Adventure Starts Here: Winkler WKII Pathfinder Blade 

Winkler field knife owner here. I felt a bit ridiculous spending the money I did, then I put it in my hand. The feeling of knife in hand is euphoric. I feel as though I am putting something in my hand that can do anything I really need it to do. The sheath for the Winkler II is the best sheath I have ever seen for a production knife, it in and of itself is worth one third of the price. They're beautiful works of art that beg to be used, and perform accordingly.

I have a Case/Winkler recurve #6. It is a fantastic knife and does connect in a special way that my other knives don't like you were saying. It was a gift from my dad otherwise I don't know if I would have bought it, might have gone with an esee but now that I have it, it goes on all my outdoor trips and I know that I can always count on it.

If wasn't a common man with a common pay check. I would have it😳😳

Winkler is one of the best knife makers in the world I think he's a an ABS master blade smith.

Totally been saving up. Will have one soon. Thanks for the video.

When I look at this knife I see alot of features that I like in a hunting knife. It has a continuous arc from pommel to tip, with a good piercing point. The scallops on the scales work great for a sideways grip while collecting backstraps and other similar work. The belly has a nice swoop for skinning, and the swedge is sharp to help break joints and bones. And the sheath is dead silent. I would have a hard time justifying the price, but it does look very useful to me. Great review!

Man, that seem pricey even for a midtech type blade. I've owned quite a few Barkies over the years and have three LT Wright's and one Battle Horse. And all of them, even the larger blades, using "super steels" are less expensive than this knife. Still a cool looking piece.

I have a winkler belt knife and I feel like you. It works great for me and I feel comfortable taking it in the woods any day

Wonderful knife, in my country people work all month for $ 400 but still I think this knife is worth that amount of money and who can afford it just do it!!!

Another great video! I just ordered my first Winkler on Saturday from TKC. I bought the Woodsman in Wasp textured Micarta. I don’t have it yet. I believe other knives costing far less will get the job done. Of course those other Knives aren’t a Winkler. Most of my knives are in the $100-$200 range, but I have spent over $400 on three in my collection. The Winkler will be the 4th most expensive knife in my collection of 20. It seems to me that the price for a Winkler knife is worth it. I’m sure others will say it isn’t . That’s ok too. To each their own.

Bark rivers are my favorite high dollar knives... I only own 1 and it’s one of the cheaper ones, but still the quality is second to none!

I have been wanting a Winkler ever since the first time I saw one . Just haven’t been able to afford one yet but I will get one soon .

$300-$400 fixed blade? Absolutely, as long as you've put in the time and effort to save up for it. Custom Lightsabers, one of my other hobbies - a common starting price for one is $300. Maintaining a mature balance is a wise pathway to enjoying our past times and way of life.

I can buy an Esee 4 for a third of the price and it will perform just as well. For that price it should do all the work for me while I sit next to the fire at camp.

Please review Case Winkler Hambone! You will fall in love with it!

Always loved Winkler knives. Beautiful.

I've always loved Winkler's tomahawks/axes, and this knife is really handsome. However, my beef was the wood handle...If I'm going with a wood handle (which I feel is inferior to many other materials in certain aspects), I'd want a higher grade of wood than the very plain looking walnut on this knife at the price point. Something with a little more character to the grain. Great review, but I wish you would've had just a little more info in the steel (not steel snob level). Always good to see reviews on all different price-points of knives. Have you ever considered trying to get a knife from Jesse Jarosz? Not the Ka-Bar versions, but one that he makes?

For the price,would prefer Zwear PM or CPM 3V

Another good review. I'm semi-local to Winkler's shop, and picked up an Operator there from Kaela in late 2016. Liking it for a spartan outdoor blade...mine is still almost new looking though. I haven't cut much more than paracord, trail mix packs, Backpacker's Pantry pouches, and a few sticks with it. Hey A-man-you need to come check out Linville Gorge and Winkler's shop (in Boone.) I'll give you good advice if you need trip planning help but won't be accompanying you into the Gorge (too out-of-shape and fat for that!)

