Photos Kepharts...They just Work

[bikerector]

What is it about really big or really small knives that is so interesting? It is something I can't explain. I know that ultimately I like a full grip, but not too full. For example, the larger Becker handle (BK-2, BK-7, BK-9 etc.) is just too fat for me although I have tried to like them.

I have been tickled to death with the BRKT Mini Kephart. Now the Condor Compact Kephart is seeing some belt time and use. I had to clean up the blade for the picture earlier as it was all smugged with who knows what. No scratches yet even though I have touched it up a couple times on my DMT stones. Easy peasy to touch up....

I had my BRKT mini Kephart in the kitchen, cleaning chicken and slicing up peppers. Best paring knife I've ever used. Slides ride through everything. I've really begun to like a thin convex grind in the kitchen.

 

[22-rimfire]

https://knifemagazine.com/sample-issue/
I knew that an article was done in Knife Magazine (February 2019 issue), but it is not an easy magazine to get your hands on. Here is a sample issue which just so happens to be the issue that contains the Kephart Knife story. Link above.


The detail is very good. Now I understand better about the history of the knife and how it fits into the Kephart life and his move to Western NC. Later editions of Camping & Woodcraft referred to the Marbles knife (but not by name) and not the Kephart knife. His knife design was mentioned in the first edition of the book (which I don't have; I have the current edition) and a few later editions. That is where the mention here in BF about Kephart writing a description of his knife in his book came from. Quotes are included in this article. Pictures of a McCarter, Eastland, Becker and Condor Kepharts included.

(Source: Knife Magazine, Feb 2019)

It is also interesting that the Colclesser Brothers Kephart knife preceeds his move to the Smoky Mountain area of Western NC in 1904 and first marketed by Colclesser in 1897. The article says that Colclesser Brothers was in business between 1832 and 1919. It was a small family owned operation in Eldorado, now part of Altoona PA. I imagine Colclesser made the knives as orders came in. This is the time period when rail roads were king (especially after the civil war) and Altoona PA had a very large railroad yard and shops for the PRR.

Colclesser was a blacksmithing operation. People rode or used horses for transportation until being essentially replaced by the automobile. The life span of Colclesser also appears to reflect the changing economic realities as people moved away from using horses. There was a time when there were more horses than people. I recall reading census information and horses being tallied by county. For reference, the Model T Ford went into production in 1908 and was the first car for the working class.

Actually considering a digital subscription to Knife Magazine.

Added: I always wondered how he survived financially in the Smoky Mt area. I would assume he made some money from his articles that were published in outdoor magazines, and then later his books. I would put money on his having a moonshine still at some point there and how he developed the knowledge. Stills were a big "cash" money maker then for regular people.

The timing of his first book about camping suggests he was probably working on it for a good while before he moved East as it was first published in 1906. Horace Kephart would have loved a computer and a digital camera/photography!

I have added to this post since it was quoted below as I simply didn't want to add small tidbits as individual posts in this thread. I like to place things in a time line and try to relate to the times or changing times.

 

[Henry Beige]

What does a guy have to do to actually read the sample issue?

 

[22-rimfire]

What does a guy have to do to actually read the sample issue?

Click on the link in my last post and then click blue button for a pdf version.

 

[Henry Beige]

Click on the link in my last post and then click blue button for a pdf version.

Thanks. I mistook that blue button for one that would try to subscribe me. It’s taking me a while to get through the article because the PDF is so slow to load on my devices.

 

[Uncle Timbo]

https://knifemagazine.com/sample-issue/
I knew that an article was done in Knife Magazine (February 2019 issue), but it is not an easy magazine to get your hands on. Here is a sample issue which just so happens to be the issue that contains the Kephart Knife story. Read it! Sorry, but this is exciting to me.
View attachment 1235297


The detail is very good. Now I understand better about the knife. Later editions of Camping & Woodcraft referred to the Marbles knife and not the Kephart knife. His knife was mentioned in the first edition of the book (which I don't have). That is where the mention of Kephart writing a description of his knife in his book come from. Quotes are included in this article. Pictures of a McCarter, Eastland, Becker and Condor Kepharts included.
View attachment 1235296
(Source: Knife Magazine, Feb 2019)
It is also interesting that the Colclesser Brothers Kephart knife preceeds his move to the Smoky Mountain area of Western NC in 1904 and first marketed by Colclesser in 1897. The article says that Colclesser Brothers were in business between 1832 and 1919. It was a small family owned operation in El Dorado, now part of Altoona PA.

