View Full Version : Stewart Marsh knife
Buckshot
07-07-2005, 09:30
In Shooting Sports this month is an article about this knife maker.
The Bushcraft is very similar to another well known hand made knife ;) in design and construction (01 tool steel) but better (according to the retailer) :) and a lot cheaper.
They do three styles of knife from this maker, but the bushcraft would be of most interest I would think.
The retailer (very helpfull when I emailed him) tells me that Stewart is suffering from illness atm so slightly longer lead times are expected for the near future but hopes production will pick up in due course.
I especially like the Ivory Micarta handle...
See what you think http://www.highseats.co.uk/handmade_knives.htm
Cheers
Mark
There have been a couple of threads about his knives on here and over on BB.... general concensus seems to be that they are good knives.
I believe he is a member here ;)
:)
Ed
Buckshot
07-07-2005, 10:30
It would be interesting to do a back to back comparison with a Woodlore I think.
Anyone have a Marsh Bushcraft they can loan me for the test - or maybe longer if I like it.... :D
Cheers
Mark
tenbears10
07-07-2005, 10:59
One went for quite a lot on ebay recently. There are a few people on BB with one if you put up a wanted post.
Graham_S
07-07-2005, 11:48
they're about the same price as a micarta ws woodlore :eek: RM better hope people don't find out about this guy.
I've got one on order. Hopefully I'll get it for my trip in August to give it a good test. If not then the Mora I've been practicing with will have to do
I was looking at the one that moduser has this weekend just gone, there were a couple of things that he didn't like about it, so he got in touch with Stuart Marsh and he has said that he will change it for him.
I cant see the WS knife being modified if you got in touch with them.
Buckshot
07-07-2005, 14:28
Am I right in thinking the WS one is machine made and hand finished though?
Would this one not compare with the AW Woodlore instead?
Cheers
Mark
Yep, but I didn't want to make the comparison :D
It is a good solid knife and I would think about buying one of them before I thought of one of AW's.
The fact that he is also willing to make modifications to it once he has sold it is an added bonus IMO.
The sheath is good quality as well.
I don't use one all the time, so it would be better to ask moduser how he likes it and what the quality of the steel is like along with edge retention and the like, but my initial impression of it was very good :cool:
Buckshot
07-07-2005, 14:59
:eek: Ah I see, tack full as ever. Perhaps I ought to backpedal a bit :o
Still, wonder if moduser's going to the meet... :confused:
Cheers
Mark
Hi guys,
I am hoping to attend the meet. It does clash with an archery shoot I'm already booked into but the more I think about it, well there are shoots on most weekends and only so many meets.
Re the SM knife my only complaint was that on my knife the point of the blade is very short and thick, more so than in the pictures on the distributors website. This makes it awkward to for doing fine work when cutting slots and holes in a piece of work.
Other than that I'm happy with it. Comfortable in the hand, nice piece of steel that is thick enough that I have no concerns when batoning etc and it holds an edge very well and also has a good waterformed sheath. I don't think I could justify the cost for a AW (not being a knife fetishist - I have other fetishes but that's a different story and a different forum :D ) however I'm happy with the price/quality of the blade.
Buckshot
07-07-2005, 16:51
Perhaps we can compare if you make it to the meet at the end of the month
Cheers
Mark
I've purchased one of Stewarts bushcraft knives, I think it's superb, very well made and Stewart is very helpful in offering various materials and advice etc. I would highly recommend this knife, particularily at the price.
John
riddleofsteel
08-07-2005, 03:04
I have it on pretty good authority that Stewart may be offering his knives by direct sales only before long (E-bay). Look for prices to go up then. If you want one get it soon. I have one on the way now and will be reporting on it later.
Cheers
That should have said sure thing, too early in the morning.
I wasn't suggesting legal action or that you dress in drag or anything :D
Buckshot
08-07-2005, 10:18
That should have said sure thing, too early in the morning.
I wasn't suggesting legal action or that you dress in drag or anything :D
Spoil sport :( :D
riddleofsteel
12-07-2005, 00:01
I got a Stewart Marsh Bushcrafter in the post today. Excellent service I must say. It was shipped from High Seats in the UK last Monday, today it arrives in North Carolina, USA. Still amazes me how quick mail service is considering the distance.
