Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big Pics
#138547
10/08/07 02:14 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
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DMelone
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OP
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Even though this is a step by step for a do it yourself I also compare and use the Dumpster Mutt below to show how both fit the description for a woods wandering knife. After seeing many Nessies coming up in conversations I thought that I would put something together for my normal woods wandering. Nessmuk (George Washington Sears) believed in going light into the woods and using ability and few tools to survive as a woodsman. He had a knife, axe and double blade congressman folder. I saw an article in a Backwoodsman magazine on converting an Old Hickory into a Nessmuk knife and wanted to buid a simple kit around it. Then I decided to make a modern kit around my Dumpster Mutt as this fits the bill of the woods wandering knife, small and light. I use large knives when in Kenya such as the SHBM, E-BM and Fehrman FJ. I also use smaller knives but for the most part I carry the big knife as it acts like my axe so that I do not have to carry tons of equipment. Smaller was the key here as this would not be my main camp knife but a just go for a hike knife that would suit the purpose should a hike turn into a few unexpected days in the woods. Also, this will be the smaller backup knife to my camp knife that I will be having forged at the begining of next year. I wanted to keep this Nessie as well as my future forged knife period correct to the fur trade/mountain man as these are going to be my main American camp knives as the would stick out like a sore thumb in Kenya where my Scrap Yards and Busse fit the bill for an expedition knife. Ok, here are pics of the soon to be made Nessie knife ($8.00 on some sites). This is an Old Hickory with a 6 inch blade. You measure about 5 inches from where the blade enters the handle to where the tip starts to curve up. The Old HIckory Skinning Knife is a heavy duty skinner for larger animals from deer to cattle (or even buffalo). The blade is about 6" long, and .091" thick. [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020255.jpg[/img][/image] [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020256.jpg[/img][/image] [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020257.jpg[/img][/image] [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020258.jpg[/img][/image] I kept a thin layer of water on the wood and clamped the knife down in it to keep the temper from burning out. I then poured water on it every few seconds and never let it get hot. [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020259.jpg[/img][/image] [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020260.jpg[/img][/image] [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020261.jpg[/img][/image] After the dremal action. [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020262.jpg[/img][/image] [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020263.jpg[/img][/image] Here it is just after using the bench grinder, file and fine sand paper. I have a slight mirror finish and the handle has been sanded, just before staining. [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020265.jpg[/img][/image] Here is the sheath, front and back and can be worn on the belt and around the neck. [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020267.jpg[/img][/image] [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA020268.jpg[/img][/image] Here is a pic of what went into the kit. Now out here I hike in the forest preserves and real survival is not an issue. Honestly other than protection there is really nothing else...... But, I have been known to start a few small fires (technicall not supposed too) and pratice various skills. I do not have the hooks or snare wire in this kit as there is no use for them. I have strike anywhere matches, the skinners tip which I ground off the rough back and turned it into a small knife/scrapper/ulu, some jute twine for fire starting, lip and hand balm (it will be getting cold here soon), bandaids and alieve (spelling) for headaches..... And for my back, just in case. [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA030270.jpg[/img][/image] This is NOT a survival kit, but merely a what do I use in the woods when hiking kit. It can be supplemented with my main survival kit if need be but I do not think that I will be stranded for months out in the local forest preserves where I will need to trap and fish for food.............. But it would be interesting!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Everything together and I have added some stag and bone to the sheath. The handle has two coats of red mahogany stain. [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA040273.jpg[/img][/image] I will be adding a Marbles, double bit axe and Marbles congressman folder to finish the kit. For this I wanted to do it like Nessmuk and go as cheap, but as good as possible! and go light into the woods where my skill is needed to be put to the test. Now I know the above was intense but I wanted to put something together with my Dumpster Mutt since it is the same as my Nessie. I got one of my old Altoids cans and loaded it up with strike anywhere matches, bandaids, aleive (sp?), jute twin, lip balm and I am sure that other things will come and go. I was lucky that I had the DM as it is my favorite little knife with a great sheath by LeatherFace! All I had to do was put the kit together. [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA060274.jpg[/img][/image] [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA060275.jpg[/img][/image] And here is the snare wire, hooks and weights, line to be added later. This is seperate and will only be added when going up to my friends house in the North Woods where I have a better chance of becoming lost, hence real survival............ I will probably die however! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA060278.jpg[/img][/image] [img][image] http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/DMelone73/PA060277.jpg[/img][/image] I think that the term survival kit woks when you have supplies at ready should something happen and we all have them in one form or the other. I wanted to make a very simple kit, without going overboard for a days hike in the woods where these things would have a better chance of coming into use as opposed to the fishing gear and snares…… Chances are I will never use them in the forest preserve, so why take up space? I will save them for when I am in real woods. I have many pics of the Nessie because I wante to show everyone how I made it. As I said small was the key here. My Dumpster Mutt fits this bill perfectly as well and that is why I chose to make a kit around it as opposed to my RatManDu. The DM to me is the modern Nessie and add an axe and pocket knife and you are good to go! This is a good example of how the past teaches the present and the example is the DM. Small and light! Just like my Nessie!!!! Thank you for looking and bearing with this long post!!! Dan
Last edited by DMelone; 10/08/07 03:13 PM.
