The Tracker WSK knife - a history

Here are a list of some of the resources I used for this video.
www.drbeckknives.com/
www.utahknifeworks.com/
/ packniv
bushcraftusa.com/forum/
/ operationalextras
barkriverknives.com/
www.topsknives.com/
www.trackerschool.com/

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

I believe Rob Russon was a college professor at the time. So yeah, he was a fairly smart guy. Knife making and bushcraft were hobbies. He said one reason the deal w/ Brown fell through is because as a hobbyist (with a different full time job) he couldn't personally make the number of knives Brown was saying he wanted.

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Thanks for the additional info, I hope he realizes how monumental his quarter round design is!

[@JustAnumbr]

I just ordered my Utah Knife Works Tracker. Rob Russons son is now producing them. Glad I never bought a “Tom Brown” model. Utah Knife Works has KZbin channel with an interview with Rob Russon.

[@jasonmiller9495]

I’m m ordering mine this week

[@simonsayscain]

Just got my Russon Tracker two days ago.

[@n8mayfield]

Great video man. My understanding of the story is similar, minor detail changes but to me not important. Some people get pretty hung up on it. My journey with the design started out as research for a secondary backup neck knife. I didn’t want an exact copy of my larger knife so I came across the TOPS version and found Mr. Black. Started watching his videos and a friend from High Brass Leather told me about the thread. Started reading that thread in it’s entirety and watching the content I’d never seen before because they weren’t reviews labeled under the blade name or design and it was downhill from there. What it all translated to was, it’s about learning to improvise and adapt learning to use an unconventional tool to perform the same tasks required thinking outside tradition and that muscle memory. To date it’s the tool of choice because I’ve spent so much time with it, and it just makes sense. It’s just a woodcraft multitool, or a tool to make other tools. TOPS is what I started with before I went custom, it’s kinda funny that way with the customs, almost feels like a different tool. Now I have all widths and lengths, Beck perfected it. Look forward to the future videos

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Thank you, I really wanted to get the info as correct as I could. You are absolutely correct about how this unconventional tool lends to helping you think outside the box. My dad looked at the tracker cross-eyed for the first little bit but after seeing it in use a few times he said, "Son that's not a knife...its a tool!" Same as you, after watching several of the Operational Extras videos I was hooked! LoL

[@aarondyer1315]

Yeah, when I first saw this knife I hated it, thought it was like you said a movie prop. But as the years ticked away I got involved with Tracker school, and I went and bought the tops version, just too give the design a chance. And if I remember correctly Tom and or the instructors said that you had to approach using the knife as if it where a primitive tool on steroids. So I just kept using it for everything. If it was a primitive project, I used that knife. From shelter construction to building bows. In 16 I received my first Beck. I love that knife. I am still a long time Tracker student and a Beck client. That knife is a machine, in my experience with it, there is nothing it can't do when it comes to survival or a permanent earth living scenario. But for me at least there was a little bit of a learning curve, you really have to use knife and become familiar with it.

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

That's really cool the way the instructors said approached it, very smart too. I haven't used it to make a bow yet but the design seems like it would work really well, lol something else to try out! Dave Beck just impressed the heck out of me, very nice guy and absolute professional. Seriously thanks for the comment, it's cool to hear from someone who has actually been to the Tracker school!

[@woofmaker2004]

for a real good time, check out the Koster WSK - based on a khukri he design "the pen knife", actually quite an effective chopper, and WSK in general... they're basically unobtainium, but as a version of the WSK/Tracker, imho, "the best" :)

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

I've seen pictures of it before but didn't realize who made it. Very cool design!

[@jerrynemec930]

To many chefs spoil the stew…my preference is the Bark River version. To each his own, God bless bushcrafters and outdoorsmen!!

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Absolutely and the Bark River is a great blade!

[@kacperjurczyk5500]

well done

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Thank you.

[@mason3vze740]

I just got a tracker and I absolutely love it

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Awesome, have a blast getting it dirty!!!

[@LovingIdaho]

I dont know much about the history of the tracker knife . But , I have one that was made in the 80s . It is one of my favorite knives . I didnt hear of “ tracker knifes “ until 2022. I was surprised my old favorite would be considered a modified tracker knife .

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

That's awesome, do you remember who made it?

[@LovingIdaho]

@@bushcraftcostarica808xx, It has no name on it . Made of good steel or I would have destroyed it by now .

[@forestmantis1737]

Great video:-) Looking forward to seeing some next ones:-) FM

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Thank you so much I've been a subscriber of your channel for a while now, really good and thorough stuff!

[@forestmantis1737]

@@bushcraftcostarica808 Hi and thank you:-) I´m glad for people with the same hobby/interest, one of the reasons, why I´m subbed to this your channel:-) FM

[@69jbr69]

Great info. Being a fan of blades for last 40 years I might be wrong but the design origin always seemed simple to me. Russon condensed a kukri, one of the best and probably the longest used universal tool/edged weapon designs in history which also became globally known after the world wars. Just like the tracker they look goofy until you use one for awhile. Than their design shines. Condensing it was genius. Compare the two and you can easily see it. Stepped grind on tracker was necessary to keep kukri's small finesse edge while also keeping bulk head for chopping. As stated, other advantages to this were soon discovered and utilized. Both great survival knife designs.

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

I can definitely see that. Before I start using the tracker design, the khukri was my blade of choice for the woods!

[@LaRemnant]

Very well researched. Thank you!

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

You are very welcome!

[@Wingman115]

Thanks for posting.

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Your very welcome, hope it helps!

[@dustyboard2247]

I own a gen. 1 Beck Tracker with companion knife in desert mesquite ( Daves personal knife ) . Scout sheath and regular sheath. Mint, almost like new. Dave rocks, Tom not so much.

