What really makes the Horace Kephart knife the Excalibur of campcraft knives?

We are going to find out what makes Horace Kephart's knife from Campcraft and Woodcraft so special and why it is still so popular 100 years later! If you are interested in my early 1900's cookbook please send me an email at [e-mail]!
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[@honorableoutfitters]

Get your KaBar Becker reproduction here: amzn.to/3JjLyQg Get your more affordable Ontario Knifeworks version here: amzn.to/3SUmiTS

[@rockets4kids]

Kephart would roll over in his grave if he saw how many knives bearing his name got it completely wrong. The blade should be under 1/8" thick and no more than 4 ounces in total weight.

[@behindthespotlight7983]

We tend to over complicate the way that late 19th and earth 20th Century men processed tool selection. The classic Kephart knife is essentially a butchers knife that’s full tang, thick spined and able to cross-perform from hunting/butchery to the camp kitchen & processing kindling. In an era when people didn’t own hundreds or even thousands of possessions men like Nessmuk & Horace probably went with what was ubiquitous, inexpensive and most of all, robust

[@honorableoutfitters]

I agree for the most part. Kephart had his knife custom made by a local blacksmith but most people agree that the design was taken from a modified butcher knife or possibly a sailor's knife. The cheap Old Hickory's will get you the same result. Nessmuk had his small pocket axe custom made from a surgical tool manufacturer which was pretty premium back in the day but just like well known campcrafters and bushcrafters today. once you have a bit of extra scratch in your pocket you take what you like and get it made to your specs or you customize something yourself. My Kephart is a luxury/vanity piece and I like how it performs but my old Western can do the same things just about as well (the Western is a better slicer though). Thanks for the thoughts friend!

[@ChateauBeaufort]

Bingo

[@JohnSanders-p7o]

The cover of this video captures it so well!! I ve been a knife nut goin on 40 years. To have an excellent knife at any one task, gonna have to male a sacrifice some where else. The kephart, i wouldn't think make a great stabby knife lol but other than that, very versatile. That scandi looking area by the handle conxed does great on wood right where we normally notch at. The tip is thinner more sliceee... Just rambling. But I think this simple design is genius

[@charless8641]

I got the Becker one and I love it, that knife goes with me on every camping trip. I think the design is great.

[@honorableoutfitters]

I need to get a Becker to compare. I know his is slightly modified for modern tastes and mass manufacturing needs

[@davidkelly414]

Very interesting , informative historical , and usefull facts with regard to blade shapes and knife uses . Thank you . Cheers

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you friend, I'm glad you found it useful!

[@JohnSanders-p7o]

Thank you for the video. And thank you for being as Into this subject as myself. ..nerd

[@paulmoss7940]

Mr. Kephart wrote about my GGGrandpa in his book "Our Southern Highlanders". His name was Babe Burnette, he killed a revenuerHal Rose in the 30's.A lot of these knives were basically butcher knives and cut down corn knives ,the mountain machete. I am 63 now and still have an old one. My grandpa was a blacksmith/Preacher Grade W. Burnette, he made a lot of tools and tack . Swain Co. Bryson City NC. Great Smokies PS my peeps say ol Horace would drink some shine and he liked the mountain folk.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Man, that is cool! Thanks for the primary and secondary source feedback!

[@CashMoneyKennels]

Mountain Machete is awsome

[@N2Roost]

I found your channel while researching the BK62. I learned more about camp knives in 25 minutes than my last 50 years!! I like how you explained the mechanics behind the design and why they apply to the knife's intended use. New subscriber, looking forward to enjoying your other videos.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you for the kindness friend!

[@redraspberryco8058]

Best appraisal of the Kephart knife I've seen so far.

[@James-ke5sx]

That was quite a bit of interesting history. I ordered the Becker version which could arrive tomorrow. Here in Canada we have an oddly shaped knife that got a design award in the Smithsonian Institute called a Canadian belt knife.

[@charlesg5085]

This man is a incredibly smart. He knows you focus on the tip.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Lol, not the compliment I anticipated but I'll take it. Thanks!

[@pepejuan2924]

I had two Kephart style knives made here in the Philippines by a local blacksmith, I give him the specs and he makes it, they are both pretty close to the original Kephart knife and I payed under 20 dollars a piece.👍😁🇺🇸

[@honorableoutfitters]

Now that is a steal my friend! You and him need to start a business together if he can do that to scale and start shipping! You guys will be doing very well. Cheers brother!

[@knifelore1647]

I was thinking the exact same!

[@sargevining]

Another excellent video that helps me understand why I like my Kephart so much. Its one of those made from an Old Hickory butcher knife, and its the only camping knife I've ever owned that stays out on the desk so that it is at hand when I need a knife. All the others would be packed away with the camping gear. I guess you could say its a day to day user.

