David R. Beck, Knifesmith LLC
Call Us: +1-610-670-5319
"Fine Cutlery for the Adventurer"
HomeThe Original Beck Tracker/WSK (Wilderness Survival Knives)
Click on thumbnails below to enlarge & for captions of features & options available for our WSK knives.
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Tracker/WSK knife models & options:
Tracker/WSK knife availability.
Our Tracker/WSK knives are entirely hand-crafted & laborious to produce. All are made-to-order so we normally don't have any in stock for immediate purchase. Only about 24-30 total Tracker/WSK knives are made per year. Once our quota is full, no additional orders will be accepted until the following year.
*Refer to our "Finished Knives For Sale" page to view all knife models currently available for immediate purchase.
(Right): John "Lofty" Wiseman
Author of the "SAS Survival Handbook" A legend, personal friend, and proud user of one our model "G" WSK knives.
Hope to see you on the trail.
David R. Beck on an adventure atop Angel's Landing, Utah
Tracker/WSK blade anatomy
(A) Draw Knife Edge: The sharpest, & most delicate edge for
general carving, shaping & scraping. Originally hollow
ground, but later 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). The 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 lightly de-burred to avoid thumb abrasion
while carving but can be requested with sharp edges 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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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tracker/WSK knives:
* Basic care & use tips are supplied w/every knife, but should a customer not find an adequate answer in the printouts supplied, please contact us for more info.
We're 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, as with any knife, the more unnecessary abuse your knife receives, the greater the 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, damaged saw teeth can be very costly to fix & will often alter the appearance of the blade.
* 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 appropriate tool your knife will thank you.
Batoning will impart undue stress & will eventually damage any knife regardless of build quality or maker. Do so at your own risk.
* Don't throw or use your knife as a pry bar. (NO, our knives are not designed to 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. On carbon steel blades these remove unnecessary material & lessen blade life. We recommend a hard
Arkansas stone w/light oil or water. For the finest edge maintenance, a simple stropping on leather w/a little fine rouge to polish is generally sufficient.
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 nicks & edge 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.
(Left) Wet-sanded vs. blued finishes.
*Note: For 2026, all Tracker/WSK & Scout knives are now only available with a fine wet-sanded finish.
Blued blade option not available.
(Left) "Type-1" WSK sheath: (Example shown fully-dressed out with all options &
a Scout "companion" knife added to demonstrate set-up capabilities).
Options: (*All add-on options come with blackened steel mounting screws.)
(A) Mounting holes: Unlined but coated inside w/a protective finish. No charge.
Automatically installed for options ordered, or request full-series for more versatility.
(B) 1" "scout" loops w/D-rings (2oz.) = $20.00 (per set of two)
*Note: Scout loops enable frontal cross-draw or horizontal behind-the-back carry.
When worn across the back, the blade edge faces up while the saw teeth are on the
bottom. This provides a more secure fit to reduce the risk of knife loss.
(C) 1" Mounting straps: Needed when combining two sheaths together or for attaching
EDC components. (2oz.) = $20.00 (per set of two)
*Note: Scout knife sheaths only use (1) mounting strap ($10.00)
(D) Brass-lined leg tie/lashing holes = $15.00 (per two, Tracker/WSK sheath only)
*Scout knife sheath holes are unlined & used for attaching to WSK sheath = N/C
(E) Full mounting package (includes options A, B, C & D) 4oz. =
$45.00 (for Tracker/WSK sheath) & $30.00 for Scout knife sheath.
(F). #FRL 3/8 x 1-1/2" Kydex ferro rod loop w/mounting screws (1/2oz.) = $20.00
*Spare mounting screws (contact to order right length) = $0.50 (1 screw & 1 post).
(LEFT) #G2WSKHD Model "G" Gen2 Tracker/WSK knife:
Our personal favorite. Single-position grip enhances ease of handling. Considered a working-man's Tracker geared more for general survival/bushcraft use.
Shown with a wet-sanded finish & unpolished OD green linen Micarta handle w/std. stainless steel Loveless bolts & lined lanyard hole. 1/4 x 7-1/4" differentially heat treated 01 high carbon steel blade w/flat-ground bevels, standard saw teeth & tapered tang.