The cream colored ivory Micarta handle is stunning. Several folks I showed it to had to look twice to tell is wasn't real ivory! Excellent grain and shaping, the handle welds to your hand in ANY posistion.
You can tell it is not a production knife. Little mistakes here and there but nothing that will stand out after a couple of trips to the bush and a few sharpenings. Several small dents in the tang portion of the bar stock drew my attention.
The grind is a little off center to the bar stock and the transistion between the ground and unground portion of the knife is rough/hurried.
This is a very ROUBUST knife. Holding it the word tool comes to mind. It is built like a tank the spine of the blade is thick almost all the way to the tip. I have no doubt it will stand the test of bushcrafting in the Southeast US.
I tried shaving with it when I pulled it out of the sheath. Only one portion of the blade would pop hair. This will no doubt change on the flatbed hone. However, when applied to paper it engaged the paper edge and sliced cleanly, without drag, the full length of the blade. It seemed to be just sharp enough to cut wood but not thin edged enough to dull fast at heavy work.
When I got it home I made a few eazy fuzz sticks from limbs in the yard. Then I drilled a hole in a piece of willow and carved a hearth board in just a few minutes. Not much of a test so far but it was superbly comfortable and easy to control. I have to say I am not sold on the zero grind. Most of my knives are convex.
We shall see. My Bark River Northstar and Fallkniven A1 better look out, it may be on the way to becoming my favorite woods bumming knife.
Cheers
Just thought I'd give everyone an update on my SM.
Just a quick recap, I love the knife but I personally wanted a more defined point.
I posted the knife back to Stewart on Saturday and recieved it back today.
The point has been reground and looks exactly what I wanted. Nicely formed but without being too pointed (thus not a possible point of weakness).
Not only that but the blade has been sharpened and the handle and sheath oiled.
Fantastic service. Linda who is responsible for the admin e-mailed me at every stage confirming delivery, work status and posting back to me.
Owning this knife just gets better and better :D :D
Nice to hear there are still people offering great service. I'm tempted to make another purchase.
Hi,
I've also got a Stewart Marsh Bushcrafter. I chanced my arm on Ebay about 6 months ago - paid about £75 for it in the end.
I can only second what most other people have said. Really nice bloke to deal with and an excellent knife - very very robust and fantastic value. After some serious use it takes (and holds) a lovely edge. Superb steel. Mine was also fairly roughly sharpened when new but only took some fine waterstone work and a good stropping... :)
I actually like the fairly 'short' point. I think it distinguishes the knife from some of the other Woodlore clones out there and only adds to its feeling of strength. IMO you can do all the same tasks with the original point shape.
I'd have no qualms about buying another - really high standard of fit'n'finish (including the lovely sheath) and marvellous value. I suspect it'll outlast me if looked after...
Cheers,
Rod
Angus Og
13-07-2005, 13:57
You should also check out Ben Orford another great maker of this type of knife.
I got a Whittler Full tang 3” blade 4.25” handle in 3mm steel stock with a elm burl handle, from him in April is a great little knife and you get to pick the colour of the sheath.
thread (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showpost.php?p=84396&postcount=234) and here (http://www.woodsmoke.uk.com/p/v/Resources/Shop/)
Hi,
I'm thinking about buying one of Staurt's bushcraft knives, and am more and more leaning towards his rather than the woodlore.
Anyone got a pic of theirs? If you wouldn't mind, I'd really like to see the differences between the two points.
Also, you people who have one of these knives, would you say it's worth the £125, and a knife that would last 'a life time'. Also more importantly, is the knife good quality, hold a good edge and shapen well?
Cheers,
Dan
Hi,
I'm thinking about buying one of Staurt's bushcraft knives, and am more and more leaning towards his rather than the woodlore.
Anyone got a pic of theirs? If you wouldn't mind, I'd really like to see the differences between the two points.
Also, you people who have one of these knives, would you say it's worth the £125, and a knife that would last 'a life time'. Also more importantly, is the knife good quality, hold a good edge and shapen well?
Cheers,
Dan
Here's a comparison between the two tips.
Stewart Marsh knife on the top, Woodlore below. The tip of the SM is not quite as well executed as the woodlore and has a blunter profile.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b377/FraserMilne/Pict0055.jpg
Thanks for that familne! Would you think this would be something that Stuart Marsh could easily rectify if you were to ask him.
