Is the Skookum Bush Tool all that...

I wonder what the percentage of people that buy one, end up selling it because it didn't live up to their expectations. And what did you buy to replace it?
 
I ordered mine in September 2015 and received it May 2019 with over 10 emails back and fourth over that time. Its in 3v Red Micarta
 
I've had one on order for over 4 years now with no delivery communication at all. I guess it depends on how bad folks want 'em.

I ordered my SBT April 10, 2014 and got my email from Rod on October 2, 2020 that my knife is now ready. The only correspondence from him since my order. I almost forgot about it and was just getting ready to buy an LT Wright Lagom when I got his email.
 
Glad you folks are getting your knives. I've seen too many threads over the years here at BF about people ordering knives (and sometimes paying for them) and then never getting a knife.

Again, I would never wait years for a knife, but that is me. I'm content with production stuff.
 
Interestingly, there's a thread that just popped back up to the top in the Good the Bad and the Ugly on this same topic. Lots of the same personalities and points made. By all accounts the maker is an honest guy although perhaps not a great businessman or communicator. To me the product appears to be mediocre but then I never understood buying beanie babies either.
 
I have owned a few. They are at least as good as any other $200'ish bushcraft knife. Only difference for me is the "artisan" factor....one guy making them in a home based shop. As a similar craftsman I like supporting that. Many other bushcraft knife companies have grown into small factories with a half dozen or more guys collectively building each knife. Nothing wrong with that, I just like the lone crafstman approach.
 
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You know, I've come a long way since making the original post on this thread. While I can't justify buying a SBT, that doesn't mean nobody else can't. If you can afford one, let your money buy you happiness.
The main thing is to get out there and use it!
 
You know, I've come a long way since making the original post on this thread. While I can't justify buying a SBT, that doesn't mean nobody else can't. If you can afford one, let your money buy you happiness.
The main thing is to get out there and use it!
You know, I made the above post almost a year and a half ago and I've come that much further in time. I'm now realizing these are beautifully made knives with a well thought out design. I now wish I had one but they're way out of my price range.
That's a beautiful knife Mr. Subaru!
 
You know, I made the above post almost a year and a half ago and I've come that much further in time. I'm now realizing these are beautifully made knives with a well thought out design. I now wish I had one but they're way out of my price range.

That's a beautiful knife Mr. Subaru!
Well truthfully it was a 8.5 year wait. This has to be the most affordable custom knife I have ever bought and even in terms of production knives it’s very reasonable. I see knives that aren’t half as good for equal or more money.

They are currently $285 and you get the best handle shape imaginable, great steel, great grind and a really superb sheath design. It clicks into the sheath as best as leather could.

One of the most important things is that Mors Kochanski believed in the design and he was certainly one of the most accomplished woodsmen ever. The knife allows you to forget how great it is and you can focus on the skills.
 

Well truthfully it was a 8.5 year wait. This has to be the most affordable custom knife I have ever bought and even in terms of production knives it’s very reasonable. I see knives that aren’t half as good for equal or more money.

They are currently $285 and you get the best handle shape imaginable, great steel, great grind and a really superb sheath design. It clicks into the sheath as best as leather could.

One of the most important things is that Mors Kochanski believed in the design and he was certainly one of the most accomplished woodsmen ever. The knife allows you to forget how great it is and you can focus on the skills.
$285! Really, and what's the current wait time?
 
From what I understand Rod used to take his grinds really thin, which is a nice change. I much preferred the aesthetic of the vintage ones, but they did run into many an issue with the somewhat fragile tip (hence the revised tanto tip). But it used to be much less of a clip drop point as well, which I liked. The guy has balls to take it that thin, which I also like.

I'm not quite sure why he doesn't include a belt loop with the sheaths, as it's definitely too heavy for neck carry.. but I for one love the sheath. His sheath to my knowledge was incredibly innovative. Thick leather, cased and hard waxed, no liner/lesta (easy to pull in and out). His knife and sheath as a combo was again, extremely innovative. Lots of subtle details going on (the block handle is crazy comfy). Anyone that has used a traditional scandi sheath knows what a pain in the ass it is to sheath them because of the liners. I spent many a minute trying to stick my malanika back in and the tip would get snagged on the wood.

Rod was and is a huge inspiration for a lot of people, including me.

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When I read "Bush Tool" I was thinking of something like a Woodman's Pal not just some ordinary bushcraft/puukko type knife. LOL! ;)

eGwuanBn


You can still buy a Woodman's Pal for around $200 and there's no reason you can't carry also a bushcraft or puukko knife that costs 1/2 that price, which (if my math is right) is only around $300 total, which I'd prefer to the Skookum alone at any price.
 
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The handle comfort on the skookum is impressive. I can't tell you how many puukkos from well established makers have radii that are far too sharp.

It's like an Americanized puukko with an Americanized scandi sheath and for my sense of taste it's exceptional.

Definitely handle heavy, but bombproof in every way. Handle has a unique contour towards the front that locks it in the sheath just like makers do with countersunk pins and kydex.

Like I said he was really practical and innovative, way ahead of his time.
 
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