Let me preface this by saying that I have no connection to Diving Sparrow Knifeworks other than the fact that its chief asset Abe Elias is a friend. I have no business interest in Diving Sparrow Knifeworks and recieve no remuneration for my comments.

There are those who know me well and know that I am not a thin blade Scandi kinda guy. I can however be persuaded when I find something that really catches my eye, and has a practical aspect to it. Such is the case with my new knives from Abe Elias (Diving Sparrow Knifeworks http://home.cogeco.ca/~aelias/ ). First and foremost is what Abe is now calling his Northern Bushcraft/Survival (NBS).





This is very similar to the knife that Abe made for Steve Dick and was recently featured in a side bar article in "Tactical Knives Magazine". There were some subtle differences (features)that I requested Abe to add. For example I asked for a sparking rod notch on the thumb rest, and some checkering on the hammer poll for use in scraping out spoons and such. Other than that it is:

Overall Length: 10 1/4" inches
blade length:: 5 inches
Steel: 1095 1/8th inch
Handle material: Orange G-10

I met up with Abe in Detroit where he passed over my new NBS and a surprise another new creation the Savannah Jr.!



The Savannah Jr. is the smaller version of the Bushcrafter that I had ordered last year which Abe now calls the Savannah. Here's the two of them (Savannah and Jr.) on either side of the NBS.



Although I haven't had a lot of time to test it however I must say it slices, it dices, it even shaves seasoned walnut!





The tomato was fresh from the garden (and a mite green). All the slices were made by alternating push cuts and pull cuts. The NBS literally dropped through the tomato with the slightest pressure. I noticed today that its beginning to develope an interesting patina from the tomato cuts.

The Savannah Jr. is a cuttin' little machine as well (just like its daddy)...





I have to say that I am well satisfied. Now the only question that remains is, which one do I carry during hunting season???

Nice. You could have a kydex sheath made what will carry both...

OBG- that sounds like a good idea... I might have to look that direction.

Thanks Izzy, I'm rather partial to the M6 myself.

Hi jjmagnum,

Very fuctional looking knives, Thanks for the post.

Mike

IzzyJG99, just a cautionary note: some short-barrelled rifles are classified as "restricted" in Canada, falling into the same category as handguns. Getting one across the border could take a lot of paperwork, if it's allowed at all. You may be better off sticking with long guns.

Hi,

The Canadian firearms laws are restrictive but a standard M6 .22/.410 is still classified as a non-restricted weapon (because it is not a semi-auto, was manufactured with the short barrel length, is over 26" in total length and is intended to be fired with 2 hands).

A permit is required to import any firearm into Canada, check out the Canadian Firearms Centre website at www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca it explains the complex legislation well.

Mike

"...A permit is required to import any firearm into Canada..."

True, and it is a piece of cake. Last year we went to Alaska, and took along the Remington 870 that is always with us. Just download the forms (three copies, and DO NOT sign them 'til you get to the border crossing). The whole procedure took no more than 15 minutes, and $25 Canadian...

That sounds right. Americans bringing hunting rifles into Canada for legitimate sporting purposes will normally have little trouble. But trying to bring in a handgun or assault-style rifle is a different thing, and may lead to some pointed inquiries from the local constabulary. So do a little homework beforehand to ensure things go smoothly, and "welcome aboard."