Martin Knives Bushcraft Tactical Field Tests

[BGadvocate]

All-

I'm going to do some field tests on a Martin Knife I own (see photos) attached and my website for more detail. I'm looking for suggestions on what specific type of "tests" others may want me to include within the field tests.

I will be field testing this knife within the Northeast Region (Adirondack High Peaks, Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness, and Appalachian Mountain Range to include Mt. Washington. Mt. Washington is the Highest Peak in the Northeast at 6,288 ft which has a reputation as the most dangerous mountain in the world based on size. The worst conditions on Mt. Washington are approximatley equal to the worst reported in Antarctica.

Appreciate the help!

Mark

[culpeper]

Good luck and anxiously awaiting the report back, mate.

[Madnumforce]

Maybe a batoning test, and openning a can? As it's extreme survival use only a CRK is able to stand without too dramatical damages (the blade may break, but that's cause you didn't used the knife the way it was intended to be, if you die from cold cause you could not make fire with a broken knife, it's your fault, your responsability). But, hell, do it SCIENTIFICALLY! So take with you at least a dynamometer, a pneumatic driven test bench, calibrated cans and logs, and a computer to analyze all these datas. Else, it's pointless.

What? Field use? Survival use? What do these words mean? Isn't it something prehistorically related? Here, you know, we're evolved... not just like this guy... you know... wearing a hockey mask....

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D


By the way, good luck for your trip, and for the test. The knife seems interesting... i find it a bit expansive considering the basic finish, but you'll show us if it's cabilities worth the price.

[xxo]

Some things for a field test would be wood work (carving wittling, pointing a hardwood stake, making fuzz sticks, drilling with the tip).

Cutting differnt materials (different types of rope and cord, cardboard, zip ties, rubber garden hose, fabric, nylon webbing ect.)

Skinning, butchering, cleaning fish along with general food prep/kitchen duty.

Edge holding.

Sharpness/sharpenability.

Handle comfort/ergonomics, grip security.

carrying (how well the sheath works).

Basically use it for everything and compare it to other knives.

[Noss]

BGadvocate: Welcome to the forum. I look forward to your report. Just do whatever your want to do with it. If you have questions about what the knife can and can't do then just test/try it out.

[BGadvocate]

XXO- Thanks....some good suggestions. I have added the knife technical specifications to website.

Mark

[BGadvocate]

All-

My latest field test on the BT Martin Knife is out on my website at: http://beargryllsadvocate.com/martinknives.html

[Noss]

Looks like it doing good so far. Great review/test. I look forward to what else you discover about it. How are the serrations on it. they look kind of jagged and looks like they will just hang up on materials like rope and webbing ?

[BGadvocate]

Thanks! This is good....I'll make sure I comment on the serrations on my next field test. So far, no issues with the serrations. They are smooth oval cut outs with no jagged hang-ups on balde.

Mark

[BGadvocate]

Since my website is down....

Martin Knives | Texas

Family Craftsman: Ed, Newton, Hank, Scott & Maria


I'm a proud owner of this Martin Knife- Custom handcrafted "Bushcraft Tactical" model in S30V stainless steel... with a base price of $195 (in 1095 HCS) it's no big hit to the wallet. This model shown is priced around $295-$350 depending on options you select.

Shown model includes:

- 4" Serrated Blade in CPM-S30V
- Black Micarta Handle
- Nickel Silver Gaurd
- Tubed lanyard hole
- Grooved finger placement on blade spine
- Black Horizontal Leather Sheath
- Firesteel attachment

*Knife Specifications:

Weight: 8.5 oz
Bladge Length: 4.0"
Knife Length: 8.844"
Blade Thickness: 4.19mm
Blade Width: 29.33mm
Handle/Grip Thickness: 17.92mm
Handle Material: Black Micarta
Balde Material: S30V
Blade Shape: Clip-Point
Blade Grind/Finish: flat grind with a convex edge with satin finish.
Point of Balance: sits at 3.5" from back handle (8.3mm behind solid pin)

Other notes: All Martin Knives stainless steels are triple tempered and cryogenically treated twice. The cryo is 100 degrees below zero for 6 to 12 hours each treatment. This enhances the performance tremendously. The Rockwell runs around 58 - 60.

* These are handmade custom knives- so specifications will vary.

S30V: An American made and developed premium grade stainless steel created especially for knives. It's a powder made steel with a uniform carbide distribution and clean steel properties. As a blade material it offers excellent corrosion resistance and superb edge qualities.