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Dave's a fantastic knife maker and really great to deal with!

[@dustyboard2247]

I had to beg him for years to sell it to me, recently sent it back to him to tune it up. A stunning knife set with the desert mesquite handles. Great review!

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

@@dustyboard2247 I don't blame you I'd want it too!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Dave and I finalized the specs for the WSK and Saranac the other day. I’m going with the thinner steel on both knives. Like you I have the BRK, and it’s great. I also have a Raptor… it’s amazing! I almost didn’t get a WSK because the Raptor is so capable but I want one of Dave’s combo knife sets. I also think the extended front section of the blade is going to make a big difference in performance for my intended uses.

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Awesome, I can't wait to see how they turn out! I've never held a Raptor but from what I have seen posted, they are really well made blades. Dave seems to be constantly tweaking and improving the wsk design, the extra on the front end makes a difference.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@bushcraftcostarica808 I felt that I got personalized service from Dave. He asked how I will use the knives and we had a conversation in the emails which led me to going the route I did. Like you said, Dave has been evolving the knives.

[@edge13xxx]

Thank you for acknowledging Rob i had always heard his name as the ORIGINAL designer....i myself would LOVE a beck Wsk but i can in no way afford one lol the Tops tracker to me looks the quarter round isnt round enough what are your opinions on the SXB that's the one i own and the quarter round is AMAZING! Great video can't wait for the next one!

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Thank you so much, I was really trying to get as much of the history I could. The only time I handled the TOPS T1 tracker was sharpening it for a friend and at the time I had zero clue about what the design was used for. From the comments that I have heard about the SXB, it is a phenomenal blade very well designed and proportioned. To date I've heard nothing negative about that knife. I hear you on the price point the only way I could justify to myself was that the resale value always seemed good. The wsk is a beautiful tool and I'm blessed own one however I think Mr Black at Operational Extras has shown time and again that other versions work fantastic as well. One day I want to get the opportunity to chop with the SXB I think it would be awesome!

[@lonewandererbushcraftwildc6822]

When you modify the tops version its superb love mine with the new mods

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

I think TOPS really has the heat treatment for 1095 dialed in! My T2 has a fantastic edge and holds it well, of course I've convexed it. If I ever run across a used T1 cheap, it would be a blast to mod it a bit. Mr Black has done amazing stuff with his and it's stock!

[@michaelsmiley15]

There is a video on KZbin that explains everything

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Utah knife works posted a video interview with Rob Russian a while back. Actually his son commented on this video, kinda cool really.

[@davidglazener7921]

The movie has some laughable scenes. The main character forges a tracker knife out in the wild without any special tools. Just lighting a fire would give away his location. He uses a piece of rectangular metal he "happens" to find while being hunted by police, etc. There are several ridiculous scenes like this.

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

It really does!

[@TheVeganeater]

I won't support tops Tom Brown because of this sketchy backstory. I'll buy a cheaper one out of the same steal for half the cost.

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Definitely look at Origin Knives, there are more than 7 different models of Tracker now

[@TheVeganeater]

@@bushcraftcostarica808 the origins start with robb russon who designed and gifted a prototype to Tom. ........ But I just got a Boker plus mini tracker

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

@@TheVeganeater yup, I actually have a video on the history of the Tracker design. The Boker should be a good blade!

[@TheVeganeater]

@@bushcraftcostarica808 Yeah I'll have to watch it. And the Boker looks like it is a good little blade. Feels good in the hand, the grind was a little off out to the end of the blade. I

[@JustAnumbr]

Utah Knife Works is making the original design. Mark Russon is the designers son.

[@snakesandsticks]

POS knife that tries to do a lot of things and doesn't do any of them well. Is just marketing for TBJ. Do yourself a favor and get a Mora. Better yet, use the money you'd save from this knife and get like 4 Moras

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

😂 why is it that parrots never have any subscribers or videos?

[@Badhorsie_1]

With the price of the Tracker you could get roughly 55 mora’s. Obviously this person has no practical outdoors experience if he thinks Beck knives are POS. Get out of your mom’s basement and try going outside for a change.

[@johnlindsay-ow1gz]

As a Certified search rescue tracker I can tell you unequivocally I would never carry a knife like that be too hard to keep sharp if look in to historical knifes of The apache native americans Which are some of the best trackers in the world No they're knifes look like this look at African hunters knives nun look like this The look is sensational just to get you to buy it It's not functional at all Explorer Search and rescue olympia 1984 radio tracking medic

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Please, please show me what a Certified Rescue Tracker certificate looks like and where they are handed out? Not hard at all to sharpen, don't let the curves scare you...many, many videos up showing that. The Apache had the same thing that the African hunters had which is the same thing that the European hunters had....what was available to them at the time. The design was not invented to "sell" anything (that was in the video you're commenting on btw) it WAS a show of appreciation. Here you go bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/tracker-action-pics-thread.67725/ while you're at it please explain to these folks how non functional the design is. It's over 15k responses so with your certificate I'm sure you can find it.

[@johnlindsay-ow1gz]

At what qualifications do you have to even question me Or what a searching rescue worker would you actually carry as a knife You sound like one of those people Sit around talking s*** on the computer to mess with people that have real qualifications. Or is it? Do you have a stake and making money off these knives? So somebody like me discounting the value of that knife? Would hurt your Is profit

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

​​​@@johnlindsay-ow1gzso you're going to ignore my request ?...and not go to the link? With your vast knowledge surely you can put them back on "track"....or you can sit on your cute tricycle. Btw I doubled your views, your welcome 😁 I have zero stake in Origin Knives, Beck knives, Bark River or TOPS for the record I payed full price.... but nice try. Perhaps next time watch the video before critiquing it.