Duration 16:26

The Genuine Kephart Knife Review- Kabar BK 62 by Ethan Becker

by Survival On Purpose

27 737 watched

1.2 K

Published 13 Mar 2021

Kabar and Ethan Becker have created the closest thing to an original Kephart knife that you can actually own. The Kabar BK62 is a faithful reproduction of the knife Horace Kephart had custom made to his exact specifications. If you have ever wondered what all the fuss was about, now you can try one for yourself. Help Gun Owners of America defend your right to keep and bear arms: https://www.gunowners.org/ You can support this channel PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/SurvivalOnPurpose (monthly giveaways at the $5 and up membership levels) Subscribe to the SOP Weekly Update newsletter here: https://survivalonpurpose.com/subscribe/ * Many of the links here are affiliate links, which means if you buy something I might make a little money. Ain't America great? * Please check out our sponsors and help support the channel: Hawg Holsters: https://survivalonpurpose.com/Hawg-Holsters (Save 10% with code 'SURVIVALONPURPOSE’) Klik Belt: https://survivalonpurpose.com/Klik-Belt (Use Coupon Code 'SOP15" at Checkout and save 15%) Surviveware First Aid & Survival Kits: Save 10% on Surviveware with the coupon code ‘PURPOSE10’ at either: https://survivalonpurpose.com/Surviveware or https://survivalonpurpose.com/Surviveware-Amazon Save on Emergency Food Kits at http://PrepareWithBryan.com Nutrient Survival (All Natural 25-year shelf life food) https://nutrientsurvival.com/sop Use the coupon code SOP10 to save $10 on your first #10 can order. Valley Food Storage (All Natural 25-year shelf life food) https://alnk.to/31iViQx Sportsman's Guide: https://survivalonpurpose.com/SG (Use Discount Code ‘SURVIVAL20’ & save $20 on $100 Order) Members get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $49, including AMMO! ** Please consider supporting this channel by using this link for all your Amazon shopping: http://survivalonpurpose.com/Amazon You can get a free audio book and free 30 day trial of Audible here: http://www.audibletrial.com/Survival Survival On Purpose is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com Subscribe to this channel and get an update when new videos are posted: /user/SurvivalOnPurpose Twitter: https://twitter.com/SurvivalScouter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SurvivalOnPurpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survival_on_purpose/ Website: http://SurvivalOnPurpose.com Thanks for watching Survival On Purpose. Remember: Survival is Not an Accident! Be Prepared

