This bushcraft knife embodies the provenance of New Zealand's native forests and reclaimed heritage timbers, paired with traditional puukko utility for dependable field performance.
The blade is high-carbon mono-steel, hand-forged by Benjamin, delivering toughness, edge retention, and sharpness for feathering, carving, food prep, and everyday bush tasks. The clean, polished finish keeps it low-maintenance in the field.
The handle combines native mataī (black pine)—salvaged and reclaimed from old New Zealand buildings, with a section of stabilised Wairarapa Ocean Beach native driftwood. Mataī was widely used in early 20th-century NZ homes for hard-wearing floors, weatherboards, and structures, valued for its natural resistance to decay, impressive density, and rich tones that age beautifully. The dark Ocean Beach driftwood adds contrast, tying the handle to Wairarapa's shores and the elemental forces that shape them.
Hidden tang construction ensures strength, balance, and ergonomic comfort in a compact, trail-ready form.
It pairs with a custom vegetable-tanned leather belt sheath, handmade by Marisa in classic puukko style: hand-stitched around a wooden inner liner for precise fit and protection, then hand-dyed with a striking ombre effect that transitions smoothly from deep dark tones to lighter shades, creating a subtle gradient that complements the handle's depth and light contrasts.
The Trail Puukko is a bushcraft essential—forged from New Zealand's native mataī heritage, reclaimed timbers, coastal driftwood, and Benjamin's anvil: rooted in the land's history, built to endure, and ready for the trail.
Overall length sheathed: 200mm
Year: 2024
Artists: Benjamin Madden & Marisa McLuckie
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If you would like to purchase this piece but live outside of New Zealand or Australia, please contact us directly to discuss your international shipping options. Thank you!