Skookum Bush Tool by Rod Garcia

silenthunterstudios

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Feb 2, 2005
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I have seen a few Skookums here and there over the years, shown to me by members who would never part with them. I traded for one this afternoon, and my love hate view of scandi grinds just got smacked down. I really like this knife. Can't wait to get out and dirty it up on Saturday. Thanks again Chris.
 
Is it O1 and green canvas?!

I love my two Skookums. The handle ergos are amazing and they cut even more amazing!

I think they are worth every penny, amazing workmanship and I really like the sheath also.

I could never have to many of them!
 
That is one of the few on my short list to still buy. I dont really get the sheath design, is it for neck carry?
 
nice score.. i am jealous.. i have wanted a Skookum for a long time.. i spoke to Rod Garcia on the phone at length, some years back.. i knew should have ordered one then.. the price was much cheaper and his wait time was 3-4 months.. evertime i see one come up for sale, i never have $$$..
 
Very versatile sheath. Wear it on a cord or add a dangler for belt use.
 
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The sheath is a traditional Scandinavian(Sweden, Norway, Finland) design.

The beeswax treatment really makes them tough and allows them to have a Kydex like retention.

There is less of a chance for the sheath to puncture the leather and they are pretty much water resistant.

I think that Rods' intention for this knife was to be worn from the neck as that is how Mors carries his Mora.

In the woods it is far more comfortable than for EDC ........ it is a fairly heavy knife.

Like LMT66 said ...... it's a versatile system. Can be used as a dangler or a necker and is a fairly compact package.

I borrowed the design for a recent knife. It is very similar yet has some of the traditional style as well.

I plan on making many more like this.

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I was told the sheath was made to be carried like a neck knife, I can't imagine carrying this knife around my neck. A Mora sure, not this Skookum. Someone customized the sheath, can't see pics right now, when I get home I will have to take a look at those customized sheaths.
 
Love mine. I like that his blade is a bit thinner than some of the other bushcraft knives so it's a pretty good slicer too.

I love the work that went into the sheath but for me in hot weather a neck sheath caused it to rust. Plus it's in the way bending over to tie your shoes or pumping water.

I had JRE make me a sheath for it.
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The SBT fits in the 2nd generation JRE Bushcrafter sheath that they made for the fat handled BlindHorse Bushcrafter.

It would also fit in the BlindHorse sheath that they now make in house.
 
I was told the sheath was made to be carried like a neck knife, I can't imagine carrying this knife around my neck. A Mora sure, not this Skookum. Someone customized the sheath, can't see pics right now, when I get home I will have to take a look at those customized sheaths.

Yes, the weight can be a bit heavy, but I used longer paracord so that I can have it hang around my neck, and still be able to tuck the sheath into my belt. I learned this by seeing others do it, even remember seeing someone tucking the sheath into their shirt pocket (may have been Mors).

An added benefit to a longer cord is that you don't have to pull the blade past your throat when drawing the knife.
 
When I first saw the knife , I thought "wow, I like that"...so I called Rod Garcia, and ordered 2. I waited 9 months back then. I still have one, and I can't see ever NOT having it.
Simply the BEST all around woods knife I own, or have ever owned...for me anyways.
The ergos are great, and the A2 temper is spot on. It holds an edge very well. And takes an edge like crazy.
The more I use it, the more I love it...I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be cleaning a deer with it this year...if I have any luck that is.
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Here's a pic of mine ( a few years ago)
I waited 2 years for mine. I ordered it as soon as I read the article in Tactical Knives. Rod was swamped after that !!
It was worth the wait and is one of my most treasured knives. Good to know it fits in the Blind horse Bushcraft sheath. I have one but never tried it. I may eventually just make my own anyways as sheathmaking is my hobby.

A2 / Red linen ( blade looks kind of short, but it is just the camera angle)
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Scandinavians traditionally carry their knives around their necks or under the arm under their clothes to keep the handle warm. Belt carry in winter would likely leave the tang so cold that it would stick to the skin if used bare-handed.
I have an SBT in A2. It's a little handle heavy, due to the butt plate, but I love it. I fashioned a paracord loop to fit on my belt.
 
I had one years ago and foolishly sold it. GREAT KNIFE! I got back on Rod's list again, but it has been a couple years and I no longer keep tabs on whether I am on it or where he is in his orders.
I keep looking at the exchange and waiting. It will happen...just takes time. I certainly have plenty of knives to keep me busy!
 
I was told the sheath was made to be carried like a neck knife, I can't imagine carrying this knife around my neck. A Mora sure, not this Skookum. Someone customized the sheath, can't see pics right now, when I get home I will have to take a look at those customized sheaths.

It carries best on the side under one arm using paracord. Easy access and feels lighter carried this way.
 
It carries best on the side under one arm using paracord. Easy access and feels lighter carried this way.

I've seen sami wearing their larger blades this way on reindeer leather thongs. It truly is a great way to carry a blade in the bush.
 
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