Pathfinder knife! Hands down. I own a knife by them and the quality is second to none. Get more, test more, made by the common man and made in the USA and is heirloom quality for sure.
No. The scandi grind is best for carving/ notching but a true kephart has a flat grind and is a camp/ woods knife. Outside of carving and notching the scandi doesn't do well. I keep a mora companion (scandi) just for that cause it's so light and cheap but for a companion knife I like flat grind
The BK62 is my favorite the tapered tang and the feel of the scales is amazing to me I do wish Kabar made a 4 inch model. And Smokey mountain knife works has walnut scales for the esee!
I like the Ontario brand I’ve had it for over a year now. You can’t beat the price point. But the one made by K bar keeps calling my name. Lol great review Brian.
I bought the BK-62 for its “authenticity.” It looks like it would do well as a food prep or butcher knife, as was intended. Not really a wood prep/fire knife. Kephart and earlier woodsmen used axes and folders for wood prep. Thanks for doing this series!
i have the PKS kephart regular. i did put a micro edge on it because the scandi kept chipping. cuts great and no chipping. what sold me on the PKS was the handle. it fits my hands very well. i cannot make a closed fist. but the handle on the PKS is comfortable to work with.
Made a nice little Kephart out of a OKC butcher knife. Came out perfect. Sharp as heck. Works great. $15.00. better than spending a hundred bucks on one.
Of the lot my choice is the Esee PR4. I have 2 Kephart style blades love both the PR4 and my newest LT Wright bushcrafter. Look forward as always to your videos. Great job!
My favorite Kephart pattern knife is the "BRK Kephart Mini". Despite the ridiculous price! It stands over the two other kepharts (BK62, Condor) I own because of the superior edge holding qualities of CPM3V and its smaller size. Since I always bring a hatchet, I prefer a smaller very slicey companion knife.
I’ve often wondered if the knife, so often admired, was one that Kephart kept saying to himself: ‘One day I’m gonna have to get me a better knife!’ LOL
The knife that was shown in his Camping and Woodcraft book was not this one but something closer to a Marble's Woodcraft knife. I believe this style of knife is one of his own designs.
Camping and Woodcraft Volume 1; Personel Kits; Pg 167: "For years I have used knives of my own design, because there was nothing on the market that met my notion of what a sensible, practical sheath knife should be; but we have it now in the knife here shown (Fig. 104). It is of the right size (4 1/2-inch blade), the right shape and proper thinness." - Horace Kepart. The sheath knife shown looks like a Marble's Woodcraft. He didn't name it. It is a fish and game knife not a bushcraft or survival knife.
The PR4 would have been my choice too. The size is just right, I tend to reach for it much more often than not due to that. Everything else about it, the James Gibson scales, high saber grind, great sheath all just hit and make it one of the most enjoyable I've ever had to use. Joe Flowers is one of my overall favorite designers, but Patrick Rollins really just knocked it out of the park with the PR4.
The one thing this video highlights for me is the need to consider your own requirements when selecting a user knife - along with the need to get a knife in hand (if you can) before making a purchase. For me it's the Condor or the BK62 because I find it hard to argue against either Joe Flowers or Ethan Becker - oh and I love the knives & sheaths. Thanks for another informative vid.
I don’t know if anyone sees a comparison or not but I have 2 Esee Laser Strike. When the grind gets modified ie. Scandi , Saber , etc. then I see the similarity to my Laser Strike. 3/16” stock, Saber grind, 1095 steel, finger choil and Plenty of super comfortable handle. It’s plenty close enough for me and very, very sturdy. Made in America with a Lifetime warranty never hurts either. Lol. It is my choice and just as qualified as the Swedish choice. Just me 😁
Pathfinder Knife Shop Kephart XL is the one for me based on my use of the PKS that I own. I use others, but PKS is my favorite knife I use in the outdoors.. Thanks for sharing this with us and keep up the good work. By the way, let's go camping this fall with a couple of Kepharts !!
Honestly, the Kephart styled knife, any of them, is an ultimate choice for bushcraft and campcraft: the continuous belly of the blade ffor skinning and feathering, the centred point for ergonomic hole drilling, and the simplest handle make it so unpretentiously appealing. I use the Joe Flowers Kephart as a winter neck knife since it is very light. I have a Tops Dragonfly knife of 1095 steel (designed by Caleb Musgrave) as my latest go-to knife, and fomerly, I used a Spiderco G10 black bushcrafter knife that is extremely heavy-duty with 0-1 tool steel. Kephart was genius with his design, well thought out, and purposeful. It has inspired Ray Mears and others including Lars Falt, who made theirs based on Kephart's basic criteria (in my opinion). Yes, Lars Falt's knife does qualify, in my opinion.
