I'm really fascinated from learning all the weird Japanese knife laws from watching your videos. No 7" blades, no carry in public....I bought the Gunny sheath for my BK14Eskabar after watching one of your videos I'm very happy with it, now plan to buy a Gunny soon.
As previously mentioned, shrinking a sheath should not be a problem. In fact, all Sharpshooter sheaths can be shrunk easily with a simple, two-step precess. Step 1: Throw it into the fire and wait 2 minutes. When the sheath starts to smell like burnt leather, the permanent shrinking process is complete. The next and final step is to go online and get yourself a real sheath. That's it. Also, Fox River is not a bushcraft knife. It will baton wood well but so will a Ka-Bar. FR is a hunting knife.
@southerncross100 Thanks, Mick... That's very good advice. But one criteria for determining if a person knows what they're talking about is to see what they consider a good bushcraft knife ;) Scott
3.25- 4" blade, thin (1/8" or so), flexible, relatively soft so it's easy to sharpen in the wild, cutting edge all the way to handle. full scandi or shallow convex grind.
-contoured hand filling no-slip handle, thinner where it meets blade to allow pinch holding with fingers near blade.
the WSC fits all the above criteria, but unfortunately only sold in UK (i think).
The US has many states with the same knife laws. But we have many uncivilized people who invade from Mexico, Africa, etc. So I understand why the laws are necessary. But Japan doesn't seem to have gang members and other criminals, so I don't understand why the laws are so strict there.
i know somebody with a bark river highland special that tends to fall out of the sheath. he put a lanyard on the knife that is just long enough to hook around the firesteel loop. as long as the lanyard is the proper length, it will hold the knife in just fine. you may want to try that, should solve your problem. great videos man!
you can water fit the sheath to the knife. Use water to shrink it around the knife and make it a tight fit. I believe that there are videos on here that show how it is done. But the sharpshooter sheaths are so and so, not that great. I believe JRE used to make bark river's sheaths sometime during the past. why they changed, I don't know.
@Stargazer88 as far as bushcraft knives from bark river is concerned, aurora is by far the superior model. The northstar has the same handle as the fox river, and the handle is it's greatest drawback.
Hey Wako,If you want to make a video of the 3 knives you chose for the 2 weeks in the woods,that would be great.I am sure many of the people who watch your videos would enjoy seeing your choice of knives and why you decided on the 3 you picked.Thanks
I can understand why Japanese aren't allowed to carry knives of any sort. According to Yoji Yamada, Akira Kurosawa, and Takeshi Kitano among others, the Japanese cannot be trusted with a blade in public.
Hey Wako.I have seen and enjoyed all your videos and all the knives you own.Now, suppose you were stuck in the woods for 2 weeks and you had to set up a temporary shelter and had a rifle for hunting.Which 3 knives from your collection would you want to have with you? I am very interested to know which you would choose.Remember, you have to hunt,cut your food,cut wood and set up a shelter to sleep in.I will be waiting to see your choice.I really appreciate your enthusiasm.Happy hunting.
@LiamMitts I would choose Japanese 6 inch hatchet and Fallkniven TK2. The two knives will be enough. But in case I loose one, I would carry cKc Forrester7 for spare. Thanks.
Hey Wako,I agree with you about the Fox River knife being made for hunting.In a emergency situation, any knife would be an asset but I don't think the Fox River knife was made for bushcraft.The shape of the blade and handle lean the knife more towards hunting.When I first heard you talk about Fox River knives I wasn't too keen on them.The more you talk about the Fox River knives the more I like them.The one you have with a thicker handle would be my choice.I also like the sheath that fits tight.
Ah, forgot to add one more trick a friend of mine showed me. You can also tie a lanyard and loop it around or underneath the firesteel loop. That ought to hold the knife securely in the bag. Or you could also consider one of Fallkniven's sheaths or even JRE's F1 cricket models (they should fit the Fox River as well). They cost a bit more, but your knife will never come out on its own.
When one starts with a cheap, thin piece of leather, it doesn't take long before that leather compresses even more, becomes slick and can no longer retain a knife. Having faced the exact same issue, I found that a small piece of moleskin (found in most drug stores), glued on the inside, builds up the leather thickness making the opening smaller. It also restores traction so the knife feels secure again. A simple flap over the top with a snap button would fix this this but that requires thinking.
Have you considered trying to wet form the sheath? If you do and the sheath tightens up a lot you will need to be very deliberate when you insert the knife. I have made a few sheaths that were to tight and I cut thru them with the knife. Not very safe on my part. Still learning.
