CUSTOM MADE KNIVES BY JOE

Find these on our On-Line Store under Christmas Gift Ideas for pricing and selection!!!

Having been trapping off and on for over 40 years, I read how early trappers made some of their own knives from old trap springs. In the early 1800s trappers traded once a year at rendezvous for a Green River or other professionally made knife, but as trappers, you need more than one knife. If the original was lost or stolen you had a whole year until you could get another factory-made knife. The only high grade tempered steel available was your rifle (not something to be “re-purposed”!) if you still had it, or trap springs. Into the early 1900’s backwoodsmen and guides like Ben Lilly were known for their handmade trap spring knives.

While replacing springs on some old traps a few years ago, with new replacement springs from Dam Beaver, I learned how tough trap spring steel really is. Now I make old trap springs into knives, with 1 to 2 long springs making smaller knives and numbers 3 and 4 making bigger hunting knives. Trap springs are heated, straightened, ground, then re-tempered in my forge. Handles so far have been made from Saskatchewan whitetail and mule deer antler, or wood. Solid brass pins are used and all knives are full tang and shaving-sharp. Small pelters have spent cartridge handles, and are intended for delicate skinning work.

All my knives are meant to be used, and they are made in the “mountain man” style to appear period correct. They are meant to look handmade because they are, and no 2 knives will ever be exactly the same. Each hand sewn sheath leather sheath secures the knife with a solid antler hook as there were no snaps in the 1800s.

I do some custom work. If you have a trap spring, an antler or piece of wood that means something to you, it may be able to be turned into a knife. Realize not all traps springs will straighten, and not all antler will polish so it may take more material than a single piece to create a knife. However it will be a ready to use, and it will be unique. This is all a very time consuming process, but the final product is meant to last a lifetime !

See the knives at Dam Beaver today !

Joe

Trapper and Knife Maker