I have many fond memories of going up into the mountains and doing all sorts of different things with an Old Hickory 8 inch butcher knife. It will always be one of my favorites.
My Old Hickory butcher knife is the best. It gets a lot of use. Just gotta keep a very light coat of olive oil or fat on it to keep it from tarnishing too much.
@@MrRufusjax pretty partial to mine as well. I have no idea how long mine had been exposed to the saltwater of Katchmac Bay before I rescued it. I wasn’t sure I could bring it back but Old Hickories just don’t die!
I agree 💯 with what you said . Good Morning brother . Cowboy C Bop here . I have been collecting knives for many years . Too many !! Haha I started doing videos 5 years ago . I don’t really do demonstrations when it comes to the batoning . I always say “ that is what my hatchet is for “. 😂😂 Seriously- I don’t want to mark up or break any of my beauties. Worked too hard to get this collection to where it’s at currently . I’d say out of all my knives , I only really use about 20 % of them . The rest are well kept and stowed away . For now . I love when fellow UA-cam viewers tell or ask me to baton with one of my blades . It’s normally guys who don’t own the knife . They would rather me do it just to see what happens . Nope !! Won’t do it . Anyway - I usually have 2 blades with me at all times . My pocket knife and my KaBar D2 Extreme stays hidden under my seat in my truck . ( every time I get in my truck I reach under the seat to say hello ) 😂 Ya never know if it will be needed . Just happy knowing I have something especially for those “ just in case “ situations. Anyway - Great vid . I just subbed too . Have a great week 🤠
Thanks mate! Always good to know I'm not the only one thinking this way. Cowboys generally tend to think along the same lines lol. You have an awesome rest of the week yourself! Cheers!!!!
I've had Mora for years. Because of your video here I got the KS9 9 inch Sami. Workmanship is amazing. Using it almost daily. Very happy to have found your video and being introduced to the KS9. Thank you and stay warm out there ☕
Sorry I’m late getting back to you. Been on the trail through Interior Alaska, the Yukon and British Columbia and service is pretty much nonexistent in that part of the world. I’m very happy to hear that I had a positive influence!!! In hindsight, I wished I had gotten the 9 inch instead of the 8 inch but the more I use it the more I love it! Cheers mate!!!
I have a Leatherman on my belt, SAK in my pocket, and a small folder for edc. When I head out into the woods I add a hatchet or pocket saw and a fixed blade. I have been stuck without when I was younger and I am too old to do that again lol.
Lol! Nothing like experience when you're willing to learn from mistakes! Made more than a few when I was a young fella. When romance gets smacked in the face by reality, a tough lesson just got learned. Cheers!
My grandfather, who lived between the 2 WWs and was a Greek soldier on the 2nd, always had a big knife that he didn't use every day, but he needed it for the big jobs, like ending the life of a pig etc. Then he had a 4 inch knife or around that size for carving and utility. and a 3d which was his foodprep knife. The Large was Saber grind, the mid was full convex and the food prep was full flat grind. I bet he had other knives too, but those are that come out of my memory, that he used, probably the most than others. So. yes, at least 3 knives, wherever you are, if you're of course in the outdoors. and not in a peacfull city.
What's great about seeing folks practicing "bushcraft" skills is they are outside, practicing self reliance, learning to be independent and enjoying themselves. Not everyone has spent a lifetime in the outdoors, like yourself. For some folks, that silly featherstick is honing skills, learning knife and fire craft. Who am I to fault anyone willing to be outside... cheers
A very good point mate and I totally agree with you! I really wasn’t poking fun at the bushcraft community, more at the “experts” who make money off doing and saying the same thing over and over. I appreciate your comment!!! Cheers!
I’ve done the 3 knife for many years, people used to tease me and say I have a knife for everything. Depending on what I’m doing I may add a machete to that group of three. Great video
Good on ya mate! Bugger what other folks say. Each blade has a purpose. Some can cover most bases but not all. I like your choice of a machete too. When I was down south I carried a machete often times instead of an axe. Up here it’s my Pulaski. Cheers mate!!!
Feather sticking and baton are skills learned. Almost everything you state is very subjective. Hunting and processing wild game isn’t what Bushcraft is about the knives used primarily by Bushcrafters lean towards wood processing or basic camp tasks. OKC or Old Hickory makes greats blades and I have been a fan my whole life I hunt and trap and processing game is something OKC does well. A wise man once said the best knife is the knife you have. I look forward to watching more of your content, best regards Dutch
Thanks for the comment Dutch! You’re absolutely right about the subjectivity. Pretty hard to escape that when dealing with opinions. I try to be as objective as possible when presenting what I’ve found works for me after 50+ years of running the bush and a five year stint of scouting for the Army. I certainly didn’t mean to make light of bushcrafting or bushcraft skills. Cheers mate!!!
USCG Kodiak Airstation 1974 and then several return trips. I remember when The Alaskan Ulu Factory revived the ‘Womans Knife’ and now gets called tourist junk by knife makers putting food on the table making Damascus and fossil ivory Versions. The flat buttcap and flare on salami knives also work well for push cuts and draw cuts with cold hands or mittens. The smaller puukkos are more angled for a reverse grip and the thumb resting for control. The first thing new people want is a KNIFE. I tell them a good pair of boots and sleeping bag are more important! Christopher
Old Hickory knives. Is my go-to knife when I'm camping. Like us old boys. They just get better with age😉.. and I think you can still buy them at Walmart enjoyed your program .all more power to you.
The Old Hickory 'Hunter' is a gem. I carefully removed the scales, cleaned up the steel and epoxied the scales back on using the same rivets. It will take a beating, even batoning now. $22 with a decent sheath. Nice little Case you have there.
I saw the ‘Hunter’ on their website. About bloody time they put one out like that. I love the one I showed in the video. The little Case has got to be pushing 100 years old now. She’s a cute little bugger. Cheers mate!
I always have a folder, a multitool with two blades, and a Swiss Army Knife with two blades on me as EDC and then when I go into the woods, I add a fixed blade to my belt and as backups I add a fixed blade, folding saw, Mora hatchet, SAK, folder, and multitool to my backpack
Was damn cold down in Elk City this past weekend, had negative 38 at me cabin. I still carry the same knife me grandma got me when I joined the navy but carry several others in me pack
Saw that you were getting some damn cold temps! Been rather balmy up here, got above freezing twice in the past week! A good blade is an heirloom for sure…bout all I got to pass down! Cheers!!!
I own that same model own hickory! Funnily enough I too rescued mine, from the mud at a camp ground. Use it in my kitchen and camping still. After a new handle
I laid out all of my gear and simply asked if something were necessary. Yes, keep; no, toss. Since I do more scouting and hunting than anything else, I must travel as light as possible. My knives: Leatherman super tool and carbon mora.
I'm definitely a fan of keeping things light as well. Outdoorsmen need to get out and find what works for them whether it's two blades or ten but, heading out relying on a single knife is a serious mistake in my book. You can cover a lot of bases with the blades you're carrying for sure. Cheers!
Cheers to you too! I’m sort of addicted to estwing tools. I keep a camp axe and claw hammer in my truck, and I pack a sportsman’s hatchet when I know I’m gonna need it. The fact that they’re full-tang steel from head to toe is the total reason why I prefer them, as well as their sensible metal treatment. However, my dad has a hatchet that he found back in the 70’s that has such a quality head that a file can’t faze it, and the bastard will hold an edge longer than either of us will be alive. When stuff was made in the old days, it was REALLY made!
Also what gear for the cold from truck gear to clothing? 1998 gmc jimmy 4x4(s10 blazer)so far block heater winch and winch bumper recovery straps tire chains traction mats and a spare set of tires on rims for winter. The truck has a new transmission upgraded with billet parts sun shell 5 pinion planetary and alot of other upgrades(heavy duty). Engine 4.3l complete new main rod and cam bearings camshaft lifters and roller rockers. Hei distributor head port and polish. All gaskets and seals replaced. All sensors replaced. Complete frontend replaced all new both different new seals and bearings. Cross drilled slotted rotors and pads new rubber brake lines. Marine intake swap. Deciding on a lift and 31x10.50r15 tires. Custom steel overla rear bumper swing arm(spare tire) a three jerry can holder. Going to pull out all the carpet and lizard skin the interior(floorboards). Insulate the firewall door panels and new weather stripping. Then paint and body work. Still working on alot. I just wanted to build reliable vehicle I can trust my test is the 3,000+ mile trip home to alaska.
Each to his own and what ever makes you happy I say. I live in the woods, hunt, fish, and sometime get to just loaf around there. Guess I'm no "cowboy", but I've somehow managed to become a senior citizen with nothing but a medium stockman in my pocket. Or if I'm hunting big game, I add a Grohmann #2.
Too right mate and yep, a stockman is a pretty handy tool. Sorry I’m so late getting back to you. The life I live doesn’t lend itself to just carrying a pocket knife. For example, filleting a 20 pound salmon with a pocket knife would be a bit of a challenge, could be done but it’s a whole lot easier with a bigger blade. I appreciate your comment, cheers mate!
