Schrade Frontier SCHF36

During the past year I've conducted a bushcraft knife field test covering 15 different knives. You can see the test by clicking HERE. One of the test objects was the Schrade Frontier SCHF36.

Tailor Brands LLC was founded back in 1975 by Stewart Taylor and is based in Tennessee USA. The company is managing the knife brands; Schrade, Old Timer, Uncle Henry, Imperial and Smith & Wesson.

Frontier SCHF36
The 364 g and the 6 mm thick blade makes this knife a real sturdy one. The black rubber scales sandwiches the full tang fixed by two bolts. The structure of the handle is called Textured Black TPE Overlay and enables a very good grip. I've seen examples where the rubber scales is swapped into wooden ones and the black powder paint of the blade is removed to give a more organic look to the knife. I how ever like the black texture and the protection it offers to reduce the corrosion of the carbon 1095 steel. The 136 mm long drop point blade has a hollow grind and the finger out take in front of the finger guard actually works for once. And this finger out take feature is the secret making this fat knife so balanced. The black nylon sheath is spacious, are using a plastic inlay and comes with a ferro rod and a diamond sharpener stored in the sheath pocket. The sheath design using Velcro makes a flexible sheath that can be removed from the belt without opening the belt bucket.

A Fat Odd Bird
To be honest with you; at first I was a bit skeptical towards this knife. I thought a blade as thick as this combined with a hollow grind couldn't be as versatile. But after holding the knife in my hand and testing it I was surprised how well balanced the SCHF36 is. I think Schrade has managed to create a harmonic rough neck in this knife. The design offers a interesting mixture of; Chopper, Forest Knife, Tactical Knife and Hunting Knife. The knife has managed well both whittling and hunting all though the blood and rain has given the steel some patina, and the sheath is pretty OK even dough it's no beauty. The Frontier SCHF36 didn't manage too well competing with the other 14 test objects of my bushcraft knife field test. But I'm glad I included this odd bird in the test. I wanna give the Frontier SCHF36 a golden star for it's high capacity, versatility and reasonable price tag. I really like this knife.

In a upcoming issue of Vapentidningen you'll be able to read more about the SCHF36.

Specs
Manufacturer: Schrade via Taylor Brands LLC in Tennessee USA
Model: Frontier SCHF36
Blade material: Carbon steel 1095, 58-60 HRC
Blade length: 136 mm
Blade thickness: 6 mm
Blade width: 38,3 mm
Edge profile: Hollow grind with a 38° primary bevel
Handle material: Rubber; Textured Black TPE Overlay
Handle thickness: 20,4 mm
Sheath: Black nylon with plastic inlay and an external pocket
Knife length: 259 mm
Knife weight: 364 g
Total weight (knife, sheath and gear): 549 g
Price: 500 SEK (Sweden 2015)

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EKA Nordic W12

During the last year I've conducted a bushcraft knife field test comparing 15 different robust knives. You can see the test by clicking HERE. One of the contenders was the EKA Nordic W12.

History
Hadar Hallström Kniffabriks Aktiebolag was founded back in 1882 by Hadar Hallström. During the first half of the 1900's about 40 different folding knife workshops were active in the Swedish town of Eskilstuna. An impressive knife culture that today is represented by EKA-knivar AB. Throught the years a number of classic knife models has been delivered by EKA to satisfyed costumers all over the world. Multifunction models like the 116 was introduced during the 1920's and the Classic series saw the light of day back in the 60's. By the end of the 60's an exiting new material called Plastic enabled the popular Swede series to enter the stage. First out was the all round model Swede 38 designed by Prince Sigvard Bernadotte. The Swede series was a success and since the 70's almost every Swedish household includes a Swede knife. By the end of the 90's the fixed blade knife series named Nordic also made a hit and six years later the smash hit EKA SwingBlade featuring a regular blade and a gutting blade was seen on almost every Swedish hunters hip. Many of the 70's Swede models are still produced, like the Swede 92; the older sibling to one of  EKA's latest folder; the EKA Swede 9. One of the latest updated fixed blade products from EKA is the Nordic W12 and at this moment EKA also is expanding their portfolio by adding the tactical products; Axeblade, Hatchblade and Machblade.

