White River Knives
White River Knife and Tool is a small business based in Coopersville, Michigan. It is owned and operated by John and Susan Cammenga, and their sons John Cammenga Jr. and Matt Cammenga.
The company states that all components of its knives, including the steel and thread in leather sheaths, are sourced and manufactured in the USA. This is an impressive statement that appeals to those who prioritize supporting American businesses.
The shop produces various outdoor-oriented hunting, fishing, and bushcraft knives and grinds blades for other renowned brands. It is possible that you may have used a knife from the company without being aware of it as it has its own private label.
History of White River Knives
White River Knives started in a small shop and has now grown into an international renowned knife manufacturer, thanks to their commitment to excellence and passion for craftsmanship. They use premium quality materials, like the high-grade steel alloy known as 'S35VN', which is known for its superior strength and edge retention. Every blade is made and hand-finished in the USA. It's no wonder that such attention to detail has made White River Knives popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts over the years.
White River Knives is the definition of craftsmanship, care, and quality. With such an impeccable attention to detail and superior blade materials, White River knives are sure to become a trusted and valued companion on any outdoor adventure. Get ready to explore all that White River has to offer as we take a look at some of their most popular knife models below.
Overview of White River Knife Models
White River Knives provides an extensive range of knives to meet the requirements of outdoor enthusiasts, with options ranging from classic bushcraft blades and camping firecraft models, to everyday carry knives suitable for urban activities. Each knife is created with careful attention to detail and high-quality materials.
White River Firecraft Series
Firecraft knives by White River Knife & Tool are designed for use in survival situations. They come in several lengths and styles to suit any outdoor task. We were first made aware of the White River Firecraft production knives back in 2018, and these blades immediately caught our attention. Based on the design and initial impressions, White River Knives was awarded the Firecraft series as “Best Knife of SHOT Show”
The White River most popular model is called the Firecraft FC5 and it occupies the mid-range position between the smaller FC4 and larger FC7. This 10-inch knife features a broad belly 5-inch blade made of CPM S35V, a corrosion-resistant stainless steel infused with chromium and vanadium for added toughness. The blade is heat-treated to 59 HRC and has a utilitarian stonewashed finish.
The knife features a full-tang design with a large forefinger choil and contours for better grip. It is equipped with green canvas micarta scales and orange G10 spacers, held together by three hollow metal pins, one of which serves as a lanyard hole.
The Firecraft series includes two fire-starting resources, one being a 90-degree edge to strike a ferrocerium rod, and the other being a polished stainless divot on the handle for use with a bow drill.
The Exodus Knife
The Exodus Knife, created by knife maker Jerry Fisk, is a fusion of ancient techniques and modern materials. It has been designed with precision and attention to detail, resulting in an innovative combination of the old and new that makes it a distinctive work of art.
The Exodus Knife is the ultimate tool for any bushcraft or firecraft enthusiast. Its razor sharp edge will make light work of any cutting tasks while its rugged design allows for long lasting durability in even the harshest environments. Furthermore, its classic style makes it perfect for everyday carry (EDC).
If you are looking for an exquisite piece of art that will last you a lifetime, look no further than the Exodus Knife from White River Knives!
Hand-Crafted in the USA
White River Knives is an American-manufactured company offering well-crafted knives since 1999. Quality materials such as titanium, micarta, and high carbon stainless steel are used to guarantee durability and endurance through long-term usage.
White River Knives are renowned for their traditional bushcraft techniques, such as fire hardening and honing. This ensures their knives have the sharp edge needed for any outdoors task. Their commitment to quality guarantees that customers receive a reliable companion with long-term dependability.
White River Knives are manufactured in the USA and offer a range of benefits. Their knives are created by experienced artisans with superior materials, and customers can be confident that their product is of high quality and was produced domestically. For exceptional craftsmanship and precision when looking for a knife, White River Knives may be worth considering.
The Kydex Sheath Option for White River Knives
White River Knives offer custom knives with Kydex sheath options. Kydex is a thermoplastic material and is resistant to water, dirt and other liquids due to its non-porous nature. The lightweight design of these sheaths provides maximum protection for your knife, as well as a quick and easy method for drawing your blade. This makes them ideal for EDC or outdoor use. They are stylishly functional when combined with any type of handle or blade shape. White River Knife's Kydex sheaths ensure not only protection but style as well.
Optional Leather Sheath
Firecraft knives come with an American-made leather sheath that bears the White River Bear logo. The sheath is fitted with a drop-leg belt loop and can be attached to the wearer's thigh with a leather strip and eyelet. If the drop-leg portion is detached, the sheath can be worn horizontally on belts up to 1.5 inches wide.
The knife is retained by a brass snap in the forefinger area, and its bow drill divot is still accessible when sheathed thanks to a circular cutout in the leather. A small loop on the edge of the sheath holds a 1/4-inch-diameter ferro rod, which is included with the knife and features a matching green canvas micarta handle.
S35VN Steel & Edge Retention
S35VN steel is designed for superior performance in knife blades. It has exceptional wear and corrosion resistance, as well as great edge retention. This steel is known for its toughness, making it an ideal choice for EDC and outdoor knives. Furthermore, it can be easily resharped, so you can keep your blade at a razor’edge when needed. With the proper care and maintenance, this steel will provide reliable performance in any situation.
S35VN Steel is an ideal choice for those who are seeking high performance and dependability from their knives. It offers excellent edge retention and resistance to abrasion, ensuring that your knife will remain sharp and durable over many years. You can trust in the strength and endurance of S35VN Steel, as it delivers reliable edge retention for a prolonged lifespan.
Warranty: Does Knife Hold Up?
White River provides a lifetime guarantee for their knives. If the customer is not fully satisfied with the product, it can be sent back for a free repair or replacement without the need to provide a receipt or any questions. According to Matt Cammenga, this ensure customers feel confident in investing in an item they will have for life.
The White River Firecraft Series overall has proved to have durable construction during practical application. We have found the White River Firecraft Series to be highly durable and one of our go to Bushcraft blades when outdoors or in the woods.. The blade holds an edge well when dealing with tough materials like wood or bone, and its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Canvas micarta handle scales were another smart choice, since they tend to absorb moisture and provide improved grip in wet conditions. The orange G10 scale liners don't affect functionality, but they do show attention to detail when placing this blade down in the field to free up your hands. We also like how the orange liners make the knife more visually-appealing.
Conclusion
White River Knives offers a range of high-quality, USA-made knives to suit any outdoor adventure. Their commitment to excellence ensures each knife has superior craftsmanship, making them reliable and durable. The Firecraft FC5 has a full-tang construction and was created with the outdoorsman in mind. It’s a versatile knife that can be used for many tasks, including slicing, dicing, and even carving. Its S35VN steel is highly durable and will not dull easily over time. Furthermore, its handle makes it comfortable to hold and use.
We were highly impressed by both the Firecraft FC5 and the M1 Backpacker Pro Knives by White River. They were comfortable to use, largely due to their ergonomic handles, but their overall designs were also considered. The knives were designed for practical use rather than appearance, in spite of how good they look.