The Bird & Trout Thread

[Hammer67]

The traditional "Bird & Trout" genre of knives has always been a favorite of mine, though it is much more of a broad concept than a specific design. Still, if I had to try and define a B & T, it would probably be a small to moderate-sized fixed blade, usually with a long, slender blade profile and a drop, spear or trailing point. But beyond that, there seems to be lots of variation. Many of the best examples are simply good, versatile, "all-around" smaller fixed blade knives that work great for far more than their name might suggest.

So I thought it would be interesting to start a thread dedicated to showcasing "Bird and Trout" knives in all their variety, in one place (traditional only, please). Here are a couple of mine - quite different from each other, yet still falling under the same general category:

Grohmann #2 "Bird and Trout:"

I've used this knife on everything from grouse to elk (and of course, trout ), and all kinds of camp chores, and it's never let me down. I almost think I like the #2 more than the larger original.

Scagel "Bird & Trout:

This B&T, with the very narrow blade and trailing point, is obviously much more specific in use. But true to its name, it definitely excels at handing small game and fish. And with a 1095 steel blade, it is easy to get this little beauty surgical sharp.

Let's see yours!

 

[black mamba]

Moore Maker #6100 in stag and 1095.

 

[VCM3]

Menefee calls this a "16 Bore" It has a 3 -1/8 " blade. This one has vintage "blue line" micarta

 

[VCM3]

This is a paring knife by Tony Bose. I think it would make a great bird n trout

 

[ptradeco]

True, the name is widely abused. I have seen so called T&B patterns that are more suited for dressing out a deer than trout. Witness the Randall version, totally inappropriate for the name, I have no idea how Randall came up with the T&B name but it could not be further from an appropriate usage of this knife:

If you really use them for the intended purpose it can prove difficult to get it right. Here are two examples I had a maker come up with for me, my own design, both failures. Please note; I said my design, not his failure:

I do a fair amount of bird hunting and fly fishing and have found that the best all around pattern for this is something close to a traditional paring knife that is a bit on the pointy side:

 

[Modoc ED]

Buck 102 Woodsman. Rather a plain knife but the 4" long, slender, pointed, blade makes it useful for this purpose.

 

[Hammer67]

I do a fair amount of bird hunting and fly fishing and have found that the best all around pattern for this is something close to a traditional paring knife that is a bit on the pointy side:

As someone who does a fair bit of both as well, I tend to agree. A number of "b&t" knives also might have the right shape, but suffer from being too thick. A proper b&t needs a thin, slicey blade, imo.

I have one of these on the way (in fiddleback maple), and I think that in size, profile and thickness, it's going to hit the nail on the head for me:

6-3/4" overall
D2 steel

But it's also cool to see all the variety, and some very cool examples so far, which is why I started this thread. Keep 'em coming!

 

[Bob W]

Here's one of mine that I have a picture handy. Knife is from Northwoods, and it's smaller than it looks.



Another favorite of mine is the Queen Lite Hunter, #85, in "amber stag bone". They simply call it a Trout knife. Factory photo:

 

[Peregrin]

Here's one made by Lamont Coombs. 01 and Cocobolo, 7 1/2" OAL.

 

[mykel m]

I had this made to be my desk knife,but it'll do as a B&T also.
1/16" 01,3 1/2" blade with a 4" handle in Ironwood with brass pins & liners.
Made by John Kaidiesch of JK handmade knives.

Modeled after the toothpick pattern.

 

[sitflyer]

Buck 102 Woodsman. Rather a plain knife but the 4" long, slender, pointed, blade makes it useful for this purpose.

This is The knife that came to mind to me when I saw this thread! The very first thought that came to me when I first handled a 102 was, man, I wish there was a trout stream nearby

 

[liamstrain]

Honestly, if I'm not using a Slim Opinel No.8, the Mora 2/0 works a treat, if a bit on the stubby side. I should re-grind one to FFG.

 

[Jack Black]

Some lovely looking knives fellers :thumbup:

 

[festerfromnzed]

Some lovely knives here guys..I agree that a B/T knife is generally of a slim profile..I got this custom and it was sold as a B/T...To me its more of a Caper but it works on feathers and fish too.This is 01 with maple scales and i like it................FES

 

[Jack Black]

Some lovely knives here guys..I agree that a B/T knife is generally of a slim profile..I got this custom and it was sold as a B/T...To me its more of a Caper but it works on feathers and fish too.This is 01 with maple scales and i like it................FES

Great-looking knife Fes :thumbup:

So is that Feathers or Fish?!

 

[festerfromnzed]

Good call JACK!....It was breakfast.........................FES

 

[leghog]

 

[Coonskinner]

I love these little knives.

 

[Jack Black]

Good call JACK!....It was breakfast.........................FES

:thumbup:

 

[Big Chris]

Here is a knife I recently finished per the customers specs that he considered a Bird & Trout

If I remember correctly it was 9" OAL with a 5" S35VN blade.

The knife on the far right is what I think of when I think B&T.