I like watching thse type of videos to see what other people use I've been buying different styles of knives over the years to see what works best for me so I appreciate it even though good for you might not be good for me. Where as my friend I go camping with basically has used the same knife for years . Funny opposite ends of the spectrum between us . With me switching knives probably too often looking to try everything and him settling for something basic and getting used to it haha
I almost always have a rapala Marttiini fillet knife. 6". Got so used to using it when I was young and broke it's become second nature to bring it with (in addition to whatever my favorite bush knife happens to be at the moment). I love that neck knife. Perfect size and shape. I also have the original leatherman I bought when I joined the army 30 years ago. Same exact one and its seen some shit!
lol! I have a 6” Marttiini fillet knife as well. It’s my all around kitchen knife and been so for years. We must have been in the Army about the same time period (mine was Jan. 85-Jan. 90) always had a Leatherman with me then and always will. I haven’t figured out why every human being on earth doesn’t carry one. That little Case was handed down to me, no idea about how old it is but it’s a sweet little fella. Cheers mate!!!
I manage a large homestead and if I'm heading into the trees there's 5 things I never leave the fence without. 1) Leatherman Surge 2) Void Walked Khukuri 3) Stihl Woodcutter Universal Axe 4) Silky BigBoy 2000 5) FNX 45 Tactical The rest depend on what I'm trying to get done.
👍 Where i live we all carry Moras and Strömeng (made in Norway) "choppers", the Strömengs are usually from 7" to 9"...lightweight like a small machete that you won't get annoyed having on your hip all day, extremely good knives. Sometimes axes. Mora till the day i die for me😁👍 i live a short drive from the factory in Dalarna county, Sweden. Take care Chief! 👍
Thank you for the post mate! It’s awesome to hear what people use in different parts of the world. I’ve never had the opportunity to carry a Mora but they didn’t get their reputation for nothing! Cheers!!!
Good choices, I have the same Stromeng blade as yours. Son in law picked it up in Norway when he was there with the military.They are a well made knife, and like you said they've been working for a long time in Lapland. Keep warm there!
Cheers mate! The more I use it, the more I like it! The Sami say it has magical healing properties too. I haven’t been able to unlock that one. Dang sure looking forward to breakup. Thanks for the comment mate!
Willow’s not all that far from me in Alaskan terms. They get more snow and I get more wind. Wolves were pretty hard on the moose the past couple of winters up where I’m at but haven’t seen any kills this winter except road kills. Cheers!
I dont do bushcraft stuff... I wish I had time to. But I'm a farmer. Northern Pennsylvania. The farm is in the mountain pretty good... But I carry 2 knifes with me every day. A case knife with a 3 or 4inch blade. Don't remember. And the big Leatherman. I use them for everything around here.. there good knife served me well. Been caring 2 knifes since I was 11. Now 29.
Good on ya mate and g’day to ya from Alaska! Spent a quite a bit of time on mainland NZ…S. Island that is. A lot like Alaska except you can grow fruit, cheers!!!
I have been to Sami land in northern Sweden and I'm sure they carry these for a reason I got me one and love it. You don't have to reinvent the wheel look for what stood the test of time. very nice video and good thoughts.
New here love the blades that sami. Man I've seen that everywhere it's a great blade and the old hickory .down here in the 48 ppl get stuck on 4 inch blades lol
After many years of skinning game and camping, my favorite knife blade length is 6”. A 5” or less does wear easier while driving a truck or sitting on the ground or in a deer stand…doesn’t bunch up on your belt/pants. The 6” is nice when reaching inside a deer. A close 2nd is my 5.5” D2 steel with sambar stag handle made by James “Jimmy” Lile. Same guy that made the survival knife for Stallone the First Blood/Rambo movie.
Yep, when I go bush whacking I always have my Swiss Victorinox Hunter and a good folder, (my EDC), and a medium to large straight blade on me and at least one other knife plus a camp axe and folding saw in my pack. After 50+ years of learning things the hard way, these folding saws started showing up in the sporting goods stores so I got a few different ones to try and the cheapest one (from Harbor Freight $5.99) is the best I have tried, better than the $25.00 one.
Guess it takes 50+ years to get it sorted out lol! I never head out into the bush without my Pulaski and at least one saw, usually Two for the same reason I carry at least thee knives. Cheers!
Hello, I have been using my Puma White Hunter for camping or bushcrafting for a little over 30 years as a backup, I have the USMC KA BAR and for cooking I use the Opinel No.8. I send greetings from Germany Northern Black Forest -Walter
Schon guten tag aus Alaska! I always wanted a Puma White Hunter. I did carry a Puma Bowie for several years and loved it. Puma makes outstanding knives and I think they are unjustly overlooked by the bushcrafting community. I have never had a KABAR but they have a great reputation. Opinel is timeless. Vielen dank fur ihren kommentar! Cheers!!! -Jim
Yes sir, I live on the Chugach Mountains side of the Matanuska River, that is the Talkeetna range you’re seeing in the background. I can also see the southern end of the Alaska Range. Reckon I live in the center of the universe. Cheers!!!
Good no noncense video! Depends on were i go and how long it wil be to grab the tools i need for the yourney. 1 big ka-bar bowy for batonbackupp/protection and 2 opinel are always there, the 1 kids opinel is for butter/jam/bread/eating together whit my titanium spoon :-) Maybe a small axe and silkysaw Or a machety
I have been carrying a carbon opinel #7 in my pocket - such a great slicer, and easy to sharpen! And weighs just over an ounce.. I guess yours there is an 8? If I am out camping I carry a mora basic and a small tramontina machete, that I trimmed the end so it's pointy/stabby like a Bowie, blade about 13" (and weighs about 12 oz).
Lol! It is an Opinel # 8! Not too long ago I had a # 7 in the other pocket but I had a friend in need so I gave him the # 7 but planning on replacing it! Sounds like you’re very much of the same mindset as I am. Love to see your modified machete. Pretty handy tool they are! Cheers!
Two and a belt multi tool. Usually only one needed otherwise you end up with too much to check and maintain and more to lose and not realise you've lost til much later in both time and distance. The natives usually have one.
Great video sharing your thoughts. I used to fall victim to the whole marketing machine and bought a couple knives that do not really do the job for me. Like you I like traditional knives that have been used over a long period of time. Tried and tested. My issue with many current 'bushcraft' knives is that they make them so thick that it gets difficult to use them for anything but woodcarving. I figure there just is no one tool option that will be comfortable in every situation. There is merit in trying to get things done with whatever tool you have, but if we are honest, you wont opt for that if you have a choice. Since I live and hunt in Germany I have a different set of knives for hunting and for other outdoor tasks as our hunting is not really done in the back country for the simple reason that we do not really have any back country :D My hands down most used knife is my Swiss army knife. I subscribed to your channel and left a thumbs up. Do take a look at my videos if you like. Excited to see your upcoming content! Greetings from Germany
Schon guten tag aus Alaska! I hope I stated that correctly, my German is quite rusty. It appears that we think very much alike and I’m definitely going to visit your channel. Thank you for a very well articulated comment! Cheers, Jim
Smart man…carry multiple knives. I always have two knives when deer hunting. After skinning many deer and wild pigs, my Randall 0-1 steel retains a sharp edge longer than others I’ve used including newer steels, D2, and 1095.
The genuine issue British MOD Survival Knife (Night Galaxy Inc. ) beats everything else of similar blade length. If you can stand the extra bulk, a Ka-bar Kukri or a Woodman's Pal might be better. For lightness, the Cold Steel SRK and Glock 78 can't be beat. An old-fashioned military Ka-bar is good all around, as is the Cold Steel Trailmaster Bowie. A Victorinox Swiss Army "Explorer" model is the bulkiest I want in my back pocket but the SwissChamp model has everything. The Leatherman Wave is probably the most practical blend of weight and features. If you are planning on skinning, filleting, dining, whittling etc., consider the Mora models or the Buck 110 or whatever makes you happy.
@@jimbriggs3065 I’m in Florida, no we used and abused them , they would usually rust out form saltwater between trips , we were real busy , didn’t have time for playing with knives , If they got to rusty they usually went deep six
@@kuzinit2374 lol, well dang, I was hoping you had fished outta Homer, would have been an awesome story if I had picked up a knife that was possibly discarded by you! Cheers mate!!!
P. S we usually convex the chopping sweetspot on our Strömengs. I torture tested one of my Strömends 8" during my military service, it is MUCH tougher than it looks😁. Btw Norwegian SF are issued these with a fingerguard. Take care🙏
Great video! So Navaho grind you put on a edge on one side. What is the angle on that? How you take the burr off from the other side Can i do this with any knife? Thank you!
Thanks mate! I can’t really tell you what the angle is other than it’s pretty steep. I don’t have a shop so I just took a file to the right hand side of it, filing against the edge until the bevel was completely on one side then turned it over and filed against the edge again to knock the burr off. Gets pretty darn sharp just using a file but gets razor sharp using a fine stone or a diamond hone. I don’t think it would lend itself well to a scandi ground knife because they tend to be thicker. I think it works for a v or a saber ground blade. Experiment and let me know how it goes! Cheers!!!
