CUSTOM MADE KNIVES BY JOE
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
*** Find these on our On-Line Store under Christmas Gift Ideas for pricing and selection!!! ***