JYD #13!!! "Nobody knocks off an old man in my neighborhood and gets away with it." - The Burbs
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big Pics
[Re: DMelone]
#138548
10/08/07 03:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,297
Rainwalker
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WOW Dan!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> Great pics and great thread!
I love that home made Nessy... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
When I get home I'm going though the kitchen knife drawer and see what I can find... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I gotta think of a way to distract the wife though... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
JYD#35 Dog Walkin in the Rain
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big Pics
[Re: DMelone]
#138549
10/08/07 04:04 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,586
Horn Dog
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That is an awesome "how to", Dan. You did a great job on that Nessmuk. I like your little kit. Thanks so much for posting this. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
Horned, dangerous, and off my medication.
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big Pics
[Re: Horn Dog]
#138550
10/08/07 04:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,120
ksjumpmd
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Neat job Dan! That's a nice little Nessie! Thanks for the pics and post!
Junk Yard Dog # 27
OCCASIONALLY WRONG BUT NEVER UNCERTAIN
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: Horn Dog]
#138551
10/08/07 04:16 PM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,423
Dom
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Nice job Dan.. I'm gonna have to try that.
JYD - 48
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: Dom]
#138552
10/08/07 04:41 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,005
DMelone
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Thank you all! I felt that it was a great way to tie in the old ways and the new.
By the way Vic, they also have a "how to" for making a bowie out of a machete. I will look for it later when I am home.
JYD #13!!! "Nobody knocks off an old man in my neighborhood and gets away with it." - The Burbs
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: DMelone]
#138553
10/08/07 05:15 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 15,884
WhichDawg
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Sweeeeet bro! Great job and tell. No light in the kit? I've wandered the Preserves up there, your gonna trip over the north side boys if you can't see <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> How long did your project take? Thanks Dan for sharing, I enjoyed it.
P.S. congrats on 2800! whoo hooo!
JYD#18 "Server Slayer"
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: WhichDawg]
#138554
10/08/07 05:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,005
DMelone
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Sweeeeet bro! Great job and tell. No light in the kit? I've wandered the Preserves up there, your gonna trip over the north side boys if you can't see <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> How long did your project take? Thanks Dan for sharing, I enjoyed it.
P.S. congrats on 2800! whoo hooo! The knife itself only took about 5-10 minutes to cut through, then another 10 minutes to shape and sand (probably could have been shorter but I want to make sure the spine was perfect), another 5 for sanding the handle. I could have left it as is but I put two coats of stain on it, one on the first day and the second the next. The sheath was made in one night and was a little over an hour. By the way, I forgot to mention that the kit has seasonal items. You put in what you need during that season such as the lip/hand balm for cold and the ointment for bug bites and plant irritations. Thanks WD 2,804. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by DMelone; 10/08/07 05:31 PM.
JYD #13!!! "Nobody knocks off an old man in my neighborhood and gets away with it." - The Burbs
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: DMelone]
#138555
10/08/07 06:10 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 18,009
Magnum22
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JYD #7
Preserve the Yard.
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: Magnum22]
#138556
10/08/07 07:03 PM
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Posts: 2,199
terry13111
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Great post. I like how you are taking only what you really might need and not going overboard with useless junk!
