Chux
01-08-04, 08:53 PM
I had hoped to get a chance over the summer to get out and about so that I could give this knife (and a few others) a bit of a heavy workout in the real world. However, work appears to have conspired to keep me in circumstances where folders are accepted yet a fixed blade would be a little too much (especially if swinging from my belt :D ). In the future I hope to be able to add to this review.
The knife in question is this (http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showpost.php?p=56031&postcount=1) fine specimen :D The description here (http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4101) is quite comprehensive and I feel I can add little to it.
Initially I was half considering buying it but was a bit put off by the Scandi style sheath as I had never handled one before and was a little unsure about how well they would function with regards to retaining the knife during movement. However, having now handled it I can only say that the sheath is fantastically well made (and has drawn some very admiring comments from those that have handled it) and fits the knife perfectly. I would feel quite safe cart-wheeling through the forest with no fear of it dropping out. I heartily recommend this type of sheath for ease of removal of knife as well as security of retention of the blade.
The blade itself is quite thick and quite a bit shorter than I had initially imagined but I must say that in this way it much more closely resembles what I would have wanted. So far it has only been used for relatively light duties (breaking down boxes and packaging) and it has performed very well. The only drawback has been when trying to make straight slices through large expanses of thick material as the width of the blade makes this hard work. I believe this same feature would make it excellent for splitting wood though as it has a very wedge shaped profile. I would have no fear batoning with it either as the blade looks nearly unbreakable (famous last words :D ). It did arrive fairly blunt but took a razor edge with a Spydie Double-stuff in no time flat and has not needed any touching up since (even after lots of thick card). I assume it is made out of a carbon tool steel but after a couple of weeks without re-oiling (after being cleaned for use on packaging) it is showing no sign of rust.
Previously if asked what I would consider was the most comfortably handled knife I would have mentioned my Polkowski-Kasper companion which fitted my hand perfectly. However, the file knife has beaten even this as it is perfectly comfortably in any type of hold I can consider using it in. It is also absolutely rock solid in the fitting and inspires a great deal of confidence when being used. After moderate hard use for a period of time it did not rub anywhere and did not fatigue my hand at all. The centre of balance is slightly towards the blade which makes chopping movements particularly easy.
Having now had experience of Dave's work I am rather taken with Scandi style knives and sheaths and consider them to be good working knives. Dave was a pleasure to deal with and I recommend his work highly; the sheath and handle were beautifully finished and fitted. Jon's blade is sturdy and the remnants of the metals previous use make a unique piece and are a talking point. I would suggest buying their wares before they realise they are undercharging for them ;)
The knife in question is this (http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showpost.php?p=56031&postcount=1) fine specimen :D The description here (http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4101) is quite comprehensive and I feel I can add little to it.
Initially I was half considering buying it but was a bit put off by the Scandi style sheath as I had never handled one before and was a little unsure about how well they would function with regards to retaining the knife during movement. However, having now handled it I can only say that the sheath is fantastically well made (and has drawn some very admiring comments from those that have handled it) and fits the knife perfectly. I would feel quite safe cart-wheeling through the forest with no fear of it dropping out. I heartily recommend this type of sheath for ease of removal of knife as well as security of retention of the blade.
The blade itself is quite thick and quite a bit shorter than I had initially imagined but I must say that in this way it much more closely resembles what I would have wanted. So far it has only been used for relatively light duties (breaking down boxes and packaging) and it has performed very well. The only drawback has been when trying to make straight slices through large expanses of thick material as the width of the blade makes this hard work. I believe this same feature would make it excellent for splitting wood though as it has a very wedge shaped profile. I would have no fear batoning with it either as the blade looks nearly unbreakable (famous last words :D ). It did arrive fairly blunt but took a razor edge with a Spydie Double-stuff in no time flat and has not needed any touching up since (even after lots of thick card). I assume it is made out of a carbon tool steel but after a couple of weeks without re-oiling (after being cleaned for use on packaging) it is showing no sign of rust.
Previously if asked what I would consider was the most comfortably handled knife I would have mentioned my Polkowski-Kasper companion which fitted my hand perfectly. However, the file knife has beaten even this as it is perfectly comfortably in any type of hold I can consider using it in. It is also absolutely rock solid in the fitting and inspires a great deal of confidence when being used. After moderate hard use for a period of time it did not rub anywhere and did not fatigue my hand at all. The centre of balance is slightly towards the blade which makes chopping movements particularly easy.
Having now had experience of Dave's work I am rather taken with Scandi style knives and sheaths and consider them to be good working knives. Dave was a pleasure to deal with and I recommend his work highly; the sheath and handle were beautifully finished and fitted. Jon's blade is sturdy and the remnants of the metals previous use make a unique piece and are a talking point. I would suggest buying their wares before they realise they are undercharging for them ;)