Hunting knife

aim small...release · March 21, 2014, 09:39:00 AM

Hello. I have seen a few threads on here and have been astonished by the craftsmenship of some of your knives you have made. I left mine in the woods last year and need a new one. Ive never really had a real good knife and was hoping to make my own or find one for sale that I can really take pride in and have for long time unlike the cheap ones I seem to buy. Any help with names of anyone with knives for sale or how thick my staves need to be would be a great help thanks as always.

Blackhawk · March 21, 2014, 11:51:00 AM

Generally, I like older stuff such as Marbles, Case, or Puma, and I even have 3-4 Randalls. BUT a few years ago I was introduced to Helle Knives. They have several models to choose from, look nice, priced under $100, are durable, and they hold an edge like no other. For a non-custom hunting knife, it would be tough for anyone to top that.

Orion · March 21, 2014, 12:16:00 PM

Look at the Hunting Knives and Crafters thread. Some excellent knife makers there.

bigbadjon · March 21, 2014, 12:29:00 PM

Sent you a pm and email Aim Small.

Bladepeek · March 21, 2014, 01:15:00 PM

I'll second the Hunting Knives and Crafters thread. Some real eye candy there and makers that are honest in describing/representing their knives. You will learn a lot about what to look for when buying a knife.

I'm a hobby knifemaker, so kinda have to carry my own, but I bought a Lin Rhea that is a real masterpiece. He's one of my "real life" heroes of the knifemaking world and I wanted to own one of his.

Believe me, you won't find a good, cheap handmade knife, but even if it's a "real purdy" one, it will be made to work hard. And, the pride of ownership makes it highly unlikely you will ever loose it

March 21, 2014, 01:19:00 PM

I have really come to appreciate what I would consider a "semi-custom" knife-- high quality, hand-fabricated but not quite so pricey. My absolute favorite maker in the past couple of years has been Blind Horse Knives. They split into 2 different companies recently, but you can still find some of their models on the web. Bark River and EnZo make knives I would consider in this class also along with a couple of others. These knives generally will run from $100-$200, with some less and some more depending on various attributes. A good place to begin to look is a place on the internet called BladecoUSA. This is a very small business with a carefully selected and quality assortment of knives from various makers.

jhk1 · March 21, 2014, 01:25:00 PM

IMO, by far the best inexpensive mass-produced knives are Mora knives (Morakniv), which are made in Sweden. Chuck at Two Tracks (he's a sponsor) carries a few Mora models. High quality knife steel, razor sharp from the factory, hold an edge well, and easy to keep razor sharp. Fantastic knives for the money.

KSshrewman · March 21, 2014, 02:04:00 PM

You are right. Lots of unbelievably nice ones.
Some that aren't one of a kind...but offer good value with unique character...
- Shrew (I have a skinner that is really well done)
- Asbell (just ordered and nicely suprised with the knife)

Ray Lyon · March 21, 2014, 02:53:00 PM

For Value and Quality, it's hard to beat one of Ron LaClair's Skinner's (he's a sponsor here).

I've used my LaClair skinner for a couple of seasons and it's a great knife, looks good and takes a super sharp edge.

link to Ron LaClair\\'s Skinner

Sam McMichael · March 21, 2014, 03:17:00 PM

Yes, you can find any quality knife you require at competitive prices right here on Trad Gang. Enjoy the search, and let us know what you select.

Killdeer · March 21, 2014, 04:10:00 PM

I have at least three Buck Vanguards, and gave away some as gifts, I like them that much.

Killdeer

Stumpkiller · March 21, 2014, 04:59:00 PM

About 30 years ago I bought a 3-3/4" Norwegian laminated steel blade from Dixie Gun Works and the makings for a home-spun knife. It's not the fanciest, but I keep coming back to it. Nice big handle and sensible size blade. It's more than earned it's keep over the years. Takes and holds a hair-popping sharp edge.

I see Crazy Crow still offers the same Norwegian laminated blades. I used a Dremel tool to make two holed in the tang and used two iron nails as pins to hold the full-length tang in place. It's also set in epoxy.

Roadkill · March 21, 2014, 05:35:00 PM

I have a couple of customs, but I cannot stand the thought of losing one. They stay at home and I take produxctiion models to the field. I had a rifle I felt the same way about and sold it for a more practical-tactical rifle. There are some amazong guildmen on this site. Wish i was talented

tradarcher816 · March 21, 2014, 08:05:00 PM

Ross is a friend of mine his knives are top notch works of art. But they are work horses, he sells to many of the racers in the Iditarod. Check out his site if you don't see what your looking for give him a call he can build just about anything.

This is mine he made me, the handle is Birdseye maple from the old mill from the town I grew up in. Like I said check him out I don't think you be disappointed.

Wudstix · March 22, 2014, 12:32:00 PM

Not the prettiest but for sure tuff, Ka-Bar Becker BK 16. BK 5 for sticking hogs.

Phrogdrvr · March 22, 2014, 04:31:00 PM

I am partial to my two Outdoorsman Edges knives. Mike is a true craftsman, and a trad bowhunter to boot. He's Maineac on Tradgang, check him out.

Tom