Category

Comments - 184

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@dwightehowell81793 years ago I have three similar Kephart knives made by three different companies. They vary a bit but all of them are users. This is the best of the bunch in my opinion. I will note that Kephart used his knife mainly to process food including what he acquired by hunting and fishing. A man with a saw and an ax who knows how to use them is not going to be spending a lot of time beating on his knife with a stick. He and others also did a lot of minor cutting tasks with their jack knives which often came with two or three blades. If you can still read get the books and read them they are a blast. In a lot of ways Horace Kephart lived on another different planet. ... 28
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@DoctorGrizzly-cy9tz5 months ago I just bought my very first kephart , Okc fish&small Game... I love it already made in the USA with a Made in China Leather Sheath for 34bux... Can't beat that price in these days 3
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@jeremiahshine3 years ago A Kephart vs. Kephart series would be awesome. Different makers and steels. 12
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@gregblake27643 years ago I have a bunch of bushcraft knives, this one is my favorite. 6
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@ClayBlasdel443 years ago I am not into knife history but from what I have read, years before Kephart, frontiersmen carried that knife design, called the "green river" knife, made by J.Russell Co. of Massachusetts They shipped 60k knives out west to Buffalo hunters starting in 1840 ... 4
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@jordy7033 years ago Great looking Kephart style knife love it. I own the Esee PR4 and that version of a Kephart is also great and rugged, the sheath was also perfect. Great vid thank u Sir! Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 8
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@allenelam61353 years ago I have one of these.
My favorite all around blade ever. 5
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@Echo5-Tango3 years ago I have two of these, kabar also makes micarta scales for it. So I have one with dyed micarta scales and one that is stock.I love these knives one of the most functional all around woods knives I have had. I do wish the made this exact thing in a 4 inch model. I prefer the balance on a 4 inch. Great review I subscribed. ... 3
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@timothyeldridge6822one week ago I've got one of these knives coming in the post! I look forward to getting it! Great video!
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@matthewhocker13773 years ago Never heard of that knife but after watching the tests, I want one. Great performance 1
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@trapperscout20463 years ago I plan to get a BK62 eventually. For now, I have the Old Hickory version of the Kephart knife. Also a good knife. 7
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@casualcamping37763 years ago I also have the Condor version. It does have a 90 degree spine but is significantly smaller. It's a good knife too, bit the KaBar feels better in the hand. 7
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@wvlongshooter39123 years ago You do great videos and I’m comparing them to most others. Great review!! 2
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@AggyGoesOutdoors3 years ago You review so much great gear Brian, how about a weekend camp trip with your pick of all your best gear? That would make a great video 4
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@jamesellsworth96733 years ago I backed into this video after watching several follow on videos in the series. THIS is the one I want to purchase.
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@Scjohn993 years ago Great review. Informative and educational.
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@fgallogallo73 years ago Great review Brian. I bought the Ontario Cuttery version. I’ll be using it this spring and summer and fall in the Adirondack mountains. I might consider pulling the trigger on this version from K bar. In the future. Stay safe.! ... 1
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@cj_m24773 years ago Great video, you honored Kephart and his knife. I have a BK62 and I’m getting a second one to keep pristine. I’m hoping Ka Bar will introduce a four inch version of this knife at some point.
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@tumbleweed66583 years ago Thanks Brain I have a condor but the BK62 sure is a sweet knife and your review is always honest. Take care buddy.
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@GBall_Vision3 years ago I just received about a 70$ order from Exotac their products are phenomenal. Good review. I may have to look in to these. I’ve been on an Esee and Buck GCK kick. I just got both of the Buck GCKs spear point and Tanto style and an Esee 4 & 6 Rowens. Love them 3D grips ...
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@scottsmith65713 years ago Great for wood an kitchen prep . Bought the eseey pr4 too
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@michaelschmitzerle25873 years ago I doubt there were ferro rods in Kephart’s day.
If there were, I’m sure he would have had his knife made with a 90 degree spine… 6
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@vitezslavvelik41463 years ago Hi Brian, greetings and thanks from Czech! Its great knife, and great vid.! :)
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@scottsmith65713 years ago Great knife bought one when they came out . Easy to make razor sharp 2
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@firearmsolutions463 years ago Hey Brian,I have always been a fan of the Kephart knife for years ,I have two one made by Condor which I like its carbon steel holds and edge reasonably well and with strike a ferro rod ,the other is made by PKS that one is ok but the scales are too round. Horace Kepart's original knife was made by Colclesser Bros.of Eldorado Pennsyvania which is now the Southern section of Altoona of Kephart's knives is at the Mountain Heritage Center ,on Western Carolina University's campus. Soon Ill get one of those BK 62