12-1/2" OAL. Carry wt. approx. 1lb. 13oz.
WE ARE NOW EXCEPTING A LIMITED NUMBER OF ORDERS
Price = $1,625.00 + shipping.
Above: A Dave Beck model "C" Gen1 Tracker
knife as made for the "HUNTED".
Sheaths:
* A right hand black leather Type-1 "Basic" sheath is included in the price for all Tracker/WSK & Scout knives.
"Basic" sheaths are made with an integral belt loop for vertical side-carry only.
"Scout" loops & mounting straps can be added at extra cost for increased versatility (see below).
Tracker/WSK sheaths are crafted from 10/11oz. molded black bridle leather. Scout knife sheaths are 8/9oz. molded bridle leather.
Note: We no longer produce the Wolverine, Traditional & Type-2 sheaths. If you need a left hand sheath, or prefer to make your own or have another sheath craftsman you'd prefer to use, we can sell our knives without a sheath & would deduct our sheath cost.
< Left: Type-1 sheath. "Basic" version.
(Made in RIGHT HAND ONLY, black leather)
*Replacement sheath cost (If purchasing for an existing knife):
Tracker/WSK = 12oz. Price = $95.00 (+shipping & any added options)
Scout knives = 5oz. Price = $75.00 (+shipping & any added optiions)
*See below for available add-on options at an extra cost.
How to order:
1. Email us with your name, mailing address & phone number.
2. Include the knife model, handle material (& finish), & listing of any available available options you'd like to include.
We'll typically reply within 24hrs. to confirm placement of your order, your order details, what the total cost will be when
completed, & an estimated completion time when your knife will be finished.
3. NO deposit is required to place an order, but payment must be received in full within 7-days from the date you're notified
your knife if finished & ready to ship. You'll receive a progress update about a week or two before completion & completion notice
when your knife is finished. Payment method would be arranged when you receive your order completion notice.
< Left: An original "Medicine Blade" produced by
Ed Lombi.
(LEFT) #C3WSKHD (Model "C" Gen3 Tracker/WSK knife):
Our most popular model "C" pattern featuring all the upgraded design performance enhancements requested by professional users. 2-position grip for user safety under more demanding conditions. A better "combat/survival" design.
Shown with a wet-sanded blade finish & unpolished black linen Micarta handle w/std. stainless steel Loveless bolts & lined lanyard hole. 1/4 x 6-3/4" differentially heat treated 01 high carbon steel blade w/flat-ground bevels, standard saw teeth, tapered tang, & dual-position grip handle. 12-7/8" OAL Carry weight approx. 1lb. 13oz.
WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING A LIMITED NUMBER OF ORDERS Price = $1,700.00 + shipping.
Handle material choices: (Tracker/WSK & Scout knives are only made with Micarta handles)
(Note: Handle samples shown demonstrate typical color representation from our suppliers, but be aware that exact color tones can sometimes vary slightly from one manufacturer's batch to the next.)
*Handles are secured by epoxy and all stainless steel Loveless bolts w/lined lanyard holes.
*Micarta handles are available in your choice of an unpolished or polished finish (Please specify).
An unpolished finish is finely-sanded & waxed to produce less glare & slightly better grip.
A polished handle greatly enhances color & contrast creating a much more attractive appearance, but can feel more slippery to some
users. Paper & burlap Micartas look much more outstanding when polished.
< Black linen Micarta
(polished)
< OD Green linen
Micarta
(polished)
< Tan linen Micarta
(polished)
*Note: Current shipments show darker dye migration which may resemble a "dirty" appearance on raised areas.
< Green & black
linen Micarta
(polished)
< Maroon (burgundy)
linen Micarta
(polished)
(*$10.00 Extra cost)
< Burlap Micarta
(polished)
(*$15.00 Extra cost)
Above: Colored handle spacers: Add $10.00
Available in black, white, red or blue.
Above: Polished black paper Micarta
Above: Antique (linear) "ivory" paper Micarta
For those searching for a real "Tracker" knife, we are the premier maker of the Tracker/WSK (Wilderness Survival Knife).
The original concept was conceived by Rob Russon & produced by several makers during the early '80's with the most notable being the "Medicine Blade" crafted by Ed Lombi.