The reason I ask, is from looking at the picture I would prefer the woodlore point, and if I received his knife like this, would want it to be rectified...
Thanks for that familne! Would you think this would be something that Stuart Marsh could easily rectify if you were to ask him.
The reason I ask, is from looking at the picture I would prefer the woodlore point, and if I received his knife like this, would want it to be rectified...
Yes, I'm positive he would rectify it if you were unhappy, otherwise it's an excellent knife.
Brilliant, I think that settles it then. I'll be ordering one of these babies tomorrow!!
Cheers,
Dan
Just noticed this on the site selling Stewart's knives:
"Due to the recurrence of an old back injury, Stewart will be unable to complete any current knife orders for about 6 weeks, and any further orders will take at least 8 weeks from ordering to be completed. Your patience is appreciated."
Angus Og
13-07-2005, 23:16
familne
Got any pics of your woodlander handle from the top looking down seeing the full tang.
cheers
riddleofsteel
14-07-2005, 03:25
http://www.highseats.co.uk/images/webimages-knives/bushcraft%20002.jpg
I will be taking some glamor shots of my SM Bushcrafter in action this weekend and will post them ASAP.
I will be taking some glamor shots of my SM Bushcrafter in action this weekend and will post them ASAP.
Brilliant, I'd be interested to see those!
Dan
I was having an e-mail chat with Linda Marsh after receiving my knife back and Stewart has taken on board user’s feedback and has altered the point on the last batch of knives to be more "pointy" :) .
Stewart makes his knives in batches of 6 and future batches will have the more defined point.
Linda also says that Stewart is making knifes again after his back problem is getting better and they will take direct orders on their e-mail address stewlyn@blueyonder.co.uk
If anyone wants to post this info on BB (I don't subscribe) feel free.
Just to emphasise, I am a very happy owner of an SM knife and not in anyway affiliated with SM.
David
Hi Dave, has the modification been carried out on your knife yet and if it has could we have some pictures please :D
rapidboy
14-07-2005, 10:59
I spoke to Stewart last night and he said he was only only getting back to work after a back injury.
Leon,
I take a couple of shots of the knife tonight. I'm very happy with it. Had a play last night putting lanyard holes in a couple of spoon projects that have not worked just to test the point, much better.
David
familne
Got any pics of your woodlander handle from the top looking down seeing the full tang.
cheers
Is that the Ben Orford woodlander? Yep, will do.
Leon,
I take a couple of shots of the knife tonight. I'm very happy with it. Had a play last night putting lanyard holes in a couple of spoon projects that have not worked just to test the point, much better.
David
Great stuff and many thanks Dave, look forward to seeing how he has reshaped it :D
It's a shame that I didn't take a picture before it was reground. However the point was just like the one in the earlier post.
It's a shame that I didn't take a picture before it was reground. However the point was just like the one in the earlier post.
I do remember that it was somewhat reminiscent of a masonry chisel lol:D
It wasn't that bad :rolleyes:
Just pulling your leg mate :D , as you said before it was the only thing on the knife that could be faulted and that could also be down to user preference. :)
I liked the heft and feel of it, very nice indeed, in all it seemed a very nice package and Stewart should be congratulated on turning out such a nice affordable knife which is very good quality. :)
I would even think about buying one myself when I am working again :)
Got my SM knife on tuesday,ordered it straight from Stewart,and after a chat with Moduser asked Stewart for more of a point at the tip.It arrived and it was everything i hoped it would be.For the price and the service his knives,in my opinion,are very hard to beat.
Andrew
First off sorry about the quality of the images (Ireally must buy a better camera)
For comparison have a look at the earlier post that shows how the Sm originally looked.
http://img1.yoxio.com/img/183648.jpg
http://img1.yoxio.com/img/183651.jpg
http://img1.yoxio.com/img/183650.jpg
http://img1.yoxio.com/img/183649.jpg
http://img1.yoxio.com/img/183652.jpg
I hope you all agree, a very nice knife.
Hedgehog
15-07-2005, 10:25
That looks very nice indeed.
