Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Gene Ingram knives

Just in case anyone here is looking for fantastic hunting knives, I will repeat what I posted on the "knives and blades" forum as some may not check it.

I just received a combo from Gene Ingram, Lite Skinner and Drop Point Caper, in D2 with Desert Ironwood scales. I have some pretty fine other custom knives and, over the years, I have had and do have a lot of highend gear.

I will simply say that ANYONE who appreciates superb, functional art SHOULD get one of these sets, I have never seen or used knives of this quality, they are like Leicas, ID or MR, it just don't get no betta!!!

Kute:

I have been looking hard at a set for quite awhile. I think that a good set of hunting/skinning knives are hard to find, and this set seems very close to perfect as far as blade length,shape,etc.

I am looking to order a set with the Green Micarta handle or in African blackwood. Decisions,decisions......

Kute, I really like the Ingram's and will definately end up with one. Will say however, I've NEVER, EVER used a better knife than the plain-jane Grohmann/DH Russell Canadian Belt Knife. For actual tearing critters apart nothing compares IME.

If you don't have one, get one.

I have to wait until mid January to get mine!! Glad you are happy with them....

If you're thinking about the Ingrams, order a set now. I ordered the pair last week and delivery is mid July.

I've gotten to the point that I'm sick and tired of mediocre gear and am willing to make life time investments in gear, and get on with it.

Well I just placed my order. I am looking at Aug 10th for delivery.

Kute: Did you get the regular or premium ironwood?

Gotta agree with the fellas about Ingram's wares. I bought one sometime a few winters ago. Turned into 3 somehow in a very short time span after receiving my first. Those are some good knives and Gene is great to work with you on the orders.

I've placed an order with David Winston for one of his, it'll be see how those Mississippi knives compare to each other.

+1, mine always seems to make the Amex list

That's been my experience, too.

I carry a smaller knife (often a pocket knife) for gutting, but the Grohmann does the rest. Super design. I especially like the flat-grind version, in carbon steel.

I received a knife from Mr. Ingram last summer, but it didn't fit my hand worth a shizzle, and the blade dimensions were not as I ordered, so I was a little disappointed. My wife took a shine to it, though, and it fit her hand like a glove, so she sorta adopted it. Must say that the workmanship is very, very nice, and it is easy on the eyes. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> The sheath is a nice, snug fit, too. Just wasn't the knife for me.

A case study on the economics of this would be fun. I'm guessing the better, initially more expensive gear would be cheaper in the long run for certain items, but not all. I guess there's reasons we still use gramps rifle, but not his longhandles... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

1ak and Walker, funny story... by 1997 I'd already been using the DH Russell knife for around ten years. My dad, who hasn't hunted for over fifty years and has no idea what sort of knife I use, happened to be in Nova Scotia on vacation. He stopped into the Grohmann factory in Pictou, looked around and bought me, yep that's right, a Canadian Belt Knife. It arrived for Christmas that year and I laughed out loud as I heard the Twilight Zone theme in my head... I treasure that knife. He told me later when he picked it up he was amazed and couldn't imagine a finer game knife.

Smart guy... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I bought my Russell Belt Knife in spring, 1966 and used it intensively for many years until it was stolen from my truck over 20 years later. I skinned my first bear with it, sharpeded with an axe file and it was my constant companion worn everyday on my belt when working in forestry. We all had these and carried them on the belt, sheath inside the back pocket of our pants do as not to get stabbed if we fell.

These ARE a good knife and the carbon steel one is by far the best, especially if you remember to oil it lightly with ordinary vegetable oil, every so often. Mine rusted and was kinda misshapen from the axe file, but, it still did the job and they were cheap to buy.

However, these Ingram knives are in a whole different world from the Canuck Belt Knife, the subtle design and superb craftsmanship take time and handling to appreciate and they are simply my idea of perfect. They are NOT "work" knives, I have others for backpacking etc. and they are not "weapons", either, I have those as well; these are just for "making meat" and I am simply in awe of them, just "blown away".