[@cnybanditoutdoors]

I fashioned my own Kephart rendition from an old Utica Forge Hammered butcher knife. The finished product weighed in at 3.8oz. even with the red oak scales. I tried to follow the Kephart specs as he described them the best I could. I absolutely love carrying and using it!

[@honorableoutfitters]

That's awesome! Would you add anything that I missed or is there something about yours that stands out as different?

[@cnybanditoutdoors]

@@honorableoutfitters I am uploading a video of my Kephart Knife currently in response to your question.. I have mentioned your channel in the description. I hope you find a few min to check it out.! Looking forward to hearing from you.

[@krishoogstraat6866]

Best description of the Kephart knife I seen yet. Thank you

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you for the high praise!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

This is a fine tutorial on using various blade shapes to their best advantage. At the very least, I learned a good bit about using the tip, belly, and whole edge of a blade for tasks.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you sir, I am glad it helped some!

[@Smalltown_Bear]

When feathersticking, I think most people start with the part of the blade close to the handle against the wood.

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

I have a knife that looks exactly like the one you had made same size, but it’s got John Wigfall hand forged Sheffield 1843 stamped on it. Any ideas or advice? I got it from my late mother and it was her mothers. I’m from the UK.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Nice! It was made at least before 1905 as that is when the company closed it's doors. Without a picture I can't offer more that that. You can post on My Facebook group which you can find in the description or check out our community Traditional Campcrafter's Guild which is also in the description.

[@peterkinberger9741]

Ethan Becker of Becker Knife fame, Kbar carries his line, owns an original Kephart, possibly tbe only one known in existence. He manufactures Kephart knives very closely to the original he has in his posession. I own one, as I collect Mr.Beckers knives, thus earning me rights to be called a Beckerhead. I have one of the earliest models Mr. Becker manufactured. The knife you show as a Kephart is exceptionally close to the original and likely made to appear to be a used original. I applaud the maker. Becker had to make very slight improvements in the design, knowing that it would actually go into use by his customers and followers. He uses reliable and respected 1095 cro-van steel in all of his knives. Thank you so much for your discussion of this style knife, not much is said about it on youtube. I appreciate you sharing what you know about Nessmuk, Bowie and other old reliable knives. I just subscribed and look forward to more of what you have to offer. Thumbs up ! Oh, by the way, Kephart knives were still manufactured by an old knifemaker in North Carolina. It is said that he has a long waiting list but that he either has the original specs or has completely memorized them. Apparently, he was connected to the original manufacturer of Kephart's style of knife. I do not know if he is still alive or if he had an apprentice or students. His facility was in the mountains of North Carolina and open for tours as an attraction. I know little about him and he never gets mentioned by anyone that I know. An investigative reporter did an interest piece on him and his shop on television and was the only way I knew anything about him. He was still using the old knife making equipment of the period. I am from the mid section (Piedmont) region of NC. Well, good luck to you ! A friend always !

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you for the support and comment. Were it not for Mr. Becker's generosity in sharing his treasure with the knife community this project would not have been successful. Kephart's original is so worn down that trying to copy it would not have been an accurate representation of it in it's early glory. :)

[@muhammadanassiddiki5753]

this is my favorite type of blade. from very young age, I'm a fan of this blade design. after growing up, I have been looking for this blade- it's name, etc. first impressions were made from different movies, later the swiss knife. since now I've tried (searching for on internet) massai knives, machete, drop point, spear point, and most recently found this kephart !!

[@honorableoutfitters]

Nice! I truly love it brother.

[@texasviking1]

I carry a Tops D Fly 4.5 that is very Kephart like in its design, which is why I love it and carry it every day.

[@krissteel4074]