The Nordic W12
Through the years the Nordic series has consisted of a number of models but these days the only Nordic still produced is the W12. It's a robust hunting knife made of stainless Sandvik 12C27 steel. The 110 mm long drop point blade is 4,1 mm thick and the sharp spine of the blade is partly jimped.
The edge profile of the knife is double edged with two flat bevels, a regular flat grind with a primary bevel of 40°. EKA calls this edge profile a "Scandinavian Secondary Bevel" witch can be a bit confusing as usually the definition of a Scandinavian grind is a single beveled V shaped edge profile. The voluptuous handle made of rose wood, EKA calls "Camowood", is attached to the full tang in an interesting way. By removing one single screw you can dismount the knife for cleaning. Unfortunately the sharp spine is protruding over the spine of the handle giving a hot spot when working with the knife for longer periods of time. The old leather sheath are these days replaced by a black Kydex sheath also holding a slim ferro rod combined sharpener. Both the ferro rod/sharpener and a lanyard are included in the package. The ferro rod trows nice sparks but unfortunately I've experienced the ferro rod to slip out of the handle (the sharpener part). But this is quick fixed with some super glue. Also available is a G-10 handled version offered in the colors black and orange. In the model EKA Nordic T12 Black a black tanto bladed version also is offered.

Nordic Hunting Knife Recycled into a Tactical Bushcrafter
Personally I like the older Nordic versions a bit better than the newer W12. But I understand why EKA is holding on to this nice hunting knife model by updating it to be a bit wider used. I'm guessing the manufacturer also wants to appeal the growing bushcraft audience as well as military personnel. As usually the Sandvik steel delivers and after stropping the new knife the edge cuts nicely.
As whittling is a big part of my definition of bushcrafting the Nordic W12 ends up in a 14th place in my bushcraft knife field test. The W12 can absolutely process wood but it's after some modifications I personally start to get more comfortable carving with the W12. Foremost I'm referring to the sharp tang along the handle's spine. This I fixed with a grinding belt and some polishing. But also if I could wish for it; EKA should offer the Nordic with a traditional Scandi grind edge. I like the wide specs of this knife as it gives some margins for own modifications. The Nordic W12 is a nice and all round knife I know a lot of Swedes carry with pride. A good companion to share moments of nature with.

Specs
Manufacturer: EKA-knivar AB, Swedish company based in Eskilstuna, production abroad
Model: Nordic W12, Camowood
Blade material: Stainless Sandvik 12C27, 57-59 HRC
Blade length: 110 mm
Blade thickness: 4,1 mm
Blade width: 27,2 mm
Edge profile: Flat grind with a primary bevel of 40°
Knife length: 230 mm
Handle material: Rose wood
Handle thickness: 21,3 mm
Sheath: Black Kydex
Knife weight: 180 g
Total weight (knife and sheath): 277 g
Price: 954 SEK (Sweden 2014)

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Buck 679 BuckLite Max Large Knife

During the last year I've conducted a bushcraft knife field test including 15 different robust knives. You can see the test by clicking HERE. One of the test knives was the Buck 679 BuckLite Max Large Knife.

History
Even if it's the classic hunting knives from the 60's (the Buck 110 Folding Hunter and the Buck 119 Special) that's most recognized among people; The Buck Knife company history reaches back to as long as the year 1899 when the founder Hoyt H. Buck 10 years old started his training as a blacksmith in Kansas USA. In 1902 the young Mr. Buck invents his own method of forging his blades to a higher capacity. Business took off and in 1949 when the well known knife maker Hoyt passes his son Al Buck continues his fathers legacy up until it was passed on again to Al's son Chuck Buck in 1991. Since then Chuck and his son CJ Buck together with Paul Bos have been keeping the family business going. From the start Buck's knife blades was made from stainless 440C steel, in 1981 this was replaced by the 425M steel and since 1991 the Buck blades comes in the well known stainless 420HC steel.

The 679 BuckLite Max Large Knife
This knife is an excellent hunting knife with it's nice rubber grip and easy cleaned sheath. But the 679 is also a pretty decent bushcraft knife. The full tang offer a strong yet slim handle and the stainless hollow grind drop point blade offer a sturdy 2,8 m thick and 99 mm long blade. The knife is offered in two colors; black and orange, with or without a gut hook. The black polyester sheath isn't the most beautiful but it gets the job done. To bad the sheath don't come with a drainage hole.

Praiseworthy All Round Knife
The Buck 679 is a hunting knife that works pretty good in most tasks; fishing, tactical (preferably with a custom sheath) and bushcraft. And all of this for a reasonable price. I got this knife on a sale for 200 SEK. Regarding my bushcraft knife field test; the Buck 679 ended up at 15th place even though the thin and short blade are features I really like. The reason for this result is the asymmetric shape of the knife that works great for taking care of game, but is hard to get used to when whittling. I also really like the smaller sibling; the Buck 673 BuckLite Max Small Knife for when out hunting. A smaller 20 mm shorter version of the Large.

