Square Handled Trade Knife

This is a spectacular knife. I own several quality knives, and this was (as so many others have stated) absolutely razor sharp out of the box - no stropping needed. The fit and finish of the flamed maple scales is excellent; the tang and pins are completely flush with the wood. The sheath is also excellent. I would put this knife up against boutique knives that are four times the price of this fine piece. An absolute bargain, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy again.

In short I wanted a bush knife for food prep that wasnt my bushcraft knife. I wanted something more traditional and mostly a trade knife. My expectation was that I would buy a "beater knife" that if lost I wasnt at a loss. I expected to have to sharpen it and do a lot of preparation for it to be useful. Wow was I ever surprised. As a food prep knife after waking my new blade in soap and water, I used it to cut potatoes. Notoriously not fun with a typical Bush knife of scandi type. This square handled Trade knife went straight to a permanent place in my kit. Went through Potatoes with zero resistance. Cut sausage and beef like butter. This knife came razor sharp. I washed the blade, hit the handle and blade with food grade linseed oil and placed it on my side where it remains as my new EDC all around knife. I will buy another without hesitation.

I'm a historical interpreter at Fort Western in Augusta, Maine and I purchased this knife for my colonial sailor impression. Boy, what a fantastic knife! The quality has exceeded my expectations! I should say that Jon and Company have primarily outfitted my tar impression from slops to short jacket to knife.

So happy with my purchase, all my purchases from Townsend's. I've been a loyal customer since 1987 and plan to be for many more years.

If you're on the fence about purchasing this knife and its sheath, just buy it. You'll be happy you did.

Between my wife and myself I think we own at least one of each of this series of knives that Townsend's sells. They are all fine knives... My wife loves the big kitchen knife. It is her go-to blade when making meals.

But this review is for the square handle trade knife. I bought it for use as a general purpose belt knife as part of my muzzleloading accoutrements. The flat end of the handle is perfect for starting a patched ball in the barrel and then a quick swipe of the razor sharp blade and the patch material is cut and the blade goes back in the sheath on my belt.

Is it a 100% dead accurate portrayal of an 18th century trade knife? No, it isn't. But it is close enough to fill the bill and is of quality craftsmanship. It takes and holds an edge that will last through a full day's shooting without dulling. At the price it retails for, it's an absolute bargain.

This knife is a peace of history. Love how its. made its made like my old grate grandfathers blade. Please understand that today's chefs use high tech balanced
knifes made in a machine. Thats not
how they made them back in the 18th century. This was made in a old world forge to get the job done. A handmade knife from the old world is more then just a knife it a part of history. So if your a professional chef looking for a amazing high tech blade knife that's perfectly balanced then go out and find one thats not this. This knife is from the past. This is what they had back then. this is what they had to use. Its a old century blade and will feel like it when useing it it is shape when you get it and has a beautiful handle. Im very happy to receive this knife and it brings back old memories with my grandfather befor he passed. Its just like the one he had. Thank you for reading!