Great video as always ... 2
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@trapperscout20463 years ago The knife shown in the Camping and Woodcraft book was not this design, but something closer to a Marble's Woodcraft knife. Kephart in the book did, however, mention using other knives of his own design due to the fact that most knives sold on the market weren't to his liking. If I'm not mistaken, this iconic design first showed up in an ad for a Colclesser Brothers knife designed by Horace Kephart. ... 2
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@jimwright34653 years ago It is rumoured that as an adolescent, Davy Crockett acquired knife very similar to this design. He perfected his technique for the removal and filleting of gizzards through his teenage years. He sadly lost the knife in a poker game merely days before he went to Texas. Some say if he had the knife the Alamo would not have fallen. ... 2
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@Larry-gs8gb3 years ago Simple,effective and durable.Everything a good tool should be. 3
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@casualcamping37763 years ago I have one of these. I love it. The only thing I'd change is the rounded spine. I've had mine for quite a while because they were about 80 bucks when I got it. But if I had to pay the Big Daddy price, I'd still buy one. ... 5
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@semco720573 years ago That is a nice knife and one I would not abuse either. I have two of Ka-Bar knives and love them so much until they are still in their original boxes and in my collection as I respected them and how well they was crafted.
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@doncheney46473 years ago Bryan, I always enjoy your reviews, comments and even the rambling. It looked like the wood to steel fit, particularly on the spine side near the bolster area was not very good - a lot of metal exposed above the grip. I was surprised you didn’t mention it. Is it a design feature of the Kephart or a construction flaw? Keep up the good work! ... 1
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@jakesshopandtracktalk18353 years ago In camping and woodcraft, Kephart suggests a Jackknife and a hatchet to pair with it. He goes in great detail about why too. So I am gonna give you an A on historical accuracy for producing the Classic from your pocket to protect your main blade, just like Kephart. I still have that old Condor I lent you years ago. ... 2
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@OnTheRiver663 years ago Thank you Brian for the history. I keep seeing the name Kephart but knew nothing about it.
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@jean-christophel.77453 years ago I have and I use this knive. And I Dreams for the Bark River 5" kephart in 3v steel. Sorry for my english, i'm french speaking... 🇪🇺 1
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@centurycity3 years ago Great review Bryan. I am getting one of these . Excellent. And yes I really did go to grab that knife off you.
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@thorin6933 years ago Ontario Black Bird SK-5 154 cm steel g10 scales
had it for years still going strong.
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@toiletpaper5770last year I can tell by the sound of it I like it
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@tom_olofsson3 years ago Old School is the best school. I have the edition of Camping and Woodcraft where both volumes are in one book. Got it from the Chicago Public Library when I was in high school. They sell old books when they get a little beat up. So, it was old in 1973. ...
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@ashmerch25583 years ago Big fan of the BK-62 ! Dollar for Dollar it's the best "do-all" outdoors knife. However if you want to go all out, and have the funds (~$250) I'd check out the LT Wright Genesis (4.25 inch), Gen (5 inch) or Gen (6 inch).
Also the original Kephart was double convex ground, kinda like a Bark River, but semi-convexed to the spine as well.
Again... This is IMO one of the best outdoor knives for the money, the spine is an easy fix, but from factory it's a great carver for a 5 inch blade. ... 1
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@Maryland_Kulaklast month SZCO is making a Kephart knife now from Pakistan and it’s only $12.76 on Amazon. I got one and I love it!
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@gobigrey9352last year Oak is stringy? I've been dealing with a bunch of Ash for a while now. I love getting back to Oak after dealing with twisted grain Ash.
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@HankSielski3 years ago Are you still planning to do a wrap up of this Kephart series? Or are there still more chapters to come?
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@pepejuan2924last year I’m currently living in the Philippines and I’ve had several knives made by a local blacksmith three of them are of a Kephart design , the third being as close to the original Kephart as possible, as you know Kephart had the first knife made by a blacksmith, I’ve paid less than 20 dollars a piece 👍😁💪🏻🇺🇸 ...
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@BCVS7773 years ago The kephart design doesn’t look like anything special and it’s not. It was designed for a general purpose knife that could be used for woodwork, camp kitchen chores, dressing game and fish, etc. It may not be excellent at anything but it is sufficient for many things. It’s a decent do it all choice. ... 3
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@mikelloyd1063 years ago The pathfinder knife shop has a kephart design as well 1
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@tigerpisces550611 months ago Get an Ontario Old Hickory Knife that was the knife Kephart had. 1
