Page 46 – BLADE Magazine

Buckhorn Review: Ketuo-Ken Onion Hit It Out Of The Park

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October 2, 2024

Buckhorn Review: Ketuo-Ken Onion Hit It Out Of The Park

The Buckhorn collaboration is about as good as it gets without going custom.

Ketuo Knives partnered with renowned custom knifemaker and designer Ken Onion, to come out with a collaboration knife unlike any other collaboration Onion has previously done.

Dubbed the Buckhorn and marketed under the Karbon Knives banner, the knife debuted at the 2024 BLADE Show in Atlanta in June, and it won the 2024 Knife Collaboration of the Year in the Knife of the Year award. And it takes partnership knives to the next level offering a bevy of top-shelf features at a price that doesn’t blow your budget.

Honestly, it’s shocking!

BUCKHORN Blade

Onion has outfitted the Buckhorn with a modified 3.8-inch drop-point blade constructed from S35VN stainless steel. The material is a tried-and-true high-performance blade steel that holds an edge well and be fairly easy to sharpen when the need arises. To this is applied a high, flat grind that progressively thins down, giving the folder an elegant cross-section capable of cleaving through even tough materials. Topping it off, the blade is given a nice ceramic blast finish which is subdued but also has a nice sheen to it that is rather classy and dressy.
Action

Onion opted for dual thumbstuds on the Buckhorn, making the folder friendly to both lefties and righties. Additionally, a flipper tab is included, for effortless blade deployment with the flick of your index finger.

A hidden gem, Ken Onion is hidden away on the backside of the spacer.

The blade rides on a pair of caged ceramic bearings in the pivot for the ultimate smoothness in opening and closing. The flipper action is very dialed in as well. Place your index finger on the flipper and press on it for a second and you’ll feel it load up then the detent lets the blade go, and it rotates to the fully open and locked position effortlessly.

Buckhorn Handle

Ketuo-Ken Onion Buckhorn closed — Very nicely textured and featuring a palm swell, the Buckhorn fits the hand just right.

The handle of the Buckhorn is really, where all the magic is.

Perhaps the most unique design trait of the handle is the palm swell machined into the middle of the handle. This is employed to help seat the knife firmly in your hand and make it easier to grip. Continuing on, there’s the eye-catching 3D checkerboard micro-milling pattern at both ends of the handle, on both sides. Even the stylish minimalist titanium pocket clip sports the same 3D micro-milling pattern on the back, providing visual continuity to the clip side of the handle.

Speaking of the pocket clip, it is held onto the handle with one Torx screw. The handle end of the clip sits in a matching cavity to prevent it from rotating, thus remain secure with one fastening point.

The pivot screw is brass colored, as is the pivot ring. Eye-catching, the tandem give the illusion of the end of a shotgun shell, which is a unique aesthetic to the Buckhorn. The brass color pops against the bead-blasted handle. The matching titanium handle spacer covers about ¾ of the handle length, and at the end of the handle, the spacer forms an integral lanyard loop.

Keuto-Onion Buckhorn pivot. — An absouletely stunning design point, the pivot screw looks like a shotshell head. Interestingly, the other side where the torx head is looks like a fired shell with a firing pin impression.

The framelock lockup engages the lower third of the width of the tang, so an easy lockup. It engages solidly without any movement in any direction. With a firm push of your thumb, the lock disengages allowing the blade to rotate closed.

I don’t believe you’re going to have any concerns over the lock holding or failing on this one. Ketuo did this one right!

Buckhorn Tested

Buckhorn half open — Outfitted with thumbstuds and a kicker, the knife is quick into action.

In action, the Buckhorn is a very efficient cutting tool. It deploys easily and with the flat ground blade, it slices easily and effortlessly.
The front section of the blade has the wedge and is the thinnest portion, sailing through various materials with ease. I like how the entire cutting edge has a graceful curve to it. Not only visually appealing, this feature allows you to make use of the entire length of the cutting edge.

S35VN is a top-performing steel and is an excellent choice for the Buckhorn. This steel will go the distance and withstand heavy usage. Also, dig the fact the ambidextrous thumb studs are positioned as far back on the blade as possible, this gets them out of the way to eliminate hanging up on material being cut. A smart move!

Ken Onion Buckhorn lanyard loop — Then handle spacer is also titanium and forms an intergral lanyard loop at the aft of the knife.

With the handle’s ergonomic features, I felt in control of the knife at all times and found no hot spots to speak of. It just fits the hand so perfectly. This is a testament to Ken Onion’s design prowess and intimate understanding of handle design.

