Kephart Pops Build

We would like to encourage the knife-making community to join the Pops crew in our next Pops Build. You can download the pattern here for free, or you can purchase a steel blank here. We would also like to see your "Kepharts", so share your results on our Facebook Group to stand a chance to win a gift card. Details can be found on the facebook group. 

The Kephart knife originated in the early 20th century and is closely tied to the legacy of Horace Kephart, a renowned American writer, outdoorsman, and one of the founding voices of the modern bushcraft and camping movements. Kephart was a strong advocate for self-reliance and wilderness living, and he emphasized the importance of carrying tools that were not only reliable but also versatile.

In his seminal book Camping and Woodcraft (first published in 1906), Kephart described the type of knife he found most useful in the field—one that could handle a variety of camp chores, from preparing food to carving wood and making kindling.

The knife that eventually came to bear his name was based on Kephart’s personal design preferences. While the exact details of the original maker have been debated, many historians agree that the Colclesser Brothers of Pennsylvania were likely the first to manufacture knives to Kephart’s specifications. The design was intentionally simple: a 4 to 5-inch straight-edged blade, a drop point tip, a flat grind, and a plain wooden handle. This no-frills design was meant to be functional rather than flashy, favoring utility over decoration. Kephart believed that a knife should be a dependable partner in the woods, not just a showpiece.

Over time, the Kephart knife gained a reputation as a quintessential bushcraft tool, admired for its ergonomic design and all-purpose capability. Its influence can be seen in countless modern outdoor knives that borrow from its minimalist yet highly effective form. As interest in traditional bushcraft and historical outdoor tools has grown, the Kephart knife has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with many contemporary knife makers producing replicas and reinterpretations of the classic design. Today, the Kephart knife stands not only as a practical tool but also as a symbol of a deeper connection to the wilderness and the legacy of one of America's great outdoor pioneers.

 

To download the digital pattern click here.

To buy a steel blank of the Kephart click here.