During my bushcraft knife test Buck Knives launched a new interesting product; the Buck 863 Selkirk Knife; a pure bushcraft knife that I'm looking forward testing in the near future. I Like the Buck 679 therefor it hurts me a bit to see it last in my bushcraft knife field test. But all 15 test knives were great and someone has to come last. I'm Looking forward to continue bushcrafting with this slick knife, especially while hunting and fishing.

Specs
Manufacturer: Buck Knives Inc, based in Idaho USA
Model: 679 BuckLite Max Large Knife
Blade material: Stainless 420HC steel, 58 HRC
Blade length: 99 mm
Blade thickness: 2,8 mm
Blade width: 30,4 mm
Edge profile: Hollow grind with a primar bevel of 30° angle
Knife length: 218 mm
Handle material: Black Alcryn MPR (rubber)
Handle thickness: 15,9 mm
Sheath material: Black Polyester
Sheath weight: 37 g
Knife weight: 118 g
Total weight (knife and sheath): 155 g
Price: 435 SEK (Sweden 2015)

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Morakniv Classic 2/0

The mora knife is a beautiful cultural legacy that us Swedes should be very proud of. The Classic series is one of my favorites with it's roots from the 1800's. The clean design and high capability of the knives is hard to beat when it comes to everyday use both in the woods and inside the city. If you'd like to read more about the Morakniv history I'd like to recommend you to take a look at one of my earlier magazine articles by clicking HERE.

The Little Guy
The 2/0 is the smallest of the Classic knives (this article was written 2016). Basically it's a miniature of the regular Classic 1. The Classic 2/0's 75 mm long carbon blade is delivered with a black plastic sheath perfect for neck carrying, just add a piece of para cord and hang the knife around your neck. Usually though I carry my Classic 2/0 in the leather sheath that comes with the Morakniv Original 1. The 2/0 is a small knife but you can do big stuff with it. Sometimes I miss the bigger sized handle of the older 2/0 knives delivered from KJ Eriksson up until 2005. These older handles were more compatible to the slöjdknivar offered by Morakniv today. Below you also can see some pics of one of these older more chubby knives I've restored and made a leather sheath to. It's a KJ No.1241 Electricians Knife with a more clip point shaped blade.

A modern 2/0 with the plastic sheath it comes with.

A modern 2/0 in the leather sheath that comes with the model Original 1.

Older No.1241(top) and modern 2/0 (bottom).

A older No.1241 I've restored and made my own leather sheath to.

Small Knife, Big Tasks
I like proving to myself that a small knife absolutely also can do a big knives job. I'm of the believe that the most important feature of a knife is the hand holding it. And with that philosophy the Classic 2/0 is the perfect example. The humble specs of this knife doesn't seem much but the tasks you can execute with it is impressive. Combine this knife with a good axe and you got a perfect bushcraft set. Therefore the Morakniv Classic 2/0 has become one of my most used mora knives.

Specs
Manufacturer: Morakniv AB, production in Mora Dalarna Sweden
Model: Classic 2/0
Blade material: Carbon steel C100, 58-60 HRC
Blade thickness: 2,5 mm
Blade length: 75 mm
Blade width: 15,7 mm
Edge profile: Scandi Grind with a 23° angle
Knife length: 168 mm
Handle material: Birch colored red
Handle thickness: 19,4 mm
Sheath: Black plastic. I use the leather sheath that comes with the Classic Original 1
Knife weight: 43 g
Total weight (knife and sheath): 52 g (plastic), 67 g (leather)
Price: 150 SEK (Sweden 2016)

Welcome to visit Jonas Vildmark Bushcraftcenter's bushcraft boutique by clicking HERE.

Other post I've published about Morakniv's products you can find by clicking HERE.

Welcome to Jonas Vildmark Bushcraftcenter, we offer classes in  Bushcraft - Survival - Jägarexamen and Motorsågskörkort.


