This is a review of commissioning a knife, aimed at individuals whom are looking towards progressing beyond the mainstream mass produced bushcraft tools. I thought that I would document my experience, to assist those looking at taking the next step, on the exciting journey which is outdoor crafts and tool passion (or obsession).
Like many others interested in Bushcraft, the tools of the trade become almost an obsession with the variety of shapes and designs for different intended purposes. Perhaps the most iconic tool in our craft is the humble and often understated knife.
As you progress, this humble tool progresses from the much loved Mora (the most highly recommended knife at any level), to more exotic steels, shapes, grinds and designs, for a plethora of different carving and cutting purposes.
picture of a standard Mora, we know and love
For myself, like most of us, the vast majority of my experiences in bushcraft tools, have involved off-the-shelf purchases, of often mass produced tools. With very few examples either handcrafted or bespoke tools that pass through our hands as we progress in our tutelage.
For myself, like most of us, the vast majority of my experiences in bushcraft tools, have involved off-the-shelf purchases, of often mass produced tools. With very few examples either handcrafted or bespoke tools that pass through our hands as we progress in our tutelage.
Perhaps for me, two of the most iconic knife designs comes down to the Ray Mears Woodlore Knife and the Grohmann No1.
picture of Grohmann No1
Focusing on the underdog knife design here, you can see inspiration of this leaf shape design in a number of folding knives (particularly the Spyderco range). This design, in relation to mass produced blades, is found in the original Grohmann No1 (plus others variations of this brand), Cold Steel and Bark River canadian belt knives (plus a few others not listed here). The blade shape and design could be classed as an overall use, which excels at game preparation, and can be put into use, in a number of outdoor tasks.
Trialling this design, I went for the Cold Steel version, which has been until recently a used knife in the kitchen, but found the steel lacking (Krupp 4116), the same stainless steel used in the Grohmann No1 (unless you get their 1070 carbon version). So the search was on, I had fallen in love with the design, I wanted a canadian belt knife with a good steel and thickness suitable for hard use bushcraft and general use (~3mm – 4mm).
The only possible way was to commission a craftsperson to create what I desired, and happened to come across Wolven Path Forge’s Canadian belt knife 2. Link to the website - https://wolvenpathforge.com/
I thought it would be nice to include a bit about the maker here, as is often the case with production knives there is the disassociation between a knife being made and the process which is involved. With custom production knives, there is a person in the background, rather than machine, and understanding a little bit about the maker’s background adds to the value of the end product.
"Kiril Mitrashkov from Wolven path forge"
Kiril Mitrashkov is a master bladesmith and knifemaker, member of the Bulgarian guild of craftsmen, and has practised this craft for 10 years. Last year it was decided that he needed to stop being just another maker of knives, and promote the brand as a company in its own right.
The name for the company is connected with family and where they are from. Mitrashkov family is an old established family within the area that they reside a town known as, Wolven path, (translated) "Road of the wolf", from this to Wolven path forge was an obvious step.
So back to the review….
Communication is the key to any successful business transaction, and I was not disappointed in this initial stage. I sent a query via Wolven Path Forge webpage and received a reply relatively quickly (I believe the same day). This led to a number of emails going backwards and forwards, until a number of my questions had been answered.
Now one of the things I really liked, was the fact that commissioning this tool only required a deposit, and the maker was receptive to all of my requests and even challenged one which made me change my mind about the sheath colour. This I found very reassuring as the maker was passionate about what they were creating.
So to confirm this is what I ordered.
Canadian belt knife 2:
· 1.2379 Steel (D2 equivalent, same as used in Manly knives)
· flat sabre grind, with a small secondary bevel (I will convex the edge at a later stage)
· stainless steel pins and lanyard tube
· green canvas micarta handle with red liners
· light brown leather with red stitching and fire steel loop (fire steel will be included if available)
· adjustable para cord lanyard (colour brown)
example of maker’s previous work which influenced my decision
One of the perhaps more unusual request was to do with the logo, the logo I really love, however, this is normally etched onto the blade bevel. Not wanting to lose that logo through sharpening and creating a mirror polish on the bevel, which I would like to do. I requested that logo be elsewhere on the blade, of which there was no resistance, even though the logo would not be as clear. I found this immensely refreshing.
picture of knife logo possible positioning and knife etching in the middle of the blade near the spine
One of the other areas which was also very telling, in relation to the passion from the maker, is that there were regular pictures emailed of the knife progression. This is wonderful as it brings you on the journey of the knife creation that you wouldn’t get with a production knife.
pictures of knife creation progression and knife at Rockwell testing (61hc)
This is an ongoing process, as the knife is being made currently and I am yet to handle it. But I can say so far that my experience in ordering a custom piece, has been exciting and engaging process. I will update the thread as and when things progress, which I will include at later stages.
