::: Bearclaw Knives :::

..:: Notice as of 7/17/07 ::..
Email continues to be a problem as we sort out a new internet provider. The best alternative is always by phone. Please bear with us while we get the whole ordeal sorted out.

But the exciting news is the new "Heirloom Series" that I have had been brewing up for some time. The idea is simple: take my style and pair them with the finest materials and finishes. Any of my knives will last generations, but these are more than that. These are pieces that you would want to hand down to that certain someone. Please check back often because pictures will be posted soon. And as always, thank you for checking in.

Lee Oates

WELCOME TO THE BEARCLAW KNIVES WEBSITE.
I have a variety of hand forged custom designed knives available from stock, and do custom work from your design or mine. I specialize in "Mountain Man" type pieces, but also enjoy making all types of hunting and fishing knives, swords, Japanese style tantos and kitchen cutlery. I offer Bladesmithing classes and do a "Primitive Tools" program for the area library and school system.

A little about Lee Oates, "Mr. Bearclaw". I began putting knife kits together in 1985 and continued to read and study to learn more about knife making. After a course in bladesmithing in 1989, I began forging my own blades. In 1994 I went into custom knife forging and heat treating full-time.

I do all my own forging using a coal forge and three pound hammer. I make my own damascus and am very at ease using all types of steels. When I do a custom piece it is a "one man operation". I forge the steel, heat treat the blade, add the handles, etc. and handcraft the sheath to customize the piece even more. I do a lot of research to verify the style and era of a blade. I pride myself on making custom forged blades that will take a 90 degree bend without breaking, and that will last a lifetime. No two Bearclaw Knives will ever be exactly alike. I strive for individuality.

CURRENTLY AVALABLE KNIVES- CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR A LARGER VERSION
	Swept Point Hunter 4 3/4" Forged D2 Stabilized Spaulted Maple Handle Brown Leather Sheath $325.00
	Drop Point Hunter 6" Forged 1095 Mesquite and Maple Handle Leather Sheath $175.00
	..:: CUSTOM ORDER ::.. Skain Dhub (Black Knife) 3 1/4" Random Pattern Damascus (L-6/1050/5160) Carved Bois D'Arc Handle Molded Leather Sheath $280.00
	..:: CUSTOM ORDER ::.. Mid 1800's Texas Rifleman's Knife 10" Forged 5160 Forged Steel Guard and Whitetail Antler Leather Sheath $650.00
	Spike Hawk 9" 4140 Head with 2 1/2" Cutting Face 19" Hickory Handle with Brass Studs $295.00
	1800 Period Youth Knives Forged L-6 Mesquite, Maple, and Bois D'Arc Handles Pouch Style Sheath $80.00/EA
	Covert Fighter 6" Forged CPM S60V Chisel Grind, Full Serrated Spine Skull Crusher Pommel Linen Micarta Handle with Red and White Spacers $350.00 (Hole was driven in one blow through the hood of a 1976 Mercury)
	Day's Catch Fillet 8" ATS-34 Wood Laminate Handle Leather Sheath $165.00
	Trailing Point Hunter 5" Forged and Blued 1095 Nickle Silver Guard and Buttcap with Tiger Maple Handle Brown Leather Sheath $195.00
	Carving Set 8" Forged 440C Sambar Stag Handles $375.00 Walnut Case $100.00
	Gunstock Warclub File Steel Spike Hickory Stock with Brass Studs Leather and Coyote Tooth Decorations $350.00
	Khukri Style Bowie 8 1/2" Forged Cruwear Desert Ironwood Handle Leather Sheath $425.00
	Lady Luck 3" CPM S60V Blued High Carbon Stainless Steel Fileworked Ricasso, Composite Mother of Pearl Handle Black Leather Sheath with Bootclip $175.00
	5" CPM-S60V Blade With Subdued Finish Micarta Handle Molded Kydex Sheath $225.00
	Sam Houston Replica Bowie 13 3/8" x 2 1/4" 5160 Carbon Steel Blade (etched) with Iron Guard and Hickory Handle $2500.00
	Assorted Steel Strikers & Fire Starter Kits Strikers $10.00 Each Fire Kits $25.00 Each
	2 1/2"-4" Assorted Primitive Friction folders Coil Spring or File Blade Assorted Whitetail Deer Antler Handles $125.00-$165.00
	Hand Forged Railroad Spike Carving Set $100.00/set

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO VISIT THE GALLERY OF PAST WORK!

HAND FORGED CUSTOM DESIGNED KNIVES:
I use all types of steels, including carbon 01, W2, 5100 series, and because I forge over a coal forge I can make a highly durable blade weighing much less than ground blades. I feel confident that my forged blades will take a 90 degree bend without breaking. Most knives are 3/4 or full tang. I use copper and brass in my fittings and handle materials of all types of woods and horn material. Each blade comes with a custom leather sheath unless noted on the picture.
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HEAT TREATING COSTS ON BLADES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
$10.00 per Blade up to and including 12". $15.00 per blade on blades 13" to to 20" ($3.00/blade additional for ZONE/DIFFERENTIAL Tempering) ($5.00/blade additional for CLAY Tempering) Blades over 20" will be done on a negotiated price basis, depending on the type of tempering required, starting at $75.00. Shipping charges are $10.00 per package via US Priority Mail with delivery confirmation. A 10 to 14 day turnaround (not including weekends or holidays) is usual. At this time I take checks and money orders made out to Lee Oates, P.O. Box 1391, La Porte, Texas 77572-1391.

Payments made through Paypal are also accepted.

I do heat treating for Texas Knifemaker’s Supply in Houston, Texas on all oil quenched steels. Through my ads in Blade Magazine and information given out in the forums on the Internet, I do heat treating for makers throughout the world.
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BLADESMITHING CLASSES:
I offer Bladesmithing classes at very reasonable rates. I offer one-on-one classes or a maximum of five students per class. Basic forging techniques, grinding, heat treating, sheath making, damascus steel and finish work are covered in the various classes. Each of the four hour classes begin at $125.00. My 24 hour phone number is 281/587-6080, or e-mail me at bearoates@peoplepc.com for details on when the next class is scheduled.
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> Click here for Knife Forging Class pricing.

BLACKSMITHING CLASSES:
I am now offering a "Basic Blacksmithing" class, as a 1 on 1 class, "Fire building (coal & charcoal) & fire maintenance, forging techniques & hammer control, upsetting, splitting, drawing/tapering & twisting will be covered. At the end of this (4 hour) class, you will have several completed hand forged items. Basic Class is 4 hours & cost is $125.00
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CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO SEE OTHER CLASS PHOTOS!

GIFT CERTIFICATES:
Available are gift certificates which can be used on either items for sale, or classes. Email Lee at: bearoates@peoplepc.com for more information.
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PRIMITIVE TOOLS:
A "Primitive Tools" dissertation on man's oldest tools and weapons, from the Stone Age through the Bronze and Iron Ages to the advent of firearms is offered to the area library systems and school districts. I discuss displays of tools, snares, traps and primitive weapons. This program starts at $100.00 for a 2 hour program, plus mileage.
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BLACKSMITH DEMO:
Portable Blacksmith Shop. Will set up forge, anvil & other tools at your location, give a short dissertation on early blacksmithing & do a forging demonstration making small tools & other useful household items. Demo is 2 hours plus 1 hour setup & 1 hour teardown. This program cost is $200.00 plus mileage to your location. Additional demo's at the same location are $50.00 each.
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