Shopping for a new Bush Knife

[northernbushape]

Certainly not by choice, as my old Winchester has been a constant and reliable companion for a long time. I have to resign myself to the fact that it has most likely been lifted from my Jeep. I had the top down all summer and I think I left the knife under a seat last weekend. Whatever happened, it is now missing in action and I am looking for a replacement.

So, I would like to hear your thoughts on a good knife. I have some prerequisites and have looked at dozens of knives. I have pretty good knowledge of knives in general, but it's always good to get other opinions. The knife I purchase will have a demanding career ahead of it :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

Must be ...

Full tang
Drop point
Minimum 4mm top thickness
Minimum 4.5" blade and no more than 10" total length
Scandi-ground bevel (would consider double-bevel on the right knife)
No Serrations
HC for scandi-grind, or 440 Stainless for double-bevel
Kydex or Ballistic nylon sheath - no leather
Lanyard fitting
Handle material is debatable.
$100 USD or less
No folders - they are dangerous for what I need it for, and I have plenty already.

I would like to hear personal feedback if you have a knife that you think would be up to the challenges of a very demanding bush ape.

 

[jason]

I wish I could help you. I was actually going to try and find something like you had. I would like to see what people come up with though.

 

[Newanderthal]

Cold Steel SRK

I've been using this knife for about 9 years. I've hammered nails into a tree, pried apart pallets, hammered the knife into a log and used it as a splitting wedge, cut a sapling for use as a crutch when I tore up my ankle and skinned deer. It takes an edge like a pro and holds it like a champ. I use the Lansky sharpening kit.

Here's one with the Carbon V steel blade, which is superior to the AUS 8A Stainless of newer models.

If you want a larger knife more suitable for chopping, you could try the RECON SCOUT. It's the SRK's big brother. My big brother got his about 13 years ago.

 

[northernbushape]

Impressive knife! I had forgotten about the SRKs. I think the Recon Scout is a bit large, but the SRK looks to be right on the money. I know of a local guy too that will re-bevel to Scandi for about $40.

Thanks for the suggestion - a strong contender for sure.

 

[Newanderthal]

that knife goes everywhere with me, but the Carbon V's are harder to find every year. You might also look at the kukris at khukurihouseonline.com like the 8" Raw Angkhola. I ordered a custom knife from them and it's a beast.

 

[northernbushape]

I have a Gurkha Kukri from Pakistan and I love it. Great chopper and splitter, but a little large for general carry. As you already know, the Kukris are all categories of nasty! It's funny to see people's reactions when I bring it out :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

You can see it at 0:42 of this video ...

YouTube - OutdoorBaseCamp's Channel

I bought it as an alternative to my machete which is not very well suited for the woods around here. The Kukri does a much better job on wood. The machete is just too flexy.

 

[Newanderthal]

Ontario Knife also has the RAT series, available at knifecenter.com

Their machetes are also much heavier than most, and the soft rubber handle eliminates the vibration when chopping tougher woods.

 

[northernbushape]

Nice.

I have heard of the Ontarios many times, but have only seen the larger 12" + bowie-style and machete models.

I like the RAT-7 and the Ranger RD 6 - both very good knives and right in the price range. Bad reviews on the Ranger sheaths though.

Great suggestions!

Edit: Looked up the prices on the Rats up here in Canuckia, and they are quite spendy - outside my budget.

 

[northernbushape]

Here is another very strong contender ...

Ka-Bar BK2 Becker Companion

1095 Steel
1/4" thick
Full Tang
USA Made

Amazon.com: Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife: Sports & Outdoors

 

[northernbushape]

Picked up the new knife today. I went with the Ka-Bar Becker BK2. $90 CDN after taxes - not a bad deal up here and cheaper than any other store that carried them.

I tried the Cold Steel SRK as well, but I found that the handle material and checkering was a blister waiting to happen. It was easy to hold onto and felt very nice in my hand, but I think If I were to use it for an hour or so it would get quite uncomfortable in the hand and possibly bring out a blister.

The BK2 feels very nice, very stout, and has a nice heft to it.

Both knives are very good and I would have gone with the SRK had the BK2 not been available. I may have added some rubber to the handle to make it more comfortable.

I will post a few pictures maybe tomorrow.

Thanks for the great advice and feedback in this thread. Very much appreciated.

My happy is enlarged :tinysmile_grin_t: