I've been out hunting with a new wool haversack by Teresa Asbell and it was perfect!
Quiet, large capacity, and it rides right where it should.
Double pouch design with two pockets. It's perfect for the items you want to have "on board" when you head into the woods.
Check out how the sun creates the camo effect.
Soon you'll be able to see them on: http://www.gfredasbell.com
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t115/toddsmith5298/todd_smith_michigan_bear_hunt_2010_wool_haversack_1.jpg)
P. S. That's one of her brown pull-overs without a hood.
todd
That would be nice.
How soon is soon? I'd like to have one of those. Looks to be the perfect for extra essentials. :thumbsup:
cool !
Todd,How about some more pics of that,Very interested!
I agree Todd...best hunting bag ever, and I sit around and think about these things.. :p
Heres what mine totes on a normal hunt:
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/hunting2010039.jpg)
I had it along on Saturday!
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/hunting2010053.jpg)
How much does it cost? It looks handy.
I've been looking for that exact thing for awhile now. When will they be out? I pack in fro nearly all my hunting, with a kifaru longhunter. Hate to get in more then a mile and kill an elk with out my pack. However, many times I have a hankering to take off the pack for a spell and pull out something like this to cruise around. It would be far more packable then a leather version.
hmmmmm....., man purse.....
I like it !!!!!!!!!!!!!
and I want one !!!!
could it be for christmas
I want one!!!!!! Everything that I have purchased from the Asbells has been great.
Roger,
I like seeing what folks take along with them. I like your 'essentials'. Is that an old Schrade steel I see? I used to carry one of those. I haven't seen one in years.
Congrats on the deer. I have to get out...
todd
I'd bet a paycheck that is an old Schrade HoneSteel. It is probably a "patent pending" era model. I don't hunt with Ron like Roger does, but I pay VERY close attention to what that ol' Kodger uses...then I get the same thing :goldtooth:
I've never been disappointed following any LaClair advice!
I got my first Schrade Honesteel over 40 years ago. When they first came out they were stamped "paten pending". The card that came with it said it could be used to sharpen knives, ax's, and lawn mower blades. It could also be used as a chisel and a fish billy. The steel had a bite that made sharpening quick and easy and the steel wouldn't wear out. Sadly they changed it, "cheapened" it and the later ones aren't nearly as good. If you ever find one stamped with the pat pending...grab it.
QuoteNoun 1. codger codger - used affectionately to refer to an eccentric but amusing old man
old codger
graybeard, greybeard, old man, Methuselah - a man who is very old
:rolleyes: ... :bigsmyl:
I really like my haversack from Teresa also.it is the same as yours with two pockets.way better than carrying a fanny pack.
If Teresa makes it I'm in. That is one talented lady. :thumbsup:
Looks good, thanks for sharing. I wonder if they're available in the various patterns of wool they've got?
Can't find it on their web site--what's the price? :confused:
Yep....Schrade Steel.....Joe Skipp sent it to me years ago after I posted here that I was looking for one. Thanks again Joe!
As for the haversack, call Teresa, she will get you squared away!
Oh, it is CODGER not Kodger. Words like that aren't in the spell check :D
Thanks for all your level headed advice over the years Ron, on the Internet and privately.
I have a similar over the shoulder pack from Gray Wolf Woolens, but I don't believe it is in production any more.
Looking forward to the Shrew Haven thread in a couple weeks...
Not to take any business away from the Asbells, but wouldn't this be fairly straightforward to make? I like home made gear, so perhaps I'll give her a try. Though mine won't come out looking nearly as nice!
I have a Filson Field Bag that I've been using for years. Absolutely love it. But I do have to say this haversack looks to be much lighter - and quieter - than my Filson.
EDIT: Oops! My apologies for the double post.
Todd, Roger, Bob...
You guys are kind of expensive to know!
Thanks for the tip on a good looking tool.
How does the flap fasten down?
On mine it doesn't. I didn't want it to. Unless I'm mistaken Teresa will put a fastener on it for you.
I have several "possibles bags", and have used them extensively since I was in the Army. When I was in the Army I took my canvas "butt pack" and used it as a possibles bag. Ever since I have been searching for the perfect one (it doesn't exist) Teresas haversack is the first one I have had that isn't canvas or waxed cotton. My only beef with the canvas/cotton bags is that they are loud....and the colder it gets the louder they are. Teresas bag is just as quiet as my wool shirt or pants. I access what is in my haversack quite a bit. The noise of things scraping against canvas, or the jingle of a metal buckle sounds like a marching band in the silent woods.