I had similar issues with the BRKT Highland sheath - i stick a piece of the fuzzy side of a velcro inside the sheath and it solves the problem. I also like Kyley's idea of adding an elastic cord for retention similar to what I did to the MK2. Good luck on your next hunt.
Mr Wako, thanks for all your videos. In your opinion, during winter especially, with a lot of moister, is it better for a leather, wood or kydex sheath to avoid rust? I am pretty sure that you dry them (the knife) before storage (putting back in the sheath) for the long journey transportation back to the house. Just curios on which is better not considering about looks or coolness. I have a problem with rust here since im in a tropical country. Any advise is appreciated. Thanks.
@metawolfdblade I prefer leather because it absorbs moisture. But for example in rainy situation the leather must be saturated with water and keep it long. In contrast Kydex will get dry soon after the knife is drawn and the inside is wiped. I prefer a plastic sheath and a stainless steel knife for fishing. Thanks.
Thank you so much, Wako, for a fine review and showing us the problems with the knife and sheath. I prefer the new Bravo One with the swedge spine. Beautiful knife. I enjoyed your review of it in your other video. ~Wolf
I dont know if its been suggested yet: Use the 2 rivet holes in the sheath. Tie Strong Bungee elastic cord with a knot through one, and wrap around the sheath and tie a knot in the other hole at the top. This will keep a good strong tension on the knife when its in the sheath as though some fingers are gripping the leather. its a good easy solution for that sheath.
Virtuovice, I understand your frustration with the Factory Fox River sheath but I DO have a suggestion for you about pouch style leather sheaths in general . After each hunt,when the knives are at home, DO NOT leave them stored in the leather sheaths! This allows the leather to take a "set" and permanently enlarges them. If the sheath is allowed to shrink back after each use ,they WILL remain tight over time.Store your knives oiled in the box, outside of the sheaths. Keep posting great videos!
wako, You should hot wax that sheath, it will conform to the shape of it, and hold the knife rather tight, orrr. You could tape over the pommel of the knife and tape it to the sheath, just a thought.
Yes it would be a terrible bushcrafter! Even the bravo 1 is not a superb bushcraft knife! It can do the job but the custom craftsman Scandi convex is a better more comfortable knife then the bravo 1! However I'm now building the best bushcraft knife ever! My opinion of course! I hope you like it! :)
You could try "wet forming" the knife around the leather. Soak both the knife and sheath in water and leave it sheathed overnight. That might solve your problem. Worth a try.
Hey Henke,In response to the three knives to carry in the woods.I think the TK2 is a super knife.My next purchase.Thanks
LiamMitts 1 month ago
Put a self stick felt pad on the inside of the sheath and your problem will be solved! No need to buy a new sheath.
cyclist01222 1 month ago
Waco you should try to run a elastic cord threw the lanyard hole to the fire steel loop to secure the knife for secure carefully and quick removal.
catskilljoe 1 month ago
Wako, perhaps you could try to wet fit the sheath to the knife and see if that helps.
jblip1 1 month ago
I'm really fascinated from learning all the weird Japanese knife laws from watching your videos. No 7" blades, no carry in public....I bought the Gunny sheath for my BK14Eskabar after watching one of your videos I'm very happy with it, now plan to buy a Gunny soon.
econnofoot 1 month ago
#1knife channel. I need help. Schrade walden 172uh. Anyone have info on this? Serial # is 00667.
poopchukkar 1 month ago
As previously mentioned, shrinking a sheath should not be a problem. In fact, all Sharpshooter sheaths can be shrunk easily with a simple, two-step precess. Step 1: Throw it into the fire and wait 2 minutes. When the sheath starts to smell like burnt leather, the permanent shrinking process is complete. The next and final step is to go online and get yourself a real sheath. That's it. Also, Fox River is not a bushcraft knife. It will baton wood well but so will a Ka-Bar. FR is a hunting knife.
Steelologist 1 month ago
neither one of those is an ideal bushcraft knife, but any knife is better than no knife!
Urudrim 1 month ago
@Urudrim He doesn't do bushcraft... he's a hunter. But I'm always in the market for an ideal bushcraft knife. Please tell me of one. Thanks!
ScottsUtubeWorld 1 month ago
@ScottsUtubeWorld
IMO, before you listen to anyone's opinion on what makes a good bushcraft knife, do your homework to see if the recommending individual.....
(1) Knows what Bushcraft actuall is and...
