by Derrick |
Last Updated: June 25, 2023 Our goal with this article is to compare convex knives versus scandi grind knives in common bushcraft tasks. The focus is on wood processing, and the goal is to provide insight for those new to bushcraft and outdoor activities. The video compares three knives, including the Jeff White Bush Knife, Jakari Puukko, and Mora Cansbol, and tests them on both greenstick and seasoned hardwood.
Key Takeaways
- This article provides an experiment comparing convex knives versus Scandi grind knives for wood processing.
- The video compares three knives, including the Jeff White Bush Knife, Jakari Puukko, and Mora Cansbol, and tests them on both greenstick and seasoned hardwood.
- While the results are inconclusive, the experiment provides insight for those new to bushcraft and outdoor activities.
Understanding Convex and Scandi Grind Knives
When it comes to choosing a knife for outdoor activities like bushcraft, the debate between convex and Scandi grind knives is always a hot topic. The Scandi grind is the most prevalent blade on the market today, and almost every manufacturer seems to make some Scandi blade. On the other hand, the convex grind is not as typical, and many people are not familiar with its advantages.
The main difference between the two grinds is the shape of the blade’s edge. The Scandi grind has a flat, wide bevel that goes all the way to the edge of the blade, while the convex grind has a more gradual curve that creates a more robust and more durable edge. This difference affects the way the blade interacts with the material being cut, such as wood.
Scandi grind knives are known for their ability to make thin, precise cuts and are excellent for carving and whittling. They are also easier to sharpen, and the flat bevel makes it easy to maintain a consistent angle. However, they are not as strong as convex grind knives and may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
Convex grind knives, on the other hand, are stronger and more durable than Scandi grind knives. The gradual curve of the blade creates a more robust edge that can withstand heavy use and abuse. They are also excellent for chopping and batoning, making them ideal for outdoor activities that require more rugged use.
In conclusion, choosing between a convex and Scandi grind knife depends on the intended use. If you need a knife for precise cutting and carving, a Scandi grind knife may be the better option. However, a convex grind knife may be more suitable if you need a knife for heavy-duty tasks like chopping and batoning. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the user’s specific needs.
Prevalence of Scandi Grind Knives
When it comes to outdoor knives, the Scandi grind is by far the most prevalent blade on the market today. Almost every manufacturer seems to make some type of Scandi blade or, if they haven’t in the past, they’re starting to. Even Topps is coming out with a Scandi knife. Of course, Scandinavian-style knives are very popular in Europe. Mora did a lot to bring that to the world, and it’s very popular because they’re inexpensive, razor-sharp, and good-quality knives.
For those new to bushcraft and the outdoors, it can be confusing to decide what kind of knife to get and what’s the best kind. The Scandi grind is a great choice for those starting out because it’s easy to sharpen and maintain, and it excels at woodworking tasks. It’s a great all-around grind that can handle most outdoor tasks.
However, there are many other types of knives and grinds out there, including convex knives. Convex grinds are becoming more popular, and some people swear by them for their durability and ability to handle tougher tasks. They can also be great for woodworking, but they require a bit more skill to sharpen and maintain.
Overall, the prevalence of Scandi grind knives is a testament to their versatility and effectiveness in the outdoors. While there are other options out there, the Scandi grind remains a great choice for those new to bushcraft and those looking for a reliable all-around knife.
Introduction to Convex Blades
When it comes to choosing a knife for outdoor activities, the type of blade grind is an important factor to consider. While the Scandi grind is the most common blade on the market today, the convex grind is also gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.
A convex blade has a curve to its edge, which allows for a stronger and more durable blade. This type of grind is commonly used in heavy-duty knives and is ideal for chopping, slicing, and carving. A convex blade is also easier to sharpen than other types of grinds.
One of the advantages of a convex blade is its ability to handle tough materials, such as hardwoods. The curved edge of the blade allows for a more controlled cut, which is especially useful when working with dense materials. Convex blades also tend to hold their edge longer than other types of blades, making them a great choice for extended outdoor trips.