Little late to the party on this one, mostly because I don't make a lot of 'outdoor' knives, primarily I do kitchen cutlery and some butchering knives. But a customer was wanting a 'Bushcraft' knife and that's led me down to a bit of a rabbit hole of all manner of madness going on in the modern camping and hiking scene and I really stopped doing that about 30 odd years ago for various reasons. Back then I would go out with a small puuko and sometimes a bowie if I needed to kill larger animals with it up close, but being in Australia we didn't do a lot of woodworking. Reason being most of our timbers are hard and dry like bone so if you're having anything to do with them, you start with an axe and after 5minutes you'll also wish you'd brought a chainsaw. But because the customer is in the northern hemisphere and they do tend to use them for woodworking a lot it seems, I'd ended up in a mix between the more contemporary 'Bushlore' style spear point with a scandi grind and the Kephart style, my inclination was not to make a Bushlore as there's a number of problems with a scandi grind for processing 'everything else' around a camp site and at the same time there's probably a bit too much information out there by a lot of people saying that a high flat grind + bevel or a convex + bevel is no good for woodworking. They don't like it, but as a professional knife maker- its kind of madness! I'm going off what I know about geometries and how having enough metal behind the edge or too little can affect some things, so when I saw you working away with the convex edge and not having any difficulty it was actually really good to see. I know there's a little bit of my own confirmation bias there, but I've also seen dozens of other videos which went against what I thought would be the best edge geometry solution for these types of tasks, having enough practical use that its not just a chisel people have that's vaguely knife shaped. Interestingly, the Convex knife shape around this period was quite common on a lot of knives because they were still being handmade, I've got an heirloom Scottish horsemans knife from the 2nd Boer war era which has convex-spear pointed blade on it which are very similar to the Kephart knife and it is quite a large knife with a 4" locking blade on it along with all the other cavalry tools. The other interesting things I was also noticing about contemporary styles and practice of bushcraft knives is that in some ways they're either wildly divergent profiles that in some ways seem impractical, like fishing lures designed to catch fisherman, or they're kind of trying to hit the old guard side of things with tradition. Then there's a secondary layer which is aimed at being 'easy to sharpen' because apparently sharpening a convex profile is too complicated for modern mankind to deal with, so they need a scandi grind- but having sharpened way too many knives over the years to the point it makes me sick: sharpening a convex grind with a little bevel on the final edge really isn't hard compared to a scandi grind which is actually quite hard to do well. Anyone can do it badly but you might end up with no knife left after long enough. The real kicker though on basically nearly every video I've watched is that at some point, someone will stick the knife on some gnarly bit of wood and start whacking the crap out of it with a log or a hammer and fair enough, sometimes people do that to their own tools. But the knife maker in me is going 'why are you not embracing the convex geometry?' as its literally, if done right. One of the strongest blade edge geometries out there. Lastly on the layer of production knives being tested, abused and beaten up is that while they might be adopting modern and conventional designs of knives, they'll have a kydex sheath (which is a great material) and a composite or synthetic material hand (which are also great material), then at some point you notice that its some crappy steel. Now to some extent there is a tip-in for price point and processing costs going onto the customer and final sale price of the item at the end of the day, but when a production manufacturer is buying steel by the tonnes in cold rolled plate- they're skimping out and buying really cheap steel. Like I'm definitely a fan of carbon steels and I reckon a good 80% of what I make is with them. However, I spend the little bit more to get a good carbon steel with some heritage and documentation, there is a limit to what you can expect out of them in terms of hardness, edge retention and stability. There are alternatives in the modern high alloy tool steels that do mean you sharpen it, come back after a week of hard use and it'll still be shaving sharp or at least functionally sharp-enough and I think people are getting kind of robbed a little in the production knife sales. Anyway, thanks for the video I did find it useful. Its also probably of some use to go back in and look at the handle on the Kephart knife because its actually worth some attention, it has an interesting swell and then concave up to the end of it which can make for a much more comfortable knife to hold than some designs. It's also a design typical of the era as well you can also find on old butchers knives.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Man, thank you for such a thorough thought! I know that took awhile to type and I appreciate your explanation and points and the details to support your points. I love the handle of the Kephart/butcher knives as well. It is simplistic but very comfortable and versatile!

[@hhyyuu667]

The knife looks amazing and you presented it wonderfully! The only thing that’s slightly wrong is where you mentioned that this double convex was meant for splitting. Splitting wood with a knife is a modern concept and would never have been risked in those days. You don’t really see this concept coming about until well into the 20th century. What it WAS used for is separating meat during butchering. The double convex helps the blade not get stuck since it has a bit of relief near the spine. This was somewhat common on high end butcher knives of the day. Thanks for sharing the knife with us!

[@honorableoutfitters]

Sorry, you are right. I meant that convex is used in axes for durability, certainly the knife was not meant to be used in modern bushcraft style (which I personally am not a proponent of, even if it works). Thank you for clearing it up!

[@johnovanic9560]

With the double belly design of the Kephart it makes it really easy to gut animals. The tip being spearpoint it's far enough away from the spine to keep you from nicking a gut. And allows you to push through the skin on the belly of the knife-edge which acts just like a zipper. While never owning a true Kephart I have modified Old Hickory butcher knives into Kephart style blades. Between those and a Old Hickory boning knife with a Green River camp knife I found at a flea market for $5 these are my go-to knives.

[@honorableoutfitters]

I want to get Old Hickory's Fish and Game knife which is their take on Kephart's. I'll let you know what I think once it comes in.

[@CashMoneyKennels]

I just bought the Old Hickory Kephart knife! They make one now

[@williamdroom5789]

We just peel a strip of bark off of a green branch, double it in half and wrap it around the nut so you don't hit your fingers with the mallet. You could also make a permanent one with a strip of innertube.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Clever idea!