Final Cut

This knife is about as close as anyone will get to owning a full-blow custom knife from the man himself. At MSRP $275 and made in China, the Buckhorn is an excellent deal for what you get in return. It’s an exciting-looking design from one of the best in the game, using high-end materials with 3D machined titanium and S35VN, and a sturdy framelock. Well worth the price of admission.

Pros

Stunning overall design
Excellent materials
Crisp action
Priced right

Cons

Nice enough you may not want to carry it.

Buckhorn Specs
Blade Material: S35VN
Blade Angle: >60°
Full Length: 8.78″
Handle Length: 4.84″
Blade Length: 3.85″
Type: Folding Blade Knife
Handle Material: 6AL-4V
Finishing: Bead blast & Anodizing
Weight: 4.44 oz
Color: Silver w/ Gold Ano Accents
Designer: Ken Onion
Brand: Karbon Knives
Manufacturer: Ketuo Knife

Buckhorn Deals:

B. R. Hughes, Pioneering Writer And Bladesmithing Teacher, Passes Away

BLADE Staff

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October 1, 2024

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B. R. Hughes, Pioneering Writer And Bladesmithing Teacher, Passes Away

Hughes’ unbound energy touched outdoor writing, knifemaking, sports and higher education.

Billy Ray “B. R.” Hughes, one of four founders of the American Bladesmith Society, pioneering knife and also a gun and outdoor writer, bladesmithing teacher, member of the BLADE Magazine Cutlery and ABS halls of fame and dear friend of the knife community, passed away September 17. He was 92.

B. R. began his writing career in 1951 as a reporter for the El Dorado Daily News in El Dorado, Arkansas, and later wrote for the Arkansas Gazette and Monroe Morning World. He attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where his flair for writing blossomed. He was editor of the college newspaper, assistant editor of the school yearbook and was active in school drama productions. He lettered in baseball and went on to play professionally for a short time in the minor leagues, topping out in the Class “C” league. He graduated from Henderson State in 1954 with majors in history and literature and a minor in speech and drama.

He began his teaching career in Huttig, Arkansas, where he met and later married Carolyn, current editor of The ABS Journal. Over the next decade, B. R. taught and coached at several Arkansas high schools. He covered the undefeated/untied University of Arkansas football team when the Razorbacks were recognized by several organizations as the 1964 NCAA national champions, a team coached by Frank Broyles and that included future Dallas Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. In 1965, B. R. joined the Texarkana College staff as director of public relations.

In 1961, he began his outdoor writing career with material published in Guns, Gun World, The American Rifleman and other magazines. His first knife-related stories were printed in Gunsport in 1966 and later in Gun World. His first knife book, American Handmade Knives of Today, was published in 1972. Along with Jack Lewis, B. R. co-authored The Gun Digest Book of Knives in 1973. It was the first knife publication of its kind in book form and foreshadowed the KNIVES annual introduced by Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Ken Warner in 1981, the latter of which continues to this day under the Caribou Media umbrella.

Other of B. R.’s books include the iconic Master of the Forge on the life and knives of his good friend, Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Bill Moran; Modern Handmade Knives; The Gun Digest Book of Folding Knives (co-authored again with Lewis); and others. In all, B. R. authored over 500 magazine articles on knives, including many in BLADE®, Knife World/KNIFE and others, in the process serving as a BLADE field editor for many years.

In 1976, along with Moran, Don Hastings and Bill Bagwell, B. R. was one of the four founding members of the ABS. Since 1984 he had served as the society’s secretary. Among his knife honors are the Knifemakers’ Guild Nate Posner Award and the Don Hastings Award, the latter the top honor of the ABS.

B. R. retired from Texarkana College in 1995 after having served over 25 years as dean of students. During that time he also served as commissioner of the Northeast Texas Junior College Baseball Conference, president of the Texas Junior College Dean’s Association, on the National Health Council, and on the Advisory Council of the American Red Cross.

For at least the past decade the B. R. Hughes Award named in his honor has been presented to the best knife of a successful applicant for ABS master smith at the BLADE Show. B. R. and Carolyn attended ABS hammer-ins for decades right up to the last year or two, helping coordinate the events and covering them over that time. B. R. also taught assorted subjects at the hammer-ins, at BLADE University and the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing, first in Washington, Arkansas, and later when the school moved to the campus of Texarkana College in 2019. He also served as a judge for the testing of applicants for bladesmith ratings at the hammer-ins, the BLADE Show and elsewhere.
B. R. and Carolyn’s children include Barry and Lee Ann, and two grandchildren, Cody and Cale.

