Whip it out, jump and shout...

Sometimes bloggers will come up with the darndest things about which to write, other times they touch on the very practical. I think this rush to post a photo of the knife in your pocket is more about the practical.  I thought I'd include something else that was in my pockets at the time...

I have carried a knife since I was 7 or 8 when Dad gave me a Case boy scout knife for my birthday.  Sadly, that treasured companion is in a rocky crevice at the bottom of Lake George in New York.  Since then others have tried to replace it.  The two shown here have done that.

The first in daily duties performed is the Leatherman K2 Juice.  I don't think there's a day that goes by that it doesn't come out of the pocket for a necessary chore.  Every once in a while I sharpen the un-serrated blade.   The serrated blade is seldom used but cuts like the devil when it is used.  The saw blade has even parted a 2x4 but that did take time.  A smaller piece of wood suits it better.  The pliers are used all manner of things not suited to fingers be they hot, sticky, small or simply disgusting.  The screw drivers are of useful sizes and temper and also see a lot of use.  The small straight blade can be used in eyeglass repair and this alone makes them useful. 

The next is a stainless Spyderco Delica.  It replaced a Zytel handled Delica that lept off my pocket at the movie theater never to be seen again.  It hasn't cut much but it is always ready.  In some ways it is a back up for a bigger friend.  I did once carry an Endura but Virginia law is such that I thought I'd stick with the shorter bladed Delica.

That bigger friend is a S&W 642.  Sans lock but with the MIM parts, this is a good gun and rides every day in the Simply Rugged pocket holster.

'Splain this to me...

I just don't understand such foolishness.  A knife is a tool and is often useful far beyond the preconceived uses.  Lacking one, I've always regretted that lack.  That said, a 3" blade (or slightly smaller) can do some amazing things in the right hands.  That doesn't stop me from thinking this General is an idiot. 

---

There is something about the date stamp. Why STAMP the date (of which the year is blurred) when you can simply edit it in the word processor? As an old admin guy (as well as lazy infantryman), I'm wondering if they decided to change the date, used whiteout and then stamped over the old date before reproduction and distribution. Then again, why wouldn't they just change the date, in the word processor, and distribute via e-mail or web-site for the unit to print and make copies where necessary. Yes, Virginia, there are electronic signature files...

Little Hatchet in Need of Handle

This neat little ax or hatchet is in need of a handle. I remember using it with a neat little fawn's foot on the end of the handle just like a really small hatchet. As you can see from the photo (the multi-tool is there for scale and is 3-1/4" long) this really is a little thing and the eye is likewise diminutive.

I'd like to get it set up and make it available to my grandson and granddaughter as a tool with which they can learn to use the hatchet at a young age (parents permitting). It is just such a neat thing. Unfortunately, I don't know the maker and don't think that I have the skill to make a handle from scratch as my paternal grandfather would have done.

In my research I have found at least one really neat source for tool handles and that is the House Handle Company of Cassville, MO. You really need to look at this company's wares.

Burn some time in the AC...

I hope this topic on Shiloh's Forum stays valid for a while. You have GOT to see it... I'm lighten' up the forge.

Nifty Illustrations of Firearms Operation

I'm just trying to keep these in one place for reference. As I find more I'll update the post and push it to the top.

1 - Genitron S&W M66
2 - STI International 1911

AND sword parts

1- Katana parts

Cold Steel Proof Videos

I've been watching the Cold Steel Knives "proof" videos. I have to say that some of these videos is just plain cheesy, especially the music. Mr. Thompson and his crew of buff (except for Mr. Thompson, sorry, but I'm not buff either) demonstrators cut, slice, chop, stab and generally use every single product on rope, rolled grass mats, shipping tubes, plywood and cardboard cutouts, cable, hogs, chickens, beef ribs, meat filled leather jackets, boots and denim pants legs. They all look so serious. Come on guys, isn't it a hoot to do that for real while the company picks up the tab? I know it must be, it has to be. Otherwise product values are good, the facility is great, Lynn Thompson doesn't even doff his tie for some demos, and hogs, good golly, they cut hogs heads off! All in all it is fantastic. I wish I had about $10,000 to spend on his products.

Why? Because even the cheap stuff like the Canadian Belt Knife I reviewed earlier is a great product and it only costs you $10 or so. That defines inexpensive but it is a GOOD knife. How much better are all these other products.

If you can't buy a knife you can watch the videos. Now there's an evenings entertainment. The only thing better would be to have half-covered , leather and mail clad amazons doing the cutting.

What do I want? I'd like the 1917 Cutlass, the Warrior Katana, the Dragonfly Wakazashi, the Scottish Dirk, the Scottish Broad Sword, the Boar Spear, a couple of Finn Bears, and the San Mai Gurkha Kukri. They also have this neat Swiss Halbred in the catalog as a closeout for $50 and shipping but I haven't got the $50! Oh, drat.

No, it isn't as if I need any of it, particularly a halbred, but darn if I just find edged weapons fascinating.

Wristbreaker

Another of "Uncle" Dave's treasures, this 1840 "Heavy" Cavalry Saber was apparently purchased by him from some surplus dealer perhaps Bannerman. For some reason I seem to remember some connection to Bannerman. This isn't outlandish as "Uncle" Dave lived upstate from New York City and Bannerman's Castle. I was shocked to discover this sword might be worth about $1200-1500!

Ames Mfg. Co.
The Ames Company started production of military contract swords in 1832 with the M1832 foot artillery sword, and ended with the M1906 cavalry saber in 1906. Ames produced more swords for the American military than any other company before or since, totalling over 200,000 swords in service by the end of the Civil War. In that time, at least ten different manufacturing marks were used on the swords. A little knowledge of the company history helps place a date range for when each stamp was used. When the company started producing swords it was led by Nathan P. Ames, and most marks reflected that fact. In 1847, Nathan died and left the company to his brother James. The markings on the blades were immediately changed from N.P. Ames to Ames Mfg. Co. In 1848, the town of Cabotville was incorporated into Chicopee, Massachusetts, and the marks were once again changed to reflect this. I have, however, seen blades dated as late as 1850 that still bear the Cabotville stamp, as the old dies were probably used until they were worn out.

