David R. Beck, Knifesmith LLC
Call Us: +1-610-670-5319
"Fine Cutlery for the Adventurer"
Home The Original BECK "WSK" (WILDERNESS SURVIVAL KNIVES)
TRACKER/WSK Knife History:
The concept originated in the early '80's between collective minds to address the needs of the modern hunter-gatherer relying primarily upon aboriginal skills rather than extra gear for lighter travel. The tool needed to be tough, dependable, & possess the traits of both a hunting knife & hatchet to accomplish the most common tasks encountered to survive & thrive in the wilderness. Developing such a design had its challenges & wasn't easy. It wasn't expected to be perfect for every task as some compromises & limitations had to be accepted, but the idea was to construct a tool that worked well enough, that a single knife could accomplish all the practical requirements one would need to perform. An early attempt called the "Medicine Blade" made by Ed Lombi, demonstrated the possibilities & set the foundation for further refinements by other makers influenced by the design.
After being introduced to the concept, David Beck presented his own design improvements & in the late '80's he was persuaded to take over the project. Within a few years, the basic concept transformed into a more functional tool displaying his own unique design enhancements & his knife shop was opened to equip those in the growing "survival/tracker" community. Aside from the name "Medicine Blade", until then the knife concept was otherwise just known by its generic reference to the survival school where it originated, but in 1991, a name was officially designated after Mr. Beck became the first to own & stamp the registered trademark "TRACKER" on his blades, & the Original "TRACKER" Wilderness Survival Knife was born.
After ten years of producing his knives, idea conflicts & marketing difficulties resulted in his first venture coming to an end, & with the closure of the knife shop also meant the end to his exclusive trademark rights.
Through luck & circumstance, Dave's knife was selected for an upcoming film, & Dave became the designer & maker of the actual "TRACKER" knife used by Benicio Del Toro in the 2003 Paramount Pictures film the "HUNTED", which for historical reference, was one of his model "C" Gen1 TRACKER knives. With the exposure & renewed interest, a new demand brought buyers looking for the "Real" TRACKER knife, but only found disappointment with what was now being marketed. With several years to concentrate on further design & manufacturing improvements bringing his "TRACKER" knives to a new level of performance, a better chance of success appeared promising, & he re-opened his doors for business. It was a tough start & met with resistance as he now had to address competitive pushback & establish himself in a world-wide community who knew little of his name, history, & involvement, especially since his name was left out from the movie credits most likely due to future marketing interests. In addition, with others now marketing their own versions & battling over name rights to secure an advantage, hopes to reclaim his TRACKER trademark meant too much expense with little prospect of gain. The decision was to simply change the name, & from that time forward, his knife became known as the "WSK" (Wilderness Survival Knife).
Production of his new knives didn't last long as his second attempt was cut short by injury, but in 2011 Dave's knife shop once again resumed full-time knife making operations but now under the name of David R. Beck Knifesmith LLC. With many years experience now under our belts & motivated for success, we looked forward to a long-lasting venture providing our customers with some of the highest quality knives they're find anywhere.
The TRACKER/WSK Knife Today:
After over thirty years of dedication & hard work, our WSK knives have evolved into very fine-tuned tools which far outperform the early examples. Proportions, angles, contours & heat treating have been perfected, raising the bar of performance well beyond what could have been imagined years ago. What started as a simple, yet highly efficient tool for modern survivor/hunter-gathers, was now seeing use in many conflicts abroad, proving to be just as dependable & effective in demanding combat/survival applications as it was in the back woods.
Through feedback from the Special Operations community & many other military personnel & survival experts from around the world, further testing & refinements ensured our knives could meet the challenge, & pushed our WSK knives to a new pinnacle of design & demand.
Traditionally, TRACKER/WSK knives were made from 1/4" thick blade steel for optimum ruggedness, but in 2019 we began adding medium duty versions for those wanted more controlled handling & lighter carry. This became a welcomed option by many who used their knives with a more practical mindset & carry weight was a concern. The stronger flat-ground bevels combined with our specialty heat treatment now done "in-house", proved that the lighter design offered better control with minimal compromise in blade strength & chopping performance.
Today, we continue to individually hand-craft every
WSK knife & never cease to expand our skills to make our
even knives better with every year.
There are many now producing this style knife, but no
one has made them longer, crafted more by hand, or has
more experience to know the intimacies of the Tracker/WSK
design better than us. If you're searching for a true
"TRACKER/WSK" knife, look no farther, for our WSK
knives have become the "gold-standard" standard by which
all others are compared.