(2) Can show you that they have put bushcraft into practice over may years, rather than just show you what they have read in a book. lol
Kind regards
Mick
southerncross100 1 month ago
@southerncross100 Thanks, Mick... That's very good advice. But one criteria for determining if a person knows what they're talking about is to see what they consider a good bushcraft knife ;) Scott
ScottsUtubeWorld 1 month ago
@ScottsUtubeWorld "woodland survival crafts knife" is a good one.
the ideal criteria for bushcraft knife is:
3.25- 4" blade, thin (1/8" or so), flexible, relatively soft so it's easy to sharpen in the wild, cutting edge all the way to handle. full scandi or shallow convex grind.
-contoured hand filling no-slip handle, thinner where it meets blade to allow pinch holding with fingers near blade.
the WSC fits all the above criteria, but unfortunately only sold in UK (i think).
Urudrim 1 month ago
@Urudrim I'll check it out. Thanks!
ScottsUtubeWorld 1 month ago
Not sure if this has been mentioned but you can shrink that sheath to fit the handle quite easily
PM me if you would like to know how
donabb01 1 month ago
The US has many states with the same knife laws. But we have many uncivilized people who invade from Mexico, Africa, etc. So I understand why the laws are necessary. But Japan doesn't seem to have gang members and other criminals, so I don't understand why the laws are so strict there.
aTellerOfTruths 1 month ago
Wako, when you say FREE knife, did they refund you the price for the first knife ?
Also, did you pay to send the knife back to the USA ?.
o0FranklySpeaking0o 1 month ago
@o0FranklySpeaking0o I payed the shipping cost to the US. They rehandled it and sent it to me for free. Thanks.
virtuovice 1 month ago
i know somebody with a bark river highland special that tends to fall out of the sheath. he put a lanyard on the knife that is just long enough to hook around the firesteel loop. as long as the lanyard is the proper length, it will hold the knife in just fine. you may want to try that, should solve your problem. great videos man!
robosphynx 1 month ago
For bushcrafting you need a hand filling handle!
sae1095hc 1 month ago
@sae1095hc
I agree
southerncross100 1 month ago
you can water fit the sheath to the knife. Use water to shrink it around the knife and make it a tight fit. I believe that there are videos on here that show how it is done. But the sharpshooter sheaths are so and so, not that great. I believe JRE used to make bark river's sheaths sometime during the past. why they changed, I don't know.
Stargazer88 1 month ago
@Stargazer88 as far as bushcraft knives from bark river is concerned, aurora is by far the superior model. The northstar has the same handle as the fox river, and the handle is it's greatest drawback.
Stargazer88 1 month ago
Western bushcraft sheets are for fashion are you a fashion man??? This my PERSONAL opinion Sir. and I'm a maker Sir.
tomcatpower2 1 month ago
Hey Wako,If you want to make a video of the 3 knives you chose for the 2 weeks in the woods,that would be great.I am sure many of the people who watch your videos would enjoy seeing your choice of knives and why you decided on the 3 you picked.Thanks
LiamMitts 1 month ago
I can understand why Japanese aren't allowed to carry knives of any sort. According to Yoji Yamada, Akira Kurosawa, and Takeshi Kitano among others, the Japanese cannot be trusted with a blade in public.
pelahale 1 month ago
Hey Wako.I have seen and enjoyed all your videos and all the knives you own.Now, suppose you were stuck in the woods for 2 weeks and you had to set up a temporary shelter and had a rifle for hunting.Which 3 knives from your collection would you want to have with you? I am very interested to know which you would choose.Remember, you have to hunt,cut your food,cut wood and set up a shelter to sleep in.I will be waiting to see your choice.I really appreciate your enthusiasm.Happy hunting.
LiamMitts 1 month ago
@LiamMitts I would choose Japanese 6 inch hatchet and Fallkniven TK2. The two knives will be enough. But in case I loose one, I would carry cKc Forrester7 for spare. Thanks.
virtuovice 1 month ago 2
Hey Wako,I agree with you about the Fox River knife being made for hunting.In a emergency situation, any knife would be an asset but I don't think the Fox River knife was made for bushcraft.The shape of the blade and handle lean the knife more towards hunting.When I first heard you talk about Fox River knives I wasn't too keen on them.The more you talk about the Fox River knives the more I like them.The one you have with a thicker handle would be my choice.I also like the sheath that fits tight.
LiamMitts 1 month ago
Ah, forgot to add one more trick a friend of mine showed me. You can also tie a lanyard and loop it around or underneath the firesteel loop. That ought to hold the knife securely in the bag. Or you could also consider one of Fallkniven's sheaths or even JRE's F1 cricket models (they should fit the Fox River as well). They cost a bit more, but your knife will never come out on its own.