TY for the review. Ive been considering a winkler for over a year. The price has given me pause, I’m probably going to pull the trigger because the company itself Takes 16+ weeks to make it and don’t bill you till it’s ready. That will give me time to save for it.

Can you review the Buck 102 woodsman knife plz

Love the blade and handle design with real wood, and the steel rates quite tough. Hate clips on sheaths, as the knives often pull the clip lose from belt when tugging knife out. (tek-lok preferred). Otherwise the sheath looks really attractive. This seems like more of a tactical EDC and general purpose knife, maybe hunting as well. The price has held me back for years. However, I am retiring this year, so I may get it as a retirement present. Reminds me of a Browning Shotgun when I was a kid. Same argument with a Remington being so much cheaper and effective. Ah, but to own a Browning...or a Wrinkler.... Good points in the video.

My WINKLER belt knife is my favorite.worth every penny. It sharpens up really good,and it lasts a good amount of time . I really like the 80CRV2 a lot I want WINKLER to make me a short sword . Those Pathfinders and the Jason Knight knives are hard to find.

Half the price is probably the Sheath

I was introduced to Winkler Knives by watching Joel Lambert's TV show Lone Target/Man Hunt. I always wanted to own one. I received my order confirmation from Winkler today. A pathfinder with maple scales. Thanks for the great review and twisting my arm.

I just notice the skinny pins on this one and my guess is that centuries-old vibe Aaron mentions is consciously built into this design. These knives have repeatedly caught my eye and that classic look is a big reason. The price, well, you're going to get diminishing returns on high-end knives, that's a fact of life. The makers charge what they have to to pay the bills and have some left over at the end of the quarter. If you don't want to pay that much, well, it's not worth it to you. If you do, it's probably not because of a list of features but because when you look at it there's something just right about it. Thanks for the well-done photography that gives us a better look at them than the websites. I've got some thinking to do regarding these guys.

I NEED the $400 knife!

Yes, Winkler Knives are expensive. There. Now that that's out of the way... I own a lot of knives, and more than a few Winklers. And let me tell you, if you ever rip the band-aid off and purchase one, you'll be hooked. These are semi-custom, limited-run, handmade knives in a steel that, in the right hands and with the right treatment, performs as well as trendy super steels. Winkler knows how to treat 80CRV2 steel; if you look around a bit online, you can find info on how he hardens it. Rokka also uses the steel on its Korpisoturi, adding a differential heat treatment that makes that particular knife one of the best knives of 2020, IMO. As others have mentioned, it's a steel used by a lot of custom knife makers, and Daniel Winkler himself has talked about why he uses this particular steel with his particular treatment. These blades are incredibly tough; they are meant to be beaten on. And there's a reason Winkler builds knives for many US special operators, LEOs, and first responders. In fact, members of SEAL Team 6, on the way to meeting up with Osama bin Laden, were wearing Winkler Belt Knives on their hips. The feel of a Winkler is somehow far more substantial than many other knives I own. His Survival Striker, for instance, borders on a hatchet, with its blade geometry and thickness. These are knives that, when you have one with you, make you feel like any task is possible -- whether you need to break rock or breach metal, or just cut a lot of whatever it is you need to cut. And more than that, they represent pieces of Americana, whether that be our frontier past or our military present. These are heirloom pieces that grow more satisfying with use. The Caswell black oxide coating makes the blades completely non-glare and wears to an incredible patina. The knives themselves are quite well balanced, so that the blade works harder for you than do the blades of many other knives at a lower price point. The fit, finish, and functionality all team up to make these the kinds of knives you'll want to hand down to your kids. The sheaths are custom molded to your particular knife, and they are some of the best sheaths on the market. The knife draws almost silently. Are they for everyone? Of course not. Just look at the number of commentators here who stopped watching the review as soon as they heard the price. That's fine (albeit a bit narrow-minded), and I'm sure they'll be content with their knives of choice. To each his own. But here's the thing: unless and until you have held and used a Winkler knife (or axe, or hawk), you simply don't know what you don't know. Our most elite fighting forces trust Winkler knives with their lives. So whether its a Belt knife, a Survival Striker, a S.A.R., or one of the collaborative Case xx Winkler American Heroes series designs, you get what you pay for. I love my Bradford Guardian 4. My Lionsteel M4 and M7. My Fallkniven S1X. My Hogue EX-F10. I love some of the Joker Knives that, IMO, are some of the best value knives on the market right now. But nothing I've held -- nothing -- compares to holding and using a Winkler. I look forward to posting my own impressions and reviews in the coming months on not only the Pathfinder, but The Survival Striker, The Belt Knife, The S.A.R., The Hambone, and some of Winkler's other knives, axes, and gear. If they aren't for you because of the price tag, that's cool. But some others might not mind spending on something that will probably last generations. So maybe keep that in mind before you dismiss them as either fools, suckers, or snobs -- even as you load up on your next 5 Tops Knives and Moras. Bushcrafting knives are one thing; Winkler knives are carried by those who literally depend for their lives on the blades they have with them. So. Ask yourself what it is you want or need in a blade. If it's to featherstick, get a Mora Companion or Garberg and be happy. Me, I like to know that I can featherstick one day, then break a car window and breach metal, rock, or cinderblock edifices the next day. YMMV.

