Shelby, NC 

704-434-6496

blgoode@bellsouth.net

Knife Reviews

Tactical Knives Magazine article on Brian's TTW Knife, pages72-76, Jan. 2006
Click here to read the article

A while ago I was looking for a smallish general purpose fixed blade, not something I would need to fell mighty oaks, but the general outdoorsy things I might expect on a days walking on the moors, a bit of food prep, rope cutting, cleaning fish etc, plus being handy around the kitchen would be a definite bonus.

I was aware of Brian Goode’s reputation and was familiar with his trademark Companion and Sidekick knives, but it was whilst browsing his gallery (knife knut’s equivalent of porn surfing ) I came across exactly what I was looking for. It was in the Kitchen Knife section and listed as a 3” Paring Knife.

I spoke to Brian, arranged the basic spec and price, and settled in for the long wait (because Brian is quickly getting a very good reputation, so the wait time is proportionally increasing). That said the wait became a lot easier because Brian kept in constant contact, refining the specification and keeping me abreast of progress. Brian’s customer service is second to none, and his desire to produce exactly what the client wants comes across very strongly.

The basic specs are :
O/A length = 8.25”
Blade length = 3.75”
Blade thickness = 1/8”
Steel = O1
Handle = Walnut
Pins =Mosaic

The blade thickness was something myself and Brian talked about, as I was more interested in having a good slicer rather than a heavy duty chopper. Whilst 1/8” may sound thin for a general purpose fixed blade, it feels very sturdy in the hand, and slices like there’s no tomorrow.
I knew a lot of Brian’s knives came with dark blades, but I wasn’t sure why, so I asked. Brian seems worried that some people might not expect or understand the natural patina that develops on carbon steel like O1, so gives his blades a light acid etch to start the process off in a uniform was on the entire blade. Of course, as Brian points out, it does bring out the temper line rather nicely as well, can't really argue with that
Although plain steel with a patina doesn't bother me, if some larger companies are worried about it, I would much rather they go the way Brian did instead of that really horrible blank gunk they seem to use
In the hand the first thing I noticed was how secure the grip was. It’s a very contoured grip in all three dimensions, and really seems to “suck” the hand in, and locks it in place, whilst at the same time being comfortable in a variety of grips.
The blade is either a very subtle hollow grind, or else a sabre grind, the grind line being just a touch above the more visible dark temper line in the photos. The edge came pleasingly sharp, and despite using it often during the last month (mainly just for light household stuff), I haven’t felt the need to sharpen it yet. I dare say it will be put to harder tests once the weather warms up and I venture out more for pleasure than just work.

Since Brian’s work has been reviewed in a couple American magazines his wait time has gone up a lot. However I would say the wait is well worth it. For the last month, every time I pick up this knife a big silly grin appears on my face

More of Brian’s work can be seen at

by "Yog" in the British Blade Forums

Click here for a review of the Trailsman and Sidekick by Jeff Wong

Blade Magazine review.

Click here for the Blade Magazine July issue of Brian's Companion knife.  Warning: file size quite large.

From Chris

From Bob

From Bill

Hey Brian.
Just a  note to provide some C3(Companion) feedback (on the left, in the picture to the right).
Arrived home today after the hunt. I was successful Fri am and bagged a 700lb cow moose and saved us from being skunked. I realize that this/hunting may not be politically correct but feel you should know how the C3 worked in the real world.
Quite simply, it rocked. On several days, I left my hatchet back in camp (too heavy to carry when you're tired). I use the hatchet to build "blinds" to hide in. I resorted to the C3. It handled spruce saplings up to 2" in diameter. I would bend them over and shave cut them until they snapped-an easy task with the C3. It is best suited  gripping it 90 degrees to the arm.  That is, blade tip up and perpendicular to the arm .With this grip you can exert tremendous downward cutting pressure. The blade finish held up quite well but did react in spots to the spruce sap leaving a few dark blemished on the blade-which I like as it gives it character. A couple of sweeps on the Sharpmaker at night returned it to scary sharp.
Regarding the moose. It work exceptionally well as a skinner when held 45 degrees to the arm. The handle got a little slippery (as all do) with blood. For fine work, I gripped it as one would do with a pen with my index finger on the top of the blade at the end of the cocco.
My friend, I would have to work very hard to find any fault with this design. I think you have one timeless knife here. Perhaps the only improvement for me would be concerning the palm swell behind the index finger at the first mosaic pin. I would just ask for maybe 1/8" thickness to be removed --AND that is really trying hard to find something to fault. Essentially, I feel that the Companion is a flawless design for an outdoors working knife.
We had kicked around the idea of thumb-grooves but I think it would ruin the appearance.
Regarding the sheath: nice piece of quality work with a tight fit. I did have to be very cautious when re-sheathing. I think I would ask for the belt loop to be 1 to 2 inches higher so that the knife would ride lower on the belt. Again, this is not a fault, only a personal preference.
I really want to thank you for your efforts on it & it gave me tremendous enjoyment this week. It truly was a good companion and was a joy to use.
Best regards,
Bill

From Brandon