More About Custom Knives:

Custom Knife Royalty: Russell, Moran And Loveless
Spectacular Custom EDC Knives Unveiled
Stag Handle: Custom Knives That Are Bad To The Bone
Dagger: Custom And Production Buyer’s Guide

Best Steak Knives: These Are A Cut Above The Rest

Buyer's Guides

Pat Covert

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September 30, 2024

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Best Steak Knives: These Are A Cut Above The Rest

Don’t trust your prime cut to anything less!

Cooking a great filet mignon, ribeye or any good cut of meat is an art, so shouldn’t eating it be the same? Most of you have had a good cut of meat fall victim to a dull knife, sliding around on the plate like an ice skater on a rink, scattering peas and mashed potatoes to the wind. As blade-loving folk you know the benefits of a good cutter, so in BLADE®’s special kitchen knife issue let’s consider some of the more refined offerings in steak knives.

Best Steak Knives Specs Comparison

Knife	Blade Length (inches)	Blade Steel	Blade Pattern	Handle Material	Weight (ounces)	Overall Length	Carry	Country Of Origin	MSRP
Bradford Orwell Steak Knife	4.2	AEB-L Stainless	Clip Point	Tan Micarta®	3	8.5	Kydex Sleeve	USA	$128 ($168 with sheath)
Emerson Folding Steak Knife	3.9	154CM Stainless	Clip point	Tan/black layered Richlite	4.56	5	Blade-tip-up pocket clip	USA	$335
Sharps Bros. Meanstreak Grill & Steak Knife	5	S35VN Stainless	Clip point	Titanium	6	9.25	Black thermoplastic blade cover	USA	$110

Bradford USA Orwell Steak Knife

Bradford USA Orwell cutting steak — The author stated the Bradford USA Orwell handles and cuts like a steak knife should, adding “The level of construction and finish is very high throughout, and the Uddeholm AEB-L stainless steel blade is many cuts above that of the average steak knife.” Note the Micarta® handle with a nice palm swell for an enhanced grip and handling.

The Orwell Steak Knife from Bradford USA may look like a Webster Dictionary depiction of what a carnivore cutter should be, but there’s more than meets the eye in this upscale slicer.

The Orwell is a spinoff of the company’s Gatsby design with more handle options geared toward the tactical user and outdoorsman. The full, flat-ground, gently clipped blade has a stonewashed finish (a high polish is also optional). Handle scales on the test sample are tan Micarta®—black, camo and OD green are also available. The test Orwell was delivered with an optional black Kydex sheath.

Of the three review knives, the Orwell more closely resembles what most consider the norm among steak knives in size and configuration. Where it differs from the norm is in sheer quality of both materials and fit and finish.

For your inspection: an inexpensive, run-of-the-mill steak knife and the Bradford. Note the pleasing line and flow of the Bradford compared to lack of same in the other knife. If you’re going to spend good money on an expensive cut of meat, why not spend money on a knife you’ll enjoy eating it with?

I cooked up a black Angus ribeye steak for the occasion and took the Orwell to task. The AEB-L stainless steel blade glided through the steak effortlessly, you might say, “Like an Uddeholm steel should.” This was also aided by the fact that Orwell was the thinnest test blade.

Bradford did a superb job on the handle scales with just the right amount of palm swell for gripping, along with a high degree of finishing for overall comfort. I really had no “druthers” with the Orwell at all, and the Kydex sheath is worth the price of admission both as a protective cover in the drawer or for field use.

Orwell Steak Knife Specs
Blade length: 4.2”
Blade steel: AEB-L stainless
Blade pattern: Clip point
Handle material: Tan Micarta®
Weight: 3 ozs.
Overall length: 8.5”
Carry: Kydex sleeve, easily converted to belt
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $128 ($168 w/sheath)

Orwell Deals

Ernest Emerson Folding Steak Knife

Emerson Knives Folding Steak Knife cutting steak — The author used the Emerson Knives Folding Steak Knife to cut strips of steak for fajitas. The knife is not as svelte as its two test counterparts but if you eat out frequently the portability is well worth the price of admission.

Leave it to Ernest Emerson to produce a steak knife folder. That’s his job, that’s what he does!

The blade of the Emerson Folding Steak Knife boasts an almost imperceptible clip point with a flat grind and rolls out via an ambidextrous thumb disc. The blade secures via a linerlock inside the open titanium frame. The brown layered handle slabs give the knife a rustic look, though you can go with black G-10 if you’ve got a tactical slant. An ample 2.3-inch pocket clip occupies the frame’s back side.

I devoted a portion of the ribeye to taking off approximately 1/8-inch slices for steak fajitas with the Emerson. The 154CM stainless steel blade did an admirable job of slicing, though it is slightly clumsier due to the bulk of the handle compared to, well, a fixed-blade steak knife. That’s the price you pay for portability.