Nothing wrong with esee blade .I carry a nessmuk esee. As for batoning ,the people who originally carried these ,also carried a small axe & pocket blade. Batoning is overated modern way to shatter a fine knife. Just my .02 .that's for the video 👍👍👍👍👍
The ESEE is a fun one. The handle is extremely cool as well. Lifetime warranty doesn’t hurt either. The guys at ESEE are out there hands on doing real world search & rescue, and training survival on the daily, so i always appreciate their interpretation of knives.
You can’t go wrong with any of those blades. I have the BK-62 and am delighted with it because it is an exact replica (except for the pins) and I like that. Kephart had that blade built to his exact specifications, so it performs the tasks that he intended it for. I was surprised how much I liked the steel Ka-bar used. I also have a BK-9, and the Kephart model seems different and I like it a lot. Obviously, the flat grind is not going to be as good for splitting or chopping or creating fire sticks (or fuzz sticks as we learned in the Scouts in the 1950’s) But, I wanted a Kephart blade in my collection for historical reasons and it also happens to be an excellent knife too.
Lucas Forge makes the closest to original Kephart in my humble opinion. I've measured all the measurements and they are almost exact. The only one slightly off was the weight by less than an ounce. I got bacote wood instead of maple. I still over a year later am in awe by it's looks. Anybody in the market for a very well made, very close to original Kephart should check him out!
@@rcash3625 I also agree with you & Gavin. Lucas Bullington makes excellent high-end knives from quality components. I have 2 of his knives as well as 3 axes/hatchets made by his brother Ike at Wolf Valley Forge. I do not have Lucas’ Kephart, but do have Ike’s Kephart hatchet.
@@Pharto_StinkusIts not modelled exactly. I think Becker said for example the original is convex grind, but it has sort of double convex where it also convexes towards the spine on the blade profile, and the middle of the knife is the thickest part. I have seen some other old knives with profile like that i assume its to make it slicier almost like having swedge towards the spine. I guess with modern manufacturing methods it would be bit pricey to recreate on production knife. Blade with double convex i own is for example old hand forged bare blade, and i think that prevented Ethan Becker to do the exact profile on production knife that you would need someone handgrind or forge it
I just did a google search for articles where Ethan Becker talks about his Kephart knife, and after reading 3 different ones, he doesn't say anything like this. Can you point me to a source please? I own 2 of the Becker Kepharts, which I use often. If I found out that they were in fact NOT as close to the original as is possible, I would not stop using them, I like them too much. However I would like to know, because thinking they were basically exact copies of Kephart's knife IS the reason I bought them in the first place.
not reviewed, but I'd also throw in a good word for the Bark River Kephart. Mine is CPM 3v. Not sure whether available in other steels. It's one hell of a knife.
Hey Brian (and everyone) if you haven't checked out the JOKER Avispa (not Esse) its a really sweet survival/bushcraft neck knife with a very Kephart inspired shape. I actually think its one of the best survival neck knives out there, and easily the best under 100 bucks. Mine is in 14c28n (super tough stainelss) and the heat treatment is money. The handles are linen micarta, and the full flat grind comes down to a beautifully fine edge that cuts like no ones business, but is still plenty durable. I actually urban EDC mine, but it also comes with me outdoors because its just that versatile. Can't say enough good about it, and it only cost about 55 bucks.
I've personally never understood the big deal about striking a ferro rod on a knife; just carry a dedicated striker. I mean, I guess it's a cool feature, but I buy a knife solely based on use as a knife. Cool video. Very detailed.
I really think the Ukrainian BPS BS2FT and BS1FT should be at the top of this list for a very faithful kephart style knife. Especially for the price, you just can't beat it. Excellent knives that will take a beating.
Kephart was German who dervied their knives from the Nords, puukkos, Finnish knife making and even in Kephart's book it say the blade should be about the length of the palm. The ideal blade length of the Kephart knife was and is 3.7". Anyone who has used a knife knows the sweet spot is 3.5" to 4" and for the average man is 3.7". KABARS length is too unweildly for its intended purpose and is so as to attract younger boys (their main clients) who want a 'big' blade for protection.
I just have to say the only true Kephart is the Kabar Becker62. It is designed after the best Kephart known and that is my choice. Thanks Bryan, another great video.
