TRACKER KNIFE DESIGN TALK

a short talk on the tracker knife design

[@bladetherapy3797]

I've been in the woods my whole life and I know everything, and I would STILL love to attend your classes because you just have a really good way of explaining things to where a dummy like me can understand, great video, keep em coming!!! I love that improved tracker too excellent!

[@robbychism]

Blackie, I'm obviously late to the party on this video, but I've used trackers for a long time. I own a bunch. One of the intended uses of the WSK design was to make a bow. Looks like William's draw portion would excel at that. I like his take on the knife. Thanks for the video

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

its a great knife for being in the field with

[@mikesomerset6338]

The nature of these kind of discussions is the tendancy to think in terms of a single all purpose tool. That's OK. The problem becomes one of compromise. That is how far you are willing to compromise. Because of this, these kinds of discussions can never reach a conclusion as everyones situation is different. This is the lesson I am learning from these videos. Thank you for making them. Apparently, the standard British Army bayonet also has a notch which acts as a bottle opener. For my purpose that is something I'd like to see on more knives! :-)

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

VERY TRUE..there is no final answer..only looking at tools from different points of view to find new ways to use them..it all boils down to your skill set and how you use it to your needs..thanks for the comment..safe journeys

[@jaredhazen5864]

I know these are older videos, and I've watched other videos you have on The Tracker knife and I agree with you on almost all points. I too am a Kukri guy. Love'em! The Collins knife is actually very similar in concept to a modified version of The Tracker that I did years ago for myself. As you've mentioned, design modification is really a matter of individual need. When I go out into the woods the knife is never a primary survival tool. I view small axes, hatchets, and tomahawks in that role. Small tasks and game processing is more the function of the knife. I'm not one who looks for the "end all, be all" of knives. So my redesign concept was as a light survival/fighting knife. Durable enough for light camp work and very handy for when you're too close to something/someone not so friendly. While unlikely for most, it's been more than one occasion for me.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

sounds like you have found a design that works for you

[@Wingman115]

I love the concept of the draw shave design on the William Collins knife.

[@daviantanner8878]

I know I'm late to seeing this cid but I really like the way you looks at and think about knives.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you ..if you look at my knife review i speak of the wcsk by william collins you might find that video useful safe journeys

[@maverick4462]

I also think William's design with the chisel grind is very useful, I never had my hands on a Tracker but always thought they had a chisel grind and seeing the advantage I profiled my bush craft knife with a 3 inch section by the handle so I can use it as a spoke shave. Handy for all my carving and featherstick needs. I even reprofiled the serrated section on my pocket knife to a chisel grind to use for finer tasks like trap triggers and figure 4 deadfalls.

[@kevinAuman1]

That prototype knife is great, I like the built in wedge for splitting/batoning and the way it is ground in the recessed part for bushcrafting type of things! Would love to have one

[@wcknives]

Looks like you're having fun with it. Like your input and curious what others may think as well. I will follow the comments.

[@maverick4462]

Awesome design. I've had a chisel grind on my bush knife for two years now an find it EXTREMELY useful. Hats off to you sir.

[@SpartanJohns]

I think that the Tracker design is definitely a cool design. That is all. I have heard that some people like it however I have never seen someone show how it can efficiently be used as an allaround camp/hunting knife in a way that would justify the shape and, most of all, the weight of it. Without having any experience with the TB Tracker I would say that I could get by much better with an ESEE Junglas just by reducing the edge angle on it a bit. I liked the way you presented it and what you said. Do you know of any videos that show the Tracker design in action? I heard that Dave Canterbury had a series on the TB Tracker and heard that it was a really good demonstration but did not find those videos or any others. I have seen people do a lot of things with it, mainly chopping and splitting wood, but none that would convince me that I could benefit from the options it offers.

[@Shooter11B]

1. William Collins Knives are magic! I was fortunate enough to get another one of his prototype choppers a few months back that is flat out amazing. 2. The Tracker design is my favorite knife design of all time. Maybe not the TOPS version but a WSK from Beck or even an older version like the RS-6 Raven WSK by the now defunct Red Scorpion Six Knives is a medicine blade in the woods. Their chopping areas, especially on the Beck G version of the WSK have been extended to make it a more effective chopper (the blade is 7" overall) while the quarter round section is also deeper than on the TOPS version. Both those differences from the TOPS version revolutionize the design's usefulness IMHO. For me I use it for everything EXCEPT very detailed work which is reserved for a smaller Scandinavian ground blade (which was the original intention of the Tracker concept, to be used in conjunction with a smaller blade). For fire prep it is awesome using the quarter round from creating tinder curls so thin and long I can actually make a tinder bundle from just that alone that will readily take a spark or ember and light right up. I use the saw section for scraping and the plane section works great for traditional feather sticks and sharpening tent stakes etc. I find that I can easily get through 4" plus logs with little effort chopping with my WSK's. Honestly, I was skeptical at first sight but began using it a lot and it has won me over (I started with the TOPS version and quickly acquired a Raven then the Becks). Is it my only knife? No, but it is my most carried knife. I will admit that I do also carry either an axe or big chopper along with it on outings (depending on the anticipated conditions/situation) and a saw. I have yet to prepare any wild game with one though. The design punches way above it weight, and I think that it is a reliable tool for an experienced woodsman. Love the video, keep 'em coming!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

+Steven “Shooter11b” Szabo THANK YOU FOR THE COMMENT...safe journeys to ya

[@Shooter11B]

blackoracle69 Roger that brother, you as well!

