That's probably because there isn't really a lot of activity in this section and I know squat about knives...thanks for starting it off Mountainman!

I was just at the Calgary gun show and there were several vendors selling home-made knives there. Most were "Damascus Steel" made by the vendor themself. Actual blacksmiths in most cases. Some real nice looking knives but I worried that I would be getting some "chinese steel" rather than higher quality stuff.

I'm wondering now more expensive always means better? Any opinions? Any hints on how to recognize higher quality steel?

thanks,

Hey Dang,

Have you ever made a knife?? I mean in metalwork class, back in high school or in your garage on a bench grinder??

Making knives is an art. Start with good steel and you should get a good knife. That should part is why knifemaking is an art and not a science. Can you spent big bucks and get a dud, short answer yes. Not all cheap knives are worthless and not all expensive knives are priceless. You first have to know what you want your knife to do. If you are not sure what you want your knife to do, you can not succeed at getting the right knife. The best thing about knives is they are generally lightweight, meaning you can pack more than one. A compact locking folder and a medium fixed blade should solve most issues requiring a knife. That said, having a large, heavy-duty blade for heavy work should not be ruled out.

If you want some interesting videos to watch visit the Cold Steel website. They show the abuse tests used on their knives and swords. Very interesting.

You spoke of Damascus blades. True Damascus comes from an ore deposit in Syria, I believe, it is a natural occurring blend of steel and iron. When forged properly, makes for some very fine blades. However, there are other blades made from blended metal to "look" like Damascus steel, it is made for the look not the function.

You asked the correct questions, everyone will be willing to offer their opinion. You will have to weigh the answers to see if they fulfill you need for knowledge.

As for price, expect to pay $50 to $250 to get a good knife. If that is too high for your budget, there are others that do a good job. For fine blades that do most camp chores look for Mora Knives. They are sharp and cheap enough that if you loss one you can afford to buy another.

Just my two cents. Hope it helps.

Mountainman.

Addendum:

Features of a better quality knife.
1) Full Tang. That means the metal in the handle is full thickness, full width and full length of the handle.
2) High Carbon Steel blades. Carbon steel can be sharpened very sharp, it is has the ability to flex and return to its original shape and it will spark when struck with flint or quartz type stones to start fires. On the down side, you must take care of the steel, keep it lightly oiled or it will rust.

I guess any other features would be focused on what you wanted to use the knife for, to point out what to look for. Anyone else want to lend their opinion on this???

Thanks for that. I'll check out the Mora Knives and 'youtube' the Cold Steel.

And no; I never got to make a knife in shop: made a metal meat tenderizer thing that could be considered a bludgeoning weapon. I should find that too...

I'm wondering about the Damascus steel claims now. They definitely looked good but I doubt they came from a particular ore deposit. They also mentioned the folding process, so I was assuming that equaled quality. I'll have to re-examine that assumption.

I went looking for a reasonable sized knife (locally) and all I could find were "multi-tool knives". They were about 4-5" and looked like a pocket knife with several "extra's". They had a tiny blade, mini pliers etc...are these worth having or should I get a "straight" knife? (The only knives I have here at the moment are filleting knives (for fish), paring knives etc)
There are also some knives with engraved(?) handles with scenes of "the Wild West" but I have assumed they are just collectors items..is this correct? (My little bush knife has had a hiding and it's not in good condition 😳 )

Look for a knife that has a carbon steel content, but not surgical steel, that’s too brittle and will chip. Stainless steel is rust resistant, but doesn’t hold an edge to save your life. In a bind a small good knife and a large blade for hacking will do. Heck, I’ve used a rock with a sharp edge to cut down a small tree. A good kitchen knife will often be as good if not better than some of the knives on the market.

Thanks ranger..you just saved me $75.00au - my fish filleting knife has a blade 16cms and is a "forever sharp"TM stainless steel (all one piece- no separate handle) That should make a mess of someone in an emergency! 😈
But, I will look for a "carbon" knife as well!

Thanks ranger..you just saved me $75.00au - my fish filleting knife has a blade 16cms and is a "forever sharp"TM stainless steel (all one piece- no separate handle) That should make a mess of someone in an emergency! 😈
But, I will look for a "carbon" knife as well!

i bet you will!

Thanks ranger..you just saved me $75.00au - my fish filleting knife has a blade 16cms and is a "forever sharp"TM stainless steel (all one piece- no separate handle) That should make a mess of someone in an emergency! 😈
But, I will look for a "carbon" knife as well!

i bet you will!

I will rephrase the statement....."I will look for a knife with carbon steel content" Is that better "little chicken" 👿

I went looking for a reasonable sized knife (locally) and all I could find were "multi-tool knives". They were about 4-5" and looked like a pocket knife with several "extra's". They had a tiny blade, mini pliers etc...are these worth having or should I get a "straight" knife? (The only knives I have here at the moment are filleting knives (for fish), paring knives etc)
There are also some knives with engraved(?) handles with scenes of "the Wild West" but I have assumed they are just collectors items..is this correct? (My little bush knife has had a hiding and it's not in good condition 😳 )

Susannah, multi-tools have their place in a well balanced kit bag, but you may want to purchase it after you have a sturdy camp knife. Multi-tools tools worth looking at include the S.O.G. Paratool, the Leatherman Wave or the Gerber - sorry don't recall the model, but it is black in colour.

If you get a folding knife, look for models that have a locking blade. If you will be cutting lots of rope a half serrated blade works well. A pocket clip is handy, it keeps your knife at the edge of your pocket not at the bottom.

But a good old fashion full tang, 4"-6" blade belt knife will do most camp jobs. A high carbon steel blade will serve you best in the long run if you care for it - ie. keeping it from getting soaked in water and lightly oiling the blade on a regular basis.

I am glad to see this topic is starting to get some activity.

Cheers,

Mountainman.

Thanks for the info Mountainman

It tis the season of yard sales, and flea markets (itch,itch,itch) already. This is when people get rid of gramp's old butcher knife, these knive's, would put most new knives to shame. 1/8" (3mm) thick blade and full tang. if the handle is gone, so what, as long as the tang and blade is still good, then make your own handle. It called "Custom made".

becker BK2 is the best knife for the buck! you caa get one for less then 70 bucks and it will out last anything and is the best survival knife on the market. it even has storage in the handle! All my hunting knives are buck except my skinner whitch is an elk ridge, it is cheap but really good for skinning!

becker BK2 is the best knife for the buck! it even has storage in the handle! All my hunting knives are buck except my skinner whitch is an elk ridge, it is cheap but really good for skinning!

Hollow handle? 😕 Sorry but its no go for me.