Thanks a lot Rimfire. I will definitely read it when I get a chance.
Right now I'm at the MIL'S dealing with a leaky hot water tank and partially flooded basement.

 

[Rahul_Does]

What are the advantages of having such a knife without a lanyard hole/tube, like the Becker version at KaBar?
None, I am told.
Then why not add this most useful 'accessory' (?) when there are only advantages and the only possible disadvantage could be a deleterious effect on aesthetics?
My choice page is based MAINLY on this one factor that makes even a Kabar @Ethan Becker Kephart a reject!
Maybe, a @MikeMcCarter? @Mike-mcarter
:-(

 

[craytab]

What are the advantages of having such a knife without a lanyard hole/tube, like the Becker version at KaBar?
None, I am told.
Then why not add this most useful 'accessory' (?) when there are only advantages and the only possible disadvantage could be a deleterious effect on aesthetics?
My choice page is based MAINLY on this one factor that makes even a Kabar @Ethan Becker Kephart a reject!
Maybe, a @MikeMcCarter?
:-(

Of a knife in this size, a lanyard hole offers no advantages to me. I'm glad it doesn't have one.

Edit to add: of a knife in this size and design purpose.

I could see a lanyard useful on a tactical knife, chopping blade, a small blade, or a water use knife. The bk62 fits none of those rolls.

 

[bikerector]

What are the advantages of having such a knife without a lanyard hole/tube, like the Becker version at KaBar?
None, I am told.
Then why not add this most useful 'accessory' (?) when there are only advantages and the only possible disadvantage could be a deleterious effect on aesthetics?
My choice page is based MAINLY on this one factor that makes even a Kabar @Ethan Becker Kephart a reject!
Maybe, a @MikeMcCarter? @Mike-mcarter
:-(

I think you made an incorrect assumption that because there may not be advantages to NOT having a lanyard tube, that there are then advantages to having one. There's really no appreciable advantage one way or the other on that. An obvious reason not to have it on the BK62 is because it uses a bolted construction and lanyard tubes just complicate the ability to easily remove the scales.

I think lanyard tubes look bad and only appreciate them on small fixed blades, some choppers (don't like on most), or big folders. The only advantage I appreciate from lanyards is the ease of drawing them from my pocket or a sheath. For choppers, there are occasions where the extra retention of having some cordage around the hand or wrist is nice, but often times it's more in the way than useful if the handle is designed well. Sneaking your hand off the back of the handle is the occasion I generally find lanyards for retention useful.

None of the advantages of a lanyard apply to a Kephart design, unless it's a small, pocket-sized Kephart.

 

[22-rimfire]

What are the advantages of having such a knife without a lanyard hole/tube, like the Becker version at KaBar?
None, I am told.
Then why not add this most useful 'accessory' (?) when there are only advantages and the only possible disadvantage could be a deleterious effect on aesthetics?
My choice page is based MAINLY on this one factor that makes even a Kabar @Ethan Becker Kephart a reject!
Maybe, a @MikeMcCarter? @Mike-mcarter
:-(

I think the lanyard hole adds little advantage to a 5 inch knife in terms of it's function. Ethan Becker does not like pins in the knives he designs and considers them a weakness with hard use. He also designed the knife to be close to the original Kephart made by Colclesser Bros for Horace Kephart which does not have a lanyard hole and taking into account some of the Becker trademark features as well as a knife done in a factory setting. You will note that the standard sized Condor version also does not have a lanyard hole. The original kephart was a simple hand forged knife and essentially a custom knife. There are plenty of Kephart's with lanyard holes; just choose something different if you don't like the Becker design.

I don't believe Mike McCarter or Dan Eastland incorporate a lanyard hole in their Kepharts. Bark River does as I recall.