I've used a haversack/possibles bag for years. I graduated from a fanny pack which isn't as accessible as a bag at your side. The one I have was made by Duluth Pack and has a divider in the middle which I like. I agree that the wool bag would be quieter and would also be more in fashion with my Longhunter wool shirt. I'm gonna give Teresa a call... :archer:
Steve, I've heard about Old Codgers, and now I are one ?... :confused: .... :D
Ron...it reminds me of that period correct linen bag you have. I always thought that bag would be nice and quiet also.
QuoteRon...it reminds me of that period correct linen bag you have. I always thought that bag would be nice and quiet also.
The one on the left?
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Bags.JPG)
yep
If a fastener is needed, go with magnets. Secure and no noise.
Looks like it would make good for a day hunt.
Put my order in this morning.
I just oredered one from Teresa as well. I will put it to use in about a week! I have been searching for the right bag. Right now, I use a small military surplus bag, but the flap isn't big enough so things tend to fall out, like my Asbell neck knife. I'm glad I found that.
I need one of those...got to be a real man to carry a "murse" (man purse)!
Right on "oneshot-onekill". My bud "Ric O'Shay" rags on me all the time about my "murse". You can bet he will see this post. Sounds like Teresa has another winner on her hands. :thumbsup:
Ron--I was using it as a term of endearment :wavey:
I'll try to post a pic of mine later as it is not made anymore and wouldn't take any business away from Theresa.
I knew that Steve.... :campfire: ... :archer:
OK then...
Here is my old GWW possibles bag.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/Post%20pics/PA170890.jpg)
You can see the horizontal strap in this shot. I either use that to go around my waist so it doesn't flop around or I will cinch it down on a heavy jacket I don't want to wear on the walk to stand.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/Post%20pics/PA170892.jpg)
This photo shows the belt side a bit closer. There are 3 pockets. The first is mesh covered to put small items you want to get at quick. I mostly put calls in there. Above that is a zippered pocket for hats and gloves, head nets, ect. Above that is another, larger zippered pocket for more of the same. At the top is the BIG pocket basically the size of the bag. On both ends of the bag just under the strap attachments are long pockets that work for a small tripod or bow holder as shown.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/Post%20pics/PA170891.jpg)
This is the back side of the the bag. All these are zippered pockets with various dividers sewn into them to organize everything. On the bottom are two small pockets that work for tags, heat packs, compass. The next pocket has everything I need for blood trailing and field dressing. Above that holds knives, steels, saw, and clippers along with whatever else I can think of!
Yeah, I made one before too. It turned out fine, but a bit small. Teresa's looked big to me at first, until I started putting all my gear in it. It ended up just right...
Hers is very well made and designed.
Here's the one I made:
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t115/toddsmith5298/wool_bag1.jpg)
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t115/toddsmith5298/wool_bag2.jpg)
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t115/toddsmith5298/wool_bag3.jpg)
todd
I have my order in to Teresa for one of her bags. I'll evaluate it when I get it... :dunno:
I just ordered one today. After reading this thread, I was convinced it was worth a try. I'm pretty much tired of the very noisy backpacks (zippers & velcro), hopefully this one will do the trick.
Mine arrived today. It looks to be very well made, as expected from Teresa. I am very pleased with the haversack. Nice size for my day trips up to the Adirondack Mountains. I will definitely have it with me this week-end.
Is there a website that feature's these items from Teresa? I go out to the G. Fred site here on the gang and see the wool pull overs, knives, etc., but have never seen the possible bags till this thread. does Teresa have her own site?
Price?
I don't think they are on the website yet. I called and spoke with Teresa and ordered mine.
Lol - that doesn't answer the question. If they were on the website, we wouldn't need to ask here.
How much are they asking for these?
Price is $39.95....I have one on the way :D
Oooh - not bad!
Waaaaay good value. I'm amazed at the price
Well, I saw the price and had to have one. Teresa said she would make it in brown. So I will have one on the way.
I did see them at ETAR and wish I had bought one at that time. I didn't even ask the price because I had seen others that appeared to be expensive. Never thought that $39.95 would be the price. She told me that the ones she had at ETAR were cheaper! This version is the one that Fred likes so that is what she is making.
I can't wait!
Martin
Guys - I have used mine since September. Looking at my journal, I have 12 hunts under my belt since September 15th. If you could see my wool pants and shirst you would laugh.....I pretty much STAY in the thick stuff.