Emerson steak knife closed with carrying case — If you eat out a lot and are out and about doing so, the Emerson may just be your best friend. You’ll never have to experience Sliding Steak Syndrome at a restaurant again!

Despite its size, the handle is comfortable and the Richlite scales are attractive. When you’re finished dining simply wipe the knife down with your cotton restaurant napkin, park the folder in your pocket, and go your merry way.

Folding Steak Knife Specs
Blade length: 3.9”
Blade steel: 154CM stainless
Blade pattern: Clip point
Handle material: Tan/black layered Richlite
Carry: Blade-tip-up pocket clip
Weight: 4.56 ozs.
Closed length: 5”
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $334.82

Folding Steak Knife Deals

Sharps Bros. Meanstreak Grill & Steak Knife

The Sharps Bros. Meanstreak Grill & Steak knife is futuristic in style and loaded with upscale features. For starters, the full-tang steak knife boasts a clip-point blade of CPM S35VN stainless steel with a long, angled, flat grind that looks ready to launch.

With its longer blade the Meanstreak is meant not just for cutting meat but handling other chores such as flipping steak. I tested the blade on a hefty pound-and-a-half, 5-inch-across chunk of ham and it whipped through it like it was an afterthought—and the ribeye experienced the same results.

Blade thickness varies on the review group, from thickest on the larger Sharps Bros. (middle) to the thinnest on the Bradford (right). After testing all three steak knives, the author opined that the blade thickness was not much of a factor since all three knives had much better than average blade steel, properly heat treated and professionally edged.

The longest of the blades reviewed, the Meanstreak proved the superior cutter of the pack. Realistically, the extra half inch of blade length isn’t necessary, and some may think it’s too much knife, so it’s a trade-off.

Personally, I didn’t find it burdensome.

The titanium handle is not as comfortable as Micarta grips and the Meanstreak is twice the weight of the Bradford, but it’s easier to clean. These are all preferences you need to weigh when choosing your ideal steak knife.

Meanstreak Grill & Steak Knife Specs
Blade length: 5”
Blade steel: S35VN stainless
Blade pattern: Clip point
Handle material: Titanium
Weight: 6 ozs.
Overall length: 9.25”
Carry: Black thermoplastic blade cover
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $109.95

Meanstreak Grill & Steak Knife

Final Cut

Handles of the three steak knives. — Sharps Bros. opts for an angular titanium handle that matches its futuristic styling. The Emerson is the rare folding steaker replete with linerlock and pocket clip for easy toting. Bradford carries on a more traditional approach with all the traits of a refined custom.

If you’ve been using standard house fare, the three test steak knives should be a vast improvement. All three blade steels are heat-treated and honed to a high degree by professionals who know their steels and how to get the most from them. The biggest difference between the three knives is how you plan to use them.

The Bradford excels where run-of-the-mill steak knives fail. Bradford USA has used Uddeholm AEB-L stainless steel with success for over 10 years, and like every Bradford knife I’ve tested, the fit and finish is superb. This steak knife will spoil you.

The Emerson offers you the portability a fixed blade doesn’t, and that’s important to those who eat out a lot, both at restaurants or in the wild. The company also offers a fixed-blade version of the same knife.

All three test knives go with variations on the flat grind. Emerson uses a “V” flat grind halfway up the blade with a stonewashed flat area. Sharps Bros cements the futuristic styling with a flat grind that takes off like a rocket from choil to tip, and Bradford returns to earth with a full flat grind from spine to edge.

With its longer blade, the Sharp Bros. expands its usefulness beyond the dinner table in areas like meal prep and grilling. The Crucible blade steel is the most advanced blade option I tested, not to mention the titanium scales. If you prefer a knife that goes beyond the dinner plate, the Meanstreak will go there.

Three very different knives, three very different options—choose your slice!

More Culinary Knives:

Henckels Everpoint Review: More Knife Than Meets The Eye

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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September 27, 2024

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Henckels Everpoint Review: More Knife Than Meets The Eye

See how an over-the-counter Henckels survives the Breed test.

This time I decided to hit the local retail store trail for a knife just about anyone can buy anytime. Nothing tweaked my fancy till I hit a major chain store. There I found an inexpensive Henckels Everpoint 8-inch chef’s knife. Well, let’s just say I’m impressed with the quality of the Henckels. Read on and see why.

Henckels Everpoint Sharpness Test

Henckels Everpoint stays sharp — The knife had to slice paper once more to see if the horn whacks did any harm the author could not feel. It was still slicing and dicing like in the beginning.