I prefer what “I think” the typical mountain man would use. That was probably a high carbon steel blade with a stag handle. I’ve discovered gnarly stag handles work well once your hand becomes bloody and wet…still have a firm grip. Smooth handles slip and slide.
Love the case knife, what’s the model # on it? I’ve carried a case trapper and a sodbuster JR for years , and more recently a green river 5” knife , I think they call it a fish knife , 1095 high carbon steel , flat ground and takes a razor edge and looks a lot like an old hickory .
Howdy, the little Case doesn’t have a model number on it, kinda tells you how old it is. My ex father in law gave it to me about 30 years ago and I pretty sure he got it when he was a kid…Gotta be pushing 75-80 years old. Handy little bugger. I have carried Green Rivers years and almost consider them and Old Hickories one and the same! Just plain hard to beat a classic! Cheers mate!!!
@@jimbriggs3065 Yes sir , the green river and the old hickory are very close , I just like the blade shape of the green river better , like you I’ve “ adjusted “ the grip to suit my old hands . It takes an edge insanely well, I’ve literally shaved with it more than once. take care up in the north country brother ! Cheers from Carolina .
Seems like good fun out there! I carry very similar things as you. I live in the land of the leuku and have one myself. I build traditional puukkos too. But I am waiting for some money to get a blacksmith mate make me the one leuku blade I want. So what I carry now is a big blade called a hukari that used to be made by a company called Taiter. A hukari sort of looks a bit like something between a broken sword and a seax and works like an axe or a big ol chopper. You will see it if you google Taiter Hukari. The hukari apparently originated in a repurposed broken sword. Other than that, I carry a Mora Eldris as a necker. Great for the mushroom season. Then an old Leatherman Wave. Unbeatabla. I have one of those all in one SAK as well. But the Leatherman has proper pliers and a liner lock. So I carry that. Then an Opinel 8 in carbon steel. And when I know I am likely to process fish, I carry a Russel drop point that I handled myself. This one has a serrated spine which is great for scaling fish. There are others that I carry as well. But in this sort of combination for different tasks. And when there is a need, an axe and a saw. The Russel can be a great all purpose camp blade as well. Have fun and stay safe!
Thank you very much for the comment! I knew the Sami People sometimes carry a knife that resembles a seax but I had no idea what it was called. I had to look it up and yep, looks like a seax. I have never used one but I have Shepard friends down in New Zealand that use a smaller version of this knife and swear by it. Gotta love those Green Rivers [Russels]! Green Rivers and Old Hickories have to be the most unsung outstanding blades on the planet. I carried a Leatherman Wave since they first came out...15-20 years? I switched to a Surge when I thought I was going to get cast on Alone because it has bigger scissors, blades and an awl but the Wave feels way better in the hand. I have to say, the more I use my leuku, the more I love it. My only regret here is I wished I had gotten a 9 inch blade instead of an 8 inch one. Cheers mate!
I've always wondered about the actual durability of those Sammi knives. I bought one during a trip to Norway about 25 years ago, but it's one of those pretty things; the kind you hang on a wall. I've never used it. Like you, I have a knife for each application; and use Varusteleka's Terävä Skrama for those big jobs. I'll have to look into getting one of these Stromeng's to see how they compare. I suppose if I had to, I could process game with my Skarma, but the geometry of that Sammi looks like it would do an easier job of it. Have you ever used the Eräpuu Lapinleuku knife? I was told they were pretty sturdy as well. Safe Travels; thank you for your time.
Get any leuku made by stromeng, lauri, or puronvarsi. The modern lauri and puronvarsi are made out of 80crv2 and absolutely tough as nails. The Lauri blades have a very substantial tang at the base of the blade where it matters most then tapers down, you're only gonna break that through misuse or intentionally breaking it. If Puukkos and Leukus were weak I don't think they'd have been used for over 2000 years
G’day fellow wood rat. The bush is the only place for me. I didn’t know what an Esee 4was so I had to look it up. Looks like a nice middle sized blade. Cheers!
I'm one of those who likes all that feather sticking and such. Not much of a game processing watcher as I'm a city slicker. I did enjoy this video and will subscribe to see more.
@@jimbriggs3065 It has great reviews especially for the differential heat treatment. Also check out Dark Timber knives by Peter Kohler, I wish I could get one but unfortunately I'm in the UK, wouldn't get through customs.
I have a wood cookstove it's a six burner with bread warmer on top is it worth carefully crating it and taking it to alaska or is it affordable to buy one there mine is a antique about a 100 years old in perfect shape
It’s gonna cost you a small fortune to get it shipped up here but you’re gonna have a hard time finding anything like that up here. I think she’s a keeper if you can get her here!
@@jimbriggs3065 I can disassemble it and put it top pieces and legs inside of the top and oven area the back unbolts. I'll carefully wrap it in lots of cardboard then build a 2x4 crate. It wiegh 1,300lbs of solid cast iron. I will put it on a little trailer tow behind the truck it will be extra for the ferrie but worth it. Is there anything I should buy while in the southern states that you can think of? Took your suggestion just called my friend works at a local pawn shop(ffl) magnum remington 870 31/2 chambering with a slug barrel on order on its way
NEED HELP!!!! I INHERITED some land just outside of anchorage towards fairbanks. I'm in sc and plan on moving up. So I got a 1998 s10 blazer 4x4 fixing it up. I hunt fish and trap down here in south carolina and Georgia area. What calibers for big game moose interior grizzly and elk? I have 30-06 a d 300 win mag and a Henry 45/70. Buying a glock 10mm but more of a revolver guy 44 mag? 454 casual? 460 s&w?
G’day! You’re about to enter an outdoorsman’s paradise! If you’re just outside Anchorage headed towards Fairbanks, I’m guessing you’re going to not be far from me. Any of those calibers will work just fine up here. I’m not aware of any elk up here but there is a draw for bison around Delta Junction. Can’t forget about dall sheep and mt. goat, damn fine eating. Salmon fishing is the best in the world! I’m a wheel gun guy as well. I have a .45 long colt but I’d be a lot happier if I had a 454 casul. The one gun you’re missing though is a 12 gauge. I carry a short barreled 870 across my saddle and in camp spring, summer and fall. I hope I helped you out a bit and I hope you find Alaska as magical as I do. Cheers!!!
Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. I once put a 'navajo grind' on a knife, on a whim after sharpening some mower blades. It made for a fine edge, although one that dulled quickly. Not a problem, though, if you don't mind touching up your edges often. I believe it is still common to grind kitchen knives that way in Japan?
Old trade knives were case hardened then chisel ground to keep one side of the edge harder instead of fully exposing the softer inner metal. I suspicion that habit took root in cultures to make best use out of what they could get in trade
Outstanding observation mate! I’ll point out that pre trade ulus up here in the arctic and subarctic we’re mostly slate blades that were chisel ground. Thanks for your input mate, cheers!
I wish I could help you on that one mate. All my shirts, sweaters and jackets are wool and from New Zealand except, my vest which is wool lined oilskin, also from NZ. I get most of those from Swanndri. Nobody knows wool like the Kiwis! I think getting the layers right is the most important thing! Cheers!
I can recommend ( and own) two North American sources. Boreal Mountain Anoraks makes superb wool anoraks ( parkas) and the canvas outer windbreakers for extreme winter. Prices are very reasonable and shipping free. They are in Quebec Canada. Nice folks! Johnson Woolen Mills in New England make wool hunting coats and trousers in the traditional plaids. A couple named Conover wrote The Winter Wilderness Companion that is a classic. They guided up in Minnesota and talk clothing and gear. Rule #1 the clothes worn while active are adjusted as you go. When you set camp and Are sedentary a serious parka is pulled out. Christopher
Thanks for jumping in mate and good advice! I kinda lusted after one of those BM Anoraks for a while but, I have two Swannis and they are basically the same. I appreciate your posts mate!
I don't agree with the notch on the spine though. It creates a stress point that eventually, if the knife fails and breaks in 2, that's where the failure will occur.. You can grab a stick that are hundreds around you in the outdoors, or use your Victorinox or anything else, to pull the hot pot from the fire!
Lol! You’re not the first to disagree with the notches on my knives! The origin of the notch came from when I used to roam the grasslands and used animal dung for fuel, no trees or shrubs to be had. I hope that makes the notch a bit more understandable. Thanks for the comment mate! Cheers!!!
@@jimbriggs3065 You're right! If you use the knife as it should be used, the notch can only add to the usefulness of the tool! Thanks for sharing your experience!
A lot can be said for simplicity and tradition. The mountain men used the famous green river butcher knife and butcher knives had been used previously on the frontier in the east. What better tool for dismembering large game than something made for the purpose?
G’day! I’ve never held a Case butcher knife but I’m going to assume the pattern is much like my Old Hickory. A time tested, tried and true style of knife. Boggles my mind how much folks spend on knives these days. I’m a big fan of popping tags at a thrift store. Cheers mate!!!
