The Rarest Woodlore Knife (And How I Got Mine)
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- čas přidán 30. 12. 2023
- Woodlore knives have become one of the classic bushcraft knife designs. The original Woodlore knife made by Alan Wood has always been sought after. These hand-made O1 tool steel knives are now even more highly prized than when they were in production. The rarest version of the Alan Wood-made Woodlore knife, however, was never available to buy. This is the Woodlore Instructor's Knife, which I discuss in this video, along with my path to being presented with one by Ray Mears.
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Thanks for watching guys. Wishing you a good start to the New Year. If you would like more information or training in 2024, then I would love to help. Beyond the information I have on my channel here, there are many, many free articles and podcasts over at paulkirtley.co.uk. For further training and experience, there are field courses and expeditions at frontierbushcraft.com. And for those who can't make it to Frontier Bushcraft, or who would like a more flexible way of learning, I have online courses at www.onlinebushcraftcourses.com. I'd humbly appreciate it if you considered any of these options. And of course, if you have questions, then there will be more #AskPaulKirtley sessions in 2024 🙂 Have a good one!
I'm based in 🇦🇺 Paul. Do you recommend any particular bushcraft courses in Australia?
Hi new subscriber here,
Just watched your axe and knife skills video on the excellent TA outdoors channel
...
Your splitting techniques are really impressive .
Low calorie expenditure, safe efficient, low tool wear and tear ....
You're obviously very knowledgeable...
Thanks.
Probably the most legendary knife in modern bushcraft, thanks for sharing!
Its an excellent knife..reminds me of an expression given by George Daniels.." Perfection is impossible but make perfection your goal and you will capture excellence ".
great video and a beautiful knife. when alan wood made my woodlore design knife, i asked about using this old logo and he was happy to use his half of the very last etch that he had. the knife was finished, according to alan wood himself as close as possible to his best version of the woodlore, and of course finished in maple with the brass loveless bolts and tapered tang. a true one off that i’m very lucky to have.
I have a Bark River Bushcrafter in CPM-3V that has the same geometry as the woodlore and I love it so there’s no need for me to look for one of these but it’s a very nice blade for sure. 👍🏼
The knives are so beautiful! Especially the instructors knife.
I own a ton of custom, semi custom and hi end production knives.However, Morakniv Bushcraft Black or Robust, are what I always suggest. Unfortunately, most makers, make the scandi grinds with thicker blades than they should come with. Scandi edges on medium size knives, shouldn't be much thicker than 3mm. Then it's all about knowledge and epxerience. You have to know, how to create a proper profile on the edge bevel of your knives.
Collectors, can ignore all these ofcourse! Anyway, Merry Christmas holidays and a happy new year to all of you!
Indeed. We give our students either Mora Companion or Mora Companion HD, depending on the course. The classic Mora red handle knifes are also fantastic tools. It's definitely about having the right skills. Wishing you a great start to 2024!
Have you tried a Hultafors OK4? I recently got one and absolutely love it. Cheap and cheerful like a mora, but maybe better. Strip the anti-corrosion crap off it first mind :)
That's a great choice too! I like the slightly more handful handles on the Moras more, but that's one of the most underrated knives out there! Nice suggestion! Happy new Year!@@TheSpoovy
It must be wonderful to have a tool you had to earn like that. It makes it that much more special, to work with an object that has some history!
It was a nice mark of recognition at the time. And the knife is a very nice version of a classic design. 🙂
A nice little history of the knife Paul.
I've been lucky enough to handle a couple of the instructors knives and liked how the extra weight of the antler scales made it feel in my hand.
Yes, they do have a different feel, somewhat more weighty, with a very solid feel. I'm glad you liked the history 🙂
Great story Paul. That was a great comparison about the black belt as well concerning the instructors Woodlore knife. I heard someone stole Rays personal knife a few years ago 😐 Cheers 👍🏻
The symbology and recognition are something special with these sorts of things, whether instructor knives, shirts or dyad neckers (Bushscout) - everyone I have met who has earned the recognition of their peers bring so much to the conversation. Thank you for sharing
great story about the Woodlore! I think it is an important part to understand where the bushcraft knife came from. Scandinavia of course but today's modern bushcraft knife was copied to Woodlore like Casström Andventure Sworn and many others. Wudlor was a great template.
Totally agree that this should be an earned knife. Lovely to see a new video Paul, you seem happy - as I hope 2024 is for you.
