The idea for Bison Bushcraft came to me whilst
‘on the trail’ in 1996/7. It was the
culmination of a life-long interest in Bushcraft and
camping going back to family involvement in Scouting. I
have done some military service and attended Bushcraft
courses in the past, but much of what I know has been
self taught and learned the hard way – from my
own mistakes!
In 1997, my girlfriend (now my wife) and I decided to up sticks and travel the world researching Bushcraft and wilderness living skills. In North America, we met and learnt from ‘old masters’ such as Mors Kochanski and ‘Mountain Mel’ Deweese. During our travels, we also encountered several indigenous people from the Arctic to sub-Saharan Africa. We are still in awe of the African guides and the anti-poaching patrols whose Bushcraft and tracking skills are second nature.
I decided to form Bison Bushcraft on our return in 1997 after seeing the need for good natured and enjoyable wilderness skills training, combined with a well-sourced supply of high quality and thoroughly tested equipment, specific to the needs of Bushcraft. At the time, some of the kit just couldn't be bought as we wanted it. I ended up either making it myself (the knives) or designing various items and having them made to our own specifications. I have always had a preference for natural materials and, wherever possible, have tried to source products ‘close to their roots’ and locally made. I have now been making knives for a number of years. They have been sold to customers as far afield as Japan, Australia and North America, as well as Europe and here in the UK. My knives have been well-received and are held in some regard by a number of outdoor folk.
In 1997, my girlfriend (now my wife) and I decided to up sticks and travel the world researching Bushcraft and wilderness living skills. In North America, we met and learnt from ‘old masters’ such as Mors Kochanski and ‘Mountain Mel’ Deweese. During our travels, we also encountered several indigenous people from the Arctic to sub-Saharan Africa. We are still in awe of the African guides and the anti-poaching patrols whose Bushcraft and tracking skills are second nature.
I decided to form Bison Bushcraft on our return in 1997 after seeing the need for good natured and enjoyable wilderness skills training, combined with a well-sourced supply of high quality and thoroughly tested equipment, specific to the needs of Bushcraft. At the time, some of the kit just couldn't be bought as we wanted it. I ended up either making it myself (the knives) or designing various items and having them made to our own specifications. I have always had a preference for natural materials and, wherever possible, have tried to source products ‘close to their roots’ and locally made. I have now been making knives for a number of years. They have been sold to customers as far afield as Japan, Australia and North America, as well as Europe and here in the UK. My knives have been well-received and are held in some regard by a number of outdoor folk.
Bison Bushcraft runs a successful course programme training both civilian and military clients here in the UK and also overseas. I regularly teach at local schools and also travel the country displaying at various county, game and wood fairs.
In 2003, myself and Dominic Harvey organised the first Wilderness Gathering. To the best of my knowledge, this was the first event of its kind in the UK aimed specifically at the people interested in Bushcraft and wilderness living skills. That inaugural Gathering was acclaimed a great success by those who attended. In 2004 we had nearly three times as many people attending and we are continuing to orgainse ‘The Gathering’ for all those with an interest in Bushcraft and it’s related skills.
Roger
Harrington