BCNW-O1 or Skookum Bush Tool?

[Alfredo]

Hi all,
I'm on to go to choice between this two knives, they seems (I have read a lot about them!) both really effordable and good tools

BCNW-O1 http://shop.bushcraftnorthwest.com/product.sc?productId=27


Skookum BT http://www.skookumbushtool.com/


as far as I know BCNW-01 is made just in O1 steel, while Skookum is made in O1, A2 or CPM 3V (this last steel would be my choice probably).

Cost is not a big problem, the gap is 70USD or so, not a world of difference.

What will be your choice between them? And why?
Thanks in advance, regards Alfredo

 

[Tiley]

Of the two, I would go for the Skookum Bush Tool. I have both knives and they are both extremely good tools. However, the SBT is a 3mm blade whereas the BCNW is 4mm - I prefer the narrower guage of blade. I also found that the bamboo slabs on the BCNW became a little wobbly after a while. This wasn't a huge problem - and one easily sorted by Ben Orford, who rehandled the knife with blue liners and olive ash as well as making another sheath for it. I have found that the blade shape of the SBT to be more versatile and the fact that you get a choice of steels is also persuasive. Rod made one for me out of S30V - absolutely superb! Both my SBTs have been my main users now for a number of years and they have never let me down. The BCNW is a good, sturdy knife and the scalloped bits on the handle are surprisingly useful. In many ways, you are spoilt for choice here and it will come down to which you like the look of better (never thought I'd ever say that!).

So, for me, SBT. Why? Because it is a beautifully thought out blade, superbly made that is delightfull to use in all cutting situations. I suppose the only real down side is that you might have to wait a little while before you get yours delivered!

 

[pteron]

I've been trying to contact Rod via the email address on his website but no response. Anyone know if he is still making the SBT?

 

[Siberianfury]

get a Northwest, they are absaloutly cracking knives, ive modded mine to make it perfect for me, had Bernie G replace the Scales and Duncan Re do the Grinds to 22deg, its the best knife i own. its still bloody good without mods though, very sturdy and capable knife.

 

[marcusleftthesite]

Bushtool would be my choice.Robevs73 has a cracker for sale at the moment.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59864

 

[Hedgehog]

Hmmm, after reading the above I'd lean towards the SBT 'off the shelf' (if you can wait) simply because of the two BCNWs referenced here one needed re-handling (any more details on why the scales came loose?) & the other has been modded.

 

[Siberianfury]

Hmmm, after reading the above I'd lean towards the SBT 'off the shelf' (if you can wait) simply because of the two BCNWs referenced here one needed re-handling (any more details on why the scales came loose?) & the other has been modded.

the origional scales on mine where great, solid and durable, i just hated the look, so i pimped them.

 

[Hedgehog]

the origional scales on mine where great, solid and durable, i just hated the look, so i pimped them.

Sure thing.

You did get the bevel re-ground though? I understand this was just out of personal preference & not any fault in the original design - I'd likely do a similar thing as I find 4mm with a single bevel a little chunky for this size of blade.

Not trying to rustle any hedges here, I think they both look to be well designed & useful tools as they come.

 

[Siberianfury]

Sure thing.

You did get the bevel re-ground though? I understand this was just out of personal preference & not any fault in the original design - I'd likely do a similar thing as I find 4mm with a single bevel a little chunky for this size of blade.

Not trying to rustle any hedges here, I think they both look to be well designed & useful tools as they come.

yeah i got the bevels done, they where origionaly 28deg, same as the woodlore, i prefer them a bit thinner so i got duncan to do them at 22deg, much better

 

[Hoodoo]

yeah i got the bevels done, they where origionaly 28deg, same as the woodlore, i prefer them a bit thinner so i got duncan to do them at 22deg, much better

While you had the scales off, you coulda tried some different steel while you were at it.

 

[Siberianfury]

While you had the scales off, you coulda tried some different steel while you were at it.

LMAO, yeah its not realy the same knife anymore, but it was a good template

 

[Stew]

I'm sure they're both great knives. I've not owned either, so couldn't really comment too much.

I suspect at the end of the day, it'll come down to what you prefer the look of, although the butt plate on the SBT would probably sway me a bit.

 

[Chris the Cat]

SBT, hands down.
Apart from a Dave Budd 'Greenman Pro' ( 3mm ) the SBT is the best bushcraft type knife I have ever used.
BCNW is a damn fine knife tho.
Rod is a real gent, altho. you could have a bit of a wait .
My O1 SBT is very good but for me the A2 just edges it.
My best.
Chris.

 

[Hedgehog]

While you had the scales off, you coulda tried some different steel while you were at it.

I've had this axe for 60 years, its had three new handles & two new heads. They just don't make 'em like they used to eh!

 

[rapidboy]

BCNW-O1 would be my choice, having handled a few skookum's i really don't see what all the fuss is about.

 

[robevs73]

I was told at the moot that Rods waiting list is 2years. mines 3 months and £100 less.

 

[xavierdoc]

I love my SBT in 3mm CPM3V; my default bushcraft knife. The wait is long these days, though.

Can't compare it to the other knife as I've never had one.

 

[rapidboy]

I was told at the moot that Rods waiting list is 2years. mines 3 months and £100 less.

Ahh but does yours come with the ugliest sheath ever made ?

 

[Paganwolf]

bush tool, or you could get the other one and completely change the whole knife its that good

 

[Paganwolf]

Ive just cried ive laughed so much PMSL!!!! cheers Josh lol