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Back from the 2026 Bushcraft Show

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Back From The Bushcraft Show 2026 The Bushcraft Show 2026 was an incredible experience and I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who visited the Skol Knives stand over the weekend. It was great meeting so many people who genuinely appreciate handmade tools, traditional craftsmanship and time spent outdoors. One of the best parts of the show was being able to talk directly with customers, answer questions and watch people pick up the knives and immediately understand what they were designed for — real use in the field. The response to the puukkos, bushcraft knives, fire kits, ferro rods and strops was fantastic, and several of the show special knives found new homes over the weekend. Seeing that level of appreciation for handmade work makes all the hours in the workshop worthwhile. The atmosphere throughout the show was brilliant, with excellent traders, knowledgeable visitors and a real passion for bushcraft and the outdoors everywhere you looked. Now that th...
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Getting ready for the Bushcraft Show

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Getting everything ready for the Bushcraft Show 2026! The new Skol Knives display signs, information boards and price cards are finally finished and ready for the stand. I wanted the setup to reflect what Skol Knives is all about — traditional craftsmanship, practical outdoor tools and knives that are built to be used. From the Scandinavian bushcraft specials to the handmade neck knives, strops, sharpening gear and care products, it’s all starting to come together now. Really looking forward to meeting people, talking knives and seeing these tools out in the wild where they belong. Huge amount of work goes into preparing for a show like this, but seeing the branding and display setup finished makes it feel real now. See you at the show! #SkolKnives #BushcraftShow2026 #BushcraftShow #HandmadeKnives #BushcraftKnife #ScandiKnife #Puukko #KnifeMaker #UKKnifemaker #HandForged #Bushcraft #OutdoorLife #KnifeCommunity #EDC #Craftsmanship #BuiltToBeUsed #MadeInUK #Northamptonshire #KnifeAddict ...
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Busy getting ready for the Bushcraft Show

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Final prep is well underway for the 2026 The Bushcraft Show 2026. Blades are being finished, sheaths oiled, ferro rods packed and the workshop is running flat out. Every knife on the table is handmade here in Northamptonshire and built to be used — whether that’s out in the woods, around camp, or passed down for years to come. There’s something special about the final week before a show… the smell of leather and steel in the workshop, stacks of timber and antler on the bench, and that mix of excitement and nerves knowing people will soon be picking these knives up for the first time. Looking forward to seeing old faces, meeting new people and talking all things bushcraft around the stand. If you’re heading to the show, come and say hello to Skol Knives. #SkolKnives #BushcraftShow #BushcraftShow2026 #Bushcraft #BushcraftUK #KnifeMaker #HandmadeKnives #CustomKnife #BushcraftKnife #OutdoorLife #ForgedInTheUK #HandmadeInBritain #Knifemaking #Woodsman #CampingLife #SurvivalTools #Puukko #ED...
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Prepping for The Bushcraft Show 2026

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Getting ready for The Bushcraft Show 2026 (https://www.thebushcraftshow.co.uk⁠�) has been full-on here at Skol Knives. Every spare hour in the Northamptonshire workshop has gone into building a range that truly reflects what the brand stands for — knives that are built to be used, not just admired. This year’s lineup includes a mix of trusted favourites and a few special pieces made just for the show. Expect rugged bushcraft blades in 80CrV2 and 1084, along with some refined stainless options designed for those who want performance with lower maintenance. Handles range from antler and birch bark to carefully selected hardwoods, each shaped for comfort and real-world use. Alongside the knives, we’ve been putting together practical fire kits — char cloth, birch bark, jute, and flint & steel sets — all designed to complement time spent outdoors. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about sharing skills, stories, and a passion for bushcraft. The stand itself is getting the same a...
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Stinging Nettle Cord

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Nettle Cordage – Turning a Sting into Strength Stinging nettles are one of those plants most people avoid, but in bushcraft, they’re pure gold. Hidden inside those rough, fibrous stems are strong natural fibres that have been used for centuries to make cordage. The best time to harvest nettles is when they’re tall and mature, usually late summer. Cut the stems at the base (gloves help), then crush them gently to break the woody core. Once opened up, you can peel away the outer layer and reveal long, stringy fibres. These can be dried slightly or used fresh, depending on conditions. To make cordage, the fibres are twisted together using a simple reverse wrap technique. It’s a skill that takes a bit of practice, but once you get the rhythm, you can produce a strong, reliable cord from nothing but what’s around you. Nettle cordage won’t replace modern rope, but that’s not really the point. It’s about understanding materials, working with nature, and building something useful from the land...
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Skol Knives Bushcraft Show Special Edition

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Bushcraft Show Special Edition – Built to Be Used For this year’s The Bushcraft Show, I wanted to create something that truly reflects what Skol Knives is about—simple, functional tools made for real use. This Bushcraft Show Special Edition features a 120mm blade forged from 80CrV2 carbon steel. It’s a steel I trust—tough, easy to sharpen in the field, and capable of holding a solid working edge through hard use. The handle is where this one really stands out. Made from natural antler with stacked birch bark spacers, it offers warmth, grip, and character you just don’t get from synthetic materials. No two handles will ever be the same, making each knife completely unique. This isn’t a showpiece—it’s a working knife. Designed for bushcraft, camp tasks, and time spent outdoors, it’s built to earn its place on your belt. I’ll have this piece with me at the show, so if you’re attending, come by, pick it up, and see what you think. Built to be used. 👉 www.skolknives.co.uk⁠�
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Bow Drill Fire Lighting

Bow Drill Fire Lighting – The Skill That Builds More Than Fire There’s something honest about lighting a fire with nothing but wood, cordage, and effort. The bow drill isn’t just a technique—it’s a test of patience, rhythm, and mindset. At its core, the bow drill uses friction to create an ember. A spindle spins against a hearth board, powered by a bow, while steady pressure is applied with a bearing block. Sounds simple—but it takes feel. Start with the right materials. Dry, dead standing wood is key. Hazel, willow, and sycamore are all solid choices. Your hearth board should be soft enough to create dust, but not so soft it powders too quickly. The spindle needs to match it. Form a notch, build your set, and begin slowly. Focus on control, not speed. Once you’ve built a pile of dark, fine dust, increase pressure and pace. When it begins to smoke heavily—commit. That ember you create isn’t the end goal. It’s the beginning. Transfer it gently into a tinder bundle—dry grass, bark, or ju...
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