I think there may be advantages to having the lanyard hole in the pocket sized kepharts. I will be placing a lanyard on my Condor Compact Kephart to make it easier to pull out of it's leather sheath.

 

[DGladden]

I finally got around to finishing the Condor blank. The whitetail antler idea didn't work out the way I hoped, so I went with plan B and used some black/green G10 I had laying around. It didn't turn out perfect, but it's functional and I like it! Now to find a sheath for it.

 

[Rahul_Does]

I think you made an incorrect assumption that because there may not be advantages to NOT having a lanyard tube, that there are then advantages to having one. There's really no appreciable advantage one way or the other on that. An obvious reason not to have it on the BK62 is because it uses a bolted construction and lanyard tubes just complicate the ability to easily remove the scales.

I think lanyard tubes look bad and only appreciate them on small fixed blades, some choppers (don't like on most), or big folders. The only advantage I appreciate from lanyards is the ease of drawing them from my pocket or a sheath. For choppers, there are occasions where the extra retention of having some cordage around the hand or wrist is nice, but often times it's more in the way than useful if the handle is designed well. Sneaking your hand off the back of the handle is the occasion I generally find lanyards for retention useful.

None of the advantages of a lanyard apply to a Kephart design, unless it's a small, pocket-sized Kephart.

Those are some heavy points and I shall have to put my hardly working mind hard at work to let this sink and and if all goes well, BK62 it shall be! Cheers. Thanks for the response.

I think the lanyard hole adds little advantage to a 5 inch knife in terms of it's function. Ethan Becker does not like pins in the knives he designs and considers them a weakness with hard use. He also designed the knife to be close to the original Kephart made by Colclesser Bros for Horace Kephart which does not have a lanyard hole and taking into account some of the Becker trademark features as well as a knife done in a factory setting. You will note that the standard sized Condor version also does not have a lanyard hole. The original kephart was a simple hand forged knife and essentially a custom knife. There are plenty of Kephart's with lanyard holes; just choose something different if you don't like the Becker design.

I don't believe Mike McCarter or Dan Eastland incorporate a lanyard hole in their Kepharts. Bark River does as I recall.

I think there may be advantages to having the lanyard hole in the pocket sized kepharts. I will be placing a lanyard on my Condor Compact Kephart to make it easier to pull out of it's leather sheath.

Yes. Bark River comes closest to the original design, to my eye, only next to Mr. Becker's most beautiful one. PKS, Lucas and LT Wright's Genesis are also in my list that I am sorry that I cannot share here.

There is still some good time to go for the final decision. Let us see what side the camel lies down.

Thanks for the response,

Ra.

 

[Rahul_Does]

Of a knife in this size, a lanyard hole offers no advantages to me. I'm glad it doesn't have one.

Edit to add: of a knife in this size and design purpose.

I could see a lanyard useful on a tactical knife, chopping blade, a small blade, or a water use knife. The bk62 fits none of those rolls.

As I mentioned elsewhere, "That is important as I am a clumsy oaf and if it gets lost in foliage a reflective cord would go a LONG way in helping me find it. However, your points do make me rethink the overwhelming importance that I accord to the lanyard hole."
Thanks for the response, though.

Ra.

 

[22-rimfire]

R Rahul_Does The lanyard hole is just a preference. I have no issue with your wanting or preferring a lanyard on any knife. We all can be a bit "clumsy" or forgetful when we are handling or using a knife in the forest where there are lots of competing materials to camouflage something you drop or lie on the ground. A knife is just a tool and your mind is focused on the usage not how nice the knife is. I have walked away from slip joints more than a few times when using them in the woods after sitting them on the ground, on a rock, or log. It is one of the reasons I have been leaning toward more colorful but tasteful handles for knives I might carry in the woods. For me, a very colorful handle doesn't seem to work well with a kephart. I feel sure Bark River (BRKT) probably has a model with orange handles as they do so many handles for their knives. It's just preference..... I prefer to like a knife I choose rather than choosing handles strictly for utilitarian reasons. That said, since I have a number of kephart knives, I might well choose a flashier handle if I buy another for the variety if nothing else.

