Now before we go any further, I am not looking to start conflict and arguments about differing views on what a bushcraft folder should be. There are various ideas and designs, which is good. Life would be terribly dull if we all liked the same things.
These are my views and I was wondering what other think.
I am looking at a bushcraft folder for the UK. Something that fit into the section 139 of CJA 1988. So, 3" or under, non locking blade. I know all about the "we can use a fixed blade of any size as long as we have a reason...yadayada" debate and I am not looking to bring all this into it. That's been thrashed to bit on many occasions!
Let's face it, how many of us have access to vast tracts of wood land where we can do whatever we want?
For me at any rate, I think a small knife can do practically all things we can legally get up to in England, as long as its simple, strong, well made and easy to fix if damaged.
So I'll go for a chunky friction folder such as this one I designed and made.
It has a just under 3" cutting edge, blade 3mm thick, with a shape somewhat reminescent of the Woodlore. The blade can be either scandi grind or convex.
It has 2mm steel liners for strength. This particular one has brass and copper pins and brass pivot. I have made them with wood, horn, bone scales and they can hame Micarta scales too. My preference is to use steel pivot and pins to get the maximum strentgh. The pivot can be riveted so that the blade needs 2 hands to open, or can be left so that it can be open one handed too.
The tang has a purpose: it is held in the hand and prevents the blade from closing accidently, the stiffer the pivot, the easier it is to keep open. The hole at the end of the tang also has a purpose: it can be hooked on and carried as a neck knife. You can make a small leather sheath with the tang sticking thought the bottom and hook it that way. The knife can't be lost, it can't open and it won't stab you if you fall on it.
This is another one with bone scales and all steel furniture.
A member here has got one with horn scales and has written a review on his blog .
I think this idea works but what do you think? I am not looking for compliments, or to slay sacred cows, just constructive debate.
These are my views and I was wondering what other think.
I am looking at a bushcraft folder for the UK. Something that fit into the section 139 of CJA 1988. So, 3" or under, non locking blade. I know all about the "we can use a fixed blade of any size as long as we have a reason...yadayada" debate and I am not looking to bring all this into it. That's been thrashed to bit on many occasions!
Let's face it, how many of us have access to vast tracts of wood land where we can do whatever we want?
For me at any rate, I think a small knife can do practically all things we can legally get up to in England, as long as its simple, strong, well made and easy to fix if damaged.
So I'll go for a chunky friction folder such as this one I designed and made.
It has a just under 3" cutting edge, blade 3mm thick, with a shape somewhat reminescent of the Woodlore. The blade can be either scandi grind or convex.
It has 2mm steel liners for strength. This particular one has brass and copper pins and brass pivot. I have made them with wood, horn, bone scales and they can hame Micarta scales too. My preference is to use steel pivot and pins to get the maximum strentgh. The pivot can be riveted so that the blade needs 2 hands to open, or can be left so that it can be open one handed too.
The tang has a purpose: it is held in the hand and prevents the blade from closing accidently, the stiffer the pivot, the easier it is to keep open. The hole at the end of the tang also has a purpose: it can be hooked on and carried as a neck knife. You can make a small leather sheath with the tang sticking thought the bottom and hook it that way. The knife can't be lost, it can't open and it won't stab you if you fall on it.
This is another one with bone scales and all steel furniture.
A member here has got one with horn scales and has written a review on his blog .
I think this idea works but what do you think? I am not looking for compliments, or to slay sacred cows, just constructive debate.
