Knifemaker Russ Kommer, who has also been a commercial guide throughout Alaska since 1980, tells us that his clients call him “Bwana.” A big part of his job is dressing out and skinning the game his clients harvest, such as caribou and 1,600 lb. moose. At times like this, he needs a knife that is comfortable and easy to use, one that won’t lose its edge, and one that is easy to clean after the job is done.
Our Alaska Bwana™ is the folding skinner Russ designed and made for himself, translated into CRKT production models. He won’t embellish a knife if it doesn’t improve the function, so the knife includes only the features Russ wanted for himself in a clean, purposeful design.
This is a supremely comfortable knife to grip, with a curved handle and finger scallops which make it feel like shaking hands with an old friend. There are no sharp angles or pressure points to cause fatigue.
It is also comfortable to carry, thanks to a flat profile and through-drilled lightening holes. The custom stainless steel clothing/gear clip is removable, partly because Russ prefers pocket carry, and doesn’t use one.
The full-bellied skinning blade features a high, hollow grind. Blade material is tough AUS 4 stainless steel in a bright satin finish. Friction grooves at the top of the blade and near the tip increase the feel and control in slippery skinning conditions.
We’ve incorporated the patented* Lake And Walker Knife Safety (LAWKS®), which effectively converts the knife into a fixed blade when actuated with a push of the thumb, a comforting thing to know when you are working under adverse conditions.
Our strong InterFrame build is ideal for this knife, with dual stainless steel 420J2 liners, one locking, and black textured injection-molded Zytel® scales. Add a Zytel back spacer and Torx® fasteners and you have exceptional rigidity.
It is also easy to clean and maintain. The open build eliminates hidden nooks and crannies. The Teflon® bearings at the blade pivot make opening and closing smooth and fluid, and are fully adjustable for wear.
And for the hunter who appreciates value, we’ve priced the Alaska Bwana to be your best bang for the buck.
Kommer Alaska Bwana™ 6204
- Razor-Sharp Cutting Edge
- Blade: Length: 3.625” (9.2 cm)
- Thickness: 0.12” (0.30 cm)
- Steel: AUS 4, 55-57 HRC
- Closed: Handle length: 5.0” (12.7 cm)
- Open: Overall length: 9.125” (23.2 cm)
- Weight: 4.6 oz. (130 g)
