Folks, legends like me don’t own or carry just any knife or bow. We carry legendary knives and bows. We don’t operate the way the pseudo legends do. No sir! Well, I’ll be ready for this season opener, come September 16th, because I was honored to be gifted a custom Canadian Belt Knife, the first of this design and the first out of a new forge, by Leatherwaller Mike Lemmon! Mike goes by Shootemstraight in the forum. As you all know, I’ve always spoken well of Texas hospitality, but Mike takes it to a new level. He has generously supplied Mr. Minnesota Nice with a soon to be legendary hunting knife. Check out this beauty! The steel is good old American 1095 high carbon, hand-forged and heat-treated and given a nice vinegar patina. Overall length is 8.5” and blade length is 4”. Weight is 6oz. for the knife and 2oz. for the sheath. This one is patterned after the Bark River design and should be a strong bushcraft knife in addition to the obvious gutting/skinning capability. The blade and sheath even sport my initials! A few weeks ago, Mike and I were discussing this design, on Facebook, and he showed off his Bark River model. It’s a little more robust than the originals. Mike’s creation uses African wenge for handle slabs. Wenge is often used in expensive flooring and musical instruments, but its strength and stability make it a natural for knife handles. It looks great too! Mike says it’s almost as tough on belts as steel! The little lanyard helps to quickly draw the knife from the sheath. The sheath is worthy of this knife. My best sheath ever! It’s form-fitted and has sort of a Finnish look, with Western detailing. It’s ornate but still rugged looking. Mike also makes a knife model he named the Prairie Hunter. I describe it as a useful monster! I’ll show it in this thread. My knife follows the theme by being a bit robust, and I’ll put it to good use on this year’s deer. I’ll report here on the capabilities of the design. I have a feeling this is truly the ultimate Canadian Belt Knife! Thank you again Mike!

Here’s the knife with edge up grip. It might seem like a little thing, but it has the best thumb rest ever!

Here’s the wenge handle. It’s not absolutely flawless, but great looking! Mike didn’t know I was going to show it off. Rivets are brass. Check out the lanyard!

Another shot of the sheath.

And the back side.

OOPS! Here it is.

Here is Mike’s Prairie Hunter. It’s a rugged, frontier looking hunter with Texas mesquite and osage handle slabs. It would be right at home with a buckskin outfit! Though it looks heavy, he has drilled out the tang to lighten and balance the knife. Next I’ll show you a really cool version.

This is my favorite, next to the CBK. Love the wood and brass! That wide blade gives these knives a unique look and should be fine for field-dressing/skinning. I’d prefer it to a longer bladed knife for camp chores too.

Here’s his little forge! It offers precise control over heat treating the blades. Mike is going to call his company Grand Prairie Knife Works. As time goes by, his models will evolve but his style is already coming through, loud and clear! I’m sure he will sell knives and might end up a sponsor here, as there’s plenty of room in the business for people with bold designs. His knives already look right out of Texas! That shows he knows what direction he wants to go and has a finger on the pulse of the traditional community.

Here are a few photos of my knife in the making.

Into the forge!

Vinegar patina in the making!

Handle shaping.

The knife came shaving sharp, but I refined the edge with my steels like I do on all knives. This type of edge excels at field-dressing and skinning. Also at bushcrafting. It's not usually great at butchering, but my finely steeled refinement to the edge should make it acceptable at that too.

Joe

I said hand-forged, but this knife is hand-machined from a blank and heat-treated in the forge. Just clarifying.

Joe

Somehow i knew this was a Frisky post before i even clicked it on hahahahaha

Let's see, got to have a knife to skin your critter after you kill it with bow and arrow and need a knife to cut and trim the arrows you're making.

Beautiful knife!

Kool

Gotta' love it! Being a Legend has its advantages!

This thread is listed under Bowhunting. It says it it's for bowhunting and related gear. The knife is the number 1 gear, after the bow.

Anyway, Monkeyball is right. You can build your bow and arrows with this knife. It was heat-treated pretty hard and should hold a good edge. It's a thicker edge, seemingly identical to that on the old Westerns, but I like it that way. I have a bunch of thin-edge slicers, but I don't have much of a hunting knife that is great for bushcraft to.

Joe

I've always thought , knives , hawks, camping gear etc..was always a part of the bow hunting experience. But that's just me, I really enjoy the posts.

Very nice.

I was kiddin', just trying to pull Joe's leg...stretch marks all over it. )

Mmmmm, this picture reminds me of the expression, "There's more than one way to skin a cat" but then Joe wouldn't do that ....or would he?