All great knife but but hard to beat the Trampero by Joker. Round handle scandi or flat edge, stainless or carbon, micarta olive or walnut...and the best sheat hands down. Made in Spain and about 80$. My favorite
Way t0 go Brian, I bought the Esee too before your video. ESEE PR4 BECAUSE ITS REALLY A GREAT KNIFE. PLUS: Is only $108 on A. Ka Bar Kepheart is $147 on A. A No Brainer BUY THE ESEE TOO. If you don't like the scales you can buy some for $50 knife connection. $11 more than Ka Bar's Wood scales.
Lolol. On most of the rotation and balance testing, the essential first step of the scientific process was omitted! Step one, Wupupupupupupu, or wupoopoopoopoopoopoop, lol. I'm positive that without the first step validity and reliability of this test can not be trusted. Lol. Thanks again
A while back I bought the pathfinder XL Kephart knife, it's great. My only negative was that I stabbed through the bottom of the sheath almost right away. Minor dig Recently I bought the ESEE PR 4, mainly to round out my ESEE collection. I need to get it outside and put it to the test. Can't go wrong with an ESEE.
I love your scientific testing, but wow you made me cringe watching those bounce off the target. Great set of knives! My money would be on the pathfinder knife.
🤷🏻♂️ The closet reproduction to an original Kephart knife did not win the Kephart knife competition. Interesting. 👍 This was a good series reviewing modern day versions of a time tested design. To me you clearly demonstrated while modern changes can be made to the wheel no one reinvents it.
Zero. But I have used a LOT of knives in my life. I would think that the 1095 versions probably have the best compromise between edge retention and ease of sharpening.
@@SurvivalOnPurpose I find most of them knives to be way too thick. I can't imagine giving a knife review having never processed any animals. That's a true test of a knife.
@@SurvivalOnPurpose let me ask you this, how many spoons have you carved with those knives? How many figure 4 Dead falls have you made with those knives?
@@SurvivalOnPurpose which of those knives has the best edge retention? Which one is the easiest to sharpen? I get the feeling you really haven't used any of those knives very much.
Got to be fair I don’t really think any scandi grind knife is really a good choice for a woodsman, unless, you had taken a really decent flat sharpening stone/ plate in with you.
If the Condor Kephart was done in O1 or even 1095 it would be my choice. The 4 1/4" blade is agile, good for food prep, fish cleaning, making feather sticks, and other camp chores. The 1075 steel however dulls quickly making the knife frustrating to use. The BK62 is a really nice knife and one of my favorites.
Great ramble! :D I've been looking at the Kabar and ESEE the most (the Condor I owned but felt the handle to be too narrow for my liking) and while I'd pick the Kabar for "authenticity", I'd prefer it have a shorter blade, like the ESEE. Cya, Bryan! :)
Great video Brian!.... I know decisions, decisions... I was looking into possibly purchasing the Pathfinder knife shop kephart XL just because the blades a little longer and will wear down in time as you sharpen ,very well made knife...the esse is an interesting winner I'm kind of intrigue now thanks for the information!
Nice comparison of the classic Kephart design from different companies. One small correction, the Casstrom is not made in Sweden, it is made in Spain by Joker knives.
Just realised, you didn’t include the rather excellent Brisa Kephart. It is pretty accurate. The walnut slabs are beautifully finished with brass pins and have a tad more swell than the BK. The blade length is about 4 and a quarter inches and the thickness is 3mm whatever that may be in inches. It doesn’t have the ground and shaped tip/back of the blade like the BK, I’m very tempted to do it myself using my Ken Onion belt grinder, but on the other hand I do appreciate the 90° edge on it, it is very, very sharp, brilliant for scraping, making a spatula, etc. I did have a Becker ones , but sent it back, the edge profiling was way off with the angles being askew, I wasn’t impressed with the handle, the wood looked cheap and fragile. Sadly, in the UK it costs around $240😮😬, for that sort of money, I don’t expect to have to refine my knife edge or put a proper finish on, or replace the handle slabs, even for $125!😟🧐🤷♂️. Anyway, have to say, Brisa make some lovely knives, my first post Mora knife was a Brisa Trapper 95, my only fault being the handles are a bit short for my hands. Also got a Brisa Necker 70 with a flat grind and beautiful Ivory micarta handles which I use as my neck knife for food prep. Anyway, I diverse.😱🤷♂️🤣. Just suggesting checking them out, the Kephart in particular and Brisa in general 😊.
Glad to read your comment. Fixing to order the Brisa Kephart. Think the 80CRV2 blade will be perfect. Going to make my own scales (Hickory) Thanks Brother.