First was the 20-pound-bond-copy-paper slice. The knife was very sharp and aggressive slicing the paper. I had to take care not to skin parts of my finger off. As fast as I could move, I could slice the paper. The knife was off to a great start.

Henckels Everpoint Food Prep

Everpoint slicing tomatoes — The knife sliced the tomatoes fast without mushing them and produced very thin slices.

Now to use the Everpoint for its intended purpose: food preparation. I picked some cherry tomatoes and the last yellow squash from the garden. The knife sliced the tomatoes fast without mushing them. I could get very thin slices. The same went for the yellow squash. The knife was light in hand and well balanced.

Henckels Everpoint Medium Duty Tests

Henckels Everpoint cuts rope. — The Henckels surprised the author by making 200 crunching cuts in the sisal rope, and the knife was ready for more.

The rest of the test was to see how far the knife would go before the edge failed. Getting my technique down with some single-walled cardboard, the chef’s knife sailed through it aggressively with no problems. Very nice!

Next was some whittling on pine. The Henckels gave me some very smooth curlicues. I was surprised at how controllable the knife was, from very fine shavings to deep bites with heavy pieces. It’s a lot different whittling with an 8-inch chef’s knife but it came through with flying colors.

Skiving 8-ounce leather was next. The knife crunched aggressively with every cut, rendering very thin slices and one close call on my finger. The leather was no challenge at all. It was still fun to do quickly and I didn’t need to apply much pressure.

Henckels Everpoint Heavy Duty Tests

Henckels chops wood — The Everpoint chopped the 2×4 very well. The balanced blade and comfortable handle made it a pleasure to use. The author whacked the wood “pretty hard” but could see or feel no damage to the edge.

It was time to move into the big leagues by chopping into part of a 2×4. The Everpoint chopped very well. The balanced blade and comfortable handle made it a pleasure. I was whacking pretty hard into the wood but I could see or feel no damage to the edge.

All knives have to cut sisal rope. No exceptions. The Henckels surprised me by going for 200 crunching cuts and was ready for more. The plastic scales were extremely comfortable. The knife floated in my hand on every cut. Heat treatment grade: excellent.

I returned to the paper slice to see if the edge had slowed down any. Nope, it sliced just as fast as before. This chef’s knife cuts!

All right, with such a thin blade I figured an antler chop should knock the edge down a bit. Dang, it proved me wrong. Thirty hard whacks into the whitetail horn and there was no edge damage whatsoever. I’m impressed. The knife had to slice paper once more to see if the horn did some harm I could not feel. It was still slicing and dicing like in the beginning. Outstanding!

Final Cut

This chef’s knife really impressed me—low price with top end performance.

Everpoint 8” Specs
Blade Length: 8”
Blade Steel: Stainless
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @Thickest: .09”
Blade Width: 1.75”
Blade Finish: Satin
Handle: Black plastic
Rivets: Stainless
Construction: Full tang
Weight: 7 ozs.
Overall Length: 13.25”
Country of Origin: India
MSRP: $14.88

Henckels Everpoint Deals

More Culinary Knives:

Scissor Sword: Scissor Maven Grace Horne’s Prized Collectable

Knife Collecting

BLADE Staff

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September 25, 2024

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Scissor Sword: Scissor Maven Grace Horne’s Prized Collectable

Grace Horne makes what, for her especially, is the buy of a lifetime.

Scissors-making maven Grace Horne scored a find of a lifetime recently when she obtained the antique Scissor Sword made in 1851 by George Oates of Sheffield, England.

A Sheffield native, Grace thought she had lost out on the one-of-a-kind piece when someone else bought it after her computer crashed halfway through an auction of David Hayden-Wright’s collection of historical British knives in 2023.However, a dealer contacted her this past spring with a picture of the piece asking if she had ever seen it. Grace of course had, asked who owned it, contacted the owner and bought it from him at BLADE Show 2024.

The sword was made especially for London’s iconic 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition and is in Wright’s book, The Heritage of English Knives. In part, Wright wrote the sword was “conceived to represent two completely different visual images, one an elegant diamond tapering blade flat hilted court sword … the other an exceptionally large pair of attractive display tailor’s scissors … The long split blades form a diamond section with closing catch piece at the tip, each has foliate blued panels highlighted by the mirror polished steel, the steel ribbed ricasso forming the concealed hinge.

The split inner blade faces with white frost etched floral panels and the scrolled legend, ‘Manufactured by – George Oates – Sheffield.’” We seriously doubt Grace and the Scissor Sword will part company anytime soon.

