* Kephart & Black Walnut Lovers, Here's Your Knife! *

Mudbug007

Mudbug007

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Nov 29, 2010
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I wanted to try and make a Kephart knife very close to the specifics that Horace outlines in his writings. This is what I came up with.

I'd never handled a Kephart before making this one. In his writings, Kephart noted that his knife was homely looking. I had to agree. But once I got it made and started handling it, I couldn't believe how such a simple design was so comfortable and easily controlled. Needless to say, I nearly kept this one and you can bet I'll be making more from now on!

I chose Premium American Black Walnut for the handles. I thought about a lot of different woods to use, but couldn't think of anything more American to put on such an iconic knife design!

Here's the specs:

Steel: 1/8" Aldo's 1084 High Carbon Steel (about .130)
Handles: American Black Walnut
Hardware: 3 3/16" Copper Pins
Blade Length: 4.5"
OAL: 9"

Includes a premium leather sheath made in the Kephart style.

Includes my Common Sense Lifetime Warranty and Lifetime Free Sharpening. You only pay for shipping to me and back to yourself.

Price = $150 This includes all PayPal fees (if paying by PayPal) and FREE USPS Priority Shipping to the U.S.! Payment via PayPal at donaldlawson@gmail.com or USPS Money Order.

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Very nice knife and sheath Donald.
I'm happy to see you went with the traditional look of the Kephart vs the patterns some makers are calling a Kephart nowadays.:thumbup:

Excellent package for the price.
 
Thanks guys. Mykel, I wanted to know why Horace thought this knife design was nearly ideal for the Outdoorsman. After handling this knife and testing it, I now know! I'll be making one for myself in the not to distant future!
 
It's amazing how the KISS principle really works out. Such a simple design, but 100% functional. Your Kephart looks good. About the only suggestion I would dare make is to round off the finger guard just a tad. Great looking knife!
 
Very nice, I too would say the only thing needed was to round the handle on the underside by the guard.
 
Thanks for the kind comments guys. I nearly did round off the "bump" but from the pictures and drawings of some of the original Kephart knives I saw, they were nearly 90 degrees. After struggling with getting the bump at right angles, I agree, the next ones will be slightly rounded! It's a lot easier grinding in a slight radius than trying to keep that right angle!

It's still amazes me how good this knife feels in the hand. And that 1084 steel is a workhorse. I made about 100 cuts into a Red Oak board and it would still shave hair afterwards. Love this stuff!
 
Great job!

I set out to do the same thing a few months ago. I ended up with a finished product that had a blade length of 4", and an OAL of 8 1/2". I then realized it was too short, so I called it the "Khompact Kephart."

The Kephart design is deceptively simple; the first time you hold one, you know it is amazingly versatile.
 
Agreed Andy! Once I finished this one, I couldn't believe how comfortable the handle was and how versatile the whole package is. It's a far more useful design than it's looks would lead you to believe. Far better than a lot of so called "modern" and "progressive" designs we're seeing today imho!

I was just telling someone the other day. "You could drop me in the middle of Alaska with a 30-06 and this knife and I wouldn't be under equipped in the least!" I could skin and cut up anything from a mouse to a moose with this blade!
 
Donald, please check your e-mail and private messages when you have a chance. Thanks.
 
Donald's knife arrived and it is a beauty. Fit and finish are perfect. Just the right size blade and handle. And sooooo sharp. I love it.
 
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