The Bur Oak Trade Knife #381: A Modern Knife with Historic Roots

English trade knives were once the backbone of households, valued for their toughness and versatility. This English Trade Knife, styled after the knives shipped to the New World in the 17th and 18th centuries, carries that same spirit forward, designed for today’s families who appreciate heirloom-quality craftsmanship. Its stabilized bur oak handle — secured with mild steel pins — combines striking grain with the strength needed for daily use. At just 4.15 oz, it feels light in the hand but delivers robust performance.

Optional Handcrafted Leather Sheath

For safe storage or carry, elevate your knife with a custom-made pouch sheath. Each sheath is cut from veg-tanned leather, dyed with homemade dye made in Greg’s shop, hand-stitched with heavy linen thread, and sealed with beeswax for water resistance. Choose between two historic dye finishes:

• Vinegaroon Black – a deep, iron-black tone from Greg’s in-house dye.
• Oak Bark Brown – a warm, earthy brown brewed by Greg from oak bark extract.

Learn more about our homemade dye process in our Historic Leather Dyes blog series.

Why It Stands Out

More than a recreation, the Bur Oak English Trade Knife #381 is a working knife built to be used. With its stabilized handle, this knife offers modern durability with less maintenance than raw woods — perfect for families where function comes first.  These knives frequently sell, making it hard to keep them in stock.

Bring a piece of early American craftsmanship into your kitchen — order the Bur Oak Trade Knife #381 today.

Specifications

• Overall Length: 10″
• Knife Weight: 4.15 oz (lightweight, balanced feel)
• Blade Length: 5 ¾”
• Blade Width: 1″
• Blade Thickness: 3/32″
• Blade Material: 1095 High Carbon Steel
• Blade Style: Trailing Point – Full Tang
• Blade Finish: Antiqued, convex grind for precision cutting
• Handle Material: Stabilized Florida Bur Oak with mild steel pins
• Sheath (Optional): Custom veg-tanned
  • Hand-stitched with heavy linen thread
  • Sealed with beeswax for water resistance
  • Available in Vinegaroon Black or Oak Bark Brown