We need some more reviews on these. Winklers are just not reviewed on youtube but really are something special and need som attention. I want to see some $800 dollar tomahawks. Tomahawks are my thing and I train with them and throw them often but I have been unable to pull the trigger on a winkler due to nothing more than the price tag. I struggle when I can get a valkyrie custom made from black roc knives for $450 all said and done. However, I will certainly have to work up to one of those things. Just got the new contingency from winkler and I am excited to drag that thing around with me

What did I learn from this video? I need that Tops Hog 4.5! I contemplated it but went with the Silent Hero on my hip right now. You've convinced me I might still need that Hog 4.5. If I wanted to spend $400 on a woods tool to pathfind with, I would get an RMJ tomahawk.

A beautiful heirloom tool.

lol, These knives feel more futuristic & cutting edge if anything. Pretty sure back during the Louis & Clark era they didn’t have blades this cutting edge a lot technology & well thought out design goes into these WK blades. Very advanced materials too.

Own a Blue Ridge Hunter. Only complaint is that the blade can barely throw sparks from a firesteel. Not that you'd use it for that work, but would be a nice capability just in case. Love the Winkler otherwise.

I got the winkler field knife it's excellent spent about 400 as well but it's worth it 👌🏻

Price aside, Winkler knives are great. I own a WK Woodsman (walnut scales). One of my favorite knives.

Well............ I currently have this knife in my cart and now I have to pull the trigger on getting it.

It looked like it was riding a little high, did you have any problems with that?

FYI, oddly the Winkler Woodsman appears to be the same thickness as the Pathfinder.

Man can't decide between a Winkler or a CRK for a hunting/field dressing fixed blade knife. I'm looking for solid hunting knife that will last. Nice to see a Winkler vid finally!

Very expensive for 80CRV2 and Maple, but I guess you're paying for the name, recently let go of one of their their smallest carry Great knives Looking at the operator

Awesome channel love tour reviews

It's a great looking knife, but for $400 I can buy a shotgun, good fixed blade, pocket knife, and ammo. I appreciate you showing it as there are people who can spend that much, and do. I just am not one of those people. Again, thanks for showing it, and for your channel. It is one of my favorites.

spot on w everything

Circling back here... any long-term thoughts on the 80crv2 steel? Thanks, AK

I'd like to get a Winkler don't know where to order

is that a watch or gps on your wrist....cool knife, great review, thanks

Can you please please review the viking tactical norsman. Man it seems similar to this knife and just looks beautiful. I love your videos and appreciate the feedback. There's almost no videos on it and I'm seriously interested. Thanks.

Save up n buy the spartan difensa

Love your videos. I’ve been eyeing this brand for awhile now and really wanted to try the contingency for edc but have never had the opportunity to hold any of their knives in hand. Have you by any chance held one or any other styles of their knives. Thanks for making a videos on this one. I’ve been waiting for you to try this brand out.

That sure looks like a hollow grind on camera. Guess I'll see when my Winkler/Knight comes in later this week. I'm done buying fixed blades with sheaths that don't offer options...unless I'm willing to go to the trouble to get a custom sheath made.

