What a good series on these historical knife designs used for woodcraft or bushcraft. Early frontiersmen and long hunters used knives that they traded for or purchased from the outfitters if yesteryear. Like my friend Mr. Mike Reed pointed out, these frontiersmen’s knives were actually knives used and designed for butchering game and livestock. Today, the Green River and the Old Hickory line of carbon steel butcher knives best represent the frontiersman’s historical period. Blades were thin and agile. Sharp enough to slice and tough enough to hold an edge during heavier camp chores. Easily touched up with a leather strop or a flat stone. Today, many of the bushcraft and survival knives are larger, made of thicker stock. Designed as a “one-tool option” for camp chores and processing everything from wild game to wood for a campfire or for building a shelter in the field. Carbon steel is often preferred, but many knife manufacturers offer these bigger survival knives in high tech stainless steels. Knife handles have always been a necessity. From simple, functional hard wood to ornate stag, to super durable compounds that enhance wet weather grip and overall strength. The choice of handle materials and design is based on the availability of materials and personal preference of the owner. As an example: the Old Hickory 7” Butcher Knife in carbon steel with its hardwood handles is a very good starter bushcraft knife because it works very effectively and can be purchased new for less than $20 in most cases. For some that butcher knife is all the woodcraft knife they will ever need or want. Just come up with a proper fitting knife sheath and your set. For other folks, they are looking for something much more durable or custom in design and construction, just like some of the examples Mr. Reed has shown here. These knives come in various styles and at a higher cost than that butcher knife design. Personally, I have a few custom woodscraft knives and each is a fine work of craftsmanship. Example: my go to woodscraft knife is a custom knife made from a sawmill blade by Justin Peden of Mississippi (Spirt of the Outdoors on CZcams). This knife is made of treated and tempered carbon steel, sharpened to a razor edge, and fitted with black walnut handle scales. Justin also handmade a custom leather sheath for this knife. Excellent craftsmanship on a very affordable knife, which I happen to enjoy using very much. Mr. Reed has just touched on the history of these woodcraft or bushcraft style of knives. He brings out excellent points for consideration when choosing one of these knives for your own use. I personally look forward to more content like this from one of the men that I respect for their knowledge and experience in the woods. Tell all of your buddies about this CZcams channel and be sure to hit that “Like” and “Subscribe” button if you enjoy the content Mr. Reed offers here. - Tennessee Smoky
Mike I too noticed the style of sheath and I didn't like it either. I've always wanted a good carbon Steele Canadian belt knife. I have cheaper one . That style knife fits the hand well and is a good hunting and skinner .
Love knives
Me to Frank
Love knives but cannot see your knives on the video
There's nothing better than a good knife. Thanks brother!
Well jimmy they are handy
Good video Mike, there’s not a more important tool to have than a good knife.
I here you brother
What a good series on these historical knife designs used for woodcraft or bushcraft. Early frontiersmen and long hunters used knives that they traded for or purchased from the outfitters if yesteryear. Like my friend Mr. Mike Reed pointed out, these frontiersmen’s knives were actually knives used and designed for butchering game and livestock. Today, the Green River and the Old Hickory line of carbon steel butcher knives best represent the frontiersman’s historical period. Blades were thin and agile. Sharp enough to slice and tough enough to hold an edge during heavier camp chores. Easily touched up with a leather strop or a flat stone. Today, many of the bushcraft and survival knives are larger, made of thicker stock. Designed as a “one-tool option” for camp chores and processing everything from wild game to wood for a campfire or for building a shelter in the field. Carbon steel is often preferred, but many knife manufacturers offer these bigger survival knives in high tech stainless steels. Knife handles have always been a necessity. From simple, functional hard wood to ornate stag, to super durable compounds that enhance wet weather grip and overall strength. The choice of handle materials and design is based on the availability of materials and personal preference of the owner. As an example: the Old Hickory 7” Butcher Knife in carbon steel with its hardwood handles is a very good starter bushcraft knife because it works very effectively and can be purchased new for less than $20 in most cases. For some that butcher knife is all the woodcraft knife they will ever need or want. Just come up with a proper fitting knife sheath and your set. For other folks, they are looking for something much more durable or custom in design and construction, just like some of the examples Mr. Reed has shown here. These knives come in various styles and at a higher cost than that butcher knife design. Personally, I have a few custom woodscraft knives and each is a fine work of craftsmanship. Example: my go to woodscraft knife is a custom knife made from a sawmill blade by Justin Peden of Mississippi (Spirt of the Outdoors on CZcams). This knife is made of treated and tempered carbon steel, sharpened to a razor edge, and fitted with black walnut handle scales. Justin also handmade a custom leather sheath for this knife. Excellent craftsmanship on a very affordable knife, which I happen to enjoy using very much. Mr. Reed has just touched on the history of these woodcraft or bushcraft style of knives. He brings out excellent points for consideration when choosing one of these knives for your own use. I personally look forward to more content like this from one of the men that I respect for their knowledge and experience in the woods. Tell all of your buddies about this CZcams channel and be sure to hit that “Like” and “Subscribe” button if you enjoy the content Mr. Reed offers here. - Tennessee Smoky
Great day smoky I don’t know what to say thank you
Good video Mike, thanks for sharing YAH bless brother !
Very welcome
Mike I too noticed the style of sheath and I didn't like it either. I've always wanted a good carbon Steele Canadian belt knife. I have cheaper one . That style knife fits the hand well and is a good hunting and skinner .
Yeah I would love to have my old one but it’s not gonna happen