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What is A Neck Knife

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the world of bushcraft, bigger isn’t always better. While large belt knives and heavy-duty blades get a lot of attention, it’s often the small, simple tools that end up doing the majority of the work. One of the most underrated tools out there? The neck knife. Worn on a cord around the neck and sitting flat against your chest, a neck knife is always within reach. And once you start carrying one, you quickly realise just how often you use it. 🪓 What Is a Neck Knife? A neck knife is a compact fixed blade knife, typically with a blade length between 50mm and 80mm, designed to be carried around the neck for quick, easy access. Paired with a secure Kydex sheath, it becomes a safe, lightweight, and highly practical bit of kit for bushcraft, camping, and everyday outdoor use. 🔥 Everyday Bushcraft Tasks Where a neck knife really shines is in the small, constant jobs around camp: Cutting cordage Opening food packs Sharpening sticks Light carving and notching These are the tasks you find yours...
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Birch Polypore Birch Polypore: The Forgotten Bushcraft EssentialMore than just a fungus on a treeWhen you’re out in the woods, especially around silver birch, you’ll often see odd, rounded growths clinging to trunks. Most people ignore them. Some kick them off without a second thought.But if you know what you’re looking at, you’ve just found one of the most underrated natural resources in bushcraft — birch polypore.What is Birch Polypore?Birch polypore (Fomitopsis betulina) is a bracket fungus that grows almost exclusively on birch trees, particularly silver birch here in the UK.It forms rounded, hoof-like growths with a pale underside and a tougher, often darker or green-tinged outer surface. That green colour you sometimes see isn’t the fungus itself — it’s algae growing on older specimens.Cut one open and you’ll find a dense, cork-like interior. Not exactly appetising… and that’s because it isn’t.Not Food — But Far From UselessLet’s get this out the way early:You don’t eat birch polypore.It’s tough, bitter, and not something you’d ever mistake for a meal. But dismissing it because it’s not edible would be missing the point entirely.This is one of those materials that proves bushcraft isn’t just about food — it’s about understanding use.A Bit of HistoryBirch polypore has been used for thousands of years. The most famous example comes from Ötzi the Iceman, the 5,000-year-old mummy discovered in the Alps.Among his kit were pieces of birch polypore. It’s believed he carried it for:Its antibacterial propertiesPossible use as a parasite treatmentGeneral medicinal valueThat alone tells you something — this wasn’t случайный clutter. It was chosen, carried, and valued.Practical Uses in Bushcraft🔥 Fire Lighting (With a Bit of Prep)Birch polypore isn’t as immediately useful as birch bark, but with processing it becomes a solid addition to your fire kit.Slice it thinDry it thoroughlyRough up the fibresIt will take a spark and hold an ember, making it useful as a tinder extender.🩹 Natural Field DressingHistorically, thin slices were used directly on wounds.Slightly absorbentMild antibacterial propertiesActs as a basic protective layerIt’s not a modern replacement for proper medical kit, but in a pinch, it has its place.☕ Medicinal TeaDried and simmered, birch polypore can be made into a bitter tea.Traditionally used for:Gut healthParasite supportGeneral immune supportIt’s not something you’d drink for pleasure — but that’s not why it was used.Knowing What You’re Looking AtOne of the key bushcraft skills isn’t just lighting fires or carving wood — it’s recognition.Seeing something most people overlook and understanding its value.Birch polypore is a perfect example:Grows in plain sightLooks unremarkableBut carries real utilityOnce you start spotting it, you’ll see it everywhere.A Different Way of Looking at the WoodsThe more time you spend outdoors, the more your perspective shifts.What once looked like clutter becomes resource.What looked useless becomes part of your kit.Birch polypore isn’t flashy. It won’t sell itself. But it quietly earns its place — just like any good tool.Final ThoughtsThere’s something grounding about knowing people were using the same materials thousands of years ago, solving the same problems with what they had around them.That’s what bushcraft is really about. Not gadgets. Not trends. Just knowledge, skill, and understanding.Next time you’re walking through birch woodland, take a closer look.You might be standing next to something worth carrying.Built to be used.🌲 www.skolknives.co.uk⁠�

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Skol Knives Handmade Char Cloth

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Handcrafted Char Cloth – Fire Lighting the Traditional Way There’s something timeless about lighting a fire with nothing more than flint, steel, and a bit of well-made char cloth. No lighters. No shortcuts. Just skill, patience, and materials you can rely on. At Skol Knives, I’ve been producing my own handcrafted char cloth, made the traditional way and built for real-world bushcraft use—not just for show. What Is Char Cloth? Char cloth is a natural fabric—usually cotton—that’s been carefully heated in a low-oxygen environment. This process turns it into a material that will catch even the smallest spark and hold a glowing ember long enough to transfer into your tinder bundle. It’s one of the oldest and most reliable fire-lighting methods known, and it still works just as well today as it did hundreds of years ago. Why My Char Cloth Works Not all char cloth is equal. The difference comes down to how it’s made. Each tin I produce is: 🔥 Properly charred for consistent ignition 🔥 Tested...
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Skol Knives Reconditioned Axes

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 Bringing Old Steel Back to Life – Reconditioned Axes by Skol Knives There’s something special about an old axe. Not just the feel in hand, but the history behind it. At Skol Knives, I don’t just sell tools—I bring them back to life. Many vintage axe heads were made from high-carbon steel using traditional methods, built to last generations. Over time they rust, handles fail, and edges are lost—but the core steel is often far superior to modern mass-produced tools. Each axe I restore is carefully brought back to working condition while preserving its character. I don’t over-polish or erase its past—I respect it. 🔧 The Skol Process Rust removal without damaging the steel Reprofiling and sharpening the edge Fitting a new ash or hickory handle Hand-finishing with oils and wax Every piece is done by hand. No shortcuts. 🌲 Built to Be Used These aren’t display pieces—they’re working tools. Whether you’re splitting kindling, shaping wood, or processing firewood, a Skol axe is made to ea...
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Skol Knives Elmax Bushcraft/ Skinner Knife

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If you’re looking for the cheapest option — this isn’t it. But if you want: Premium materials Proven performance True handmade craftsmanship A knife that will last a lifetime Then this is exactly what you’re looking for. Final Thoughts There are plenty of knives out there. Very few are built with this level of intent. This Elmax Skinner represents what Skol Knives is about — honest tools, built properly, for people who actually use them. 👉 Explore more handmade knives: www.skolknives.co.uk⁠�
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Custom Knife Service

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Custom Made Knives UK – Why a Handmade Knife from Skol Knives is Worth It If you’ve ever held a truly well-made knife, you’ll know the difference straight away. It’s not just about sharpness — it’s about balance, feel, purpose, and the story behind it. At Skol Knives, I don’t make knives in bulk. I make knives for people. What Is a Custom Made Knife? A custom made knife is built specifically for you — not pulled from a shelf, not mass-produced, and not rushed through a factory. Every detail is considered: Blade length and thickness Steel choice (carbon or stainless) Grind style (scandi, flat, sabre) Handle shape and materials Guard, spacers, and finish Whether it’s a Bowie knife, bushcraft blade, or something completely unique, the goal is simple — create a knife that works exactly how you need it to. Why Choose a Handmade Knife Over Factory Made? Mass-produced knives have their place, but they’re built to suit everyone… which often means they don’t truly suit anyone. A handmade knife ...
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Hand made Bread Lame

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Why a Proper Bread Lame Matters – Handmade with Iroko for Real Use There’s something deeply satisfying about baking your own bread—whether that’s a sourdough loaf at home or a simple campfire bake in a Dutch oven. But one small tool makes a bigger difference than most people realise… the bread lame. At first glance, it’s a simple thing. Just a handle and a blade. But like any good tool, the details matter. Built for a Purpose A bread lame is used to score the surface of dough before baking. This isn’t just for looks—those cuts control how the loaf expands in the oven, helping you avoid tearing and giving you that classic, artisan finish. The key is control. A clean, sharp cut at the right angle makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve made this lame the same way I approach my knives—simple, functional, and built to be used. Why Iroko? For the handle, I chose iroko—a hardwood known for its natural resistance to moisture and wear. In baking, especially sourdough, you’re dealing with: St...
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