My instincts weren't as good. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

When I first laid eyes on the #1 Belt Knife, my initial impression was .... "WTF??!" To be honest, I thought it looked kinda gay. Still, I'd heard so many guys brag it up that my curiosity finally got the better of me, and I ordered one. Turned out to be a good move. Can't imagine another knife undoing a big critter as easily as that one does.

Walker, like the old preacher said (and it applies to the Russell #1): It's better felt than telt... (grins).

They also make a really neat skinner or two plus the "Trout and Bird" which I prefer for gutting deer. The problem is that nobody seems to actually stock the carbon steel models as the "stainless" attracts most buyers.

I much prefer a carbon steel knife and have three that I use instead of the very lovely custom 440C and 154CM knives I also have. My elderly custom skinner by a local guy, my Gerber Mini Mag and Trout and Bird go on every hunt where I actually intend to shoot something, but, they will be retired now after well over 30 yrs. and this Ingram's set will take over...if, I manage to actually HIT the game I find!!!!

I appreciate the report and it's nice to hear about the Ingram crafsmanship but has anyone here used their Ingram on an elk?
The way people talk about them you would think they can go through a whole elk without sharpening it and its ready for the next elk.
This season it took me 2 Cold Steel knives to do an elk. That would be skinning and boneing the elk for a haul out. If one Ingram can pull that off it would be super knife and I'll pay for one in a heartbeat.

I hope at least Brad and maybe some others can give some input here on Ingram function.

Thanks! A curious mind would love to know.

SU, can't comment on the Ingram regarding elk, but can comment on the DH Russell no.1... have never had to sharpen mine (stainless, which I prefer) taking apart an elk. Cold Steel might very well be the biggest POS knives I've ever used. I have a "Master Hunter (what a joke) in Carbon V... used it on one elk some years back and relegated it to the kitchen for cutting vegetables... in fact it's here at work where I'm writing over by my juicer! It excells at cutting the plastic tomatoes from the grocery store (grins).

Brad, thanks for the candid comment.

My Cold Steels have worked a little better than your experience
with them.

SU, no offnese meant and my CS experience is only with the Master Hunter in Carbon Steel. Ross Seyfried touted the knife some years back so I "had to have one"... I was shocked once I'd used it and made me wonder what he'd been smoking!

I have several CS knives and have had others, they do NOT hold an edge very well, although the "San-Mai" laminated steel is far better than their other steels. My Master Hunter is in the vehicle with my Swede saw, Wetterling's axe and shovels, etc., it is a useful HD "tool" for rough work, but, absolutely sucked when I gutted a Blacktail with it just after buying it circa 1990.

I found that Ross Seyfried's recommendations concerning gear were very adamant, "it is the BEST", but, his opinions seem to change AND, according to one maker I spoke with he got his knives from this guy for free...... I bought Russell High Country Hunters in 1988 on his recommendation and they were among the worst mountain boots I have ever owned, they are useful for walking my Rottweilers and that's about all.

I will, hopefully, be able to give a report on the Ingram's use on Elk and Moose next Sept.,,but, I expect that they will be totally satisfactory.

No offense taken at all. I trust your call on that one. I tried
a Master Hunter out this fall on my elk and yes I was a little disappointed with it. I thought it would have worked better. My Pendalton performed better for me. I ended up having to pull out an old wyoming razor blade to finish up the job.

Those hides are tuff!!!

Anyways, thanks a bunch for the input. I'm ready for a change in my setup.

SU35, I've never used a CS knife, but had a little Buck folder made of brittle hard stainless that would still shave hair off my arm after gutting, skinning and cutting up a moose into packable chunks. Did a good number of elk and other critters with it also, some of them boned out. After 20 years of use I laid it down on river cobble rocks after gutting a salmon... Who could think that losing a knife would make a guy feel so bad?

Anyway, there are knives that will do an entire elk without needing any sharpening.