See More Custom Knives:

COOL CUSTOM: BRIAN BROWN’S TAKA V2S
COOL CUSTOMS: BARRET CHRISMAN TAKES THE OL’ BULLET HI-TECH
COOL CUSTOMS: KEVIN CASEY’S LITTLE FEATHER KNIVES
COOL CUSTOMS: BLOUNT’S WAR CLUB DUSTS OFF MOHICAN MEMORIES

New Knives September 2024

BLADE Staff

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September 25, 2024

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Damascus, drop points and much, much more…

Autumn is here and, unlike the weather, knifemakers show no signs of cooling down. If anything, factory and custom makers are as hot as ever with a ton of new knives hitting the market. We picked out 12 great-looking recent drops certain to carve a place into your heart.

Jess Hoffman Donegal

Knife pattern: Skinner
Blade length: 4”
Blade steel: AEB-L stainless
Blade grind: Full flat
Handle material: Camel bone
Overall length: 8.25”
Sheath: Leather
Maker’s price for a similar knife and sheath: $230
Maker’s remarks: “My Donegal is a cross between a Nessmuk and a Canadian belt knife. It’s available in three different overall sizes: 8.25, 6.75 and 5.75 inches.”
Maker: Jess Hoffman, jhoffmanknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Kyle Royer Damascene Hunter

Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 5”
Blade material: Ladder-pattern damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
Blade grind: Flat w/convex edge
Handle: Sculpted blackwood w/texturing
Bolster: Damascene-covered guard w/24k gold and gun bluing
Overall length: 9.25”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $9,500
Maker’s remarks: “This piece is particularly special as it’s the first gold overlay I’ve done using hundreds of tiny 24k-gold wires. Additionally, it has a beautifully textured blackwood handle.”
Maker: Kyle Royer, kyleroyerknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Bear & Son Cutlery Farmhand

Blade length: 3 5/8”
Blade steel: 440 stainless
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade opener: Nail nick
Handle material: Aluminum, bone and rosewood (shown) options
Pocket clip: Yes
Lock: Lockback
Weight: 1.1 ozs.
Closed length: 2.75”
Knife to know: Handle color options include black, blue, orange, purple, red and white smooth bone, and brown rosewood
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $37.49 to $51.99
Company: Bear & Son Cutlery, www.bearandsoncutlery.com

Craig Brosman Hunter

Blade length: 2.75”
Blade steel: RWL 34 stainless
Blade grind: Hollow
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade finish: Mirror polished
Handle material: European red stag and Westinghouse Micarta® liners; w/hole for lanyard
Construction: Tapered tang
Bolster/guard: 416 stainless
Overall length: 6 9/16”
Sheath: Leather pouch w/clip by Aaron Sybrant
Maker’s price for a similar knife & sheath: $550
Maker: Craig Brosman, (SharpByCoop image)

Billy Pearce Hunter

Blade length: 5.1”
Blade material: 1075 carbon steel
Blade grind: “V”
Blade thickness @ricasso: .177”
Blade @widest: 1.18”
Blade pattern: Clip point
Handle: Bocote wood
Spacer: G-10
Guard & pin: 416 stainless steel
Overall length: 9.64”
Knife to know: Billy Pearce is an apprentice smith in the American Bladesmith Society
Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for info
Maker: Billy Pearce, (Rod Hoare image)

RMJ Tactical Lady Death

Knife pattern: Classic trench knife
Blade length: 9 5/8”
Blade material: CPM 3V carbon steel
Rockwell hardness: 60-61 HRC
Blade @thickest: 3/16”
Blade finish: Cobalt Cerakote®
Handle: Checkered Dirty Olive G-10
Handle hardware: Grade 5 titanium anodized bronze
Weight: 18.3 ozs.
Overall length: 15”
Sheath: Brown leather w/green canvas inlay; ambidextrous and wears on a belt or attached to PALS webbing
Knife to know: Double-edged blade w/long fuller; knuckle-duster-style handle; pommel pronounced for use as a hammer
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $975
Company: RMJ Tactical, www.rmjtactical.com

GiantMouse Carryology Sonoma V2 Auxikko

Knife type: EDC folder
Blade length: 3.425”
Blade steel: Elmax stainless
Rockwell hardness: 60 HRC
Blade @thickest: .138”
Blade finish: Satin
Lock: Linerlock
Pivot hardware: Ball bearings
Handle material: Titanium laser engraved w/the Carryology Auxikko pattern
Backspacer: Aluminum anodized orange w/built-in hole for a lanyard
Pocket clip: Wire, deep carry, reversible
Weight: 3.8 ozs.
Closed length: 4.5”
Knife to know: Limited edition of 400 numbered pieces
Country of origin: Made by Reate in China
MSRP: $295
Company: GiantMouse, giantmouse.com

