The Kit Badger Field Knife

Published on January 11, 2020
Duration: 22:53

This video details the collaborative design process between Kit Badger and CKnife and Tool to create a versatile field knife. The design prioritizes utility for backcountry tasks like fire-making and game processing, while also incorporating features suitable for defensive use. Key specifications include S35VN steel, a tapered tang, Micarta handles, and a balanced blade geometry aimed at providing both cutting performance and durability. The discussion highlights the iterative process of prototyping and refinement to achieve the desired balance of features.

Quick Summary

The Kit Badger Field Knife, a collaboration with CKnife and Tool, is designed for versatile utility in the backcountry and potential defensive use. It features S35VN steel, a tapered tang, flat Micarta handles, and a blade geometry optimized for cutting, piercing, and durability, with a point aligned to the handle's centerline for enhanced spatial awareness.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction to the Kit Badger Field Knife Project
  2. 00:17The Genesis of the Collaboration
  3. 00:43Defining Knife Utility and Defensive Needs
  4. 01:24Starting Point: Analyzing Mora Knives
  5. 02:01Balancing Utility and Defensive Roles
  6. 03:06Desired Improvements Over Mora Design
  7. 03:35Handle Ergonomics for Secure Grip
  8. 03:51Blade Point Design for Defensive Use
  9. 04:10Brainstorming and Finalizing Specifications
  10. 04:34Specification 1: S35VN Steel
  11. 05:20Specification 2: Tapered Tang & Lightening Cuts
  12. 05:49Specification 3: 1/8 Inch Blade Stock
  13. 06:13Specification 4: Flat Micarta Handles
  14. 06:30Specification 5: Acid Wash Blade
  15. 06:36Specification 6: High Flat Grind
  16. 06:48Specification 7: Swedge to Clip Point
  17. 07:14Specification 8: Blade Point Alignment
  18. 07:37Specification 9: Choil for Sharpening
  19. 07:56Specification 10: Blade Cutting Edge Length
  20. 08:28Specification 11: Handle Grip Surface
  21. 08:48Specification 12: Flat Pommel
  22. 09:14Prototyping Process
  23. 09:37Evaluating Prototype Designs
  24. 11:23The Final Kit Badger Field Knife Design
  25. 11:48Blade Strength and Utility Features
  26. 12:14Tapered Tang and Handle Comfort
  27. 12:45Grip Security and Reverse Grip Capability
  28. 13:20Balancing Utility and Defensive Potential
  29. 13:29Straight Spine for Utility Tasks
  30. 13:40Fire Making: Batoning Wood
  31. 14:21Delicate Tasks: Shaving and Feather Sticks
  32. 15:2090-Degree Spine for Ferro Rod Use
  33. 15:36Game Processing: Skinning
  34. 16:41Blade Length and Tip Indexing
  35. 17:05Potential for Defensive Use
  36. 17:56Sheath Design Considerations
  37. 19:06Badger Head Pin Detail
  38. 19:13Knife Naming Ideas
  39. 19:31Availability and Pricing
  40. 20:17Value Proposition vs. Mora Knives
  41. 20:55Where to Purchase and Get Updates
  42. 22:21Conclusion and Call for User Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

What steel is used in the Kit Badger Field Knife?

The Kit Badger Field Knife is constructed from S35VN steel. This material was chosen for its excellent balance of hardness, edge retention, and resistance to rust, making it suitable for demanding field use where consistent maintenance might be challenging.

What are the key design features of the Kit Badger Field Knife?

Key features include a tapered tang with lightening cuts for reduced weight, a 1/8 inch blade stock for a balance of strength and cutting ability, flat Micarta handles for grip, a high flat grind for cutting performance, and a clip point with a swedge for tip strength. The blade point is also aligned with the handle's centerline for better spatial awareness.

How does the Kit Badger Field Knife compare to a Mora knife?

While Mora knives are praised for their utility and value, the Kit Badger Field Knife offers enhanced ergonomics, a more robust steel (S35VN), a tapered tang for lighter weight, and a blade design optimized for both backcountry tasks and potential defensive use. It is a custom, limited-production item with a higher price point.

What is the intended use for the Kit Badger Field Knife?

The knife is designed for broad utility in backcountry settings, including fire-making (with a 90-degree spine for ferro rods), wood processing (batoning), and game processing (skinning). It also incorporates features that lend themselves to defensive applications.

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