In a story I've told here before, a friend and I were gutting and skinning a moose, and he kept stopping to touch up the edge on his fixed blade knife with a medium fine carborundum stone. He would offer me the stone and urge me to sharpen my knife each time. I shuddered to think of touching my shaving sharp blade to that stone. Finally, near the end when I had done over 3/4 of the cutting, I paused when he expressed concern about my knife getting dull and shaved a clean patch of hair from my forearm.

Okanagan, lol, good story.

I would pay for a knife like that.

What have you replaced the Buck with?

I bought another Buck, the newer version of the same basic design. It is good but not as hard as the steel in the old one. I broke the tip off of the older blade using it as a screwdriver to adjust the open sight on a .22 rimfire, with not much pressure. Reshaped the tip to a point and used it for another 15 years before losing it. I sharpen these with hard Arkansas stones, an old razor hone and strop.

Would love to have an Ingram but I'd prize it too much to carry and use it like I do the Buck.

SU35 I worked over a couple of bull elk this year with a Ingam S30V shortcut never had to touch up knife in the field. Every year I threaten to see how many animals I can get through before sharpening but I'm too much of a knife nut to not touch up or even use one single knife!

Thanks for the report Jared,

S30V and David Boye's Dendritic steel are the best for edge hodling of any steel I know about.
I use Boye's steel a lot.

Don

My Cabelas Buck 110 with S30V went through 1 antelope, 1 elk, part of another elk, 1 deer, and part of mtn goat and I still don't feel the need to sharpen it. IMO, S30V ROCKS for hunting knives.

Cabela's has a Buck 110 in S30V? Didn't know that. Gotta have one of those!

geez Brad, I'm starting to feel like a flatlander, you like the DH belt knife and abhor the CS Master Hunter...........

mirrors my experiences exactly, my CS MH resides at the cabin, figure if the can opener breaks and I need to bust open a can of pork and beans it'll find a use again. (grin)

The first time I handled the DH I knew I'd found a friend, the better felt than telt rings true as well.

You starting to scare me dude. (grin)

Cabaleas 110 S30V

Insert Twilight Zone theme here... (grins)

Bob,

I bought a knife from Ingram a couple of years ago as I wanted to try D2 steel. They are very reasonably priced and decently designed. I didn't get much chance to use it for the first few months. I then used it on my son's cow elk. The edge CHIPPED badly! I checked the edge on my brass rod like I check all the knife edges that I make and sure enough, a little pressure and it would chip instead of flexing.

I emailed Gene as I figured that I got a knife with a bad heat treat. He asked me to send it back. He didn't even offer to fix or replace it- he just sent me a refund! Wouldn't correspond with me any further- just called me abusive to knives!


To those of you who are hording and ogling your Ingrams- possibly as investments, great! To those of you who are actually going to use them- good luck about all they are good for is skinning. Splitting sternums and such just destroyed the edge on mine and he claimed it "tested" fine.

I used my son's $20 buck knife (made in China) on TWO bulls in one day. I split the sternum and the pelvis- knife had zero chips and was still sharp enough to finish skinning. Don't know what steel it is and if I will be able to get it sharp again but it was a bargain for $20!

I'm not an Ingram fan- now start the flames...

Dennis, I've no doubt you had a problem with your particular Ingram and I've no doubt you've reported your experience accurately.

However, I really don't think splitting an elk's sternum with a field knife is what it's designed to do. An antelope's or deer's sternum is one thing, an elk's is another and that's where a small saw or hatchet should be employed.

I agree with Ingram... "knife abuser"! (cheesy grin)

PS, congrat's on the retirement...

I have no intention of flaming anyone as such behaviour is a PITA, but, I do not try to split heavy bones with a thin, hard knife blade designed and built for cutting hide and meat. I have a Cold Steel Master Hunter for exactly that task, or, use my Wetterling's forged hatchet.

