Classic Early America Crooked Knife / Specialty Knives

Authentic Reproductions of 18th & 19th Century Knives used on American Frontier

The Crooked Knife is an extremely handy tool used for woodworking and was popular with Indian people of the Eastern Woodlands, Alaska and Canada, although examples have been found throughout North America. It is sometimes referred to as a "mocotaugan," from the Cree word "muuhkutaakan". In use, it is drawn toward the body for hollowing out the insides of wooden objects such as bowls, spoons, and masks, making splints for baskets, and even simple whittling, as well as many other uses. Crazy Crow's reproduction of this classic knife is a functional, as well as an attractive, example of this ancient curved knife.

TahChee & His Knife

Tahchee & His Knife

The first thing you notice when viewing this likeness of Tahchee is not the knife but his eyes. In 1833 A P Chouteau wrote “Dutch (Tahchee) is looked upon as the most sagacious and daring war Captain in the Cherokee Nation west of the Mississippi…Dutch may be known, by a slight description among a thousand warriors, by his remarkable black, keen, restless eyes.”
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Making a Parfleche Knife Sheath

Bowie Knife Origins: A Brief History: Many Claim "Creator of Sandbar Bowie" Status

In 1838, Rezin P. Bowie, brother of James Bowie of Alamo fame, claimed that he made the first Bowie knife while the Bowies lived in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. He designed it as a hunting knife and gave it to James for protection after his brother had been shot in the famous Sandbar Fight, which began in the Mississippi River across from the rough-and-tumble town of Natchez, Mississippi, in 1827.
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Making a Parfleche Knife Sheath

Making a Parfleche Knife Sheath

Native Americans made knife sheaths and storage containers from specially prepared rawhide referred to by the Europeans as “parfleche” (PAR-flesh). By using this kit, you will learn Indian techniques, including how to paint parfleche by using native tools and materials.
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