Great review-how would you compare the Winkler to the Ratmandu you reviewed a while back?

What location is that ?! The scenery is awsome !

Stopped watching after the price, will stay with my Cold Steel

are you planning to get a Winkler hawk to go with it ?

A $2,500 bottle of wine will get you just as drunk as a $30 schrade bushcraft bottle of wine. People have personal collections for personal reasons. It's awesome, it drives many different industries. It's a waste of money and that is the point. Except when it's purely an investment, then it gets gross... Looking at you contemporary art market...

All of mine have drainage holes

What kind of pants do you wear on long hikes like those?

How to contact you for review of our products? flashlight, knives, bags, ect

Viewers: That's a great looking knife! Can't wait to see the review!!! Aaron: It's four hundred bucks. Viewers: Get a rope.

So i think I missed why this knife is actually worth almost 400$.

Seems to pricey for that knife. Looks good, but not 4 Gundy good. Definatly looks like quality.

NO......you didn't. I have always wanted one, but it cost so much.

Didn't waste my time with this review thank you for saying the price right off the bat. I bet it's a great knife but for the price I can get two very good knives. Or 1 custom.

Way too expensive And loose the need to hammer every knife through wood. (Or anything) Batonning is dumb

It definitely is one of the most beautiful fixed blades I've ever seen. I love how simple and clean it looks, but also has some cool features like the swedge and deep jimping. Definitely a piece to hand down to the next generation in your family.

A knife I think u would love to try is the manly knives drugar made in Bulgaria 4.5 inch blade g10 handles full tang cpm154 steel with a design made for work comes sharp a real beauty for $135 but I can’t afford that either.I do own there patriot knife model in D2 and it’s great for the price a hair smaller than the drugar probably just under an inch smaller but what great quality for what I paid $40 but their knives are so good you won’t find them for that price anymore The Patriot also comes in cpm154 and both knives have multiple handle options including different types of wood if your looking for your next knife to do a video on the drugar is great and there aren’t many English channels testing that blade on utube since it’s a European knife but in every video they love it.

I’m guessing your not interested in making a trade that would put up up by around $400 more than u paid and the knives offered are fantastic blades from great companies with absolutely nothing wrong with them maybe I could throw in the Smith n Wesson extraction axe which is the toughest small axe I know of or if u want to go for a smaller tactical hatchet I have a Ontario RD hawk with the spike on the back full tang micarta handles 1095 steel good sheath a really cool piece of gear but I’m disabled and can’t carry the kitchen sink with me while hiking or bugging out I also have kabar and Ontario kukri machetes 1095 and 1085 steels and my favorite Ontario bushcraft matcheter I think it’s called 5160 steel nice and sharp regular machete shape brand new never use sheath is in perfect condition plus like I said I can throw in some firesteels and a stone and some surprise knives just because I’d love this blade and I won’t see $400 for a knife for a couple yrs with my medical bills killing me at least for a yr but probably longer

I better be able to tear down a house with that knife for that money

how'bout no

Good stuff

Where was the outdoor footage taken? Thanks!

i bet most people who watch this channel have close to or more than $400 worth of knives. Do you need all of those knives or one that costs as much as all the others? It's a fun hobby that everyone has a different budget and justifications for. Enjoy your lives, whatever you choose.

To each their own. Aaron is a gear reviewer but probably a collector as well. I personally wouldn’t use a $400.00 knife in the woods, mostly fearing I would loose it lol. A cheaper knife will definitely do the job, the same as a Glock or M&P would, yet some will spend 3 times the dollar on a Kimber. In fairness, Aaron did touch on this.

Rarely am I ever this nasty but sweet jesus that's a crap design; even my common sense is saying NO.

That's a beautiful knife, I like the walnut and black finish... It reminds me of a guns finish. I wouldn't pay $400 for it, but it is a gorgeous knife.

I don't like the harpoon shaped blade.

Thanks Aaron! What an amazing blade. Always wondered about these knives. Might need to save up a few pennies myself.

