I’ve been reading Woodcraft and Camping by George W Sears, better known as Nessmuk.
Of course that meant that I decided I “needed” a Nessmuk style bush knife.
Rather than buy one, and there are plenty out there by different makers, I thought I’d modify myself one. The most accurate blade to the style he would have had access to is currently made by Ontario, in their Old Hickory line. These inexpensive carbon knives are pretty similar to the trade knives that would have been carried back in the day.
To save even more money (us frontiersmen are a thrifty bunch) I found someone selling factory seconds, perfect for chopping and grinding on. I started with their skinning knife, cut down and reshaped the blade and handle, and it’s pretty close to the original.
I know Nessmuks illustration showed his with a stag horn handle, but I think mine is still true to the vibe.
I still have a 7” butchers knife to play with. That might end up a Kephart style.
Of course that meant that I decided I “needed” a Nessmuk style bush knife.
Rather than buy one, and there are plenty out there by different makers, I thought I’d modify myself one. The most accurate blade to the style he would have had access to is currently made by Ontario, in their Old Hickory line. These inexpensive carbon knives are pretty similar to the trade knives that would have been carried back in the day.
To save even more money (us frontiersmen are a thrifty bunch) I found someone selling factory seconds, perfect for chopping and grinding on. I started with their skinning knife, cut down and reshaped the blade and handle, and it’s pretty close to the original.
I know Nessmuks illustration showed his with a stag horn handle, but I think mine is still true to the vibe.
I still have a 7” butchers knife to play with. That might end up a Kephart style.