Historic "Survival" Knives?

R

rdouglasc

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Oct 1, 2009
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I was wondering what kind of knives were used for camp or survival/hunting/exploring over the last couple of centuries here in America. For example, what would a Revolutionary War time period man carry into the wilderness for his work knife? I'm also wondering how those types of knives progressed over the next 100 years or so - say mid 1800's to early 1900's.
 
Along the 18th century frontier, the longhunters, settlers & such typically carried a large belt knife. The Virginians in particular came to be known as the "Long Knives" or "Big Knives" by the native american tribes. In addition, there were various types of folding knives that were carried as well as the ubiquitous tomahawk or belt axe. There were also a variety of smaller, thinner bladed trade knives that were extremely common as well. During the Western Fur Trade Era knife styles didn't change dramatically, however the tomahawk seems to have fell by the wayside.

ETA: Kyle Willyard of Old Dominion Forge makes great 18th century knives & axes:

Knives Axes
 
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Google "green river knives"
A lot of knives used by the mountain men resembled what we would think of as a kitchen knife.

5" blade, 9" overall length
4925-040-001_200x170.jpg

Our hig carbon steel “Green River” knives and blades are identical to the ones used by our forefathers. They have been made by Russell Harrington Cutlery since the early 1800s, and feature proven designs used as working knives for almost 200 years.

The mountain men, who opened the West, used the name Green River as a standard of quality for anything traded. Anything done “Up to Green River” signified first rate merchandise. These high carbon steel blades with beechwood handles have a remarkable ability to hold their edge, and are stain resistant. They will serve you well.
Click to expand...
 
Buckeye67 said:
Along the 18th century frontier, the longhunters, settlers & such typically carried a large belt knife. The Virginians in particular came to be known as the "Long Knives" or "Big Knives" by the native american tribes. In addition, there were various types of folding knives that were carried as well as the ubiquitous tomahawk or belt axe. There were also a variety of smaller, thinner bladed trade knives that were extremely common as well. During the Western Fur Trade Era knife styles didn't change dramatically, however the tomahawk seems to have fell by the wayside.

ETA: Kyle Willyard of Old Dominion Forge makes great 18th century knives & axes:

Knives Axes
Click to expand...

This.

Most would carry large butcher knives, "buffalo skinners", and classic bowies. This would be used primarily for self defense, as well as butchering game, general cutting sometimes chopping (when an axe or hawk was unavailable) there are even accounts of emergency amputations. Usually they would also have a smaller knife, either a friction folder (similar to a straight razor) and or a small fixed blade (commonly a neck knife). Sheaths never came with the knives, they were usually handmade by the owner, and sometimes decorated.
 
the Hudson Bay Camp Knife is huge. Nessmuk Kephart, traditional scandinavian puukos and leukus. Moro style scalpers were pretty big, and yes, the Green Mountain style cleaver. Check out the maker's forums, alot of guys are still hand making rustic blades over coal forges in time tested high carbon steels.
 
Bark River (BRKT) makes a superb Hudson Bay Camp Knife, (my Dad has a Bark River Smoke Jumper great quality but waaaay too expensive for me!) Kevin Estela reviews the BRKT Hudson Bay Camp Knife on the net and it should Google. (I'd hate to post the link only to get in trouble for it.)

Anyway if I got a chance to buy a BKRT at a reasonable price I'd jump at it! I liked the Bowies and the Foresters (not so hot on the Mountain Man Daggers) but wild for the more off topic SOCOMs and 'Storms.

Never have seen the BRKT HBCK in person, but it looks awsome.

Sometimes you can find cheap-o knock offs of big camp knives on eBay, you pay your money and you take your chances.

Thanks for listening!
 
The original G R knife ,stood for George rex not Green River and was imported. Sorry,cant find a photo.

Thats the way I heard it.
 
Hi Dip Bait --

Don't know about any knives marked just "GR" but the Green River Works knives are extremely well documented having been first forged in 1834 by John Russell in a shop along the Green River in Greenfield, MA; but, the "Works" was moved to Turner's Falls, MA where it remained until it was bought out by Dexter (becoming Dexter-Russell), whereupon Turner's Falls was shut down around 1936.
 
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