thats one nice blade

It looks like a nice knife. I would want to handle one before buying though. I'm not sure about how they skeletonized the grip. I would prefer to see at least a couple of support bars going across it for added strength in the handle.

I don't like the skeletonized grip and I don't like serrations (and it is awful pricey).
The true "survival knife is whatever you happen to have with you in a survival situation. For that guy who they made the nausia inducing movie about, that had to cut his own arm off, I think it was a Swiss army knife. The major requirement is only that it be sharp.

i once saw a man bend a railroad spike into an "L" with his bare hands. he was 71 years old at the time. unless you have that kind of strength or put the knife to a job that no knife was designed to do the skeletonized handle on this knife will probably outlast you. i have another model from knives of alaska and would'nt trade it. if you think 80 bucks is too pricey then chances are you don't have any good steel. parachute cord? unless i was doing bloody work i would probably leave it bare.

Knives of Alaska should be in every serious hunters pack. I bought a set a few years ago and am amazed everytime I use them to process elk at the incredible performance they provide. I even use them to breakdown the meat for vaccume sealing/freezing when I arrive home.
The Extreme model would be a good choice for an all-around but choose another model for hunting...

For a survival knife I'd take a Swiss Army knife over that skeletonized thing any day of the week!

This is one plain jane, all business, knife. Almost looks like an "unfinished" knife project? Too darn plain for my taste.

Very well designed and thought out knife for the INTENDED PURPOSE.
Being one of Dave's pets I was expecting to see a price fit for Oil potentates. Instead it is within reach of nearly everyone.
I would have preferred a saw-tooth section such as some of the older Pumas had...works better for cutting rope instead of serrated.
Wrapping the handle with a multi-purpose piece of parachute cord will do the trick nicely for a grip - even better 2 or 3 yards of it, but that can be had anywhere.
"LESS IS MORE."

Overall an excellent AMERICAN MADE offering!

Nice knives, the whole series look task specific. The Yukons are quite impressive, it is great to see the D.H. Russell pattern executed with excellent tool steel.

Dave where are the knives made?

I may have spoken too soon.
I can't actually say they are American made.
Perhaps someone on this blog has the answer...

Diamondblade, now there is a knife. But, then you can't afford a rifle or the hunt.

It has been my experience that the products made and sold by KoA have always been among the best. They are as advertised. Costs are not cheap but then the knives and saws will last longer than you will unless you lose them or they become the object of theft. The stag handled knives are really pretty and approach the quality of a good custom knife.

Way over priced, and not worth the time or money. Walk away.

Considering how bad the fit and finish is on a Knives of Alaska,it's just as well that they started leaving the grip panels off of them.Leaving the grip panels on them just makes them harder to sell.Stevie Wonder must be in charge of quality control at KOA.

If you're going to buy D2 knife,just buy a dozier and get a knife built by someone who has a clue and actually perfected the use of D2 and quality control.

not sure why the handle is made so crudely or why it is so pricey. i'm not a fan of serrations either. how about a review of a knife that at least some of us can afford.

To Happy Myles: Chris is definitely answering questions on his blog, and I know he's sent some Q&A to this one, but I don't know when they will appear.

To Chris B: I've bought some KoA knives, and have been loaned some, and have been given some. Take your pick. I get a lot of knives and other stuff that I never review because I don't like it. Yes, I will keep my KoA, thank you very much.

Some of you fellas would complain if they hung you with a new rope. Have a good weekend!

one scary tough looking knife

Looks like a nice enough knife, my only problem is with the serations, If they wouldnt have supplied the 550 cord I would wrap it like that anyway. but its a no sell due to the serations.

I have to agree it does look unfinished but, I dont think its ment to look nice. It looks like a tatical dream. And 80 bucks I could afford one.