But, since you received a refund, I see no reason for you to complain, in Gene's place, that is the proper thing to do, IMO. Your "Buck" knife sounds like a keeper, I had four different ones in 1968-'70, ALL of them failed under normal, careful use as anything can. I did NOT receive a refund and have not used Buck from that time 'til this, go figure.

The saw on my swiss army knife will split the sternum on an Elk toot sweet. Great little tool that thing is.

As everyone has touched on a couple of brands there seems to be a lack of consistency over the years.

My Dad swears by Gerber but I swear at Gerber cause it seems the blades are a bit soft for me. Cold Steel has been the most inconsistent by far. I picked up a Master hunter in Carbon V when it first came out and am very pleased with it, a bit thicker than I like but stayed sharp for a long time. A Trailmaster purchased a while later is also awesome. I later recommended them to a friend and his CS are complete crap. They are still listed as Carbon V but the edge holding is not even close to my earlier production models. I sharpened both master hunters on an edgepro and got them as consistent as possible. My was still slicing up pigs long after he was cussing.

I have not been able to save my nickels and dimes for an Ingram yet and have been sidetracked making my own knives from blanks. I recently picked up a Helle blank that claims 54rc on the spine and 63rc on the edge. It came with a factory grind sharper than anything I have ever handled. Im finishing out a matching pair with some Ipe wood now. Ill post when Im done.

Helle would be the one type of steel I wouldn't want to try to get right from blank.

Curious as to the cost of an Ingram.

CD

My set, ordered last summer, delivered this week, cost $360.00 USD mailed to Vancouver, BC and I consider this very reasonable, considering the quality.

These "Ingrams" that you speak of: how do they compare to such as Doziers, and modern loveless models?

I think Gene's prices have gone up, the S-30V double set I ordered was $420, well $440 because I added the mosaic pins.

Some would say they compare will to Doziers, some would say Gene's contours are superior, others would disagree.

I plan my set to be a lifetime investment.

I have a set of custom knives purchased in 1982 as wedding gifts from my wife to me, they are in the "Loveless" style and the workmanship is outstanding. They are beautiful, very functional and I treasure them, but, they cost a H*LL of a lot more than my Ingram's did, even back then.

Cost, IMO, is relative to quality and quality is relative to function, so, I feel that Gene gives a person an excellent deal, I have no experience with Dozier knives and won't as I now have all the knives I will ever need or want.

Your wife was looking over your shoulder, right? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ha! Too funny.......

My Ingram has a better fit and finish than my two Doziers. I personally like Ingram's drop points compared to Dozier's which are more of a spear point. just my 2c.

Nope, I could take one of our Visa cards, go to a gunshop and spend a whack of cash without saying anything to her and never hear a complaint. I just pretty much have all the gear I need or can use and just need a Hardy flyrod, waders and PFD plus one of those Kni-Co stoves and maybe a Tigoat for my smaller tipi and I am done, no point in buying gear that you cannot really use.....guns, however, are a different story, but, even there, I am about finished as I am pretty happy with what I have.

BUT, if a nice, pre-war, minty, high-grade German combo gun comes along at a really good price, preferably a W. Foerster or R. Hubner or J.J. Reeb "Cape Gun" in 9.3x74R-12 Ga., well, ..........."the spirit is willing.....but, the flesh is weak!".

Kute,
Did you ever get your Kimber Montana??

Nope, changed my mind and cancelled my special order about three months before delivery was due, I have too many rifles now.

Understood...

Same here. For me, the knife quest has always been more of a challenge, and I'm seriously considering making my own, from scratch. Gonna try one of those Grohmann #2 T&B's, though, if Santa brings me one, and I think she will.

My incident with him happened over a year ago and I never complained about it once- I just get sick of people blindly following a product and they never really use it enough to know diddly squat about it. I didn't split the pelvis on that cow elk as I was able to take it in whole. I can split the sternum on an elk with a stout pocketknife- just hit the soft spots where the ribs tie it- This is no challenge for any decent knife at all. If you think it is, you need to try it yourself. I can butcher an entire elk down to quarters or smaller and never touch a saw. Sure, I saw is nice, but not always available. make the cuts in the right spot and the bones come apart.

