The Bear Essentials Bucksaw began as a simple idea — to build a practical tool the right way, using honest materials and traditional methods.

Over time, that idea grew into something larger.

The bucksaws shown here come from the final years of production, representing the closing chapter of the Bear Essentials Bucksaw project. DJ built each one of the 1600+ saws by hand, shaped slowly, and finished individually, with no two ever turning out the same.

These saws mark the end of an era — not because the craft was exhausted, but because it was complete.

Each saw since 001 (made and engraved for my Grandfather Norman) all the way to 1600 has been engraved and numbered. Each saw owner owns a part of history, a part of the legacy. 

Through years of building, testing, and refining, the Bucksaws came to represent everything I learned along the way — including what was passed down to me by my grandfather. They were shaped by tens of thousands of hours spent at the bench and in the field.

As the work matured, so did the interest. Demand for the saws continued to grow, with each release selling out almost immediately.

At the same time, the work itself began to feel complete.

I had set out to build something extraordinary: a tool that balanced performance and beauty, celebrated natural materials, respected traditional woodworking, and met the demands of modern outdoor use. That intersection is what I’ve always thought of as functional art.

Choosing to step away wasn’t about a lack of demand — it was about knowing when a chapter had reached its natural conclusion, and allowing the focus to move forward without compromising the values that shaped the work in the first place.

Retiring the Bucksaw wasn’t about moving on from the craft. It was about honoring it — and choosing to carry those same values forward into new work and knowledge-sharing.

Each bucksaw in the final releases was built as a functional tool first, with no compromises to strength or usability.

At the same time, the natural character of the wood was allowed to remain visible — grain variation, knots, and subtle imperfections included.

Key characteristics:

• Hand-crafted construction using traditional woodworking methods
• Premium hardwoods selected for strength and character
• Fully functional for bushcraft, camping, and woodcraft
• No two saws are identical

These are tools meant to be used — and to age honestly as they do.

After years of crafting bucksaws for the Bear Essentials community, it became clear that the Bucksaw represented more than a single tool or series of releases.

It came to stand for an approach — one rooted in patience, intention, and respect for materials.

These saws represent gratitude. Gratitude for the people who supported the work, used the tools as intended, and understood why they were built the way they were.

From the earliest builds to the final releases, every decision — from material selection to finishing — was made with purpose. Over time, the Bucksaw became the clearest expression of what Bear Essentials stands for.

The Bucksaw began as a practical tool — built out of necessity, refined through use, and shaped by time in the field. Over the years, it became something more than a saw.

It became a reflection of how Bear Essentials approaches everything:

• Purpose-driven design — every curve, surface, and detail serves a reason
• Honest, local materials — chosen for strength, character, and longevity
• Deliberate craftsmanship — built carefully, without shortcuts or excess
• Small-scale production — made by hand, never mass-produced

The Bucksaws were never meant for everyone. They were built for those who value the quiet details — the curve of a handle, the character of the grain, and the finish earned through time and care.

Beyond being a place of learning and exploration, Bear Essentials has always focused on creating heirloom-quality products — items that sit at the intersection of function and craftsmanship.

The handcrafted Bucksaw became the most recognized example of that philosophy.

Built to work.
Built to last.
Built to be passed down.

The Bucksaw was born from a love of the outdoors and a desire to build something meaningful by hand.

While I still value that process deeply, the Bucksaw chapter has now come to a close. The focus moving forward is on developing new products and sharing practical skills — especially through education on our Youtube channel, and new gear like our Knot Tying Kits, and Knot IQ Knot Tying App.

The values remain the same.
The medium has changed.

Because these saws use natural hardwoods — including burls and highly figured grain — some variation and movement is normal.

To maintain their appearance and longevity, occasional care is recommended:

• Light application of wood oil or Bucksaw Butter
• Extra attention to areas with visible grain variation or burls

This is part of owning something made from real materials.

Bear Essentials Bucksaws have been permanently retired.

No further releases, limited runs, or custom builds will be made.

What exists now is the final record of the work.