Merry Christmas (Eve), Bagheera!<br><br>I wrapped one Bushman handle with 550 cord because I have some. As you note, it improved things a great deal. I did it like whipping a rope but left enough tails to tie together with a double fisherman's to make a wrist lanyard. I cut enough 550 cord for each of the others and tossed in the boxes - better for the boys to wrap themselves so they learn how to do it. It was very difficult to get things wrapped with the proper tension without slicing my hand, so I will have the boys clamp the blade in soft jaws in a bench vise when they wrap. Later, in the woods, I will show them how to make an expedient clamp or vice for that sort of thing.<br><br>The lack of a half-guard combined with the taper of the handle bugs me. I will at least make up removable two-piece half-guards - just a little hacksaw and file work and then drill and tap a couple of holes (in the guard material) to clamp them on. Probably make them from aluminum and may put a strip of rubber between the guards and the blade to prevent galvanic corrosion - haven't decided the details yet. Again, I'm waiting until the boys get the knives so they can participate in making the guards. I'll post pics in the Campfire Forum after we make one and again if we make any changes in subsequent ones.<br><br>A great number of potential handle improvements are streaming through my mind right now <grin>. The handle is a sensible-looking socket for making a lance or stabbing spear or chopping (what would one call it?) device, but the shape on the outside to use as a knife handle is hard for me to accept.<br><br>These little rascals are sharp! Since I do not intend to lance cape buffalo with them, I very much prefer the mini-Bushman. Quite an interesting and simple knife. I look forward to seeing them used in the woods.<br><br>We have snow finally - just enough for a "white Christmas" - I wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas and prosperous New Year.<br><br>Regards,<br><br>Scouter Tom<br><br>