I love your realistic, honest and common sense reflection on your knives. You pretty much spoke my mind! I carry several knives in my work as a rescue specialist with the Canadian Coast Guard and I get endless ribbing on the number of blades I carry. I carry a Swiss Champ XLT, a Leatherman Wave, a Myerchin riggers knife and a Buck fillet knife in my dry bag. As for the Swiss Champ and Leatherman I point out that they aren't intended to be the ultimate do-all tool but they replace your teeth and fingernails. My Myerchin is my belt knife for quick efficient cutting of rope or need for a short prybar in an emergency. The fillet knife is a surgical tool that can finesse a tangle of snarled rope in a hurry. In my youth I lived on my own in the bush and carried a large blade my grandfather made from a leafspring welded to a Bayonet handle. It was my do all bush knife! It had at least an 8" blade and back in the late 1960's before modern bushcrafting was cool that knife did everything for me from cutting tent pegs, batoning firewood, limbing tipi poles, opening cans of stew and beans to making peanut butter sandwiches. The loss of my grandfathers knife breaks my heart but I've found a similar blade in the Fox 133. It has a similar weight and feel but is a modern stainless alloy as compared to the old rusty and trusty high carbon steel that feels like sugar steel. Thanks for your perspective it rings so true!!
Thanks mate for both the compliment and the comment! I hadn’t thought about my Leatherman being a replacement for teeth and nails but you’re spot on there. I’m sorry to hear about losing the knife your granddad made. A knife like that just can’t be replaced. It kinda sounds like we came to very similar conclusions over the same time period and experiences. Cheers!!! Jim
JIm? Jim, I enjoyed that. I subscribed. Don't change much, please. You be you. Viewers know to click and subscribe. Just do you. People will follow along. This video is the best of 100s on knives I have watched this year, because you are you. Brilliant. I also happen to agree with your choice in knives to a mind-blowing degree. When you pulled out the Opinel I slapped my knee so hard the dog ran out of the room. Seasons Greetings!
I really appreciate your comment mate!!! No worries about me being anyone other than me, too old and set in my ways to play to the UA-cam world. That was the only video (I think) that I asked folks to subscribe and it felt like begging as well as insulting the intelligence of viewers. That Opinel is always with me and is one of my all time favorite skinning knives. Cheers mate!!!
I would rather have a axe and saw then a knife but i do really like a good knife.I prob would carry a Mora,Helle,and a Victorinox if i did three.I always have a Victorinox with me about everywhere I go.
Good philosophy mate. I always have a saw and my Pulaski with me in the bush. In fact both go with me in the truck wherever I go! All those brands are outstanding knife makers although I’ve never owned a Mora, I have used one and they’re a very well made blade. I did carry a Helle Viking for a couple of years and issued a Victorinox while I was attached to the German Army. Both great knives! Cheers mate!
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m a first time watcher so maybe you’ve already covered it, but curious what other tools you use (hatchet, saw etc) and how they fit into your carry.
G’day! If I’m not going 19th century I take my Pulaski (a bit heavy but worth the weight in my book) and a 7” Corona Razorback, the best small folding saw I’ve come across. Cheers mate!!!
I appreciate that mate! I’m pretty tired of ”experts” bleating on about the same bloody thing or trying to sell me their be all, end all knife. The narrative needed to change. Cheers!!!
I like you way of thinking. I'm a carry as many knifes as it takes to sink crossing a river kinda guy. The whole 1 and done knife thing is dead. Carry what you need , not what a gear reviewer tells you to
Sure mate, Stromeng old fashioned 8” Lueku, spelling may not be correct but close. Old Hickory 7” butcher, 98% sure about that. Opinel #8, two blades on a Leatherman Surge and a 3” Case that’s so bloody old nobody can find the model. Cheers!
Good video, though you tend to mumble at times and it's difficult to hear what you're saying. Show how you actually sharpen the knives and various blades, such as your Pulaski.
Lol! I do mumble, and ramble on at times! Thanks for the critique cous, that’s helpful. I was a bit hungover doing that video but I’ll work on my speech problems in future videos. Cheers!!!
I have a collection of case knives anyone have any other brands they like? Have some old timer some buck knives. Also how about compound bows will I be able to get heads shafts and other bow related parts?
@@jimbriggs3065 plan is get to Washington with everything loaded in my truck get on one of them ferries make it to anchorage set up camp somewhere in city of anchorage or hotel? Buy up as much fuel as I can and head towards fairbanks! Will have to book in May as the ferries don't have till then? Don't know the cost yet for fairy
I have many fond memories of going up into the mountains and doing all sorts of different things with an Old Hickory 8 inch butcher knife. It will always be one of my favorites.
Mine’s a 7 inch but it is one awesome and overlooked knife. Definitely one of best I’ve ever had…Cheers!!!
My Old Hickory butcher knife is the best. It gets a lot of use. Just gotta keep a very light coat of olive oil or fat on it to keep it from tarnishing too much.
@@MrRufusjax pretty partial to mine as well. I have no idea how long mine had been exposed to the saltwater of Katchmac Bay before I rescued it. I wasn’t sure I could bring it back but Old Hickories just don’t die!
@@jimbriggs3065 great knives. Best $20 dollars I spent a while back.
@@MrRufusjax too right mate!
I agree 💯 with what you said .
Good Morning brother .
Cowboy C Bop here .
I have been collecting knives for many years .
Too many !!
Haha
I started doing videos 5 years ago .
I don’t really do demonstrations when it comes to the batoning .
I always say “ that is what my hatchet is for “. 😂😂
Seriously- I don’t want to mark up or break any of my beauties.
Worked too hard to get this collection to where it’s at currently .
I’d say out of all my knives , I only really use about 20 % of them .
The rest are well kept and stowed away . For now .
I love when fellow UA-cam viewers tell or ask me to baton with one of my blades .
It’s normally guys who don’t own the knife .
They would rather me do it just to see what happens .
Nope !!
Won’t do it .
Anyway - I usually have 2 blades with me at all times .
My pocket knife and my KaBar D2 Extreme stays hidden under my seat in my truck .
( every time I get in my truck I reach under the seat to say hello ) 😂
Ya never know if it will be needed .
Just happy knowing I have something especially for those “ just in case “ situations.
Anyway - Great vid .
I just subbed too .
Have a great week 🤠
Thanks mate! Always good to know I'm not the only one thinking this way. Cowboys generally tend to think along the same lines lol. You have an awesome rest of the week yourself! Cheers!!!!
@@jimbriggs3065 Thanks so much for the reply 🤠
I've had Mora for years. Because of your video here I got the KS9 9 inch Sami. Workmanship is amazing. Using it almost daily. Very happy to have found your video and being introduced to the KS9. Thank you and stay warm out there ☕
Sorry I’m late getting back to you. Been on the trail through Interior Alaska, the Yukon and British Columbia and service is pretty much nonexistent in that part of the world.
I’m very happy to hear that I had a positive influence!!! In hindsight, I wished I had gotten the 9 inch instead of the 8 inch but the more I use it the more I love it! Cheers mate!!!
I have a Leatherman on my belt, SAK in my pocket, and a small folder for edc. When I head out into the woods I add a hatchet or pocket saw and a fixed blade. I have been stuck without when I was younger and I am too old to do that again lol.
Lol! Nothing like experience when you're willing to learn from mistakes! Made more than a few when I was a young fella. When romance gets smacked in the face by reality, a tough lesson just got learned. Cheers!
My grandfather, who lived between the 2 WWs and was a Greek soldier on the 2nd, always had a big knife that he didn't use every day, but he needed it for the big jobs, like ending the life of a pig etc. Then he had a 4 inch knife or around that size for carving and utility. and a 3d which was his foodprep knife. The Large was Saber grind, the mid was full convex and the food prep was full flat grind. I bet he had other knives too, but those are that come out of my memory, that he used, probably the most than others. So. yes, at least 3 knives, wherever you are, if you're of course in the outdoors. and not in a peacfull city.
Thanks for sharing this mate! Cheers!
What's great about seeing folks practicing "bushcraft" skills is they are outside, practicing self reliance, learning to be independent and enjoying themselves. Not everyone has spent a lifetime in the outdoors, like yourself. For some folks, that silly featherstick is honing skills, learning knife and fire craft. Who am I to fault anyone willing to be outside... cheers
A very good point mate and I totally agree with you! I really wasn’t poking fun at the bushcraft community, more at the “experts” who make money off doing and saying the same thing over and over. I appreciate your comment!!! Cheers!
I’ve done the 3 knife for many years, people used to tease me and say I have a knife for everything. Depending on what I’m doing I may add a machete to that group of three. Great video
Good on ya mate! Bugger what other folks say. Each blade has a purpose. Some can cover most bases but not all. I like your choice of a machete too. When I was down south I carried a machete often times instead of an axe. Up here it’s my Pulaski. Cheers mate!!!
Feather sticking and baton are skills learned. Almost everything you state is very subjective. Hunting and processing wild game isn’t what Bushcraft is about the knives used primarily by Bushcrafters lean towards wood processing or basic camp tasks. OKC or Old Hickory makes greats blades and I have been a fan my whole life I hunt and trap and processing game is something OKC does well. A wise man once said the best knife is the knife you have. I look forward to watching more of your content, best regards Dutch
Thanks for the comment Dutch! You’re absolutely right about the subjectivity. Pretty hard to escape that when dealing with opinions. I try to be as objective as possible when presenting what I’ve found works for me after 50+ years of running the bush and a five year stint of scouting for the Army. I certainly didn’t mean to make light of bushcrafting or bushcraft skills. Cheers mate!!!