Thanks for all the reviews and this series. If you haven't had the chance,check out Jokers Trampero. I personally think it's the best Kephart style in this general price category.
I really like all your reviews but wish you would have included blade thickness also. None the less you always give us great details. I'd really like to have the Pathfinder. 2nd Kbar. 3rd Condor.
I absolutely love my esee also, but I have a next gen from L.T.W. and it also has the sculpted handle and it is absolutely my favorite knife of my entire collection
G'day Brian, really enjoyed the series mate. Since I like to pair up cutting tools, its gonna depend on what else I carry with it. As a one tool option, I'll always take the biggest, beefiest of the bunch. Cheers Duke.
Great series you did here but you certainly left out some very notable mentions IE. the "Brisa" or "Enzo" kephart in 80crv2 steel that goes for around $100 depending on how and where you buy it as you can buy a kit to put the knife together yourself for much cheaper then you're left to glue and bolt the handles on and also I have two Bark River kepharts one reg and one mini in cpm3v steel mind you those are quite a bit more expensive and nearly impossible to find now if you didn't buy one when they dropped... All three are the upper echelon in the kephart style and well worth the price tag in my opinion!
Do not mean to change the subject but do you think kephart might have used the Russell Green River Dadely as an inspiration for his Kephart knife? Very strong similarity.
I also think that the Green River Dadley could have been the inspiration for Kephart’s knife. Much as their butcher/skinner knife likely inspired the Nessmuk designs…These were used for game prep, not woodcraft.
Tell you what Bryan, I would still go with the Condor. I still have and use the one I lent you for review years ago. I paid $35 for it back then 2014 it was and it appears that I stole it at that price point. It’s basically let’s see I have a Mora, I have a cartoonish Marbles Bowie, I have a Buck 119. That is about it for fixed blades. I would still pick it for sustained wilderness use. Honestly it’s so good that is probably why I don’t have a ton of fixed blade knives. The first one I bought was more than likely the best pattern for wilderness (and general) type usage I could have. Edit I forgot I have a couple of Camilus fixed blades that are committed full time on umm systems that they never leave and a boot knife. But that’s it.
I know. Just blah, blah , blah. On and on and on and on. And this wasn’t even really a review. It was more of a follow up on each individual review. If you think this was bad, you should hear how much he rambles in the actual review videos.
Pathfinder knife! Hands down. I own a knife by them and the quality is second to none. Get more, test more, made by the common man and made in the USA and is heirloom quality for sure.
No. The scandi grind is best for carving/ notching but a true kephart has a flat grind and is a camp/ woods knife. Outside of carving and notching the scandi doesn't do well. I keep a mora companion (scandi) just for that cause it's so light and cheap but for a companion knife I like flat grind
Kephart was a double convex though, no?
The BK62 is my favorite the tapered tang and the feel of the scales is amazing to me I do wish Kabar made a 4 inch model. And Smokey mountain knife works has walnut scales for the esee!
4 inch model for me as well!!!
I prefer the original design. The two things I'd change are weather proof scales and a high end rust resistant blade. Make of that what you will.
I love the Lars falt knife it’s super comfortable but my pick is the bk62 I alternate between the two
I like the Ontario brand I’ve had it for over a year now. You can’t beat the price point. But the one made by K bar keeps calling my name. Lol great review Brian.
Agreed the price on the old hickory is great. You should look at the BPS BS1 & BS2FTS. they have a scandi grind and work great
How does the esee pr4 slice compared to the condor?
I bought the BK-62 for its “authenticity.” It looks like it would do well as a food prep or butcher knife, as was intended. Not really a wood prep/fire knife. Kephart and earlier woodsmen used axes and folders for wood prep. Thanks for doing this series!
You left out a couple by LT Wright the Genesis, the Gen 5, Next Gen, Outback, and in a larger size the Gen 3.
i have the PKS kephart regular. i did put a micro edge on it because the scandi kept chipping. cuts great and no chipping. what sold me on the PKS was the handle. it fits my hands very well. i cannot make a closed fist. but the handle on the PKS is comfortable to work with.
The Kabar Bk62 is THE KEPHART made with the original in hand, not a "Kephart type". Cool video
BK62 is my personal choice.
i made an old hickory one from their butcher knife it turned out really well
Made a nice little Kephart out of a OKC butcher knife. Came out perfect. Sharp as heck. Works great. $15.00. better than spending a hundred bucks on one.
Of the lot my choice is the Esee PR4. I have 2 Kephart style blades love both the PR4 and my newest LT Wright bushcrafter. Look forward as always to your videos. Great job!
