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Knife for the field


Wookie
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Well, I'll admit I was a numpty, but these things happen. I had just paunched a rabbit that was too slow to get out of the way of a Federal V-shock .17HMR round and put my BuckLite on the bonnet of the car whilst I got the rabbit in the car. I then did an LG and drove off down the track leaving the knife on the bonnet.

 

I now no longer have a knife as it is somewhere "in a field".

 

******.

 

Anyway, I popped on to Uttings and ordered a new Bantam to replace it but, now that I have it in my hands, I don't like it. It just feels wrong. Yes, it's bigger than the BuckLite (both in blade length, width and total folded length) and has the same steel, but it just feels wrong and I'm not sure I like it. So, I'd like a recommendation for a replacement field knife.

 

I know a lot of people here rate Opinels, but I just don't get on with them. Ideally, I'd like a nice high carbon steel blade that holds an edge well (like my BuckLite did) and not stainless. Blade length is irrelevent, but I'd prefer shorter rather than longer. It's going to be used for basic field work (skinning, paunching, that sort of thing) and when I go camping and it needs to be a folder. I don't like fixed blades.

 

Can anyone recommend anything that holds a good edge and works well? I'm biased towards Buck (it might show) because of the BuckLite, but open to new things if the quality is right.

 

Wookie

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The fallkniven knives are stunning mate, i have the F1 which is fantastic. Type fallkniven test on youtube and you'll see why i chose it. I believe they do folders aswell if you want something smaller. Mine has a lovely thick blade for weighty bushcraft type things, i also prepared a rabbit with it the other week perfectly.

 

I can't recommend this knife enough if you can get past the look of the handle which i know isn't everyones cup of tea, the quality is great though.

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fallkniven-F1-Bushcr...1QQcmdZViewItem

Edited by glamour
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My knife was 14 quid a Camo Tri Blade Knife, Saw, Gut Hook Skinning Hunting BN and its a good blade very very sharp, seller was paullpaull i was a very pleased with the quality for the money

 

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Edited by perfect
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Dammit... Just seen the Fallkniven range here. They even do a blank for the smaller version (WM1).

 

To be honest, I'd be happier with a slightly smaller blade. The F1 looks superb, but wielding a 3.8" blade seems a bit excessive for what I need. The WM1 is 2.8" and looks about perfect for skinning and other sundry work. They even do a blank of the blasde so you can add your own handle...

 

http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/Fallkniven/B...2-139-389-2333/

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Damn... Just seen that the same company does a folding knife as well. Blade is _slightly_ shorter, but that's not such an issue.

 

Ok, do I go for a 2.8" sheath, or a 2.5" lock knife?

Edited by Wookie
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Damn... Just seen that the same company does a folding knife as well. Blade is _slightly_ shorter, but that's not such an issue.

 

Ok, do I go for a 2.8" sheath, or a 2.5" lock knife?

I would have a look at the Fiskars filleting knife, it has a ceramic sharpener built into the sheath, mine was around 12 quid a few years back, it holds an edge like a razor. It's intended as a fisherman's knife, but does a great job on meat.

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I use a Fallkniven H1, which has been a real asset. It is very solid and holds a really good edge. I keep a Spyderco folder and an Opinel in the truck too.

 

I'd like to find (or have made) a fixed-blade knife with a carbon steel blade. I have a few carbon steel chef's knives at home and it is much easier to get them shaving sharp than a stainless blade. Carbon steel does require more looking after though.

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Opinel, been using them for 15 years and they are superb.

 

They take a razor edge, hold it well and if you lose it you can replace the knife for about a tenner.

 

ZB

Yep, definitely the knife to carry when out and about, I have one in each of my shooting jackets. The ones to avoid are those with stainless blades, carbon steel takes a better edge and it lasts, as you say. If I had a pound for the number of times that I have gutted a rabbit, stuck the knife into the ground and walked off without it.....

Edited by bob300w
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Bit the bullet and bought one of these. It looked to be about the best combination of strength, blade length and overall size for what I want.

 

They got new stock in today, so it should be with me by the end of the week. Watch this space for a review.

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The ones to avoid are those with stainless blades, carbon steel takes a better edge and it lasts

 

Absolutely, carbon steel every time. As Baldrick says, you need to look after a carbon steel blade more carefully, but their usefulness far outweighs this.

 

ZB

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Too much money? I think not considering some of the other knives on that bad, bad, bad site are over twice the price. In fact, there was a limited edition damascus steel bladed lock knife on there for 1200 notes! Looks beautiful, but I could not justify spending twice as much on a knife as I did on my car!

 

Besides, the WM1 is going to last me a long time... That makes it work out cheap.

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Stuart, no it doesn't. Fixed blade and a rigid sheath (oooooer!). That way I will leave it on my DPs and it won't get lost or left behind.

 

As for leaving it on the car... I intend to make good use of the lanyard hole in the tang this time!

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Has anyone else watched that series on youtube that was mentioned above? That fallkniven knife is unreal! He chops through 4x2 timber (which I've done with other knives well enough without trouble) but then goes on to hammer it through a concrete slab, both by hitting the end of the handle and back of blade. Then he beats it through a 1/8"x2" piece of mild steel. The edge wasn't badly messed up, obviously blunt but still fixable. He eventually cracked it by clamping it horizontally half way up the blade and jumping on the handle (a 225lb yank!). I took him some time to snap it, and even two of the three layers of laminate held together. Eventually he broke it right off by putting it in a clamp and hitting it with a lump hammer!

 

In normal use it would never break, so I think the smaller versions would be a good buy. They're made of the same materials, just shorter :yp:

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It arrived in the post this morning, Not bad seeing as I only ordered it yesterday, so full marks to Heinnie Haynes for delivery.

 

The knife itself is a wonder. I was worried about it being a bit small in the hand for me (large hands), but it fits pretty much perfectly when in "skinning" mode and it's still comfortable when in "cutting" position. The blade is just the right length for skinning and, whilst it is not as long as other knives I have owned, is perfecvtly suitable for other tasks. It's got a good weight to it as well.

 

The sheath has a positive lock to it and a webbing strap around the end to hold the handle in. It also has both a belt loop and a neck loop (well, string effectively) for attachment. Since it's going on my DPs' belt, I'm going to use the string as a lanyard so I don't leave it on the bonnet.

 

All in all though, it looks and feels a cracking little knife. I might have to go out tonight and see if I can shoot to try out the blade on.

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I ordered myself a Fallkniven F1 yesterday, as I really liked the look of it. Another purchase from Haynes. It's just arrived, so again top marks for delivery :wub:

 

Has anyone seen their blade source book? It's about phone book size and full of knives. Talk about spoilt for choice!

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