[@jack_batterson]

It is a knife. Just a knife. It has an edge; it has a point.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Well, you aren't wrong!

[@TheHybridHunter307]

Thank you this was very educational

[@honorableoutfitters]

You are welcome!

[@gud2go50]

Well explained. I never knew the exact purposes of all the different blade shapes and designs. I just always used what seemed to work best at the time. I have always tried to use some of the bushcraft knives I own to process camp veggies and stuff. Some worked better than others. The only knife I found really useful as a bushcraft knife and food processor was the Mora Kansbol. I will start following your channel now. I just ordered the ESEE PR4 and was looking for reviews on it when I came across your channel. I am glad I found it. Thanks!

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you and I hope the ESEE pr4 works out for you. The scales of them look cool, let me know how comfortable it is and what you think of the performance!

[@LatterDaySurvival]

Have used my PR4 for everything from 3 day knife only survival courses, two week long field trainings, white tail deer, turkey, and small game. At first, I did not care for it much. Then came a point that I chose it everytime I was in the woods. Once you adapt to it you figure out how versatile it really is. The handles are thin but I got used to it and now prefer them.

[@OwlskiTV]

I sometimes think we get too caught up on certain nuances when it comes to knife design. Whilst I personally do agree that Kephart's knife's design does help with what you're presenting (and I don't doubt Kephart or our ancestors at having the foresight of intentionally designing it the way it's is), I think something not presented is how we use the knife. Where we draw cut using Kephart's design for feathersticking would be different to how we would draw cut and featherstick with (say) a clip point knife. It's for those reasons you pointed out (the balance, weight distribution, grind, and point alignment) that definitely do play a role in how they perform, but it's also up to the the users experience on how to best utilize that knife for the job given. Tools don't define the experience, but how you use them. I don't doubt Kephart's knife excels in the cutting tasks you showcased, but (imo) any competent knife user who has a good understanding of the knife they're using, can probably handle such tasks on similar levels. --------------- That said; Lovely knife, and thanks for sharing it with us.

[@wis1024]

Ive never made feather sticks like that. I normally use the edge closest to my hand. I fund i have better control this way, closer to my fulcrum.

[@sharonshaddix3287]

Interesting theory, I have a Kephart knife and like it. Spearpoint has always been a good design.

[@honorableoutfitters]

"If it ain't broke..." 😁 Thank you for your input. Did you make yours or get from a vendor?

[@sharonshaddix3287]

@@honorableoutfitters it's a Condor, so far good knife.

[@honorableoutfitters]

@@sharonshaddix3287 Cool! I have heard incredible things about the Condors! What ultimately made you decide to go with it instead of one of the other makers? I am asking because I have considered getting one for my son and would appreciate honest feedback.

[@sharonshaddix3287]

@@honorableoutfitters I had been wanting one, and found it at the Atlanta Knife Show a couple years ago. Don't remember how much I paid for it, blade is really thin.

[@user-sl5qz3lg2e]

Excellent job of transferring Knowledge, well done!

[@honorableoutfitters]

I appreciate that!

[@chrisheadley2980]

Well done thank you for all your work and preparation on giving the information without any bias. I really enjoy your videos they are rich on information and you share your thoughts and opinions in a honest way

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you for the praise, I appreciate it and the feedback!

[@johncoleman2990]

Great information. Thank you!

[@honorableoutfitters]

I appreciate it brother! It is a joy learning about my tools and the education never ends!

[@michaellaird9262]

Very interesting vid. Thanks for sharing

[@honorableoutfitters]

I appreciate you watching friend!

[@williamsisk2897]

I remember several years ago there was a knife maker, I believe it was MP Knives out of NewYork, made a statement that Kephart's knife could have originally been a drop point but years of sharpening changed the the profile to spear point.

[@honorableoutfitters]

That's interesting. If that is the hypothetical case, I wonder why Colchester Brother's would sell their version of Kephart's knife with his approval as a spear point. Maybe one of his early renditions was a drop point? But what would be the evidence to support this? Thank you, you have got my mind working and some research to do!

[@williamsisk2897]

​@@honorableoutfitters a quick online search for MP Knives true Kephart found it on the Bushcraft USA forum A Historically Accurate Kephart. Dated April 18 2014

[@rickpatenaude2719]

Well done, Mr. D! I love your archeological explanation of a (if not the) classic outdoor knife. Especially the comparison of the other common outdoors knives and their abilities of cutting. You gave a brilliant description of the difference between the kephart and nessmuk , and the more hunting/bushcraft styled knives. Most of which are more designed to appeal to another audience. Since I've run into the kephart and his writings, I've wondered why BSA chose the western, short of cost. The kephart style offers a handier example of a Scout knife, folders are designed to be more of an experts hand. The western is more of a compromise between a slicing and caping knife , more hunter/trapper use. I know my wife enjoys her kephart. It's always on her hip when we step into the woods. As usual an excellent video! Keep them coming, Brother!

