Wind River Lite Backpacking Knife with Burlap Micarta

Product Description for Wind River Lite Backpacking Knife with Burlap Micarta

Maker: Jan Vaterlaus, J.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $125.00
Item num: 113624
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 2.60 in.
Cutting edge length: 2.20 in.
Total length: 6.10 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.70 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 2.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 2.6 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 80CrV2 carbon steel
Handle: Stacked burlap and black linen Micarta set on a distal tapered full tang
Sheath: Black leather custom pinch sheath
Description: Journeyman Smith Jan Vaterlaus (b.1963) is an Idaho knifemaker known for forging durable, high-performance knives built for extreme outdoor use. Inspired by the rugged wilderness of his home state and his experience as a hunting guide in Alaska, Jan crafts blades with a focus on reliability, longevity, and natural materials. His pursuit of perfection led him to train under ABS Mastersmith Jim Crowell. Jan’s knives are proven hard-use tools — one is even credited with saving a biologist’s life during a grizzly attack. They embody his philosophy of creating knives that excel in the harshest conditions. Jan achieved his Journeyman Smith ranking in June of 2025.
The Wind River Lite Backpacking Knife is hand forged 80CrV2 carbon steel and features a meticulous hand rubbed satin finish. 80CrV2 carbon steel is tough, has high chip resistant, and maintains an excellent edge. It is a great choice for hard use knives. The blade is flat ground and razor sharp. Jan's Broad Canyon touchmark is engraved on the left side of the blade.
Micarta handle scales are set on the full tang. The distal tapered tang creates perfect balance. The scales combine burlap and black linen Micarta. The handle is contoured for a particularly comfortable grip.
The knife is accompanied by a hand stiched leather custom sheath, perfect for putting in a pack, in your pocket, or in a purse.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days