Black Bear (Forged)

The Perfect All-Around Bushcraft Knife—Handcrafted in America

Imagine having one knife that handles every outdoor task with equal competence—from processing firewood and preparing meals to carving camp tools and field dressing game. The PKS Black Bear (Forged) strikes the perfect balance of size, durability, and versatility, making it the ideal companion for bushcraft, camping, hunting, and general outdoor work. This isn't a specialized tool with limited use—it's the do-everything knife that serious outdoorsmen rely on.

Why This Knife is the Ultimate Outdoor Companion:

• Perfect Size for Everything: The 4.5" blade is the sweet spot for outdoor work—large enough to handle serious tasks like batoning firewood and processing game, yet nimble enough for detailed carving and food prep. This is the size professional bushcrafters choose.
• Ergonomic Handle Design: Shaped for exceptional comfort and control during extended use. The curly maple handle feels natural in hand whether you're carving feather sticks, processing game, or preparing meals.
• Forged 1095 High Carbon Steel: The forged finish creates superior grain structure and toughness. Heat-treated to 55-60 Rockwell hardness for excellent edge retention while remaining easy to sharpen in the field.
• Scandi Grind Versatility: The Scandinavian grind excels at everything from precision carving to heavy cutting. Easy to maintain and sharpen, this is the grind that bushcraft experts prefer for all-around outdoor use.
• 90° Spine for Bushcraft: The squared spine strikes ferro rods for fire starting, scrapes bark, and enables advanced bushcraft techniques. This knife is built for wilderness self-reliance.
• Handcrafted in Indianapolis: Each knife is individually made by skilled craftsmen at Pathfinder Knife Shop. American steel, American craftsmanship, backed by a lifetime warranty on the blade.

Technical Specifications:

• Steel: 1/8" 1095 High Carbon Steel
• Blade Length: Approximately 4.5"
• Overall Length: 9.25"
• Blade Finish: Forged (creates unique texture and superior grain structure)
• Grind: Scandi (Scandinavian grind for versatile performance)
• Spine: 90° for ferro rod striking and bushcraft use
• Handle Material: Curly Maple (grain pattern varies, making each knife unique)
• Rockwell Hardness: 55-60 HRC (optimal for field use)
• Weight: 0.5 lbs
• Made in: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty on blade
• Sheath: Not included (available separately)

Perfect For:

• Bushcraft and wilderness camping
• General camp tasks and outdoor chores
• Hunting and game processing
• Survival and emergency preparedness
• Woodcraft and carving projects
• Anyone who needs one reliable outdoor knife
• Gift for serious outdoorsmen

Essential Outdoor Applications:

• Fire Starting: Baton firewood, shave feather sticks, strike ferro rod
• Food Preparation: Process game, prepare meals, carve utensils
• Shelter Building: Process poles, carve stakes, prepare cordage
• Woodcraft: Carve tools, make traps, craft camp equipment
• General Camp Work: Cut rope, open packages, prepare materials

Why the 4.5" Blade is Ideal:

This size represents decades of outdoor experience distilled into the perfect length. Smaller knives lack the leverage for serious work. Larger knives are unwieldy for detailed tasks. At 4.5", the Black Bear handles everything from splitting kindling to delicate carving with equal competence. This is why experienced bushcrafters consistently choose knives in this size range.

Understanding 1095 High Carbon Steel:

1095 is the gold standard for working knives. It takes an incredibly sharp edge, holds that edge through extended use, and is easy to sharpen in the field with a simple stone. The forged finish creates superior grain structure, making the blade tougher and more resistant to chipping during hard use. Basic care—keep it clean and lightly oiled—prevents rust and ensures decades of reliable service.

Handcrafted Quality:

Each Black Bear is individually handcrafted by skilled knife makers at Pathfinder Knife Shop in Indianapolis. The forged texture and curly maple grain pattern make every knife unique. You're not getting a mass-produced factory knife—you're getting a handmade tool with character and soul that will serve you for decades.

Important Notes:

• Handcrafted Variations: Each knife is unique. Slight variations from product photos are normal and expected.
• Sheath Care: Avoid forcing the knife too deeply into sheaths, as this may damage stitching (not covered under warranty)
• Knife Care: Visit our PKS Knife Care Information Page for maintenance tips

The Bottom Line:

If you could only own one outdoor knife, this should be it. The PKS Black Bear delivers the perfect balance of size, versatility, and durability for serious outdoor use. Whether you're building shelter, processing firewood, preparing meals, or handling any camp task, this knife performs flawlessly. Handcrafted in America and backed by a lifetime warranty, this is the knife you'll use for decades and eventually pass down to the next generation.

Proudly Made in the USA