USCG Kodiak Airstation 1974 and then several return trips. I remember when The Alaskan Ulu Factory revived the ‘Womans Knife’ and now gets called tourist junk by knife makers putting food on the table making Damascus and fossil ivory
Versions.
The flat buttcap and flare on salami knives also work well for push cuts and draw cuts with cold hands or mittens. The smaller puukkos are more angled for a reverse grip and the thumb resting for control.
The first thing new people want is a
KNIFE. I tell them a good pair of boots and sleeping bag are more important!
Christopher
Lol! I use one of those junk tourist ulus in the kitchen all the time. Love your advice on boots and sleeping bags, sound wisdom that! Cheers!
10k views in 5 days with 500 subs. Someone hit the algorithm! Hopefully it keeps you that way, I like your wholesomeness.
Cheers mate! Can’t ever see this as becoming anything fancy. What you see is what you get, warts and all. Cheers!
Old Hickory knives. Is my go-to knife when I'm camping. Like us old boys. They just get better with age😉.. and I think you can still buy them at Walmart enjoyed your program .all more power to you.
Cheers mate! Lol, love the comment about getting better with age, hadn’t thought about it but I’m all in! Thanks for the comment, cheers!!!
The Old Hickory 'Hunter' is a gem. I carefully removed the scales, cleaned up the steel and epoxied the scales back on using the same rivets. It will take a beating, even batoning now. $22 with a decent sheath. Nice little Case you have there.
I saw the ‘Hunter’ on their website. About bloody time they put one out like that. I love the one I showed in the video. The little Case has got to be pushing 100 years old now. She’s a cute little bugger. Cheers mate!
I always have a folder, a multitool with two blades, and a Swiss Army Knife with two blades on me as EDC and then when I go into the woods, I add a fixed blade to my belt and as backups I add a fixed blade, folding saw, Mora hatchet, SAK, folder, and multitool to my backpack
Lol! I do believe we kinda think alike! Cheers!
Was damn cold down in Elk City this past weekend, had negative 38 at me cabin. I still carry the same knife me grandma got me when I joined the navy but carry several others in me pack
Saw that you were getting some damn cold temps! Been rather balmy up here, got above freezing twice in the past week! A good blade is an heirloom for sure…bout all I got to pass down! Cheers!!!
I own that same model own hickory! Funnily enough I too rescued mine, from the mud at a camp ground. Use it in my kitchen and camping still. After a new handle
Lol! I guess a good blade just can’t be kept down! Cheers mate!
I laid out all of my gear and simply asked if something were necessary. Yes, keep; no, toss. Since I do more scouting and hunting than anything else, I must travel as light as possible. My knives: Leatherman super tool and carbon mora.
I'm definitely a fan of keeping things light as well. Outdoorsmen need to get out and find what works for them whether it's two blades or ten but, heading out relying on a single knife is a serious mistake in my book. You can cover a lot of bases with the blades you're carrying for sure. Cheers!
Cheers to you too! I’m sort of addicted to estwing tools. I keep a camp axe and claw hammer in my truck, and I pack a sportsman’s hatchet when I know I’m gonna need it. The fact that they’re full-tang steel from head to toe is the total reason why I prefer them, as well as their sensible metal treatment. However, my dad has a hatchet that he found back in the 70’s that has such a quality head that a file can’t faze it, and the bastard will hold an edge longer than either of us will be alive. When stuff was made in the old days, it was REALLY made!
Carried "Ol Hickory" knives for thirty years plus,in the Australian scrub.Never let me down. Love your work. Thanks.
Cheers mate! I had no idea that Old Hickories even ever made it Down Under. Never saw one other than mine in NZ. Appreciate your comment mate! Cheers!
Also what gear for the cold from truck gear to clothing? 1998 gmc jimmy 4x4(s10 blazer)so far block heater winch and winch bumper recovery straps tire chains traction mats and a spare set of tires on rims for winter. The truck has a new transmission upgraded with billet parts sun shell 5 pinion planetary and alot of other upgrades(heavy duty). Engine 4.3l complete new main rod and cam bearings camshaft lifters and roller rockers. Hei distributor head port and polish. All gaskets and seals replaced. All sensors replaced. Complete frontend replaced all new both different new seals and bearings. Cross drilled slotted rotors and pads new rubber brake lines. Marine intake swap. Deciding on a lift and 31x10.50r15 tires. Custom steel overla rear bumper swing arm(spare tire) a three jerry can holder. Going to pull out all the carpet and lizard skin the interior(floorboards). Insulate the firewall door panels and new weather stripping. Then paint and body work. Still working on alot. I just wanted to build reliable vehicle I can trust my test is the 3,000+ mile trip home to alaska.
Damn mate, I believe you’ve got the bases covered!
Each to his own and what ever makes you happy I say. I live in the woods, hunt, fish, and sometime get to just loaf around there. Guess I'm no "cowboy", but I've somehow managed to become a senior citizen with nothing but a medium stockman in my pocket. Or if I'm hunting big game, I add a Grohmann #2.
Too right mate and yep, a stockman is a pretty handy tool. Sorry I’m so late getting back to you. The life I live doesn’t lend itself to just carrying a pocket knife. For example, filleting a 20 pound salmon with a pocket knife would be a bit of a challenge, could be done but it’s a whole lot easier with a bigger blade. I appreciate your comment, cheers mate!
I like watching thse type of videos to see what other people use I've been buying different styles of knives over the years to see what works best for me so I appreciate it even though good for you might not be good for me. Where as my friend I go camping with basically has used the same knife for years . Funny opposite ends of the spectrum between us . With me switching knives probably too often looking to try everything and him settling for something basic and getting used to it haha
Lol! Keep testing the water mate! Took me over 50 years to settle on what works for me! Cheers!
Nice to see a like thinker... I also live in AK.. Denali Burrough. I do have and use 4 inch blades. But my do it all is much larger knife.
Cheers mate! You in Denali Borough and me in the Mat-Su Borough, up here that makes us kinda like neighbors! G’day neighbor!!!!
Great video.
Always ask a guy who does it all the time if you want to know the best way. Thanks for the info.
Cheers mate! With your handle I take it you hunt with a flintlock?
I almost always have a rapala Marttiini fillet knife. 6". Got so used to using it when I was young and broke it's become second nature to bring it with (in addition to whatever my favorite bush knife happens to be at the moment). I love that neck knife. Perfect size and shape. I also have the original leatherman I bought when I joined the army 30 years ago. Same exact one and its seen some shit!
lol! I have a 6” Marttiini fillet knife as well. It’s my all around kitchen knife and been so for years. We must have been in the Army about the same time period (mine was Jan. 85-Jan. 90) always had a Leatherman with me then and always will. I haven’t figured out why every human being on earth doesn’t carry one. That little Case was handed down to me, no idea about how old it is but it’s a sweet little fella. Cheers mate!!!
I manage a large homestead and if I'm heading into the trees there's 5 things I never leave the fence without.
1) Leatherman Surge
2) Void Walked Khukuri
3) Stihl Woodcutter Universal Axe
4) Silky BigBoy 2000
5) FNX 45 Tactical
The rest depend on what I'm trying to get done.
Bases covered mate! Cheers!
👍 Where i live we all carry Moras and Strömeng (made in Norway) "choppers", the Strömengs are usually from 7" to 9"...lightweight like a small machete that you won't get annoyed having on your hip all day, extremely good knives. Sometimes axes. Mora till the day i die for me😁👍 i live a short drive from the factory in Dalarna county, Sweden. Take care Chief! 👍
Thank you for the post mate! It’s awesome to hear what people use in different parts of the world. I’ve never had the opportunity to carry a Mora but they didn’t get their reputation for nothing! Cheers!!!
GREAT GREAT VIDEO!!! will be watching as a loyal fan from now on keep on surviving the Way we all should
Cheers mate!!!
Good choices, I have the same Stromeng blade as yours. Son in law picked it up in Norway when he was there with the military.They are a well made knife, and like you said they've been working for a long time in Lapland. Keep warm there!
Cheers mate! The more I use it, the more I like it! The Sami say it has magical healing properties too. I haven’t been able to unlock that one. Dang sure looking forward to breakup. Thanks for the comment mate!
@@jimbriggs3065 I hear ya, I got a buddy by Willow that is quite tired of the snow it’s been another hard winter on the moose around there.
Willow’s not all that far from me in Alaskan terms. They get more snow and I get more wind. Wolves were pretty hard on the moose the past couple of winters up where I’m at but haven’t seen any kills this winter except road kills. Cheers!
I dont do bushcraft stuff... I wish I had time to. But I'm a farmer. Northern Pennsylvania. The farm is in the mountain pretty good... But I carry 2 knifes with me every day. A case knife with a 3 or 4inch blade. Don't remember. And the big Leatherman. I use them for everything around here.. there good knife served me well. Been caring 2 knifes since I was 11. Now 29.
