Best Kephart Knife?

I

In Edwards Opinion

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Mar 18, 2021
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What are peoples thoughts on the 'best' Kaphart knife? I've been researching the following examples. So far I like the Bark River for the generous handle length and thin blade stock (things I look for). I'm considering a 4.25-4.3" blade length on a knife like this. I'm currently trying out an OKC Fish and Small Game knife which has a 4" blade. The walnut handle, while not the seemingly favoured squared off 'broomstick' shape, it is still rectangular in shape and fills the hand nicely, giving it excellent control. I looked at Ka-Bars derivitive of the knife but I wasn't impressed to be honest. I didnt like the flared guards, blade length or stock thickness and those exposed pins are a rust magnet for the tang, IMO.

Bark River Kephart
L.T. Wright Genesis
Esse Bushcrafter
OKC Fish and Small Game (Kephart)
Pathfinder School Knife
 
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In Edwards Opinion said:
What are peoples thoughts on the 'best' Kaphart knife? I've been researching the following examples. So far I like the Bark River for the generous handle length and thin blade stock (things I look for). I'm considering a 4.25-4.3" blade length on a knife like this. I'm currently trying out an OKC Fish and Small Game knife which has a 4" blade. The walnut handle, while not the seemingly favoured squared off 'broomstick' shape, it is still rectangular in shape and fills the hand nicely, giving it excellent control. I looked at Ka-Bars derivitive of the knife but I wasn't impressed to be honest. I didnt like the flared guards, blade length or stock thickness and those exposed pins are a rust magnet for the tang, IMO.

Bark River Kephart
L.T. Wright Genesis
Esse Bushcrafter
OKC Fish and Small Game (Kephart)
Pathfinder School Knife
Click to expand...

It would be tough to beat the LTWK Genesis or BRK Kephart unless you went with a custom maker who does exceptional work. Like you, I prefer the thinner blade stock, so the Bark River is ideal (3/32" thick, preferably CPM 3V). It's not easy finding the 4" in stock with most of the dealers right now, though.
 
For now it is going to be two hands down Becker BK62, the designer owns one of the few original Kepharts and when it comes to resembling the real Kephart, the BK62 probably is one of few production knives that could make such claim. Having said that, I am eagerly awaiting CPK's new Kepharts, which I think is going to be a good copy with 3V steel.

Here is my copy of BK62 after I put on a patina:
6QtQzKk.jpg
 
M mmyron1 Hehe that's BHK btw not BLK. How old is that knife? Their logo keeps changing.

I like the LT Wright and BHK knives. The Bark River at 5.25" is too big imo. 4-4.25" blade is about right imo.

I should also admit that I'm not a fan of wood handled knives.
 
gazz98 said:
M mmyron1 Hehe that's BHK btw not BLK. How old is that knife? Their logo keeps changing.

I like the LT Wright and BHK knives. The Bark River at 5.25" is too big imo. 4-4.25" blade is about right imo.

I should also admit that I'm not a fan of wood handled knives.
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Oops... stupid fat fingers on my phone. Yes Blind Horse Knives (BHK). Oh I would say at least 10 years old. Closest thing I have to an actual custom knife. O1 steel and green micarta handles. So old that when the leather sheath split last year during the Rona shutdown I couldn't buy a new one and decided to try my hand at a kydex sheath.

Love the thing. If I had to replace it I would go LT Wright for sure.
 
gazz98 said:
M mmyron1 Hehe that's BHK btw not BLK. How old is that knife? Their logo keeps changing.

I like the LT Wright and BHK knives. The Bark River at 5.25" is too big imo. 4-4.25" blade is about right imo.

I should also admit that I'm not a fan of wood handled knives.
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Bark River makes their Kephart in 4.25-in. and 5.3-in. (according to KnivesShipFree). Perhaps you know that, but I wasn't sure from your post. :)
 
Mister Coffee said:
Bark River makes their Kephart in 4.25-in. and 5.3-in. (according to KnivesShipFree). Perhaps you know that, but I wasn't sure from your post. :)
Click to expand...

Ah thanks. I searched for the BR Kephart and only saw the 5.3" one. One thing about BR knives, I have large hands and I find their handles are on the short side. YMMV.
I do own one BR, the Bravo 1.25 .

Actually, BR makes a mini kephart too. A little on the small side for me personally.
https://www.dlttrading.com/mini-kephart-3v-turquoise-acrylic-black-liners-928

Found the specs on the 4" BR Kephart. 4.25" blade length, handle about 4.69". That is a good size kephart.

I haven't read much on the Pathfinder knife but Dave C knows his stuff. If their HT is good on the 1095, that is a very reasonable price.
 
IMHO (and probably worth less than $0.02), YMMV, yada yada yada...

If you want something close to the original, as pointed out above the Becker BK62 is the closest you can get right now. Ethan Becker has a remaining example of an original Kephart, and based the BK62 on that.

If you're looking for modern design and materials, as long as you go with a quality maker you'll get a good knife. Just depends on which one fits your needs/ wants with regards to materials, blade thickness and length, handle size and shape, etc...

I have a Bark River Mini Kep in CPM 3V with green canvas micarta handles. For me and my hands/ fingers, it's about the smallest size I feel is useable for light bushcraft type use. Lightweight, handy, maneuverable, slicey blade.
 
My vote....

Carothers is prob #1.....idk if it's Out yet??? and expensive.
BK62 fine example....Mine is the nicest version I've seen, with My modifications. I like it Alot, but I'd choose a nicer one.
L.T.Wright/Battlehorse Knives would be a good contender

I'd NOT choose Bark River.....but that's Just me.


But Honestly, JB in LV JB in LV is right..... I'd have John (JK Handmade Knives) make me one.
He will do any mods you want.... Blade length, handle/pin materials.... Super Cool wood selection. Very fair prices too. I have some of his knives...
Go check him out.

JK Handmade Knives

"Your Design Or Mine" http://jkhandmadeknives.com/
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
 
I honestly feel the question of what is "best" is such a loaded question. If you're asking which is the closest representation of the original Kephart knife then it is probably the Becker/Kabar model. But I perspnally like the BHK/LT models that technically fit the description.
 
rhino said:
It would be tough to beat the LTWK Genesis or BRK Kephart unless you went with a custom maker who does exceptional work. Like you, I prefer the thinner blade stock, so the Bark River is ideal (3/32" thick, preferably CPM 3V). It's not easy finding the 4" in stock with most of the dealers right now, though.
Click to expand...
Hi. I agree with and noticed everything you said. The LTWK isn't just an expensive knife, you actually seem to get a very good product. I think the handle is the longest of the bunch and arguably the best shape ('flatish broomstick'). I like it very much, but I just wanted to explore some more options first.
 
mmyron1 said:
I honestly feel the question of what is "best" is such a loaded question. If you're asking which is the closest representation of the original Kephart knife then it is probably the Becker/Kabar model. But I perspnally like the BHK/LT models that technically fit the description.
Click to expand...
Point taken, but did you read my post or just the title? Firstly everyones best is different. Thats why I accentuated 'best' (in quotation marks). This is also why I specifically shared the things I find that make the 'best' Kephart knife. After all I'm the one buying it. Its just my opinion, but I am also asking others as they may show me somthing I havent seen yet or offer further ideas. If I knew what the best Kephart knife was I probably wouldn't be posting this thread. I agree that the LT model is a good exmaple. I do not agree that the BKT is. This is because Kephart used a 4-4.3" blade, not a 5+ inch blade. I also personally do not like the flared guards, the thicker blade stock and the recessed bolts holding the handle on the BKT for reasons mentioned above.
 
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