They actually made a Finn Wolf fixed blade when they started the series. I still have mine, I use it as a beater knife. When the Finn series came out Moras were not as readily available via big retailers like Amazon. Mine came with a pretty cheap but actually effective nylon sheath. I just got a CS Bushman bowie and I like it but it definitely rubs the sheath. I'll probably try making kydex for it because I got it as a project knife.
The Finn Bear is modeled after an old Finnish puukko design by Tapio Wirkkala. Cold Steel made a premium version of this called the Sissu (I think) for a few years. Traditionally these would have had a high scandi grind but this probably wouldn't last very long on this slim profile Krupp 1.4116 steel (420HC equivalent) blade, hence the secondary bevel turning it into a saber grind. Personally I really like the grip profile, but then I only use my Finn Bear as a backup utility knife in my archery gear 🙂. I have mine for 16 years and it has a very functional and light weight cordura style sheath instead of the newer plastic one.
The lack of a guard is not always a problem when using a knife as a "martial tool". For example, James Williams talks about this in a short video “Using the Knife without a guard-James Williams-System of Strategy”. And many knives of his design do not have a guard. What he demonstrates during stabbing is a grip that is called the “Finnish grip”, “screwdriver grip”, etc. With this method, the butt of the handle rests on the base of the palm and prevents the hand from slipping onto the blade. I read that the Finns used their puukkos quite effectively in hand-to-hand combat during the Winter War. Also interesting is the history of Puukkojunkkari - the massive spread of gangs of knife fighters in Finland in the 19th century. But something tells me that even with the method described above, the Finn Bear handle will not be very comfortable.)
I have guardless tanto that benefit from having the opposite taper in the grip or are simply grippier. The taper and slimness work against this one, including in a screwdriver, and the shape of the end of the grip would not be friendly into the palm. It would be potentially worth comparing to a more traditional Pukko.
I never felt compelled to get this one, and your review just confirmed what I suspected aside from the tough steel. I’d rather spend those 20 odd credits on other iconic CS designs.
Made my own angle sheath for left hand ice pick knife or cross draw for right hand regular. I've no problem as a stab if needed. It is my utility but will work in a "martial" aspect.
@@minnesota-hk1vp The long kitchen knives are described as hand-biased and work well in one hand/one cutting direction. I've been able to make use of the smaller utility blades with either hand, but it's odd. Good for certain tasks, awkward for others.
I carry a mora often as an edc but, Marttini offers longer and more blade designs. Their sheaths aren't my favorite but can be modified to acceptable. Cheers!
Finnwolf with the orange or red handle is an excellent "Gray Man" urban carry defensive folder.. Most LEO are going to assume its some kind of working utility knife made by Milwaukee or Rigid.. The blade looks very utilitarian and yet its a razor sharp slicer. Its light, super strong, and friendly enough looking that the most likely punishment you might face from an unfriendly LEO confiscating is having it confiscated and sending you on your way.. Now you lost a $35 dollars knife and avoided possibly hundreds of dollars in fines or thousands for a lawyer. Cops will look at the plastic build construction and overall look and orange color and just assume its a cheap working persons pocket knife.. Your about as likely to draw attention or be hassled than someone carrying an old Schrade, Case, or Buck knife. IMO Its just a really fantastic scandi edge folding knife that every knife enthusiast should own.
Great point regarding optics! I just picked up the OD version, may get the red for the reason you state. After I rounded off the hot spot I was getting from the stud notch in the grip, I've been taking it everywhere.
Indeed my friend. And not that I'm a sucker for movie knives but when I saw sisu I immediately went and started looking up finished knives😊 @@michaelrizzo5523
Some folks might really like this design, but I expect a traditional build will be better. I worry most when I see "martial knives" (usually some kind of tanto or seax) on the market with no guard or secure grip.
That teardrop shape on the handle is just weird. I don't understand why they couldn't have made it more oval like some swords I've seen. It's just disappointingly mediocre.
@@michaelrizzo5523 by the way my 4Max Scout came in the mail! Probably the best 60 bucks I ever spent on a folder. Only one problem... Now I really want the Voyager!! Lol
They actually made a Finn Wolf fixed blade when they started the series. I still have mine, I use it as a beater knife. When the Finn series came out Moras were not as readily available via big retailers like Amazon. Mine came with a pretty cheap but actually effective nylon sheath.
I just got a CS Bushman bowie and I like it but it definitely rubs the sheath. I'll probably try making kydex for it because I got it as a project knife.
This is a surprisingly articulate channel! I’ve gone through dozens yet this gentleman is top notch.
Thanks!