Steelologist 1 month ago
When one starts with a cheap, thin piece of leather, it doesn't take long before that leather compresses even more, becomes slick and can no longer retain a knife. Having faced the exact same issue, I found that a small piece of moleskin (found in most drug stores), glued on the inside, builds up the leather thickness making the opening smaller. It also restores traction so the knife feels secure again. A simple flap over the top with a snap button would fix this this but that requires thinking.
Steelologist 1 month ago
Have you considered trying to wet form the sheath? If you do and the sheath tightens up a lot you will need to be very deliberate when you insert the knife. I have made a few sheaths that were to tight and I cut thru them with the knife. Not very safe on my part. Still learning.
mccullenj 1 month ago
Forgot to mention.....try the shealth that came with Enzo. Its fit my highland perfectly well.
TheBladebuster 1 month ago
@TheBladebuster I just tried it. But unfortunately it didn't fit my Fox River. Thank you!
virtuovice 1 month ago
I had similar issues with the BRKT Highland sheath - i stick a piece of the fuzzy side of a velcro inside the sheath and it solves the problem. I also like Kyley's idea of adding an elastic cord for retention similar to what I did to the MK2. Good luck on your next hunt.
TheBladebuster 1 month ago
Mr Wako, thanks for all your videos. In your opinion, during winter especially, with a lot of moister, is it better for a leather, wood or kydex sheath to avoid rust? I am pretty sure that you dry them (the knife) before storage (putting back in the sheath) for the long journey transportation back to the house. Just curios on which is better not considering about looks or coolness. I have a problem with rust here since im in a tropical country. Any advise is appreciated. Thanks.
metawolfdblade 1 month ago
@metawolfdblade I prefer leather because it absorbs moisture. But for example in rainy situation the leather must be saturated with water and keep it long. In contrast Kydex will get dry soon after the knife is drawn and the inside is wiped. I prefer a plastic sheath and a stainless steel knife for fishing. Thanks.
virtuovice 1 month ago
Thank you so much, Wako, for a fine review and showing us the problems with the knife and sheath. I prefer the new Bravo One with the swedge spine. Beautiful knife. I enjoyed your review of it in your other video. ~Wolf
FatDaddy4Fun 1 month ago
@FatDaddy4Fun Is that the drop point one?
unclebully7913 1 month ago
@unclebully7913 Yes, the swedge design. (false upper edge).
FatDaddy4Fun 1 month ago
I think they make the replacement handles thicker for balance. Maybe this wood is lighter, so they make the handles thicker to compensate.
AjiraKimberly 1 month ago
I dont know if its been suggested yet: Use the 2 rivet holes in the sheath. Tie Strong Bungee elastic cord with a knot through one, and wrap around the sheath and tie a knot in the other hole at the top. This will keep a good strong tension on the knife when its in the sheath as though some fingers are gripping the leather. its a good easy solution for that sheath.
knivesandstuff 1 month ago
Looks like your left hand has healed very nicely. You know what you are doing with the stitching. Keep up the good work.
quint150 1 month ago
Virtuovice, I understand your frustration with the Factory Fox River sheath but I DO have a suggestion for you about pouch style leather sheaths in general . After each hunt,when the knives are at home, DO NOT leave them stored in the leather sheaths! This allows the leather to take a "set" and permanently enlarges them. If the sheath is allowed to shrink back after each use ,they WILL remain tight over time.Store your knives oiled in the box, outside of the sheaths. Keep posting great videos!
handsomewood1 1 month ago
Maybe kydex for the sheath wakou? You ever try to make one? I'm sure you can!!! :)
ryanrrx 1 month ago
wako, You should hot wax that sheath, it will conform to the shape of it, and hold the knife rather tight, orrr. You could tape over the pommel of the knife and tape it to the sheath, just a thought.
Wyndstarthedruid 1 month ago
Yes it would be a terrible bushcrafter! Even the bravo 1 is not a superb bushcraft knife! It can do the job but the custom craftsman Scandi convex is a better more comfortable knife then the bravo 1! However I'm now building the best bushcraft knife ever! My opinion of course! I hope you like it! :)
ryanrrx 1 month ago
You could try "wet forming" the knife around the leather. Soak both the knife and sheath in water and leave it sheathed overnight. That might solve your problem. Worth a try.
JustinBaker2567 1 month ago
First
ryanrrx 1 month ago