I, like almost every knifemaker in Britain today, have been asked to make a knife for bushcrafting. Unlike most I have not succumed to making clones of the Ray Mears Woodlore. Instead I have developed a range of knives that in my opinion are far better by design (and depending on the maker, also by manufacture!).
My primary knife to rival the Woodlore is the GreenMan. It is about the same size and shape as the Woodlore, which is a common design seen in using knives for thousands of years, and can't be beat for general bushcraft type tasks. See below why I believe that my GreenMan is better than the Woodlore clones!
I am also gradually adding other tools that are useful in bushcraft, such as axes, carving tools, fire steels, billhooks and saws. Watch this space...
What makes my GreenMan better than the Woodlore Clones?
The Knife
Up to two thirds lighter due to the blade geometry and tapered tang
Stronger due to the heat treat and the nature of forged finished blades
Sharper - Range hardened blades can have harder and therefore longer lasting cutting edges
More rust resistant than other carbon steel knives. The forged finish creates a very low carbon outer surface that resists rust better. It's appearance also barely changes with time and use, unlike ground/polished blades.
Easier slicing -due to the geometry of the blade it will slice and cleave with less resistance.
Protected tip. The spine near the tip has been rounded off to make it more comfortable when carving. It also means that the back of the knife won't mark a work piece when peeling bark (for example).
Less losable. The 2008 version contains TWO Tritium glow in the dark phials set infront of brass mirrors. The idea is that when you are rushing to set up camp before nightfall you can see where you put your knife down (we all do it!) you can also tell which is the sharp end!
By having a blade that is marginally shorter (but no less useful), the handle is a little longer and so more comfortable in most hands, without the overall knife being any longer than the Woodlore
The fuller, more shapely handle feels more comfortable and secure in the hand.
The special resin inset into the underside of my handles is more user friendly in cold weather as it is warm to the touch (like the oiled natural wood handles) and when wet it adds a little extra grip.
The Sheath
Free hanging sheath will not jab you in the side when you sit down or get caught up on the undergrowth.
Sheath can be worn on the belt, around the neck or even upside down, just by threading a thong through the appropriate hole/loop.
Matched firesteel is set lower down on the sheath (moulded fit to prevent loss) so that you don't grab the steel when you reach for your knife.
Finally, until I become world famous, it costs less than the original Woodlore!
Carving hooks
A range of spoon/bowl carving tools. I can make these tools to any shape and size you prefer, but these are the current range of 'standards'
All available in left or right handed versions
Prices (left to right)
£30 (1 1/4" straight blade)
£38
£38
£35 (1" diameter)
£35 (3/4" diameter)
