Thread: Not really a razor

Thanks for the little info.

I prefer the full tang knives just cuz I beat the crap out of mine when I use them. And if the handle were to ever break I could wrap the tang with something else and keep using it.

That is part of my thinking too. Much easier to repair a full tang with a broken handle than any other style of tang. You can hammer them even harder than other knives. They'll still be a sevicable tool that your grandkids will be able to use providing you haven't worn the blade down to nothing.


Mick

I have a couple of kabar knives that I've been using for at least ten years now blade is still perfect and sharp as ever.

The only thin that's wrong with it is the black carbon coating is pretty much all rubbed off now.

Kabars are classic through tangs. I have one that has seen service from WW2. It certainly looks like it's been through the wars because it ain't a pretty boy anymore, but I would say it's just as capable a knife as the day it was first made. It has been retired for some years now though, as I would hate to inadvertantly break a knife that has already seen so much history. I have many, many other knives that will do my bushcraft needs just as well if not actually better. My Jungle Knife for one. Another case of over engineering with it's hardwood handle copper riveted onto a full tang, the guard welded to the 1/4" thick blade...I have two, one is in my collection and is untouched. The other is in my user pile and has had the handle sanded down to best fit my hand, the top section of the guard cut down and rounded so that it is easier to apply thumb pressure to the blade and the edge geometry modified to a more knife like edge instead of the axe like edge from the factory.
This is a knife that has been tested by being hammered into a large timber cross beam and then been used like a block and tackle to hoist the front end of a military jeep off the ground. That's my kind of knife!


Mick

Very nice indeed.

Got a link maybe so I can look into this knife lol

Knives 2 and 3 in this link are the same apart from handle material. I have the one with wood handle... Sheffield Knives Military Knives

And from the Australian AKC site (and where I bought mine from)...
JSK - JUNGLE SURVIVAL KNIFE
heavy duty, military issue

Current version of an original concept for an arctic survival knife
designed for military use in 1960.
A heavy edged tool for really tough bushwork. 18cm blade.
Made to military specifications. Military stamp on handle.
Left-side leather scabbard. Sheffield made

$129.00 + $12.00 post



Same knife just another link... Lawrance Ordnance - J.Adams Ltd British Army Jungle Survival Knife (Late)


I also made a new sheath for mine, as the original military issue was just a little basic and left side carry only. I made one that would fit the knife either direction (left or right) and could also be worn horizontally, had Dee rings added for tie off points etc. And lined with Kangaroo hide of course... One of my finer (practical) achievements, but a complex one.

Mick

P.S I'll try and post a picture in my photo album tomorrow so you can see the mods made and the sheath. I think I've hi-jacked Tenderfoots thread for too long here today. My apologies Tenderfoot. I didn't realise what I was doing. Knives are a passion of mine and I tend to get carried away.

Originally Posted by MickR

P.S I'll try and post a picture in my photo album tomorrow so you can see the mods made and the sheath. I think I've hi-jacked Tenderfoots thread for too long here today. My apologies Tenderfoot. I didn't realise what I was doing. Knives are a passion of mine and I tend to get carried away.

No worries mate.

IMO If a knife isn't cutting stuff it isn't being used right. Use the right tool for the job, if you have it, and you won't need a ridiculously over built knife. Thats just me, but to each their own.

Agreed on all that you say there Tenderfoot, but if a knife isn't cutting stuff, it ain't been sharpened right. I just prefer over-built, because I tend to put myself in situations where I either carry a dozen knives to suit the jobs that crop up, or I take a heavy duty fixed and a multi-tool Leatherman, because pliers and screwdrivers are handy. I don't tend to use the knife function on them. I don't trust it's seeming lack of strength and I can't whittle to save myself.
I prefer over-built because anything I have on me has to serve at least a dual purpose. My knives have got to be able to dig, chop, hammer as well as cut. I don't have room on a motorbike to carry a shovel, axe and mallet when I go camping etc.
But I do agree, a knife should be used for it's designed purpose and then it won't have to be over-built. And on that reasoning knives I've made and those I prefer aren't over-built, as the designed purpose is to dig, chop, hammer and cut. Multi-functional requires strength. We will agree to disagree I'm sure, and I do have knives in my collection that don't fit my sentiments above, because to me, all knives are wonderful tools and have a certain beauty.


Mick

Tenderfoot, I like the rugged look of your knife. For anyone interested here is an example of a tang from Randall Made Knives website.

Nice knife. Pictures are a bit dark but it seems quite good. Like the hardening line in the steel. Gives it something extra.