.
Back then, I didn't get into the newer, fancy types. I live in a rural area, and didn't figure anyone would be willing to pay for the extras..
So, I made it my aim to make purely functional knives which would not look out of place, if a "mountain man", were to be seen carrying one westward to trap beaver, during the great years of the fur trade (1800-1840).
Also similar to the "Nessmuk" knife..
The blade itself is rather self-explanatory..high carbon with a stretch of square shoulders, for striking flint.. some jimping just forward atop of the handle, for a firm thumb spot, and a well rounded belly for skinning..plus a heavy enough blade, with a slight forward weight bias.. easier to make up a batch of kindling.
The orange painted item below, I just tossed in for the customer. It is upside down in the picture, so turn it over (mentally)...
The hole..actually the center hole in a lawnmower blade, for inserting the index finger through..the slender tail stockto be in the other 3 fingers..while the hook..is actually a guthook. I painted it orange, in case the hunter dropped or misplaced the tool..it would be easier to find that way.
Jimping grooves to provide some 'traction' for thumb and middle finger.