The M1832 foot artillery swords, being Ames's first swords, were stamped with the eagle trademark already common on their other products. The attached picture shows most of the important details of the sword, except for the fact that the scabbard stud appears to have been removed and two carrying rings were attached. I have also observed several examples dated 1835 that do not bear an inspector’s initials on the blade. In most cases the marks will show some wear from being rubbed by the scabbard, and may be partially or mostly obliterated. Dates found on this sword range from 1832 to 1862, and I have included pictures of swords from every decade included in that span. The early models of this sword were marked as having been made in Springfield instead of Cabotville. The M1841 cutlass (dated 1842-1846) is the only other military issue Ames sword marked this way. The cutlass has been seen to list either the Springfield or Cabotville address, although these swords lack the eagle mark.

Ames’ second contract was for the M1833 dragoon saber. A rather clumsy weapon, it was quickly replaced. The marks on this saber appear to have actually been engraved into the blades, rather than stamped. In cursive script, they read N.P. Ames/Cutler/Springfield/year, and are dated from 1834 to 1839.

The 1840 models of cavalry, NCO, light artillery, and musician swords tend to have identical styles of marks for corresponding years. This trend continues when the 1860 models of cutlass and cavalry saber are introduced. The 1840 models’ were originally marked with N.P. Ames/Cabotville/date in the 1840s, followed by Ames Mfg. Co. /Cabotville/date around 1847, then by Ames Mfg. Co/Chicoppee/Mass in the 1850s. The latter mark was also used through the Civil war on some cavalry sabers. Sometime in the late 1850s (the earliest I have seen was 1859), Ames started using a new mark on all enlisted models that was carried through the Civil War. The words Made by/Ames Mfg. Co/Chicopee/Mass are enclosed within an unraveled scroll, and initials/US/date is stamped on the opposite side of the blade. This scroll mark is usually very weak, and often has been partially worn down by the scabbard—this is a feature that helps in authenticating the sword. I have also seen one other Ames mark, which I've seen repeatedly, but only on M1860 cavalry sabers dated 1864. The mark is shaped like an arc with the words Ames Mfg. Co/Chicopee,/Mass.

This is the sword that comes to mind when one imagines the illustrious cavalry charges of the Civil War. This sword was used in the US from 1840 through the Mexican War, the Civil War, and finally the Plains Indian Wars of the 1870's and 1880's. The sword was not loved by the Cavalry - officers and troopers alike - and earned the name "The Ole Wrist Breaker". The weight of the sword gave the impression that, when wielded strongly in a downward stroke, the momentum developed could not be slowed by the frail human wrist; therefore "breaking the wrist"! It replaced the US Model 1833 "Dragoon" Saber.
The "Light" Cavalry Saber of 1860 (aka New Model) was meant to replace the 1840 Heavy Cavalry, but this was not to come until long after the Civil War. The designations Heavy and Light do not necessarily refer to the weight of the sword; they do, in fact, refer to the "shock" impact delivered during a "charge". A Heavy Cavalry unit was more "heavily armed" whereas a Light Cavalry unit was "lightly" armed.

This sword, by far, is one of the most pleasing to own and display.
The specimen that I have is of brass hilt construction, with brown (almost black) leather-wrapped grip, and twisted brass retaining wire.
The Model 1840 is another derivation from French patterns - likely the Modele 1822 Cavelerie - and there are many variations (mainly imports), with some having iron hilts (forged steel) finished "in the black".

I used to have many Walter Mitty type adventures when I was 12 or so. Just looking at that sword hanging on my bedroom wall would take me to places far away and exciting! I think that "Uncle" Dave felt the same way and that is how he was subtly portrayed by family members. I guess you had to be a bit of a spendthrift, not common in my family, to spend money on new guns and old swords! We might not be related but he seems very familiar to me for some reason.

More Knives, Knives, Knives...

Russell Canadian Belt Knife is one I purchased in 1974 on Alvarado Street in Monterey, CA. Yep, a gun store in downtown Monterey, CA. I almost bought a lot of guns there but persistent poverty related to mis-spent youth prevented that. Now there's some regret in there somewhere. It would be much better that I had bought more knives than I ever took a drink or went to parties and such things. One can buy new Russell Canadian Belt Knives and derivatives from the current maker, Grohmann of Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada. This is mine next to the recently acquired Cold Steel copy.

Frost Swedish Army Knife is something I bought on a whim a couple of years back. I don't know why or from whom but I got it for about $12 delivered and it is more than worth at least twice that. It dressed out AND butchered a deer in 2005 in one go and was still sharp enough to do another. The handle is plastic as is the scabbard/sheath but neither have given any problems and the grip is non slip even with blood and some fat on it. This knife is strapped to my hunting bag and has yet to fall out of the sheath. It is a pity that the US Army can't provide a knife this good for US soldiers.

This Wyoming Knife was given to me by my late father-in-law for Christmas. Actually, he gave every one of the "boys" one that year. I like it but I've never had a chance to use it. Seems that, just like last year, although it is there, there is another knife twixt deer and hunting bag that jumps up to steal the duty. I'd just love to see how fast this thing will unzip a deer and how well it does to skin one out. It is neat in that the handle comes apart and one can replace the blades. The company is still in business and new knives and replacement blades can be purchased from Wyoming Knife Corporation of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Spyderco's Endura and Delicas, the difference...

Yep, I messed up on this one. Too many knives I suppose. I do indeed have an Endura with the combo edge. An older knife, it has the metal clip on the reinforced fiberglass handle but I quit using it because the clip would tear the heck out of my pants pockets. The newer Endura with the integral clip doesn't do that. Neither does the Delica with the stainless steel clip but that is because the clip has had all the edges rounded so that they don't cut the material.

For those who might be confused, from top to bottom, Delica, Endura w/metal clip, Endura w/integral reinforced fiberglass clip.

Ontario Pilot Survival Knife

Actually, two knives. I thought I'd lost them and I thought they were Camillus made. Ontario is still in business so in that regard, perhaps I'm not so happy that they aren't Camillus knives but I am glad I found them.

