Bushcrafters "Toothpick" Knife : )

[Brian Andrews]

I have never really jumped on the Sypderco Bushcrafter bandwagon. The design looked neat an all, but just didn’t really do a ton for me.

Then, I woke up Tuesday morning and saw a thread on one. I thought “what the hell, I will go ahead and make one for me to try out.” That is where it started.

I sat down with pencil and paper and started drawing. Then, it took a bit of a turn. Realize, I have not held one of these fine knives yet. But, from the pictures I have seen, it was fully intended to be a full-sized, heavy use bushcrafter. You also have to realize that I have so many of that type of knife around here, that I am always looking for a knife to fill one super tiny niche need. And that is where I took this knife.

I love my full sized bushcrafters, especially the Terrasaur. But, sometimes it just feels like too much knife, for just doing simple things. Cut fishing line, open a package for the kiddies, or even cut a marshmallow stick. I have plenty of “pocket sized” EDC knives too. But, for some reason I was pining for something in the middle.

As you will see, I heavily used the Spyderco handle shape, and guard look. I made the handle fit me perfectly in terms of length and swells. Then, I made it really narrow (from spine to edge) and also made my scales quite thin (by my standards anyway). The blade profile I just drew to my own liking, and I gave it a touch of curve towards the handle. I already knew I was going to like the knife, so I went ahead and topped it off with desert ironwood.

The result is a scandi ground knife that I feel is worthy of carrying all the time, and also nice to look at.

I also did a forced-patina on this knife. I was told to me a few years ago by J. Neilson, but I never did get around to trying it. I gave it a go on this one.

Usually a knife that has the “perfect” fit, is a bit cramped for me in the reverse grip. However, the tiny little guard on this makes it not an issue (I am not a lefty.....just need to hold my 10 pound camera with my right hand)

The result definitely has my influences and own unique tweaks. But, it resembles the spyderco so much that I am afraid that it will only be a “personal” knife, and not a model that I could post for sale. I am a bit on the fence about that, but it seems the right thing to do.

It reminds me a bit of those folding “toothpick” knives : )

Thanks for looking,
B

 

[samhain73]

Very nice!! However, I don't think it looks avery much like the Spyderco, other than maybe the blade grind. Yours has a large raised palm swell, and is less wide, and doesn't have the spyderhole.

 

[Jeff H]

You're killin' me, man!
That's gorgeous and I love the overall size,.... everything.
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

 

[TedV]

Very - very nice - so, how much and where can we order?

 

[Diomedes Industries]

Brian,

Looks awesome. One thing the Spyderco does that I love is that it knocks the shoulder off the front of the scales to allow the thumb to come over in the chest lever.

If yours feel uncomfortable there - try that.

If not - leave it. I think it looks nice!

TF

 

[Jeff H]

Very nice!! However, I don't think it looks avery much like the Spyderco, other than maybe the blade grind. Yours has a large raised palm swell, and is less wide, and doesn't have the spyderhole.

I agree. Maybe the Spyderco was the final breath that took the ember to flame, but you had this worked out in your head in all the little pieces that had not yet coalesced into the finished knife. The way you explain how you come up with why you do things this way or that, I honestly don't think you have it in you to build something based strictly on the aesthetic and I personally cannot imagine your strong personality giving in to simply transferring a design - you have your ideas and it is my experience that you are pretty confident in their validity. That said, it is tempered with open-mindedness and humility. THAT makes me appreciate your work as much as anything.

It is definitely a different knife and it is commendable that you attribute credit where you feel it is due. Great job, and thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[Rotte]

That looks really nice Brian.

I agree with Jason that knocking the shoulders down on the hilt end of the handle makes a more comfortable grip, but that Iron Wood sure looks good.

 

[Rick Marchand]

Looks good, Brian.... can you explain the forced patina proceedure?

 

[BarberFobic1992]

I really like it, even better than the Spyderco version actually, because of the narrower blade and lack of weird hole. Great work on the patina too.

 

[HornyToad]

Very nice design. The blade shape seems influenced by the Canadian belt knife (elliptical shape). The scandi style is not my favorite visually but must be a good wood cutter. I'll have to take my Koster Bushcrafter out to the wood pile and test it out to see what all the fuss is about.

Also, all knives have some similarity with other designs so I wouldn't be reserved about making this one for others. I am sure it would be popular. :thumbup:

 

[koyote]

nice design interpretation. I'm a fan of smaller knives and I think your really nailed the handle design on that one!

 

[stingray4540]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

I love every aspect of it, the size, shape, finish, handle. That is one outstanding knife.

It almost looks as if that tree's whole purpose in life was to grow that small section of wood to adorn the sides of that knife.

 

[Jeff H]

..........The blade shape seems influenced by the Canadian belt knife...............

The "Willow Leaf," I think some call it? I like that too. The slight rise of the spine puts it at a comfy height for my thumb, and it looks so nostalgic.

 

[pitdog]

That's stunning as usual Brian, you sure do make them look classy !!!!

Are ya gonna make a Spyderco Warrior now !

 

[Brian Andrews]

Thanks for all the comments guys.

Looks good, Brian.... can you explain the forced patina proceedure?

Hey Rick,

It is 1/2 mixture of Birchwood Casey Cold Blue and yellow mustard. It was applied and allowed to dry. When it was dry I submerged it into bleach that I had warmed to about 200F. I left it in until it rusted all up.

I was just following a "recipe" on that. I tried some blanks and I liked it, so I just stuck with it. I am guessing that I could have skipped the warming of the bleach. I have no idea what it does other than possibly speeding things up a bit. Don't know for sure.

B

 

[BlackHills]

That looks great Brian....just like all of your knives do. :thumbup:

 

[wildmike]

Brian that is one lovely piece and design. You ought to produce it. It does not look like it borrows anything from the spyderco at all. I'd buy one.

 

[Rick Marchand]

Okay Brian... I remember you told me that before and wondered if it was the same. I do something similar without mustard or heating the bleach. I'll have to try your recipe.

Just be sure to do it in a well ventilated area and don't expose yourself to it for very long. The gas is poisonous... twitch-twitch

Rick

 

[matthewdanger]

Nice work Brian. I really like the flowing lines on that one. The handle looks great. It is nice to see a curvy handle that still works in reverse grips. It takes a lot of care to get something like that right.

 

[m]

I usually view knives as tools plain and simple but that knife is beautiful.