Lonescout Bushcraft Knife

I thought that I would like to mark the passing of my 50th birthday with something special. So the result of this inspiration, and some long discussion with Roger Harrington of Bison Bushcraft, is the Lonescout Bushcraft Knife.

As they say ‘there is nothing new under the sun’. Whilst this may not be strictly true, when it comes to practical knives I believe it certainly is.

There are many ‘new designs’ for all sorts of knives around, and a lot of them certainly look different to anything else on the market. Being the age that I am, however, I cannot help but be reminded of the ‘Rambo Knife’ and its’ clones from the 1980s. Fashionable, certainly, but once used they were consigned to the back of the drawer rarely, if ever, to see the light of day again.

Knives and edged tools evolve to suit the environment in which they are used, note the similarity in principle of the machete and the bill hook. Both designed to cut ‘light brush’ although one is suited to the woodlands and hedgerows of a temperate climate and the other to tropical rain forests. The Lonescout Bushcraft Knife is also an evolution and, like all evolutions, there are some ‘blind alleys’ to which my knife collection (including a Rambo style knife) stands testimony!

So, what am I saying? Well, the bottom line is my ‘design’ is nothing new. It is a collection of features that I have found useful, from knives I have used over the years. First of all the blade is made to a full tang design from 3mm carbon steel this makes it both light, for effortless day long carry and use, and strong enough for the job at hand. Its length is equivalent to the width of the palm of my hand (90mm) and has a Scandi grind. There is a pronounced drop to the point combined with quite a deep belly, which makes the knife ideal for game preparation, with the edge finishing close to the grip for fine carving. As I have an axe to use for chopping I do not require my knife to be able to do this. So the balance of the knife is towards the grip and the grip itself subsequently does not need a ‘birds head’ profile for security. I find the rounded grip to be more comfortable to use. The grip scales on this particular knife are of apple with red fibre liners.

This knife would not be in existence if it were not for the expert advice tendered by Roger Harrington combined with his great skill and craftsmanship.

If you would like one of these knives for yourself then please either email me or email Roger directly at info@bisonbushcraft.co.uk.