I used his knife the same way I so all my knives. My Buck's, Schrades, Cases and self-made don't chip this way. A good blade won't chip when you cut things that aren't harder than the steel. If this is the way D2 is ( and I doubt it) then I don't ever want anything else to do with it. I much prefer carbon and tool steels ( without as much chrome as D2) such as 1084, 52100, O-1 and A-2. If I had a computer controlled heat treating kiln I might experiement with some of the better stainless steels as well. My favorite SS is BG-42. For BIG knives I use only 5160 or equivalent.

I hate to see people led astray by those who are unwitting. I USE my knives and use them hard. Knives aren't meant to be pampered.

I find it interesting and somewhat disconcerting that folks are complaining about the Cold Steel MH. I bought one when they first came out, I find it takes and holds an edge very well. Sharpens up easily when required. Things must have changed over the years. Note to self: do not lose knife.
To stir the pot a little bit, I have also started to carry and use the Knives of Alaska series. While I have several, the two which get used the most are my Hunter Series Wolverine and my Jaeger Boning knife. I don't see much mention of this companies blades anywhere. I do like these knives. Opinions?
I also have and use a Russell knife, the Canadian Forces model. Great for canoeing etc.

If, that comment about ...unwitting...is directed at me, I will just say that I boned out my last Elk, a five point bull, completely with a Gerber two-bladed pocket knife and then backpacked it to where we could get horses.

I have cut several dozen sternums with a variety of knives, but, it is easier to do this on Elk bulls and large Moose with a hatchet or saw, it seems to me. But, I guess that everyone has their own preferences and different experiences.

I also hate to see people led astray and tend to think that all of the positive comments I have read here for over three years concerning Gene's knives must have SOME real basis, but, who knows, maybe mine will chip, too. I certainly had Buck's chip as have Gerber's, one of which broke right at the handle-blade junction and Pumas do not hold an edge well, at all.

I spent enough years working in the BC bush to realize that ANYTHING can break and that tools should not be pampered, but, neither should they be abused. So, hopefully, those posters here that laud Gene's products are right and I won't be troubled by using my new knives and finding them defective.

troutfly, far be it for me to give you grief that you like a knife that I don't.

Maybe you're just a better blade handler than some of the rest of us......who knows.

I've long been contented that if it works for me or you, be happy with it.

Sides you start agreeing with me and Brad on knives, next thing you know you'll be loving high country and it only gets worse from there. It's a slippery slope you don't want to traverse. (grin)

Mine has some rust spots, but no nicks or anything on the blade. If you'd like another PM me with what you think is a fair price and perhaps you can have another and have some peace of mind about "not losing" yours.

Kute- you aren't the only one- Ingram knives are like leupold scopes and Pacnor barrels on this site; hallowed and not to be dissed...

No doubt you have had plenty of experiences in the bush- probably far more than me. I will agree that it is probably EASIER to cut through the sternum with a saw than a knife. That said, how many people carry a saw in their pocket?? In this particular incident, we had to make a mad dash of a stalk and all I carried was the bare necessities. I left the pack on the mountain and took what I could carry in my pockets.

I had previous purchased a Gerber contraption from Cabelas which was made of plastic and had replaceable razor blades. I thought it might be handy to split the belly and down the legs and it was real light. It snapped in half on my first pull!!! What a piece of junk. Out came the real knife.

Gene makes good knives it would appear, but hide the way he did speaks volumes!