While the Scandi grind is a great all-around blade, the convex grind is worth considering for those who need a knife that can handle heavier tasks. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a beginner, understanding the differences between blade grinds can help you make an informed decision when choosing a knife for your next adventure.
Comparison of Jeff White and Scandi Blades
When it comes to choosing a knife for bushcraft and outdoor activities, the debate between Scandi grind and convex blades is a common one. In this article, we will compare the Jeff White Bush Knife, with its convex grind, to a few Scandi blades, including the famous Mora and Jakari Pukko knives.
The Jeff White Bush Knife features a razor-sharp convex grind on its 1095 high carbon steel blade. This grind allows the knife to excel at making feather sticks and curls, as well as carving tasks. On the other hand, the Scandi grind is the most prevalent blade on the market today, with almost every manufacturer producing some type of Scandi blade. The Mora knife, in particular, did a lot to bring the Scandi grind to the world and is popular due to its affordability, quality, and razor-sharp edge.
In our testing, we put the knives head-to-head to see how they performed with different tasks and how they felt. The first task we tested was making curls on a seasoned piece of maple. The Jeff White Bush Knife did a nice job of getting nice pile shavings, with some nice little curls and thicker ones. The Jakari Pukko, which is a Scandi blade with a secondary bevel, also did a good job of making fine shavings. However, the Mora knife did not perform as well in this task, with its blade thickness and weight making it harder to control.
Next, we tested the knives on a hard, seasoned piece of wood. Surprisingly, the Scandi blade performed better in this task, with the Jeff White Bush Knife struggling to control the depth of its cuts. The Scandi blade, on the other hand, glided over the edge of the wood, making nice, quick shavings.
Overall, our testing showed that the Jeff White Bush Knife and Scandi blades have strengths and weaknesses. The convex grind of the Jeff White Bush Knife is excellent for making feather sticks and curls, while the Scandi grind is better for woodworking tasks. Ultimately, the choice between these two grinds comes down to personal preference and the specific tasks you will use your knife for.
Knife Competitors Introduction
In this video, the speaker is going to compare three different knives: the Mora Companion, the Jakari Puka 110, and the Jeff White Bush Knife. The Mora Companion is a very popular Scandinavian grind knife, while the Jakari Puka 110 is also a Scandinavian grind but has a secondary bevel to make it a little tougher. The Jeff White Bush Knife, on the other hand, is a convex grind knife.
The purpose of this comparison is to see how each knife performs with different wood processing tasks and to communicate the differences between the two grinds. The speaker emphasizes that this is not a review of the knives themselves, but rather a comparison of the grinds and their performance.
The Mora Companion is a well-known and inexpensive knife that is a favorite among many bushcraft enthusiasts. The Jakari Puka 110 is another popular Scandinavian grind knife that has a reputation for being tough and durable. The Jeff White Bush Knife is a convex grind knife that the speaker has recently acquired and wants to compare to the Scandinavian grinds.
The speaker acknowledges that the Scandinavian grind is by far the most prevalent blade on the market today, but wants to explore the differences between the two grinds and how they perform in wood processing tasks. The purpose of this comparison is not to determine which grind is better, but rather to provide education and insight into the differences between the two.
Experiment Disclaimer
Before we begin, it is important to note that this experiment is not meant to determine which type of knife grind is superior. The purpose of this experiment is to compare the performance of two different types of knife grinds, Scandi and Convex, on different types of wood.
It is essential to keep in mind that the results of this experiment may vary based on the specific knives used, the user’s skill level, and the type of wood being processed. Additionally, this experiment is not meant to comprehensively analyze all the different types of knife grinds available on the market.
Furthermore, it is important to note that the opinions and observations presented in this experiment are based solely on the experience of the presenter and may not reflect the experiences or opinions of others. It is recommended that viewers conduct their own research and experimentation to determine which type of knife grind works best for their specific needs and preferences.
In conclusion, this experiment is intended to provide a starting point for those who are new to bushcraft and are trying to decide which type of knife grind to use. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that the best type of knife grind is the one that works best for you.
Wood Processing Test
In this experiment, the YouTuber compared the performance of convex knives versus Scandi grind knives in wood processing. He used three knives for the test – a Jeff White Bush Knife with a convex grind, a Jakari Puka 110 with a Scandi grind and a Mora Companion with a Scandi grind.
