<By Mike Cummings

In early July of 2017, fellow Ammoland writer John Crump and I took a trip out to West Virginia for a media day at a private training facility. The facility brought together a whole host of writers and producers from all different sectors. One of the companies that I set up a review with was Battle Horse Knives (BHK). We had a great time chatting, shooting, and enjoying what the Panthera facility offered, sponsored by American Built Arms. While talking with the Battle Horse Knives representatives, John and Alicia, I had an opportunity to handle a variety of their products. BHK offers a multitude of sizes and styles depending on your needs. Before they decided which knife to send for evaluation, which they chose the Explorer, I gave them a general plan of the shenanigans with would endure. Alicia expressed confidence in their product but highlighted, even after a Clorox bath it could stay with me. So, how did it fare?

Before an assessment can be completed, it's imperative that I tell you a little bit about this knife's specifications. Made from 01 tool steel, it boasts an 8 1/2" in overall length and has a cutting edge that is 3 3/4". The explorer has a 1 1/8" overall height. Given a choice of natural wood or G10 grips, opted for the G-10 grip. Upon arrival, the edge was no joke. It ate through the paper in a heartbeat. The grips were olive green polished G10, with brass and stainless steel pins, and a brass pommel. Most impressive was their customer service. I was heading out of town a few days after our conversation, and after talking to co-owner Alicia, she was able to get the knife to a stopover location where I was staying for a night.

Opening the box, the packing material that spoke to a mindset of using what you have available to get the job done. The filling material was local newspaper articles to Battle Horse Knives town. It was a nostalgic moment from my childhood. Tearing through the articles to get the knife, I came across their number 8 leather sheath. It was wrapped securely in some wax paper to help keep the leather qualities maintain through shipping. The knife itself was well covered with a very deliberate covering of the blade. Underneath the knife, was a Battle Horse Knives decal which is easily displayed in a shop or truck window.

Having the opportunity to manipulate the in-house and handmade leather sheath, it had broken in at a very reasonable pace over the past few weeks. Like anything new, when you put the knife in entirely, it was a little challenging to get out. What helped was a happy accident of leaving it in my truck over a day, hidden out of sight. The Virginian heat and that allowed the weather to break in just right for my tastes. The edges are finished well along the blade, and it uses a combination of rivets and some thread to secure the blade. The belt loop is secured by a tough single rivet. The sheath is marked with the Battle Horse Knives logo and its stated model number. The only constructive criticism I can give is to finish the belt loop outer edge. The loops placement, length, and with is perfect for my one and a half inch wide and 1/4 inch thick gun belt to fit through.

The knife itself comes with a blade that is sharp enough to be used for everyday activities. Every knife enthusiast has their preferred way of sharpening their blades, but out of the box, it is entirely usable. This knife sliced right through and a fishing line that was used, which includes 50 lb monofilament leader line and 50 lb Spider-wire braided fishing line. It filleted mullet and spot fish with ease. It also shucked a clam caught reeling in a bottom rig with ease. The clam sacrifice showed this knives potential, as it was a solid 5" across and it took no effort to open it up. For the record, the 3-pound blue catfish caught using the clam was dinner, so nature is in balance.

While camping, (after cleaning) campfire kindling was required. A piece of cherry wood that had been dried was available, so the making of strips began. Postfire starting plus 10 minutes later, the knife was cleaned it off and used it to cut some campfire garlic bread. This knife was up to these tasks effortlessly. It also showed that Battle Horse Knives performed due diligence in design with balancing the knife. When scraping the wood, the Explorer model did not feel like it was going to be thrown out of a medium sized hand at any time. A firm grip was needed, but the knife blade did not require excessive force to control or finish the task. Having that full tang gives the Battle Horse Knives Explorer some backbone to be used as a hunting knife, survival knife, or a beastly everyday carry.

While camping, there was an opportunity to get opinions from people who also enjoyed high-end knives and bush-craft. The Explorer was passed around to get a few different impressions. A few guys noted that the grip did not fit their hand very well yet others found the grip to be just right. The Explorer series leans itself to those who have thinner hands. Those with meat hooks for hands will not see this knife comfortable to use. Post notes of the opinions, and a few "hold my beer" moments later, there was an opportunity to formulate questions for the owners, as there was a scheduled interview on the books.

During an informal interview with Alicia, she stated that all Battle Horse Knives are handmade. All parts to make their knives are sourced and made in the USA. The drawback is the cost of materials makes BHK's blades a little more expensive, but that is what makes them so durable to where Battle Horse Knives can offer the lifetime warranty- which includes the sheath. BHK knives can be sent in for a free "spa treatments" (clean up) and free sharpening for life. One of the most interesting points Alicia made during our conversation was, "Most of the time you will not see a knife maker also be a sheath maker. We do our leather and kydex."

Alicia continued, "The inspiration was the same as some of our other models. We like to have a knife that just by changing up the grind you can now use it in more than one category. The Explorer, in a scandi grind, makes an excellent bush-craft knife but, if you get it with a full flat grind, it opens itself up to an excellent hunting knife. It is mid-size, so it is not too small and not too big." The mid-size concept was validated in the dinner pass around at camp. This knife might fit me well, but be too small for another person. What is clear and undeniable is the quality and craftsmanship surrounding this knife and sheath combination.

Battle Horse Knives has built a reputation for their bush-craft knives. The Explorer series takes from their heritage as a company and puts it into a compact and very usable everyday carry a fixed blade or hunting blade. Personally speaking, I can finally retire my grandfather's old handmade knife to the display case. It's not often an opinion will come out, but this is one knife that will often be used for a variety of tasks. This knife, the Explorer, is special order the only knife. Please contact info@battlehorseknives.com to place an order.