Overview
Ben and Lois Orford are at the forefront of the bushcraft community for a reason. Not only do they have decades of experience crafting tools for the outdoors, they also have a lifetime of experience mastering their use. With the Nordic Carver Ben set out to make a versatile carving axe for the field and ended up with one of the most versatile pack axes we have come across. Starting with a solid 7/32” thick piece of O1 steel, the full tang handle is overlaid in micarta scales. This combination assures no head separation in the field.
With an overall length of 15 inches we reduced the footprint from the original design making the Nordic Carver even more portable. The head is designed with carving in mind meaning, spoons, bowles, traps and other bushcraft staples. However, the long 4.5” edge makes short work of chopping and shelter building as well. Due to its trailing point design, generous belly and expertly carved and contoured handle, you can comfortably choke up on the axe and complete most duties reserved for knives. The trailing point itself can act as a forward threat, if the need arises. The contoured handle offers secure grip in either low middle or high position with three lanyard pins present for a myriad of options. Lois has crafted the vegetable tanned leather case, and has hand saddle stitched the perimeter making for a durable and complimentary sheath. Expertly designed and beautifully crafted the Nordic Carver’s versatility makes for a reliable companion under any circumstance.
Features:
Behind the scenes with Ben and Lois Orford
Ben has been green woodworking and tool making for over seventeen years now and through his years of experience has gained the skills to provide the woodcraft and bushcraft enthusiast with some very well designed products.Having spent years training with some of the top green woodworkers) and undertaken a cabinet making and furniture design, Ben gained a wide knowledge in both woodwork and tool use.This has given him a remarkable skill base from which to move forward and combine with many other crafts from tool making to blacksmithing, spoon and bowl carving to leather work . Ben has used this fusion of skills to produce a comprehensive range of tools for the outdoor enthusiast.
Lois has been working as a full time green woodworker and leather worker for over eight years now and had been studying the craft on a part time basis for over twelve.With her skills and underlying love of craft she makes excellent leather products, all handmade with care and attention to detail. Lois helped develop the Craft Labs range of bushcraft leather work. For every tool or knife that Ben makes, Lois custom makes the leather sheath.
Hand stitched vegetable tanned leather sheath
Flared pommel with multiple lanyard holes
Contoured and sculpted OD green micarta
.220” O1 Carbon Steel
Natural unground finish with polished convex edge
Nordic carving style blade
Excellent condition.