Gary Martindale Loveless Chute Knife Repro

Blade length: 4.25”
Blade steel: CPM 154 stainless
Blade grind: Hollow
Handle: Amber stag
Bolster/crossguard: 416 stainless
Overall length: 9”
Sheath: Basketweave-leather belt pouch w/snap
Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for info
Maker: Gary Martindale, (SharpByCoop image)

Grimdog Blades Australia Draugr Mk III

Knife type: Military utility
Blade length: 4.9”
Blade material: Thyssenkrupp 80CrV2 carbon steel
Blade grind: Flat sabre
Blade thickness @ricasso: .138”
Blade finish: Cerakote® H190 Armour Black
Handle material: Olive green G-10
Overall length: 10.47”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: Contact maker for info
Knife to know: Christian Holm is a member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild
Maker: Grimdog Blades Australia, (Rod Hoare image)

Liam Walle Bird & Trout

Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 3.6”
Blade materials: Crushed W’s damascus of 1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
Blade grind: Flat
Handle: Pōhutakawa wood w/domed brass pin
Guard/bolster: Antiqued bronze
Overall length: 7.6”
Maker’s price for a similar knife: $750 at press-time exchange rate
Maker: Liam Walle, liamvallaknives.com (Jocelyn Frasier image)

Cold Steel Full Metal Atlas

Knife type: EDC folder
Blade length: 3.5”
Blade steel: CPM S35VN stainless
Blade grind: High saber
Blade pattern: Drop point
Blade opener: Thumb stud
Lock: Atlas® Lock
Handle: Textured titanium
Weight: 3.8 ozs.
Closed length: 5 7/8”
Knife to know: Knife comes in all-black (shown) or standard stonewashed finishes; handle includes a single finger groove w/integral guard
Country of origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $229.99
Company: Cold Steel, www.coldsteel.com

Halfbreed Blades MIK-03P Gen-2 K340

Knife type: Fixed blade
Blade length: 5.31”
Blade steel: K340 ISODUR
Rockwell hardness: 59-60 HRC
Blade @thickest: .25”
Blade pattern: Modified drop point
Blade finish: PVD coated
Construction: One-piece full tang
Handle: G-10
Weight: 11.14 ozs.
Overall length: 10.43”
Sheath: Injection-molded plastic w/belt & PALS/MOLLE mounting
Knife to know: MIK stands for Medium Infantry Knife
MSRP: $212 at press-time exchange rate
Company: Halfbreed Blades, halfbreedblades.com.au

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Hatchets: Hackers That Pack A Punch

Buyer's Guides

Pat Covert

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September 23, 2024

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Four hot hatchets pack more punch for their size than most.

There’s a good reason hatchets have always been a staple of camp tools. They pack more punch for their size than just about anything else you can put in your hand. Sure, an axe can outperform its smaller sibling but can be both size and weight prohibitive on many outings. Saws are lighter but their blades can break, leaving you empty-handed without a hatchet in the wings.

CAS Iberia APOC Hundr

The CAS Iberia APOC Hundr gets its name from the Old Norse word meaning hound in reference to man’s best friend. It is a bearded-style hatchet with a main handle and head of quarter-inch-thick 9260 carbon steel. Quarter-inch-thick smooth black G-10 scales bring the handle’s overall thickness to three quarters of an inch. The sheath is a black thermoplastic unit that slides open-backed over the hatchet head and is secured by two nylon straps that snap into place.

CAS Iberia/APOC Hundr Hatchet
Blade material: 9260 carbon steel
Cutting edge: 3.75”
Head length: 4.65”
Head @ thickest: .235”
Handle material: G-10 composite
Design feature: Bearded style
Weight: 1 lb., 7 ozs.
Overall length: 12”
Carry: Black synthetic sheath, MOLLE compatible, snap on
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $89

SOG Camp Axe

The SOG Camp Axe is the most modern looking entry and second bearded-style hatchet of the test bunch. Its 5-inch-long head is the longest of the review pieces, too. The head is attached by four Phillips-head screws to a black, ovate GRN (glass-reinforced nylon) handle, and an aluminum collar adds strength. The poll is a healthy .6 inch thick and the main handle is ribbed for added purchase. A minimalist blade cover has a strap that wraps around the back side of the hatchet head and, in a clever touch, hooks horizontally over the SOG logo on the opposite side.