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: terry13111]
#138557
10/08/07 07:29 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,438
din
Banned
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Banned
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I would never call a box of king sized snickers bars useless junk.
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: din]
#138558
10/08/07 07:42 PM
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Posts: 9,858
diceman
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Great stuff, Dan - nice work!
JYD#9
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: diceman]
#138559
10/08/07 07:53 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,489
Paul the Brit'
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JYD #3 Poor, but still dreaming of a sage and black SOD CG...
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: Paul the Brit']
#138560
10/11/07 10:15 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,957
rooikat
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How did I miss this? Oh, I know... friggin dial-up. Only the top pics came out, up to the sheath. Nice sheath, by the way. I am going to blatantly steal your design. I read a similar article on another mag not too long ago, which turned an old hicory skinner into a scalper. I will have to get pics of that end result on, when I get some of my hawks and nessmuk.
I love the step-by-step pictures. The knife turned out really nice.
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: rooikat]
#138561
10/11/07 10:42 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,574
james_bond
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holy cow I love it, I am so getting a Old hickory skinner, this Nessies is really gettinr to me. I also agree with the mimilast kit, a true all-purpose, covering everything "survival kit" would be 25 lbs + and require a backpack, but the idea of a "woods kit" is what I think I will now aim my Altoids kits at. angain Thank you for this thread.
JYD #25
Clinging to my Guns, Religion, and Scrapyards.
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: james_bond]
#138562
10/11/07 11:18 PM
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Posts: 2,795
pitman
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Great job on the Nessie bro, ain't Backwoodsman the best mag on the shelves,I love the stuff in there !!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: pitman]
#138563
10/11/07 11:36 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,208
Andy Wayne
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ain't Backwoodsman the best mag on the shelves,I love the stuff in there !!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Sure is, it's my favorite magazine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I dunno if you saw it, but they printed my letter a few issues back. I mentioned Swamp Rat in it in reference to an artical that mentioned Swamp Rat.
JYD #4
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: Andy Wayne]
#138564
10/11/07 11:56 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,873
Unsub
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
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I have to get a few copies and maybe a subscription to backwoodsman. I have seen that Nessie mod before and wanted to try it. If you like knives like the classics they still make the Russel Green River knives. I prefer a hawk to a hatchet or double bit but I saw that Double bit Marble on Ragnar's site and would have got it if he would ship to canada. If you want a stainless nessie with a rubber handle the Victorinox skinner is the same shape as the Old Hickory model and quite popular with people who process wild game around here. It would be a nice knife for a matching modern kit and would hold an edge quite well. Here is a photo of a couple nice Nessies.
"if you want to be a hero you have to learn to drive stick"! Sara Conner
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: Unsub]
#138565
10/13/07 03:00 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,885
scrappy
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nice work, are the marble's you want made in china? i would like to see more carbon steel folders like the old shrades. the dm is a good length but thick. i might prefer a ratmandu. my hiking kit is a columbia staff. it has a nice saw in the shaft, a compass and a knife that needs some work. in the storage compartment i keep firesteel, a shcrade stockman, cotton, hooks, matches, thread ... but that nessie you made is so attractive ... maybe i need a new kit
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: scrappy]
#138566
10/13/07 03:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,885
scrappy
Junk Yard Dog
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Junk Yard Dog
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i carry a khuk instead of a hatchet. i own two 18" khuks but one is much lighter than the other. that or one of my 15" models. they don't weigh more than my wildlife hatchet but have more uses imo. l do like the double bit though
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Re: Woods Wandering Kit, Knives and Thoughts. Big
[Re: scrappy]
#138567
10/16/07 02:32 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,005
DMelone
OP
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OP
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nice work, are the marble's you want made in china? i would like to see more carbon steel folders like the old shrades. the dm is a good length but thick. i might prefer a ratmandu. my hiking kit is a columbia staff. it has a nice saw in the shaft, a compass and a knife that needs some work. in the storage compartment i keep firesteel, a shcrade stockman, cotton, hooks, matches, thread ... but that nessie you made is so attractive ... maybe i need a new kit I am not sure about the Marbles hatchet being made in China, but it was the only one that I could find in that length. Give the Nessie a try, it was fun to do it.
JYD #13!!! "Nobody knocks off an old man in my neighborhood and gets away with it." - The Burbs
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