Good stuff between me and my day bag I carry a good handful as well 👍different sizes and shapes for different jobs, Hello from New Zealand 👋🍻
Good on ya mate and g’day to ya from Alaska! Spent a quite a bit of time on mainland NZ…S. Island that is. A lot like Alaska except you can grow fruit, cheers!!!
I have been to Sami land in northern Sweden and I'm sure they carry these for a reason I got me one and love it.
You don't have to reinvent the wheel look for what stood the test of time.
very nice video and good thoughts.
Well said, my thoughts exactly! Cheers mate!
New here love the blades that sami. Man I've seen that everywhere it's a great blade and the old hickory .down here in the 48 ppl get stuck on 4 inch blades lol
Love both the Sami and Old Hickory knives. They can do everything a 4inxh blade can do but a 4 inch blade can’t do what an 8 inch blade can! Cheers!
Hard to beat an Old Hickory!!! Great video my friend.
Too right mate, Cheers!
After many years of skinning game and camping, my favorite knife blade length is 6”. A 5” or less does wear easier while driving a truck or sitting on the ground or in a deer stand…doesn’t bunch up on your belt/pants. The 6” is nice when reaching inside a deer. A close 2nd is my 5.5” D2 steel with sambar stag handle made by James “Jimmy” Lile. Same guy that made the survival knife for Stallone the First Blood/Rambo movie.
Yep, when I go bush whacking I always have my Swiss Victorinox Hunter and a good folder, (my EDC), and a medium to large straight blade on me and at least one other knife plus a camp axe and folding saw in my pack. After 50+ years of learning things the hard way, these folding saws started showing up in the sporting goods stores so I got a few different ones to try and the cheapest one (from Harbor Freight $5.99) is the best I have tried, better than the $25.00 one.
Guess it takes 50+ years to get it sorted out lol! I never head out into the bush without my Pulaski and at least one saw, usually Two for the same reason I carry at least thee knives. Cheers!
Hello, I have been using my Puma White Hunter for camping or bushcrafting for a little over 30 years as a backup, I have the USMC KA BAR and for cooking I use the Opinel No.8. I send greetings from Germany Northern Black Forest -Walter
Schon guten tag aus Alaska! I always wanted a Puma White Hunter. I did carry a Puma Bowie for several years and loved it. Puma makes outstanding knives and I think they are unjustly overlooked by the bushcrafting community. I have never had a KABAR but they have a great reputation. Opinel is timeless. Vielen dank fur ihren kommentar! Cheers!!!
-Jim
You remind me of Dave Canonbury for Outdoor Adventures. I like what you're doing thanks for bringing us along.
Lol, I don’t know who Dave Canonbury is but I’ll take that as a compliment, cheers mate!
@@jimbriggs3065 he does a lot of survival stuff he is good at it. Great video I look forward to more. cheers stay safe be well.
That's some seriously beautiful background scenery..........
Yes sir, I live on the Chugach Mountains side of the Matanuska River, that is the Talkeetna range you’re seeing in the background. I can also see the southern end of the Alaska Range. Reckon I live in the center of the universe. Cheers!!!
If you see some stunning scenery check out the video I posted last week, Up the Wolverine Alaska. My backyard in the summer!
Great choices showing a practical mentality. You've got another subscriber mate, I appreciate you too. Regards from the Outer Hebrides 🏝️🏴
Cheers mate!!! Regards from The Great White North!!!
What a fantastic country you have there greetings from the UK. (England)
Greetings from Alaska! Cheers mate!!!
I agree with you 100% on the amount of knives one might need when they go out
Good to know I’m not the only one that thinks that way. Cheers mate!!!
I have the version of that blade with the finger guard! I've got other knives but still come back to that one, something about the design just works.
I have an Ontario hickory handle chefs knife and I use it for wood working, thin still keeps an edge, might think of using it for bushcraft
Give it a go! Let me know how it works out for you. I do a lot of carving with my Old Hickory butcher knife, love it.
@@jimbriggs3065 I will! I put too much of a thin edge tho!
Strömeng are awesome knives! High quality!🇧🇻🇧🇻🇧🇻
I totally agree! Cheers mate!!!
Good no noncense video!
Depends on were i go and how long it wil be to grab the tools i need for the yourney. 1 big ka-bar bowy for batonbackupp/protection and 2 opinel are always there, the 1 kids opinel is for butter/jam/bread/eating together whit my titanium spoon :-)
Maybe a small axe and silkysaw
Or a machety
Spot on mate! Gotta love those Opinels. Used to carry two of them as well but had a mate in need so I gave him one of them. Cheers!!!
I have been carrying a carbon opinel #7 in my pocket - such a great slicer, and easy to sharpen! And weighs just over an ounce.. I guess yours there is an 8? If I am out camping I carry a mora basic and a small tramontina machete, that I trimmed the end so it's pointy/stabby like a Bowie, blade about 13" (and weighs about 12 oz).
Lol! It is an Opinel # 8! Not too long ago I had a # 7 in the other pocket but I had a friend in need so I gave him the # 7 but planning on replacing it! Sounds like you’re very much of the same mindset as I am. Love to see your modified machete. Pretty handy tool they are! Cheers!
The Old Hickory butcher,
was my first " bushcraft knife" , and still one of my favorites.
Yep, mine’s going to be buried with me! Cheers mate!!!
Great video mate! One of the best knife videos I've seen
Cheers mate! You on the NI or the mainland?
@@jimbriggs3065 Yeah South Island mate, what's your connection with NZ? If you don't mind me asking
No worries, I worked horses in South Canterbury, worked on a couple of stations on the mainland and done a couple of horsemanship clinics in Nelson.
Plus, read all of Barry Crump!
@@jimbriggs3065 Oh nice, I'm in North Canterbury. Looking forward to more of your content
Interesting video my friend. I have similar interest in knives and use I see your point
Cheers mate!
Two and a belt multi tool. Usually only one needed otherwise you end up with too much to check and maintain and more to lose and not realise you've lost til much later in both time and distance. The natives usually have one.
In fifty+ years I’ve lost only one knife. Very good point about native carry.
Great video sharing your thoughts. I used to fall victim to the whole marketing machine and bought a couple knives that do not really do the job for me. Like you I like traditional knives that have been used over a long period of time. Tried and tested. My issue with many current 'bushcraft' knives is that they make them so thick that it gets difficult to use them for anything but woodcarving. I figure there just is no one tool option that will be comfortable in every situation. There is merit in trying to get things done with whatever tool you have, but if we are honest, you wont opt for that if you have a choice.
Since I live and hunt in Germany I have a different set of knives for hunting and for other outdoor tasks as our hunting is not really done in the back country for the simple reason that we do not really have any back country :D
My hands down most used knife is my Swiss army knife.
I subscribed to your channel and left a thumbs up. Do take a look at my videos if you like.
Excited to see your upcoming content!
Greetings from Germany
Schon guten tag aus Alaska! I hope I stated that correctly, my German is quite rusty.
It appears that we think very much alike and I’m definitely going to visit your channel. Thank you for a very well articulated comment!
Cheers,
Jim
Smart man…carry multiple knives. I always have two knives when deer hunting. After skinning many deer and wild pigs, my Randall 0-1 steel retains a sharp edge longer than others I’ve used including newer steels, D2, and 1095.
Cheers mate!!!
I’d love to see more of that old hickory in use!! It’s great all around! Kitchen, camping, choring, or just admiring haha.
Old Hickories are just plain classic. You can see mine cut up moose for jerky on my food preservation video. Cheers!
@@jimbriggs3065 did!! So awesome!! Definitely going to buy a few more to beat around with.
All good choices friend. 2 is 1 and 1 is none. My sak is the ranger grip 78.
Swiss Army Knives are bloody awesome mate.
The genuine issue British MOD Survival Knife (Night Galaxy Inc. ) beats everything else of similar blade length. If you can stand the extra bulk, a Ka-bar Kukri or a Woodman's Pal might be better. For lightness, the Cold Steel SRK and Glock 78 can't be beat. An old-fashioned military Ka-bar is good all around, as is the Cold Steel Trailmaster Bowie.
A Victorinox Swiss Army "Explorer" model is the bulkiest I want in my back pocket but the SwissChamp model has everything. The Leatherman Wave is probably the most practical blend of weight and features.
If you are planning on skinning, filleting, dining, whittling etc., consider the Mora models or the Buck 110 or whatever makes you happy.
Love that little Case!
Yes sir, it’s a pretty handy little fella. It’s been in the family for somewhere around 80 years and I’ll be passing it on down the line. Cheers mate!
We used old hickory on commercial fishing boats , we didn’t really have time to take care of them , but they were good, Cheap and disposable
Lol! My Old Hickory maybe one you discarded, cheers mate!
@@jimbriggs3065 I’m in Florida, no we used and abused them , they would usually rust out form saltwater between trips , we were real busy , didn’t have time for playing with knives , If they got to rusty they usually went deep six
@@kuzinit2374 lol, well dang, I was hoping you had fished outta Homer, would have been an awesome story if I had picked up a knife that was possibly discarded by you! Cheers mate!!!
P. S we usually convex the chopping sweetspot on our Strömengs. I torture tested one of my Strömends 8" during my military service, it is MUCH tougher than it looks😁. Btw Norwegian SF are issued these with a fingerguard. Take care🙏
This is good stuff mate! I knew Norwegian SF used a leuku with a guard but tell me more about convexing the sweet spot.