To start the test, the YouTuber used a seasoned piece of maple that had been split down and tested each knife’s ability to make curls. The convex blade of the Jeff White Bush Knife did a decent job of getting nice pile shavings, but it dug in really deep and was much harder to control than the Scandi blades. The Scandi blades, on the other hand, did a nice job of making small, thin curls and gliding over the edge of the wood.
Next, the YouTuber tried the knives on a greenstick. Both the Scandi and convex blades did equally well on the greenstick, which wasn’t surprising as it shouldn’t give either knife much trouble.
However, when it came to the hard seasoned wood, the Scandi blades performed better than the convex blade. The Scandi blades were able to do a really nice job of making quick, small shavings, while the convex blade made thicker shavings that were harder to get off of the wood.
The test showed that Scandi blades are better suited for wood processing, especially for making small, thin curls. While the convex blade did a decent job, it was much harder to control and didn’t perform as well as the Scandi blades.
Initial Test with Jeff White Bush Knife
Starting with the Jeff White Bush Knife. This knife has a convex grind and a mirror finish. You used a seasoned piece of maple split down to test the knife’s performance with wood processing.
You started by testing the knife’s ability to make curls and shavings. The convex grind did an excellent job of getting nice pile shavings with thicker curls. However, you found it was harder to control than the Scandi grind knives you typically use.
Comparing the Jeff White Bush Knife to the Jakari Puka 110, which has a Scandi grind and a secondary bevel, and the Mora Companion, which is a standard Scandi grind. While the Jeff White Bush Knife did well on a greenstick tryout, it struggled with the hard seasoned wood. The Scandi grind knives, on the other hand, glided over the edge of the wood and were easier to control.
Overall, the initial test with the Jeff White Bush Knife was interesting. While it did well with curls and shavings, it struggled with hard seasoned wood. You plan to continue testing the knife with different types of wood to see how it performs.
Test with Jakari Puukko
Next up for testing is the Jakari Puukko, a Scandinavian grind knife with a secondary bevel. The knife is lightweight and easy to handle, making it a popular choice for many bushcraft enthusiasts.
When testing the Jakari Puukko on a seasoned piece of maple, it performed well, producing fine shavings with ease. The blade glided over the wood, making it easy to control and maneuver. The secondary bevel added some extra strength to the blade, allowing it to handle tougher wood with ease.
Compared to the Jeff White Bush Knife with a convex grind, the Jakari Puukko produced finer shavings, making it an excellent choice for delicate woodworking tasks. However, when it came to thicker pieces of wood, the Jakari Puukko struggled a bit, requiring more effort to produce shavings.
Overall, the Jakari Puukko is a great choice for those who prioritize finesse and control in their woodworking tasks. Its lightweight design and secondary bevel make it a versatile choice for a variety of tasks. However, for tougher wood, a knife with a convex grind may be a better option.
Test With The Mora Cansbol
Next, we tested the Mora Cansbol, which is a very popular knife in the bushcraft community. The Mora Cansbol is a Scandinavian grind knife known for being razor sharp and of good quality. It’s also very inexpensive, which is one of the reasons why it’s so popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
We used the same seasoned piece of maple wood to test the Mora Cansbol as we did with the other knives. The Mora Cansbol performed exceptionally well, producing a lot of nice curls and shavings. It could make quick work of the wood and was easy to control.
Compared to the Jeff White Bush knife, the Mora Cansbol produced thinner and finer shavings. However, when compared to the Jakari Puka, the Mora Cansbol produced slightly thicker shavings. Overall, the Mora Cansbol was a solid performer and did a great job of processing wood.
One thing to note is that the Mora Cansbol is a lightweight knife, which makes it easy to handle and control. However, this also means that it may not be ideal for heavier tasks or for processing larger pieces of wood. It’s important to choose a knife that is appropriate for the task at hand.