[@johnruckman2320]

I'm no knife expert, though I agree with your discussion points. My eyes tell me that both Tom's and William's designs are a bit awkward, especially around the offset. Thus I agree that the blade needs to come straight back and just change the grind. That would give you better control and versatility though I would be hesitant to baton it. There are times when special purpose knives are a better choice for specific tasks rather than a one-size-fits-all knife. I agree that William's more pointed knife gives it better control for skinning, whereas Tom's design looks better in the kitchen.

[@lyndonlucier791]

Oh great Steve is here this should be good I'm consistantly amazed how many people don't understand what the tracker is used for and I'm amazed you " op " actually recognize that it should not be used to chop wood ! i commend you on youre common sense sir

[@neilcastell6951]

As i understood it, the tom brown was meant to be a 'one knife' carry, i'm not sure one knife can cover every possible use thou, Personally if i'm goning to carry a larger knife i'd rather go for more of a chopping type and a small companion blade for smaller work,

[@TJackSurvival]

Outstanding William Collins knife!

[@kullcraven]

I like Williams version, and good talk, since you made alot of good info on all knives. Thanks Blackie

[@Blakdog333]

The hook of the bevel transition is drawn towards you on the angle of a freshly batoned quarter log, to create long fine feather sticks...

[@robertkoontz7865]

Those were some cool feathers you made on that other vid. I made a Tom Brown Tracker 20 yrs ago? I threw it into a tree and the tip broke off, Because I didn't temper back the heat treat. It was leaf spring steel. I made it more like an arrow head or scraper would look like, I filed serrations on the back side and I did make a chisel grind on the whittle part. I was really nice. I had to grind the tip down to look like a diving knife. Haven't seen It, May have got stollen. I'm making Kukri like machete with gut hook and knives all have a touch of Stalking Wolf look to em. if ya know what I mean.

[@zboyjason]

I've made my own version of the Tom Brown Tracker knife. I haven't decided if I will put a saw of the spine or not but I gave it a drop point

[@forestmantis1737]

Hi, thanks for this nice video and your opinion. If we are talking about TOPS Tracker, I think, the manual, which we will get with T1 knife will tell us everything about that knife concept of use following TB - the designer . Just my opinion. But other concepts or ideas of use are always welcome:-) FM

[@OEF_Vet_0331]

I just watched a video of a knife maker and his son, and they say he’s actually the designer of the tracker knife, and Tom Brown screwed him out of the picture. Tom got the prototype and stopped contact with the knife maker. I can’t recall the guys name, I think it’s Rob or something. You can easily find this video on KZbin, very interesting.

[@kibbles306]

I think the transition between the curved edge near the point and the chisel grind should be sharpened all along the transition similar to a real tom brown track because it could be used as a sort of make shift gut hook for opening up game. I agree with you when you said that the tom brown design is a game processing type knife. Just my 2 cents

[@tomritter493]

Well there all great knives o really can't say enough about the Collins knives. But if i were to change one thing now if it would be the top recess to a straight one this way you not limited to a size of? Wood or other things you process like I said I owned one of them hunted models not bad but can do worse ! Nice to see ya a again blackie have fun with that Collins knives you'll love it tom...

[@jerrymorris1527]

William Collins is making some of the very best knives available today imo. Jerry

[@harrygoodwin9082]

I've seen the kukri used like a draw knife and I think that is a real interesting and valuable drawknife. I wonder if it needs to be inset. I wonder what advantage is bein niset the chisel portion. HG

[@OlmanEg]

The only problem I see with the concept knife, is the chisel grind makes it to.... custom. Its not as universal to hand to say a lefty ( if it where made for righties). Other than that I very much like it

[@jerrymorris1527]

While I am not a big fan of very large knives ( I do own a few) I think William's revision of the tracker design would for me be a better design. I never was a fan of the original tracker because these was no point to speak of. Jerry

