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Coureur de Bois – Forged 15N20 Field Knife
A second life for American steel. Forged for the field.
There's something special about giving good steel a second life. This knife began as a Simonds industrial saw blade, manufactured in Kentucky, before finding its way to the forge at Diomedes Industries in Virginia.
Forged from reclaimed 15N20 high-carbon steel, this knife brings together American industrial heritage, traditional woodworking techniques, and handcrafted leatherwork. It's a practical field knife with a character entirely its own.
Steel & Edge
The 4.25-inch blade is forged from 1/8-inch 15N20, a nickel-bearing high-carbon steel known for its toughness and ability to take a keen edge.
The blade retains its forged character along the upper portion, where the textured steel contrasts with the clean, polished bevel. The result is a distinctly traditional appearance without sacrificing the usefulness of a working knife.
At 9.25 inches overall, this is a versatile knife suited to camp chores, general utility, and everyday work in the field.
Handle & Feel
The figured wooden handle scales feature rich, contrasting grain brought to life with Aqua Fortis, a traditional wood treatment long associated with American longrifle making.
The scales are sealed with Osmo for protection while preserving the natural appearance and feel of the wood.
Copper pins secure the scales and provide a warm contrast to the darkened grain, completing a handle rooted in traditional American craftsmanship.
A Sheath Made to Match
Every good field knife deserves a proper home.
This knife includes a custom leather sheath, handmade at Diomedes Industries specifically for this blade.
The two-tone leather features a warm brown face, darker edges, traditional border tooling, and contrasting stitching. Copper rivets complement the pins in the knife's handle, tying the entire package together.
The sheath is not an afterthought. It's part of the knife's design, built and finished with the same attention to detail as the blade itself.
Specifications
Steel: Forged 15N20 high-carbon steel
Steel Origin: Reclaimed Simonds industrial saw blade, manufactured in Kentucky
Overall Length: 9.25"
Blade Length: 4.25"
Handle Length: 5"
Blade Thickness: 1/8"
Blade Finish: Polished bevel with retained forged texture
Handle: Figured wood, Aqua Fortis treated and Osmo sealed
Hardware: Copper pins
Sheath: Custom handmade two-tone leather with decorative border tooling, contrasting stitching, and copper rivets
A Working Blade with a History
From a Kentucky-made industrial saw blade to a Virginia forge, this knife carries a history that began long before it took its present shape.
Built to be carried, used, and appreciated, it's a reminder that craftsmanship doesn't always begin with something new. Sometimes it begins by recognizing the value in what already exists.
Diomedes Industries – Forged for Work. Built for Life.
A second life for American steel. Forged for the field.
There's something special about giving good steel a second life. This knife began as a Simonds industrial saw blade, manufactured in Kentucky, before finding its way to the forge at Diomedes Industries in Virginia.
Forged from reclaimed 15N20 high-carbon steel, this knife brings together American industrial heritage, traditional woodworking techniques, and handcrafted leatherwork. It's a practical field knife with a character entirely its own.
Steel & Edge
The 4.25-inch blade is forged from 1/8-inch 15N20, a nickel-bearing high-carbon steel known for its toughness and ability to take a keen edge.
The blade retains its forged character along the upper portion, where the textured steel contrasts with the clean, polished bevel. The result is a distinctly traditional appearance without sacrificing the usefulness of a working knife.
At 9.25 inches overall, this is a versatile knife suited to camp chores, general utility, and everyday work in the field.
Handle & Feel
The figured wooden handle scales feature rich, contrasting grain brought to life with Aqua Fortis, a traditional wood treatment long associated with American longrifle making.
The scales are sealed with Osmo for protection while preserving the natural appearance and feel of the wood.
Copper pins secure the scales and provide a warm contrast to the darkened grain, completing a handle rooted in traditional American craftsmanship.
A Sheath Made to Match
Every good field knife deserves a proper home.
This knife includes a custom leather sheath, handmade at Diomedes Industries specifically for this blade.
The two-tone leather features a warm brown face, darker edges, traditional border tooling, and contrasting stitching. Copper rivets complement the pins in the knife's handle, tying the entire package together.
The sheath is not an afterthought. It's part of the knife's design, built and finished with the same attention to detail as the blade itself.
Specifications
Steel: Forged 15N20 high-carbon steel
Steel Origin: Reclaimed Simonds industrial saw blade, manufactured in Kentucky
Overall Length: 9.25"
Blade Length: 4.25"
Handle Length: 5"
Blade Thickness: 1/8"
Blade Finish: Polished bevel with retained forged texture
Handle: Figured wood, Aqua Fortis treated and Osmo sealed
Hardware: Copper pins
Sheath: Custom handmade two-tone leather with decorative border tooling, contrasting stitching, and copper rivets
A Working Blade with a History
From a Kentucky-made industrial saw blade to a Virginia forge, this knife carries a history that began long before it took its present shape.
Built to be carried, used, and appreciated, it's a reminder that craftsmanship doesn't always begin with something new. Sometimes it begins by recognizing the value in what already exists.
Diomedes Industries – Forged for Work. Built for Life.