Kephart info

B

bondy

Joined
Mar 19, 2008
Messages
212
Ok fellas been thinking about making a Kephart knife, but cant seem to get inspired by it. can you please explain whats so good about them please:)
pics would be good too:D
 
As long as we're talking about it does anyone know how thick his blade was? Nessmuk said it should be thin as possible and was wondering if he thought the same.
 
They have a historical reference. They are very good at what they do and a great functional design. However, they are pure functional and not a knifemaker's creative wet dream like a nesmuk. Look at 40 examples of Nesmuk interpretations and each one has the creative touches of the maker. Look at 40 examples of kepharts and they all pretty much look the same. I can see why you feel the way you do, because you clearly put a lot of creative input into your wonderful works. That is just the basic aspect of a kephart. They are a great knife because they work, but they are stripped of a lot of artistic components that other styles have.
 
I think even Kephart himself called his knife ugly.:D The reason I disagree with that is because there is a beauty in it's simplicity and the idea it was born out of function and not form.
 
The stout spear point, slight guard and neutral handle are what make it a great woods knife. It shares a similar design to what modern bushcraft knives look like in many ways.
 
I too had put off making one because they seem like a pretty mundane design. After getting one from ML knives, you can bet you'll see some from me in the future:D Simple design, but it's very useful and versatile-there's not a lot of knife chores that it would ever be 'bad' at:thumbup:
 
tknife said:
The stout spear point, slight guard and neutral handle are what make it a great woods knife. It shares a similar design to what modern bushcraft knives look like in many ways.
Click to expand...

This is exactly why I feel the Kephart design is a step above the Nessmuk design as a more functional woods knife. I prefer the Kephart design over the Nessmuk if I had to choose one. The Nessmuk excells at skinning because of the upswept cutting edge. Anything else, I feel it is awkward to use. The spearpoint blade, 1" to 1 1/4" wide IMO, is the most versitile blade design in the 4 to 5 inch range.
Scott
 
I hope this inspires you to make one up. this is the real Kephart knife that Horace used.

IMG_0694.jpg


This is the one I made up when I finally got inspired to make one.

IMG_0742.jpg


As to why it is such a great design.
When you make one and then use it you will know why the Dean of American
camping ( Horace Kephart was called that) thought so highly of it. I just love mine.
It is so simple and yet just plain works.
It is a great all round knife design.


I hope you get started and post what your version looks like.:D

Bryan
 
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I like the Kephart style. It's graceful and simple and extremely utilitarian. Just wish it came in a black blade. ha ha.

When I was first new to knives, I wrote Mike Stewart a note asking how you pronounced the name. To my thinking, it was Ka-fart. My son used to get a kick out of that fact that Dad wanted a KaFart knife.:D
 
sicily02 said:
This is the one I made up when I finally got inspired to make one.

IMG_0742.jpg


As to why it is such a great design.
When you make one and then use it you will know why the Dean of American
camping ( Horace Kephart was called that) thought so highly of it. I just love mine.
It is so simple and yet just plain works.
It is a great all round knife design.


I hope you get started and post what your version looks like.:D

Bryan
Click to expand...

That's still one of my favourite knives I've seen on this forum !;):thumbup:
 
The design is simple and effective, but the interpretations from custom makers are astounding. I have some from Scott Gossman, Ray Laconico, J Neilson and ML Knives, and they are really stunning to behold.
 
damn it sicily02 every time i start to get over that knife you post another picture and still refuse to sell it to me. i need it sir so its time for you to let it go.

the kephart is usually a ugly knife but it can do pretty much anything you need it to.

the ugly part doesn't apply to sic's pics as that is one of my favorite looking knives
 
Thanks for the info guys:thumbup: Bryan thats a great looking knife:thumbup:
if, when i make one ill post it here for you fellas to see:)
 
Hi all,

Pit dog, thanks. I am pretty happy dang with this knife:D.

Grunt soldier, Well I am sorry about the not selling it to you.

But every time I look at and use this elk antler handled knife I
just think man this is so freaking cool lol I love it. The thought of
selling it like NOPE lol.
I also have a little hand axe that I am
working on to that is going to get elk antler handles too.
It is just going to be a perfect little combo I think for my woods bumming.


Bondy, thanks. Yes when you get yours made up post pics please.

Bryan
 
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