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@rcash36252 years ago I Love the ka bar kephart and its a spitting image of the original I seen.... Im just not paying over 60 for a knife... I dont even really like to go over 50 Tbh. I take em in the woods I work em.. I cut fish with em and often lose them..... So I look for bargains.. Things like the Dexter russel kephart, old hickory fish & game (kephart), BPS BS1FTS & BS2FTS .. Razer sharp decent steel at the 20-30 price point.. at 120$ its a collectors item to me. ... 1
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@spatialized242 years ago I agree that any knowledgeable outdoor person should carry a knife, axe and a saw. I never use my knife for battening wood. Use my bk62 for cutting foods and processing meat. If one learns how to use a hatchet or small forest axe, these 3 items will complement each other in a nice manner. ... 1
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@phxken83273 years ago You did a review in 2014 of the Condor Kephart knife and liked it a lot. It is still 49.90 Do you all think the Kabar BK-62 at over twice the price is still that much better??? 1
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@mrhalfstep3 years ago The way you're makin' GooGoo eyes at that knife and the total absence of the balance test makes me pretty confident that it won't be an any raffles anytime soon. LOL Don't blame ya. Looks like a very handy outdoor knife.
Bryan, I know that you are involved in the Scouts, so I thought you might be a good one to ask this question of. All my life I have referred to what you and every other outdoorsman on YouTube call a "feather stick" as a "fuzz stick" based on what I recalled from the short time I was able to participate in the Boy Scouts as a young boy. I have been certain that is what I was taught, but have never been able to find proof. I still have my April, 1966, 7th edition of the Handbook, but when I looked under the fire building section it isn't listed as a source of tinder or kindling and the use of an ax or hatchet was recommended for fire prep, with no mention of a knife and I was nearly convinced that I just plain imagined it. Well this video made me curious about whether the official Boy Scout Belt Knife was maybe of the Kephart design. I never had one because we didn't have that kind of money, so I got my Handbook out again and lo and behold right there in the section titled "Tools of the Woodsman" on page 171 was the recommendation to practice your knife skills by carving a "Fuzz Stick" along with a line drawing of the very thing everyone calls a "feather stick", so I ain't crazy after all! Now for my question. Have you ever encountered the term Fuzz Stick in your Scouting work and is that skill still discussed and what is it call today if it is? And thanks for this video and its part in solving this crazy mystery that's been bugging me for a number of years now. LOL ... 1
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@Airik1111bibles3 years ago My Ontario Sk5 Blackbird has become my favorite belt knife . I think this Kabar edition would be an awesome do all blade . I think if they dropped it to $99 it would sale much better. There are so many choices in that price range. ...
Personally that new Old Hickory kephart knife for $30 looks like a cool dealio for those on a budget that like this kabar. ...
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@ShaddySoldierlast year I have one of these and I love it, but the wood on mine when I first got it was kind if splintery
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@tom_olofsson3 years ago When you say Rockwell hardness of 56 to 58 do you mean 56 at the edge and 58 along the spine?
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@mlminto3 years ago Nice knife, but quite different from an original. Best I can find says the blade (either 4" or 5", both were offered) was .125" thick, and ground with a sort of double/varied convex shape, not flat. The handle had quite plain pins, not threaded bolts of any kind. ...
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@gosha64852 years ago where is it close? in the original, the lens is from the middle
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@beltfedTODDRULZ3 years ago I am of the opinion that you can play golf with only one club, But poorly. You can work on a car with a Cresent wrench but it's sick and wrong.... So I EDC a ESEE4 and use it when I need a super sharp prybar when my box cutter is too small. Besides adding to my collection what does the Kepart style do better than other knives of this size?
Thanks 👍 ...
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@rob45x3 years ago Love your video dude. But I didn't really think it was cool trying a different knife to start a fire with than the one your reviewing. If I bought it I'd smack a file onto the spine! 1
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@johndudley91183 years ago I have one and it is fantastic 👍👌U.S.A cheers 👍
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@davidgriffith66273 years ago What is a good source for the Kephart books?
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@metalkingforever4203 years ago I have the bark river kephart and want to love it but the blade stock is a little thin and the handle is a little skinny for my xl hands. But it makes a unbelievable fishing and hunting knife. I would jump on the bk62 but for the price I cant get over the bolt on scales it just seems tacky. ...
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@quantdoc3 years ago He did sell them out of the back of magazines. 1
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@oasisapartmentskamchia82333 years ago Hey, what’s 20 degrees angle in Imperial?😇 1
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@shcmoly3 years ago What watch are you wearing Bryan? Where was the skunk...
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@GAUROCH23 years ago I have the ESEE PR4... and I love it (although the scales in the handle could be a little thicker)!