Now those are knives, I must agree with Mr. Frisky. I do expect a viking sword though, in keeping with the Minnesota theme....or at least an Ojibwa original thumping stick.

Extremely nice hand made knives. Thanks for the photos Joe.

I really enjoy these knife threads. Thanks for posting such fine knives, Joe.

Frisky, I'm sure that with that knife in your very capable hands it will soon be legendary! I want to inform Mr Lemmon that the knife looks balanced and well made. Lance.

Can't be a legend unless you've performed at a very high level for years, like this true LEGEND. An old used Remington.

T4

I like the cat

Now if Frisky was down in Jawja and making a fretless banjo, the cat would be a goner. They make good banjo heads, according to Foxfire book four. bvd

The balance on this knife is excellent. With a right hand hold, th slab on the palm side is thicker than the outside slab. Feels really good.

Joe

here I thought it was going to be a knife giveaway to a legend

Notice how Joe is ignoring the cat comments.

Bet it'll gut and skin roadkill with the best of 'em. Classy blade-both design and function.

If your legend Drake came apart in the field, you could lash this nice looking knife to a carved branch and continue your legendary hunt!

Hello fellow LW's! I haven't been on this forum in quite a while. I am only here today because when Joe told me he was going to be posting a picture of his "JF Canadian" I made him on this site. I must say, my curiosity to the responses got the best of me and I just couldn't resist! Lol! I want to thank you ALL for your feedback! May God Bless you all! Mike

It looks to me to be a poor copy of the Grohman..(,Pictou, Nova Scotia;) belt knife. The genuine Canadian one.All others are alternate knives. Sandy

Codjigger, nice way to crap on someone else's work

Here is one I just finished to accompany me on my Trad Bow adventures. I'm sure to some it's Probably just another poor example. However, I made it and will be proud to carry it!

Remarks like those of "Codjigger" are exactly why I left this Forum! Opinions are great and welcomed. However, constructive not destructive is how I believe a REAL man should give advise! I have and believe in the old school tradition saying my Great Grandfather taught me. Son, If you have nothing positive to say to someone! Best to keep your mouth shut!!! Mike

Mike, I'd be proud to carry either of them, beautiful work!

Congrats on the new knife Frisky.

Maybe Codjigger was giving Frisky a good natured shot. I would be most proud to carry that knife. Super job.

That's another neat knife Mike! Here are my two best knives. Mike's knife is more solid, has a better sheath, feels great in the hand and is going to hold an edge longer. I rate it my best knife. The Case is flashier and should slice meat better being thinner in the blade. I rate it number 2.

Mike's Canadian is NOT a copy of the original! It's patterned after the Bark River. It doesn't have the jimping of the original and is thicker in the forward part of the handle. It's stronger but should work like the original. The balance is excellent, so I don't see a problem. The original won't outperform this knife and is not as strong.

Joe

That is one beautiful knife. Wonder how many PB&J sandwiches and hotdog sticks it will take for Frisky to wear it? Lol

Looks like a great knife and should be great if takes and keeps an edge give it a shot Frisky

I have an old Canadian Belt Knife and it is by FAR my favorite

even over my Randall and bucks

just handles so good

I closed my wifes cat in the closet last night and this morning neither is very happy with me

I thought of skinning the cat, but she's too loyal to me. This week, I'll use the knife and report. I have to clean up a fence line. It will be 45 minutes worth of hard cutting and a good first test of comfort and edge holding. I'll have to wear gloves, due to the nature of the stuff I'll be cutting, but this should be a good first test and I'll report.

Joe

Most everybody on here knows that any post by Frisky is fair game for some good natured banter.It's part of what makes the wall a fun place.. We all love him and he enjoys the attempted humour just as much as we do..perhaps more. In no way were my remarks intended to be nasty and derogatory. I have much respect for him, his bows, his knives,.. and his cats. Lighten up, please! Codjigger. Son??

I'm still trying to decide

Codjigger- LOL! My cat is grooming me as I type this. Mike hasn't posted since early in the year and forgot my threads are a place of open warfare. The original belt knife is a beauty! It's probably a better big game knife than Bark River's. Mike Stewart, of Bark River, stayed true to the original concept but beefed the knife up and marketed it as a bushcraft knife that can be used as a hunting knife. In so doing, he built one of the best bushcraft knives out there. It's an excellent gutter and skinner too. However, the thick blade is not the slicer the original is. Shootemstraight is new to knife making and had never made this pattern. I told him I planned to buy an original #1, as I thought the design was a stroke of genius. He decided to make me one but only had a Bark River available, so he followed it closely. It ended up being a near carbon copy (pun intended) of a Bark River. A carbon Bark River! I haven't looked at an original, but the edge on this one is probably thicker, like the Bark River. The edge looks like and sharpens like that on the old Western knives. The knife has an old time warmth to it. It's the opposite of the Case. The Case was made for collectors according to the Case website. This one was made as a user. It's a dark knife and one of those knives you have to hold in your hand to appreciate. If I get a deer, I'll let everyone know how it performs.

