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Posted: 11/9/2013 2:15:47 PM EDT
I am by no means a knife collector. I use every knife I own and if I don't I get rid of it. Not really into "customs" or $1000 folders either. I have owned a couple of Busses, a Fehrman, and a few other semi customs and while nice, most seemed more designed for chopping than how I use my knives. I have been looking for a new knife to carry while I am out on the farm and in the woods. My "tactical" days are past and I just wanted a good practical knife. I have a couple of Moras, and an ESEE, but wanted something a little nicer, akin to the Randall 15 I have had for 25 or so years, but a little more modern. I had read about Dan Winkler and his knives, and saw some internet posts about how they were used by "Tier One Spec Ops" and the like, but dismissed it as the typical marketing BS that seems so common in the cutlery and firearms industry. Plus I thought they were kind of ugly, I mean recycled rubber handles? But then my buddy, who actually is tactical and high speed was over my house and wanted to "show me something." Now, I am always a little concerned when a 6'3" 230 lb. man says he wants to show me something, but maybe because I trust him, or maybe because of the Scotch, I said OK. He went out to his car and came back with a Winkler II belt knife. It looked a little old fashioned, but after holding it and cutting up some steaks with it, I decided I had to have one. The ergos were just amazing and the balance was perfect. I ended up finding and ordering the Utility model, as I cut a lot of rope and fibrous material, and wanted the serrations. I got it about 2 weeks ago and while I have not really put it through its paces, I can tell I finally found what I was looking for.
The blade is not too thick, unlike many knives on the market today in this size it is 3/16" 
It slices perfectly and came scary sharp. It is carbon steel, so it is easy to keep a nice edge on. I have cut a bunch of rope and just stropped it to maintain a nice edge. It feels very light and balanced in the hand. My favorite part is the handle, it fits my hand perfectly. I got Micarta, not rubber, but it still has enough texture to make for a nice grip. The grip also fills my hand perfectly with no hot spots. The handle is pretty much the same shape as my model 15, so that may be why it feels so comfortable to me. I think it is interesting that both Bo Randall and Dan Winkler started off making traditional style blades, but when the need arose, started making knives for military members. 
One last thing I have to mention is the sheath. It is suede lined Kydex with a leather cover. It is amazing. It retains the knife firmly but still allows quick access. It can be used with Malice clips, but also comes with a leather belt loop that I think I will end up using. 
I like this knife so much I ended up ordering a camp axe. It will take some to get here, which is good, as it will give me some time to save up some coin to pay for it by brown bagging pb&j for lunch. Anyway, if you are in the market for a good knife, you need to check these out. They are not cheap, but I think they are worth the money, unlike some other offerings out there. |
| Something else I like is the fact I own blades made by the man that made all the edged weapons for several movies like the Patriot and Last of the Mohicans! The last time I was down there (it's less than 1/4 mile from my work) I held some weapons to be used in an upcoming movie. The process his people use to make his blades shows real pride in workmanship. |
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