In the end, my top knive would be a lovely russian puuko, a "Nessmuck" blade by a local bladesmith and, perhaps on top a spear blade that Jason Dravenhack (head of American Bushcraft Association) made for me from a old saw blade... somewhat crude, a bit too thin but, as a good wife, perhaps not the prettiest but the one who we really cherish!!!
Thanks Brian for your videos... and yes, I'll subscribe (we must all fight and destroy "cancer culture" ("cancel" is too soft to classify those despising creatures"
Stay well... ...
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@erolkavlakverizon61123 years ago Bryan, I would like to feel that knife's handle in my hand, you could send it to me so I could try it..😂😂😂
Awesome blade.
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@jamescooper26183 years ago The blade seems shiny enough to be used as a signal mirror.
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@cwjolly693 years ago Ouch some one need a lot of work on Using a Farrow Road
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@isaacgarcia1173 years ago Ha! What the heck, I actually got this knife not too long ago not really sure why I got it but it felt right almost as if it was calling me 🤔 1
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@DomMini3 years ago Cool knife! I made my own about an inch shorter! 1
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@rgm94003 years ago you might consider removing those vines from the pine tree behind you. Perhaps they're helpful but usually not.
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@fishingunboxingsandreveiws72263 years ago Your wood pile is shrinking! The one behind you 1
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@Larry-gs8gb3 years ago On the eighth day ,God made Chuck Norris, to protect us from evil.. 2
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@tigerpisces550611 months ago I agree I was boy scout and only had a scout pocket knife and wood cutting tools. I never dreamed some one would chop and split wood with a knife. These younube knife videos is were I learned you needed a $200-$? with superman steels. I ruined a few knives as a 7 year old doing this nonsense of prying with a knife tip. I used to heat my home with wood. I burned cords of in my wood stove. If I used a knife it would of been a full time job. I split logs with a wedge and maul mallet. Only split kindling with an axe. Never used a hatchet they are too short and worthless. As to Horace Kephart expertise? Malarkey is the word I use. My family were pioneers since 1630 and went west to TN, WVA, OH, MI, WI, MN, NB, UT, ID, OR, WA, AK. These people were called pilgrims and green horns. They would not last a week in real wilderness where you have to build a cabin, dig wells, hunt, farm and make tools. ... 1
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@randyyeager3 years ago thought he made that knife to be used as a spear as well.....means you should be able to balance test
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@GardeningforFreedom4 months ago i never understood ferro rods. carry a bic lighter. it HAS to be bic. i carry one that sits beside a case knife i crawl under houses and in attics and it has never broke. if it gets wet blow it out and good to go. now if you buy those cheap clear lighters yes those break easily ...
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@indianprepper24783 years ago This is very old common design style point In India , My Grandfather is 103 years old (Still Live) & He use same design knife for 75+ years . very Basic all purpose knife . But This design is older then "Kephart" that for sure ...
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@bgbeck553 years ago Except for the stupid nuts and bolts, it's a perfect reproduction of a classic design. 3
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@johna62913 years ago I wonder if Horace would have spent that much money on a knife?
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@rlbranch653 years ago Nothing personal but you might want to save the sponsorship details till later. A quick mention at the beginning is appropriate and then get to the product details. Love the channel and just want to give newcomers a chance to experience, rather than leading with a long introduction. Again nothing personal. ... 1
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@DoomOfConviction3 years ago I cannot understand how people praise the kephart as a Bushcraft knife and it’s too thin for batoning... batoning is #1 I’ll do as a bushcrafter so eh....
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@redsorgum3 years ago The one thumbs down, probably doesn’t have thumbs...🤪 2
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@MutsPub3 years ago Old Hickory Hunting Knife 5.5" <$25.
Esee PR4 ~$100 will blow this out of the water!
I am a Becker fan. This Kephart is simply overpriced. It is a kitchen knife with wood scales.
Maybe I am wrong, I seem to remember Kephart preferred a 4" blade?
At least the OKC Blackbird is D2 and micarta scales. ...
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@meseahuntlast year good review thanks, hopefully if you ever have an incident it is with a knife and not a gun cause if you have to use your attorneys at uscca you will wish you had a knife at your jail consult....... 🤠
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@alexanderweaver48383 years ago I have an Old Hickory knife in my overland camping kitchen gear box and love it. However, the sheath was made by Hyde & Drink and believe it is based in Guatemala. The knife performs food preparation with ease and precision. I am a BDU member and will acquire a Kabar BK 62 for my collection. BTW thanks for not performing the balance test. ...
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@SDMountainMan3 years ago I would not balance test it either. Just not right 1
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@jaredyoung53532 months ago You don’t need to tell us that you are keeping it short if you keep it short. We can all see the vid length.