My favorite Kephart pattern knife is the "BRK Kephart Mini". Despite the ridiculous price!
It stands over the two other kepharts (BK62, Condor) I own because of the superior edge holding qualities of CPM3V and its smaller size.
Since I always bring a hatchet, I prefer a smaller very slicey companion knife.
I'll be honest, I was surprised with your pick. I don't disagree, but I thought for sure you'd pick the "original"
I’ve often wondered if the knife, so often admired, was one that Kephart kept saying to himself: ‘One day I’m gonna have to get me a better knife!’ LOL
The knife that was shown in his Camping and Woodcraft book was not this one but something closer to a Marble's Woodcraft knife. I believe this style of knife is one of his own designs.
Camping and Woodcraft Volume 1; Personel Kits; Pg 167: "For years I have used knives of my own design, because there was nothing on the market that met my notion of what a sensible, practical sheath knife should be; but we have it now in the knife here shown (Fig. 104). It is of the right size (4 1/2-inch blade), the right shape and proper thinness." - Horace Kepart. The sheath knife shown looks like a Marble's Woodcraft. He didn't name it. It is a fish and game knife not a bushcraft or survival knife.
The PR4 would have been my choice too. The size is just right, I tend to reach for it much more often than not due to that. Everything else about it, the James Gibson scales, high saber grind, great sheath all just hit and make it one of the most enjoyable I've ever had to use.
Joe Flowers is one of my overall favorite designers, but Patrick Rollins really just knocked it out of the park with the PR4.
The one thing this video highlights for me is the need to consider your own requirements when selecting a user knife - along with the need to get a knife in hand (if you can) before making a purchase. For me it's the Condor or the BK62 because I find it hard to argue against either Joe Flowers or Ethan Becker - oh and I love the knives & sheaths. Thanks for another informative vid.
I don’t know if anyone sees a comparison or not but I have 2 Esee Laser Strike. When the grind gets modified ie. Scandi , Saber , etc. then I see the similarity to my Laser Strike. 3/16” stock, Saber grind, 1095 steel, finger choil and Plenty of super comfortable handle. It’s plenty close enough for me and very, very sturdy. Made in America with a Lifetime warranty never hurts either. Lol. It is my choice and just as qualified as the Swedish choice. Just me 😁
Pathfinder Knife Shop Kephart XL is the one for me based on my use of the PKS that I own. I use others, but PKS is my favorite knife I use in the outdoors.. Thanks for sharing this with us and keep up the good work. By the way, let's go camping this fall with a couple of Kepharts !!
Honestly, the Kephart styled knife, any of them, is an ultimate choice for bushcraft and campcraft: the continuous belly of the blade ffor skinning and feathering, the centred point for ergonomic hole drilling, and the simplest handle make it so unpretentiously appealing. I use the Joe Flowers Kephart as a winter neck knife since it is very light. I have a Tops Dragonfly knife of 1095 steel (designed by Caleb Musgrave) as my latest go-to knife, and fomerly, I used a Spiderco G10 black bushcrafter knife that is extremely heavy-duty with 0-1 tool steel. Kephart was genius with his design, well thought out, and purposeful. It has inspired Ray Mears and others including Lars Falt, who made theirs based on Kephart's basic criteria (in my opinion). Yes, Lars Falt's knife does qualify, in my opinion.
Nothing wrong with esee blade .I carry a nessmuk esee. As for batoning ,the people who originally carried these ,also carried a small axe & pocket blade. Batoning is overated modern way to shatter a fine knife. Just my .02 .that's for the video 👍👍👍👍👍
Love the scientific and data/statiscal oriented approach and state of the art testing equipment and facilities. Keep it up SOP!!!! ;)
The ESEE is a fun one. The handle is extremely cool as well. Lifetime warranty doesn’t hurt either. The guys at ESEE are out there hands on doing real world search & rescue, and training survival on the daily, so i always appreciate their interpretation of knives.
ESEE is great
including the Lars Fält knife as a Kephart knife her is not just a stretch, it is total miss. ;-)
You can’t go wrong with any of those blades. I have the BK-62 and am delighted with it because it is an exact replica (except for the pins) and I like that. Kephart had that blade built to his exact specifications, so it performs the tasks that he intended it for. I was surprised how much I liked the steel Ka-bar used. I also have a BK-9, and the Kephart model seems different and I like it a lot. Obviously, the flat grind is not going to be as good for splitting or chopping or creating fire sticks (or fuzz sticks as we learned in the Scouts in the 1950’s) But, I wanted a Kephart blade in my collection for historical reasons and it also happens to be an excellent knife too.