Really appreciate the honesty of your channel. The feel of a knife is as good of a reason to purchase it as materials and overall quality. It's totally cool to spend 400 dollar on a Winkler, especially if connect to the knife

Dream knife for me.

Great looking knife and your review is very thorough thanks for info

Looks on camera to me more like a full hollow than flat

You can purchase a quality pistol for that much money. How can a knife with no moving parts be as much as a precision machined firearm? Please don't buy into the Winkler hype.

Sir, do you believe in God?

Thanks.👍

It looks like it's been blued,

Another awesome blade review Aaron. I just can't seam to spend 400 dollars on one knife. To much for my credit card an budget.

I didn't realize this was Gideon’s Affordable Tactical. You don’t have to buy everything he reviews. Try to learn from the review. Compare it to what to have or want. I think people today live to bitch online.

That's close to what I paid for my cold steel 4 Max, so I understand what it's like to pay a premium price. In all honesty though I don't believe that knife is something I would be interested in. There is not many knives on the market that for me would replace my little pocket knife. To each his own and I'm glad you found something that connects with you

That is a good looking knife!

The British pathfinders were bomber crews who were involved in night bombing missions during ww2

You had me until I saw the 300+ price

I get it, people spend money on all sorts of stuff like cars, golf clubs, boats, etc that make little sense in logic. It's nice to have something that's flat out cool for you. That said it seems limited in pure function compared to my Mora robust, but I enjoy value knives

Great sheath, the knife, meh. It looks nice if you are a collector, but give me a Mora any day over this.

Nice but the price tag is just too high.

Rather similar in shape to the Hinderer Ranch Bowie.

I like the Hambone better in the Winkler series, but honestly there are a ton of better knives for the price. The only other Case knife that I have any interest in would be the Case Hobo, but only if they made a full sized functional utensils not the little sized fork, knife and spoon that you could barely fit your food on.

I don’t believe winklers are overpriced. Especially not this one. They are handmade, have great fit and finish, and good materials. I don’t think it’s great VALUE when you consider some of the options mentioned in this video. However, if you’re willing/able to spend the money, you won’t be disappointed. Which I believe is a good way to determine whether something is overpriced or not. Another thing to consider would be that this knife, along with two other Winkler models, is the most accessible and affordable Jason Knight design out there. At least to the extent of my knowledge. And the performance levels between the customs and Winklers would be rather minuscule. When viewed from that perspective, it’s a steal of a deal. Value is relative to the individual. Just like most things.

Too pricey for me. Even by midtech standards, I think I'd stick with something like a Battle Horse or Bark River.

Awesome knife at a great price! I have to go now...the staff is telling me to get off the computer and get back to my room.

I trying to make my knives take up less room I will absolutely trade u the BHK Lumberjack toothpick in O1 it’s a beast of a blade that is plenty sharp brown micarta handles fisheye bolts sheath like it just came out of the box saber ground splits wood like butter and takes a great lasting edge and the BHK Woodsman also in 01 sharp spine and blade same brown micarta handles with fisheye bolts scandi ground both full range together their worth around $450 $150 for the woodsman and around $300 for the Lumberjack toothpick it’s a great trade for you even for me but it’s because I need the room and love mid size knives and definitely want a knife in 80crv2 plus your only a couple hr drive from me nice fast delivery and u can always beat me up if I tried anything which I swear I won’t I’d even throw in more knives cause like I said I need to clear space especially with the family wanting me to hopefully your interested I’d love to downsize for a quality knife like this that is hopefully u think it over I’ll make it worth your wild in quality and price difference. I’ve collected knives for a decades but I’ve run into medical problems and can’t afford to buy what I want but I can trade knives of mine from when I had money to keep things new and fresh. 2 for 1 and I’d be willing to throw in another $100+ with a surprise folder or a folder you want either way I’d make up a cool box for the trade the folder would be the Almar sere knife vg10 blade good design thick liners very strong folder selling for around $250 that’s a total of $700 for the $400 winkler plus like I said I’ll make throw in another blade and a couple gadgets I promise will be at least worth another $100 making it $800 of great gear for one $400 knife help a brother out 🙏.