Joe

Thanks for the photo Ron! If you look at the original, you see how thin it is in the handle. If you hold it edge up, it doesn't have that fantastic thumb rest mine and the Bark River has. You can get the original in carbon steel which is preferred by most. The original sheath is nice but not all that heavy duty. To be honest, I like the original but think Bark River's version is an improvement. It's stronger and I think the grip is better. However, the Bark River costs twice as much. Shootemstraight's version will be a great value.

Joe

Does "Worthy of a Legend" mean you will be giving it to someone else?

8^)

Rick

Rick, when Mike made the knife, he wanted to give it to a true legend worthy of ownership. Here is what I remember him writing to me or something very close:

Frisky, I'm making a Canadian Belt Knife. I searched throughout Texas to find a worthy legend. There wasn't a single legend down here. So, I looked deeper into the South and came up short. No legends. I eagerly went East and couldn't find a legend. I thought for sure there'd be an eastern legend. I then looked to the West. I heard there were a bunch of legends out there. Nothing. Not one! Finally, down in the dumps, I looked North and found the Mighty Legend of the North! The only true living legend left! Would you be willing to accept the gift of a Texan-made Canadian Belt Knife?

Anyway, I didn't put it in quotes, because I can't remember the exact wording, but that's pretty much what he wrote. So, the knife stays with me!

Joe

Frisky..re the cat grooming you.. ..I hope it doesn't get bunged up with frisky hair balls. Sandy

That Canadian belt knife looked weird to me at first

but once you have skinned and cut up something with it

the rest of your stuff goes in the drawer

Thats what happened when I inherited mine

but I'm no legend

nice! good looking knife Frisky.

Knife looks good frisky! The #1 Canadian belt knife is a legend and I love mine!!!its been around forever for good reason

Codjigger, if you were asking me, I am no one on here's son. I know Frisky's threads always include some ribbing like spreading peanut butter etc, but your comment seemed to me to be bashing another wallers product and it kinda erked me a bit. If it was just a jab at Frisky, then that doesn't bother me at all:-) and I was mistaken about your intent. Many times tone comes across wrong on the internet

Beautiful knife. It does appear to be worthy of a legend. So really, you should give it away.

Joe, If Mike was truly looking for a legend as you say then I can't understand how he ended up with you. I have to admit you are a heck of a man with extreme knowledge of bows and knives but it just seems to me if he was looking for a real live legend how could he have overlooked someone that has his statue in the town square.

I humbly submit a photo of my likeness that has stood for many years in my home town.

I have to admit this was done many years ago when I was younger and had just acquired legend status but still you can see the strong resemblance in the facial and body structure.

question...why does Frisky (aka "Joe") have such young, soft looking, callous free hands?

Jinkster, l can answer your question relating to his callous free hands. Frisky owns and uses the highest quality knives. His sharpening skills are beyond reproach. That being said, Frisky intelligently accomplishes cutting task that us normal men have to bang, grunt, push, sworp, etc to achieve the same results. He works smart in all sorts of manual labor.

Starting to get deeper.

That cat was thinking, Joe, if you come at me with that knife, I will scratch your eyeballs out and feed them Melvin, the pit bull next door.

Lost arrow>,,,,I gotta agree...I especially liked the story of how he anchors deer with his combine and then runs too the house for his bow...he's a true to life Macgyver! LOL!

The jealousy is finally starting to erupt, as predicted. When Shootemstraight sought out a legend, he mentioned he thought of Ron and Big Jim, also Feathers and Jinkster, and flat out dismissed them as legend wannabes. Same with Rick. All wannabes.

I don't have callouses on my hands because I do dishes using Palmolive. When my dad had just turned 85 and was in his final days here, he'd wake up from a slumber in his Lazy Boy, reach out his hand to my mom, also slumbering off but on the couch, and say, "Can I hold your palm Olive? Not on your life boy!"

Joe

Ron, you're getting senile. lol

Joes hands do look soft and clean and are not used to labor. BFD. My priest has hands like that and I respect the man immensely.

So I'm not a blacksmith, lol!

Anyone who knows Sandy Codjigger knows he was just funnin with Joe Frisky...good natured insults just like Joe does to others.... :^) its all good, no need to leave the campfire because of it.

