Camp Chef’s Knife

This is a new design, inspired by the PTS survival theme. There are some things we liked better about the older PTS knife, but getting them all to flow into a functional system was baffling me.

Anyway, throwing in the fact that in a real longer-term survival situation, preparing food is just a bit behind shelter and fire in importance, I also wanted something that would be more efficient than the recurve bolo blade for cutting board work.

This knife is a bit heavier than the PTS knives at 12.8 ounces. However, that is deceptive at first glance, because the high-carbon sawmill-blade steel on this individual is about 20% thicker than what we have been using on the PTS knives. So the corrected comparison would be a PTS knife weighing 11 ounces, compared to the Chef at 12.8. So the overall weight gain is about 16%, as the design stands.

This sheath weighs about 7.1 ounces (around 0.6 ounces heavier than the new model PTS Bush Knife sheath), bringing the total to 19.9 (compared to 17.5 ounces for the thickness-corrected New Model PTS knife) according to my scale. And YES, I put the quick-detach belt-loop on this sheath, too. Any blade this big needs to be quick-on quick-off, without forcing one to rebuild his belt setup.

So, what do we gain for that extra 2.4-or-so ounces?

–better cutting board performance
–more pointy tip, yet still strong
–simpler cutting geometry (recurves are quirky compared to straight edges)
–more grip for larger hands (users with man-size hands often find the new PTS knife to be a bit scant on handle)
–there is less taper to the handle than on the new PTS Bush Knife handle, so it is more comfortable for slicing and carving tasks.
–while there is not a “guard” per se, the blade is a full half-finger thickness wider than the front of the handle, providing ample tactile awareness of where the sharp part starts, and minimizing accidental slippage.
–better sheath interface, retention, and resistance to overpenetration of the blade into the welt and stitching, compared to the original PTS Bush Knife sheath.

So compared to a regular chef’s knife, what is different here? First of all, edge strength. Like the PTS Bush Knives, this one is designed as a high-impact, durable wood-cutting tool. Compare it more to a light cleaver.

So, why not just use a cleaver? Excellent question.

–cleavers usually have wider blades without effective points needed for many woodcraft and survival jobs. Cleavers tend to work fairly well as hatchets, but are shorter and heavier, by comparison.
–the wider blade on a cleaver gives a definite disadvantage in terms of torsion mechanics. It is a good chopper, but a poor carving tool. In prolonged use, it creates more stress to the hand and wrist.

So what are the cons to this design?
–less weight forward = less log-chopping power toward the tip. (However, it also means an increase in tip velocity with a wrist-flick chopping motion which is used in slashing vines and twigs.) So this knife, compared to the PTS Bush Knife, leans away from the “axe” toward the “machete.” So based on your needs, this might go either “pro” or “con.”
–the sheath is slightly more complex. It operates on the same principles as the new PTS Bush Knife sheath. And unlike the original PTS sheath, it doesn’t scare me.
–less-useful as a draw-knife. (If it’s all I had, I might consider binding a split-stick handle over the point, using wire, strong cord, sinew, rawhide, etc. to keep it tight?) Basically, either the old or new model of the PTS Bush Knife is a better drawknife than the Chef’s. What’s good for the goose may not always be good for the gander? If the squaws ask for both designs, they may have good reasons. 

If you really CANNOT TOLERATE an extra 2.4 ounces, it would be quite possible to grind away that much metal and/or micarta. But please, let’s do that BEFORE making the sheath! (Ideally, before assembling the handle.) What part would you wish to reduce?

What are your thoughts? Which blade type would you prefer to have as your one-and-only “big blade” for light, rapid travel and campcraft under austere circumstances?

Gladiolus

This was an experiment. Not intended to be historically “accurate,” but functionally similar to the Roman officer’s scaled-down “short sword” from which the “gladiolus” flower got its name.

The full-tang blade is cold-ground from an old Stihl 28-inch chainsaw bar. Obviously, I eliminated the bolt holes on one end, and the tip roller attachment area on the other end. This was one of the old bars from back when they were made from a solid piece of metal, instead of having layers sandwiched together and spot-welded. Basic stock thickness is about 5/32 inch.

The handle is 1/2-inch-thick brown canvas phenolic, secured with 8-32 stainless bolts and five 1/8-inch pins.

The sheath is hickory with a leather wrap. I haven’t decided which belt to hang it on. Wish I could try on the real Roman girdle and see how it rode. Traditional location was on the right thigh, with the handle forward slightly for an ice-pick-grip draw, apparently.

I sharpened it with a smooth-cut file, and de-burred it with a crock stick.

Here we see the balance point:

Weight of sword: 29.3 ounces; weight of sheath: 23.5 ounces; Total: 52.8 ounces

Simple Basics of Sharpening

Excellent video. If it fails to play here, find link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pagPuiuA9cY

Meditation in Motion–Testing some blades

New Knives–from the First Batch of 2024

A few new knives have been completed!

This one was made from a file. The handle is curl leaf mahogany, a scrub tree that grows in the Salmon River canyon where I grew up. It is an evergreen hardwood, fine closed grain.

This is a large, slim knife. At 10 inches overall, it is convex-ground from 3/32″-thick CPM S35VN steel. The handle scales are yellow G-10.