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you! I have also wondered the same thing about the choice for Scouts. Eventually they changed it up and offered the style close to the Marble's "ideal" with shorter handle.

[@57WillysCJ]

Inexpensive knives that are of the era are the Russel Green River knives. Green River were used by buffalo hunters and their skinners. A close design to Kepharts blade is the Dadley now just called the classic drop point. I have a Kephart style that is excellent but the Green River clip point is as good. That is if you don't use the point as a pry bar. They are also sold in kit form so you can put the scales on and shape them yourself. They are from $19-$22.

[@honorableoutfitters]

That's great info to know! Thank you. I was aware of Green River knives' history but I did not know they had kits. I sincerely appreciate it

[@dwightehowell8179]

Green River has sold a zillion Dadley through the years. Kephart added a half guard.

[@ssteinschreiber]

Well done brother! Loved the opening, it has been awesome to watch your progression as you have progressed in the channel.

[@honorableoutfitters]

And it means a lot to me that you have supported me through the journey brother!

[@ssteinschreiber]

@@honorableoutfitters I wish I could do more but do what I am able to… Your passion and enthusiasm, for all the subject material is inspiring and awesome!

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Ya I just had to watch the beginning of this video again. It's great. You should do all the beginning of your videos like this one. Then we can see what was in the box. I don't know. It just fits you to do it. And no one else is doing it.

[@dingogreens7472]

ok, so the kind of grind is rombus style like some of the northern european knives,right? very nice informations, top notch

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I just found your channel a couple of days ago. I'm a new subscriber because you have excellent content. I've got a couple Kephart style knives, along with a couple Nessmuck style knives in my collection of tools. Your thoughts are right on target in the videos and hence why both outdoorsmen used multiple tool/knives in their outdoor activities.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you and I am happy you are enjoying them! Us there a particular grind on your examples that you prefer?

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@honorableoutfitters with two examples of each style of knife and each blade having a different grind… I’d say that each performs toward the specialty area for the grind it has. Lon Humphrey Nessmuck has a full flat with a secondary bevel at the edge. I love Lon’s work but this is not one of my favorite knives. It’s good for slicing ham or roast but I haven’t gotten on with it for any woodcraft. I consider it a part of my small Lon Humphrey collection. Lucas Forge Nessmuck, this is a favorite for me. It is a full flat grind on a thinner steel with what seems to only be a polished on convex grind at the edge. It is a great game processing knife and adequate for basic woodcraft. Pathfinder XL Kephart has a Scandi grind and it is a beast of a woodcraft knife with the usual setbacks in food prep for a Scandi grind. But it works for food prep just not as well as a flat grind. ESEE PR4 is the newest member to my collection and I haven’t given it a go, other than some food prep which it did well on. It has a high flat grind, I wouldn’t call it a saber because it is such a shallow difference, just enough to keep it from sticking if a person batons wood, I’d guess. I’m itching to give it a go soon. It is a modern interpretation, for sure. A very interesting knife. Long winded way of saying that you’re on target with all of your thoughts on blade and grind geometry.

[@oferbechor1579]

THANK YOU

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you for stopping by friend!

[@Millhouse-ht2jq]

The Kephart also very much resembles a german sailor and boat knife, which is still in use with the german navy to my knowledge. The sailor and boat knife is a bit bigger but the blade shape and overall design looks very similar.

[@honorableoutfitters]

I did not know that! Thank you, now I have some more research to do. That's great!

[@bernhard7658]

Have a look on the Otter Matrosenmesser/Bootsmesser!

[@HNHOUTDOORTV]

Recently found a very old knife that resembles that one

[@honorableoutfitters]

I'd love to see a pic of it! If you are on Facebook, hit me up at Mr. Dyer's Musings.

[@ChateauBeaufort]

The Kephart is a variation on the 1800 "Dadley" design... like the Price SanFrancisco Bowies..

[@honorableoutfitters]

I think I heard that before or a sailors knife. Either way, I really like it!

[@roberthoffman5951]

Very good video. Loved your explanation of the various blade shapes. Thank you

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you for the support and feedback!

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Great video. Great information and I just love the beginning of this video. You should start all your videos like that well. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

[@honorableoutfitters]

I'll try to be more creative and thank you for the support and feedback!

[@rickc4317]

Nicely done demonstration and description. I describe my Kephart as "A jack of all trades, master of none." Hope you don't mind, I'm going to email you a picture of mine.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Yes, please do!