SHOOTEMSTRAIGHT, I am right much of a legend among my people. Do you think you might want to send me a free knife like Frisky's ?

You can be all man and have nice clean hands. I love sushi and sure as hell wouldn't want my chef doing side work pulling engines out of junk cars to rebuild for side money. lol

I agree them other guys are wannabe's, heck nobody had even heard of Big Jim until a year ago. On the other hand I've been in traditional archery since Frisky was in diapers. I got my first big knife, a KABAR from the Army Surplus store right after WWII. Before that I carried a Barlow Jack knife in the pocket of my Hightop boots when I was in Kindergarten

Frisky a legend inhis own mind......he is entertaining as are all of his threads. Speaking of threads, when will he pontificate on and pronounce 'legendary' on clothing? Seems to be an area of discussion that could use some of his insight. Joe?//

Nice knife,it looks like it pays to be legendary or the inventor of fake news. Good hunting.

I could always use another good knife. Missed out on bidding for a good 'un from a knifemaker in Coloradee. I like knives with a regional or personal connection to the maker.

What I can't figure out is why someone from Texas would copy a knife style popular in Canada. That's like admitting Oklahoma has a better football team!

Beautiful knife frisky, hope you get a chance to use it:)

Ron: Don't blame being elderly on me. It's your own fault for not living dangerously enough. Lost arrow- when I get money coming in, I'll have to gift you a knife.

Joe

Also folks, remember I'm strongly right handed. My camera is set up for righties, so I held the knife in my softer, less callused, left hand.

Joe

I agree with Feather Joe....don't be self conscious about the feminine appearance of your hand but just for reference sake?...

This is what..."A Legendary Hand"...looks like! LOL! ;)

Thank you for your support..L arrow And Trapper. Sandy

There are definitely many Legends that dwell within this Leatherwall! However, there seems to be only ONE that can have a thread that can live on forever or just vanish without a trace!

Codjigger, Please except my sincere apology for my negative comment!Absolutely no ill feelings towards you on my end! Mike

I hope that cat was a stray, real legends don't own house cats, unless Madonna is your idea of a legend...

The knife is awesome though. I admire guys with the talent to make a good knife from raw steel like that. I like the character of the workmanship too, not quite finished and buffed out to perfection gives one the feel of great utility, even in the hands of an accountant like Frisky.

Mike best of luck in your endeavor.

SHOOTEMSTRAIGHT?...real nice knife! :)

"There are definitely many Legends that dwell within this Leatherwall! However, there seems to be only ONE that can have a thread that can live on forever or just vanish without a trace!"

Perfection! That comment sums it all up!

Joe

Today, the knife gets its first workout and I'll report.

Some additional comments: The Bark River design this knife is based on has the "hump" on top lowered which, according to the designer, improves cutting power. I can agree with that. Though listed on the Bark River site as a bushcraft knife, the designer said it's a pure hunting design. Bushcraft will be its first use, as I'll be removing bushes, but the hunting season will soon be upon us, and I, the Mighty Legend of the North, will put this knife to good use creating venison steaks! Oh, the humped spine of the knife was originally used as a fleshing tool.

Joe

At first I was a little skeptical about how much use such a fine knife would get in Frisky's delicate hands. Then I realized that the blade shape would be "purr-fect" for scraping out the insides of extra-large cans of catfood. That knife's gonna be a daily carry for Frisky Joe.

I love the Canadian belt knife blade shape Bark river makes a mini Canadian belt knife thats my hands down favorite game prosseccing knife!

Thank you for saying so shoot em, no ill will on my part either. Nice of you to say that. Sandy

That small Bark River would better suit Frisky Joe...especially for scraping out regular-sized catfood cans!

A custom knife like the one Shootemstraight made for Frisky is too nice for clearing brush, except maybe in an emergency. A pair of decent pruning shears would work alot better, along with maybe a machete, if you're going to the woods for the sole purpose of brush clearing.

But what do I know-- ask George Dubbya, now HE was a Bush...whacker.

Hey Joe, don't tell me I don't live dangerously, this was last week when I went on a 600 mile road trip on my Harley. A selfie at 55 MPH, show me another 81 year old that's done that.

Frisky, I apologise. I haven't been here long and haven't seen you post much, so I didn't realise that I was indeed, in the presence so to speak, of an honest to gosh archery legend. I do understand that legends have better things to do than post on online forums, so I'm sure that's why I haven't seen you around much and therefore didn't realise who you were. I know that my ignorance is no excuse, but please accept my humble apology.

Bob

And no helmet, no less, Ron.

And I do realise that I'm in the presence, so to speak, of another legend right now while talking to Ron.

