Brand/Manufacturer: Bastionhead
Style: Bevel-down
Blade Width: approx. 5 ¼ inches
Overall Width: approx. 13 ½ inches
Blade Material: 1095
Grind Angle: 28 degrees
Frame Material: mild steel
Handle Construction/Material: Premium hardwood, octagonal with bandsawn texture for superior grip, fastened with epoxy
This is essentially a slightly scaled-down version of a Bastionhead Original, made to be as compact as possible for packability/portability, but with the same stout frame and still maintaining tremendous performance capabilities. The Pack Mule also has a slightly thinner blade than the Originals, and thus the bevel is a little narrower and that allows for carving tighter concave curves without chatter. Its relatively narrow handle spacing offers superior control and it is a great all-rounder, especially for smaller individuals.
Each Pack Mule is handmade entirely by me to suit my own high standards of performance, ergonomics, and durability. They hold a good edge and sharpen easily. I try to achieve uniform specifications, but there may be up to a quarter inch discrepancy in the blade width and a half inch in the overall width from their stated nominal dimensions. Wood species for the handles will vary, but will always be a quality hardwood such as ash, maple, walnut, hickory, black locust, honey locust, pecan, cherry, mulberry, pear, or oak. Whatever the wood species, the two handles will come from directly adjacent sections of a single piece of stock. Particular handle species may be available upon request depending upon current stock (contact us for more information).
Blades ship razor sharp, ready to work, and include a reusable plastic edge cover. A custom leather sheath is available as an option when purchasing.
Pack Mule Drawknife, Bevel-down
I offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for a period of one year from the purchase date of any Bastionhead drawknife. If you are unhappy with the tool for any reason, you can return it within the one year period and receive a refund of the purchase price and all shipping charges. Additionally, I offer a lifetime guarantee on the build quality of the tool. For example, if the weld fails or the handles come loose, I will repair or replace the tool at no charge. Of course, this excludes failures or damage caused by mistreatment, such as impact or excessive moisture exposure.
Most drawknives fall into two basic categories, those that are intended to be used with the bevel facing up and those intended to be used with the bevel facing down. Bevel-up drawknives typically are better for working flat or straight areas, for instance removing bark or chamfering corners. Bevel-down drawknives are more suited to contouring work, like shaping axe handles, curvy table legs, or spoons. Perhaps one out of every dozen or so vintage drawknives that I encounter can be used comfortably in either orientation.