They both have good sharp edges, now, and the sheathes have been waterproofed. The left with a common leather waterproofing formula and the right one with a waxy dye. Made in 1986 and 1987 respectively, these once retailed for about $15 but I understand that with these sheathes, these knives now retail for about $60. Yes, I'm glad I found them. They now rest in the bin with the rest of my knives. 19 quarts of knives...

Someday, some grandkids are going to be mighty happy with all those cool knives.

Cold Steel Canadian Belt Knife - UPDATE

I promised a report as soon as I got the knives and they came in April 12, just 6 days after I submitted my order. To say that I'm impressed is an understatement.

Look at the photo. The Cold Steel (CS) copy of the Russell Canadian Belt knife is directly next to my 1972-3 made knife. Let's go point by point.

While the original is a full tang knife, the CS isn't. At least you can't see the tang hidden in the molded polypropylene handle. The original has a nice wood grip but I was impressed by the CS handle which seems much denser than I expected. At least that's the impression despite the weight of the knife, much less than the original even though the dimensions are so close that the CS knife can use the original's sheath. However, the CS knife's handle is just a shade larger which is only apparent when the knives are side-by-side. The original does lack one thing the CS knife has, a lanyard hole.

Comparing the blades is interesting. The CS version is clearly a stamped blade and the major shaping of the blade was obviously done in the stamping. This includes the gimping on the back of the blade. There is also a bit of waviness in the grind not apparent on the original. Still, the CS blade is VERY sharp. The blades have nearly the exact same dimensions, the working portions of the blades being nearly identically ground, except... The transition at the heel (ricasso) is angled on the original and perpendicular to the blade edge on the CS knife. One other obvious difference is that the CS knife has a noticeably sharper point.

Frankly, I had to work to get the edge on my original to be as good as the CS knife edge was out of the box. I can't yet speak as to how durable the CS knife edge is but the original's will hold up very well in normal hunting duties.

You might note that the famous Russell elliptical blade, which has won awards for design, is really just a single edge spearpoint blade (the handle off-set gives it added functionality). One can easily stick "things" with it. Note also that the butt has a nice striking point and the grip won't slip in your hand. Gives one thoughts that it might be a bit more versatile than first thought.

The sheaths are different as one would expect for the price difference. My original sheath is a well-crafted leather pouch and the CS knife comes with a nylon pouch that is just good enough for carrying the knife. One could invest in a Kydex pouch but unless one makes it oneself the cost would be more than the knife. As it is this is a good inexpensive knife that should do a fine job for the outdoorsman.

One thing that is clear is that the CS knife is made in Taiwan. This may be important to some users. As to purchasing the knife, I just did a search for "cold steel canadian belt knife" on Froogle and sorted by price. Only because the knife was out of stock at the cheapest provider did I pay $9.31 per knife. Compared to the $16-something MSRP, this is a great price.

Ghurka Kukri (Khukuri)

This is one of those sold by Atlantic Cutlery in the mid 1980s. Real? I don't know. Made from old auto bodies? Again, I don't know. I did reprofile the edge, by hand using the Buck Knife sharpening guide and a good, large stone. That took the better part of 8 hours so I don't think the steel is that soft but at least now it is sharp enough to do some knife work. From the Brigade of Ghurkas:

"The Origin of the Kukri"

Kukri is the now accepted spelling; “Khukuri” is the strict translation of the Nepali word. Either way the thing itself is the renowned national weapon of Nepal and the Gurkhas.

A Nepali boy is likely to have his own kukri at the age of five or so and necessarily becomes skilful in its use long before his manhood. By the time a Gurkha joins the army, the kukri has become a chopping extension of his dominant arm. This is important, because it is not the weight and edge of the weapon that make it so terrible at close quarters so much as the skilled technique of the stroke; it can claim to be almost impossible to parry.

It is important to remember that the kukri is a tool of all work, at home in the hills and on active service it will be used for cutting wood, hunting and skinning, opening tins, clearing undergrowth and any other chore. From this it is plain there can be no truth in the belief that a Gurkha must draw blood every time before he may return the kukri to its sheath.

The oldest known Kukri appears to be one in the arsenal museum in Kathmandu, which belonged to Raja Drabya Shah, King of Gorkha, in 1627. It is interesting to note that it is a broad, heavy blade. However it is certain that the origins of the kukri go far further back. There is one tenable story that Alexander’s horsemen carried the “Machaira”, the cavalry sword of the ancient Macedonians, in the fourth century BC on his invasion of north-west India. Its relationship with the kukri is plain. A third century sculpture, of which only a much later Greek copy exists, shows what is probably a Scythian prisoner of war lying down his arms. The weapon looks amazingly like a modern kukri.

In 1767 Prithwi Naraayan Shah, King of Gorkha, invaded the Nepal valley: In September 1768 Kathmandu surrendered and Prithwi Narayan became the first King of Nepal. That his troops defeated much larger forces must be credited at least in part to their unusual weapon, the kukri. It is reasonable to suppose that this was the beginning of the universal custom of Nepalese troops carrying the kukri, a custom that spread in time to Gurkhas serving in the British and Indian Armies. It was carried also by many other hill units, regular and irregular: Assam Rifle Regiments, Burma Military Police, the Garhwal and Kumaon Regiments. In the Burma campaign of World War those British troops who did not carry a machete carried a kukri, and nowadays the Singapore Police Force also carry them.

Most hill villages in earlier days would have a Smith (or Lohar of the Kami clan) who forged kukris for the people: now there is a good deal of mass production, though the best are still made by skilled craftsmen. In World War II Gurkha recruits were issued with mass-produced government kukris but nearly all brought back their own from their first leave. Weight, balance and fit are crucially important.

The blades of ordinary kukris vary much in quality. Many are made perforce from inferior steel and cannot hold a sharp edge: Good ones are forged from railway track and old motor vehicle springs. The best are forged from the finest continental steel and can be of the highest quality, fluted and damascened. The scabbards are made of wood covered in leather with a protective metal cap over the point. Two pockets on the back holding a blunt steel for sharpening the blade or striking sparks from flint (the chakmak) and a little knife (the karda) used for skinning small game or as a penknife, some also have a little purse for the flint.