Bob, I'm sure you saw the picture of my statue that my home town erected in the town square. Most don't know that Frisky's home town has also been working on a statue of him but they're undecided where to put it. The wanted to honor him but they thought it might hurt the tourist trade if they put in in the town square.

Lol!! I can understand their concern, Ron. I did see your statue too and thought it was fitting for a man of your stature.

Throwback- This legend accepts your apology.

Ron- What Harley? I don't see a Harley. For all I know, you could be pedaling your big tricycle!

Joe

Here it is, 1997 Heritage Springer, Limited Edition. A bike fit for a legend.

In keeping with the theme of this thread, note the knife in a cross draw sheath on my belt.

It's a lovely knife but a bit of overkill. When I was little (and dinosaurs were pets) every drugstore had a "cutlery" display "Sabre(as spelled...made in Japan" your choice for $1.99. Any of those would have done a fine job on roadkill because it's been pre-tenderized, Oh, I forgot I said I was going to stop Frisky-bashing....but it just slipped out!

By the way, I don't always live so dangerously, I do have a helmet that I wear most of the time.

Sweet bike, Ron and I noticed the sticker first thing.

Glad to hear it, they can be dangerous.

You'd be better off just wearing Depends. HAHA!!!!

Joe

Depends?...Joey, I expected a better response from a legend. I thought you'd come back with some heroic pictures of you doing something dangerous, but I know that you're also a modest person so I understand your reluctance to brag.

Let's see that pile of junk of a knife again.

Joe

Poor Joey. Whys everyone always pricking on me?

Could if have anything to do with them Cats maybe? LOL

Nice knife but give it so someone to use and get some blood on rather than just for looks.

Just a suggestion now not a flaming arrow at you.LOL

Ron- That's a bold style I like!

Joe

I'm sorry I didn't test the knife on the bushes. Backcountry suggested I use a pruning shears, and I remembered I have a big lopper and a shears! So, I got them out and did a quick job of it. I'll take these branches and build a shelter for Crookedstix and Pdiddly when they show up. Got some softer stuff for flooring. I wore gloves, so I don't know if there was any poison ivy in it.

Joe

When are you going to show your test on road kill, you put out of misery with the bow. Looks sharp enough to practice on a dead cow. Keep it sharp it looks good.

Greyfox- No roadkill this year. Dead on the hoof will be this year's venison. I got it really sharp! The edge is almost identical to what you see on old Westerns, as I've already stated. That type of thicker edge used to be hard for me to sharpen, but I got good at it.

Joe

Frisky, it might be worth considering sending your new knife to Colorado on a test run for elk. I'm sure Kerry and P-did would take good care of it, maybe even get some elk blood on it, and return it promptly on the return trip. Besides, Knifeguy Lance could look it over and provide some helpful advice for Shootem's next version.

I see this as a win for all involved!

It's a Randall model 19 Bushmaster, 4.5" blade with superb stag handle that has a compass in the butt. It's my favorite Randall, I had a custom rawhide sheath made for it with a cross draw belt loop

Ron- It reminds me of Mike's Prairie Hunter, with that shorter, wide blade. Mike might have to start building a Prairie Hunter for your shop.

Backcountry- Those two clowns are not going to be allowed inside the house to get near my knives! I'll sharpen their knives and broadheads, but they can't "borrow" any of my knives. I know it sounds selfish, and it is, but that's just the way it goes.

Joe

cool knife, never tried the design myself, maybe one of these days,

"If you've ever held a Randall knife...Then you know my father well...If a better blade was ever made...It was probably forged in hell"...From "The Randall Knife" by Guy Clark.

Some good looking knives there. bvd

To be honest, Randall's get a bad rap these days. People complain about the unfinished blades, though the handles are beautiful. They're also on the soft side, a nod to toughness, but there are better edge holders out there. Of course, as I've said before, you can thin out an edge and make a cutter out of any knife that has a good heat treat.

Joe

Hah, you treat cockroaches better than company at your house...at least they get to sleep inside, and to eat from your table. I'm envious! But I suspect we'll just grab the Mojo and keep on truckin', as Bob Weir would say.

Nice knives Frisky. If you want to put them to the real test, you should send them to someone who really knows his way around knives and meat, like say, a former meat cutter. I happen to be one and I'd be glad to help.

About to head out the door to our Annual IBA " Whitetail 3D Charity Shoot" Donating this one for one of the raffle prizes. Hope EVERYONE has a VERY BLESSED DAY! Mike

Should be a good knife for you. May cut through flesh hardened by rigor mortis.