I have a 100 year old hickory butcher knife that belonged to mom best knife I ever seen for meat work
That’s an heirloom for sure! Yep, with the grind I put on mine nothing stops it…except bone and I avoid those fellas. Cheers!!!
Great video! So Navaho grind you put on a edge on one side. What is the angle on that? How you take the burr off from the other side Can i do this with any knife? Thank you!
Thanks mate! I can’t really tell you what the angle is other than it’s pretty steep. I don’t have a shop so I just took a file to the right hand side of it, filing against the edge until the bevel was completely on one side then turned it over and filed against the edge again to knock the burr off. Gets pretty darn sharp just using a file but gets razor sharp using a fine stone or a diamond hone. I don’t think it would lend itself well to a scandi ground knife because they tend to be thicker. I think it works for a v or a saber ground blade. Experiment and let me know how it goes! Cheers!!!
@@jimbriggs3065 Thank you Brother.
I prefer what “I think” the typical mountain man would use. That was probably a high carbon steel blade with a stag handle. I’ve discovered gnarly stag handles work well once your hand becomes bloody and wet…still have a firm grip. Smooth handles slip and slide.
Love the case knife, what’s the model # on it?
I’ve carried a case trapper and a sodbuster JR for years , and more recently a green river 5” knife , I think they call it a fish knife , 1095 high carbon steel , flat ground and takes a razor edge and looks a lot like an old hickory .
Howdy, the little Case doesn’t have a model number on it, kinda tells you how old it is. My ex father in law gave it to me about 30 years ago and I pretty sure he got it when he was a kid…Gotta be pushing 75-80 years old. Handy little bugger. I have carried Green Rivers years and almost consider them and Old Hickories one and the same! Just plain hard to beat a classic! Cheers mate!!!
@@jimbriggs3065
Yes sir , the green river and the old hickory are very close , I just like the blade shape of the green river better , like you I’ve “ adjusted “ the grip to suit my old hands . It takes an edge insanely well, I’ve literally shaved with it more than once.
take care up in the north country brother !
Cheers from Carolina .
@@larrywilliams153 And, cheers from The Great White North! I appreciate your comments mate!
Seems like good fun out there! I carry very similar things as you. I live in the land of the leuku and have one myself. I build traditional puukkos too. But I am waiting for some money to get a blacksmith mate make me the one leuku blade I want. So what I carry now is a big blade called a hukari that used to be made by a company called Taiter. A hukari sort of looks a bit like something between a broken sword and a seax and works like an axe or a big ol chopper. You will see it if you google Taiter Hukari. The hukari apparently originated in a repurposed broken sword. Other than that, I carry a Mora Eldris as a necker. Great for the mushroom season. Then an old Leatherman Wave. Unbeatabla. I have one of those all in one SAK as well. But the Leatherman has proper pliers and a liner lock. So I carry that. Then an Opinel 8 in carbon steel. And when I know I am likely to process fish, I carry a Russel drop point that I handled myself. This one has a serrated spine which is great for scaling fish. There are others that I carry as well. But in this sort of combination for different tasks. And when there is a need, an axe and a saw. The Russel can be a great all purpose camp blade as well. Have fun and stay safe!
Thank you very much for the comment! I knew the Sami People sometimes carry a knife that resembles a seax but I had no idea what it was called. I had to look it up and yep, looks like a seax. I have never used one but I have Shepard friends down in New Zealand that use a smaller version of this knife and swear by it. Gotta love those Green Rivers [Russels]! Green Rivers and Old Hickories have to be the most unsung outstanding blades on the planet. I carried a Leatherman Wave since they first came out...15-20 years? I switched to a Surge when I thought I was going to get cast on Alone because it has bigger scissors, blades and an awl but the Wave feels way better in the hand. I have to say, the more I use my leuku, the more I love it. My only regret here is I wished I had gotten a 9 inch blade instead of an 8 inch one. Cheers mate!
I've always wondered about the actual durability of those Sammi knives. I bought one during a trip to Norway about 25 years ago, but it's one of those pretty things; the kind you hang on a wall. I've never used it. Like you, I have a knife for each application; and use Varusteleka's Terävä Skrama for those big jobs. I'll have to look into getting one of these Stromeng's to see how they compare. I suppose if I had to, I could process game with my Skarma, but the geometry of that Sammi looks like it would do an easier job of it. Have you ever used the Eräpuu Lapinleuku knife? I was told they were pretty sturdy as well. Safe Travels; thank you for your time.
Get any leuku made by stromeng, lauri, or puronvarsi. The modern lauri and puronvarsi are made out of 80crv2 and absolutely tough as nails. The Lauri blades have a very substantial tang at the base of the blade where it matters most then tapers down, you're only gonna break that through misuse or intentionally breaking it.
If Puukkos and Leukus were weak I don't think they'd have been used for over 2000 years
Thanks for the comment mate! Cheers!
Was surprised to see the Sami knife .. I too enjoy mine great tool. I also have and use the Old Hickory and Opinel as well..
I guess great minds think alike lol! Cheers mate!!!
@@jimbriggs3065 😂
That notch is a great idea
Lol, I’d like to take credit for the notch but I got a knife 40 years ago that had one and it’s been on my main knives ever since. Cheers!
I love my Esee 4 for outdoor use. I live in the deep woods myself haha
G’day fellow wood rat. The bush is the only place for me. I didn’t know what an Esee 4was so I had to look it up. Looks like a nice middle sized blade. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing, enjoy the day!
Well, it’s actually night time here but it is a beautiful one. Thanks for watching mate. Cheers!
I'm one of those who likes all that feather sticking and such. Not much of a game processing watcher as I'm a city slicker. I did enjoy this video and will subscribe to see more.
Thank you, I didn’t mean to make light of bushcrafting knife skills, they are definitely need to know skills. Cheers!
@@jimbriggs3065 Actually I chuckled when you mentioned it in the video as it is true.
Have you tried the Tops Tahoma Field Knife? Already has the notch in the spine, would be interested to hear your thoughts on it.
Never even heard of it mate, I’ll check it out. Cheers!
@@jimbriggs3065 It has great reviews especially for the differential heat treatment. Also check out Dark Timber knives by Peter Kohler, I wish I could get one but unfortunately I'm in the UK, wouldn't get through customs.
I have the Tops D Fly 4.5 and it’s a fantastic knife, I carry it every day.
KA Bar, Sp2, Fiskars hatchet, Fiskars folding saw, Kershaw folder, camillus titanium fixed blade,
Bases covered mate, cheers!
I have a wood cookstove it's a six burner with bread warmer on top is it worth carefully crating it and taking it to alaska or is it affordable to buy one there mine is a antique about a 100 years old in perfect shape
It’s gonna cost you a small fortune to get it shipped up here but you’re gonna have a hard time finding anything like that up here. I think she’s a keeper if you can get her here!
@@jimbriggs3065 I can disassemble it and put it top pieces and legs inside of the top and oven area the back unbolts. I'll carefully wrap it in lots of cardboard then build a 2x4 crate. It wiegh 1,300lbs of solid cast iron. I will put it on a little trailer tow behind the truck it will be extra for the ferrie but worth it. Is there anything I should buy while in the southern states that you can think of? Took your suggestion just called my friend works at a local pawn shop(ffl) magnum remington 870 31/2 chambering with a slug barrel on order on its way
Cool man, nice video. I will give that Navajo grind a go, ain't never seen it before :)
Thanks mate! I think you’ll find that grind pretty damn nice. Give it a go and let me know what you think. Cheers!
NEED HELP!!!! I INHERITED some land just outside of anchorage towards fairbanks. I'm in sc and plan on moving up. So I got a 1998 s10 blazer 4x4 fixing it up. I hunt fish and trap down here in south carolina and Georgia area. What calibers for big game moose interior grizzly and elk? I have 30-06 a d 300 win mag and a Henry 45/70. Buying a glock 10mm but more of a revolver guy 44 mag? 454 casual? 460 s&w?
G’day! You’re about to enter an outdoorsman’s paradise! If you’re just outside Anchorage headed towards Fairbanks, I’m guessing you’re going to not be far from me. Any of those calibers will work just fine up here. I’m not aware of any elk up here but there is a draw for bison around Delta Junction. Can’t forget about dall sheep and mt. goat, damn fine eating. Salmon fishing is the best in the world! I’m a wheel gun guy as well. I have a .45 long colt but I’d be a lot happier if I had a 454 casul. The one gun you’re missing though is a 12 gauge. I carry a short barreled 870 across my saddle and in camp spring, summer and fall. I hope I helped you out a bit and I hope you find Alaska as magical as I do. Cheers!!!
Those crazy Dutch fellas at DBK pronounce it lohkoo as far as I can tell. Great video!
Lol! Perhaps they’ve got it right and I’ve got it totally wrong??? Thanks for input mate! Cheers!!!
I've been using Old Hickorys as bush knives for over 40 years, now it seems to be all the rage
Lol! Ain’t that the truth! BTW, I was a scout in 2/5 Cav, 1st Cav Division…Scouts Out mate!
Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. I once put a 'navajo grind' on a knife, on a whim after sharpening some mower blades. It made for a fine edge, although one that dulled quickly. Not a problem, though, if you don't mind touching up your edges often. I believe it is still common to grind kitchen knives that way in Japan?
Old trade knives were case hardened then chisel ground to keep one side of the edge harder instead of fully exposing the softer inner metal. I suspicion that habit took root in cultures to make best use out of what they could get in trade
Outstanding observation mate! I’ll point out that pre trade ulus up here in the arctic and subarctic we’re mostly slate blades that were chisel ground. Thanks for your input mate, cheers!
great video, really enjoyed that.... proper bloke true.
Cheers mate!!!
What brand name jackets are in use for the severe cold winter? Any recommendations is really appreciated
I wish I could help you on that one mate. All my shirts, sweaters and jackets are wool and from New Zealand except, my vest which is wool lined oilskin, also from NZ. I get most of those from Swanndri. Nobody knows wool like the Kiwis! I think getting the layers right is the most important thing! Cheers!
I can recommend ( and own) two North American sources.
Boreal Mountain Anoraks makes superb wool anoraks ( parkas) and the canvas outer windbreakers for extreme winter. Prices are very reasonable and shipping free.
They are in Quebec Canada. Nice folks!
Johnson Woolen Mills in New England make wool hunting coats and trousers in the traditional plaids.
A couple named Conover wrote The Winter Wilderness Companion that is a classic. They guided up in Minnesota and talk clothing and gear.
Rule #1 the clothes worn while active are adjusted as you go. When you set camp and
Are sedentary a serious parka is pulled out.
Christopher
Thanks for jumping in mate and good advice! I kinda lusted after one of those BM Anoraks for a while but, I have two Swannis and they are basically the same. I appreciate your posts mate!
I don't agree with the notch on the spine though. It creates a stress point that eventually, if the knife fails and breaks in 2, that's where the failure will occur.. You can grab a stick that are hundreds around you in the outdoors, or use your Victorinox or anything else, to pull the hot pot from the fire!
Lol! You’re not the first to disagree with the notches on my knives! The origin of the notch came from when I used to roam the grasslands and used animal dung for fuel, no trees or shrubs to be had. I hope that makes the notch a bit more understandable. Thanks for the comment mate! Cheers!!!
@@jimbriggs3065 You're right! If you use the knife as it should be used, the notch can only add to the usefulness of the tool! Thanks for sharing your experience!
@@greekveteran2715 no worries mate!!!
A lot can be said for simplicity and tradition. The mountain men used the famous green river butcher knife and butcher knives had been used previously on the frontier in the east. What better tool for dismembering large game than something made for the purpose?
Too right mate! Cheers!!!
Picked up a Case butcher knife at a thrift store for 5 bucks. I use that sucker for everything. Has great balance and some heft.
G’day! I’ve never held a Case butcher knife but I’m going to assume the pattern is much like my Old Hickory. A time tested, tried and true style of knife. Boggles my mind how much folks spend on knives these days. I’m a big fan of popping tags at a thrift store. Cheers mate!!!
Beautiful knives! Looks like an old hickory it still has the marks on it. I got the same one and it's a great knife
The Old Hickory is my time tested favorite. Cheers mate!!!
I make my own knives, so I have a ton of em for all kinds of things, except a hunting knife cause I just haven’t got around to it.
I love your realistic, honest and common sense reflection on your knives. You pretty much spoke my mind! I carry several knives in my work as a rescue specialist with the Canadian Coast Guard and I get endless ribbing on the number of blades I carry.
I carry a Swiss Champ XLT, a Leatherman Wave, a Myerchin riggers knife and a Buck fillet knife in my dry bag.
As for the Swiss Champ and Leatherman I point out that they aren't intended to be the ultimate do-all tool but they replace your teeth and fingernails.
My Myerchin is my belt knife for quick efficient cutting of rope or need for a short prybar in an emergency. The fillet knife is a surgical tool that can finesse a tangle of snarled rope in a hurry.
In my youth I lived on my own in the bush and carried a large blade my grandfather made from a leafspring welded to a Bayonet handle. It was my do all bush knife! It had at least an 8" blade and back in the late 1960's before modern bushcrafting was cool that knife did everything for me from cutting tent pegs, batoning firewood, limbing tipi poles, opening cans of stew and beans to making peanut butter sandwiches.
The loss of my grandfathers knife breaks my heart but I've found a similar blade in the Fox 133. It has a similar weight and feel but is a modern stainless alloy as compared to the old rusty and trusty high carbon steel that feels like sugar steel.
Thanks for your perspective it rings so true!!
Thanks mate for both the compliment and the comment! I hadn’t thought about my Leatherman being a replacement for teeth and nails but you’re spot on there. I’m sorry to hear about losing the knife your granddad made. A knife like that just can’t be replaced. It kinda sounds like we came to very similar conclusions over the same time period and experiences. Cheers!!!
Jim
Bravo. Well thought list of knives. Mine is so similar as to be scary.
Cheers mate! Glad to hear that I’m not alone in this way of thinking!!!
JIm? Jim, I enjoyed that. I subscribed. Don't change much, please. You be you. Viewers know to click and subscribe. Just do you. People will follow along. This video is the best of 100s on knives I have watched this year, because you are you. Brilliant. I also happen to agree with your choice in knives to a mind-blowing degree. When you pulled out the Opinel I slapped my knee so hard the dog ran out of the room. Seasons Greetings!
I really appreciate your comment mate!!! No worries about me being anyone other than me, too old and set in my ways to play to the UA-cam world. That was the only video (I think) that I asked folks to subscribe and it felt like begging as well as insulting the intelligence of viewers. That Opinel is always with me and is one of my all time favorite skinning knives. Cheers mate!!!
I would rather have a axe and saw then a knife but i do really like a good knife.I prob would carry a Mora,Helle,and a Victorinox if i did three.I always have a Victorinox with me about everywhere I go.
Good philosophy mate. I always have a saw and my Pulaski with me in the bush. In fact both go with me in the truck wherever I go! All those brands are outstanding knife makers although I’ve never owned a Mora, I have used one and they’re a very well made blade. I did carry a Helle Viking for a couple of years and issued a Victorinox while I was attached to the German Army. Both great knives! Cheers mate!
Awesome video Dad! I'm really proud of you!
thanks Indy! An old dog trying to learn new tricks....pretty comical actually!
Old Hickory knives are good. I have several.
Yep, way overlooked, cheers!
You have all the so called experts beat 10 to 1 ! I'm an old wood rat my self and I understand you better than the rest .
Lol!!! I really appreciate that mate! From one old wood rat to another, Cheers!!!
In all the years I have lived here I still have yet to explore the hay flats
Lol! Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger mate! Little to close to Anchorage for my liking. Cheers!!!
@The Alaskan Bushman probably the biggest reason why I haven't 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@twobrothersbushcraftandsur8723 great minds think alike!!!
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m a first time watcher so maybe you’ve already covered it, but curious what other tools you use (hatchet, saw etc) and how they fit into your carry.
G’day! If I’m not going 19th century I take my Pulaski (a bit heavy but worth the weight in my book) and a 7” Corona Razorback, the best small folding saw I’ve come across. Cheers mate!!!
At last someone who talks sense about knives
I appreciate that mate! I’m pretty tired of ”experts” bleating on about the same bloody thing or trying to sell me their be all, end all knife. The narrative needed to change. Cheers!!!
I like you way of thinking. I'm a carry as many knifes as it takes to sink crossing a river kinda guy. The whole 1 and done knife thing is dead. Carry what you need , not what a gear reviewer tells you to
Love it mate! Cheers!!!
Can you list all the knives that you carried in this video.
Sure mate, Stromeng old fashioned 8” Lueku, spelling may not be correct but close. Old Hickory 7” butcher, 98% sure about that. Opinel #8, two blades on a Leatherman Surge and a 3” Case that’s so bloody old nobody can find the model. Cheers!
Good video, though you tend to mumble at times and it's difficult to hear what you're saying. Show how you actually sharpen the knives and various blades, such as your Pulaski.
Lol! I do mumble, and ramble on at times! Thanks for the critique cous, that’s helpful. I was a bit hungover doing that video but I’ll work on my speech problems in future videos. Cheers!!!
How many knives do you have with magnacut?
Just the one at the moment, thought about doing it to my Sami knife but decided against it. I plan on doing it to my little Case though. Cheers!!!
That Sami knife is wicked. You sound like a Hoigh Toider
Howdy! That Sami knife is bloody awesome mate! Don’t know what a Hoigh Toider is… I’m hoping it not a bad thing! Cheers!!!
I have a collection of case knives anyone have any other brands they like? Have some old timer some buck knives. Also how about compound bows will I be able to get heads shafts and other bow related parts?
Where you headed mate?
@@jimbriggs3065 plan is get to Washington with everything loaded in my truck get on one of them ferries make it to anchorage set up camp somewhere in city of anchorage or hotel? Buy up as much fuel as I can and head towards fairbanks! Will have to book in May as the ferries don't have till then? Don't know the cost yet for fairy