GB2 Metsä Puukko by HoboForge

Arrived shaving sharp. Spine is sharp, too, which adds useful capabality to this knife. The handle is comfortable and fills my grip nicely. The exposed tang is well out of the way of the heel of my hand. This is not a small knife: it has a longer blade and fuller handle when compared to Hobo Forge's EDC puukko for anyone wondering, as I did, what the difference is. This is a skillfully made knife, much more so than you might think based on the rustic appearance. The handle is especially impressive--it's not easy to make something this comfortable. The blade is thick enough that you can baton with it if you wanted to but the blade is tall so the bevel narrows down to an acute cutting edge. 1095 steel isn't sexy nowadays but it gets beautifully sharp and comes back easily with a little work. Just a really well-done knife. Congrats GB2 and Hobo Forge.

I have far too many knives but this knife has to be one of the very best. I can't wait to put it into regular daily use.

Great durable product. Would definitely but again! Thanks

As with all GB2 products, highest quality.

If you're reading, you're probably wondering, "Is this knife worth it?" Of course, we all have different decision criteria, so rather than say 'yes' or 'no,' I'll share my experiences.

Each Hobo Forge knife is hand crafted by an artisan. Consider the blade's temper, the bespoke handle etching, and edge geometry - these are as far from mass-produced as possible. Further, these are made to specifications exclusive to GB2. You won't find this model anywhere else.

Function. Excalibur called; it's jealous of this Metsä Puukko's sharpness. Be careful at first; mine cut through maple as if the wood were Styrofoam. The shape mimics the arc of human motion. Spears can be straight -their job is stab stab. But work knives slice, and a straight blade will never be as smooth or controllable compared to this Hobo Forge design. (Consider the Japanese katana, which proves to be a better slicing weapon compared to the European broadsword. Different needs for different battle conditions, but the tool serves the user's requirements).

Results. Try sticks, feather boards, and stakes are easy and, dare I say, enjoyable with the Metsä Puukko. If you have fun, you're more likely to practice. The more you practice, the more likely you will have skills in a pressure situation. (We regress to our highest level of mastery under stress.) Living in an urban area, I can't exactly hunt every day, but I was able to remove the skin from a slab of salmon with a precision that would please a sushi chef. No waste, no hacked meat. This thing is accurate and sharp.

Upkeep. I've been aggressive in testing and (controlled) abuse. There has been no need to sharpen or hone the edge. Stropping keeps it scalpel-sharp. Adding a very light coat of oil protects the metal, and that's it. This is not a high-maintenance blade, provided you are conscientious.

Price. Each Hobo Forge blade is custom-made. No two are precisely identical. You'll be able to pick yours out in a lineup like it's a relative. Compare a local hardware hatchet to something from Council Tools. When human hands contribute to the creation, the quality shows. Compared to MoraKniv, the Hobo Forge blade may seem extravagant. However, MoraKniv is a purple cow; they combine quality at a price that makes no sense. To be clear, I'm not disparaging MoraKniv. I use several myself. From the affordable 510 to the Garberg, their products will conquer almost any bushcraft task. However, they are tools and, in some sense, disposable. The Metsä Puukko lives in entirely higher strata. I've purchased almost three dozen blades in search of my field knife. Trust me, this Hobo Forge model should list at $499, with $399 being considered a 'good price.' To provide an analogy, if you walk into a Honda dealership, you'll find workhorse vehicles that serve you well. Now imagine that a Range Rover happens to be in the showroom. The price will shock you. But the autos are not equivalent. The Range Rover is no passenger sedan -it's a well-crafted workhorse. My brother-in-law still uses his 1984 Range Rover, racking over 400,000 miles. Quality lasts. You'll be able to hand this knife down as a family heirloom. I doubt that is the case with most bushcraft knives.

I can't presume to tell you how to allocate your hard-earned cash. But if I had all the money I've spent buying mass-produced offerings, I could have two Metsä Puukkos and money for two GB2 courses. I always tell people, ' buy once, cry once.' I wish I had followed my own advice.

In my mind, the question isn't should I or shouldn't I buy a Hobo Forge blade, instead, do I want the regular or mini.