Canadian Belt Knfe/bow back pattern

F

Faiaoga

Joined
Jul 3, 2012
Messages
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:cool: I am very curious if anyone here can provide information concerning one "traditional" fixed-blade pattern that I have seen but have never had extensive experience with. This is the leaf-shaped Canadian Belt Knife pattern made by Grohman, also Bark River (Canadian Belt Knife), Murphy Knives and now Cold Steel. I have never owed one, but I admired the 4 inch Grohman a man I worked with had. The shape seems very useful for bushcraft and hunting, and the design keeps fingers out of the way without requiring a clumsy cross guard. From reading, I understand that a knife of this pattern is used by the Canadian armed forces; a stainless steel version is marketed to yachtsmen.

I think my question is about the origin of the design and about any similar patterns. I fully realize that probably no knife design is completely unique or original, but I would like to learn what I can. Is the pattern European or New World? Was it designed for skinning? One source calls it a "bow back" - is that the original name? Which groups of peoples has used it and for what purposes? I am not writing a thesis or a reference book; I would simply like to learn what I can and someday own a good example. Thanks.

Faiaoga
 
If you contact Grohman in Pictou Nova Scotia they are very helpful folks who can tell you everything about the belt knife.

Best regards

Robin
 
Mr.Grohman arriwed in Canada,1949,originaly from german part of Checkoslovakia,knife was designed in 1957 on request from D.H.Rusell who wanted canadian made knife,before production knife was tested by hunters and trappers,guess ,it did well.
That's all i know...
i use to have Original design,unfortunatly lost it,but i'm planng to get one(survival model,carbon steel)
 
My favorite fixed blade pattern of them all! You just need to use one to really "get it".
I'm having a custom one made by JK Knives right now. He does a very nice rendition of that tried and true pattern.
I've also owned several of Bark Rivers version and I love them, though I wish they weren't so darn thick.
 
As far as I know, it really seems to have originated with D.H. Russell, or at least I've never seen an example of that exact design that predates his. It really is a great, often overlooked design that is very versatile. I have a Grohmann #2 (bird & trout) that has been used for everything right up to processing elk. And two BRK 'Canadian Specials,' which are one of the few interpretations I've seen that actually improves on the original, imo.
 
I heard the D.H Russell/ Grohman story. Russell was a hunting guide in Canada and designed his perfect knife, then more-or-less imported Mr. Grohman to make it. The elliptical blade was supposed to cut with less drag. I've heard it called just a spear-point blade, but that ignores the taper toward the handle.

I bought the Cold Steel one. I had been trying to design the ideal kitchen knife: Offset handle to keep knuckles off board, narrow heel to prevent the incurve steeling creates over time, curved belly and straight point. I finally realized why it was looking familiar.
 
I love that design. I had a Herter's copy of the D.H. Russel in my tackle box when I was a kid. Broke my heart when the tackle box was stolen. I found a used Herter's on eBay a few years ago, and recently found a new old stock Murphy. They're basically the same knife since the Herters were made by Murphy.

I do like the versions I've seen coming from Bark River and custom makers recently, but their designs don't keep the fingers away from the item being cut like the original design does.
 
I have a Grohman Canadian Belt knife. They are pretty sweet for skinning. They do well at quartering. They aren't as nice for butchering as the knife is all belly and sometimes you need that flat edge.
 
Since I dont hunt (anymore) I have no need for a skinning knife. Still I like the shape. Is it any good as a general use knife? I know there is a folding version readily available.
 
HFinn said:
Since I dont hunt (anymore) I have no need for a skinning knife. Still I like the shape. Is it any good as a general use knife? I know there is a folding version readily available.
Click to expand...

My personal opinion is that the original Grohmann design is a bit more of a purpose-built skinner, though it will certainly do a lot of other things well. But if skinning wasn't your intended purpose, I would look at the Bark River version. They made some tweaks to the original design that make it more of an all-around user for woodcraft, etc, in addition to hunting duties. Don't be put off by the finger grooves - it is a versatile handle.

Just my .02, having owned both.

3vcs.jpg
 
Here's a few that I have. The bottom one is from JK Knives, the CBK EDC, great little knife!

 
My dad had one and traveled all over the world with it. It's been in the Yukon and had seen a ton of use. It had a real nice dark grey patina. My mom took the knife and used it for many years as her hiking knife. Sadly the knife was stolen from my moms car years ago. I was pretty young when it was part of my life, but it certainly left an impact. I should pick one up again sometime :)
 
I have the only Frost version that I have ever seen- it is incidentally the only laminated Grohmann type design I've ever seen! Here it is next to an original Grohmann (with modified tip- the previous owner forgot that it was not a screwdriver apparently, my first tip mod ever I believe)
IMG_0019.jpg


I found this nice guy in a box by the road, along with the shoes I ended up wearing at my wedding! I love the stag, and remade a marlin spike, after I found out that a replacement cost $60 if I'm not mistaken!!
GrohmannStagwsheath.jpg


They are really good all purpose knives in my mind, some day I may thin down the edges to my preference, both the Frosts and Stag Grohmann are a bit thicker behind the edge than I prefer, but are still great knives!
 
I need to handle one and see how it feels in my hand. I keep checking out the carbon steel, flat-grind version on their website.
 
comoha said:
My favorite fixed blade pattern of them all! You just need to use one to really "get it".
I'm having a custom one made by JK Knives right now. He does a very nice rendition of that tried and true pattern.
I've also owned several of Bark Rivers version and I love them, though I wish they weren't so darn thick.
Click to expand...

Here is yours, shipping in the morning.

 
a favorite knife of mine, I have used one since the 1970's. the knife won an award for original design and I think is even displayed at the museum of modern art in new York.
it was copied by many companies (16+) , I even have a copy made by Boker.
 
Aesthetically one of the most beautiful knives ive ever owned (all curves)....Given a choice it would probably be the one big knife i could use for everything that i would need to do...The steel is very good on my knife.....FES



 
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