How About Making an AFFORDABLE Fred Bear Knife and File Set Reproduction?

[TonyW]

Takedown -
Nice work. I like the stag handled file, and I will probably use a similar hone. I will add a P-38 can opener for tradition, but your knife-file-hone sheath is elegantly designed. Your set is out there, on the job, not gathering dust in a showcase
I prefer the extra leverage of a Swiss army knife can opener, but somebody has to keep the people making the P-38s in business.

[Takedown]

Thanks, Tony.
I have used this kit for about three years on several deer and to resharpin broadheads as well.
I have other, better knives, but I always belt this on anyway! LOL This knife is an old Cutco I bought on e-bay for $12.00 including shipping!

I'll give you some tips. If you dont have a Tandy's near you, you can sometimes get good leather (oak tanned/vegitable tanned saddle skirting)from a tack repair shop. I visit a couple of places who set up at the local Horse Track during meets.

If you are in cowboy country, visit a saddleshop. Many times I have bought nice sized pieces for just a couple of dollars. Try to get stuff about
3/16" to 1/8" thick. It is sturdy and will "wet mold" real well. A couple of simple tools and you are in business.

Make sure you glue in a welt between the pieces to protect the stitching and to provide a little seperation so as not to "pinch" the knife blade or the file too much! Experiment with paper patterns and you will be suprised at the results.

I use fiebings leather dyes ( I like british tan) available at shoe repair shops or Tandy's and I use Montana Pitch Blend as a finish.

Good luck.
Harry.

[ckruse]

Tony, I'm a little sorry now that I chimed in on this thread.  

"Your set is out there, on the job, not gathering dust in a showcase."

I guess we are all entitled to an opinion, so here's mine: I've collected Bear Archery bows, quivers, and other items for several years. I use a great deal of these items for hunting and recreation, but enjoy displaying others. When I was able to acquire this set for about the same money that a poor condition set usually sells for, I was elated. The only other set I've ever seen in this condition brought a kings ransom on the auction site. So, I've got other knives, files, etc. that see regular duty use. If I offended anyone by posting the first two pictures, I will remove them. I realize they did not serve the purpose of the post. Sorry for the long post, I just felt that comment was uncalled for after I had done my best to help. Sincerely, CKruse

[TonyW]

CKruse
I apologize for my thoughtless comment. It was not aimed at your Grayling collection. I should have made it more clear, but I thought you knew I admired your set. The new $270 collector sets are so overpriced that they are the ones "gathering dust in a showcase."
Case in point. I have a Gainesville Bear Super Kodiak commemorative bow signed by Frank Scott. I am afraid to shoot it, and use 30 and 40 year old previously owned Super Kodiaks. I would not use a Grayling Super Kodiak if it was mint in the box.
I posted the info about modern equivalents to encourage people to make sets that capture the spirit of the set. Any home-built version is not meant to ridicule true collector's items - we all cherish those - but encourage items to be made and used by everybody.
I thought you had the same idea, but I understand how my praise for Takedown's set could be misconstrued.
My old Bear items that are near mint do not "gather dust in a showcase," because I like to handle them and show them to my friends. But just like you, I would like to make an affordable, replaceable, abuseable set that would be used in the field. If anything, these modern replicas pay tribute to the Grayling originals.
You are right. My comment was tactless. Please accept this mea culpa - it is from the heart.

[ckruse]

Tony, thanks for your kind words, and consider the matter done. I guess I may have been having a tough day! If I can help in any further way, don't hesitate to ask. This is the best group on the internet, with the greatest folks to be found. I will try to get to work on my replica set, and maybe have something further to post soon.

Thanks,CKruse