The length suggest "camp knife" more than huner/skinner too me, especially at 0.2" stock - that is REALLY thick. 0.020" isn't all that thin either, especially a a Ztuff blade, i wouldn't want to use that as a hunting knife or really for anything besides beating through wood and metal. Why so soft on the steel? It's super tough at 58-59 Rc (again, is this meant to compete with an INFI blade for bashing through stuff?) but you could get better edge-strength with a couple more points.
Tough and reasonably good looking. But doesn't suit my tastes. $0.02 and well done!
I appreciate the reply. It is basically an all around type knife. I prefer a knife this big personally, for elk size game. The recurve is a little deep, but I liked the way it came out. As far as steel hardness, I have been testing this one along side a harder blade, and they seem pretty comparable as far as cutting abrasives such as rope. But this one is easier to touch up in the field.
The stock thickness doesn’t affect its cutting ability, that’s all about geometry. As far as ztuff, well it’s a jack of all trades as far as I’m concerned. Better wear resistance than simple carbon steels, but way tougher, with excellent corrosion resistance. I have used it butchering pigs, and it holds up great. This hardness compared to 60 rc, is very similar in abrasive cutting resistance, but much easier to touch up in the field. As far as my testing, this steel is about as tough as infi, with better wear resistance. And holds up better in thinner edge geometry. The handle, is a preference, it fits my hand good, and feels really good over all. As far as the hump on the spine, that’s more of a design look that I like. I have pushed this steel up to 60-61 rc. And it’s great. Cutting rope, I can tell no difference in edge retention, but the softer steel is easier to restore in the field.The length suggest "camp knife" more than huner/skinner too me, especially at 0.2" stock - that is REALLY thick. 0.020" isn't all that thin either, especially a a Ztuff blade, i wouldn't want to use that as a hunting knife or really for anything besides beating through wood and metal. Why so soft on the steel? It's super tough at 58-59 Rc (again, is this meant to compete with an INFI blade for bashing through stuff?) but you could get better edge-strength with a couple more points.
I really like the steel, and I like the handle materials, but why is the back of the handle so straight? Too many knives do this, it should be more rounded. Why the hump in the blade spine right above the handle? I don't see the purpose.
For hunting/skinning, I prefer a drop-point blade if it isn't the size of a sharpfinger, but for a "camp knife" I think you made a heck of a design.
Agreed...
It’s just a look that I like. Nothing functional about it really. I just like how it makes my blades look. As far as that blade, it’s a 5 inch drop point in mod A8. Drop point for the most part is a design preference for some people not for others. I don’t mind them, but I really like the look of a bowie style trailing point. Or scimitar style.Nice! Still not getting what the function of the hump on the spine is. I could see that if one was going to stab/penetrate, but that conflicts with a trailing point.
Honestly, I know it's not the sexiest, but my favorite is the one directly under the ax. That looks like a knife that could do anything well outdoors from skinning to batonning. I like it! Good solidly designed and thought out "what one knife for outdoor recreation"
Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.Agreed...
On a "funtional" knife, there's little room for aesthetic...
Make the spine straight and maybe give it a good 90 degree.
Or not, your knife - your call.
Just critiquing as requested!
The recurve has its function, when your rounding a leg to start skinning, it helps a lot. And if you need to chop some branches, such as clearing lanes for archery, it actually chops better than you would think, for it’s size and weight.
No problem...
No problem. Thanks man.