Knifemaking Guthook Blade Review

First Impressions of Knifemaking Guthook Blade

The Knifemaking Guthook Blade from Knifemaking arrives as a budget-friendly option for crafting your own hunting knife. The guthook design is specifically intended for field dressing game, making it appealing to hunters who enjoy a hands-on approach to their gear. This blade aims to offer a functional and economical starting point for aspiring knifemakers.

I was looking for a project, something to do during the off-season. I wanted to make a dedicated skinning knife, and a guthook seemed like the perfect addition for processing deer. This blade presented an affordable entry point into the world of custom knifemaking.

Upon unboxing, the blade appears simple and utilitarian. The satin finish, while not fancy, seems adequate. Initial impressions suggest decent, but not outstanding, build quality.

Compared to pre-made skinning knives, such as offerings from Buck or Gerber, the Knifemaking Guthook Blade obviously requires significant work before it’s a usable tool. In terms of other knifemaking blades, this one stood out due to its built-in guthook, simplifying that aspect of the project. I chose this over a blank with no guthook because I wanted a simple starting point that already had the complex geometry mostly worked out for me.

Initially, I’m cautiously optimistic. The low price point sets expectations accordingly, but the potential for creating a custom, functional hunting tool is enticing. The Knifemaking Guthook Blade’s value will ultimately depend on how it performs throughout the knifemaking process and how it holds up in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Knifemaking Guthook Blade to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience wasn’t using the blade as a finished knife, but rather working with it during the knifemaking process. This involved attaching scales, shaping the handle, and sharpening the edge. The Knifemaking Guthook Blade’s pre-hardened state was crucial here.

The steel seemed reasonably workable, although I noticed some slight inconsistencies in the finish near the tang. Creating a comfortable and secure handle required careful shaping and fitting of the scales. I encountered no problems with the overall tang geometry.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of dedicated effort, the Knifemaking Guthook Blade was finally transformed into a fully functional hunting knife. The true test came during deer season. I successfully used the knife to field dress three deer.

The blade held its edge reasonably well, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a ceramic rod. The guthook proved effective for opening the abdominal cavity, although its sharpness needed to be maintained for optimal performance. There are some minor scratches on the blade now but no structural issues.

Breaking Down the Features of Knifemaking Guthook Blade

Specifications

• The Knifemaking Guthook Blade boasts an overall length of 8.5 inches (21.84cm). This is a good size for a general purpose hunting knife.
• It features a 4.5-inch (11.43cm) satin finish stainless steel guthook blade. This size is appropriate for skinning and gutting medium-sized game.
• The blade is full tang, which enhances strength and durability. A full tang is essential for a hunting knife that will be subjected to significant force.
• It includes a brass guard. The brass guard adds a touch of traditional style and provides some protection for the user’s hand.
• The blade has a lanyard hole. A lanyard hole offers an additional carry option and can help prevent loss of the knife in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The Knifemaking Guthook Blade, once properly sharpened and handled, performs its intended function adequately. The guthook effectively assists in opening the abdominal cavity of game animals. The steel holds an edge for a reasonable amount of time.

However, the factory edge requires significant sharpening to achieve optimal sharpness. The handle, of course, depends entirely on the skill and effort of the knifemaker, but the tang geometry provides a solid foundation. The quality of the steel is acceptable for the price, but don’t expect premium performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The blade’s design is simple and functional, prioritizing utility over aesthetics. The satin finish is practical, but not particularly eye-catching.

The ergonomics are entirely dependent on the handle design implemented by the knifemaker. The full tang construction provides a solid, balanced feel.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel blade is reasonably resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions. Regular cleaning and oiling will help to maintain the blade’s condition and prevent rust.

The full tang construction enhances the blade’s overall durability, but the quality of the heat treatment will ultimately determine its long-term strength and edge retention. With proper care, the Knifemaking Guthook Blade should provide years of service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Knifemaking Guthook Blade comes with a brass guard but no other accessories. The main customization lies in creating a handle.

A wide variety of handle materials, such as wood, Micarta, or G10, can be used to create a personalized grip. The tang is pre-drilled for pins or rivets. Sheaths must be purchased or fabricated separately.

Pros and Cons of Knifemaking Guthook Blade

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Who Should Buy Knifemaking Guthook Blade?

The Knifemaking Guthook Blade is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who enjoy DIY projects and want to create a custom skinning knife. It’s also a good option for beginner knifemakers looking for an affordable and straightforward project.

Those seeking a high-end, ready-to-use hunting knife should skip this product. Experienced knifemakers may prefer to start with a higher-quality blade blank.

Must-have accessories include handle material, epoxy, pins or rivets, sharpening stones, and a sheath. A belt sander or grinder will greatly simplify the handle shaping process.

Conclusion on Knifemaking Guthook Blade

The Knifemaking Guthook Blade offers an affordable and accessible entry point into the world of custom knifemaking. It provides a solid foundation for creating a functional skinning knife.

At a price of $14.99, the value proposition is strong, especially for those who enjoy DIY projects. The cost is minimal for the reward of a custom tool that can be passed on.

I would recommend the Knifemaking Guthook Blade to anyone interested in trying their hand at knifemaking. While it requires effort and skill to complete, the end result can be a satisfying and useful hunting tool. This blade is perfect for the hobbyist that I am. Grab this blade, get creative, and enjoy the journey of crafting your own knife.