Was just wondering

C

cory

Joined
Dec 23, 2001
Messages
63
This is weird. I am a seasonal person when it comes to my hobbies. Right now hunting season is in so my knife addiction is high and mighty at the moment. Anyways, I was flipping through this hardback book my wife got me a while back called "100 Years of Hunting". In it is lots of old time ads and pics of guns and knives from yesterday celebrating the tradition of our heritage. I saw a pic of an old winchester 30-30 and a simple wood handled, drop point hunting knife with no bolsters or guard or anything. It is a fine looking specimen that is kept very simple. Now I am in the mood for nostalgia reasons to locate a battered old carbon steel blade needing a new handle and creating something I can wear when my mood dictates days of old versus kydex and rope handled blades of new. I have some good hunting knives now but would like a good but very simple design like what may have been carried by an old hunter 50 yrs ago or maybe even a design that would have been carried by a hunter during the depression era when any knife may have had to do due to hard times. I may go so far as locate an old kitchen knife in a junk store that fits the bill and refurbishing it complete with weathered handle. The problem with starting new is in Jantz supply and some others the selection of carbon steel blades leaves something to be desired. And stainless would have to be out as it doesn't seem nostalgic enough. Does anyone or has anyone ever shared the appreciation for doing this? I used to create blades from the ground up and used to post regularly in "shop talk" but I got burnt out and since just occasionally enjoy putting a handle on something and building a sheath whenever "I" am in the mood for something new. Well today I got bit again lol. Anyone share any similar "mood" experiences either now or in the past. Cory
 
Am still debating. I even thought about building my own from scratch except it has been so long I am afraid I may have lost the knack but that would definitely solve the problem of finding a design to suit. Cory
 
Probably the simplest way to do "the customization thing" is to start with a good, carbon steel kitchen knife like an Old Hickory. These knives have well-tempered 1095 blades, their fit and finish is a lot better than it was at one time, and their current walnut scales are often attractive enough that one might end up discouraged from pulling them off and replacing them. Even older examples that have hickory handles are certainly usable until one gets " a round tuit". If you don't care much for "hammer forge" markings, Ontario offers many similar knives (and some very different ones) with plain blades in their "industrial and agricultural" lines. One thing is for sure, no matter what happens you probably won't be out much money. For example, Smokey Mountain Knife Works has a 6" blade "hop knife" (looks like a butcher) on special, right now for $3.99! They have other OH knives for sale for some really good prices, too.
 
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