Most handles are made of wood, often walnut or pat-pate (talauma hodgsoni). They are secured to the handle either by rivets through a two-piece hilt or by the tang inserted through a one-piece grip and riveted over the cap. In a good example the scabbard (dap) may be adorned with cloth-work or engraving and the hilt made of bone, ivory, horn or metal probably decorated.

Village working kukris are much coarser affairs, often with heavy wooden scabbards and comparatively clumsy blades.

Piuthan in the west and Bhojpur in the east are well known cnetres of kukri manufacture: Choosing examples from east to west and from the 18th Century onwards, we can see many styles and several types. The long, slender blade is characteristic of early work and of eastern Nepal; the shorter, round-bellied weapons are common later and in western districts: but there are exceptions to this rule.

There is no specific set of dimensions, but the standard length of service and general use kukris is twelve or thirteen inches. A Kothimora kukri may be any reasonable size though many of the best are service length.

The most impressive are the ceremonial and sacrificial blades. They must be capable of cutting cleaning through the powerful neck of a water buffalo. They tend to be twice the length and weight of a soldier’s kukri with the hilt to fit a two-handed grip.

One interesting curiosity is the ‘kukri-bayonet’ for the old tower musket. There is a drawing in Perceval London’s book “Nepal”, Volume 1 page 96, of a Nepalese Guard of Honour (of between 1813 & 1837) at the present, muskets complete with kukri-bayonets: But each soldier had his own fighting kukri in his belt. So clumsy a weapon must have been for ceremonial purposes only.

The notch (kaura) in the blade near the hilt arouses much interest. Although it may certainly act as a check to excessive blood on the hilt, and be used to catch and neutralise an enemy blade, it is essentially a Hindu religious and phallic symbol. There is a strong analogy with the hand-guard of the crusader sword, which protected the sword-hand but equally represented the Christian cross and was commonly used as the guarantee of an oath- the right hand being placed on the cross with such words as “by these hilts”. Reference will later be made to myths but it is suitable to say here that the “Kaura” or notch is not an ingenious sight with which to aim an about to be thrown kukri. Except in desperation, as a man might hurl his empty rifles in a last defiance at the enemy; a kukri is never thrown: the Gurkha prefers to keep it in his hand.

The religious significance of the kukri must not be forgotten. In 1948 Maharaja Padma Shamser Jangbahadur Rana, Prime Minister and Supreme Commander of Nepal, wrote, “The Khukri is the national as well as the religious weapon of the Gurkhas. It is incumbent on a Gurkha to carry it while awake and to place it under the pillow when retiring. As a religious weapon it is worshipped during the Dasain (the most important Hindu festival) and other times whenever any sacrifice is to be made.

In the Army Dasain is of the greatest importance: During it the regiment’s arms are blessed, and goats and buffaloes are sacrificed in the process – not now in this country. At home in Nepal goats dedicated to various causes are despatched and then proved and chosen experts ceremonially sacrifice a male buffalo in the name of the regiment. The large kukri “Konra” (in the village) is used because the head must be cleanly severed with one blow. When that is achieved, which is nearly always, the blessing of the gods lies on the people for the ensuing year. If the stroke fails, leaving even so little as an inch of the dewlap uncut, bad luck will follow. It is custom the custom to honour the successful headsman with a “Pheta” (white turban) bound round his forehead, an honour much valued.

Associated Myths & Legends

The kukri has somehow produced a fertile crop of myths and legends in the western world; and the most impossibly wild amongst them are the most tenaciously believed. Two already mentioned are that a kukri once drawn in whatever circumstances must taste blood before it is resheathed. Also that a Gurkha, if he possibly can, will take careful aim through the symbolic “kaura” or notch and then hurl the weapon like a boomerang, snick off the enemy’s head and casually snatch the kukri out of the air as it returns. If the first of these were true no Gurkha would survive to adulthood: He would lose pints of blood every day as he chopped wood, sharpened a wooden peg, opened a tin of beans and slashed down encroaching undergrowth. After each task he would have to shed some of his own blood. The second fails to stand the test of a little thought. Much as anyone would hate to be in the path of a flung kukri, one would hate much more to oppose one in the hand of an angry Gurkha.

Not very different is the story (set variously in China, Italy, Burma and the North West Frontier) of the Gurkha coming suddenly on the enemy soldier. Naturally he struck first – the decapitating blow. “Yah, missed!” said the enemy. “Try shaking your head,” came the reply.

Finally a true story told by General Sir (later Field Marshal Viscount) W J Slim.

“Early in his command of 14th Army he encouraged constant patrolling by all forward units. One Gurkha patrol on return presented themselves before their General, proudly opened a large basket, lifted from it three gory Japanese heads, and laid them on his table. They then politely offered him for his dinner the freshly caught fish which filled the rest of the basket.”

Nepal, the Gurkha, and the Kukri: The three of them are inseparable in reputation, and the Gurkha Soldier keeps his kukri as he keeps his honour – bright and keen.

Links:
- Cold Steel San Mai Kukri
- Cold Steel Kukri Machetes
- Khukuri House
- Northern Virginia Bando Association

Leatherman's Products

Original Leatherman tool was the first multi-tool other than a Swiss Army Knife (SAK) that I ever bought. What a joy to have this with me every day. Yes, it was used every day. At the time, and because I also carried a SAK, I seldom used the blade. However, the pliers (including the wire cutter) and the screw drivers were very handy. I also used the can opener because I thought it was sturdier than the can opener on the SAK. That was, unfortunately, untrue as I found out one day while I was trying to open a tray pack meal on the back of a HumVee. The thing snapped off without any lateral pressure. The heavy (?) metal of the T-pack was just too much for it.

The Leatherman Mini-Tool was my second Leatherman purchase was a direct result of my satisfaction with the first tool and a need/desire to have a smaller tool. It was pretty good but having to unfold it to use the pliers and not having the leverage (not quite despite it being advertised as full sized pliers) of the larger tool caused me to put it away.

