Bushcraft Style Knives - The Guardian

THE SHADOW

The Shadow is coming back in a Mk2 version as part of a two knife set.

Two knives I've often been asked for are the Shadow and the Beaver. The former useful in Bushcrafting and the latter ideal for small jobs, such as rabbiting etc.

Although I've already got a selection of top quality heavy duty Bushcraft type blades in RWL-34 and 52100 Bearing steel blades, what I don't have is a medium/light general use field knife set. Hence my decision to combine the Shadow and the Beaver into one complimentary field knife set.

You can see the details of this set here: Beaver Shadow Combo with the specifications and relevant pricing options on here: Knife Price List

The 'Shadow' 01 Tool Steel Field knife

I've been asked, and even criticised, as to why I don't make knives from 01 Tool Steel, which is the favoured steel used in knife making in the UK. The primary reason was that I wanted to make knives from steels that most other knife makers in the UK were not working with - yes, I suppose I just wanted to be different. The other reason was that for a long time I was rather sceptical as to whether I could source quality stock from a reputable bladesmith at a reasonable cost. Well, things do change and I did find a good source that may well provide me with what I want. So, I've decided to start making knives based on 01 Tool Steel blades and hopefully things will work out fine for all concerned.

I've recently submitted my design and specifications for the type of knife blade I want to work with and expect to have the first batch of blades before the end of November. All I can say for now is that as I'm using 01 Tool Steel, I won't be opting for a radical design with this model. Instead I've chosen a basic traditional British Bushcraft type design and only tweaked it in some important areas to my liking.

Here are the first five Shadow blades in 01 Tool Steel. The dimensions are: 218mm overall and 3.5mm thick and 29mm at its broadest. The cutting edge is 113mm long.

The blade is fairly standard Scandi grind Bushcraft type, but the handle is shaped somewhat, with hopefully, the right amount of contouring for a better, safer and more comfortable grip.

As can be seen in all my knives I attribute as much importance to the handle as I do to the blade. In my view a knife with an appropriately contoured handle to suit the individual is not only more comfortable in use, but safer too.

Last of the Shadows

Hi Paul,

Just opened the Shadow knife you sent me and..... wow just wow!

It’s amazing and completely perfect, I love the detail in the sheath and the handle fits perfectly into my hands thank you so much for doing that for me! Would I be able to ask you for another knife?? My best friend is about to join the Royal Marine Commando’s after finishing university and I would like to send him off with something special and one of your knives would be great!

Thank you again - Martyn

Wrights & Sons Sheffield Bushcraft Knife in Buffalo/Cow Handle & matching Firesteel

My very first 01 tool steel Custom Bushcraft Knife with a full tang Buffalo & Cow Horn handle.

Blade: 110mm x 25mm x 4.5mm made for me by Wright & Son Ltd. of Sheffield. Material is British made High Carbon 01 tool steel with a Rockwell hardness of 56-58. The blade type is a Spear point full tang with a flat grind on both sides.

Handle: Nicely contoured for a comfortable safe grip. Made up from solid Black Buffalo Horn and over layed with pale Cow Horn over red fibre liners. The whole is epoxied and pinned with s/s pins. The lanyard hole is brass lined.

Overall the knife is 220mm long.

Firesteel: Quality 8mm x 9mm from Bearclaw Bushcraft Ltd., complete with antler handle, a good sized piece of flat natural Leather thonging and, the original Striker steel and chain.

Sheath: Made from natural colour Veg Tanned 3.5mm leather, with firesteel holder. Sheath is embossed with and fancily stitched. The sheath is fully treated with with oils and waxes hence the darker natural colour.

About this knife: I originally intended to make this knife up for myself - as can be seen by having had my name on the blade. However, on having completed it, my enthusiasm towards keeping it faded somewhat because as much as I am a knife enthusiast, making the knives is what gives me most satisfaction. Even more fulfilling is the fact that someone else will enjoy owning it...

I didn't want to make just an ordinary looking good Bushcraft knife from such a quality blade; I wanted to make something different. A knife that would stand out when compared to similar bladed knives. I think I have succeeded, but then, I'd rather let others judge for themselves...

I may have overdone the horn work a bit, so I won't be surprised if this knife never sees the light of day let along be used to cut anything. I don't mind really, collectors appreciate every aspect of a knife and they'll have a lot to admire with this one so it'll most probably end up going to a good home soon enough I suppose...

NB: As these knives are individually hand made, all sizes are approximate and some minor variations from blade to blade and knife to knife are to be expected...

Also... Handles made from natural materials will often vary in form and look. The piece selected to make the handle from may change considerably by the time it's been shaped and finished. If you want as near to a blemish free perfect 'synthetic' type finished handle, please do not order a handle made from natural materials. With Burl wood especially, minor voids and other irregularities are inherent.