In 1884, Mr. George Washington Sears published his classic book, “Woodcraft and Camping.” The book focused on ultra-light camping. Within its pages there is a woodcut showing a double bit hatchet, a pocket knife, and sheath knife: Mr. Sears’ recommendations for the outdoorsman’s ideal cutting tools.

This Vintage Nessmuk knife from Lucas Forge is closely based on that sheath knife, which was to become known as the Nessmuk design after being named for Mr. Sears’ pen name. The main difference to note is that the knife in the woodcut appears to have an antler crown handle, where Lucas’ version is full tang.

The Vintage Nessmuk is very traditional. It is a camp knife, ideal for skinning and hunting, and serving as the all-around adventure knife, just like it was in Mr. Sears’ day. This design, though very artistic and a bit dramatic in style, is also very well balanced and fits naturally in the hand. Order your own custom version and experience the tradition for yourself!

So, let’s get to the details:

• The Vintage Nessmuk comes standard with an overall length of approximately 8 3/4 inches, including the sweeping 4 1/4-inch blade. An additional, larger size is also available as a custom option: 9 1/2 inches overall, 5-inch blade.
• The blade is created out of 3/32-inch, O-1 high-carbon tool steel, with a convex grind. Two other blade thickness/grind options are available for custom order.
• An aged blade finish is the standard for the Vintage Nessmuk, but the hammer-forged pattern finish is also an option when customizing this knife.
• Three brass pins are the hardware of choice. Comes standard without a lanyard hole; you can custom order one, if desired.
• Many handle choices are available – you pick! The knife above has a classic antler handle. This design looks its best with natural, traditional handle choices, and this is reflected in the drop-down menu below. Check out the Custom Options page for more handle choices.
• All custom orders come with a handcrafted vertical-carry leather belt sheath, made by Ike in the shop! Trekkers and horizontal sheaths are not available for this model, thank you.

Above: Twin Vintage Nessmuk knives featuring traditional antler handles, copper pins, hammer-forged finishes and filework on the spine.

The Vintage Nessmuk model starts at $265.

To order your own custom Vintage Nessmuk, please use the form below. If you’re interested in something you don’t see here, please visit the Custom Options page, email  lucas@customhuntingknives.org or call (256) 431-6839 for more details.

Important! Please note that I require a non-refundable $25.00 deposit when taking a custom knife order online. By using the PayPal button below, you will be placing a custom knife order and paying the deposit. At this time the estimated wait time for custom orders is about 18 months from order date. An email will be sent to let you know when your order is ready. Thank you!

Below, you’ll find a selection of Vintage Nessmuk knives made in the past. If you have questions regarding a particular knife, please include its code when writing (example: VN-3) Thanks for looking! We hope you have a fine day!

Above: (VN-18) This Vintage Nessmuk is striking in its traditional simplicity. Aged oak handle, aged blade finish, brass pins, convex grind.

Above: (VN-17) A gorgeous combination of stabilized walnut handle and hammer-forged blade finish! Also note the customized 5-inch blade and lanyard hole.

Above and Below: (VN-16) 5-inch blade, brass bolt sets in place of standard pins, X-jimping on spine, and a beautiful elk antler handle.

Above: (VN-15) A buckskin-stained curly maple handle suites this Vintage Nessmuk knife just right. Hammer-forged blade finish. Convex grind. Lanyard hole added.

Above: (VN-14) This handsome knife features many custom options! It has a 5-inch blade, hammer-forged finish, filework along the spine, aged ash handle, a trio of larger brass pins, and the lanyard hole addition. Convex grind.

Above: (VN-13) Curly maple handle, brass pins, aged blade finish, and the custom lanyard hole addition. 

Above: (VN-12) This one features a sleek African blackwood handle, classic aged blade finish and brass hardware. Check out the Custom Options page for more exotic handle materials, then write your choice into the Other Custom Option Choices box in the order form above to order your own custom Vintage Nessmuk!

Above: (VN-11) A stunning Vintage Nessmuk with a beautiful elk antler handle paired with mosaic pins and a nickel silver lanyard port. Aged blade finish. Flat grind.

Above: (VN-10) The 5-inch blade option with an aged blade finish, striking osage handle, and a lanyard hole.

Above: (VN-9) Aged oak, aged blade, and brass hardware, including lanyard hole option.

Above and Below: (VN-8) A customized Vintage Nessmuk with a curly maple handle, aged blade, lanyard hole addition, and both initials and Vine pattern filework along the spine!

Above: (VN-7) A traditional, classic piece! Walnut handle, brass hardware, aged blade finish, 5-inch blade option.

Above: (VN-6) A pair of Vintage Nessmuk knives! The top features a stag-look, amber-dyed elk antler handle and hammer-forged finish. Below is an elk antler handle with an aged blade finish. Both of these knives have the 5-inch blade option and the custom lanyard hole addition.

Above: (VN-5) This Vintage Nessmuk, along with its flat-grind and hammer-forged finish, has an ironwood handle, brass pins and lanyard hole.

Above: (VN-4) This one has a hammer-forged finish, convex grind, curly oak handle, and brass hardware, including a lanyard hole addition.

Above (VN-3): Walnut and brass complement each other so well in this traditional style. 3/32-inch steel width, convex grind.

Above (VN-2): Standard 4 1/4-inch blade, flat-grind, curly maple handle, and lanyard hole addition.

Above (VN-1): 5-inch blade, convex grind, and elk antler handle.

What will yours look like?
Order a custom Vintage Nessmuk using the order form above!