Once I have the knife, I will do a long-term review of the knife in use and thoughts……to be continued…….
Like many others interested in Bushcraft, the tools of the trade become almost an obsession with the variety of shapes and designs for different intended purposes. Perhaps the most iconic tool in our craft is the humble and often understated knife.
As you progress, this humble tool progresses from the much loved Mora (the most highly recommended knife at any level), to more exotic steels, shapes, grinds and designs, for a plethora of different carving and cutting purposes.
For myself, like most of us, the vast majority of my experiences in bushcraft tools, have involved off-the-shelf purchases, of often mass produced tools. With very few examples either handcrafted or bespoke tools that pass through our hands as we progress in our tutelage.
For myself, like most of us, the vast majority of my experiences in bushcraft tools, have involved off-the-shelf purchases, of often mass produced tools. With very few examples either handcrafted or bespoke tools that pass through our hands as we progress in our tutelage.
Perhaps for me, two of the most iconic knife designs comes down to the Ray Mears Woodlore Knife and the Grohmann No1.
Focusing on the underdog knife design here, you can see inspiration of this leaf shape design in a number of folding knives (particularly the Spyderco range). This design, in relation to mass produced blades, is found in the original Grohmann No1 (plus others variations of this brand), Cold Steel and Bark River canadian belt knives (plus a few others not listed here). The blade shape and design could be classed as an overall use, which excels at game preparation, and can be put into use, in a number of outdoor tasks.
Trialling this design, I went for the Cold Steel version, which has been until recently a used knife in the kitchen, but found the steel lacking (Krupp 4116), the same stainless steel used in the Grohmann No1 (unless you get their 1070 carbon version). So the search was on, I had fallen in love with the design, I wanted a canadian belt knife with a good steel and thickness suitable for hard use bushcraft and general use (~3mm – 4mm).
The only possible way was to commission a craftsperson to create what I desired, and happened to come across Wolven Path Forge’s Canadian belt knife 2. Link to the website - https://wolvenpathforge.com/
I thought it would be nice to include a bit about the maker here, as is often the case with production knives there is the disassociation between a knife being made and the process which is involved. With custom production knives, there is a person in the background, rather than machine, and understanding a little bit about the maker’s background adds to the value of the end product.
"Kiril Mitrashkov from Wolven path forge"
Kiril Mitrashkov is a master bladesmith and knifemaker, member of the Bulgarian guild of craftsmen, and has practised this craft for 10 years. Last year it was decided that he needed to stop being just another maker of knives, and promote the brand as a company in its own right.
The name for the company is connected with family and where they are from. Mitrashkov family is an old established family within the area that they reside a town known as, Wolven path, (translated) "Road of the wolf", from this to Wolven path forge was an obvious step.
So back to the review….
Communication is the key to any successful business transaction, and I was not disappointed in this initial stage. I sent a query via Wolven Path Forge webpage and received a reply relatively quickly (I believe the same day). This led to a number of emails going backwards and forwards, until a number of my questions had been answered.
Now one of the things I really liked, was the fact that commissioning this tool only required a deposit, and the maker was receptive to all of my requests and even challenged one which made me change my mind about the sheath colour. This I found very reassuring as the maker was passionate about what they were creating.
So to confirm this is what I ordered.
Canadian belt knife 2:
· 1.2379 Steel (D2 equivalent, same as used in Manly knives)
· flat sabre grind, with a small secondary bevel (I will convex the edge at a later stage)
· stainless steel pins and lanyard tube
· green canvas micarta handle with red liners
· light brown leather with red stitching and fire steel loop (fire steel will be included if available)
· adjustable para cord lanyard (colour brown)
One of the perhaps more unusual request was to do with the logo, the logo I really love, however, this is normally etched onto the blade bevel. Not wanting to lose that logo through sharpening and creating a mirror polish on the bevel, which I would like to do. I requested that logo be elsewhere on the blade, of which there was no resistance, even though the logo would not be as clear. I found this immensely refreshing.
picture of knife logo possible positioning and knife etching in the middle of the blade near the spine
One of the other areas which was also very telling, in relation to the passion from the maker, is that there were regular pictures emailed of the knife progression. This is wonderful as it brings you on the journey of the knife creation that you wouldn’t get with a production knife.
pictures of knife creation progression and knife at Rockwell testing (61hc)
This is an ongoing process, as the knife is being made currently and I am yet to handle it. But I can say so far that my experience in ordering a custom piece, has been exciting and engaging process. I will update the thread as and when things progress, which I will include at later stages.
Once I have the knife, I will do a long-term review of the knife in use and thoughts……to be continued…….
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