Probably no better or worse with the knife work than anyone else. Just figure I got lucky with my CS. Have heard from other guys that they have had issues with the brand. I did cold blue the blade when I got it. Don't know if that helped any other than keep the rusting potential under control. Most recent Canadian price I have seen is +- $200.00 CDN. I paid about $75.00 CDN . No way I would pay $200.00 for one!!
I might live on the bald azz prairie, but I do most of my hunting/fishing in the foothills and high country of Alberta so I guess it's too late,<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Thanks for the offer on another CS but I'm saving towards a custom knife. Not sure by who yet. Those Ingrams do look nice though.

Dennis,

I remember seeing the pic of your chipped knife, and IMHO it was simply incorrectly hardened, or more accurately, incorrectly annealed. Properly hardened and annealed a knife won't chip. If the blade isn't sufficiently annealed it will be too hard, and will chip, no matter what the alloy.

That is true- but Gene swears it was properly heat-treated (which high chromium content steels, this pretty much required an oven to do a specific soak as opposed to simply heating to critical temp and quenching like you can do with simple steels. They are them tempered back at 400 or so to keep them from being too hard- Not sure the process on D-2 but I suspect it is a little more critical than say, 1084...

I guess I've read too much Wayne Goddard, but to me a properly hardened knife won't chip or break in use. Typically the extra couple of points in Rockwell hardness will add 10-20% edge holding ability. I'd take a blade that will hold an edge 80% as long for a blade that won't break.

Does anyone here like Marbles or Bark River knives. The ones I've been looking at use A2 steel. How does it compare to D2?----2MG

I don't think that a person's actual amount of bush experience really matters in this type of situation, I intiated this thread due to being very impressed by Gene's treatment of me and the knives I have received, as I said. However, your experience is just as valid as mine, no matter who has cut the greatest number of whazzits and my feeling is that you may well have a legitimate complaint concerning the kife you received.

I have had problems with very expensive, currently "in" outdoor gear and the replacement/re-fitting of said defective items. To post details here and/or the name of the company involved would, IMO, simply start a bittchen session that would damage the camaraderie we have here and do no good, for me, or anyone else.

One really cannot find out what gear really IS everything it is claimed to be by it's makers and fans unless you buy and try it. While first-hand reports of problems/failures are very useful, we still need to realize that sometimes a maker is having a bad day and/or a single defective product gets out into the marketplace, it happens.

One of the more annoying aspects of the "net forums is that one can never really tell who is and who is not what they claim to be. I like to post exact details as to place, time and activities concerning my personal experiences in order to demonstrate that I am an honest man who has a certain level of "hands-on" experience and I tend to believe those who also do this.

So, my feeling is that perhaps you and Gene may have rubbed each other the wrong way when the problem happened and, since you are, by your own admission, pretty tough on gear, you might want to approach him again and see if you can get satisfaction. I dislike to see anyone slagged on the 'Fire as it lowers the quality of discussion and makes us all look like a bunch of mindless bozos, just what the "antis" want to see happen.

This is just a suggestion, but, maybe you and Gene could work out your differences, he certainly impressed me favourably. I might add that I am not easily taken in by the "cult" status of some products/makers and actually find the whole situation of "guru" outdoor experts who promote their wares by questionable behaviour to be rather amusing.

Anyway, I hope that you find satisfaction as spending hard-earned $$$$$$ on unsatisfactory gear is REALLY a PITA, I been there, etc. and most of us have, I suspect.

Dennis,
I am surprised on both accounts. While I only have one or two of Gene's knives in D2, I have used them quite a bit and have been thoroughly happy with them. I have also just started using a couple of D2 knives from David Winston (who tells me that he and Gene use the same D2 and treat it the same way) and they seem outstanding as well.

By comparison, I have 2 D2 knives from Bob Dozier, and both of them have chipped without near the abuse I have subjected the Ingrams to. All I ever read is that Dozier's heat treat is second to none, and his D2 is superb. Well, form my experience, I can tell you that I won't get another one.

Not a slam on anyone, but just posted to point out that it can happen to anyone.

