Custom ML Woods & Bush on the way!

[XMP]

I've been gazing longingly at some of the photos on ML Knives site for a while, because I'm really attracted by the classic looks. A few months ago I asked Matt if he could make a few custom tweaks to his Woods & Bush knife (mainly a more pronounced guard, which entails more blade height as well).

He has just finished it up in the past few days and I should have it in my hands soon. I thought I'd share some of the photos he sent, so you can drool along with me.

I'm headed to the Selway/Bitterroot Wilderness area for 10 days in two weeks, so I should be able to give it a good initial test.

BTW if you are interested in ML Knives you can see Matt's other stuff here http://http://mlknives.com/KnifeHome.html. He was very easy and responsive to deal with.

 

[Jeff H]

XMP,
It's a real treat dealing with Matt and you're in for another treat when you get that knife. Matt's knives are real workers and, as a bonus, they look great too.:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[mtnfolk mike]

nice score.. that is a beauty...:thumbup: matt's knives are top notch and can take a beating...

looking forward to seeing some pics from your trip..... i love the bitterroot mtns..

 

[bearthedog]

Matt makes everything with 100% quality. Good guy to chat with too.

Thanks mtnfolk mike for turning me onto him.

 

[mtnfolk mike]

Matt makes everything with 100% quality. Good guy to chat with too.

Thanks mtnfolk mike for turning me onto him.

no problem bear... matt is a great guy to deal with... he and i have had many long chats about knives, archery and blackpowder shoting...:thumbup:

 

[XMP]

Thanks, I agree it is a beauty. BTW its aged pattern 1095 with antiqued ash handles.

Personally, I like a guard on a knife and I could never figure out why bushcraft knives with a guard are so hard to find. Matt came up with a design that fit my mental picture exactly and didn't charge me anything more than if I'd stuck with the stock design. If the knife is half as good as the customer service, it will be an easy winner.

 

[j williams]

I have a short keppy in osage on order from him, and scored a full size ML keppy from Tknife, so I am curious to see how I like em. Ive always admired his stuff, and am glad I have them coming.

Nice score there man. I dig it alot:thumbup:

 

[Dannyboy Leather]

Really a fine looking knife you ordered, XMP. :thumbup: I think you will be very happy with that one.

I had Matt modify my Woods & Bush too, but with only an oversized handle with large palm swells (photo doesn't show the profile). Excellent working knives in any mans camp.

Have fun in the Selway/Bitterroots! Some of my old stomping grounds over there and I dearly love the area. Would love to see any pics you take while over there.

 

[XMP]

Really a fine looking knife you ordered, XMP. :thumbup: I think you will be very happy with that one.

I had Matt modify my Woods & Bush too, but with only an oversized handle with large palm swells (photo doesn't show the profile). Excellent working knives in any mans camp.

Have fun in the Selway/Bitterroots! Some of my old stomping grounds over there and I dearly love the area. Would love to see any pics you take while over there.

Very nice; its pics like that that sold me on the Woods & Bush in the first place! I'm looking forward to putting mine through the paces on this trip.

Do you have any recommendations of specific areas to check out in SB? I'm going to mainly be west of Darby, but I have flexibility if you can recommend someplace not to be missed.

 

[siguy]

looks like a sweet knife, looks really solid.

 

[Darbyfett]

West of Me? Lol couldn't resist. I actually JUST sent the deposit on my Ash handled Woods and Bush. Only mod i added was file work to serve as a thumb ramp. Can't wait.

 

[Dannyboy Leather]

Do you have any recommendations of specific areas to check out in SB? I'm going to mainly be west of Darby, but I have flexibility if you can recommend someplace not to be missed.

XMP, Any of those areas west of Hamilton, Darby (down 93), will be excellent areas to play in. The Bitterroot Range is huge beyond belief with extremely remote areas that would excite any explorer or adventurer. We have been buried back in some of those wilderness areas so deep that we didn't hear or see another soul until we made it back to civilization weeks later. Truly a great part of the country to get lost in.

Most of my time in the Bitterroots was during the elk seasons. Too, I spent a lot of time up the Clearwater River (Clearwater National Forest and the Bitterroots run together) hunting, fishing, and wilderness backpacking and canoeing. Another favorite area was up the Selway (straight west of Darby) which is also another beautiful area. Truth is, a man could spend a lifetime exploring the Bitterroots, never see the same place twice, and only see a small fraction of magnificent worthwhile areas to explore.

Not sure what your mode of transportation will be back into the Bitterroots but; there are a number of guide services that will pack (horse and mule) you and your gear deep into the wilderness and drop you off for a small fee (I have my own horses). Some of the fly-ins are reasonably inexpensive also, as long as you are bringing your own gear and establishing your own camp. If going by auto on the fringes of the Bitterroots; make sure to talk with the local forest service office regarding the conditions of the roads. Many of the roads in those areas can be a nightmare to negotiate even with a 4-wheel drive and winch.

Be safe! And, don't forget the camera!