Looking for the perfect knife

D

derek.harris87

Joined
Nov 24, 2010
Messages
4
Hi, I'm a new member, currently deployed to Afghanistan.

I'm a one-knife kind of guy, and have gone through my share of customs - either having them made full, or just one-off's. Not a big production knife guy.

Anyway, christmas is coming up so I want to spoil myself a little bit..

I need help finding the right knife, I only get about 30 minutes on the internet a day, so you could see where that's a problem when trying to find a knife. I guess what I'm hoping to achieve is for you guys to recommend a custom knife maker who works with the kind of knife I want often, and uses the kind of components I'm talking about - I just don't have the time to do the leg work.

I'm looking for a custom or semi-custom knife, a small knife with a blade around 4'', and an OAL around 8''. (That's AT MOST, a small knife would be better, but not too small.)

I want really nice steel.. I don't think I can afford damascus, but something nice.. and I want it to look weathered and flawed. Very raw.. and dark.

..a really nice wood, ivory, or bone for the handle.. maybe stag if it's not too crazy looking. I want the whole knife to look weathered and old. I think a dark treated wood would look the best, with some defects and very noticable grain... real old looking.

I'm looking for like a small "hunter", or "bushcrafter" style knife.. not too big, so I can carry it without knowing it's there, and something stout enough that I can use it for everyday hiking and camping in the mountains when I get back from the 'stan. Something I can use over here, as well.

Thanks, and looking forward to your recommendations.
 
William Courtney
http://www.courtneyknives.com
e2ec43f5.jpg

13752bef.jpg

b888c8c0.jpg
 
Last edited:
Welcome to Blade Forums. And thanks for your service to our country.

I would suggest contacting Daniel Winkler. He's a great guy and makes great knives similar to your description.
He has quite a wait list, however keeps some of his Winkler II knives (which actually sound like what you are looking for) available
for immediate sale. http://www.winklerknives.com/knifeidx.asp?type=Winkler Knives II
 
Last edited:
This is a more dressy version, maybe what you're aiming for (?)- but this one $2000+
bd87c235.jpg


some makers leave "scale" which gives an old look. This is a Burt Foster "dark side" (i think this is a more affordable option.)
83164d73.jpg
 
Tai Goo has a pretty quick turnaround, affordable pricing and knows his way both around steel and around what makes for a good knife. I have three Goos and they are some kind of functional. Really beg to be used and I use em lots.

A number of guys went through my mind after reading your post, but Tai really stands out. I think he's underrated from a number of standpoints.

Here's my BMG by Tai Goo;

GooBMG006.jpg


GooBMG007.jpg


GooBMG008.jpg


GooBMG010.jpg


It's a little bigger than what you're talking about but he'll make you a knife to suit. The socket handle is truly excellent, but he'll do wood or whatever I'm sure.
For a hippie, he's very professional
 
I'd recommend checking out c.edmunson, he's a maker here and he forges knives that sound right up your alley. Very affordable as well......Stay safe over there brother.
 
Check out:
Rich McDonald (longknives and leather.com).
Bob Alderman (trackers forge.com)
 
Last edited:
I would second Kevin's recommendation for a Winkler II knife. For the old-timey look, I would recommend John Cohea as well:

http://jmcknives.blademakers.com/

The knife below is larger than you want, but very light weight. No doubt he could work to your dimensions.

orig.jpg


Burt Foster's military knives are definitely worth a look:

http://www.burtfoster.com/military/military_main.htm

orig.jpg


orig.jpg


Maybe a little different than what you had in mind, but something like these Karl Andersen pieces would no doubt serve you well:

http://www.andersenforge.com/

orig.jpg


orig.jpg


This guardless model by Tad Lynch - in a darker wood - might fit the bill:

http://www.lynchknives.com/index.html

orig.jpg


I know that damascus may not be in the budget, but of all the knives I presently own, I suspect this one is the closest to fitting your description. It's by Burt Foster and it is well used:

orig.jpg


Roger
 
Old looking and dark, You are describing a Ray Richards Knife. I don't have any photo's to post, but you can google and get a ton of hits.

Dave
 
David Stifle said:
Old looking and dark, You are describing a Ray Richards Knife. I don't have any photo's to post, but you can google and get a ton of hits.

Dave
Click to expand...

Good call. Ray's site is here:

http://www.hawknknives.com/

Roger

PS - Derek - when you have a chance, look over the knives posted and give us an idea as to which of them most closely fit what you have in mind - that could help narrow down further recommendations. As you can see, we are more than happy to do some leg work for you. The leg work you are doing for us is invaluable.
 
IMG00138-20101028-1345.jpg


This is what I use, its a Winkler Knives II Belt knife. This knife is very similar to the standard issue model that Mr Winkler currently provides to active duty operators within Naval Special Warfare. The 3/16" steel is 5160 with a no-glare finish. A full tapered tang means great balance. The knife measures 9" overall- blade length is 4 3/4". Handle choices are curly maple, black micarta or recycled rubber. Kydex lined leather sheath that can be worn vertically or horizontally for right or left hand draw with simple adjustments. Brown leather sheath for wooden handles, black for rubber or micarta.

I have taken mine on patrol in the jungles of Chiapas and Oaxaca, Mexico. Its a very good knife.

P.S. Mr Winkler gives a military discount just email him. He's a very good person to deal whit; This knife is in the 3OO dollar range.

These knives are built to last, and they get an antiqued look to the blade from use that’s just beautiful, I’m going to hand down mi knife and hatchet to mi kid on day. Mr. Winkler makes his knives using a lot of fed back from professionals that actually use these knives in the field. Most of his designs are inspired in the frontier knives that people used back in the day, simple and effective.
 
Lots of good makers listed so far.

Burt Foster's knives jumped into my mind when you posted the description and included "old looking" and "Dark" and added a natural handle material.


I don't think I have seen May Lamey mentioned yet. He makes a mean knife. You would not go wrong with a Lamey in W2 with a wood handle. from him, with the scale and forge marks left on. Especially if you are considering using it in "combat".
 
I would recommend Burt Foster as well. He can do the old look but his knives are strong as hell and some of the sharpest best cutters out there. People in the service use his knives as well.
 
If you are willing to pay for materials and shipping I will build you something to your spec. as a "thanks" for your service.

Ive got many, many blades in service and always like to add another when I can.

Not trying or wanting to jump on anyones sale here, as all the above mentioned would also be fine options for you.
 
All mentioned are excellent and Matt's offer is most gracious and I would not refuse.

for some ideas here is another

Jason Knight Military

KnightCombat002.jpg
 
RMLamey said:
If you are willing to pay for materials and shipping I will build you something to your spec. as a "thanks" for your service.

Ive got many, many blades in service and always like to add another when I can.

Not trying or wanting to jump on anyones sale here, as all the above mentioned would also be fine options for you.
Click to expand...


I'd take Matt up on his offer. He makes one hell of a combat worthy blade.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top