Mike, great job on all your knives! By giving that working beauty to Frisky it will certainly get mistreated and abused by him, which will be a great test for your work. As you may know by now legend has it that most of his harvests are roadkill and you need a tough blade while field dressing on blacktop. That edge will surely be tested while brushing up agains Minnesota macadam. TLM

That Prairie Hunter is going to be a hit!

Joe

I just bought 2 Canadian with plastic scales for$9.99neach on sale. I can replace plastic with micarta, sheep or elk. We'll see how good the steel is, but it has to be sharp enough to gut Frisky's roadkills :)

Cheap Chinese blades are getting better. Any steel works in a hunting knife, as long as you sharpen it. Of course, heat treat is crucial.

Joe

Just retuned home from the 3-D Shoot. My knife was a hit. It raised $180 in the raffle. A lady Bow Hunter won it. I Also got invited to a 3day Trad Bow Hunt somewhere down in the Hill Country on private in October. Feeling Blessed!

Property!!! Lol!

Too bad Frisky Joe isn't as generous as his new friend, Shootems! That knife would have been given a decent test on a real hunt out west. As it is, probably the most strenous test it will face is slicing Spam from the local Hormel plant!

Somebody should have warned Shoots about his beta tester, Frisky.

As for Feathers, he is kind of right that my best gear has been acquired as gifts or hand-me-downs. I do like nice stuff, however, so have to turn down most of the crap he tries to to pass on to me. And as a warning, don't shake his hand--you never know where it's been!

lol, LaClair just killin' it in this thread

Wow! I just took a look at Rons post and one of those knifes of his looks almost exactly like one I drew up a few weeks ago!!

Love that Heritage Springer there to Ron! I have a 95 Bad Boy Springer I souped up just a little.

I like that wan-na-be! Looks a lot like Ron's knife! HAHA!!!

Joe

That sheath was made by Chuck Burrows from Colorado, it's one of many sheaths that Chuck has made for me. The last I heard he had cancer so sadly there won't be any more of his one of a kind works.

Here's another of Chucks creations, pictures don't do these sheaths justice

Another of Chucks for my Belduque

This heavily beaded rawhide sheath for my Hudson Bay knife

They look great! Lots of effort go into a good sheath. I like that powder horn too.

Joe

Heavily quilled sheath for my Fort Ticonderoga knife

The belt he made for me when he made the custom sheath for my Randall Mod 19

Very nice!

Joe

Here's the copy of the knife found at Fort Ticonderoga

Very cool!

Great place to visit Ron I live a couple hours from Fort Ticonderoga and and hour from Fort William Henry on the opposite side of Lake George Everytime im there i feel like im in the pages of the Last of the Mohicans ; )

wow, great collection Ron

Yes wow.

Beautiful knife Joe!

Thank you! Some folks don't realize Mike is VERY new to knife making. Yet, my knife is nearly flawless! Wenge has large pores and is said to not take a high luster. For that reason, it's used mainly in rough use camp knives. I notice Bark River doesn't use it. In spite of the pores, Mike got it almost perfect and on the first try! That tells me he can easily do flawless work on cocobolo, bloodwood and such. I call my knife the "Carbon Canadian."

Joe

I have a policy I adhere to strictly. No road kill consumption. I've never eaten road kill and never will. I'm above that.

Joe

Obviously you've lived a sheltered life Joe. I've eaten fresh road killed deer, mainly because I hate to see good meat go to waste.

I leave roadkill to the dogs and vultures.

Joe

Ron, few things more dangerous than a cat laying next to your face...

There's nothing on the wall to compare to a Frisky thread. Lol

Ron, your knives amaze me. You are one of a kind. Good hunting.

Joe, I got my computer fixed and watched your video. You did a fine job and you're obviously happy with your 5 dollar knife. I can see that you are a frugal person and you probably buy your grocery's on sale. There's nothing wrong with that, my wife was like that.

As for myself my motto is, "life's too short to but cheap stuff"

Having said that I respect your choices in knives and bows but we'll probably continue to criticize each other (good naturedly) I cant think of a better way to have fun on this forum :)

Frisky has nothing but cheap stuff, like Ron said

Ron's knives are expensive garbage, made to impress. True legends impress with their greatness, not with money! That said, my new knife is worth over $10,000, as I wouldn't part with it for that!

Joe

I suspected you were crazy....now I know you are.

Hey i know that guy! RIP He made the most iconic Harleys ever to roll : )

I like nice stuff but have to go cheap--champagne tastes on a beer budget syndrome.

Frisky Joe, on the other hand, has beer tastes and a champagne budget. Can't figure that guy!

