White River Knife And Tool FIRECRAFT FC5 FC7 Review – Best Survival Knives Ever
White River Knife and Tool’s FIRECRAFT (FC4), FC5 and FC7 knives are more than just the best knives of the year or of Shot Show… The truth is, they are among some the finest fixed blades I’ve ever handled. Nothing else even remotely comes close. If I had to wander in the wilderness equipped with just one knife, you can bet I’d be making the journey with a FIRECRAFT at my side.
Now, there are a lot of survival knives out there, but very few are able to achieve the status of “survival knife perfection”. Luckily, White River Knife and Tool has managed to combine everything you’d expect, let alone ever want, from a survival knife into one solid package. If rock-solid dependability, stunning aesthetic, brilliant utility, and incredible comfort are things you demand in a fixed blade, the FC5 and FC7 have you covered, and then some.
Quick Highlights:
- Deep finger choil protects fingers while applying pressure whittling, cutting or chopping.
- Atop the blade is a notch and 90 degree spine for efficient striking of a ferro rod.
- Polished stainless steel divot for use with a fire bow.
- CPM S35VN Blade Steel, corrosion-resistant stainless steel infused with chromium/vanadium.
- 58-60 HRC Hardness
- Rugged kydex and leather sheaths available.
- 0.158″ blade thickness.
- Knife weight FC4-FC7 (6-12 ounces)
- Produced/materials sourced in the USA. (Lifetime warranty)
- Utilitarian stonewashed finish.
- Green canvas micarta handle scales and orange G10 spacers.
White River Knife And Tool Firecraft FC5 And FC7 Review
When I first saw the FIRECRAFT collection of knives at Show Show, I couldn’t take my eyes off of them. In reality, there weren’t any exotic materials to drool over, just a profile that screamed subtle perfection. But as most know, looks can be deciding. Fortunately, upon holding an FC5 and then FC7 in my hands I immediately knew these were the real deal.
Green contoured micarta handles offer a firm, secure grip while a deep finger choil maximizes blade control and comfort. With a positive grip during close tasks, you’ll come to appreciate the generous choil. And so will your fingers while you’re whittling, cutting and chopping away.
For a bit of contrast, the FC5 and FC7 (Also FC4), feature orange G-10 spacers. Personally, I like the tactical green look with the high-visibility of orange subtly squeezed into the middle. Because let’s face it, a survival knife is going to do you no good, if you lose it on the ground and can’t find it. In terms of color combinations, this is a winner in my book.
When comparing the weight and sizes of the FC4, FC5, and FC7, I noticed a universal theme: The (incredible) feel of each knife is appropriate for the size. I can tell the weight is shifted to the front as much as possible, while the tip geometry was given ample attention.
For the blade itself, you’ll find CPM S35VN, a corrosion-resistant stainless steel infused with chromium and vanadium. It’s heat treated to 58-60 HRC Hardness and features a stunning, utilitarian stonewashed finish. In terms of sharpness, edge durability, and retention properties, I’m very satisfied.
You’ll also find a hardened stainless steel bow drill divot, 90-degree striker notch on the spine for use with the included ferrocerium rod, and a third pin which doubles as a lanyard hole.
Now, while these American made knives feature a truly remarkable level of construction quality, it doesn’t stop there. White River Knife and Tool also offers their handcrafted leather and kydex sheath options; both of which, left me extremely impressed. The kydex holsters rival that of my most expensive firearm holsters; they are truly well-made. The leather holster (for belt carry) is just out of this world. Holy cow, are they nice!
The leather is so thick, stitched beautifully, and contrasted nicely with brass hardware. There’s even a cut out in the leather for the bow drill divot which adds to the utility. On both the kydex and leather sheaths, ferro rods come standard and are secured neatly to the side.
Beyond Shot Show, I’ve had the chance to own the White River Knife and Tool FIRECRAFT FC5 and longer FC7 for a while now. Needless to say, I love everything about them both! Every single time I pick them up I enjoy them more and more…
For heavy-duty use in just about any survival situation, these are my go-to knives. Both are an investment that’s worth every single penny. For someone who can afford to buy only the best (and demands only the best of the best), in my mind, these are as good as it gets!
White River Knife And Tool Collection
Think the FIRECRAFT collection by White River Knife and Tool is impressive? Wait till you see the rest of their Michigan made knives. Owned and Operated by John and Susan Cammenga, alongside their sons John Cammenga Jr. and Matt Cammenga, the team keeps creating some of my all-time favorites knives. You can check out a few of these including the GTI 4.5, M1 Backpacker Pro and Sendero Bush among others below.