ABOUT THE OLD HICKORY BUTCHER KNIFE
Before we dive into making your own sheath for the Old Hickory butcher Knife, let’s talk about the knife itself! The Old Hickory Line of knives has been around since 1924, and they are currently manufactured by Ontario Knife Company (OKC) in the USA. Primarily used by butchers and chefs in the kitchen, the Old Hickory Knives, particularly The Butcher, have found popularity amongst outdoor lovers. OKC offers several blade lengths for The Old Hickory Butcher, ranging from 7 to 14 inches. The hardwood handles are secured with brass compression rivets, and the blade is sharp right out of the box.
Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a sheath for the Old Hickory Butcher, you’ll have to figure that out on your own because they don’t come with one. (Don’t worry, we’ve written this article to help you!)
Here are the knife specifications:
- Overall Length: 11.75 (30) –19.5 in (50 cm)
- Hardness:53-58 HRC
- Edge Type: Plain
- Handle Color: Brown
- Grind (Blade): Flat Bevel
- Finish (Blade): Brushed
- Color (Blade): Silver
- Thickness (Blade): 0.1 in (0.25 cm)
- Material (Blade): 1095 Carbon Steel
- Length (Blade): 7 in (18 cm)–14 in (35.6 cm)
- MSRP: $10.75–$20.50
WHY THE OLD HICKORY BUTCHER IS A GREAT BUSCHCRAFT CAMP KNIFE
Though it’s designed as a kitchen knife, OKC’s OLD Hickory Butcher’s are favorites in the outdoor, survival, camping, and bushcraft spaces. They’re easy to sharpen, hold an edge well, are a better value than other comparable knives, and they hold up over time. The 14-inch Butcher can be used like a machete, while smaller blade lengths are perfect for carving, detail work, processing firewood, shelter building, and a host of other camp duties. The OKC Butcher is also highly customizable project knife, and that is an appeal for many, too.
IT’S A GREAT VALUE!
As far as cost goes, the OKC Old Hickory Butcher knives can’t really be beat! Depending on the desired blade length it’ll cost you somewhere between ten and twenty bucks, give or take. For a knife line with a solid reputation since the early 1900s, that is a steal! You can snag an OKC Butcher with a 7-inch blade for just over $15 here: https://amzn.to/3a6Siy9. The only drawback is that there is not a stock sheath for the Old Hickory Butcher Knife, like some of the other Old Hickory models! Below we’ll share with you a few options for buying and/or making one!
IMPORTANCE OF A KNIFE SHEATH
No outdoor knife is practical without a sheath, and the lack of a sheath for the Old Hickory Butcher Knife has always been a drawback. Maybe it’s because they were created for use in the slaughterhouse and kitchen, and it was unforeseen how popular these knives would become amongst outdoor lovers. Lacking a solid sheath, your knife won’t be protected from the elements, and you and your gear won’t be protected from the blade. A sheath is a MUST!
So let’s get to it. What are your options when it comes to a SHEATH FOR THE OLD HICKORY BUTCHER KNIFE
When it comes to securing a sheath for your OKC Old Hickory Butcher Knife, you really only have three options:
- BUY ONE MADE FOR A DIFFERENT KNIFE: You can find a relatively close fit amongst sheaths made for other knives, but the drawback is that the fit will never actually be true to the Old Hickory Butcher.
- BUY A CUSTOM MADE SHEATH: You can shop around places like Etsy or eBay, where custom craftspeople are making and/or selling sheaths for the Butcher, but the cost for this will likely be double or triple the cost of the knife (on the low end).
- MAKE YOUR OWN SHEATH FOR THE OLD HICKORY BUTCHER KNIFE: This is a fantastic and inexpensive option! You can make your very own custom sheath out of rawhide, cheaply and easily.
Luckily, we know of a wonderful online course from an expert instructor where you can learn just how to make your very own rawhide sheath! All you’ll need is your Old Hickory Butcher Knife, a slab of rawhide (don’t worry he tells you where to get it), some upholstery tacks, wood glue, leather dye, some clamps, a hammer, an awl, a utility knife, and some pliers. Learn more about how to make your own Old Hickory Butcher Knife Sheath here:https://www.outdoorcore.com/courses/how-to-make-a-rawhide-sheath
CONCLUSION
People love the OKC Old Hickory Butcher Knives because of their old world charm. They are simple yet strong knives harkening back to a simpler time. Wouldn’t you like to make your own sheath for this knife with just as much appeal? Let instructor Jamie Burleigh show you how, and in the process, you’ll learn, have fun, and make something you’ll keep forever.