This knife rocks! The quality, feel and balance is superb! This knife is built to work in extreme conditions...where your life may depend on it. I will be field testing this knife within the Northeast Region (Adirondack High Peaks, Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness, and Appalachian Mountain Range to include Mt. Washington. Mt. Washington is the Highest Peak in the Northeast at 6,288 ft which has a reputation as the most dangerous mountain in the world based on size. The worst conditions on Mt. Washington are approximatley equal to the worst reported in Antarctica.

Field Test Reports (see below):
Field Test #1 Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness
Field test #2
Field test #3

Maybe Bear Grylls or Rob Bayley could send me the S4 model for a head-to-head comparison! - That would be fun!

In addition, you can completeley customize any model knife. Wait time is approx 2-3 months. I highly recommend Martin Knives!

Martin Knives home page: http://www.martinknives.com/

Martin Knives Video: http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=15077@ktvt.dayport.com

Bushcraft Tactical Model Options & Pricing: http://www.martinknives.com/SURVIVALBUSHCRAFTDIVEUTILITY.html




Environment: Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness is made-up of pine forests, thick mud, swamps, large boulders, creeks and lakes.

The Tests:

Handle Ergonomics & Security- Outstanding! Very confident grip with point of balance that is superb! Water or grime on handle actually had no impact on grip. The security is bar-none!

There are four points of security:

1. Grooved finger placement on blade spine
2. Top & Bottom handle contours flush to guard for thumb & 1st index finger hold
3. Vertical texture grooves on handle to enhance grip traction
4. The Heal drop prevents hand from shifting backwards off handle

Carving- the S30V blade made carving an easy task with little effort. No issues with short and long blade strokes against or with the grain. No indication of blade wear from use.

Drilling- Like butter! 3 full rotation of the blade and your down 0.5"-1.0"

Carrying- Awesome- and with many options! The horizontal black leather sheath is sturdy. The knife has a perfect snug fit with the right pressure to insert or release knife from sheath. In case the snap closure comes undone you can be confident that your knife will not slip out. Of course, all button snaps on the sheath are built rugged with a secure snap...so I doubt you'll find the snaps coming undone. The sheath can be worn waist front side for a cross-draw (which I prefer) and back of waist (both options via belt through straps on sheath). This also leaves many options for securing knife on backpack as well, but if you walk away from your pack....your out a knife! So, having it attached to you at all times offers quicker availability for full-time use & security.

Sheath Specifications:

Weight: 5.4oz
Thickness: 0.4"
Length: 8.0" (add another 1.2" for handle clasp).
Width: 2.5"


Firesteel Use- Perfect....better than that thin grooved steel plate it comes with. The spine of the blade created successful amount of sparks to create a fire. At 5,000+ degrees the sparks bounced off the blade coating and leaving some small residue on the blade that can be removed with a few wipes of paper towel.

Cooking-Skewer- The blade inserted into direct flame for a few minutes left no sign of wear or discoloration. I was also impressed that the Micarta handle conducted no heat from the full tang construction. This is ideal if you want to use the knife as a skewer to cook small bugs, marshmallows, snake, worms, eye balls or small cut meats over the fire.

Chopping wood- Outstanding! Forget packing an axe! The BT Martin Knife performed with little effort chopping branches and logs (4'-8" dia). Using a small log to hammer the blade spine at a slight angle into the log was effective. Creating two downward angle cuts about 3" apart and turning log over and do the same was the best technique for med-large logs. Oh....I never broke out in a sweat thanks to the weight of the BT knife, the spine thickness (for easy contact) and its sharp blade! The blade showed no wear from chopping or any noticeable marks from the downward hammering on the blade spine.

Corrosion Resistance- Perfect! The BT knife was submersed in acidic lake water, creek bottoms, sand, mud, tree sap and more. It was left in the sun or put back into sheath for few days. With that....I saw no signs of any corrosion.

Conclusion- Its everything I would expect from Martin Knives! I'm really doubting that this knife will ever fail in the field or need any custom upgrades by Martin Knives. More testing coming soon!

[culpeper]

very nice write up. Good job!

[Noss]

Great write up. :thumb: Lots of info there. Bring us some more.

[BGadvocate]

Yes- I'll be doing several field tests this year!!!! I updated tests at www.beargryllsadvocate.com just click on Martin Knives and got to field tests.

[BGadvocate]

With input from Ed Martin: http://beargryllsadvocate.com/knifecare.html

[Noss]

Thanks for the link