Click on thumbnails below to enlarge & for captions of std. features that come with our WSK knives.
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< Black Linen
< Green & Black
Linen
(Older version)
DISCONTINUED
< Green Linen
< Tan Linen
(Above) COLORED TANG SPACERS:
Available in: White, Black, Red or blue.
*Only one color choice per knife. Adds $10.00
< (Left) #FRS: Ferro Rod Striker (Shown next to a Swiss Army Trekker for size comparison)
1/6 x 3/4 x 4" fully hardened 01 tool steel.
Guaranteed to cast the best sparks with a quality ferro rod. Price = $18.00
Tracker/WSK knives come std. with differentially hardened/tempered 01 high carbon steel blades & flat-ground bevels. Only "C" & "S" models are made with self-cleaning "Swiss-Army" type staggered saw teeth which cut on both the pull & push stroke. 1/4" blades are made with tapered tangs. 3/16" blades have NON-tapered tangs.
Micarta handle scales, stainless steel Loveless bolts & lined lanyard hole are std. on all WSK knives.
All knives come with "Type-1" right hand only blk. molded leather sheaths with fixed belt loop only. Options listed below can be added for more versatility.
Type-2 sheaths are an upgrade at extra cost for those who want the greatest versatility & ambidextrous capabilities.
You select the Micarta handle color, blade finish & sheath options from our "Options" list below.
Dimensions:
Blade thickness = Measured at the thickest cross-section of the blade.
Blade Length = Measured from the shoulder of the plunge line nearest the handle to the point.
OAL (Overall Length) = Distance from the butt to point.
Carry Weight = Includes both knife & sheath. Actual weight may vary with handle material & options selected.
Current WSK Knife Models
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING "MADE-TO-ORDER" KNIFE REQUESTS
We are transitioning to now only selling finished knives that we can offer for immediate purchase.
We are no longer accepting orders for knives to be made & are working to eliminate our waiting list.
Refer to our "Finished Knives For Sale" page to view knives that are available to purchase & for info on upcoming knives to be listed next.
Tracker/WSK knives will continue to be produced but as all other knives, will now only be sold as they are finished & available for immediate purchase. Tracker/WSK knives will only be made in small batches & will only be offered a few times a year. These will start to become available in late 2023 & we will post a notice a month prior to posting any knives to give everyone a fair opportunity.
The Following knives & options shown below are for reference purposes only to assist customers with pre-existing orders in making final decisions.
Once all pre-existing orders are filled we will be eliminating our waiting list & this page will be deleted.
(Above) Model "C" Gen3 Tracker/WSK: (Shown w/unpolished blk. linen Micarta handle & wet-sanded finish).
Enhanced version the "TRACKER" knife introduced in 1991 that was used for The "HUNTED" movie. Now featuring a stronger flat-ground draw knife bevel, & more proportionately correct 6-3/4" blade (1/2" longer than our original model "C"), w/refined handle for improved feel. 12-7/8" OAL.
Two versions available:
#C3WSKHD (Std. Duty): 1/4" thick blade with tapered tang. Carry wt. = 1 lb. 13oz. PRICE = $1000.00
#C3WSKMD (Med. Duty): 3/16" thick blade with NON-Tapered tang. Carry wt. = 1 lb. 9oz. PRICE = $925.00
(*These Knives Are No Longer Available For Special Order)
(Above): John "Lofty" Wiseman
A good mate & proud owner of one our WSK knives.
Hope to see you on the trail.
David R. Beck taking in the view opon Angel's Landing, Utah
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WSK Handle Material Options
Available Micarta Handle Choices:
Made std. w/an unpolished, finely sanded finish.
Sheath Options
TYPE-1 sheath: (RIGH HAND ONLY) This style comes with the price of all our WSK knives. Made from blk. molded leather, with a fixed belt loop & widened welting to permit the addition of add-on options.
To increase versatility, upon request, mounting holes can be added to enable attachment of add-on options such as "scout" loops for horizontal-carry (add D-rings for sling-carry), mounting straps to secure other accessories & for attaching a 4" Saranac "companion" knife. Mounting screws are durable blackened steel for long wear & strength.
Type-1 Add-on options
* Mounting holes: Unlined but finished inside. Also used for lacing bungi cord = No Charge
* Leg tie/lashing holes (set of two) = No Charge (Add two brass eyelets = $15.00)
* 1" leather "scout" loops or mounting straps (includes mounting screws) = No Charge
* Nylon D-rings (Requires scout loops. For sling attachment) = No Charge
* 3/8" Kydex ferro rod loop (with screws) = $20.00
* Spare screw sets (one post & screw) = $.50ea. set
* Note: If carried horizontally by scout loops, the blade edge faces DOWN when worn frontal cross-draw, but the
edge faces UP when worn across the small of the back.