[@rickc4317]

@@BIGHOUSEBEAMS53 Thanks. However, I'm sure you don't want to put your email out here for the world to see. Perhaps you can contact Mr. Dyer and he can send you the pic I sent him of my ML Knives custom Kephart with custom sheath with a petroglyph put on it. Thank you for your interest, I appreciate it.

[@DF4Trap]

Very nice explanation, very insightful, thank you sharing.

[@honorableoutfitters]

You are welcome and thanks for watching!

[@dalelowery907]

Enjoyed you video a lot. Good explanation.

[@honorableoutfitters]

It was my pleasure, thanks for the compliment and support!

[@KnifeCrazzzzy]

Very interesting breakdown! 🙌🏻

[@honorableoutfitters]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@derekmiles6673]

Question, what is the shirt you are wearing? Thanks!

[@honorableoutfitters]

It is a What Price Glory 1937 Wool shirt. You can find it here: onlinemilitaria.net/shopaff.asp?affid=1633&id=118

[@derekmiles6673]

Thank you,I'll check it out!

[@JohnSanders-p7o]

In Wayne Godards writing, he explained a very similar geometry being the strongest way to forge a knife. A distil taper in the tang. Then progressively thinner again out towards the tip Flexible overall when finished due to partly to heat treat/tempering. Thickest part of the knife being the middle of the knife. .. bothe ends tapered. Profiled in a way that allowed parts of the blade to be straight parts to have curve.. but jn reference to the handle, a continuous angle. I dont explain it well I m sure. But it possibly genius. Possible just well thought out by men tha spent a lot of time and love on the situation. Rock star guitar players will all tell you they were Obssesed With playing, years before making good money doing it. Men and women that leave legacy are gonna do their thing regardless what anyone says or does. Be authentic. And follow your heart Librarian to writer to bushcraft legend with a museum display... says a lot.

[@redw0lf848]

very informative

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you my friend!

[@russelllieser4226]

Great video.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you for the support. Happy New Year!

[@francissobotka8725]

My esee pr4 is my edc .

[@honorableoutfitters]

I love the looks of the grip on those, are they pretty comfortable?

[@kurts4867]

cool hat !!!! Where'd u get it ?? Maker ??

[@honorableoutfitters]

I picked it up at an Irish pub. The label says The Quiet Man Cap Colleection. I love it, thanks!

[@kurts4867]

How about the brim hat ? Marine corps or boy scouts Isn’t that a “campaign hat” ?? The hat you’re wearing during the kephart review

[@honorableoutfitters]

Aha! Sorry, yes, it is a Boy Scout Campaign hat made by Stetson. At the turn of the 19th into the 20th century the campaign hat grew in popularity across the world and the US adopted it in the military almost the same time the British did. At this time, the Scouting programs mimicked military uniforms. Civilians also had an appreciation for the style so you can see them in early 20th century camping pics and outdoor illustrations and magazines

[@oncomics1128]

Mr. Dryer, I would take a stab at making. reproduction. Where can I get the best Kephart knife drawings?

[@honorableoutfitters]

Send me an email at [e-mail] and I'll try to help.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

Okay I learned a couple of things from this video, the design of the original Kephart knife may have actually been a happy mistake and there is a method of making feathers I haven't EVER done with any knife style or any grind. I am going to try it out but it strikes me as extremely inefficient and very limited to a particular type of knife.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you for the support and comment! It is very inefficient way of making feathers but trying to show and explain the design and weight balance benefits of this particular design I thought was best done by demonstrating something the average outdoor enthusiast does regularly anyway. Also my intention was to try to get someone new to knifecraft to think about their knife shape and the purpose behind it and some points to consider when trying to maximize it's usefulness. As a hunting or meat preparation knife it is ideally designed, as a kitchen knife it lacks a bit but that is where the 4" pocket knife comes in :)

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

@@honorableoutfitters well I am a reasonably experienced knife user and it made me think as well. A lot of people don't consider the nuances of knife design and try to reinvent the wheel, so to speak, when it comes to blades. I have found that I have come full circle and returned to basic, classic designs for the most part. Maybe even to the point of returning to the boys axe and three bladed stockman I carried for years in my youth.

[@blacklabel99able]

I like the Lt Wright Genesis

[@honorableoutfitters]

I looked it up and it appears pretty solid!

[@V_666.]

that's a flat grind though?

[@honorableoutfitters]

No, it is convex. There are detailed pictures in a slideshow from Mr. Quapp working it through the various steps that can be seen here: honorableoutfitters.com/the-nessmuk-and-kephart-project/birth-of-a-kephart/

[@V_666.]

@@honorableoutfitters so a convex with a secondary V-edge where I think the original was a full convex grind

[@V_666.]

@@honorableoutfitters I'm sorry but you are wrong

[@honorableoutfitters]

@@V_666. After talking with the maker you are correct, the edge was created using a Lansky system....looks like I have a another video to make to correct the edge!!! Thanks my friend!