Nice knife Paul. You earned it.
Thank you.
I finally became the proud owner of a PK1 earlier this year, it was a long wait, but I am absolutely delighted with it. Am looking forward to the PK2....I guess I can collect it in....hmmm 2030?😀 Thank you Paul for everything you contribute to so many peoples lives.
Hey Mark, good to hear from you. Yes, Simon's production/delivery is glacial. And like a glacier, I have no means of influencing progress 😂
What a delightful memory
Thanks Neeman.
I’ve got the Neck knife sheath RM AW knife kept it as a collection piece 👍
Ah, nice. That'll likely be a good investment! I have one of the neck sheaths somewhere too. It's in much better condition than the belt sheaths in the video 😂
9:29 It is interesting to see. Your first Woodlore knife has the best continous curvature.
Paul you sincerely taught me bushcraft. Im across the pond and youd think id watch Canterbury more. I do watch him and he is amazing bur there has always been something that has drawn me to you. Thank you for all you do. One of my dreams is to take a couurse with you. CHEERS
Thanks Paul interesting i’m just working my way through your fantastic podcasts. A bit of a coincidence your video about knives I’ve just finished number 54 with Dave holder and you talking about knives in that you can’t beat the KISS principal I don’t think.
Nice knife! Greetings from the woods in Sweden 🇸🇪
Thanks!
Nice profile of knife. Greetings from Türkiye. Have a nice year 🎄
Thank you. Wishing you all the best for 2024 🔥
Extremely nice knife
Thank you for showing & sharing. Greetings from Norway
I'm glad you liked it. Greetings and best wishes for 2024!
Organising an emergency helicopter extraction in the Arctic is still the most interesting story about that knife.
Hi Ade, I hope you are doing well. I'm not sure the knife had much to do with us dealing with that situation🙂 But it's maybe a story for another video. On a hard drive somewhere, I still have a video of the helicopter landing in the forest.
Hi Paul. Good to see you’re keeping busy in the outdoors. Life’s got so busy for me it all feels a bit of a distant memory. I do remember Ray saying it was definitely a sign that you had what it took. Pretty awesome mate.
Happy new year Paul, thanks for your videos. I wasn't particularly interested in this one, knives are just a tool to me but it's always nice to hear you talk. Your instructor knife is like getting your Para wings or the campaign medal for your first tour, a validation of success and endeavour so well done sir. There are few people I listen to absolutely but you are definitely one of them.
Thank you sir. Yes, I agree that knives are just tools.... and you can tell mine are well used 🙂 I thought I would make a few videos for those who are interested in my knives too. I'll be doing some more skills videos in 2024 :-). Thanks for your support and Happy New Year.
🍷🙏🍷Thank you - HAPPY NEW YEAR🍷🙏🍷
Happy New year Paul. I've really got to get back out in the woods.
Handsome knife. My first reaction was I thought it was an Adventure Sworn knife.
Thanks, very interesting 👍
Thank you for making this video!
Thank you Paul. Always great to see new content from you. All the best and a very happy New Year.
Happy New Year Paul! I love your videos!
Thanks Daniel. Wishing you all the best for 2024!
Gorgeous knife,well earned Paul,congratulations and have a wonderful new year 👏🏻👏🏻
Awesome Pauls thanks for sharing that beautiful knife!
Nice acknowledgment from Ray.
It looks beautiful!
It is nicely made, yes.
Cool knife and background info Paul. Have a wonderful New Year!
Nice video, I too am of the opinion that a knife is a tool, that said if selected appropriately a tool that can sustain existence. I really enjoyed the history and the story of your RM instructor knife. Thank you for sharing Paul. I hope 2024 is awash with adventure. Take care, Shayne.
Happy New Year to You and your family Paul!!! Thank You so Much for your videos. !!!
Thanks Leonardo. Wishing you all the best for 2024!
Thanks for sharing Paul! Cool!
You are welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Paul, Keith here from this years porcupine trip. Loving the posts on here, all ways very interesting. Happy new year, hope its as good as this year 🍾🏕🎆🎉
Hi Keith. Good to hear from you mate. I hope you are doing well. Thanks for your feedback on the recent videos. I'm glad you are finding them interesting. 2023 was a good year, partly due to the Porcupine River, which was epic! Here's to another great year in 2024. 🎆🎆🎆🎆
Really interesting video Paul. Thank you. Happy New Year, and all the best for 2024.