The Finn Bear is modeled after an old Finnish puukko design by Tapio Wirkkala. Cold Steel made a premium version of this called the Sissu (I think) for a few years. Traditionally these would have had a high scandi grind but this probably wouldn't last very long on this slim profile Krupp 1.4116 steel (420HC equivalent) blade, hence the secondary bevel turning it into a saber grind. Personally I really like the grip profile, but then I only use my Finn Bear as a backup utility knife in my archery gear 🙂. I have mine for 16 years and it has a very functional and light weight cordura style sheath instead of the newer plastic one.
The lack of a guard is not always a problem when using a knife as a "martial tool". For example, James Williams talks about this in a short video “Using the Knife without a guard-James Williams-System of Strategy”. And many knives of his design do not have a guard. What he demonstrates during stabbing is a grip that is called the “Finnish grip”, “screwdriver grip”, etc. With this method, the butt of the handle rests on the base of the palm and prevents the hand from slipping onto the blade. I read that the Finns used their puukkos quite effectively in hand-to-hand combat during the Winter War. Also interesting is the history of Puukkojunkkari - the massive spread of gangs of knife fighters in Finland in the 19th century.
But something tells me that even with the method described above, the Finn Bear handle will not be very comfortable.)
I have guardless tanto that benefit from having the opposite taper in the grip or are simply grippier. The taper and slimness work against this one, including in a screwdriver, and the shape of the end of the grip would not be friendly into the palm. It would be potentially worth comparing to a more traditional Pukko.
I never felt compelled to get this one, and your review just confirmed what I suspected aside from the tough steel. I’d rather spend those 20 odd credits on other iconic CS designs.
Yeah, I have several other Lites I really like. This one didn't do it for me.
Made my own angle sheath for left hand ice pick knife or cross draw for right hand regular. I've no problem as a stab if needed. It is my utility but will work in a "martial" aspect.
Thank You for sharing! Love the martial and bushcraft review. Do you have any chisel grind knifes or any experience with them?
The only chisel ground knives I've had were some early CRKT designs and the odd Japanese kitchen knife. I may have to dig some of those CRKTs out.
If it's flat on one side like bk3 is it only meant for a right handed person or doesn't that matter?
And yes would love to see some chisel grind reviews!
@@minnesota-hk1vp The long kitchen knives are described as hand-biased and work well in one hand/one cutting direction. I've been able to make use of the smaller utility blades with either hand, but it's odd. Good for certain tasks, awkward for others.
Certain tasks such as?
I carry a mora often as an edc but, Marttini offers longer and more blade designs. Their sheaths aren't my favorite but can be modified to acceptable. Cheers!
I'm definitely going to check out Marttiini, thanks!
Finnwolf with the orange or red handle is an excellent "Gray Man" urban carry defensive folder.. Most LEO are going to assume its some kind of working utility knife made by Milwaukee or Rigid.. The blade looks very utilitarian and yet its a razor sharp slicer. Its light, super strong, and friendly enough looking that the most likely punishment you might face from an unfriendly LEO confiscating is having it confiscated and sending you on your way.. Now you lost a $35 dollars knife and avoided possibly hundreds of dollars in fines or thousands for a lawyer. Cops will look at the plastic build construction and overall look and orange color and just assume its a cheap working persons pocket knife.. Your about as likely to draw attention or be hassled than someone carrying an old Schrade, Case, or Buck knife. IMO Its just a really fantastic scandi edge folding knife that every knife enthusiast should own.
Great point regarding optics! I just picked up the OD version, may get the red for the reason you state. After I rounded off the hot spot I was getting from the stud notch in the grip, I've been taking it everywhere.
I think it was supposed to appeal to the puko buyers
The traditional is a lot nicer. I'm looking into some proper Finnish knives.
Indeed my friend. And not that I'm a sucker for movie knives but when I saw sisu I immediately went and started looking up finished knives😊 @@michaelrizzo5523
Are you done reviewing swords bud??
Nope, got a stack of 'em to get to!
@@michaelrizzo5523 that’s what I like to hear!
As a budget bushcraft & hunting knife it'd prob be fine I suppose but yeah...not so good for combat etc. At least not imho.
Some folks might really like this design, but I expect a traditional build will be better. I worry most when I see "martial knives" (usually some kind of tanto or seax) on the market with no guard or secure grip.
That teardrop shape on the handle is just weird. I don't understand why they couldn't have made it more oval like some swords I've seen. It's just disappointingly mediocre.
Definitely doesn't work for me. If it was oval, I'd probably make more use of this knife.
@@michaelrizzo5523 by the way my 4Max Scout came in the mail! Probably the best 60 bucks I ever spent on a folder. Only one problem... Now I really want the Voyager!! Lol
It's a famous design of a puukko that's not mabe anymore. Tapio wirkkala puukko. It was extremely sought after.