There’s a man who lives in Springbrook that is so artistic that it comes out in not one, but three ways.
First, it’s in his hand-crafted fixed blade knives that he started making in 2009. These beauties are all original designs overlaid with aesthetics, function and attraction. They are also highly functional seeing they are created by a man who has worked both for federal and state agencies in various natural resources positions including forester, environmental educations and wilderness ranger.
He also pursuits wilderness travel and both hunts and fishes, so this man knows how to create a perfect knife, from the handle to the blade. The blades are made of high carbon steel because they hold an excellent edge while staying strong.
Handles are handcrafted from materials like maple, walnut and antlers from his own deer kills. There is also a multi-laminated canvas handle that will last forever; which is the claim he makes about all his large assortment of knives which have been elevated from just being a tool to something highly functional and attractive and a pleasure to use.
Secondly, the leather sheaths that accompany the knives add a special and personal quality touch to the knives and can be designed as a belt clip and left or right carry. In fact, his love of working with leather has led him to design a plethora of leather purses, totes, book bags and log carriers, all handcrafted by a man who combines practicality with beauty.
Thirdly, back in the 1990’s, Jason played in a blues band back in Rhinelander where he then lived. Since then he’s married Jen and they have a daughter Morgan. He also brought his music to the area and joined a fellow musician, Eric Schubring to form Brave Cowboy.
Their instrumental sound is outstanding, Jason on the harmonica and guitar and Eric on the banjo and guitar, and both on the vocals, which are superb. Their music is the sound that’s so popular today, a cross between blues and folk ala Appalachia that is full of fresh originals and innovative interpretations of Americana. bravecowboymusic@gmail.com
Jason sells at craft fairs and from his home and he’s been awarded the Award for Excellence and the Best of Show from two large shows. He has a website, but you need to contact him by phone for more knife information 715-766-8220 and rabuckhandmadeknives.com
He would like to leave you with a few valuable tips for knives in general-
- A knife is a cutting tool, it should not be used to pry or torque or use to cut metal or for throwing.
- Do not, under any circumstances, let your knife sit in water for any length of time.
- When not using the knife for extended periods, make sure the blade has a light coat of oil on it, wrapped in a soft cloth and stored in a dry location.
- Don’t over sharpen. Just use a fine stone or ceramic sharpener to touch up the blade as needed, holding the blade at a twenty-degree angle and use the same number of strokes on each side. To help you visually check how evenly you’re sharpening each side, take a fine magic marker and run it down each side of the blade very close to the edge, then sharpen off the marker ink.
Jason has an inventory of knives at his disposal, but some need four to six months to make, so give him a call and set something up today.
Last Update: Dec 21, 2016 7:36 am CST