Cheers Steve. Glad you found the video interesting. All the best to you for 2024.
Happy New Year Paul and thanks for continuing to share content on CZcams and other platforms!
Thanks Duncan. Wishing you a great start to 2024!
Great watch, Paul. Alan Wood says he made 9 Instructor Woodlores in total, not including Ray’s multiples. Dan Hume tried to sell his a few years ago, but I don’t think it made the reserve he set. There’s another one currently for sale online, at £2200, and it’s never been used.
Where is it for sale?
Hi Martin, yes I've seen that number on forums. Juha, John, Ben, Woody, Lawrence, me, James and Dan would make eight. The white haired chap, whose name I sadly forget, who is behind me in the photo at 1:00 in the video above, and on page 116 of RM's Essential Bushcraft, also had one I believe. That would be nine. There may be others though. Do we know for sure that Dan was the last person to receive one? Dan did his instructors test week back in December 2009 and received his knife a little while after that. If there is a genuine mint one on the market, then I think there must be more than nine, though, as all of the knives of those mentioned above were put to use.
@@PaulKirtleyHi Paul, that sounds about right to me. Yes, Dan was the last person to receive one, I believe. That might be partly because the association with Alan Wood came to an end a couple of years after that, and as far as I know Stephen Wade Cox only ever made one Instructor’s version of the Woodlore Pro.
Thank you for the video sir! A full time job at woodlore what a dream 😍
Hey Max! Good to hear from you. I'm glad you liked the video. A full time role at Woodlore was good but for the past 13 years I have had a full-time role at Frontier Bushcraft, which is even better ;-)
@@PaulKirtley I bet that’s right! Especially when you’re the boss ;-) I got a job as a game warden and had to invest all my time into that. That’s why it got very quiet around me with bushcraft..
@@max_fjellstorm Sounds like a nice situation for you, given you like being outdoors a lot!. Congrats!
Very cool Paul !
Thanks!
Happy New Year Paul.....
And to you... wishing you all the best for 2024.
While talking about knives, give the Peltonen Ranger M07 a decent view. You're going to like it a lot...
I still prefer my SBT, though^^
OK, I'll check it out. Thanks!
Great analogy the black belt, handsome knifes and from what I have heard Well earned 👍🏻
Hi Paul greetings from South Africa...wishing you and your family a happy new year
Nice, I’ve just got my mitts on the SWC version
Happy new year!
Happy new year 🎉
Tbanks. All the best to you for 2024.
Happy new year 👍
Nice anecdote...
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks Paul. The basic design has been run through with so many people now, Jacklore knives, is a fine example. It is very functional for bushcraft. I suppose the idea came from the American Kephart design, for style, centred point, rounded handle, no choil, slight curved belly, square back. Kephart is not a scandi grind, but it works very well also. Where Kephart got his idea from, God knows.
Happy New Year by the way. There is no snow here in Edmonton, Alberta, and plus 5 degrees C. It makes you forget the season.
rare as hell Woodlore knifes. any version. #want ... but.... never gonna happen for majority of us. £10 mora companion it is lol ;-) thanks for showing em.
.......and for those who wish they had a "Woodlore" because they actually prefer the design to actually use it in the "Bush", but find it impossible to acquire; the maker known as "Adventure Sworn" in America, makes an identical clone in various steels, edge angles, and handles, at an affordable price, and an acceptable waiting period compared to Alan Wood's icon; and it's equally bomb-proof. So, if you want a knife based on Ray's design, durability and performance, and not on fame, prestige, and collector/resale appreciation; try Adventure Sworn. They also offer several other designs that focus on wilderness requirements. Thank You Paul; and a Happy New Year to all.....
I recently bought a bushcraft knife from Jacklore Knives lovingly handcrafted by Sandy Jack AKA "Wiltshire Man". I guess the design of the knife is based on the Woodlore. Highly recommended - check out his channels.
Thx for sharing the story of such a legendary blade.
May I inquire about brand / model of the Gortex jacket your wearing?
I was able to pick one up at the bushcraft show a few years ago for 100 quid.
Oh wow, that's like winning the bushcraft lottery! So cool for you!