This is a regular 6-inch-Full-Tang with guard, in S30V. The handle is my first experiment with Ultrex G-10 and Rubber laminate. If you’re looking for a shock-absorbing handle, this might be the ticket.

This pair of blades is experimental. We’re going to take them out and work them, and see what we can learn. While they look quite identical, the blade thickness is significantly different.

The thicker one is about 5 ounces heavier. Both are 1095. The thicker one is a tad harder, and is more of a hatchet, while the thinner one is more like a machete.

The thin one is in a left-hand sheath, and the thick one is in a right-hand sheath.

Mors Kochanski Making Knives

This late icon of northern forest survival has left us a good example of what any handyman can do with a few common tools. Click the blue link below to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzGbwT4qVw0&t=7s&pp=ygUUa2FyYW1hdCBrbmlmZSBtYWtpbmc%3D

Measuring and Sewing Workshop Reminder

Hello to all and Happy New Year,

Do you have a desire to learn to sew nicely fitting garments for yourself and/or your family? The upcoming Sewing Workshop will be a great place and time to get started and to hone skills. If you plan to come, please secure your place soon! Registration by February 1 will be much appreciated! A hearty thanks to those who have already registered. 

Some of you have had significant sewing experience which is a huge benefit in making use of the measuring instruction and moving into drafting. The children and youth have a special place in our hearts. We look forward to working together very soon.

Gaining measuring experience and knowledge with this precise method, developed by our dear Jinni Nastiuk (soon to be 101 years young), has been a major turning point for me, but I cannot personally do it for everyone. I have a great desire to pass on this practical knowledge to as many as possible. This is your chance. This opportunity may not come again.

Proper fit depends on proper measurements and observations of each unique body. These measurements can then be applied to a computer draft (for a small fee) or you may learn to hand draft your own basics with the instruction manual that we plan to make available at the Sewing Workshop. Personally I like the hand drafting method because I think as I draw and it is fun!  It is also economical. I truly understand my pattern when I draw it myself. We have muslin fabric that you may use for your own test garments. There will be good food, a place to lay your head, bathrooms, exercise opportunities, and special devotionals. 

The detailed instruction and practice of measuring one another, together with instruction, will be of the highest value to those who aspire to learn it and make garments. This is a rare opportunity. Where else can you get it?

Beginners are welcome, especially interested children and teens. Children can best measure size mates. (Reaching to measure an adult may be difficult.) You can learn how to measure correctly and start out right. Your sewing will be so encouraging and useful if the garment fits! We must not despise the day of small things! Our girls will soon be adults. What skills and tools do they have for life? Can they gain more now?

We find that there are many options once we have our standard basic made. It is the most valuable sewing tool you can obtain. As we work with it we gain a feel of its limitless possibilities for the individual whom it fits. After you have done it for yourself, and have measured the next person, you are also helping them to obtain this precious tool. 

After your basic is fit, the next step is to do flat pattern work with your basic–unless you like to wear the basic as it is (which is seldom desirable for all figures). Flat pattern work enables you to make any garment that is needed such as various styles of dresses, blouses, pants, coats, jackets, skirts, leggings, and much more,  There are only 3 principles by which we alter the basic to make all these many garments, namely: adding or removing fullness, transfering darts, and contouring. There are many “Flat Pattern” guide books available to guide you in the process. I will show some books at the class.

Measuring and fitting is something you cannot do for yourself. An untrained person will have difficulty doing it on their own merely by written instructions. The class is designed to give you hands-on experience under an instructor with directions in hand.Having another person measure you is most helpful. The privilege of measuring another real person helps us toward the goal. It is well worth the investment of time and effort for those who are determined to sew.

I will lead the ladies and girls in measuring and Christopher will help any men or boys who come and join the Workshop. I hope all the girls and women will be able to get a skirt made during the class, but if you are diligent, perhaps you can also make more–skirt top, a jumper, or even a dress or other garment, especially if you already have some sewing experience. Even if all you should accomplish is to get your measurements taken accurately, you have a treasure. School children can take the pattern drafting manual and draw up their own patterns where math comes alive through its practical application. We are not too afraid of making a mistake, because they can all be stepping stones and learning experiences. 

There will be special features presented by Christopher for emergency clothing. However, this aspect is also dependent on measuring. Sometimes, in the field, we must measure ourselves. The more precise science of human measurement is a great help in understanding which measurements are needed for the primitive garments, in order to economize on materials and minimize waste.

Please feel free to call if you have questions about anything. 

Pray and seriously consider making a sacrifice to commit the week to it as soon as possible. So that this event can move off with the greatest economy and benefit to each one who attends, early registration is encouraged. We pray God will impress those to come who can truly benefit and will share with others. 

We will need to cap the class attendance at about 20 students, so hurry and make your reservation NOW. Feb. 1 will be the comfortable cut-off date for us. If you cannot register by this time but seriously plan to come, at least call and let us know of your intention.

Looking forward to this special event with all those whom the Lord sends,

Sylvia and Christopher

Applegate-Fairbairn legacy

Mystery of Israel

https://rumble.com/v3pr62s-must-see-the-mystery-of-israel-solved.html

Ready to Ship

Carbon Steel and Walnut–and some Dymondwood, too.

4 Nessmuk knives and one 6-inch lightweight full tang knife, all made from sawblade and heat-treated for excellence.