Recent content by OneGear

Don't think it's necessary, just desirable. The bolster strengthens the handle. You can go without until it becomes necesary, then rehandle the knife with a bolster. That's what I'd do.

Pfft. Use marks on a knife are like a little dirt on your boots or some scars on your body - souvenirs! Seriously, a shiny knife is nice but remembering the uses that put those marks on the knife is better. I clean off sap and dirt but dont worry about the stripes and small scratches from...

I fix axes other folks helved. Nice move, indicting my skills rather than learning something. BTW, a proper chisel is a wedge. The reason to use a simple stick is because it pushes the eye clear without increasing friction inside the eye. You know, the way a wedge does. What...

I've been following this thread and tried not to get involved but I have to say something. Compared to the time and effort required to burn out the remnants of an old handle, just punching it out with a stick carved on the spot is far, far easier. We don't even have to get into whether the...

Both. Small tarp under the tent with rainfly/tarp over. Keep moisture (from ground and from sky) off the tent fabric and you're good. Around here we use tents mostly to keep the biting insects off while sleeping in warm weather. Wet tent fabric drips if you touch it and you will touch it...

I don't understand why all that work went into the axe head and handle and they pounded a metal wedge at an odd angle into it. A simple soft wood wedge aligned to the grain would do the job for the life of the handle. Makes me think this whole thread is a sales job for Neeman Tools after John...

Pretty much anything that has a flame but no dedicated chimney to the outside is problematic in enclosed spaces. Due to unburned fuel, CO2, and CO. Yes, your lungs will collect the same black carbon your exhaust fan collected. If you are in the room, your lungs collect the soot before the...

Realistically any cheap kitchen paring knife will work for "bushcraft." After a bit of use you'll begin to look for specific features on your next knife. It does seem I can get my high carbon blades sharper than my stainless blades. But maybe that's just me. I haven't found the edges on my...

Most axes have a coating or patina, either applied after finishing or left over from forging, that protects the surface from rust. Regardless, rust isn't a huge issue. I have kitchen knifes that will develop small rust spots over years, and wrapping them in a rag soaked with vinegar removes...