*Feel free to contact us & we'd be happy to assist in configuring a set up that'll best suit your needs.
< (Left) #SS1 Shoulder Strap: (Click thumbnails to enlarge)
Made from 8' of 1" 4000 lb. safety-rated Sterling tubular climbers webbing. Fully adjustable w/nylon hardware & easy detachable snap clips. The best way to carry a knife while running or for easy removal. We use these slings on our personal WSK knives as their use takes the weight off our belt & eases carry. Beneficial for any knife with a blade length 5" or longer. Disassemble & use the strap by itself as an emergency climbing aid or load-bearing strap. *Hardware not safety rated & must be removed prior to load-bearing use. Requires "Scout" loops with D-rings installed on a sheath to use. Price = $20.00
David R. Beck working a WSK knife
at Hawk Mountain, PA.
Tracker/WSK Blade Anatomy
A. Draw Knife Edge: The sharpest, & most delicate edge for
general carving, shaping & scraping. Originally hollow
ground, but in later years changed to a flat-grind (shown)
to provide greater edge support.
B. 1/4-Round: Used as a gut hook & for carving/scraping trap
parts & arrow shafts.
C. Hatchet: Flat-ground for chopping, scraping & the only
edge that should be used when splitting woods. Correctly
angled so the strongest part of the blade forward of the
"1/4-round" delivers the impact for greater edge safety &
penetration.
D. Saw Teeth: "Swiss Army" type staggered tooth design is
self-cleaning & aggressive cutting on both the pull & push
stroke. Used for cutting square notches, or tilt at a 45 degree
angle to cut "V" grooves (both used for traps & snares).
Downward angle enables sawing square & "V" grooves on
flat surfaces & stakes for trip & snare wire channels.
E: Spine Recess: Specifically designed as a striking point when
splitting woods & for push-carving. The curved surface
enables the blade to be rocked or tilted at any angle & still
receive direct energy into the material being worked.
Recess edges are slightly sanded just to remove the sharp
burr to avoid injury in carving but can be sharpened if
needed for scraping tasks.
Although additional benefits have been discovered by
others, the anatomy details to the right explain what
these knife features were originally designed for.
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F. Arrow Wrench Hole (Not Shown): On some early knives, a 3/8"
hole placed in the center of the hatchet body for straightening
arrow shafts. Determined to be less effective than hand-
straightening, prone to denting shafts, & producing a weak spot
in the blade, this option was later omitted & is no longer offered.
Answers to Customers' Most Asked Questions Regarding Tracker/WSK Knife Use:
* Care & use tips are supplied w/every knife. We do plan on having a more thorough user manual one day, but in
the meantime, should a customer not find an adequate answer in the printouts supplied, please contact us for
more info. We're always happy to share info & assist our customers in any way we can.
* Our knives are designed to be efficient cutting tools & should be treated as such. They are designed to cut wood,
fiber, flesh & similar materials. Although plenty strong for their intended purposes, they are not indestructible.
Our knives are tested beyond the standards of reasonable use to help ensure user safety under "normal" conditions,
but the more unnecessary abuse your knife receives, the greater risk of premature wear, damage, or injury.
* Chopping/splitting should ONLY be done using the hatchet edge & not the finer draw knife or 1/4-round edges.
* Don't chop bone & never cut, or chop directly on the ground to avoid edge damage.
* Don't beat on the saw teeth! Although they will hold up well, once damaged, saw teeth can be very costly to fix.
* Batoning, or the splitting of wood by pounding on the back of a knife is a task which is common practice today
rather than reserved for true survival situations. We do not recommend batoning only because your interpretation of
what may be acceptable force could be quite different from what our knives are tested to endure. A true, survival
situation is one thing, but if you need to split firewood or build a cabin use an axe & your knife will thank you.
* Don't throw or use your knife as a pry bar. (NO, our knives will not fly straight like seen in the "HUNTED" movie.)
* Keep your blades clean & oiled, or better waxed for those in wet or coastal environments to help ward off rust.
* Don't use diamond stones or grinders for sharpening. These remove too much material & lessen blade life.
We recommend a hard Arkansas stone w/light oil or water. For the finest edge just strop on leather w/a little fine
rouge to polish. The key to a sharp edge in not the removal of metal but keeping the edge finely polished. Stone use
should be reserved for very dull, overworked edges, or for removing minor imperfections.
