HalfBreed Blades LBK-01 Gen-2 Large Bush Knife Gen-2 K340 made with Böhler's K340 ISODUR
A quick preview by @Bushcampingtools
Handling hardwoods is no problem for this beast of a knife!
The knife can easily be used with or without gloves!
As Halfbreed Blades say in their marketing material: This knife is jam packed with features!
When I examined this knife in detail at IWA 2025 this last May, it was clear to me that Halfbreed blades wasn't kidding when they said "jam packed".
The HalfBreed Blades LBK-01 Gen-2 Large Bush Knife K340 is basically an indestructible survival knife made from a slab of Böhler K340 ISODUR 8% Cr cold work tool steel.
The Halfbreed Blades Large Bush knife is designated GEN-2 as in generation 2, since this newer model is sporting the much improved K340 ISODUR steel. Make no mistake about it K340 IS a great knife steel.
Honesty disclaimer! (No, I did not chop this fallen American oak almost in half but the knife is certainly capable of this task!)
Super comfortable to hold- and to swing! I say swing because there is a hefty eight to this knife.
The Steel
Böhler K340 ISODUR is produced by ESR technology (Electro-slag Remelting) a process developed by Böhler. K340 ISODUR is listed a a "Premium" grade cold working tool steel by Böhler. The process involves a conventional air melt followed by a remelt.
K340 ISODUR 8% Chromium alloy possesses excellent toughness and wear resistance by producing the best possible clean and fine microstructure outside of powder metallurgical processes. These are steel qualities I have many years experience with, firstly using a Kizlyar Supreme (made in Russia) knife which I first tested some 7 years ago. To be honest I thought they were using a PM steel! That knife exhibited outstanding wear resistance when used against extremely abrasive and hard materials in the Australian bush (and kitchen!). In fact, at the time it was heralded as a "D2 on steroids" and this was a statement that I can definitely agree with. ESR is the same process which is used to produce ballistic resistant steels as these types fo steels are more resistant to spallation from high velocity impacts.
Fast forward to over a year ago when I again encountered the products from the Australian company Halfbreed Blades, also many products made with Böhler K340 ISODUR and nothing has changed: Outstanding wear resistance as seen in extremely long edge wearing capacity and great toughness as what is often encountered during bushcraft/ survival activities (for example: edge dragging against wood or bark- a great test to determine if edge rolling is going to be a problem or not). Cutting against bone and fish scales etc. etc. Basically, "dirty cutting tasks".
It's worthy to note the K340 ISODUR not only avoids oxidation inclusions and removes sulphur during the production process, it also lends itself as a great steel as far as manufacturing goes as processes like EDM is easily performed and increased capacity to be machined without problem. For the end user what this means is that many features a possible to produce in an outdoor knife without excessive end cost.
Where to start?
The stainless steel fire bow cup in the handle is very well designed. It is located into the handle with protrusions to prevent it moving. This is a really cool and practical idea! If you've ever started a fire with the fire bow drill method you will know that the hardest part of find/manufacture is the top cup.
Using a stainless steel cup negates having to stick the bow spindle directly into G10 or micarta which will no doubt melt/ reduce speed due to increased friction. Although having a divot directly in a micarta or G10 scale is OK, it's no way near as good as having a stainless steel cup and way way better than using a sea shell or a cupped rock, or carved piece of wood to engage the top of the spindle.
The Carry System
The halfbreed Blades large Bush knife GEN-2 K340 is fully Molle/PALS compatible, here seen attached to the side of a day pack's PALS webbing.
There is also a "Tek Lok" style belt clip included. I choose to keep the "malice-type" straps on the knife because it does weigh a whopping 495 grams (knife only!) and the entire package is just under 1Kg at 720 grams! This is NOT a knife intended for long duration hiking trips nor for short day hikes as it simply will add basically almost a kg to anything you are already carrying. This is a knife for extreme camping with a vehicle nearby, OR one knife only hiking and camping living off the land.
Totally off grid situation knife, seen here with Mrs BushCampingTools (just back from a war zone proven) Goal Zero 10W solar cell array charging (not seen) a waterproof Nitecore power bank.
The scabbard also comes with a small fire steel and this knife has a dedicated region situated at the butt end of the handle to strike this steel. (yet to be tested by me).
The knife itself is basically indestructible. Made from a very thick slab of K340 ISODUR steel at a 1/4" thickness. It is a hollow ground blade.
17/06/25
Field review out now see here:
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