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FB26GP Bushcraft G-10 is for real.

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 12:50 pm
by 5.56
What can I say, I'm floored. Sal has generously allowed me to experience the Bushcraft G-10 first hand. Thank you very much Sal. I have to say, I was quite surprised when I received this. Any doubts I had about it's quality were immediately erased when I opened the box and examined it in person. I'll be the first to admit that I was a bit premature with my initial thoughts about this knife.

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I've owned a few bushcraft type knives and this one fits right in. The blade length is perfect at 4" and it features full tang construction which I prefer on a rugged outdoors type knife. Blade thickness on the Bushcraft is 9/64" which gives the knife some heft and inspires confidence in it's strength. At 7.75 ounces, the knife feels solid without being too heavy.

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The Bushcraft features O-1 steel, which surprisingly, I have little experience with. I have read that it's a non-stainless American tool steel that is favored by some for it's high carbon content and excellent edge retention. I plan on putting it through it's paces and finding out. I am curious to know how much effort it will take to resharpen O-1. I will have to report back on this.

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The blade profile was one of the first things that stood out for me. The Bushcraft features a wicked Scandi grind. For those who don't know, the Scandi grind lacks a secondary bevel, much like a zero grind. The primary bevel extends all the way to the blades edge. This makes for a thin sharp edge that can be field sharpened easily, however, the spine remains thick and sturdy. Mine came razor sharp from the factory.

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The handle on the Bushcraft is simply beautiful. It really compliments the overall fit and finish of this knife. The G-10 is polished smooth and the pins and lanyard tube are rightfully flush. I can run my fingernail across the pins and it will not catch at all. The same can be said about where the scales meet the tang. The maker really did a superb job on the handle construction. The lanyard tube will easily accomodate typical 550 paracord. The contoured handle feels great in my hand. I wear a mens large glove size and I can get a secure firm grip in all positions. Nothing needs to be said about the strength and durability of G-10.

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Finally, we have the sheath. Spyderco's website shows a brown leather sheath, however mine is black, which I prefer. The sheath is a simple design and it seems well built. It features the standard belt loop carry with leg strap holes. I'll admit, I've always preferred kydex for it's durability and optional carry positions though. I would have liked to have seen a water drainage hole of some sort also, but that's just me. In this case, the leather sheath seems to add to the overall elegant feel of this knife and it remains true to the bushcraft style.

Overall, what you have here is a well designed, beautifully crafted knife, that begs to be used. Once you get the Bushcraft in hand, you'll see that the quality is easily on par with the price tag. The thick blade stock, full tang construction, and G-10 will make it a viable option for hunter's, outdoorsman, and survivalist's who require ruggedness and durability. It should perform very well at slicing, skinning and bushcraft, hence the name. I know it's inspired me to get out and put it to work.

:)

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 1:34 pm
by SQSAR
I saw this knife for the first time a few weeks ago at the SFO. Trust me when I say: The 1st time you hold it, you know you are holding a robust working man's tool. It's heavy, but I mean that in the most complimentary way. Its elegantly simply design is one that you have absolutely no doubt will serve you well in the field. There's nothing to break, nothing to malfunction, just a basic knife in its truest form. Plus, O-1 tool steel, , , how sweet is that; takes a sweet edge, and is easy to maintain in the field. OK, it may be prone to rust, but that is a very small price to pay for the other benefits the steel brings to the table (and easily mitigated with proper care). The handle is a little thick for my taste, but it would be nothing to work on to suit my liking perfectly. I haven't bought one yet, but that's just a matter of time.

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 1:39 pm
by HotSoup
Really nice knife!
I only wish I had a use for one.

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 1:53 pm
by racer88
I bought one without having a use for it! I just like it. And, I agree with the review on all counts. It's gorgeous and feels really good in your hand. Solid, solid, solid.

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 3:02 pm
by Creepo
Thanks for the knife pron! :D
I wanted one when I saw the first photo, now I want one even more... :p

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 3:42 pm
by defenestrate
I will second Creepo's remarks about knife pron.. Those pictures really do a good job of showing the F&F quality as the grind, overall appearance and that stunning polished G10 with what looks like pretty close to perfect fitment on the pins and lanyard tube.. I want one now! :D

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 4:00 pm
by D1omedes
Superb pictures as always, Rob. :D

I think the new Bushcraft looks gorgeous and the leather sheath is very nice. Sadly, there's no real reason for me to pick one up (I'm not the camping type). I look forward to reading your reviews as to its performance.

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 4:24 pm
by 5.56
defenestrate wrote:Those pictures really do a good job of showing the F&F quality as the grind, overall appearance and that stunning polished G10 with what looks like pretty close to perfect fitment on the pins and lanyard tube.
D1omedes wrote:Superb pictures as always, Rob. :D
Thanks for the comments. The shiny finish on the handle makes this knife extremely difficult to photograph.

I can assure you that the fitment on the pins/tube is perfect.