* Apply common sense in use & your knife will give you a lifetime of dependable service.
* Refer to the printed materials your receive with your knife & our "Terms, Conditions & Warranty" page for more info
on recommended use, services & product coverage.
(Above) Model "S" Tracker/WSK knife: (Shown with unpolished blk. linen Micarta handle & wet-sanded finish).
Introduced in 2021, with our "Saranac" styled handle for improved comfort & handling. 7-1/4" blade. 12-5/8" OAL.
Two versions available:
#SWSKHD (Std. Duty): 1/4" thick blade with tapered tang. Carry weight = 1 lb. 13oz. PRICE = $975.00
#SWSKMD (Med. Duty): 3/16" thick blade with NON-tapered tang. Carry wt. = 1lb. 9oz. PRICE = $900.00
(*These Knives Are No Longer Available For Special Order)
(Above) The ANIMAL WSK knife: (Shown with unpolished OD green linen Micarta handle & wet-sanded finish).
Introduced in 2021. A Tracker/WSK knife w/"Saranac" style handle & no saw teeth, designed for hunting & combat/survival use. Re-designed hatchet edge for improved chopping purchase & stabbing. 7-1/4" blade. 12-5/8" OAL.
Two versions available:
#ANMLHD (Std. Duty): 1/4" thick blade with tapered tang. Carry weight = 1 lb. 13oz. PRICE = $925.00
#ANMLMD (Med. Duty): 3/16" thick blade with NON-tapered tang. Carry weight = 1lb. 9oz. PRICE = $850.00
(*These Knives Are No Longer Available For Special Order)
WSK Blade Finish Options:
< (Left) All WSK knives come with your choice of blade finish.
Choices: Wet-sanded or Blued
(Finish selection does not change cost) Click on pic to enlarge.
< (Left) #SP1 Sharpening Stone Pouch:
Blk. molded leather w/hvy. duty mil.-spec snap closure. Fits a 1/2 x 1 x 4" stone w/enough room for a ferro rod striker. Comes with a removable belt loop for separate carry but requires two mounting straps to attach to a sheath. Carry wt. = 3-1/2oz. Price = $85.00
*We recommend the (#FAP-14-T) 4x1x3/8-1/2" hard Arkansas pocket stones which can be purchased from danswhetstone.com.
^ Above: Green & Black linen Micarta
(Current version again available)
Click on thumbnails to enlarge.
< (Left) "Type-1" WSK sheath fully dressed out with all std. options included to demonstrate what a 2-knife "piggyback" system looks like. (WSK knife w/4" Saranac)
TYPE-2 Sheath: (Ambidextrous capable) This sheath upgrade is designed for those wanting the greatest versatility.
These sheaths start with an ambidextrous blk. molded leather body onto which you add all other components to suit your needs. Upcharge is only for add-on components.
Type-2 Add-on Options
* Mounting holes: Unlined but finished inside. Also used for lacing bungi cord = No charge
* Leg tie/lashing holes (set of two, unlined) = No Charge (Add brass eyelets +$15.00)
* Belt loop assembly: (Specify Right or Left hand orientation) Includes an offset wrap-around mounting panel with
height-adjustable vertical belt-carry loop w/mil. spec snap fasteners & mounting screws. Remove belt loop to enable
frontal cross-draw carry. Finished with decorative edge stitching. (Requires 4-upper mounting holes) = $90.00
* 1-1/2" upper "stirrup" mounting strap. The most rigid method for securing a smaller "companion" knife = $15.00
* 1" leather ambidextrous "scout" loops & mounting straps w/decorative edge stitching = $20.00ea.
* Nylon D-rings (requires belt loop assembly & 1-mounting strap, or 2-1" straps at extra cost for sling-carry) = N/C
* Full mounting package: Includes all the above for cost savings = $135.00
* 3/8" Kydex ferro rod loop (with screws) = $20.00
*Note: This style sheath w/scout loops enables full ambidextrous edge up or down carry.
* Feel free to contact us for assistance in configuring an set-up that'll best suit your needs.
< (Left) Difference between a Type-1 & Type-2 sheath. Basic configuration w/vertical-carry option only shown.
*IMPORTANT UPDATE: PLEASE READ*
Additional Add-on options:
< (Left) "Type-2 WSK sheath fully dressed out with all options std. included to demonstrate what a 2-knife "piggyback" system looks like. (WSK knife w/4" Saranac)
