blackjack models their knives on Randal made knives for about 1/5th the cost and no wait. Of course you can’t equate quality- they are great knives for the price. I am a certifiable knife nut and have some customs that cost more than some nice guns, and no matter how many I collect , I have favorites. I like convex grind for heavy use like a chopper. If you like your blade, you will carry it! Take care of them and they will take care of you. Don’t ever try to justify a new knife purchase- get what you like. Stay safe.

 

[Leryt]

AKBEE, what are your go to knives? I'm looking for a good fixed blade for EDC, would like to stick with Bark River, but am interested in a knife nuts experience. I am just in the last 6 months+ really getting into this and have so much to learn.
I know the Blackjack's are make by Bark River so they may not be a Randall but will still be an awesome knife. I'm looking at a couple BRKs in Sheep Horn - North Country EDC, Mini Tundra, Featherweight Fox River for EDC/hunting backup.

 

[AKBEE]

EDC means many things to different folks and where they are carrying. When I am around town I carry a Spyderco Paramilitary in each front pocket (tip up for me) and have worn a Bowen belt buckle since the 70's while overseas. I prefer fixed blades for most things and when out and about almost always grab my Dozier Professional Guides knife in a kydex horizontal sheath worn on the left front. It is D2 which is hard but able to take an edge and I like it. The blade is 5" which is small enough to choke up and do anything needed, while big enough to do lots with. When carrying a pack hiking or fishing, I always have a blade available on the left front strap (a Dozier). I have a smaller Greco Scagel I like to use when doing dirty work, and like the Spyderco Tenacious folders when working on the property because they are a great blade for $45 and feel good in the hand while holding a good edge, yet it wouldn't hurt much if I lost one. Forged fixed blades of different sizes from Sloan knives abound and I like Microtech folders and autos. My favorite fillet knive is a discontinued Microtech. I can't be without a tiny swiss army blade with the fantastic scissors and tweezers! LOL. I have a fancy Draper Damascus with sheep horn for 'formal wear'.

I love large camp knives that I can hack things with as well, and for those I like a 9" blade. My favorite is a Mike Diebert forged chopper that is just about perfect. It feels great in the hand and I simply love carrying it. Others that I really love are unfortunately not being made right now- Tim Withers chopper and Stienbech. Audra Draper MS made me a 9' bladed Damascus chopper that I love to carry as well. Fallkniven A2 is one I keep with my survival gear on wheelers and snowmachines. I carry a camp knife frequently and sometimes get to have conversations with folks who are interested in them. I carry a warhawk by 2hawks when tromping in the woods.

I love hand made things and enjoy sharpening and taking care of my blades. I understand the popularity of the Havalon for ease of having a razor sharp blade but it isn't something that I want. I gave up most hunting and have no need for one. Everyone has biases and dislikes for certain blades as well as trucks, etc. I recommend you go to somewhere you can handle many different blades and see what fits you best. Consider ESEE and Fallkniven for a great fixed blade. That said, I still have an old Schrade from childhood and a few Buck knives as well. My wife prefers a Benchmade folder over any that I have and didn't like the other models she handled.

The perfect knife for any situation is the one you have with you!

 

[Leryt]

I like a lot of what you are saying. I want to stick with Convex, and I'm looking at a couple of Alaska knife makers, especially locally here in Fairbanks. I was given my first Bark River, the Bravo 1 and have been so impressed with the knife and them I kind of want to continue to support them. But I absolutely understand and agree with what you are saying. I don't have the same experience to back it up it sounds like but I've been carrying a knife most of my life.

 

[AKBEE]

There are some great knifemakers here. If you get to Anchorage, stop in at Northern Knives to check out local blades from quite a few makers, as well as a nice assortment of others. Brand loyalty is great and it is nice to know you are happy with your choices. Stay safe!

 

[Leryt]

I will for sure! Are they related to the Great Northern Knives in Wasilla?


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[AKBEE]

I will for sure! Are they related to the Great Northern Knives in Wasilla?


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Different folks as far as I know- never been to the one in Wasilla.

 

[Gerberman]

A lot of folks come down from Alaska in April for the Oregon Knife Collectors Association show in Eugene, Oregon. It is the largest show West of the Mississippi. over 450 tables. www.oregonknifeclub.org, has great articles on different knives and the dates of the show. If you are looking for a knife type, grind or handle material, it will be there, or you can commission one of the makers to make you a custom knife. The makers and collectors that are showing will answer any questions you have. You can't have too many knives.

 

[Leryt]

A lot of folks come down from Alaska in April for the Oregon Knife Collectors Association show in Eugene, Oregon. It is the largest show West of the Mississippi. over 450 tables. www.oregonknifeclub.org, has great articles on different knives and the dates of the show. If you are looking for a knife type, grind or handle material, it will be there, or you can commission one of the makers to make you a custom knife. The makers and collectors that are showing will answer any questions you have. You can't have too many knives.

That would be SWEEEET! I’m actually from Oregon and that would be awesome. Unfortunately not in my near future. This time of year I’m saving PTO for hunting season or for vacation. Next year I’ll be back in Oregon south of Bend for a really good friends wedding in June. I’ll b back for two weeks is the plan.
I love Alaska but part of me will always love Oregon!


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[Leryt]

Well I was looking for an EDC but found something I couldn’t pass up.



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[AKBEE]

Well I was looking for an EDC but found something I couldn’t pass up.
View attachment 98538


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Very nice looking knife- carry it with pride.

 

[Leryt]

Very nice looking knife- carry it with pride.

Absolutely, I’m super excited to get this Loveless design.


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[Leryt]

This thing is SO AWESOME!
Bark River Wilderness Explorer in CPM CRU-Wear and Sheep Horn!


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[4merguide]

That sheep horn handle is waaaay cool!