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Morakniv Classic Original 1

History
The history of the mora knife goes back to the iron age and the era of the Vikings. Archaeological findings indicates processing of iron in the area of Ovansiljan around this time. Since then the craftsmanship and skills of the tool smiths has been carried on from generation to generation. The knife culture grow strong around the village of Östnor in Mora Dalarna Sweden. Here Frost-Erik Ernström founded the Frost Knife Factory in 1891. This got to be the foundation of what we today know as Morakniv AB. Around that time several manufacturers in the area produced mora knives. In 1912 Eriksson & Mattsson's Knife Factory was founded by Krång-Johan Eriksson and Lok-Anders Mattsson. This company later turned into the brand KJ Eriksson AB. By the 1920's the handle of the popular mora knife got it's red color and during the second half of the 1900's plastic revolutionized the industries enabling new design possibilities. As a result of this we also got the well known mora knives of the 80's using rubber and plastic in the handles. In 2005 KJ Eriksson and Frosts Knivfabrik merged and created the brand Mora of Sweden. Today the company offer cutting products via the two brands; Morakniv and Frosts where Morakniv is handling the crafting tools and outdoor products and Frosts deliver tools designed for the food industry. This year (2016) Morakniv celibates their 125th anniversary by changing their company name into Morakniv AB.

Classic Original 1
As a natural tribute to the old school mora knives Morakniv today offer the model named Original 1. This knife is a part of the Classic series and the difference compared to the other knives in the classic lineup is the Original 1's non colored birch handle and the 2,8 mm thick laminated carbon blade steel. The knife has a long tang fixed inside the cylindrical handle by friction and a tube pin seen on the back of the handle. The Scani Grind edge profile has an angle of 23 degrees.

The Sheaths
For this knife two different sheaths are offered from the factory. One Vulcan fiber sheath offered in the package Classic Original 1 (Art.No.11011), and the leather sheath offered under the name Morakniv Original 1 (Art.No.11934). I have both sheaths and I choose the Vulcan version when carrying the Original 1. The leather sheath I think are more appropriate when carrying the smaller Classic 2/0. The reason I do this is that I've seen a tendency of the Original 1's long and sharp blade cutting through the leather sheath not using a plastic inlay. I love both sheaths and they are perfect for two of my favorite mora knives.

Well Tested Original
The Classic Original 1 is one of the Morakniv knife models I use most frequently. It's perfect for hiking the woods or just sitting carving by the cabin fire. The Original 1 is well balanced, however if I could wish for it; I'd like a thicker and a bit longer handle (like the handle on the Morakniv Slöjdkniv 120). The knive's capacity, design and history is very appealing. The mora knife has passed the test of time through history and the humble knife from Dalarna Sweden is today loved all over the world. Morakniv is a part of us and this is something we Swedes should be very proud of.

If you'd like to read more about the Morakniv history I'd like to recommend you to take a look at one of my earlier magazine articles by clicking HERE. Other post I've published about Morakniv's products you can find by clicking HERE.

Specs
Manufacturer: Morakniv AB, Swedish company with production in Mora Dalarna Sweden
Model: Classic Original 1, Art.No.11011
Blade material: Laminated carbon steel, AISI O1, 1% carbon in the core, 58-60 HRC
Blade thickness: 2,8 mm
Blade length: 99 mm
Blade width: 17,6 mm
Edge profile: Scandi Grind with an 23° angle
Knife length: 199 mm
Handle material: Birch
Handle thickness: 20 mm
Sheath: Vulcan fiber or leather
Knife weight: 64 g
Total weight (knife and sheath): 84 g (Vulcan fiber), 84 g (leather)
Price: 439 SEK (Sweden 2016)

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Morakniv Craftline HighQ Allround

From Wood to Plastic - Living Culture
The mora knife is a Swedish cultural treasure. I love the Classic series with their heritage from the 1800's. The clean and functional design offers a outstanding knife and a peace of art. The Classic models feature a wooden handle offering a good grip, but when in very wet and greasy conditions the more resent mora knife models with rubber handles is the way to go. One of my favorites in the plastic category is the Morakniv Craftline HighQ Allround. This knife is together with the Companion the successor of the Clipper model. Although the "Clipper/Craftline/Companion handle" isn't symmetric shaped it offers a very comfortable carving knife as well ast the good grip and hygiene offers a great hunting knife. The biggest difference within the "Clipper/Craftline/Companion family" is the shape of the tang and the thickness of the blades. Craftline and Companion feature a long tang and the Clipper used a short tang.

Top down; Clipper 840, Craftline HighQ Allround, Companion and Companion Heavy Duty.

