BF Member pens interesting bushcrafting piece

outdoorsfan

outdoorsfan

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Sep 30, 2009
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I recently picked up a copy of the December issue of SWAT magazine to read an article written by BF Member bearthedog called Survival Bushcraft 101: Knives. I was interested to read it for several reasons as the article included one of my favorite topics (bushcraft), knives from one of my favorite makers (JK Knives) and I have really enjoyed bearthedogs pics and posts in the past.

The article opens with a good description of the attributes of a blade make it well suited to bushcrafting tasks. Blade and handle design, grinds, steel type, thickness and handle materials are all covered. Once some of the physical characteristics of bushcrafting blades were explained, bearthedog continues into how to utilize the knife for some common tasks. Knife grips, including the forehand grip and chest lever grip are detailed and applications of the grips for tasks such as batoning, making a feather stick and felling a sapling are demonstrated.

I enjoyed reading the article and it never hurts to review the basics or see someone else's personal idea of their use. The piece also could spark an interest in some to explore nature and bushcraft techniques, which is positive for all. Thanks to bearthedog for an interesting read.
 
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Sounds like a strange article choice for SWAT magazine. I'll have to look for it next time I'm at the bookstore.
 
outdoorsfan said:
I recently picked up a copy of the December issue of SWAT magazine to read an article written by BF Member bearthedog called Survival Bushcraft 101: Knives. I was interested to read it for several reasons as the article included one of my favorite topics (bushcraft), knives from one of my favorite makers (JK Knives) and I have really enjoyed bearthedogs pics and posts in the past. The article opens with a good description of the what attributes of a blade make it well suited to bushcrafting tasks. Blade and handle design, grinds, steel type, thickness and handle materials are all covered. Once some of the physical characteristics of bushcrafting blades were explained, bearthedog continues into how to utilize the knife for some common tasks. Knife grips, including the forehand grip and chest lever grip are detailed and applications of the grips for tasks such as batoning, making a feather stick and felling a sapling are demonstrated. I enjoyed reading the article and it never hurts to review the basics or see someone else's personal idea of their use. The piece also could spark an interest in some to explore nature and bushcraft techniques, which is positive for all. Thanks to bearthedog for an interesting read.

outdoorsfan, thanks for the post. I had completely forgotten about this article. There was a thread around two or three months ago about this article coming out. I'll have to pick up a copy tomorrow when I am out & about with the others picking up the "oop's, I forgot" items. Thanks again, have a good Thanksgiving. .
Be safe.
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I picked up several issues, one to read, one for my grandson, and one to save. :D
 
Snow said:
Sounds like a strange article choice for SWAT magazine. I'll have to look for it next time I'm at the bookstore.
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I remember correctly, Reuben told me it is kind of a regular thing now to do a wilderness type article in SWAT. Kind of a new thing I guess.

Is this the article with John's black handled knives? I can't remember if I saw it or not?
 
Good enough reason to stop in at the magazine store in town.
Never know what I am missing, but never have time to just go in and browse.
Thanks for the heads-up.:thumbup:
 
C Bryant said:
I remember correctly, Reuben told me it is kind of a regular thing now to do a wilderness type article in SWAT. Kind of a new thing I guess.

Is this the article with John's black handled knives? I can't remember if I saw it or not?
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It`s a new issue, Dec. 2010. It features my bloodwood bushcrafter, and the sheath you made for it.
 
SWAT Mag, despite the LE/police sounding title, is a little more than that..there are political articles, bushcraft articles, survival articles, there was a great series (two issues I think) about the Columbian drug war...written by someone who actually was with them on a raid in the jungle. It's got lots of gun and LE stuff also, but hey, that's where the name SWAT comes from:D

I just renewed my subscription about a week ago to:thumbup:
 
Still in Asia so I will make this brief. In the 2 years I have been writing for SWAT I have featured numerous survival kits, knives, and all kinds of outdoors gear. I have always been able to tell it like it is and that is great feeling for a writer. To tell you the truth, my friend Jeff Randall and Terrill Hoffman have written some great articles on signaling and shelter for the Against All Odds column which has definitely been a reliable place for info on skills, gear, and anything pertaining to survival and awareness. I was lucky enough to write a two issue series on how to build shelters in three different types of environments. Check it out. Got to go, I’m loosing the good light over here. Thanks for mentioning it here, never thought the people would be that interested in it.

-RB
 
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DH1 said:
SWAT Mag, despite the LE/police sounding title, is a little more than that..there are political articles, bushcraft articles, survival articles, there was a great series (two issues I think) about the Columbian drug war...written by someone who actually was with them on a raid in the jungle. It's got lots of gun and LE stuff also, but hey, that's where the name SWAT comes from:D

I just renewed my subscription about a week ago to:thumbup:
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I've never even given it a look since I'm not a LEO, but maybe I need to check it out. Thanks for the heads up. :thumbup:
 
JK Knives said:
I picked up several issues, one to read, one for my grandson, and one to save. :D
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. . . Did someone mention "autographed copies" at one time ? ? :)
Congratulations JK & to bearthedog for the achievement. Anytime someone can get an article published in a high visual magazine goes without saying. Just make sure we see a few more articles coming up in the next few years . . . Congrats.
Be safe.
p.s.: uh, about the autograph copies . . .:D
 
I always enjoy Reuben's writing, I need to look this one up. Maybe Booksamillion sells SWAT, none of the local stores do.
 
DH1 said:
SWAT Mag, despite the LE/police sounding title, is a little more than that..there are political articles, bushcraft articles, survival articles, there was a great series (two issues I think) about the Columbian drug war...written by someone who actually was with them on a raid in the jungle. It's got lots of gun and LE stuff also, but hey, that's where the name SWAT comes from:D

I just renewed my subscription about a week ago to:thumbup:
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I wouldn't of thought they would have outdoor related content. Seems they do. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the heads up.
 
SWAT has really changed (I think they changed management a few years back) from what it was. They often cover survival type topics, including outdoors survival.

Another good one to check out is Blade, you'll often see articles by Reuben, Jeff Randall/Mike Perrin, Joezilla, etc in it. IIRC, Shotty from the ESEE forum had his own little sidebar not too long ago. You'd be surprised at how many here write articles for Blade, Backwoodsman, SWAT, etc.
 
Other items may vary depending on where I'm going, but a few that are always included are one of my hawks and a Riverwoods Companion from JK. Designed by BF member jds1 the RWC is a great little all around EDC that comes in handy for a variety of uses. My original was ordered in 3/16" 01 but I recently added a second one in 1/8" [with the red liners], kind of a steak knife on steroids.
 
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