Knifemaker was Chuck Stapel


Knifemaker Chuck Stapel of Los Angeles has been making knives for three decades, so far. He is the second of four generations of knifemakers, counting his father, his son and his grandson. Charles Stapel, Sr., made his first knives as far back as World War 11. Chuck's son, Craig, made his first knife about 1981 and Craig's son follows his grandfather around the shop every chance he gets.

(Top) Knifemaker Chuck Stapel reports that several movies have used this aluminum dagger pattern. (Middle) This dagger pattern blade was for the movie "Tombstone." (Bottom) This blade pattern was contracted by Chuck Stapel and used in the movie "City Slickers" by Jack Palance's character

Thanks Eric I did not know that.

Capt. Chris--

The backup knife idea is right.

On one hunt, as he started to gut my elk my guide turned to me and asked if I had a knife! I didn't expect to have to use it, but I did have a sheath knife in my day pack. Not a Randall, but it basically saved the day because it was some hours before the outfitter got to where the elk went down, and it would have been awkward to just leave it laying there because the guide did not have a knife.

Reminded me that you need to be ready for self reliance no matter who is supposed to be in charge or what you are paying them.

Larry

On a hunt, I always carry my Randall 28 as a backup to my Model 19-5", plus a Leatherman and my Gransford-Burk hatchet. In addition, I always have my Chris Reeve large Sebenza in my back pocket.

One of the biggest mistakes some western hunters find themselves; they are driving down a forest road, see a shooter muley or bull elk, jump out of their Ford Super Duty, make the shot, see it run off down the hill, and just haul arss after it. A mile later, they are still looking for it and it gets dark on them. There you are with no day pack and what you have on you for the night. That's why I always keep a good fire starter, a pocket space blanket ad an energy bar. Wth my Randall, heck I'm up for an interesting nght in the woods, fairly comfortable.

Pap

THAT is being ready 4 just about anything!

Sounds like those folks, besides outfitting themselves to be prepared, learn to know how to shoot!
Best, Capt. Chris

Sometimes you never know how an animal will react when shot. A buddy shot a 5 point bull elk in the neck with a 270, it dropped, then got up and ran out of the country. We tracked it for miles, never did find it. I've had whitetails drop in their tracks and had them go a lot farther than I ever thought they would. Never know.

Pap

BTT

BTT

I thought about this post while in Montana...
Becky and I took a half day ride up to Apgar Lookout in Glacier. It's a fire tower. Excellent ride, great scenery up and down. As a bonus Mudbone finished up the sheath for my #27 and shipped it to BMK. So I was able to ride with it on my hip. VERY comfortable, Captain was right on with this model. I am sure others would be great too, but in this instance it all aligned for me to carry my #27

As an added bonus, when we finally called it a night after a lakeside dinner of Elk Burgers cooked up by G & G , City Clickers was actually on the Satellite in the cabin!!!