3 Handy Field Knives From BUDK

by
posted on August 15, 2019
001.jpg

BUDK recognizes that outdoor enthusiasts have a variety of needs and budgets of different sizes when shopping for fixed-blade field knives. That's why the company offers several different models at fair prices. Here are just three examples of the hard working options the company has to offer. 

Gil Hibben, master knife maker and avid outdoorsman, contributed to the design of the Tundra Hunter (GH5077). The full-tang 6.5" clip-point blade is forged from 420HC, an old-school high-carbon stainless steel that's ideal for knives regularly used for hard work. It trades some hardness for easier sharpening in the field.

With an overall length of 11", the stainless steel guard and flat-base pommel combine with the CNC-machined Micarta handle to bring the knife's weight up to 13.7 ozs. It's a bit heavier than some knives in this class, but the pommel is suitable for hammering and cracking chores around camp. This knife's balance point is just behind the guard, right at the groove for the index finger, giving it a good balance for a variety of cutting tasks. The Tundra Hunter ships with a black all-leather sheath with steel appointments.

MSRP: $61.99

The Bushmaster Bushcraft Explorer (UC3249) provides the outdoor enthusiast with the toughness and sharp edge they need at a low price. The full-tang 4.38" drop-point blade is forged from 1095 carbon steel, a non-stainless steel with approximately 0.95 percent carbon. This is tough steel that's easy to sharpen—it will take an exceptionally sharp edge and it costs significantly less to make than some stainless blades. Carbon steel is prone to rusting if neglected by the owner, but with proper lubrication and storage it can be a handy work tool for years to come.

The handle has been outfitted with smooth, durable zebra-wood scales, brass handle pins and a brass-lined lanyard hole. This knife has a 9.63" overall length and weighs in at 6.9 ozs. The Bushmaster Bushcraft Explorer ships with a brown-leather belt sheath with additional straps that allow it to be attached to a back pack or similar gear. 

MSRP: $34.99

Gil Hibben and his son Wesley, who is also an accomplished knifemaker, teamed up to design the Hibben Legacy series of knives for United Cutlery. Tucked in among the hunting and combat models is a modern interpretation of the Alaskan Ulu utility knife (GH5074). Its 6.5" crescent-shaped blade and over-the-blade handle position make it ideal for skinning game, slicing meat and chopping vegetables for the stew pot.

The highly polished blade is made from 5Cr15 stainless steel, which is a tarnish- and corrosion-resistant steel favored for kitchen knives. The edge is nice and sharp when the knife arrives. With an overall length of 7.63", this Ulu weighs in at 10.5 ozs. The handle is outfitted with smooth black pakkawood scales secured with polished stainless steel pins. This unusual knife ships with a black-leather belt sheath that proudly bears the Hibben Custom logo and a Legacy Series certificate.

MSRP: $39.99

For more information, visit budk.com.

Latest

Model 1841 Mississippi rifle closeup right-side view sidelock hammer brass trigger guard wood stock AMERICAN RIFLEMAN text bottom right
Model 1841 Mississippi rifle closeup right-side view sidelock hammer brass trigger guard wood stock AMERICAN RIFLEMAN text bottom right

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle

Of all the U.S. military arms of the mid-19th century, one of the most interesting, effective and well-built was the Model 1841 rifle, often called simply the "Mississippi rifle."

New For 2025: Springfield Armory 2020 Heatseeker

A new Model 2020 rifle from Springfield Armory, the Heatseeker, will come wrapped in an aluminum Coyote Brown-colored chassis from Sharps Brothers featuring M-Lok modularity and more.

I Have This Old Gun: Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog

Many eagle-eyed NRA members viewing the 1993 Western “Tombstone” no doubt recognized the Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog so deftly welded by actress Joanna Pacula, portraying Big Nose Kate, during a contemptuous card game between Doc Holliday and Ed Bailey.

Medal Of Honor Marine Receives Henry Repeating Arms Tribute

Henry Repeating Arms presented a Spirit of the Corps 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition rifle to Maj. Gen. Livingston for going above and beyond the call of duty on May 2, 1968, during the Battle of Dai Do in Vietnam.

Preview: Duramag 1911 DS Magazines

Duramag’s 1911 DS Magazines are compatible with numerous 9 mm Luger-chambered 2011-style handguns on the market.

Colt Monitor: The FBI’s “Fighting Rifle”

In the years between the World Wars, a rare variation of the Browning Automatic Rifle proved its reputation as an effective, devastating automatic rifle for combat between the country’s lawmen and its outlaws.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.