The Leatherman Wave was my 4th multi-tool. It was a gift from an outgoing commander who felt that I'd been an asset during his command tour (and rightly so!). Best darn gift I've ever received in the military. Many thanks to then Captain Patterson. I really liked the Wave because like the Gerber multi-tool I'd been issued it had rounded handles that didn't test one's ability to withstand torture while using the pliers and unlike the Gerber, couldn't/wouldn't pinch the palm if the plier jaws slipped off the work or when the wire cutters snipped through the work. Quite nice to use and it came in a wonderful leather pouch. Class act all the way. I have to wonder how the market changed so that this tool has been discontinued.

The Leatherman Juice is a series of slightly different tools in size and configuration targeted at more upscale recreational users. They are also treated to anodized aluminum scales in various colors to generate interest in the display cabinet... I've got a KF-4 in my pocket as I write this and am very pleased. If there is any gadget it doesn't have that I think it should that would be scissors. Not to worry, Leatherman makes a juice with scissors and I have one but it hasn't been so important to me that I've bothered to break it out of the vacuum pack! Of course the KF4 or Solar is the one Juice that's been discontinued! I like it because it is about the perfect pocket size tool, the screwdrivers all work, the pliers work as they should, and the knife blades are good enough to replace the SAK.

I bought a Squirt for my daughter this past Christmas. She's an enthusiastic user and says it has proven to be very handy while still being unobstrusive on her key chain!

Tim Leatherman did have a bit of a problem with many in the sporting world when he decided to support John Kerry for President. I e-mailed him about his stand and how it might affect his sales. We started a regular little correspondence for a while and he was always polite but firm in his beliefs. I don't think we'll be well served by boycotting him and based on his buyer demographic, we're not likely to affect his sales all that dramatically. For certain, he makes about the best multi-tool out there. Frankly, I take a bit of pleasure in using his tools to do the good work and support my ideas and the right thought.

Canadian Belt Knife from Cold Steel

I've long been a fan of the Russell Canadian Belt Knife from Grohmann of Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada. By the way, that's a nice place to visit. I've had mine since 1973 and it has been well used and well cared for. Today I received my Rifle magazine and lo and behold there is a review of the Cold Steel Canadian Belt Knife. Cold Steel cut the cost by using a polypropylene handle and nylon sheath so that the MSRP is a pleasant $16.99. However, you can find the knife even cheaper than the Swedish Army knife or for as little as $9.27. I've got two on order but paid $9.31 each because I wanted immediate shipping. I'll test one and likely save the other for my grandson.

Knives, Now Hatchets

Axes are just as much fun as knives and machetes. I've accumulated several.

The first are these three. The one I've had the longest is the oldest in style. From the bottom we have a tomahawk I bought from Dixie Gun Works in 1975. I used to take my lunch at Mission Account at FT Hunter-Liggett, CA to throw at an old stump out front of the compound. Then I started hunting the ground squirrels who were mocking me from their holes on either side of the stump. After about 1000 throws I actually brained one of the little buggers! I think that the Native Americans and Mountain Men didn't throw these things, they kept them firmly in hand. Much more certain in execution! Mine is on the second handle. The first I still use as a mold mallet.

I've not used the next two at all although I've had them for some time. The middle hatchet is a common mass produced item from one of the big box stores. Nothing special and apparently not useful as I've not got any wear on the blade!

The second is a Fiskars using the latest in metalurgic and fabrication technologies. The Fiskars handle will supposedly resist destruction even when run over by a truck (shown in one of their promotional films). I got this one to carry in the truck but the Woodman's Pal has generally proved to be more useful. At least enough so that I've never used the Fiskars hatchet. Still it is a cool thing. You might notice some similarities to Gerber's product...

Then, of course, I've some full size working axes. These I've used! Sometimes, although it is a bit more work, it is a bit less trouble to grab the ax than to fire up the chainsaw. One doesn't need to worry with the noise or fuel either. I've single bitted and double-bitted axes. The double-bitted are good because not only do they look cool and let the Walter Mitty in us think that we're Paul Bunyan but each edge can be sharpened differently so that one edge is for splitting and the other for cutting or just to have a replacement edge or one edge that can be used next to "obstacles".

Axes and hatchets are fun but clearly not all that important to me.

Yet More, Knives, Knives, Knives....

No I haven't run out of knives yet. Sorry about that!

Long knives fascinate most of us. If you need proof of that look at the humongous honkin' big knives that pay the bills for so many knife companies. They are all over the place. Well a machete is just another knife, but a long bladed one and with some utility to boot. I bought this Collins machete from Mrs. Kramer's antique store in Bridgewater, VA around about 1967-69. I'm not quite sure of the date, but it was in the spring as I was happy to get outside and use Dad's leather tools and thread to repair the scabbard. No, I couldn't repair where some previous user had dragged the sharp blade through the throat of the scabbard neatly cutting it about 2" deep. What I could do was to lock stitch the back of the scabbard and to clean it with saddle soap so that it could survive to today. Dad thought but didn't say out loud that I was crazy to pay $10 for it. He was right. $10 is about what one pays for a machete today! In 1969 that was a lot of money.

I've used this machete which is of much better quality than many of today's manufacture and with a neatly tooled scabbard to boot, and I've used it a lot. Still, it is in good condition. In many ways this is like a short sword and indeed there are still some who would use it as such. In any case the steel is of good quality easily taking an edge but holding that edge for a reasonable period.

I seldom use it anymore though. Mostly I use either an Army issue type or a Woodsman's Pal for such tasks. I'd rather preserve this old friend for another day. It is seldom enough that one finds a blade of this quality in this condition to waste in on vines and fence rows.

The Collins Company has a long and storied history so much so that a book was written on the subject, Collins Machetes and Bowies: 1845 - 1965, by Daniel Edward Henry which, because it is out of print, now sells for more than $95 a copy!

Next is a current, standard issue US Army machete. The 18" blade is about 1/8" thick and the handle is of plastic as is the sheath. Included on the sheath is a an integral sharpener. I've used this particular machete for about 15 years. These things are hell for stout and I've never seen one broken, yet. Mine was made by Ontario and is used as you can tell by the grime on the blade. This thing is great for reaching where the Woodman's Pal can't so that you can avoid spines and stickers. I don't care how tough you might think you are spines and stickers can be really irritating so why put up with such if you don't have to!