Lucas Forge makes the closest to original Kephart in my humble opinion. I've measured all the measurements and they are almost exact. The only one slightly off was the weight by less than an ounce. I got bacote wood instead of maple. I still over a year later am in awe by it's looks. Anybody in the market for a very well made, very close to original Kephart should check him out!
1 Up this comment. Lucas forge has an original and vintage.
You do realize that Ethan Becker has one of the two actual Khepharts known to exist, and modelled the Kabar Khephart after it exactly...?
@@rcash3625 I also agree with you & Gavin. Lucas Bullington makes excellent high-end knives from quality components. I have 2 of his knives as well as 3 axes/hatchets made by his brother Ike at Wolf Valley Forge. I do not have Lucas’ Kephart, but do have Ike’s Kephart hatchet.
@@Pharto_StinkusIts not modelled exactly. I think Becker said for example the original is convex grind, but it has sort of double convex where it also convexes towards the spine on the blade profile, and the middle of the knife is the thickest part. I have seen some other old knives with profile like that i assume its to make it slicier almost like having swedge towards the spine. I guess with modern manufacturing methods it would be bit pricey to recreate on production knife. Blade with double convex i own is for example old hand forged bare blade, and i think that prevented Ethan Becker to do the exact profile on production knife that you would need someone handgrind or forge it
I just did a google search for articles where Ethan Becker talks about his Kephart knife, and after reading 3 different ones, he doesn't say anything like this.
Can you point me to a source please?
I own 2 of the Becker Kepharts, which I use often. If I found out that they were in fact NOT as close to the original as is possible, I would not stop using them, I like them too much.
However I would like to know, because thinking they were basically exact copies of Kephart's knife IS the reason I bought them in the first place.
That one with curly birch scales. The one that "was a stretch" to include as a kephart. Is almost identical to the pks.
not reviewed, but I'd also throw in a good word for the Bark
River Kephart. Mine is CPM 3v. Not sure whether available in other steels. It's one hell of a knife.
I, my wife, my son, and my daughter all have a PR4!!!! GREAT KNIFE!!!
I like the Path Finder the best. It looks right and has a Scandinavian grind. 🎸🔪
PR4 works for me. I carry it all day and it was comfortable from go.
Very nice! They are all gorgeous knives Bryan. I would have had a hard time picking the best knife of the bunch too.
Hey Brian (and everyone) if you haven't checked out the JOKER Avispa (not Esse) its a really sweet survival/bushcraft neck knife with a very Kephart inspired shape. I actually think its one of the best survival neck knives out there, and easily the best under 100 bucks. Mine is in 14c28n (super tough stainelss) and the heat treatment is money. The handles are linen micarta, and the full flat grind comes down to a beautifully fine edge that cuts like no ones business, but is still plenty durable. I actually urban EDC mine, but it also comes with me outdoors because its just that versatile. Can't say enough good about it, and it only cost about 55 bucks.
You should have reviewed the okc blackbird
Love me some Esee. I like all the knifes you reviewed. Ordering the PR 4 now. Great reviews man, keep ‘em coming!!
I've personally never understood the big deal about striking a ferro rod on a knife; just carry a dedicated striker. I mean, I guess it's a cool feature, but I buy a knife solely based on use as a knife. Cool video. Very detailed.
I really think the Ukrainian BPS BS2FT and BS1FT should be at the top of this list for a very faithful kephart style knife. Especially for the price, you just can't beat it. Excellent knives that will take a beating.
Very nice work. Thanks for the thorough testing. Follow the science.
I like the one that stuck the 1st 3 times
It's funny I saw a old add for the original kephart they were $1.75 for 4inch $2.00 for the 5inch blade. Really a big mark up nowadays.
No lt wright genisis?
You had me until you started throwing those knives.
Just good clean fun
Brisa is now making one too. I'd love to see you check that one out!
LT Wright Genisis
Pathfinder!
Kephart was German who dervied their knives from the Nords, puukkos, Finnish knife making and even in Kephart's book it say the blade should be about the length of the palm. The ideal blade length of the Kephart knife was and is 3.7". Anyone who has used a knife knows the sweet spot is 3.5" to 4" and for the average man is 3.7". KABARS length is too unweildly for its intended purpose and is so as to attract younger boys (their main clients) who want a 'big' blade for protection.
I just have to say the only true Kephart is the Kabar Becker62. It is designed after the best Kephart known and that is my choice. Thanks Bryan, another great video.