Craftline HighQ Allround
Unfortunately this great knife is being discontinued as we speak. If you're lucky you still can find the Craftline in some stores. Instead the Companion, the Basic and the Pro has entered the stage.
Craftline HighQ Allround Knife feature a extra thin, short and narrow blade offering great handling. I  also like the grey and red rubber and plastic handle. The black and blue stainless steel version Craftline TopQ Allround feature a longer and wider blade. These knives was designed first hand with the carpenter and the plummer in mind. But the Craftline series and especially the HighQ has become the favorite of many bushcrafters all over the world.

A True All Rounder
The Craftline knives absolutely live up to their name; they are truly all rounders. Although the modern trend of thicker blades and wider tangs I'd like to underline the efficiency of the HighQ's slim specs. But if you don't trust the Craftline knives for batoning perhaps you should look more to the
Companion Heavy Duty or the Morakniv Bushcraft Black. So far I've put the Craftline HighQ Allround through most tasks without having the knife failing me once.

If you'd like to read more about the Morakniv history I'd like to recommend you to take a look at one of my earlier magazine articles by clicking HERE. Other post I've published about Morakniv's products you can find by clicking HERE.

Specs
Manufacturer: Morakniv AB, Production in Mora Dalarna Sweden
Model: Craftline HighQ Allround Knife
Blade material: Carbon C100, 58-60 HRC
Blade thickness: 2 mm
Blade length: 93 mm
Blade width: 17,7 mm
Edge profile: Scandi Grind with a 23° angle
Knife length: 212 mm
Handle material: Red plastic and grey rubber
Handle thickness: 20,6 mm
Sheath: Gray plastic
Knife weight: 73 g
Total weight (knife and sheath): 107 g
Price: 60 SEK (Sweden 2015)

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Morakniv Basic - Modified

Always a challenge for the human mind when a old knife line needs to make way for a new one. When I've gotten used to a particular knife model it's easy to get a bit grumpy when the favorite needs to leave the center stage. Like when the Morakniv Craftline HighQ Allround was replaced by the Morakniv Basic 511 in 2015. But after stashing up on my old Craftline favorite I trowed myself at the new models for some curious field testing. And behold; I turned out to find a new favorite.

From the top; Basic 511, Basic 546, Pro C, Pro S and Robust

The Basic/Pro Series
The knives I call the Basic/Pro Series are; Basic 511 (carbon), Basic 546 (stainless), Pro C (carbon), Pro S (stainless), Robust (thick carbon), Rope (serrated stainless) together with four other crafting knife models. The new plastic handle fits my hand very nice and the Pro version also includes rubber inlays for higher friction. I truly appreciate that Morakniv based the new handle's design on the traditional symmetric cylindrical shape as it's that exact feature together with a slim Scandi grind blade that makes the mora knife an outstanding carver. I also want to thank Morakniv for beefing up the handle specs. To the cylindrical shaped new handle a finger guard and a pommel are added. This original handle is truly nice and safe to handle. But personally I prefer the hardcore cylinder shape without any asymmetric additional shapes. Therefore I've modified my Morakniv Basic 511 by carving away the protruding shapes in an attempt to create a high tec old school inspired mora knife.

An old favorite carving a new one.

In the pic above you can see the nice handle size of my modified Basic, compared to a old school mora knife.

As the original plastic sheath doesn't fit after the modification I made my own leather sheath.

So with simple means I now have a very competent and personal new favorite. I'm looking forward having the pleasure of wearing out this 40 SEK custom knife in good times and in bad times... For many years to come.

To see my other posts on Morakniven; please click HERE.

Specs
Manufacturer: Morakniv AB, with production in Mora Sweden
Model: Basic 511 (carbon) and Basic 546 (stainless)
Blade material: Carbon C100, HRC 58-60 (511) or Stainless 12C27 Sandvik, HRC 56-58 (546)
Blade length: 89 mm (511), 91 mm (546)
Blade thickness: 2,1 mm (511), 2 mm (546)
Blade width: 19 mm
Edge profile: Scandi grind, 23°
Handle material: Red plastic (511), Blue plastic (546)
Handle thickness: 21,9 mm
Knife length: 206 mm (511), 208 mm (546)
Knife weight: 78 g (511), 77 g (546), 75 g (Jonas modification)
Sheath: Gry plastic (original), Leather (Jonas modification)
Total weight (knife and sheath): 111 g (511 original), 108 g (546), 146 g (Jonas modification)
Price: 40 SEK (511), 50 SEK (546) (Sweden 2016)

Welcome to Jonas Vildmark Bushcraftcenter, we offer classes in  Bushcraft - Survival - Jägarexamen and Motorsågskörkort.

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