If you spend a lot of time as a camp chef and prefer using a real chef’s knife in the mess tent, then the newly released James Brand Hells Canyon fixed blade is for you.
OK, let’s face it: You can prepare a meal with pretty much any knife, especially in the field. But if you spend a lot of hours prepping meals for big groups, or even if you just find joy in using a well-balanced chef’s knife, you know it’s worth hauling one in your camp kit.
And with the release of the Hells Canyon, James Brand is giving us a blade that will transition from your home kitchen to cabin, RV, or hunting camp with ease.
James Brand collaborated with Top Chef Masters winner Chris Cosentino to develop the blade. The goal was a kitchen knife “that is fully capable in all conditions and environments.” What does that mean? Read on.
James Brand Hells Canyon
First thing’s first, the Hells Canyon is pricey, with a retail price of $295. And while that sky-high price may make your nose bleed a little, it brings excellent materials to the table.
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First and foremost, the Hells Canyon uses Crucible S35VN stainless steel throughout the full-tang design. S35VN is exceptionally good knife steel. We’ve used it on everything from hunting knives to pocket knives and have been impressed again and again.
Sure, there are a few better steels out there, but they would jack up the price even higher. S35VN also can be sharpened with common tools, so you can probably maintain this knife yourself.
That said, it should hold an edge for a very long time. Coupled with good toughness and corrosion resistance, this steel will perform in rough conditions.
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Camp Chef Knife Competition
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