10,000.00 would buy you 10,000 more knives joe lol

So how about a real honest-to-goodness recommendation for a great, affordable hunting knife, new or vintage?

Backcountry, for $70 or so, easy to sharpen, good edge retention and durability Buck Vanguard is hard to beat.

Here are my recommendations for a good, affordable hunting knife:

Folding knife: Go to Walmart and get a Buck 110 for under $30. If you must have a gut hook, get the Victorinox Hunter XT for around $40. If you can't go over $20 shipped, get a Ka-Bar Dozier.

Production fixed blade: Listen to deerfly but get the rubber grip Vanguard for around $50.

Custom: Ask Shootemstraight to make you a Carbon Canadian or check other knife makers who sponsor here if we have any. A lot of customs I've seen aren't that expensive.

Super cheap: Get a Mora Companion for under $15.

Cheap but not super cheap: Rubber gripped Marttiini with 4" blade for around $25.

Vintage: Get a Western L66 for under $30.

Thanks for those recommendations, Frisky. All I got for hunting knives are some crappy old obscure ones like Russel, Puma, and maybe a Loveless or something.

I inherited a couple of rusty WW2 era Westerns that Knifeguy Lance offered to refurbish for me, but I was moving and couldn't find them at the time. So now it's hunting season and I'm scrambling for a half-decent knife to get by with.

Join NRA, you might get a free one made in China. You can get by with it, it will gut a deer.

I had a dream last night that I must share. Frisky, Ron LaClair and myself were seated around a campfire. Frisky and Ron stood up. Face to face, eye to eye they shook hands. These two legends came together when they agreed that my Frost Cutlery Trophy Stag was the best hunting knife they had ever seen. In my dream my cat and Frisky's cat also became good friends.

Grizzly Laclair? I knew I shouldn't have eaten those mushrooms without looking them up in the field guide first...or is that his sidekick "Ben"?

"crappy old obscure ones like Russel, Puma, and maybe a Loveless or something." Throw those out. They're all junk.

Lost arrow- I had a similar dream. The three of us were seated around a campfire, when suddenly, the two of you stood up and pulled knives on each other! Ron pulled his Randall Model 19 and you pulled a Victorinox Tinker. As you tried to open the damn blade, Ron struck. At that moment, I woke up.

Joe

Nope no resemblance, Ole Dan and I are two different breeds. He has nice wavy hair and his beard looks like he had it permed.

Enough knives and stuff. The real question is " does your cat wait to have coffee with you in the morning also ".

Mine does

TrapperK-- I had one of those NRA-type promo knives only it was an RMEF version. It disappeared when I was moving--probably in a box with my other junk knives. I think there might have been a 1970's era Gerber folder in that box, too.

I might check out a couple of the local pawn shops or the local version of Salvation Army (Deseret Industries) to see what they have.

Seems like alot of people have no clue about knife values and I'm probably as guilty as most of them. Wish I knew half as much about knives as Frisky!

Backcountry: "Wish I knew half as much about knives as Frisky!"

Half of nothing is nothing. You can do better than that.

It's pretty easy (and enjoyable) to refurbish old knives yourself if they are not too beaten up. I use progressively finer grits of wet/dry sandpaper and oil. I usually back the paper with an eraser or piece of wood. Start with a grit that will remove the scratches fairly quickly, then go finer. For example: 600, 800, 1000, 2000 grit. Finish up with some sort of polishing compound and/or brass polish. Re-sharpen when it looks good. Avoid buffing. Chips in the blade might require re-profiling on a belt grinder or disk sander (careful). If so, do the re-profiling first. Most knife handles (including stacked leather) can be cleaned up in the same way, but don't use brass polish on leather. It takes several hours, but if you do it by hand, its hard to mess up. - John

Frisky, Just when I think I understand how intelligent you are I get my cage rattled. Even your dreams are embedded with truths. How could you have possibly known that my everyday carry knife is a Victorinox Tinker. Ron doesn't know me and probably doesn't want to but a knife fight between us would be of a catastrophic magnitude.

Backcountry....don't worry Frisky probably wishes he knew half as much about everything else as you.

Lost arrow...what Frisky omitted to tell you was that he awoke from his nightmare because you both pulled your knives on him. There's not enough bourbon in Kentucky to make somebody want to listen to all that drivel around a campfire when one should be enjoying a fine cigar and listening to the cricket music!

What I meant to say is, I wish I knew half of what Frisky thinks he knows about knives!

Nobody is THAT smart! - John

In Frisky Joe's defense, knowing half of what he thinks he knows is still a lot! Otherwise, you can't be a perfessor like he is.

And in my professors' defense, I wish I knew half of what they thought I knew!