The Woodman's Pal is generally the finest general purpose "machete" out there. From their site is this short history of the tool:

The History of the Woodman's Pal®

Frederick Ehrsam was not only an expert on edge tools used throughout the world. By the time he settled in Pennsylvania, in the 1930's, the Swiss National was also an experienced architect, artist, engineer, manufacturer, and woodsman.

Over the next ten years, all these skills would be used in the creation of a tool that would eventually influence modern forest and land management.

Professionals in the forest and field relied heavily on the machete for clearing brush and blazing trails. Other tools were also needed to thin, trim, chop, and prune.

Frederick Ehrsam saw the need for a single implement that could not only perform the task of each as well or better, but could eliminate drawbacks like awkward weight or bulk, lack of balance or versatility, and designs unsafe for the inexperienced user. In 1941, Frederick Ehrsam introduced the Woodman's Pal®. Professionals in forestry, agriculture, and horticulture quickly recognized it as a historic achievement.

This new tool did not go unnoticed by the US Military. The Woodman's Pal® or "LC-14-B" in military terms, was standard issue from the early part of World War II through Desert Storm. G.I.'s and the US Army Signal Corp. relied heavily on the Woodman's Pal for land clearing operations. At the time of the Vietnam War, the Woodman's Pal® was designated the "Survival Tool, Type IV" and was issued in air crew survival kits.

The Woodman's Pal is probably the best tool for clearing wire fence lines as the it is realtively easy to keep the edges from striking the metal wire. This keeps the working edges sharp longer making for easier, more efficient work. Anything to cut my time doing chores, well I'm all for that. As you can see I actually use mine!

Cold Steel makes some great knives. However, finding knives that are legal for carry here in Virginia is a royal pain. As a CHP holder I don't want to get permanently zapped for something really stupid, like Senator Webb and his aide Phillip Thompson, so I take care to legally carry guns and knives. One of those was the smaller version of the Twistmaster knife which you've seen in my post about my hunting bag which is where it resides. At the time I also bought this larger version which I've never carried! I guess it is a collector's item now. The blades are made of Cold Steel's Carbon V and are wicked sharp out of the box. The edge isn't difficult to maintain and the fiberglass reinforced handles are both stronger than the Opinel which they mimic but also easier to hold due to their shape and to hold on to due to the sharp, molded checkering.

This next knife was recommended by Mike Nesbitt of Muzzleloader Mag (and others) in his monthly column. Clearly, I'm easily influenced and quickly ordered the knife. marked John Nowill & Sons LTD, Sheffield, this knife is an old pattern and well executed by the manufacturer. The rivets are neat and the handle tight to the tang. Despite the low cost, this is a quality knife. However my sheath is about 2-3 inches too short. Commercially made, I've not taken the time to replace it. I've not used the knife though. Perferring to wait to carry it until I have a proper sheath.

The next knife is the very common and widely well regarded Kabar or Marine Corps knife. This blade shape has been in use for a long time and the knife pattern is very popular for good reasons. It is versatile and useful for both camp duties and self defense. The maker executes manfacturer well, maintaining consistently high quality and reasonable price. Mine came from my son but I've never used it. The USMC sheath embossing isn't necessarily my taste but that hardly disqualifies the knife from an honored place.

These last knives (for now) are these three pocket knives. All are of common form and equally useful despite their different sizes. Despite or because of their small size, they are eminently useful daily carry knives. These have opened many a package, clipped threads, and generally served as pocket knives serve and done so well. The maker is unimportant but these knives by Schrade, Buck and from Sears (I don't know who their vendor is) are all fine knives.

I have lots of knives, as you've seen, but I've not told you about the multitools. That is for another time...

A Sword for Service

My Type 32 "Otsu" Sword

I believe that every man should own a sword. That this is forbidden in some places is indicative of how governments seek to disenfranchise men. All the more reason to have a sword. This is an interesting sword. It is a arsenal quality, Japanese cavalry saber from approximately the Russo-Japanese War period. It is in very good condition with some staining and minus the finger loop inside the guard. Saber and scabbard serials match. I hope I can catch the detail of the markings. First a short personal history of the sword.

The Chape

I found it in 1974 in a small antique shop near the Presido of Monterey on Forest Avenue. I paid $40 for it and kept it in my wall locker. Not a word was ever said to me about it. Those were simpler times.

The sword has survived nearly 100 years quite well as evidenced by the fact that the serial number on the scabbard (shown here) and the blade match. The scabbard is in good condition and the quality is apparent in that the brazed seam (it was stamped as one piece, folded over and brazed) is in excellent condition. Also, the throat of the scabbard is brass lined to protect the blade.

This saber has a unique or at least seldom seen feature, an integral catch that holds the saber in the scabbard but can be instantly released by the index finger as the saber is drawn. Simple and absolutely effective. I've included a photo of several angles of the catch. This is one of my favorite features of this saber.

Guard Marks

These are the only marks other than the serial number to be found on the saber. The characters are "one", "large"/"dai" meaning the first year of the Taisho Era or about 1913.  The characters below the arsenal mark are "middle" and a character unknown to me and are likely the inspector's name.

These Japanese sabers, introduced in the late 19th Century, have arsenal/machine made blades with serial numbers on the ricasso and will commonly have arsenal stamps on the guard. The hilt back strap on Type 32 model (such as this one), introduced in 1899 and produced until 1945, is checkered steel (commonly blackened). The wood grips are also checkered. There is a leather finger loop on the inside of the guard. The blades have a long, wide fuller running the total length of the blade. The scabbards are steel with a single suspension ring. These are commonly mislabeled as 1886 cavalry sabers. The type 32 replaced the earlier enlisted men's swords and the brass hilt Type 25 Cavalry & NCO sword. There are two lengths, the longer 33" bladed sword being for Cavalry NCOs and enlisted men while the shorter 30.5" bladed sword was for other branch NCOs. This has the shorter blade.