As an aside, when I ordered my Winston knives, I had asked for S30V (my favorite material from Gene), but David talked me into trying D2. He told me that he and Gene had worked extensively with the steel's producer (I think he said it was Cricible, but I can't recall) to perfect their heat treat methods. They have put a lot of time and effort into getting it just right.

David told me that if I was not happy with the steel, he would make me new knives. My initial impression is that it won;t be necessary.

Back to Gene's wares. I guess that I have more than a dozen of his knives now. I have used most of them a bunch. I can't come up with a single complaint with any of them.

Even the best manufacturers of a given product have a failure rate. Let's say Company "Z" sells 10,000 knives and one is defective. The fact that the company made 9,999 great knives is no comfort to the guy who buys the one lemon. The problem is that with gear like knives, very few people buy enough to make a statistcally significant determination. Using our example, the guy who bought the bad knife has experienced a 100 percent failure rate. The guys who bought good knives have a 100 percent success rate. The good thing about the campfire is that users can compare results. And as discussed on this thread, I think the best manufacturers and sellers are those who understand the concept of a failure rate and who are willing to repair, replace or refund.

I agree, the best policy is to try to get satisfaction through polite discussion with a maker of a product that you have had trouble with. PMs between 'Fire members are also a good method to share info./warnings and this can be a real help in avoiding difficulties.

Just to illustrate WHY I am so impressed with Gene, I specifically ordered a slightly different handle detail than his usual one. We discussed this and, when I next psoke with him concerning payment because my knives were ready, he VOLUNTARILY said, "this is the first set like this I've made, if you don't like them, send them back and we''l go at 'er agin".

This was AFTER I requested the difference and he STILL was ready to replace the knives merely upon my decision that I didn't "like" the handle shape that I had wanted....how can you ask for more than that?

Some gear makers act as though they are "the Holy Grail" and anyone who dares recommend or use ANY different products is somehow not a real hunter, backpacker or whatever; my experience with Gene, like Mystery Ranch and Integral Designs is the exact opposite of this type of arrogance and that is why my $$$$$$ is and will be spent with those makers.

I am not a knifemaker, metalurgist or an "expert" (thank gawd), but, I feel it's only fair to post how Gene treated me, far better than almost anyone else I have dealt with.

Amen, Kute. In our free market, there are enough gear makers for a guy to not only find something he likes... but someone with whom he likes doing business. When treated fairly, I'm a loyal customer. I'm not shy about paying for quality. If I get treated poorly, I don't pitch a fit. I just don't go back.

You are exactly right, Kute. Some gear makers (and more than a few gear users) fall victim to the "echo chamber" syndrome. They time with people who tell them they are God's gift... and they start believing it. When a manufacturer begins to think they have found perfection, they can stop listening to customers... and when you stop listening, you stop learning. The best guys are always open to ideas. They are always looking to improve... and they accept constructive criticism.

Before locking horns, I always try to create a way out. Even tbe best guys can have a bad day, or make a bad knife. Before anyone's kettle starts boiling, I think it's a good idea to just say, "How can we make things right for both of us." A good man usually finds a way, and knowing a good man from a bad one is worth the cost of a knife to me.

How much do just the knives weigh?

More than you want to pack on any backpack hunt I have 3 and I never use them. A replacement blade knife gets it done waaaay better and lighter. I keep a havalon in the pack too for a backup and for wolf work should one present itself.

I kind of like Outdoor Edge now. Much easier to change blades.

That’s my main knife. I take one extra blade. You can sure break an animal down fast with a new blade.

I pack my fears and one of them being losing a knife with an animal down. Havalon is lite insurance.

I've had five different Ingrams. While beautifully made, I just don't like them. I prefer a fuller handle. I'm on his list for another, so will probably have him make something with a modified handle.

Thank you. I have both a Havalon (preferred) and the larger Gerber big game folder replaceable blade for Elk. Heck, I have 0.7oz Victorynox pairing knives that are good enough and I have a backup SAK in my hipbelt...for longer pack in backcountry hunts.

