Some nice examples, just for the record whom has tried a tracker knife....i have seen them on and off over the years, but never handled
One Knife and 6 Months In The Wild - What is your choice?
- Thread starter gra_farmer
- Start date
Here you go!
Here's the knife itself. RWL34 blade with Micarta scales and G10 liners.
Below is a comparison with its 'parents': top is the Skookum Bush Tool (this one in S30V) and underneath it is my Orford Woodlander. Rather cheekily, I dubbed my knife the 'Woodmaster' because I am a school master by profession and it gets used in the woods. Clumsy, I know, but what the hell?
Lovely knives and thanks for sharing, I have not had any experience with Rwl34, but I keep on seeing it pop up, why this choice of steel?
I’d still go for kukri, bomb proof, proven and can be bought fairly cheaply. Some of these knives are not in everyone’s pockets!
I went for RWL34 for two reasons: stain resistance and ease of sharpening. It's a good choice, I think, as it holds an edge well and is very easy to look after. At the risk of sounding somewhat mystical, it also gives good 'feedback' in use when a number of other stain resistant steels feel somehow 'dead' in the hand. Since it will be used all over the place, including by the sea, I reckoned that it would be a good choice. I have to admit that I have not regretted it.
Can’t go wrong with RWL, it was developed specifically as a knife steel. Has all the performance of 01 with the benefit of corrosion resistance.
From what i've seen of the dimensions and geometry the Tops version looks like a poor, poor descendent of the original WSK.
Its claiming the same DNA lineage but I'd rather see a paternity test.
The more I think about this, the more I coming to the conclusion that for 6 months I'd be less worried about "what knife" and more concerned about a decent sharpening set up.
The assumption was that was there, completely agree....
I was taught free-hand sharpening. Specifically all the curved edges found on wood carving gouges and adzes.
I'm rather good at it. It took practice. I think of it as a protection of my investment.
I learned that you can't buy an edge. Every sharpening "system" ever trotted out has a learning curve.
I learned that I must know the total included bevel angle for every edge I own. I have to repeat those.
I learned that all sharpening systems produce the same result. The only difference is money.
As the principles and unwritten tricks are the same, a smooth rock and a bucket of water are adequate.
I do agree that the sharpening is key, no matter which knife you carry.
I'm rather good at it. It took practice. I think of it as a protection of my investment.
I learned that you can't buy an edge. Every sharpening "system" ever trotted out has a learning curve.
I learned that I must know the total included bevel angle for every edge I own. I have to repeat those.
I learned that all sharpening systems produce the same result. The only difference is money.
As the principles and unwritten tricks are the same, a smooth rock and a bucket of water are adequate.
I do agree that the sharpening is key, no matter which knife you carry.
For 6 months in the wild, I will definitely take at least 3x knives =
1x small bushcrafter type or opinel type folder for shaving woods for tinder and delicate cutting jobs
1x mid camping size knife for cutting twigs and battoning and digging up the grounds type of works
1x large chopper like coldsteel kukri or machete for clearing bushes and chopping larger trees and also for self defence from wild animals attacks
I am not sure if there is 1 knife which can do these different tasks all equally well.
Although the weights and size of the tools could be taxing. But 6 months is rather long period of being in the wild, and one needs well equipped?
1x small bushcrafter type or opinel type folder for shaving woods for tinder and delicate cutting jobs
1x mid camping size knife for cutting twigs and battoning and digging up the grounds type of works
1x large chopper like coldsteel kukri or machete for clearing bushes and chopping larger trees and also for self defence from wild animals attacks
I am not sure if there is 1 knife which can do these different tasks all equally well.
Although the weights and size of the tools could be taxing. But 6 months is rather long period of being in the wild, and one needs well equipped?
Last edited:
The indestructible Knife Research Rasul by Molletta could be considered. Overall, with the criteria, probably a Skrama would be the most useful.
I have just got hold of a Condor Combat Machete ( discontinued ) and my goodness what a beast, it's stainless steel, 13" blade, sharp, will chop, slice, ( it's own weight will cut through an A4 sheet of paper ) baton, will food prep at a push, great camp knife and as a self defense tool ... well lets just say it looks like a modern day Roman short sword !!
Condor Combat Machete with sheath NEW knife | #1885543973
Up for sale is a new Condor combat machete knife. It has been sitting in my knife chest for years. Never used. Winner pays $15 shipping and handling.
www.worthpoint.com
Nice choice, I remember seeing those a few years back, and gave it a miss, my mistake.
Condor Combat Machete with sheath NEW knife | #1885543973
Up for sale is a new Condor combat machete knife. It has been sitting in my knife chest for years. Never used. Winner pays $15 shipping and handling.
Looking at the condor range they have a number of big choppers and must admit I really like my bushcraft parang.
Also just seen a newer blade sports offering https://www.moonrakerknives.co.uk/shop/fixed-knives/woodbuster-chopper
Sorry Robson, I think we have our wires crossed.
Dave
I quite agree with the above, by sharpening set up, I meant a set of stones etc, not a sharp maker or whatever.
Dave
No such thing as a self defense tool on here, unless you like porridge.
Off the grid here, I'd be expecting to find suitable river stones for sharpening.
In any case, a roll of sand papers (600/800/1000/1200/1500) is really no added weight.
In any case, a roll of sand papers (600/800/1000/1200/1500) is really no added weight.