As it should be...

These are using swords/sabers not the dress items one often sees from about this period in Europe. During the Russo-Japanese war, battles were fought almost entirely with sword and lance backed up by artillery. Amazing but apparently both sides needed to conserve ammunition! Here's a pic of a cavalry officer of the period.



Links:
- Russo-Japanese War Research Society
- Notes on the Russo-Japanese War
-

More Knives, Knives, Knives...

Yep, there are more. Are you surprised? And there are more after these as well...

To begin where I left off, this Gerber "military" blade was purchased in 1985 and was used in my military duties. Again mostly to open MREs but on one occasion to surprise somebody who wasn't where they were supposed to be and was messing with my gear as I "slept". All that ceased and nobody in my squad was bothered except for the private who was supposed to be awake and on guard. He always did a good job after that.

These "NRA" knives were given as promotional items (I would have renewed my membership anyway) for joining or extending membership in the NRA. The top one is a Buck and the bottom one is an Imperial. Both are serviceable for what they are but the blades are no longer than 2" and so aren't quite my cup of tea. They've been in the box since I got them. No, that's not right. I carried the Buck a couple of times to church or something like that. The Imperial, bottom, knife is actually more useful with a longer main blade and a spear point second blade. Ialways use the main blade for everyday tasks and save the little spear points so tht they'll be sharp enough to cut out slivers and such. Both knives are mostly plastic and very light.

I never used these promotional or advertising premium knives. I found them in Grandpa's junk box when I got it after he died. Interesting stuff. I like that they gave knives as promotional items back then. Now, they'd be sued or worse yet, some kid would take these cute things to school and be expelled for having a "weapon". Might I say that zero tolerance is just an easy out for people too stupid to fairly apply reason to individual cases. Of course I can, at least now.

These are two spike bayonets for my Enfield No. 4 MKI rifles. The blade forms are nearly identical but the markings are different. There were lots of variations on the theme for these rifles. The big thing here are the two different scabbards. The bottom scabbard is plastic. I like these bayonets. All business and not too heavy. The US Army has that crappy M9 bayonet now. Those things weigh too much and do too little. We had a lot of them break on the bayonet assault range whereas the old, "obsolete", M7s would just bend and could be bent back to serviceability. Yep, I got these to use on my rifles. It is good to have a complete stand of arms.

This Case is the second knife I bought for myself. I had to return the first. Mom and Dad made me return the first one which I bought at Town and Country in Harrisonburg, VA. I don't know why, but they didn't care about pocket knives, aka folders, but they about threw a hissy fit when I brought this home. I don't know why, I had a sword in my room (more about that later, I told you there were more blades to discuss). Anyway, I had to wait a while before I could buy this knife so that I could go hunting. I don't think it was more than a year or two later that I started hunting. I guess Mom and Dad figured if I had a gun that having a "sheath knife" was no big deal. Funny, huh?

This little jewel was given me by my good friend, now in heaven, Mike Mays. I've no idea where or how Mike came up with this knife. It is so pretty that I've never made a sheath for it or used it. It is a shame not to but I just was never able to do so. It is unmarked so I don't know who made it or when. It appears to be a stainless steel and the handle is a green laminate of some kind. I think it is a very pretty knife.

Last, but not the least, in this installment are the two knives I carry every day. The first is the previously mentioned Spyderco Delica that I bought, on sale, to replace another Delica that I lost at the movie theater. Apparently, I just discovered, I sat down in the seat and the clip snagged the drink holder which shucked it right out of my pocket as pretty as you please. Since the old knife was the reinforced fiberglass handle type and black, I couldn't see it there in the darkened theater. Makes me feel pretty stupid.

The other is one of the Leatherman Juice series. This is the KF4. I've had several Leathermen (dang I'll have to hunt those up, too!) but this is about an ideal balance for pocket carry and useability. Not only does it have blades (serrated and plain) but file, screwdrivers (phillips and blade), saw, pliers, wirecutter and awl. Since Tim Leatherman came out with tools I've had one with me most everyday. I use them, too. Great idea.

There will be more, I've got swords, multi-tools and more knives...

Knives, Knives, Knives

Boy oh boy. I had no idea. Oh, I knew I had this knife or that knife that I had them here and there and so forth. But I never knew I had so darn many knives that I'd used and some I hadn't. A couple are family knives, heirloom pieces I never take to the field, some are souvenir pieces that came from who knows where, and many I've used over the years as I searced for a good knife for daily carry and as the industry has evolved over the last 30+ years.

RH-32

This Remington was made from 1933-1940, and is an RH(Remington Hunting)-32. Remington actually had their own factory from 1919-1940, in 1933 Dupont bought Rem. later it was sold to Pal when Remington decided to concentrate on their WWII contracts. It is indeed marked "RC-32" on the right ricasso and also has the "Dupont" in a oval trademark on the left ricasso. I don't really know much about this knife but I had thought that Dad may have bought this knife new sometime between 1947 and 1955. I think (not certain) that he had it from at least the time I was born. It is possible that he bought it used or that it was a gift at some time.

Marble's Ideal

This second heirloom knife is somewhat of a mystery. A very early leather & stag Marble's Ideal pattern, I believe that it was Uncle Dave Fancher's and passed to Grandpa. It passed to Dad when Grandpa died. Grandpa kept it in his garage in the original old pouch type sheath and dad replaced that sheath when he got the knife. I need to carefully clean it up to read the markings which are on the left ricasso only. There in a 3-line mark it is marked "M.S.A. CO" over "Gladstone" over "MICH U.S.A." (which is pretty faint in areas).

Buck 112s

These two Buck 112s are sort of the beginning of the knife industry we know today. They were "cutting edge" when I bought the top one while at the Presidio of Monterey in 1973. I found the other on the street just below the barracks one day and gave it to Dad when I came home for Christmas 1974. He used it and it was on the workbench when he died. These are good solid knives and have given good service over many years.

