Battle Horse Knives Brumby Knife Review

A versatile belt knife, the Battle Horse Knives “Brumby”, is a great size for all-around use. The scales have a thinner profile, by design, then many knives of its size. It’s plenty comfortable for a variety of handholds and tasks.

Initial Impressions

Upon the first feel of the Brumby, I was impressed by the quality of craftsmanship. I knew right off that I’d need not worry when putting this blade into hard use. It has quite a bit of heft for its size, which good or bad, lets you know that this is a tool that will get work done. I would not recommend this knife as a dedicated bushcrafter, but its slim profile makes it comfortable to carry so it’s always ready to be put into action.

Specs

• Grind: Saber
• Shape: Drop Point
• Steel: O1
• Hardness: 58-60 RC
• Handle Material: Canvas Micarta
• Sheath Material: Leather
• Cutting Edge: 3 5/8″
• Blade Thickness: 1/8″ (.125″)
• Overall Length: 8 3/8″
• Weight: 6oz w/sheath 8.1oz

Scoring

• Functionality: Functions very well but not perfect. The thinner handle makes continuous tasks less desirable to accomplish. [8 / 10]
• Ergonomics: No jimping on the spine, the handle is slightly short for my size large hands, scales could be a few millimeters thicker and shaped to the hand better, and the sharp shoulder edges need to be rounded. [6 / 10]
• Blade Shape: I like the shape, but I’d love it if the blade were about 3/4″ longer, which would help with balancing out the weight too. [8.5 / 10]
• Fit and Finish: I wish the steel was somewhat more smoothed, you can see substantial machining lines over the entire blade. One of the handle pins sticks out just enough that you can catch your fingernail on it. Where the blade finishes into the guard, it is a little imperfect. [6 / 10]
• Sheath: It’s a basic, yet high quality, leather belt sheath. It offers little in the way of functionality and mounting options. [6 / 10]
• Size and Weight: Personally, I’d like the handle to be about 1/2″ longer. It’s handle heavy which puts the balance too far to the rear for my liking. Hollow pins and a skeletonized tang would have been greatly appreciated. [6 / 10]
• Durability: It’s nearly indestructible under normal wear and tear, an heirloom-quality piece. [9.5 / 10]
• Cool Factor: It’s cool in an “it can get the job done” sort of way, but maybe not cool in a way people would comment on. [7 / 10]
• Collectability: While the BHK name may not be widely known, a well-rounded knife enthusiast should know them. I don’t believe you’re going to sell your BHK collection for a profit, but I do feel they hold their value in the market. [7.5 / 10]
• Value: You’re getting a good knife for the money, but there are a number of competitive offerings. [7 / 10]

Overall Likability

If you’re looking for a hard-use daily carry knife, the BHK Brumby might just be your blade. The slightly short handle and heft of this blade are offering me a bit of buyer’s remorse. Battle Horse Knives has a variety of knives that fit just about any practical use, but I’d rather spend a little bit more somewhere else for refined details. [71.5 / 100]

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