:)

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 4:25 pm
by racer88
defenestrate wrote: stunning polished G10 with what looks like pretty close to perfect fitment on the pins and lanyard tube.. I want one now! :D
Here's a super-close-up of one of the pins in the polished G10.
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 7:31 pm
by Rhiney
I've been working with this knife for two weeks now and am impressed. For comparison, I have several other bushcraft knives, including a custom, a couple of moras etc etc...

The Spyderco Bushcrafter stacks up very well. The handle is comfortable in most any grip, including those grips most used in bushcraft (hammer, chest lever) and the flared butt works great in draw cuts. There is (well, was) a slightly sharp flange at the slightly pointed finger guard. I was able to break that edge with some high grit sand paper -- no big deal, and you don't notice it in a forehand grip really, anyways.

I have done some fine carving and some rougher work. The knife batons well and cuts deep for dropping and delimbing saplings. I have carved a few spoons, some notches etc. The knife sharpened easily (as you'd expect for a zero scandi grind in 01). The spine is properly squared for striking a ferro rod, or for scraping to make tinder. Blade length is bang-on: good working length, well-balanced (handle heavy which is nice for controlling the blade in fine detailed carving).

The sheath is fine. I don't find it aesthetically pleasing, but it is practical and shouldn't put anyone off (not an easy thing to accomplish with a production sheath!). I personally prefer a dangler, but doubt it would have been cost-efficient. I was surprised to see the plastic insert inside the sheath (most bushcraft-styled sheaths are simple leather pouches). I am not sure if this is to protect the leather and the hands of silly people who grip over the edge of the knife when they withdraw it from the sheath (a really bad idea in case the knife pops through the welt)...or maybe it's to keep leather, which retains moisture, away from the non-stainless blade?

At any rate, it's a terrific knife -- thanks Spyderco!

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 9:29 pm
by Jay_Ev
Thank you for taking the time to write up a review and post pics.

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 10:18 pm
by MachSchnell
Very tempting...

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 11:31 pm
by Blerv
The treatment of that g10 is amazing in pictures. Let us know how it works for ya :) .

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:03 am
by Enkidude
I would love to get this knife, but I just can't justify the pricetag when a Mora costs $15. Will this blade "outperform" a Mora?

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:39 am
by 5.56
The ergos on this knife are better than any other fixed blade that I have held.

In a hypothetical survival situation, I would grab this knife before any Mora, no doubt.

You just have to hold one to know what I'm talking about.

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:40 am
by rodloos
Even though this is an older thread, I thought I would add that in my opinion, yes the Bushcraft will outperform the Mora. I have several Mora's, and they are great knives for the price, an excellent value. But even though they and the Bushcraft are both scandi grind, I find it easier to make controlled shaving cuts with the Bushcraft due to the thicker blade. The wide bevel really helps it plane shavings from wood. It is a very stout knife!

Nothing wrong with a Mora, and only you can decide if a knife is "worth" the price, but my Bushcraft is one of my favorite Spyderco's, even though I don't carry it everyday (it would look a bit out of place in the IT office :) ).

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:05 am
by Blerv
Enkidude wrote:I would love to get this knife, but I just can't justify the pricetag when a Mora costs $15. Will this blade "outperform" a Mora?
Public transportation out performs automobiles. Scissors and box knives can complete 90% the jobs a Military can.

Porsche doesn't lose sales to Honda.

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:24 am
by computernut
Great looking knife! I'd like to get a fixed blade, might have to look into one of these.

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:25 am
by G10KnifeNut
thats one supppper beautiful knife!!! I've been eyeing up that one for awhile now! :) That would be a hard use woods knife for sure when I get it! Hows the edge retention? The scandi grind is amaaazing and it seems realllly easy to touch up and sharpen like convex. All you need is a nice portable strop when you're in the bush :D The g10 scales look like cavas micarta :) I absolutely looove the carbon fiber-ish weave pattern to the scales! If its made in taichung, You automatically know you will be floored by the knives quality!! For some reason the quality over there easily beats the quality here made in usa knives. anyone else notice that??! Whats up with that?? lol seriously. All I know is, if its made in Taichung, Taiwan...I'm buying it!! I'm pretty sure the Gayle Bradley is made there and I only hear nothing but AMAZING reviews on the fit and finish quality levels of that knife!! I've been wanting one forever and as soon as I get the money, I am getting one! As soon as possilbe, That'll be my next Spyderco :) Sorry if I went a tiddly bit off topic ;) Just wanted to know if you guys noticed the same thing.

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 12:49 pm
by Enkidude
Blerv wrote:Public transportation out performs automobiles. Scissors and box knives can complete 90% the jobs a Military can.

Porsche doesn't lose sales to Honda.
I'm for function over form. I guess I'll stick with the Mora. If I had disposable income in my fancy pants I would be using a Bushcraft every weekend after driving to the woods in my Porsche. :D