View Full Version : Nessmuk Knives
I'm interested in getting a Nessmuk knife and want it to be a reasonably accurate historical copy. Basically, my question is what type of grind would the blade of had. Any info greatfully appeciated.
Thanks
ranger
It looks like a flat or flatish convex grind to me
Did somebody not make one from an Old Hickory knife over on British Blades? A quick search there may help you out, it was an Old Hickory Skinner IIRC. I don't think the original knife cost too much or the modification took too long either.
mojofilter
04-10-2005, 17:45
Did somebody not make one from an Old Hickory knife over on British Blades? A quick search there may help you out, it was an Old Hickory Skinner IIRC. I don't think the original knife cost too much or the modification took too long either.
Basemetal made it and I have it now! :D I will sort some pics soon!
There you are then Ranger, ask and you will recieve!!!
How is the knife then MF? Have you done a review at all? I would like to see some pictures of the finished article, in fact, I'm gonna nip next door to British Blades for a quick search. See you in a mo!
I would also speculate that the grind on Nessmuk's knife was flat ground. His book simply does not describe the knife much and the woodcut is the best clue.
If you are looking for a nicely done Nessmuk I would highly recommend Dale Chudzinski's work. He did this one for me.
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/2952/FT9KellyFlame.jpg
It is flat ground with a convex edge, hand forged with a curly birch full-tang handle. He also does the traditional antler stick tangs like Nessmuk's. A great maker and a nice guy.
http://chudzinski.tripod.com/
rapidboy
04-10-2005, 18:55
Alan Wood had a couple of stunning Nessmuk's at the Midland Game Fair a few weeks ago.
and want it to be a reasonably accurate historical copy.
There lies your problem. For some reason Nessmuk didn't write that much on his knife so most "copies" involve an element of guess work.
mojofilter
04-10-2005, 22:37
Here are my Nessies! :D
The old hickory as modified by Basemetal, one by Lord Farquhar, and one I am making myself!
http://img1.yoxio.com/img/201688.jpg
One of the best reference sources I have recently seen can be found at the Kephart Museum kept by the Western Carolina University. The Nessmuk trio drawing can be seen there from a different source than Nessmuk's book. The knife could have a scandi edge from the drawing, but I am still guessing it was flat with a convex edge. Anyway, this website is a wealth of material on Kephart and by extension Nessmuk.
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7710/kephartnessmukax0xo.jpg
http://www.wcu.edu/library/digitalcoll/kephart/onlineexhibit/index.htm
Specifically the Nessmuk knives...including a couple of others which Nessmuk never discussed in his book.....you can search the database (Nessmuk), find the image and enlarge it to see more detail and specific sizes for the ax.
http://wcudigitalcollection.cdmhost.c om/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/p4008coll1&CISOPTR=459&REC=1
mojofilter
04-10-2005, 22:48
The knife could have a scandi edge from the drawing, but I am still guessing it was flat with a convex edge.
I agree that it most likely was flat ground too! :)
Thanks everyone, you've all been most helpful. I had seen a couple of examples with a convex grind which I wasn't keen on. Now I've got used to bushcraft knives with a flat grind I'd far rather go with that especially if it's historically accurate as well.
What other sources for nessmuk knives are there?
I'm looking for one but hopefully a factory blade for ease and cost. So far the Grohmann survival knife looks like the best bet.
Apparently tactical knives did an article a while back but i haven't got it.
I think MBM made that particular model over on British Blades. Maybe worth a look over on the other side!!
Millbilly
10-10-2005, 13:05
Recently recieved a brkt wolf river (very nessmukey!) from another forum member, and have a small nessmuk knife on its way from Dale Chudzinski. Should be here within the next week or two, i'll post a few pics when she arrives. :)
I can't see this link in this thread - it's an interesting read:
http://www.oldjimbo.com/survival/racquette/nessmukbydale.html
Recently recieved a brkt wolf river (very nessmukey!) from another forum member, and have a small nessmuk knife on its way from Dale Chudzinski. Should be here within the next week or two, i'll post a few pics when she arrives. :)
I see what you mean but BRKT produce the Adirondack Guide which was more influenced by Nessmuk than the Wolf River.
