I was a late adopter of the Kephart style blade. It was plain looking, almost boring. It's easy to get sucked in by all the shapes, styles and sizes.
Then I began reading some of Kephart's writings. The guy was obviously a woods runner. I had to chuckle. As he himself said, his knife was the ugliest one he owned.
But then he countered that by saying. It gets more use than all the rest put together. That was kind of my tipping point. And I haven't looked back since.
Yes, the style is basic. But in reality most of what I do in the woods is basic stuff.
We modern woods guys like to think we are breaking new ground. Doing new things and pushing the envelope futher. But in reality. Guys from Kephart's time, and even way earlier. Were doing everything we do today. Probably more of it, with less gear, and most likely in a better fashion.
I truly envy you guys that got to handle an actual Kephart knife. It must have been a moving experience. For the history, for the man, and for the actual knife. Very Cool!
I have only the replicas to fill my time and my hands. But even they speak to me. The simple, functional, uncluttered, style just makes sense to me. Everything you need, and nothing you don't.
Ironically, stumbling onto this thread is rather timely. I just snatched a Lucas Forge Kephart off the secondary market yesterday. It is as new. So I'm very excited anyways. Reading this is just icing on the cake.
Phenomenal design! Simple in profile but with some complex handle shaping. I was really impressed!! Quite the experience being able to hold such a historic blade! Mark even pointed out where there were still some rasp marks on the handle from it's build.