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

That's an interesting take on the design. It looks unwieldy but looks can be deceiving. It's very hard to say without being able to handle it. I have owned multiple Trackers over the years. All of them from David Beck. I've looked at the Tops offering but it's edge geometry is a mess. To date, the best evolution of the design has come from the man who helped make the design what it is today. Beck's G model WSK maintains the original oal of the Tracker but incorporates a redesigned handle, allowing for 1" more blade. It's also going to be offered in a 3/16" version which lightens up the package but gives up little in the way of performance. With the longer blade you get a larger "sweet spot" for chopping which should increase efficiency. It also gives a more acute tip and what feels to me to be better balance and weight distribution. (That's not on the website yet) www.drbeckknives.com/WSK-KNIVES.html Just looking at Williams design my first response is that it looks too big and "busy" (even for a Tracker, which is a busy design) but I know that William put thought into what he did so I will have to reserve judgement until I could handle and use one. I will say that it looks like it should be quite a good chopper. Incorporating the larger, angled handle should insure that.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors .. william's knife at first does look a bit odd..but in the hand it seems to come alive...it chops as well as any knife..and the handle does add lots of utility..i will be doing a further test of the knife in a video soon.. thanks for your comment..safe journeys

[@lyndonlucier791]

Blue mountain do you have any of those trackers left and If so would you be interested in selling one ?

[@Munich22100]

How do you get into custom knife making. I'm currently trying to get into the blade/ martial arts business however, right now it's just a hobby, and I don't really have the tools or the knowledge to do it . You have any ideas? Or any one I can look up to or research.?

[@paulhenry7122]

williams knife please let us know about that i like you love my kukri and in the process of testing my habilis bush tool to basically be my main knife with my mora companion piggy backing it as my full time belt knives ive collected knives whole life i find i like the bigger knives with multiple uses to be my favorite as far as the tracker the one i use for a very short time i dont hate it but i didnt love it either it had it uses on fire making tool liked it for game processing did not think that it was a great bushcraft knife the blade is just to short to do the stuff and carving i like to try.the collins knife it really looks interesting please let me know what you think about it good video thank you

[@heavyhittersgaming3759]

I was making this design 30 years ago, the straight edge is a drawing knife.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

correct the back curve is a fleshing blade

[@WarGrrl3]

would you recommend the CFK d2 steel tracker style knife? there is so much controversy over CFK. but a good knife is a good knife.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

if you like the knife design..then yes go for a good steel..D2 is one of my favorite steels for field use

[@brianmccann666]

Ordered a cfk tracker. Its longer that normal trackers. Kinda like the prototype tracker in this video. Arrives this week thursday.

[@cameronsmith9909]

Tom Brown did not come up with the design. Dave Beck did.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

you are correct..tom only popularized it

[@seller559]

Great video. Informative.

[@michaelphillips832]

I think the back side of the blade should be sharpened about a inch...would make a nice hole for a bow drill...and add a metal insert on the handle of the knife to hold the bow drill while making fire with his shoe lace.

[@astrazenica7783]

chisel edged, sweet!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Munich22100 i would suggest the book "The $50 dollar knife shop.".it will point you in the right direction..safe journeys

[@misteragb7558]

Hey, I am going to start my own custom knife business soon and I have a lot of great knife designs, I would like to let a large knife company make a production version of some of those knives, do you have anny advice? I don't kniw annything about copyrights, I don't know if how and what part(s) I should put a patend on.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

MISTER AGB sorry i am afraid i don't have any real knowledge in that field..my advice would be to contact knife makes and ask for their input..good luck..safe journeys

[@misteragb7558]

blackoracle69 No problem man, I have asked jason brous from brous blades and he told me to first let them sign a non disclosure agreement, I am not sure what that exactly means, does it take their right to take my design and put a patent on it so it is their design?

[@joshuahmoran]

Nice chat

[@jojo2891]

Camp school?

[@38wcf]

Really like your channel. Lots of good info. Have you looked at the Razr knives from Protec ? Here is the link: razrknife.com/index.html I have one that I've used for 8-10 years and it really preforms. I even have skinned wild hogs with ease. Thanks again for a great channel.

[@astrazenica7783]

so true. Kukri just does it better tho

[@thelosttexan1717]

Does hr have a web site?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

if your meaning a address for himalayin imports it is www.himalayan-imports.com/

[@michaelphillips832]

and the rest of the back of the blade be like the cheap tom brown tracker with the square saw for nothing stakes for snare traps......

[@beigestallion2929]

d-zaaiin

[@giovanni18041973]

i know anyone that can do this knife -- and with 40€ i buy it

[@astrazenica7783]

chisel edge is one sided ground, other side flat. very underrated. This dude saying a Scandi/sabre ground = chisel? wtf?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

+Adam Smith you are correct..in my talk i mis spoke..i ment to say or imply the lower edge was a taper like a chisel.(.meaning for splitting)..more robust thus less likely to roll when used to split hardwoods..he forward curve is a better edge for slicing..skinning..finer cutting tasks..thanks for the comment ..safe journeys

[@astrazenica7783]

+blackoracle69 no probs dude, been watching more of ur vids since my comment. Impressed. I think chisel grind underrated. I bought an Italian pen knife, chisel, cheapest thing I ever seen -- £3. I was super impressed after some honing

[@dougie-thugie]

Guthook, lol dangerous stupid idea. Tracker knifes are useless, maybe useful in scrapping a hide, but a ulu is better. Game processing, really, no sir, good luck with your youtube.