[@ROE1300]

The best explanation and demonstration of a Kephart style knife I have ever seen. Thank you.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you for the support!

[@ROE1300]

@@honorableoutfitters I purchased the KaBar BK62 as soon as it was available. Very good copy of Mr. Becker’s original knife. I wish it had the 4-1/2” blade, but that is splitting hairs. I like this knife for the reasons you mentioned and it was affordable.

[@honorableoutfitters]

I have only heard great things about the KaBar version and seeing all the different tests other channels have done on it it seems durable!

[@woguph]

I have never seen anyone cutting tip to base.

[@honorableoutfitters]

I don't mean to suggest anyone should do it all of the time and for every purpose but the exercise can show you how your knife cuts especially control zones. Making a feather or fuzz stick is just one way to learn about your specific knife like the Try Stick. My demonstration was hopefully highlighting the nuances and to a degree cleverness of the Kephart style knife and why it is especially balanced making slicing cuts smooth and easy which is especially beneficial if you are at it for awhile like preparing large game.

[@woguph]

@@honorableoutfitters I was not saying it was wrong to cut in that way. It does seem a little more dangerous until the blade bites in. But, as you say, it does demonstrate the knife’s unique quality. I have read and reread Kephart’s and Nessmuk’s books as well as others from the time period and enjoy them. That is why I enjoy your channel and web site.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thank you brother, I appreciate it! Do you have a preferred shape or style of belt knife for your normal use?

[@woguph]

@@honorableoutfitters I carry a Leatherman multi tool and if necessary, a tiny single bit hatchet with about a 12” handle. My hatchet head is the size of a Kephart hatchet. I have found that the secret to using a tiny hatchet is to first cut a baton. A tiny hatchet really cuts above its weight with a baton. By placing the hatchet in the perfect spot and using the baton for impact I cut my strokes at least in half. I have a 12” double bit made by Norlund too but prefer the single bit and baton method.

[@cml44spec1]

Why did kephart dislike the bowie knife

[@honorableoutfitters]

He said in his book on page 166 "The conventional hunting knife is, or was until recently, of the familiar dime-novel pattern invented by Colonel Bowie;. It is too thick and clumsy to whittle with, much too thick for a good skinning knife, and too sharply pointed to cook and eat with. It is always tempered too hard." babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112023506063&view=1up&seq=168&skin=2021&q1=Bowie

[@michaelcervantez3570]

❤

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thanks friend!

[@stacyhazelwood4033]

Do you know which museum has his original knife? I figure it must be near Bryson City, NC.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Western Carolina University has his awesome collection! Quite suitable for the past academic in my opinion: cdm16232.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16232coll8/id/526

[@johnrush7699]

It is my opinion, and you know what they say about opinions, lol, that the best knife for a individual person is a knife that works for their needs, there is no need for all the videos telling people to buy this or buy that, what works for one person might not work for another, people, do your own research and find the best knife you can afford and does what you want it to do. Some of these knives can be very very expensive and there are some awesome knives out there for under 100 dollars that perform just as good as the 1000 dollar knife. Money is pretty hard to come by these days so don't let these videos talk you out of your money for a knife that you just don't need when you can get a much less expensive knife that will do the same job just as good and maybe even better

[@honorableoutfitters]

Well said and I agree

[@timeonecop]

Im sorry kepharts knife is a flat grind I'm sorry your are correct called a convex

[@balazsotvos2530]

sailors knife, same shape

[@honorableoutfitters]

I've come to find out that you are correct. Do you happen to know when this shape was starting to be used in navies or on ships? The most common ones I have found are sheep's foot shaped.

[@kentreichow7567]

Your holding the blades way to flat on the feather stick no one cuts like that

[@YTusercomment]

Your version is not an accurate reproduction of the handle profile.....been slightly modified.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thanks for the feedback! The handle profile Mr. Quapp used was from Mr. Becker's and the pic in the thumbnail may be throwing off the look of the overall handle. Shoot me an email if you are interested in the sources Mr. Quapp referred to and I will send them your way or reach out to him personally, he loves discussing his work and sharing with others in the craft! He is on Facebook at Prairie Forge and Axe. You can also see the overall pictorial journey from start to finish on my website. honorableoutfitters.com/birth-of-a-kephart/

[@kevinschmith9379]

I’m guessing what we have here is your cell phone in a box

[@honorableoutfitters]

lol...I can't fool you! Thanks for visiting friend!

[@marvinbrock960]

Tip to back just makes no sense when working wood / making feathers. It keeps for hand too far from the wood.. too much tension and work of the hands…. Just use the belly close to the hand.. then using your arm/elbow/shoulder strength instead of hands…. Not to mention it’s dulling the entire knife.. ALWAYS save the tip for precision work..

