Performance review of my bushcraft blade made by Gran Torino

[East_TN_Patriot]

Today I took a few minutes to try a few tasks with the bushcraft knife I commissioned from GT a few weeks ago. I didn't put it through brutal tasks, but did try some basic ones that I expect a knife to do if I'm going to carry it. First, the knife is made from 1095 steel that my calipers measure as 0.155 inches thick. Blade length is approximately 5 inches and OAL is about 10.5 inches. The scales are mesquite (I'm sure GT will correct me if I am wrong) and I asked him to include jimping on the top of the blade as well as the extension beyond the handle.





The knife came with a nice sharp edge, but me being me, I worked on it a bit and got it where I wanted it. I started the test by cutting some paper to show the edge quality.



First thing I did was take some red oak firewood I have and split a couple of pieces off using another piece of oak as a baton. The knife easily made fast work of the splitting thanks to the thickness of the blade and the flat grind. The blade took the force of the baton strikes just fine and the tip and handle were not damaged.



Next, I took one of the pieces I split and did some shavings as you would do on a feather stick. The knife edge was still very sharp and I had no difficulty. I also used the edge of the spine to scrape some wood from the piece as one would do to make tinder.



Next, to test the tip, I used the blade to drill a divot in the oak. This was an easy task and the tip held up without any damage.



I have tested the blade spine on a ferro rod previously and it is excellent for this task. After these tasks, I wanted to see how the edge had held up and I used the same sheet of paper to test the cut. I also tried a cut on a piece of soft bread, which my dog appreciated since she got to eat the results.


Needless to say, the edge was still extremely sharp and it only took a couple of swipes on my leather strop to get it back to razor sharp. If I had some natural fiber rope I would have tried that, but I'm confident the results would have been positive. I am still thrilled with this knife and look forward to many years of enjoying it in the woods on my outdoor adventures. If you've ever considered one of GT's knives, just do it already! You won't regret it.




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[Bassoneer]

I have one on order right now! Thanks for the review!

[mlorr]

Totally agree! I have one GT knife that is superb and another in order.

[Grand Torino]

I'm glad you gave it a workout and thanks for posting it up. :up:  It's the main reason I send these out to be professionally heat treated...for durability.

[TripleGGG]

I now have 3 knives from GT and will agree. They are beautifully handcrafted pieces of art that can withstand being put to use. Edited April 23, 2016 by ggwilde

[Randall53]

GT makes truly awesome knives. If my funds ever match up with availability, I'ma gonna snatch one up!!!

[Wade195]

I agree.

I have been lucky enough to buy 2 so far.

I am waiting to see what comes next.

I am ready for another one.

Congrats

[jpx2rk]

Cool looking knife.  Enjoy.  

[East_TN_Patriot]

Did a little chopping with it today on a piece of oak, it did a good job, and my 5 year old gave the edge a thumbs-up. In fact, he channeled Doug Marcada and said, "It will keeeel."


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[Caster]

Nice!
I understand 'collecting' and all and that's fine if that's what you're in to but to ME; If you can't do what you've been doing with a knife then it's junk. A knife is a tool, use it or toss the dead weight.

That is a damn nice tool. GT does some exemplary work.

[Ron Padilla]

Hope I am not being out of line but how much does one of his knives run?

[East_TN_Patriot]

I think mine was $135 (sad that I don't remember). Shoot him a PM and he will give you a quote.


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[Ron Padilla]

Thanks