To Americanize that quote:

"You have to grow awful smart to know how smart you ain't."

Joe

I do like the looks of the Buck Vanguard-- i need to pick one up and see how it handles.

This saying on a cast iron pot holder, holder, hung over my Grandmother's kitchen stove forever, and now my little brother has it over his.

"Ve get too soon olt, and too late schmardt"

True Dat.

I so want to be a ledgen just like, what's his name

If I get in a knife fight with Ron, any wounds I suffer will be in my back.

Murray

Backcountry- The Vanguard is a hunting knife you'd like. The grip is large and somewhat square. Still, when you get field-dressing, it's not too big at all. It feels really good when wearing rubber gloves. It does a good job butchering too. I tend to use a 3" or 3.5" blade for skinning, but the Vanguard would be just fine here too. For the money, it's a solid, nice knife I carry in a pack. It will be interesting to compare it to the Canadian this season. Here’s a video I did on it before I ever used it. I really should have waited until I had used it before making a video, but this is a good comparison video. Starts off awful in the camera angle (no tripod) but it gets batter after about a minute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGyMgM0jDRI

Joe

Thanks for the link Joe. Good video.

Frisky has to carry that Vanguard in a pack, because it is so HEAVY. Other than that, it looks nice. - John

Frisky--

What I really want is a top grade, ultimately functional, highly sought after custom hunting knife. Like I said before, I have champagne tastes, and a beer budget.

But I will check out the Vanguard since I can't find my folding Gerber, which supposedly is a Legendary blade. It's probably in the box with a couple other knives. I recall it being pretty clunky.

I mentioned earlier in this thread about a knife I had in a dream but actually I have taken ownership of a Frost Cutlery Trophy Stag Hunter with walnut handles. A real dream come true kind of knife. I was also smart enough to take advantage of a deal on 40 quality knives for 50 bucks. Just goes to show you what you can do if you save your money and shop around.

Not a Legend but...! It weel keel! Also it will easily chop threw a 2x4 and still shave!

I am not a legend and much to modest to take a picture with me and my 1976 750 BMW,(that can out run Ron's Harley), but this my own beautiful hair and my knife.

Come on Dean, you can't fool us. Your beard is as white as snow and that thing on your head that you claim is your hair looks like a muskrat or beaver pelt.

Cat fur. I don't have any hair on top of my head, it all blew when I was going over 100mph in Montana on my Beemer.

I like those knives.

That's a nice Bowie. It won't be long and Mike will be making differentially heat-treated bush swords!

Joe

I'll use my army surplus machete for light brush-whacking and save up for a custom hunting knife...or more likely, a used belt knife or Vanguard-style.

I'm pretty sure Frisky could afford any knife he likes-- of the many he fancies. But he has a champagne budget and beer tastes! That goes for his bows, too.

That's right. I'm not a big show-off like Jinkster.

Joe

Yeah Joe, but it seems you switch knives as often as Jinkster switches bows.

Maybe, but Joe ain't buying any $600 knives just 'cause they look cool. There ARE a few fat pocket show offs on this site, that's a fact.

That would be pocket lint for Frisky Joe...and he still ain't buying 'em.

In fact, I'd bet you could stack up all of Frisky Joe's knives, bows, arrows and miscellaneous gear and it still wouldn't be worth $600! Well, it might be, but he didn't pay no $600 for it.

Minnesotans are notoriously frugal. That's why they bottle up half-rotted baitfish and try to convince the rest of the world that lutefisk is a delicacy! He'll probably have some for his birthday.

Try to have a happy one, Joe.

I'm not a Norwegian. I can't tolerate their disgusting fish either!

All of my gear combined, would unfortunately, greatly surpass $600. I have $520 in my top 3 bows. My top 3 knives combined would be valued at $300. I have at least 45 knives. So, I'm well over $600.

Joe

I get most of my stuff from the local thrift store, hand me-downs or Feather Merchant's useless cast-off crap. I was taught to "get by" from my Okie mom and dad who scraped through the depression.

I gave my dad a Puma Skinner about 40 years ago that I inherited when he passed. What a great knife! I used to work with a guy who used an old Puma to dig up soil samples. He didn't realize what a travesty that was.

I don't worry about people stealing my stuff, especially junk that Feathers sent me. No one wants it--that's why they give it to me. Saves them a trip to the dump!

I used to lock up my bike at college just so no one would steal it and get hurt, then sue me. I sometimes wonder if it's still chained up in front of Newsom Hall at CSU.

Dude, you didn't need to post your picture. Now beat it, before Feathers tracks you down and sics Bo on your sorry...uh, backside.