I have had my Asbell Haversack along on every trip, and it shows absolutley NO wear (well, it is a little bloodstained :) )
Roger if I don't get mine before we leave for deer camp later this week can I put some of my stuff in your bag? :bigsmyl:
Sure, like a couple of those Randall knives? I'll take good care of them for yu....
I'm gonna get rid of my Randal knives, I like my new "LaClair Skinner" better.. :cool:
http://shrewbows.com/laclair_skinner/index.html
Then think of my haversack as a Christmas stocking and load 'er up!!!
Here's a bit of info on the Schrade Honesteel mentioned previously. Probably more info than anyone ever wanted to know but a well written history from the Bladeforum by Codger 64
HS1 Honesteel Research
The Schrade HS1 Honesteel was a unique knife sharpener which came boxed with a sheath, leather thong, and use instruction sheet. According to the Schrade instructions, its uses are; General sharpening on most cutting tools, Cracking Deer Pelvis, Wood Splitting and as a fish "billy". Touted by Schrade as "The Lazy Mans way to Sharpen", they were designed to be used without the need for oil or wetting agent. The unique sheath is designed as a handle for easier sharpening.
The Honesteel was patented by Henry B. Baer ("Uncle Henry"), and assigned to Imperial Knife Associated Companies. The design patent was filed in June of 1971, and issued in July of 1973. The patent expired in 1984, fourteen years. The design claim allowed was "The ornamental design for a combination whetter and sheath". The patent does not mention the tapered end, nor show the sheath deployed as a handle, or claim that it can be used as such. The patent drawings also show the finial as the bottom part of the female snap portion, though no claim for it's use is mentioned. Neither is there mention of the honesteel's surface texture or material, or uniqueness of it's use. Those details would have been subject matter for a utility patent which evidently Henry's patent attorney advised against, probably based on a search of prior utility patents. The patent issued July, 17, 1973 as #D-227733. The name "Honesteel" did not appear in the patent, where it was referred to as a "combination whetter and sheath". "Honesteel" was a separate copyrighted trademark name.
The HS1 first appeared in the 1972 catalog with a stamp of SCHRADE - WALDEN over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL over PAT. PEND. Most of these came in a "Schrade-Walden" stamped sheath. These early ones had a single face bevel, later changed to a double bevel. Patent Pending stamps are more commonly seen with the Schrade tang stamp, indicative of the patent issue after mid 1973 when Schrade Walden became Schrade Cutlery. The Schrade-Walden (and early Schrade) HS1 Old Timer Honesteel appears with two holes in the handle. The first, smaller hole (0.262), is a thong (or lanyard) hole. The second, larger round hole (0.274), is for handle attachment into the finial when the Honesteel is reversed into the sheath. The first thongs were tied in a square knot, or included loose in the box. Later it was permanently attached with a metal cylindrical clamp band near the joined ends.
The Honesteel was listed in the 1973 Schrade Cutlery catalog as HS1 Hone Steel, patent pending, and sold for $10.00 with sheath/handle and thong. In 1975 it is also called the HS1 Hone Steel (picture notes still pending, though this may have just been an oversight) and sold for $11.00 with sheath/handle and thong.
By 1980, the name in the catalog was made one word, Honesteel (as it always was when stamped on the tool), the thong hole had been eliminated, and the second hole made teardrop shaped to facilitate the included thong while still allowing handle attachment, and the price was $15.00. The thong was shown permanently attached with a metal clamp band. Since the Honesteel this was seen on was mint and complete in the brown woodgrain folding box with the accompanying paperwork, this was a factory installed item.
In 1988 the price was $20.95 (thong not illustrated now), $22.95 in 1989, and $24.95 in 1991, and $25.95 in 1992. In the 1999 catalog it listed for $36.95, and the single hole for handle attachment was made round. The price was $37.95 in 2000, when it appeared alongside the new SK-1 diamond sharpener which sold for $9.99. Schrade dropped the HS1 Honesteel from the catalog in 2001, and from then until the closing, the SK-1 was the only hone offered by Schrade.
