The Crocodile Hunter's Knife

S

sdw

Joined
Mar 28, 1999
Messages
246
I've noticed that Steve Erwin(the croc hunter)carries a nice sized Bowie knife.He seems to put it to good use.Anyone know who made his knife?
scott w
 
Looks like it may be a Aussie-made knife, rectangular wood(?) handle, bowie style. Maybe the Aussie's here can verify.

-Greg
 
I appreciate Steve. He's a no nonsense politically incorrect Aussie. Anyone who openly carries a blade on international TV gets my respect. I've wrestled gators and such, so I see his choice for a largish fixed point with easy access. A folder is perfect for most work around large critters, but is too slow and inaccessable for emergency encounters which may require a sharp edge for jaw extrication.

BTW, Steve's looks like a custom job. With the $ he makes, I wouldn't be surprised if its a major priced custom. On the other hand, he's down to earth kaki sort of adventurer, so it may be something he put together from a file in his Dad's shop. From a closer look at it on TV, it's more likely to be closer to the latter. I'm sure that its fine quality though. A man doesn't grow up around wildlife and skimp on an important tool like that...at least as far as quality (not necessarily cosmetics).

Good Q. I've wondered the same. Its a shame that he's too busy and inaccessable to reach since his fame. I'd love to take him on a N. American snake hunt for fun.

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"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one." --Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36) See John 3:15- 18




[This message has been edited by EQUALIZER (edited 07 November 1999).]
 
He was digging his 4x4 out of some sand and rock with his bowie on tonights episode (focused on dingos on an island that I can't remember the name of). He seems to like rugged but inexpensive gear. I'm doubting it's a high end piece. Very entertaining show though. Educational from time to time too.

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Paul Davidson

Them:"What's that clipped to your pocket, a beeper?"
Me:"Uuh....yeah, something like that."


 
You'll also notice that he has a CS Trailmaster and Kukri hanging on the wall of the "Crocodile Hunters Lair". Love that show!
 
Doesn't Animal Planet have a web site?? I bet they would find out for you. Take care! Michael

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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
 
I seen him digging out the 4x4 too.I also seen him slit open a pig he used for croc bait.
scott w
 
Yup! Saw that episode where he gutted that feral pig with his knife. Seemed to cut through it without much effort. It's funny how some scenes are cut out of the Discovery Channel episodes and left in in the Animal Planet versions.

-Greg
 
Croc Hunter is cool. Ya gotta see the MadTV paradies. Last month History Ch. had a couple walk up on a fallen deer, knap out a couple flakes of Obsidian?and proceed to dress out.I was really surprised, Jason
 
Glad you people like the Croc Man.....some Aussies are embarrassed by him because of his effusive style. Not me, I love him.
And I think his missus is cool, too.
The Island with the dingoes was, probably, Fraser Island on the coast of Southern Queensland....suppose to be the largest sand island in the world.



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BrianWE
ICQ #21525343

 
Just made a call to the Australia Zoo (Steve's base) ......he wasn't available but I was told that he made the Bowie, himself.
Couldn't get any more detail.
And the one on the wall is a Trailmaster.

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BrianWE
ICQ #21525343

 
Hate to say "I told you so" (yeah right)
wink.gif
, but in spite of some philosophical differences, I've found that we think a lot alike. I didn't think that he'd be limited by one bowie knife any more than one pair of khakis. Bowies can make good camp/field knives, but the smaller ones are more useful around home.
My educated guess is that being the motivated, creative individual that he is, and comming from a "farming"(of sorts) background, and personality traits of appreciating rare objects of beauty (that are users too), and the fact that you learn to make many tools of the trade in such an operation, as well as a couple other reasons; he probably had a custom (his own made in their shop) user. I've reconsidered the theory that he has a high priced model (although the trailmasters no slouch I hear), since he probably doesn't spend much time looking into resorces for buying those, because of the super busy schedule. What does all of this mean? I don't know. Just interesting to think about. That's all. From what I've seen, Steve Erwin is the best at what he does. I have much respect for he and Terri Erwin.

One thing is certain. He may have a beater or two, but I doubt if he wastes his time carrying crappy knives. He uses a knife EVERY DAY. I've never asked him, but I guarantee that when he's home he does. His work requires it.

Brian,

Thanks for calling to ask and reporting the info to us. I appreciate it. I agree. The Mrs. is cool. Terri's really hard core. And they work so well together. I bet there's alot of guys who envie that relationship. A good woman is a special requirement for this kind of work. Its sort of like bear keepers. There is an unwritten rule that bear owners have a beard. When it comes to zoo directors/adventurer-educators, they must have a good woman. Its a rule. I'm fortunate to have the right one. She's the best helper on the planet (even Animal Planet). She never minds getting dirty. Uses knives, shoots handguns. Has no problem working with tarantulas or opossums, or anything else. We'll be getting married soon.
smile.gif


Robert

------------------
"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one." --Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36) See John 3:15- 18




[This message has been edited by EQUALIZER (edited 08 November 1999).]
 
Brian,
You are right about Fraser Island. I just couldn't remember the name. It is made up of sand and "coffee rock". The Erwins explained that coffee rock is not really rock yet, but is compacted sand and vegetable matter.

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Paul Davidson

Them:"What's that clipped to your pocket, a beeper?"
Me:"Uuh....yeah, something like that."


 
I emailed Steve and got this response:
Hi there!! Thanks for your email, Steve is away filming at the moment so he is not here to answer your email but the knife you see him use on the shows is one that he has made himself. I hope I have been helpful. Thanks
Yvonne
Australia Zoo

I like Steve more and more. A great show and he makes knives also! I wonder what kind of steel he uses or if he would make me one.
 
At this point in his life, I don't think he'll be making knives for customers. But it sure would be interesting to have him over to do a guest "Q&A" hour.

I've only seen a few episodes, but what is wrong with that man? I like to get his recommendation on a good first-aid kit.
 
That would be cool if he could post here.I'm sure he could add some usefull info.He definetally uses them.I don't always see the bowie on his belt although I bet it's close by.I have'nt seen a pocket clip either,so I wonder if he carries a pocket knife of some kind.Good job to the zoo caller.Maybe you will catch him next time.Thanks.
scott w
 
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