Spoonmakers basket.

[Mr Mac]

Well, after just over two years work I have finally managed to replace my Scandinavian edge tools with superb tools made by craftsmen here in the British Isles.

I have, over the last two years, developed the MaChris bushcraft knife with Chris Grant.
A beautiful carver and camp knife made in 52100 bearing steel. I use this knife exclusively now for my work.
I have also been working with Nic Westermann on an Axe design.
Between us we have come up with a compact, comfortable and versatile design that I find very useful in my line of work.

The tech spec for the MacNicaxe.

The axe is made from a bar of mild steel split and drifted to facilitate an eye.
An insert of silver steel is welded into the split.
The silver steel is tempered to be tough and is hard enough to to keep a fine edge without chipping or rolling.
The hardness is around 58RC.
The cutting edge is flat ground (Scandi style) at just under 30 degrees.





I guess some of you will compare this to the GB Carver.
Well, I have yet managed to control a comfortable thumb push with the GBC, and the GB is a little unforgiving for those of us who like to choke up the head.

The ability to thumb push on both heel and toe is welcome when roughing out.

I love old tools, but I also enjoy trying to develop edge tools that are comfortable in the hands of the craftspeople that use them.

Enjoy.
J.​

 

[plastic-ninja]

Carving Porn mate!
Very very nice kit.
Simon

 

[Mr Mac]

Carving Porn mate!
Very very nice kit.
Simon

Cheers Simon.
In the near future I'll write up the MaChris and the hook knife tech specs and details... Got a fair bit of carving to get through first...J;-)

 

[fishfish]

niiiiiiiiice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mr Mac]

niiiiiiiiice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like your signature fishfish... Takes me back a bit.
Glad you like my edge tools, I enjoy using them very much... J

 

[Dreadhead]

superb very nice

 

[Mr Mac]

superb very nice

Cheers Half Goat... J

 

[Steve13]

nice looking kit there

 

[Mr Mac]

nice looking kit there

Thanks Steve.
These tools work well for me.
Sharp, comfortable and made with selected steel... Top... J;-)

 

[jorn]

That axe looks exellent! Lovely tools you've got there mate.

 

[Hugo]

I like the look of the axe Mac, read up about it on your blog.
When is it available for sale or is it still in it's infancy, quite like the idea of using one for carving spoons and kuksa's, I have been looking at getting the GB carver but have been hanging back a while.

 

[Mr Mac]

That axe looks exellent! Lovely tools you've got there mate.

Thanks Jorn.
All of my edge tools put a smile on my face... J;-)

 

[kodiakjoe]

Lovely looking tools and spoons too. Just checked out your blog which has great photos of your axe techniques. Haven't used an axe for that stage of carving so really interesting food for thought. Thanks for sharing

 

[Schwert]

Very nice set. I particularly like that knife. I would like to know more about it. The blade shape and grip look especially well done.

 

[Mr Mac]

I like the look of the axe Mac, read up about it on your blog.
When is it available for sale or is it still in it's infancy, quite like the idea of using one for carving spoons and kuksa's, I have been looking at getting the GB carver but have been hanging back a while.

The GB is good Hugo.
But this axe is far more comfortable to use.
drop me a line at firststeps@thewood.eclipse.co.uk
J.

 

[Mr Mac]

Very nice set. I particularly like that knife. I would like to know more about it. The blade shape and grip look especially well done.

Hi Schwert.
The knife is a MaChris bushcrafter.
i will write a blog about it in the near future.
Chris and I have finalised the design after two years R and D
It is designed by me and made by Chris Grant, master blade smith.
Drop me a line at firststeps@thewood.eclipse.co.uk
J.

 

[Mr Mac]

Lovely looking tools and spoons too. Just checked out your blog which has great photos of your axe techniques. Haven't used an axe for that stage of carving so really interesting food for thought. Thanks for sharing

Glad you have found some inspiration to use an axe for the blanking out Kodiakjoe.I will have to post here with my technique.
Great to hear from you.
Best wishes.
J.

 

[Schwert]

Thanks JonMac. You have my mind racing with ideas after seeing that knife.

 

[Tiley]

I love the elegance, functionality and purpose that oozes from that knife! It looks like a real pleasure to use...

 

[Mr Mac]

I love the elegance, functionality and purpose that oozes from that knife! It looks like a real pleasure to use...

It's a fast, sharp, tough knife Tiley. Very comfortable, I'm using it right now on a new ale hen. Best wishes.
j.