In conclusion, the Mora Cansbol is a great option for those who are just starting out in bushcraft or for those who are looking for an inexpensive but high-quality knife. Its Scandinavian grind makes it easy to sharpen and maintain, and it can produce nice curls and shavings. However, it may not be the best option for heavier tasks or for processing larger pieces of wood.
Feather Making Comparison
When it comes to feather making, the Scandi grind and convex knives have different approaches. In this experiment, we compared the Jeff White Bush knife, which has a convex grind, with the Jakari Puukko and Mora knives, both of which have a Scandi grind.
Starting with the Jeff White Bush knife, the convex grind did a nice job of producing pile shavings with some thicker curls. However, when compared to the Scandi knives, the convex blade had a harder time with control. It tended to dig in deeper, making it more difficult to achieve the desired thickness of shavings.
The Jakari Puukko, which has a Scandi grind with a secondary bevel, produced fine shavings with ease. It glided over the edge of the wood, making it easy to control and achieve the desired thickness of shavings.
The Mora knife, another Scandi grind knife, also performed well in producing nice curls. Due to its lightweight and thin blade, it was easy to control and achieved lots of nice curls with a quick feathering technique.
Overall, while the convex grind did produce nice curls and shavings, the Scandi grind knives provided better control and ease of use when it came to feather making. However, it’s worth noting that this is just one experiment and more testing is needed to fully compare the two grinds in different scenarios.
Green and Hardwood Comparison
In this experiment, we compared the performance of convex and scandi knives on both greenstick and hardwood. For the greenstick test, both knives performed equally well, as expected. However, when it came to the hardwood test, the results were surprising.
The convex knife struggled to work with the hard seasoned maple wood, digging in deep and making it harder to control. On the other hand, the scandi knife glided over the edge of the wood, making quick and thin shavings.
It’s worth noting that the thickness and weight of the blade also had an impact on the control and performance of the knives. The lightweight Mora knife, for example, did a great job on the greenstick but struggled on the hardwood.
While this experiment is not meant to determine which knife is better, it’s clear that the scandi grind is a great choice for woodworking. However, with more practice, the convex knife may perform better on hardwood.
In the next experiment, we plan to test the knives on softwood, such as pine, to see how they perform. Stay tuned for more results and insights on the different types of knife grinds.
Final Thoughts and Observations
After comparing the performance of convex and Scandi grind knives on both green and seasoned wood, it’s clear that both types have their strengths and weaknesses. While the convex grind excels at heavy-duty tasks like chopping and batoning, the Scandi grind is better suited for precision work like carving and feathering.
When it comes to wood processing, the Scandi grind seems to produce finer shavings and curls with more control, while the convex grind can be more aggressive and less precise. However, it’s worth noting that the performance of each knife can vary based on the specific blade geometry, weight, and balance.
Ultimately, the choice between a convex and Scandi grind knife comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you’re looking for a versatile knife that can handle a variety of tasks, a convex grind might be the way to go. But if you prioritize precision and control in your wood processing, a Scandi grind might be the better option.
Regardless of which grind you choose, it’s important to remember that the quality of the knife and the skill of the user are just as important as the grind type. A well-made knife with a sharp edge will always perform better than a poorly-made knife, regardless of the grind. And with practice and experience, any skilled user can achieve excellent results with either type of grind.
In conclusion, the debate between convex and Scandi grind knives will likely continue to rage on, but it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each type of grind has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences and intended use. So, whether you prefer the precision of a Scandi grind or the versatility of a convex grind, choose the knife that feels best in your hand and suits your needs.
Closing Remarks
In conclusion, the debate between convex and Scandi grind knives is a never-ending one, and it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the task at hand.
While the Jeff White Bush Knife with its convex grind did a good job of making thicker shavings, it struggled with control and precision on the seasoned hardwood. On the other hand, the Scandi grind knives such as the Jakari Puka and the Mora could glide over the wood and produce finer shavings with ease.
It’s worth noting that the thickness and weight of the blade also play a role in the knife’s performance. The lightweight Mora produced more shavings than the heavier Jeff White Bush Knife.
Ultimately, the best way to find the right knife is to experiment and try different grinds and brands. It’s important to consider the type of tasks you will be using the knife for and choose a grind that is best suited for that task.
