Another lockdown project, this one a bit quicker. I ordered a 24" Bahco dry cut blade and based the proportions off that. I used oak, mostly because I had some well-seasoned in the workshop, but it's also a very strong wood so a decent choice in it's own right.
I used slotted head bolts for ease of tightening in the field, with the nuts carefully recessed into the wood by pressing them into slightly smaller diameter holes with the vice.
The handles are slotted so that the blade is entirely hidden when stowed. Both the bolt holes and paracord holes are lined with copper tubing for a bit of additional strength and longevity.
I used some surplus canvas from my lavvu (one of the shoulder flaps) to make a slip, which I then waterproofed with homemade greenland wax. This makes it feel much tougher and water now runs straight off.
I used slotted head bolts for ease of tightening in the field, with the nuts carefully recessed into the wood by pressing them into slightly smaller diameter holes with the vice.
The handles are slotted so that the blade is entirely hidden when stowed. Both the bolt holes and paracord holes are lined with copper tubing for a bit of additional strength and longevity.
I used some surplus canvas from my lavvu (one of the shoulder flaps) to make a slip, which I then waterproofed with homemade greenland wax. This makes it feel much tougher and water now runs straight off.