Gerber Sportsman II

I got this knife in 1974. A Gerber Sportsman II, I bought the knife on Cannery Row in Monterey, CA while I was stationed at the Presidio of Monterey and attending the Defense Language School. Regulations and laws were such then that this was an acceptable knife to carry daily. I liked it because it was thinner than the Buck 112. I carried it for quite a while until a fellow soldier borrowed it to cut up some cardboard boxes and somehow broke the blade. I sent the knife to Gerber and they replaced the blade. I put the knife away when it came back and and haven't used it since. That is the original box.

Parachutist's knife

This is a parachutist's knife. I've got two. Can't remember exactly where they came from but I must have been issued these and never used them but packed them up because I had my own knife. No, I was never a parachutist. Gives me the willies just to think of having to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. I hate heights but do what I've got to. Anyway, these are interesting as they are spring opening assisted. Made by Camillus (now defunct), these will probably appreciate over time.

Military 4-bladed utility

This standard US military 4-bladed utility knife was issue about 1986 and I carried it for several years in lieu of the Gerber. I have accumulated several of these knives but this is the earliest dated being 1979. This is also a Camillus. At $15 for many years, these are inexpensive but pretty good knives for daily use. One can do much much worse than to have and use one of these plain knives.

Gerber LST II

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I think that this is a Gerber LST II. I bought the knife while at PLDC at Camp Beauregard, Pineville, LA in 1986 to congratulate myself for graduating (I was distinguished honor grad!). I carried that knife on and off but particularly when in civilian clothes as it is very small, thin and light but has a good blade that holds an edge well. It has opened a bunch of packages! I think that this series was one of the first with the reinforced fiberglass handles as a fully functional part of the knife. There isn't much more to this knife than the blade, spring and handles.

Spyderco Endura

This is the Spyderco Endura I carried for about 6-7 years. I mis-spoke when I said it was a combo edge. As you can see it is a full serrated edge. This was a just in case knife and I seldom used it to cut anything but carried it clipped into the top of the button tube on by BDU jacket. I felt that if I could I might be able to get to this knife even with my hands up. This was because some ne'er-do-wells had apparently, according to local law enforcement, thought of targeting my arms room. The blade length is too long to carry concealed in Virginia though. So, this knife now stays in the box.

Assorted Swiss Army Knives

I like the Swiss Army knives. This is just 3 of those that I have. I have 5 I've never used (or even opened the packages). I just get them. The first I ever got and carried was that GH Rose promotional knife. A driver for Rose gave me that knife when I was working for the Combat Development Command Mission Account at FT Hunter-Liggett, CA in 1976. I used that knife for several years and it carries some fond memories of the folks at the Mission Account. Sergeants Dickie and Napper were good mentors for my professional development. There were many others working there who were good people. All of us having families with other interests we didn't socialize much. The others I bought and carried until I found another configuration to try. These are quality knives at reasonable prices.

Gerber Guardian

This is a Gerber Guardian. I bought this knife during my tactical phase. OK, I can laugh about it now but at the time everybody had a "tactical" knife on their web gear. This thing has been lashed hither and yon and carried clipped to the belt under BDUs. However, it was used mostly to open MREs. The camo design was almost a requirement for a while then it seemed to switch to black. Interesting how the fashions change and, indeed, that is what this is, a fashion statement. There are much better knife designs.

I have more but those will have to wait until later.

An Interesting Thing..

I had an interesting thing happen to me this past weekend when my wife and went to see 300. As I sat down the clip on my Spyderco Delica snagged the cup holder in the arm of the seat and neatly deposited itself on the cup holder. Ticked me off. I bet this is how I lost the other Delica...

Spyderco Joy

I like the Spyderco line of knives. Good blade steel and geometry produce good working blades that last and are very sharp right out of the box. I've owned an Endura and Delica with the fiberglass reinforced handles. Strong, tough knives that will handle anything and light enough to carry anywhere. It doesn't hurt that the clip feature allows one to carry one readily accessible just about anywhere in the clothing.

I carried an Endura with the combo edge for many years in the military. I would clip it inside the top of the front button row on the BDU jacket. That left it readily available and concealed from everyone. A perfect, last ditch back up just in case somebody tried to use me for access to the unit arms vault.

Now that I'm a civilian, I have admit that I more closely adhere to certain rules and laws. In Virginia 3 inches is the maximum length of a hidden blade including a folder. In truth, I got the Endura when there was no Delica and bought the Delica as soon as it came out and carried the Delica in civvies while the Endura stayed with the uniform. The 2-7/8 inch blade of the Delica is all one needs to make a slashing attack and get away from an attacker and is more than enough blade length to cut strapping such as seatbelts in an emergency. The very sharp Spyderco edge Even cuts through heavy rope in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, I lost my Delica! The integral clip on my fiberglass reinforced handle apparently slipped off it's mooring and took the knife elsewhere. I was heartbroken.

Then, as a I mentioned earlier, I was in Hunter's Paradise and discovered that the shop was closing and selling everything at cost. There was one more C-11 (as shown) and I got it for $45. The Spyderco joy began.

Unfortunately, the clip is at the wrong end for me. When I pull the knife from the pocket I like the knife to have the thumbhole (patented by Spyderco) under my thumb. The position shown in the photo doesn't allow that when the knife is clipped into my right front pants pocket. I needed to change the position of the clip.

Spyderco has some thoughtful designers because they know that any given clip position won't work for all their users. Being able to move the clip is a big plus. Spyderco also uses a neat 3 screw arrangement to fasten the clip to the knife. If you prefer, you can remove the clip all-together! Great versatility. What Spyderco doesn't mention anywhere is that the screw heads are TORX heads.

As you know I mentioned before that I just started wearing my new bifocals. The T6 size head of these screws is so small that I couldn't see that they were a TORX head and wasted a lot of time looking for a proper fitting hex key. Finally, I was looking at the screw heads and hit the correct focal point with the glasses and noticed the distinctive shape of the TORX head. Viola! But a T10 (available in the wrench sets now available as are the hex sets) was too big. So a search of the local hardware stores finally turned up the necessary T6 bit which was used this morning to satisfy my soul. My C11 now resides, safely, in my right front blue jeans pocket. Oh JOY!


The knife with the clip in the "correct" position.