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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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Chefs Knife Hand Forged in the UK

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Hand Forged 165mm Chef Knife UK – Carbon Steel Kitchen Knife If you’re looking for a hand forged chef knife in the UK, this 165mm blade is built for real use — not display. Forged from high carbon steel by Dr Zech Jinks and finished at Skol Knives, this is a true collaboration piece. It combines traditional blacksmithing with clean, functional grinding to create a knife that performs in both the kitchen and outdoors. At 165mm, this compact chef knife offers excellent control while still handling everyday tasks like slicing meat, preparing vegetables, and campfire cooking. The high carbon steel takes a razor edge and develops a natural patina, making each knife unique over time. The handle is crafted from Cuibourtia hardwood with a black sandalwood ferrule, shaped for comfort, balance, and durability in hand. Whether you need a carbon steel kitchen knife, a compact chef knife for daily prep, or a reliable blade for camp cooking, this knife is designed to perform. Skol Knives focuses on ...
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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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