I just always liked the idea of a Gene Ingram knife or LITECOMBO; he can apparently drill a few holes in the shank to lighten weight and
I thought that it might replace the larger Gerber replacement blade (about 5oz) for elk.

Sounds like I might need to get one in my hand to determine fit/feel before I place an order and get a better sense of how much they weight too.

Thank you

I have a Ingram bird-trout coming soon; didn't purchase it for birds or trout but for big game, almost looks like a smaller fillet knife, but with a little sturdier stock 3/32"- I'll let you know what it weighs when I get it

I just shoot deer that are 5 ounces lighter so I don't blow out my knees.

Blessings are great. Great fathers are a blessing.

Indeed they are! He'll be 91 yo in a couple months and is fit as a fiddle.

While I've tried to replace my Grohmann - DH Russell Canadian Belt Knife, I've still not found anything its equal.

Happy Thanksgiving all...

Great story Brad.

A happy Thanksgiving to you also.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

I like that B&T Warden. Looking forward to your update.

I mainly carry two Vickies in the pack and don’t worry about losing them (sub $20). Hard to argue the economics and hold an edge well.

After much study I purchased a Knives of Alaska Lite Hunter (D2) in 2003. I purposefully tested the knife to determine how many animals I could process before dressing the blade at all. That number ramped up to 21. That was mostly Axis & a few Whitetail’s. I then sent it back to KoA for their sharpening service. At the time the total for service & shipping was about $20.

I love that knife & it is my go-to skinning tool. The gut hook sounds like a zipper when opening them up. I do own several Ingram’s. Dyed in the wool fan of KoA Lite Hunter. Looking equally forward to proof test the Ingram’s.

Baldy mountain forge i n Lincoln Mt puts out some excellent light weight knives similar to this. Great steel that holds an edge forever. I love mine.

If I had to pay $20 a pop to have a knife sharpened, I'd be broke in a week.....

😂😂

Hi atse

I've tried to find a web page for a knife-making company called Baldy Mountain Forge but I couldn't find one.

Could you post a link to a web page, a phone number, or an address please?

Thanks in advance,

John

nice looking knife, not familiar with 52100 steel, but from I've been able to read, sounds pretty good- doesn't mention thickness, I think I'll email them to find out

Many thanks, AKduck!

Although I am afraid that link may cost me more money... a common risk here at the 'Fire!

John

Better photos here...

https://www.bladegallery.com/shopexd.asp?id=93243&size=b

Sorry, I didn't get back to you guys. I was out and busy today. Rick is a great guy,and a great craftsman. He gave me a one of his really light knives, for all of my excursions into the Bob. That knife sharpens easily, and really holds an edge for a long time. I can easily break down and debone a couple of deer without sharpening, and it is still sharp.

Not sure if Rick still has his hand made leather sheaths, but if he does, get one with your knife. They are the best I have seen, and they have a clip on one side that gives it a lot of options. I think my knife was one of the first front range models he made.,I have had it 8 or 10 years.

buyknives.com got back to me- blade thickness is 0.09"- basically 3/32" which is probably right at the sweet spot for a knife that is going to be breaking down big game animals in the field

I love Ingram knives, nothing fancy, just clean simple working blades, with class...

Yeah man.

There is just something about their simplicity right?

But...
Gene doesn’t use any of the cutting edge T-Rex v4000 supa steel all the cool kids are pushing the envelope with......

S30v isn't hip?

No,
That’s so 2018.


Meh, don’t even mention the barbaric d2. Turn of the century......

Would love to have an Ingram. Been using some knives from Dale Howe (Howe Mtn) and they're excellent.
Bob

Mr Dale made me a skinnah. Wyoming Skinner i think he calls it. Lots of belly, top notch.

They sure do things different in texas.....

Yep, hence the Remington actions, Hornady sp bootits wool clothes etc... etc

Oh come on now, I've seen you in Kuiu short pants....

Brad,

Could you be more specific about why you like the Canadian Belt Knife so much?