Custom orders are now running between 4 and 6 weeks for delivery.

Knife making, keeping the tables full and custom orders are making sure the shop is busy. I think we're gonna need a bigger anvil!

Another order done!!!

The cleaver is finally done!  It was an adventure.  The steel company was slow to respond and messed up the quotes and it took almost 2 weeks just to order the steel.  Then our new grinder arrived and it took a few days to get it squared away.  Then the place we ordered the belts from decided that customer service is a quaint idea from the past and didn't let us know they were holding our entire order because they sold out of stainless steel corby bolts and waited until we called a week later to inform us of this. Then it was the middle of the next week before they could be bothered to get the package in the mail.  The bolsters were also a frustrating thing.  I cut them a little wonky and it became quite apparent during fit up and it was back to the grinder and files for awhile.  I did learn my lesson!  In the middle of fit up I ended up with a sinus infection and took about a week off.  The mosaic pins had a defect where the epoxy had a void right where you could see it so I had to cut another couple out.  When it came time to epoxy it went almost perfect due to all the attention paid during fit up.  Sometimes one's perseverance and patience is rewarded,  My friend did a superb job grinding the blade. I couldn't be happier with the slicing ability and ease of use.  Now we get to see what the customers think because that's what really matters.

2016 is off to a good start. Mom's Day will be our first Sunday in Mahtowa. Sunday 10am to 2pm

I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends in Mahtowa and I can't wait for a grilled bratwurst from TJ's corner store.

Random cute puppy picture

It's supposed to be a nice day so take mum to breakfast and then stop by to see us.

Envy is good for selling knives

A good friend of mine purchased a Little Bushcraft Companion as a present for his adult son.  The son then took his new knife on a weekend excursion and camp out and put it through it's paces.  His friends were so impressed they all bought new knives from me.  Looks like I'll have to update the knives for sale page.

Buy all you want we'll make more!

Friday April 29th and Saturday April 30th HBI will be at the craft show in the Pine Tree Plaza shopping mall in Cloquet!

It's time for our next show, hope to see you there!

We've been working hard at HBI to replenish our stock, and hope to have some new products to offer as well as old favorites, like Tasty Beverage Holders!

Pine Tree Plaza is located next to the Cloquet Super One.  We will be there Friday and Saturday from approximately 10 am to 4 pm.

Wee patch knife for muzzle loaders

Dad was having trouble finding a patch knife to use muzzle loading.  While he was visiting we drew one up he liked then went out to the shop and made it happen. It's made from 1/8 inch 1095 and has totally non period micarta handles. It fits his hand and he's going to put in a leather pouch type sheath next to his powder horn. Maybe if we're lucky we may even get pictures of it in action.

Been busy in the shop

The completed burly man knife.
5160 steel, linen micarta  handles with stainless steel pins.  It's a quarter inch thick and it chops pretty good.

The burly man knife next to a customer's paring knife

Here is the cleaver MK I in action.   We were doing a practical field test on some cabbage and carrots before we put the handles on.   I was very pleased with the ease of use.

 I'll have to make one for my kitchen.