First Impressions of Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 arrived in a plain cardboard box, unassuming yet promising. As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear specialist, I’m always eager to assess new tools, especially those intended for the demanding world of knifemaking. This particular blade, manufactured by Knifemaking, caught my attention due to its simple design and the intriguing finger ring feature, something I haven’t seen utilized enough in smaller blades.
I’ve been increasingly interested in crafting my own knives lately, wanting something truly customized for bushcrafting. I was specifically looking for a blade blank that wasn’t overly large but still offered enough cutting edge for small tasks. The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156’s 3.25″ blade length seemed to fit the bill perfectly, potentially solving my need for a compact, customizable knife.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noted the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156’s sleek satin finish. The one-piece construction felt robust, the steel promising strength, although the lack of immediate details on steel type was a slight drawback. Compared to a Mora Companion (full knife, not just a blade, but similar size) and a Buck 110 folding hunter (known for reliability), the BL156 offers a unique platform for customization. I chose this blank over a simple drop-point blank because the finger ring adds a level of control and retention that is highly desirable in survival situations.
My first impression of the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to see how it would perform once properly handled, but also eager to find out what the steel composition was, since that will affect edge retention and sharpening ease. Only extended use will reveal its true potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 was a weekend bushcrafting outing in the local state forest. I wanted to see how it felt and performed in a setting where a finished knife would be used regularly. The weather was typical for early spring – damp, with occasional showers, providing a good test of grip and corrosion resistance (or lack thereof).
The initial task was creating feather sticks for fire starting. The blade, sans handle, was difficult to control at first. However, with some creative wrapping of paracord, I was able to get a reasonable purchase, making the feathering process manageable. The stainless steel showed no signs of corrosion after exposure to moisture, but the edge, as-shipped, was less than impressive; I needed to significantly sharpen the blade before I could start making useful tinder.
My first use revealed the potential of the design but also highlighted the obvious necessity of adding a proper handle. The finger ring provided enhanced security when gripping the blade during carving, but was uncomfortable for extended usage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 in various configurations (different handle materials, various sharpening angles), I gained a better appreciation for its durability. I used it for everything from food preparation during camping trips to whittling small projects around the campfire.
The blade held up surprisingly well, showing only minor scratches on the satin finish. Edge retention, however, became an ongoing concern. After prolonged use, the stainless steel required frequent touch-ups, indicating that it may be a softer steel blend. Maintaining the blade has been relatively straightforward, with standard sharpening stones and honing techniques proving effective. A little bit of oil after cleaning keeps surface rust at bay (especially at the tang).
Compared to other bushcraft knives I’ve used (like my trusted Fallkniven F1), the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 requires more frequent sharpening. However, the full tang construction inspires confidence in its long-term reliability, and the small size allows for delicate work that larger knives struggle with.
Breaking Down the Features of Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156
Specifications
- Overall Length: 7 inches (17.78 cm). This compact size makes it suitable for everyday carry and detailed work.
- Blade Length: 3.25 inches (8.26 cm). The blade length offers a good balance between maneuverability and cutting power.
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel. Stainless steel provides corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in damp environments, though edge retention can vary.
- Construction: One-piece, full-tang. This construction method enhances the knife’s strength and durability.
- Finger Ring: Integrated into the handle area. The finger ring improves grip and control, particularly in tactical or self-defense situations.
- Finish: Satin finish. The satin finish reduces glare and offers some protection against scratches.
- Weight: 0.4 lb. A light weight ensures comfort when in use.
These specifications are crucial because they define the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156‘s intended use. The smaller blade length and finger ring make it ideal for fine tasks and controlled cutting, while the stainless steel construction is geared toward general-purpose utility.
Performance & Functionality
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156, once fitted with a handle, performs reasonably well in a variety of tasks. Its smaller size makes it ideal for whittling, carving, and other fine work, but limits its usefulness for heavier tasks like batoning.
The blade’s primary strength lies in its maneuverability and ease of control. The finger ring enhances grip security, reducing the risk of slippage, especially in wet or slippery conditions. A significant weakness, however, is the steel itself; the edge dulls relatively quickly, requiring frequent sharpening. The blade could be improved by sourcing a higher quality stainless steel for improved edge retention and overall durability.
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 meets expectations as a basic blade blank for knifemaking, but more experienced users may desire higher-grade steel for prolonged use.
Design & Ergonomics
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 features a simple, functional design. The satin finish is aesthetically pleasing and resists scratches well.
The blade’s weight is well-balanced, and the finger ring provides a secure and comfortable grip, although some may find it awkward until a proper handle is installed. As a blade blank, there is no inherent ergonomics, but a competent knifemaker can craft a handle tailored to their preferences. The current design requires the user to address ergonomics themselves.
Durability & Maintenance
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156’s one-piece construction suggests good long-term durability. The stainless steel blade is resistant to corrosion, reducing the risk of rust and pitting.
Maintaining the blade is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and sharpening. The full-tang design minimizes the risk of the blade separating from the handle, but, should a handle become damaged, it is easily replaceable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 does not come with any accessories. Its primary appeal lies in its customization potential.
The blade can be fitted with various handle materials, including wood, micarta, and G10. The blank is amenable to modifications, such as adding jimping to the spine or altering the blade profile. It is universally compatible with commercially available handle pins and epoxies used in knifemaking.
Pros and Cons of Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design ideal for EDC and detailed tasks.
- Full-tang construction for enhanced strength and durability.
- Finger ring provides secure grip and improved control, especially in wet conditions.
- Stainless steel blade offers corrosion resistance and easy maintenance.
- Affordable price point, making it an accessible option for beginner knifemakers.
Cons
- Stainless steel may require frequent sharpening due to lower edge retention.
- Handle needs to be crafted by the user, which requires additional time, skill, and materials.
- No sheath or accessories included, necessitating separate purchase.
Who Should Buy Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156?
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 is perfect for beginner knifemakers who want an inexpensive and customizable blade to practice with. It’s also suitable for survivalists or bushcrafters looking for a compact and easily modified blade for crafting a personalized survival knife.
This product should be skipped by those who want a ready-to-use knife straight out of the box. It’s also not ideal for experienced knifemakers who demand high-performance steel and pre-finished blades.
A must-have accessory is a suitable handle material and epoxy. A basic sharpening stone is essential to maintain the edge.
Conclusion on Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 is a decent, entry-level blade blank offering significant customization potential at an attractive price. While the stainless steel may not hold an edge as long as higher-end alternatives, its full-tang construction and finger ring design offer a solid foundation for creating a personalized knife.
The price of $15.99 is justified for those seeking a project and the satisfaction of crafting their own tool. It’s a fun starting point for beginners and a customizable platform for experienced users looking for a new project.
I would recommend the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 to anyone looking to get into knifemaking or those seeking a highly customizable compact blade. It’s not perfect, but it provides a great canvas to create something truly unique. Grab a Knifemaking Knife Blade BL156 and unleash your inner craftsman!