Trad Gang
Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Wildschwein on May 24, 2010, 11:21:00 PM
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Well since my country does not allow me to carry a sidearm, and slinging a shotgun over my back with a backquiver is too damn akward, I was considering carrying a large blade for a last ditch Bear defence option. Perhaps even something along the lines of a medival looking dagger type. Anybody here carry blades for this purpose, and if so have any pics to give me some ideas?
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Well if it comes to that I cannot imagine you stand much chance. Best to just practice and place your shot well. Bears(black bears) are very much afraid of you and will be long away in the other direction if confronted.
If you do go with a defense knife make it with a large guard to protect your hand from sliding forward and cuting yourself when stabbing. I am thinking 8-10" slim strong blade that has a very sharp pointed tip for quick deep penetration? Good Luck
Bob Urban
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Yah I doubt I would stand much of a chance using such a weapon, but it would think it would be better than nothing.
It isn't really for Bear hunting either, but mostly for when I run into Bears while hunting other game. Just yesterday while hunting Rabbits I ran into a single Black Bear on the unimproved road I was walking. I figured I would just give a holler or two and send him on his way. Well instead he came closer to get a better look! So I raised my bow above my head and gave a mock charge screaming. That finally sent him on his way, but it was the first Bear I have ever met that didn't turn tail when I announced myself.
I decided on a large blade after reading numerous stories of people saving their lives in Bear attacks with little more than hunting knives. In fact last year in Alberta a man actually killed the Grizzly that attacked him with just a knife. I know a blade won't save me from a mauling, but it may save my life.
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Cool knife vs lion event from 100 years ago: http://www.thekruger.com/stories/draggedoffbyalion.htm
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Maybe a LONG (8-10") triangular shaped tapered blade? Like the WWI bayonettes and trench knives?
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a spear would be alot better than a knife. but that is also hard to carry with a bow. i have a pistol grip shot gun that is just 1/16 inch over the legal length. taht fit inside my back quiver perfect. a little heavey but anything over your normal hunting gear will be haevy.
dustin parker
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There is no reason not to have a large blade 10" or so on hand but you should check to see if you can carry a flare gun.I've heard they are very effective.Also try some bear spray.It's like heavy duty pepper spray.I would try the flare gun and spray first.The blade would probably just hurt him enough that they could track him down after he ate you.
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I think the spray would be the way to go - probably start a forest fire with a flare gun.
I would get the spray for the bears and a big A$$ knife because...well because there is no bad reason to have another knife.
Bob Urban
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Well I looked up trench knives and such, and liked what I saw. But the pics left alot to be desired. Any of you folks carry big knives and would be willin to post a pic or two?
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Stay away from long skinny blades unless they are double edged. If I had to take on a bear I would be looking at extra large pig hunting knives. If your serious about a knife go with a 12 to 15 inch blade, make it either a single edge with a penetrating blade design or go with a full blown Fighting Dirk. double edged with a leaf type blade that can be buried on a hard thrust and then flicked back and forth before being withdrawn. Your going to get one maybe two good strikes in and then your meat. You want a wide enough blade and cutting area to get maximum damage with very few thrusts. Always remember to withdraw the blade with a sidways ripping motion to maximize the cutting area.
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I joked around about carrying a large blade after I saw that video of the son killing a Cape Buffalo that was goring his father. Usually I carry three tennis ball size rocks in my cargo pocket to throw at a bear on bait if I need to get out of my stand at dark :scared:
But I just might put one of these on my belt this year.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Quebec%20Quest%202010/BearQuestLongBlade001.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Quebec%20Quest%202010/BearQuestLongBlade003.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Quebec%20Quest%202010/BearSticker002.jpg)
Course I do have these bear deterrents in my quiver ;) Doc
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Quebec%20Quest%202010/QuebecQuest2010012-1.jpg)
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Thanks again for the replies folks, and if it helps I do carry Bear spray when out and about. This knife idea would only be for a situation where a mauling is a 100% certain. Does anyone know where a person can find these fighting dirks and pig knives?
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I thought someone had made me a knife... sniff sniff. :( :( :saywhat:
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Wildschwein,
There are several makers who are trad shooters and makers right here that can make you a good knife. Or you can go with one of the higher end production knives designed for such. I made a knife for a fellow TG member who wanted it for the exact reason you are wanting yours. He recently took a bear with his bow and, fortunately, did not have to rely on his knife, but he sent me a picture of the knife and bear. Lin
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/3942712092_78ed6247b1_b.jpg)
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How about something like this? Actually the guy I got it from got it for a back up for bear. It has a 10 3/4" blade, and is 16 3/4" total. After more thought he opted for a large pistol.
(http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss116/joekeithspics/Archery/Huntin/Knives/009.jpg)