Any chance you could do a video on the PK knife. Id love to know more about your thoughts behind some of the design features. I've seen videos where you talk about them but a wee bit more would be lovely. Have a great Hogmanay and laing may yer lumb reek. 👍
Hy Paul! I really like the history of the instructor's knife and I am a big fan of it! I'd like to ask you what about your own designed PK1 knife series? Which do you prefer more, the woodlore or the pk1? Happy New year, Adam
Lovely video, the knives are beautiful and can see they've had a lot of use. When they're handed out is the expectation that they are used? Or is it a case of you're presented with the knife as recognition of your work at Woodlore and its up to you whether it's used in the field or used as a display piece in the house?
Very nice. No, unlikely I would ever steal your thunder and make the Woodlore knife ill never get look like an instructor's knife!¡!! Am tentatively getting into putting my own handles on knives though and that's more my kick, that I learned to do it. Am far off confident enough to do this with an expensive blade like that yet.
👍
For anyone wanting a similar shaped knife, it looks very similar to the Aurora by Bark River, which is a magnificent knife for bushcrafters.
If they would still make them, for a reasonable price, I would probably buy two. And I know I am not the only one... 😂
Happy new year from an Argentinian student of yours, Global bushcraft symposium, Canada 2019. Hope you had never have to use the latex tourniquet I gave you. I have one in my belt right now.
Hi Adrian! I remember you well (and your gift). It's good to hear from you 🙂 I hope all is good with you. Best wishes for 2024!
alright paul im getting my bushcraft gear 2 gether slowley was woundering what coat are you wearing in this vidio ?
The extra weight of the handle represents the extra weight of responsibility.
Do you know anyone who can still produce these Woodlor 1:1 with very good quality?
I hi Paul I bought my first woodlore at bushcraft show this year from nomad knife works it’s the oak scaled one made by swc , do you know if the quality is as good as the the Alan wood knives thx?
Hi, the SWC Woodlore knives also good. I tested the prototype Woodlore SWC knife before the first production run. The knife I had performed well in the field 👍 Unfortunately Stephen is no longer with us but his knives are a great legacy to his craftsmanship.
@@PaulKirtley ahh that’s good to hear Paul it’s a beautiful knife and did hear he’d passed away fairly young, thx for reply and have good New Year’s Eve/day m8👍
If you want any help with the website linking the podcasts etc Paul im happy voulenteer some time to help out I run my own self hosted website so am familiar with the technology.
hello. where can i buy this knife, please? Thanks for answer.
I just rewatched the video from 3 years ago where you talk about deciding to start using your Woodlore 25th Anniversary Julius Pettersson knife. Did you use it Paul? What conclusion did you reach if you did? #AskPaulKirtley but not about kit.... 😂
If I ever get a wood lore I’d never use it. They’re now collector pieces. To expensive to use. I like my Mora’s and BPS knives. Inexpensive and durable. My favorite knife is my Bps b1 it’s a copy of the condor bush lore. Which I plan on getting as well.
Look up condor knives they are just as good and a lot cheaper !
1:18 Who is the guy bottom left? - Thanks.
😂❣️ Thanks
Looks great but Woodlore is too expensive. If I ever buy one of these, this would mean that I'm millionaire. Also if someone ever gifts me this knife, I would be afraid to use it, simply not to scratch it. If I lose it, it would be a disaster. Probably in England the salaries are better. In Eastern Europe I prefer cheaper replaceable Mora which you could beat without any fear and in case it breaks - just buy a new one.
They're too expensive in the UK as well
Mora makes that new line of premium blades that are way overpriced for the handle material compared to the antler ones on this woodlore. I have several moras and they are great for the price point and can’t be beat in that regard but I also like my super steels and expensive handles as well.
Rare means expensive too Isn’t it?
Mine is rarer. I've got an original that Ray sent me back in 92. Mine is number 16/600 etched by rays hand. I'm hoping that Ray still has the log book of who had them back then. Just A.Wood name and the etched number. Rays original , he put a bone handle on it.
And I'll add that Ray never sent them out sharp like today's knives. We had to sharpen them ourselves.
I’ll give you £1500 for it 😬
Still not as good as a mora garberg
Great knife... somewhat narcissistic presenter though. I'd love to know how many times you said me/I in this... Unfortunately after having skipped to where you had the scabbard/sheath fixed, then did a quick name drop for someone utterly masterful in their craft ,you then chose to shoot them down with "ofcourse i could have made this one myself". What a shame.