🎯
All great knife but but hard to beat the Trampero by Joker. Round handle scandi or flat edge, stainless or carbon, micarta olive or walnut...and the best sheat hands down. Made in Spain and about 80$. My favorite
Way t0 go Brian, I bought the Esee too before your video.
ESEE PR4 BECAUSE ITS REALLY A GREAT KNIFE. PLUS: Is only $108 on A. Ka Bar Kepheart is $147 on A.
A No Brainer BUY THE ESEE TOO.
If you don't like the scales you can buy some for $50 knife connection. $11 more than Ka Bar's Wood scales.
Joker knives are pretty nice. I just ordered a scandi grind Joker in k720. Under 100bucks
👍👍
My vote is the esee too. 😎
Lolol. On most of the rotation and balance testing, the essential first step of the scientific process was omitted! Step one, Wupupupupupupu, or wupoopoopoopoopoopoop, lol. I'm positive that without the first step validity and reliability of this test can not be trusted. Lol. Thanks again
A while back I bought the pathfinder XL Kephart knife, it's great. My only negative was that I stabbed through the bottom of the sheath almost right away. Minor dig
Recently I bought the ESEE PR 4, mainly to round out my ESEE collection. I need to get it outside and put it to the test. Can't go wrong with an ESEE.
Orginal kepharts were available in 4 or 5 inch. I think the bk62 would have went over MUCH bigger had it been a 4 inch or 4 inch option.
Good job however your forgot the L.T. Wright Genesis.
My opinion, no hollow grind, flat grind only. Would prefer slight clip, no f”in” useless swedge (I can turn a knife in flesh).
I love your scientific testing, but wow you made me cringe watching those bounce off the target. Great set of knives! My money would be on the pathfinder knife.
🤷🏻♂️ The closet reproduction to an original Kephart knife did not win the Kephart knife competition. Interesting.
👍 This was a good series reviewing modern day versions of a time tested design. To me you clearly demonstrated while modern changes can be made to the wheel no one reinvents it.
Where’s the LT Wright Genesis….?? It’s far superior to anything you’ve shown here.
How many animals have you skinned and processed with those knives? Which one holds an edge the best?
Zero. But I have used a LOT of knives in my life. I would think that the 1095 versions probably have the best compromise between edge retention and ease of sharpening.
@@SurvivalOnPurpose I find most of them knives to be way too thick. I can't imagine giving a knife review having never processed any animals. That's a true test of a knife.
@@SurvivalOnPurpose let me ask you this, how many spoons have you carved with those knives? How many figure 4 Dead falls have you made with those knives?
@@SurvivalOnPurpose which of those knives has the best edge retention? Which one is the easiest to sharpen? I get the feeling you really haven't used any of those knives very much.
Got to be fair I don’t really think any scandi grind knife is really a good choice for a woodsman, unless, you had taken a really decent flat sharpening stone/ plate in with you.
If the Condor Kephart was done in O1 or even 1095 it would be my choice. The 4 1/4" blade is agile, good for food prep, fish cleaning, making feather sticks, and other camp chores. The 1075 steel however dulls quickly making the knife frustrating to use. The BK62 is a really nice knife and one of my favorites.
Great ramble! :D
I've been looking at the Kabar and ESEE the most (the Condor I owned but felt the handle to be too narrow for my liking) and while I'd pick the Kabar for "authenticity", I'd prefer it have a shorter blade, like the ESEE.
Cya, Bryan! :)
You forgot the Ontario SK-5. Great Kephart pattern in 154CM.
Great video Brian!.... I know decisions, decisions... I was looking into possibly purchasing the Pathfinder knife shop kephart XL just because the blades a little longer and will wear down in time as you sharpen ,very well made knife...the esse is an interesting winner I'm kind of intrigue now thanks for the information!
He forgot two great kepharts, the ontario Blackbird, and the joker trampero
I wish ESEE offered the PR4 in different blade lengths.
I like the PKS Kephart XL and Yes America is great, long live the republic
I'm a huge fan of science too XD Thanks for great reviews, much respect
Thanks for watching!
Nice comparison of the classic Kephart design from different companies.
One small correction, the Casstrom is not made in Sweden, it is made in Spain by Joker knives.
Myself please get back on the topic more.
Thanks for trying
Hello from Tbilisi, Georgia! Thank u for a nice video!