[@honorableoutfitters]

I agree with much of what you say but I used the feather stick as a demonstration of not how to make feathers or feather sticks but how the geometry and nuances of the knife play into how one should use it to maximize efficiency and the genius of weight balancd of the Kephart design. His knife was primarily a hunting knife, not Woodcraft. It is hard to show and demonstrate those nuances on a chunk of meat though, lol.

[@StevanOutdoor]

Sorry but I call BS. There's nothing scientific about either the Kephart or Nessmuk knife other than models being used in Europe for centuries. The French trade knife and even the Bowie have their origin in Europe. Kephart and Nessmuk were writers and used what was available with maybe some modifications. That's all.

[@honorableoutfitters]

I'm not saying that there was "science" behind it. I am certain you are right. I believe his experience of working with styles helped him take bits and pieces and combined them for his personal knife. I'm sure he was unlikely to be so pretentious to call the knife a "Kephart". History and pop culture has given it to him based on the success of his writings and celebrity in the outdoor adventure communities. People can call it whatever they want but the aspects of it are pretty unique due to the details that are combined.

[@zeuqramjj2002]

Who really cuts wood tip to heal though… seems like a stabbing accident waiting to happen.

[@chrisgeoss2543]

Your knife was a nice rendition but I need to say.....everyone that copied this knife was wrong. Your version had a recurved handle and blade. Ethans version used bolts in the handle.. why not make a version that is correct with the picture that everyone has seen, and for the love of God....make the sheath accurate too.bark river makes a copy that the steel is too thin. Nobody in my knowledge has made a duplicate that is totally accurate

[@honorableoutfitters]

I appreciate the feedback brother and I can admit, that there is no way I can say with 100% that Mr. Quapp's recreation is absolutely identical but with the evidence, measurements, and 2 extant originals that are out there I am confident in saying Mr. Quapp's is the best I have seen. There is absolutely no recurve on the handle or blade, perhaps the angle of the shot or perspective of video is off? Check out the pictures from start to finish and let me know what you think! honorableoutfitters.com/birth-of-a-kephart/

[@honorableoutfitters]

Also sir, the only "unused" Kephart that I am aware of existing is Mr. Becker's and I am curious if what you are calling a recurve is the flared spear point? Mr. Becker provided pictures and measurements in one of the knife forums and his clearly shows the flaring. In regards to the sheath, my sheath was reproduced to be like the one in the museum holding Kephart's collection not Becker's dangling sheath. Send me an Email and I'll send you pics of my sources if your are interested. Cheers!

[@EverydayBronco-dh8hs]

"Always want to cut tip to back", Nothing credible about what you said.

[@honorableoutfitters]

When slicing it is very credible. Perhaps I should have been clearer and said towards the tip. Thanks for bringing attention to this point!

[@jamesbloggs395]

I have never seen a more awkward wood carving technique in my life

[@honorableoutfitters]

Are you referring to getting consistent curls depending on the style of blade or how a particular blade shape reacts?

[@pseutube]

Any bushcraft knife is better than this.

[@honorableoutfitters]

That's a bold statement friend. That being said, "bushcraft" knives tend to be Scandinavian grind which is superior for wood removal albeit an unsatisfactory edge for durability or for tasks outside of wood processing. Kephart was not a "bushcrafter", he was a woodsman who hunted and he authored the book titled Woodcraft. He practiced what he preached even at times at the detriment of his relationships. So in the end...what is your individual end goal? For contemporary "bushcrafting" I would say you should pass but if you are a woodsman who hunts and needs a more general purpose camp knife I think you should reconsider. Take care and stay safe in the woods!

[@pseutube]

@@honorableoutfitters You are right, like you said its a general purpose camp knife. Bushcraft knives need to do everything from batoning to carving or even food prep. You wouldnt trust this in the bush for everything. LIke I said for bushcrafting any brand's bushcraft knife will outperform this. For camping this would definitely fit the bill.

[@diogenesstudent5585]

Soy face thumbnail.

[@slipnpitch1894]

why the goofy clickbait shock face? Not necessary

[@honorableoutfitters]

Perhaps not, KZbin plays by some strange rules my friend.

[@longrider42]

I believer the Kephart knife, is a modified version of the old Green River Dadley knife, that was popular back in the early to mid 1800's, during the Mountain Man era. Put them side by side, and the only real difference is that little "Stop" on the Kephart knife. And the Dadley knife is still being made in the USA by Russell Green River, out of 1095 steel, and it will run about 22ish dollars. No sheath, but I make leather sheaths.

[@leelucero4381]

I have always thought the same thing myself.

[@johnstowe3708]

Great video.

[@honorableoutfitters]

Thanks for the visit friend!