The sheath style stayed the same for the full production period, though variations in finish paralleled those of production knife sheaths. I have one circa 1980's with a tan suede sheath. Most I have seen have been either smooth brown polished leather or natural undyed polished leather like the replacement knife sheaths. It is a rectangular tubular folded sewn sheath with a small rivet at each end of the brown or white stitching for reinforcement. A male stud (sometimes called a finial) affixed to the interior engages the hole in the Honesteel when the sheath is used as a handle, and a bifold lateral flap has male and female snap studs for closure. The back of the sheath is folded over the back and riveted with two small rivets midway down the sheath back forming a belt hanger. The first sheaths were stamped "SCHRADE-WALDEN over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL", though most of the sheaths seen are embellished with the identifying emboss "SCHRADE over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL"
The true composition of the Honesteel is, according to the included sheet, "high carbon cutlery steel" (I occasionally see one with rusted spots) and impregnated with chromium carbide. It seems to be several times harder than common steel, as I have never seen one worn out. They are seven inches long, 1" wide, and the end opposite the stamp and hole is tapered to a chisel shape, purportedly for splitting deer pelvis.
The aggressive surface texture is a modified file, striated lengthwise. It works well with most blade steels, but I find the handle contrivance to not be rigid enough to be of any help in actual use. Often when I see an older used unit, the back of the sheath shows signs of stropping, which is a good use. Schrade sold a good many of these over the years, and whether or not there were repeat customers for them, they are a useful tool. A set of the three main types makes for an interesting addition to any Schrade knife collection.
Type 1
Stamp: SCHRADE-WALDEN over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL over PAT. PEND.
Sheath Stamp: SCHRADE-WALDEN over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL
Thong: Tied
Holes: 2 round
Bevel: Single (front)
Stamp: SCHRADE-WALDEN over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL over PAT. PEND.
Sheath Stamp: SCHRADE-WALDEN over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL
Thong: Clamped
Holes: 2 round
Bevel: Double
Stamp: SCHRADE over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL over PAT. PEND.
Sheath Stamp: SCHRADE over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL
Thong: Clamped
Holes: 2 round
Bevel: Double
Stamp: SCHRADE over HS-1 PAT. NO. Over D-227,733
Sheath Stamp: SCHRADE over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL
Thong: Clamped
Holes: 2 round
Bevel: Double
Type 2
Stamp: SCHRADE over HS-1 PAT. NO. Over D-227,733
Sheath Stamp: SCHRADE over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL
Thong: Clamped
Holes: 1 teardrop
Bevel: Double
Type 3
Stamp: SCHRADE over HS-1 PAT. NO. Over D-227,733
Sheath Stamp: SCHRADE over OLD TIMER over HONESTEEL
Thong: none
Holes: 1 round
Bevel: Double
FWIW - Bison Gear also has been offering a very nice Haversack, and is a sponsor to this forum too......
BobW: I'm a little confused. I went to Bison Gear's website and the one they are showing says, GFA Haversack. Is this the same one? If so, they are selling for $119.00 as apposed to $39.99.
The Bison Gear haversack is NOT the same item as the Asbell haversack. Both great bags but not the same. Maybe GFA means something different on the BG site. It is confusing.
LA is correct. It is not the same bag.... It is, however, despite the significant price difference, a very good and versitile piece of equipment (as all Bison Gear is).
Thanks for the clarification. I could not find a photo of the Bison one. Do you own or have a photo of the one they are selling? Thanks again.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m193/robertwestfall/PICT0084.jpg)
for clarification, it is hanging by a grab strap. Shoulder strap is hanging below, and lash point straps are also shown.... pocket on each side, and 2 main compartments. Has a few slots inside it, and if I remember correctly, another zippered pocket inside (maybe just flapped).
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m193/robertwestfall/PICT0087.jpg)
I got my haversack from Teresa yesterday--wow, I'm impressed with the design. Two large interior pockets and two small ones. I had not expected that many pockets. Well made and plenty roomy. You can't beat that lady's work :thumbsup: .
ordered one on 22 Oct...not heard a word so hopefully that just means Fred and Teresa are hunting or traveling...but hope I get it soon. :)
Here is my Bison Gear haversack.
(http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy241/davidmitchell_6466/Bison%20Gear%20haversack/001-1.jpg)
(http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy241/davidmitchell_6466/Bison%20Gear%20haversack/002.jpg)
The Bison Gear haversack was originally designed by Angelo for John Turner (American Leathers) as a lion hunting/dog tracking pack. When he showed the pack to G. Fred, G. Fred was using it and made some recommendations about modifying the pack. Angelo made those changes and now has two options...The Houndsman pack and the GFA pack. Since that time, G. Fred and Teresa started their own haversack line, but Angelo still keeps the GFA name on his pack.
both haversacks are very well made, just different for different uses...