SOG Camp Axe Specs
Blade steel: 2Cr13 stainless
Cutting edge: 3.1”
Head length: 5”
Head @ thickest: .6”
Blade coating: Bright finish w/dark recess
Handle material: GRN (glass-reinforced nylon)
Design feature: Added poll thickness
Weight: 16.1 ozs.
Overall length: 11.5”
Carry: Molded nylon sheath
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $68.69

Schrade Bedrock Axe

Dubbed the Bedrock Axe, Schrade’s entry has the test group’s largest poll, measuring 1.75 by .75 inch. Six-and-a-half inches of the handle is a grippy, black, hard rubber overmold. It is the heftiest of the review hatchets at 1 pound, 8.6 ounces. The black polyester sheath has a fabric-fastener flap at the rear.

Schrade Bedrock Axe
Blade steel: 3Cr13MoV stainless
Cutting edge: 3.5”
Head length: 4.7”
Head @ thickest: .79”
Blade coating: Satin/black oxide
Handle material: Black overmold
Design feature: Thick poll
Weight: 1 lb., 8.6 ozs.
Overall length: 11.75”
Carry: Black polyester/fabric-fastener sheath
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $39.99

Winkler Knives Highland Hatchet

The Winkler Knives Highland Hatchet has all the period visual trappings of Daniel Winkler’s full-blown custom work, though is made via the stock removal method only instead of mostly being forged. While it may be the smallest hatchet of the test bunch, it has the heart of a ram. The maple handle tapers gently toward the base and a lanyard hole. A heat-formed black Kydex sheath with two black nylon drop loops slips over the hatchet head and secures by a heavy-duty elastic rod that wraps around the sheath.

Winkler Knives Highland Hatchet
Blade material: 80CrV2 carbon steel
Cutting edge: 2.55”
Head length: 4.8”
Head @ thickest: .3”
Blade finish: Black Caswell
Handle material: Maple
Sharp stuff: Period design
Weight: 1 lb., 5 ozs.
Overall length: 11”
Carry: Kydex sheath, nylon straps
MSRP: $550
Country of origin: USA

Testing Hatchets

The thicker the poll the easier it is to perform functions like hammering tent pegs. It also adds more weight behind the swing of the hatchet when chopping. The test group offers a selection of poll thicknesses and heights.

I started by checking out the hatchets’ bite with swinging overhand chops on a 14-inch-wide-by-12-inch-deep crosscut slice of seasoned oak. I took each hatchet and buried the upper blade into the cross-grain of the stump, and they all stood up on their own. From there I worked the edge at alternate angles with each hatchet to get an idea of its bite. None of the candidates gave any resistance and all averaged cuts of ¾-to-1-inch deep. I repeated the alternate cuts on a length of 2-inch-diameter green oak tree limb and got similar results with all the subjects.

I tested the hatchets on specific tasks such as pointing stakes, shaving bark and baton work, and the exercises brought out the differences in their dimensions and configurations. For instance, the two bearded hatchets—the SOG and CAS Iberia/APOC—excelled at shaving bark. The ability to grip them behind the blade to direct them simply makes shaving with precision much easier. The Schrade Bedrock, with its large, thin blade, edged out its brethren in pointing stakes.

CAS Iberia/APOC and SOG — The CAS Iberia/APOC (top) and SOG are the bearded type. The longer drop on the bottom front edge allows you to grip the handle and use it to shave or carve wood with precision.

The hatchets with thicker polls, the SOG and Schrade, did better at hammering tent stakes due to their ease of target acquisition and scope of impact. The Winkler Highland Hatchet excelled at baton work, its wedge shape and streamlined profile ideal for the task. The individual advantages along with the size of the hatchet can be priorities in choosing the right one for your needs. Keep in mind, however, just because I called out certain models as excelling at specific tasks, such as pointing stakes, doesn’t mean the others won’t serve you to some degree.

Hatchet Carry

four different takes on hatchet sheathing — The review hatchets offer four different takes on sheathing, from the minimalist SOG at bottom right to the top shelf Winkler Kydex version (second from right).

The sheaths range from the premium one provided with the Winkler Knives Highland Hatchet to the minimalist one accompanying the avante garde SOG Camp Axe. In my days of extended trips in the wild I preferred to pack-carry a hatchet, but some may like it on the belt, and the SOG can accommodate you there. Hatchets are typically made to take abuse but are relatively easy to sharpen, either with a bench stone around the shop or a portable sharpener in the field or on the trail.

Final Cut

Options abound in the hatchet world and those on a budget should have no trouble finding competent fare in the category. The Winkler may seem pricey but once you try it you’ll appreciate its rock solid construction and extraordinary fit and finish. You’ll never be caught saying, “They don’t make ’em like that anymore.” The best news is there is enough diversity in the category that you can choose a hatchet to fit both your needs and budget, and that’s always a good thing.

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Four hot hatchets pack more punch for their size than most.

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