Just realised, you didn’t include the rather excellent Brisa Kephart. It is pretty accurate. The walnut slabs are beautifully finished with brass pins and have a tad more swell than the BK. The blade length is about 4 and a quarter inches and the thickness is 3mm whatever that may be in inches. It doesn’t have the ground and shaped tip/back of the blade like the BK, I’m very tempted to do it myself using my Ken Onion belt grinder, but on the other hand I do appreciate the 90° edge on it, it is very, very sharp, brilliant for scraping, making a spatula, etc. I did have a Becker ones , but sent it back, the edge profiling was way off with the angles being askew, I wasn’t impressed with the handle, the wood looked cheap and fragile. Sadly, in the UK it costs around $240😮😬, for that sort of money, I don’t expect to have to refine my knife edge or put a proper finish on, or replace the handle slabs, even for $125!😟🧐🤷♂️.
Anyway, have to say, Brisa make some lovely knives, my first post Mora knife was a Brisa Trapper 95, my only fault being the handles are a bit short for my hands. Also got a Brisa Necker 70 with a flat grind and beautiful Ivory micarta handles which I use as my neck knife for food prep. Anyway, I diverse.😱🤷♂️🤣. Just suggesting checking them out, the Kephart in particular and Brisa in general 😊.
Glad to read your comment. Fixing to order the Brisa Kephart. Think the 80CRV2 blade will be perfect. Going to make my own scales (Hickory) Thanks Brother.
I like the one from BPS Knives which isn’t in your video. 😉
Pathfinder xL
Condor…
Thanks for all the reviews and this series. If you haven't had the chance,check out Jokers Trampero. I personally think it's the best Kephart style in this general price category.
I'd like to see a comparison between the Esee PR4 and the L.T. Wright Bushcrafter or Bushcrafter HC.
So would I ;-)
The one that you said you didn't want to do that there penitration device on
The Becker original
Need that there rotation, flotation and penitration device!!!!!!!
Love this channel!!! Great info and vids consistently 👌 👍 👏
I really like all your reviews but wish you would have included blade thickness also. None the less you always give us great details.
I'd really like to have the Pathfinder. 2nd Kbar. 3rd Condor.
I absolutely love my esee also, but I have a next gen from L.T.W. and it also has the sculpted handle and it is absolutely my favorite knife of my entire collection
G'day Brian, really enjoyed the series mate. Since I like to pair up cutting tools, its gonna depend on what else I carry with it. As a one tool option, I'll always take the biggest, beefiest of the bunch. Cheers Duke.
I like my PKS. Three years and abused often. I even chipped the tip recovering an arrowhead from a stump. It was easy to file out and resharpened.
My personal opinion Pathfinder knife would be the best one out of all.
Bah, humbug ! I'd pick either the condor or becker !
Good video and comparison between Kepharts.
Great series you did here but you certainly left out some very notable mentions IE. the "Brisa" or "Enzo" kephart in 80crv2 steel that goes for around $100 depending on how and where you buy it as you can buy a kit to put the knife together yourself for much cheaper then you're left to glue and bolt the handles on and also I have two Bark River kepharts one reg and one mini in cpm3v steel mind you those are quite a bit more expensive and nearly impossible to find now if you didn't buy one when they dropped... All three are the upper echelon in the kephart style and well worth the price tag in my opinion!
The Brisa looks like a nice version of the Kephart design.
Thanks for the reviews. Coming from Fort Benning, Ga.
Lovely condor
Do not mean to change the subject but do you think kephart might have used the Russell Green River Dadely as an inspiration for his Kephart knife? Very strong similarity.
I also think that the Green River Dadley could have been the inspiration for Kephart’s knife. Much as their butcher/skinner knife likely inspired the Nessmuk designs…These were used for game prep, not woodcraft.
The Casstrom and PSK look more like drop points than spear points.
Yes, very good point. Thanks .
Bro your backyard is in need of landscaping
Tell you what Bryan, I would still go with the Condor. I still have and use the one I lent you for review years ago. I paid $35 for it back then 2014 it was and it appears that I stole it at that price point. It’s basically let’s see I have a Mora, I have a cartoonish Marbles Bowie, I have a Buck 119. That is about it for fixed blades. I would still pick it for sustained wilderness use. Honestly it’s so good that is probably why I don’t have a ton of fixed blade knives. The first one I bought was more than likely the best pattern for wilderness (and general) type usage I could have. Edit I forgot I have a couple of Camilus fixed blades that are committed full time on umm systems that they never leave and a boot knife. But that’s it.
I highly recommend the PKS. I own 2 different ones and they are great knives.
They are good knives
Bark River Kep?
No gotta
Took this guy 4 and a half minutes to BEGIN his review!
I know. Just blah, blah , blah. On and on and on and on. And this wasn’t even really a review. It was more of a follow up on each individual review. If you think this was bad, you should hear how much he rambles in the actual review videos.