Adirondack Guide
http://www.sagecreekoutfitters.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/adironosorg.jpg
Wolf River
http://www.sagecreekoutfitters.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/wrosage.jpg
Millbilly
25-10-2005, 06:48
Looking at the two next to each other, i can see what you mean. Its the hump that does it :)
Both great looking knives, though.
bushwacker bob
30-10-2005, 23:56
Or there is this German hard cheese knife!
http://www.cutlery-shop.com/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.cutlery-shop.com/50014194fd0c61b1f/index.html
(You need to look at the Windmill knives)
OldJimbo
31-10-2005, 14:37
there are lots of great options now, and I treasure my Nessmuk by Dale. They're mainly knives for butchering game, though. The exception is that the continuously curved edge will whittle fine fuzzies for very wet conditions, and get you a lot of them in a very short time. That's what i use mine for until I retire and find time to hunt moose again. For that - even with a flat grind, the edge will have to be convexed rather than V ground.
deleted for being incorrect
craig
Here are a few photos of my Buck #15 Nessmuk
http://img423.imageshack.us/img423/4332/10012787po.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img423.imageshack.us/img423/299/10012798en.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img423.imageshack.us/img423/9495/10012801vn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
OldJimbo
01-11-2005, 04:43
Considering the humble beginning as a modified sheepskinner butcher knife - we sure are seeing some elegant knives being made currently!
I like the Peterson pipe too. I often wonder where mine went.
is the buck #15 a current production model?
tomtom, here's the skinny on the Buckmuk. :D
Buckmuk (http://www.foxridgeoutfitters.com/detail.cfm?section=12&subsection=131&product=4862)
Dale Chudzinski's Nessmuks are hard to beat for a bunch of reasons.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images8/dalesnessmuk2b.jpg
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images10/nessmukbone1c.jpg
Super knives but WHAT a sheath........!
Super knives but WHAT a sheath........!
Do you mean Hoodoo's one with the paddles?
I believe that's from Dannyboy...
A Nessmuk inspired knife is getting easier and easier to find, but I would not even bother considering the factory versions when Dale's are so easily had in exactly the sort of dimensions and materials you choose. His work is worth a bit of wait but his prices are in line with the factory stuff, plus you get the benefit of working with a great fellow.
Dale's large Nessmuk with Osage Orange, mortised tang
http://outdoors.free.fr/images/Schwert_BNessBino.jpg
Dale's Traditional stick tang Nessmuk with antler
http://outdoors.free.fr/images/Schwert_TNessBino.jpg
And my full-tang with curly birch
http://outdoors.free.fr/images/Schwert_FT2baton.jpg
http://outdoors.free.fr/images/Schwert_FT1.jpg
Hoodoo,
I love that sheath, is that one of Danny's?
Yup, that is a superb Dannyboy sheath. He's a super talented guy!
This one was made by Allan Blade. An incredible piece of craftsmanship. Someday I may even use it. :D
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images13/nessmukallanblade1b.jpg
Millbilly
02-11-2005, 02:41
Im actually waiting on a mini nessmuk from Dale, i was expecting it sooner than this, but i think he's had a bit on his plate recentley, as im finding him a bit hard to get a hold of..
Razorback-Knives
03-11-2005, 20:54
This is a great thread about Nessmuk knives. I've recently found an interest in them and thought I'd put one together. This one is 1/8" thick O1 with a 4 1/4" full convex grind blade. 4 1/4" handle with sambar stag scales. These knives seem to be a good all around camp knife.
Scott
http://www.razorback-knives.com/images/nessmuk2.JPG
racquette
07-11-2005, 00:48
Hey Guys
I just googled Nessmuk for more research, and came upon this. Thank you for the kind words. Glad you like my nessmuk renditions,I have many more variations. I will try to post some pics.
BTW,I joined this forum a while back. For some reason my password went screwy,I look forward to catching up.
Dale
racquette
07-11-2005, 00:56
Millbilly,please e-mail me or PM me. I will respond asap. Not sure why I have not heard from you.I have been out of town,but usually receive messages.
Thanks,
Dale
racquette
07-11-2005, 00:59
Forgot to add,Dannyboy makes some of the best sheaths you will ever see. His leatherwork is a thing of art!
Dale
Nice to hear from you Dale! It's been too long since you've been active on the forums.
Do you have any fresh photos for us? :D
racquette
07-11-2005, 20:34
Thanks Stew,it has been quite some time. I now have some time,will try to catch up.
I will post some pics when I get a chance.
Thanks,
Dale
agreatscot
13-12-2005, 11:07
I have one of Dale's Nessmuk knives, it is amazing! :You_Rock_
He owes me another knife, a back country utility. Should come soon!
http://chudzinski.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/66.jpg
Lord Farquhar
28-12-2005, 19:46
I was thinking about making another one of these from 5160 steel. whats dimentions should it be? Ie. How thick, wide and long etc. Would a flat blade with a scandi grind (convexed or flat) be best?
cheers in advance.
rapidboy
28-12-2005, 19:48
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images13/nessmukallanblade1b.jpg
I sooooo wish Alan was taking orders right now :(