I would also imagine that BRKT knives are really expensive in India not that they are inexpensive in the US.

Added: Hate to see moderator issued warnings, but they happen to the best of us when we get a bit pushy at times or use a particular forum for purposes that it was not designed for.

 

[vulcan2]

Hi guys, lon humphrey does not make kepharts in 3v anymore?

 

[22-rimfire]

Hi guys, lon humphrey does not make kepharts in 3v anymore?

I would sell you mine as I have a number of Kepharts. Never used but sharpened on a strop. Picture below. I am not attached to this knife.


Added: Lon Humphrey said he wasn't going to make any more in 3V.

 

[bikerector]

What rimfire said. Lon Humphrey likes to forge and 3V was a SOB to forge. Makes them that more more unique as no one else is likely to do it either.

 

[Rahul_Does]

R Rahul_Does The lanyard hole is just a preference. I have no issue with your wanting or preferring a lanyard on any knife. We all can be a bit "clumsy" or forgetful when we are handling or using a knife in the forest where there are lots of competing materials to camouflage something you drop or lie on the ground. A knife is just a tool and your mind is focused on the usage not how nice the knife is. I have walked away from slip joints more than a few times when using them in the woods after sitting them on the ground, on a rock, or log. It is one of the reasons I have been leaning toward more colorful but tasteful handles for knives I might carry in the woods. For me, a very colorful handle doesn't seem to work well with a kephart. #MeToo I feel sure Bark River (BRKT) probably has a model with orange handles as they do so many handles for their knives. Yes, I saw that Orange one. Not for me. It's just preference..... I prefer to like a knife I choose rather than choosing handles strictly for utilitarian reasons. That said, since I have a number of kephart knives, I might well choose a flashier handle if I buy another for the variety if nothing else.

I would also imagine that BRKT knives are really expensive in India not that they are inexpensive in the US.

Added: Hate to see moderator issued warnings, but they happen to the best of us when we get a bit pushy at times or use a particular forum for purposes that it was not designed for.

1. I would also imagine that BRKT knives are really expensive in India not that they are inexpensive in the US.
---As I mentioned, purely by God's grace and the present, rotten situation of society, at this point in my life, a price-tag of $50 or $200 for similar items (like this very varied list of Kepharts that I have on my shortlist) does not matter and I shall go for whatever rings my bell.
I shan't get, however, two of these in variation as, as I mentioned, I do not want even an extra spoon in my inventory. I shall order the knife and get it delivered to my 6-monthly-regular-Indo-US-visitor friend in Albany, New York (after all I AM a cheap Indian, saving on the shipping charges ;-)) and he would get it here in his next visit. I am always there at his arrival and departure for the last 20 years that he emigrated to the USA.

2. Added: Hate to see moderator issued warnings, but they happen to the best of us when we get a bit pushy at times or use a particular forum for purposes that it was not designed for.
---Yes. It happens. But, as us Indians like to say, #WhatToDoOnly while shaking our heads. (No, we don't shake. It is invented by the comedians.)

3. Sorry for the late reply. I caught common-cold on 23rd night, at a wedding, and for the last 5 days, I have been miserably ill; not even playing my S.T.A.L.K.E.R. AMK mod or Homeworld, both games that I started after a long hiatus. (ooooo I am so scared to put in links to the aforementioned PC games!)

Let us see how this one goes. Another coughing bout coming up. See you later.

Thanks,

Ra.

 

[22-rimfire]

R Rahul_Does I know a lot of Indians through my work. Good hard working people with a keen sense for business.

Having an "extra spoon" never bothered me.

 

[John Cahoon]

Hi All, here's my tribute to the iconic Kephart in 1/8" 80CRV2, leopardwood and red G10 liners. I stayed as faithful to the original as I could, including the profile (of course), convex blade, lightly convexed to the rounded spine, flared front scales. In general "everything that needs to be there is, and nothing is there that doesn't need to be" (paraphrased from one of the articles I read).

I took liberties with the Campitas Turquoise inlays and liners and an improved "Tracker" sheath (the original sheath is just plane dangerous by today's standards). Hope you like it!