I am surprised that Stewart hasn't said anything as yesterday he was one of the users online and I would of thought that he would be keeping an eye on the thread :D
Dave thanks for the pictures :)
Please stop posting pics of that, I would rather like one. And its only 3 times my budget, rather than the 5 times of similar stuff ;)
Leon,
I know Linda does keep an eye on both this and the BB forums.
I don't think she would want to comment on posts or get into discussion on the merits or otherwise of Stewart's work and at the same time taking notice of feedback.
Glad you like the pictures. Don't do the knife justice but I think you'll agree I got what I wanted. Very nice people to do business with too.
Leon,
I know Linda does keep an eye on both this and the BB forums.
I don't think she would want to comment on posts or get into discussion on the merits or otherwise of Stewart's work and at the same time taking notice of feedback.
Glad you like the pictures. Don't do the knife justice but I think you'll agree I got what I wanted. Very nice people to do business with too.
I have colour coded this reply, because otherwise it doesn't make much sense :D
This is one of the major things in my book.
Yes and a good job he has done as well
As I'm about 80% sure I'll be going to the moot in a few weeks time, I'll show you if your there.
As I'm about 80% sure I'll be going to the moot in a few weeks time, I'll show you if your there.
I am working on it :D and really don't want to miss it so you should see me there :D
Brilliant, I think that settles it then. I'll be ordering one of these babies tomorrow!!
Cheers,
Dan
Daniel, If you haven't ordered one yet, then go ahead. I have had a similar issue as "Moduser", with my knife and have now received another one which I can't fault. I am very impressed with it and can recommend Stewart's knives to anyone wanting a good bushcraft knife. There cannot be any difference to a woodlore. If there is, it can only be a makers difference in style rather than a fault.
I was originally a bit disappointed with the tip, but now I have the perfect knife. The customer service has been excellent too.
sorry I don't have the facilities to attatch photos. I asked for a bubinga handle with mine and it fits my hand perfectly. The sheath is excellent also.
I'm glad you went for one "Delbach" and I hope you're pleased with it.
I think the knife is worth the money and don't think you'll find a similar knife for the money of that quality.
All I need to do now is go out and use it.
Julian.
Daniel, If you haven't ordered one yet, then go ahead. I have had a similar issue as "Moduser", with my knife and have now received another one which I can't fault. I am very impressed with it and can recommend Stewart's knives to anyone wanting a good bushcraft knife. There cannot be any difference to a woodlore. If there is, it can only be a makers difference in style rather than a fault.
I was originally a bit disappointed with the tip, but now I have the perfect knife. The customer service has been excellent too.
sorry I don't have the facilities to attatch photos. I asked for a bubinga handle with mine and it fits my hand perfectly. The sheath is excellent also.
I'm glad you went for one "Delbach" and I hope you're pleased with it.
I think the knife is worth the money and don't think you'll find a similar knife for the money of that quality.
All I need to do now is go out and use it.
Julian.
Hi Julian,
I ordered a knife from Stewart on Friday, and can't wait to get it! His buchcraft knives are very similar to the woodlore design. I have a photo of a woodlore and stewarts bushcraft knife, which Stewart sent me, I don't suppose he'd mind if I posted it...
I was considering buying an AW Woodlore before I saw Stewarts knives, and from what others have said they are of high quality! I'm glad I went with Stewart over Woodlore!
The service so far from both Stewart and his wife Linda is brilliant!
Dan
riddleofsteel
16-07-2005, 22:22
This weekend was hectic. I had a chance to get in the woods but not much chance to do any bushcrafting. Anyway, here are some shots of my new baby, a ivory Micarta Stewart Marsh Bushcraft with a handmade laynard slide from white tail deer antler.
Enjoy
http://yerfrockethellhound.com/smbushcraftknife.JPG
I could not resist adding my screen name to the blade as I have a friend that does engraving.
http://yerfrockethellhound.com/smbushcraftknifewe.JPG
If you look closely at the sheath you can see a blemish. I got a nice discount of the knife due to this. Maybe enough to make up for the loop sided exchange rate between pounds and dollars.
LOL
http://yerfrockethellhound.com/smbushcraftknifews.JPG
FIXED
That's really nice, can't wait for mine to arrive!!!
(pics a bit big :eek: , take a long time to appear on the screen)