All our Tracker/WSK knives are produced with the following features:
*Every knife & sheath is entirely hand-crafted by David R Beck & we're proud say everything is "MADE IN THE USA".
*Differentially heat-treated 01 high carbon steel blades for superior edge retention & ease of sharpening in the field.
All new Tracker/WSK knives now come std. with fine wet-sanded blade finishes. WE NO LONGER OFFER BLUED BLADES.
*Hand-cut, non-clogging "Swiss Army" style staggered saw teeth for aggressive cutting on both the pull & push stroke.
*Ergonomically-shaped handles for extended use comfort & enhanced grip, secured by strong stainless steel Loveless bolts & a
lined lanyard hole.
*Hand-crafted sheaths wet-molded from durable leather, double-stitched for strength, & coated with a protective oil/wax finish.
*You select the handle material & sheath add-on options to customize a knife kit to suit your personal needs.
*A smaller Scout "companion" knife (see below) can be added at extra cost for those wanting a complete all-around 2-knife
kit to best address every cutting task you'll encounter.
*All hardware (snaps, screws, rivets, D-rings, etc.) are made from durable Mil-spec grade components.
*Prices for all knives include a Right-hand only, black molded leather Type-1 ("Basic") style sheath w/vertical-carry belt loop
only. Sheath add-options for expanded carry modes & attaching EDC components are available at an extra cost.
*All knives come with our 5-day money-back satisfaction guaranty, & our Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Above: RichLite "CBM" (Choc/Brn/Maple)
Polished (similar to paper Micarta)
In 1989, a more professional-grade tool was in demand, & under the direction of Tom Brown Jr., we were tasked to begin supplying military personnel & the students of Tom's wilderness tracking, survival & nature awareness school with our Tracker knife versions featuring significant design improvements to enhance function as a more efficient survival tool. Although a lot of documented history & facts are on record substantiating our design contributions & management of this project, much skepticism continues to exist among "armchair experts" who know little of actual facts. It is of historical importance to note that we were the first & only maker to own the TRACKER knife trademark issued to us in 1993 by the US Patent & Trade Office, & we were the original designer & maker of not just the famous model "C" pattern & numerous other variations, but we also designed & made the actual model "C" Gen1 Tracker knife used by Benicio Del Toro in the 2003 Paramount Pictures film the "HUNTED" which started the Tracker knife craze. We were also the first to incorporate the non-clogging Swiss Army type staggered saw teeth into the Tracker knives & coin the name "WSK" (Wilderness Survival Knife) to this knife design in 2003.
With now over 36-years of making thousands of Tracker knives entirely by hand for outdoorsmen & Elite military personnel, our knives have been field-proven around the globe not only in real-world survival but in many armed conflicts over the past several decades. Although we don't claim the Tracker knife concept is the best design for all & for all purposes, as all stand-alone designs present compromises, we can say we know Tracker knives better than anyone, & through the many years of refinement & field service, we have raised the bar on the design's capabilities earning our knives a solid reputation of being the gold standard by which all others are compared.
Today, all our Tracker/WSK knives continue to be entirely hand-crafted at our workshop to ensure the highest quality & dependability. If you're interested in the Tracker knife concept, our knives continue to excel above all others & are the most sought after. There are many imitations, but none can match the quality, performance, history, or proven investment security our Tracker/WSK knives deliver, making them a solid choice for users & collectors alike.
Above: Official documentation of our TRACKER knife trademark issued in 1993 by the US Patent & Trade Office.
#BK018 Scout knife: (Shown with wet-sanded finish & unpolished black linen Micarta handle)
For greater versatility, add our Scout knife to a Tracker/WSK to create a 2-knife kit. The Scout comes std. with a Type-1 "basic" sheath for individual belt-carry, or add mounting packages (see above) onto both Tracker & Scout sheaths to enable both to be attached together.
1/8 x 4" differentially hardened/tempered 01 high carbon steel blade w/std. full flat-ground bevels, non-tapered tang & wet-sanded finish.
Can be ordered individually, or in combination with a Tracker/WSK knife.
You select the handle material & any sheath add-on options wanted.
8-1/2" OAL. Carry weight approx. 13oz.
Price = $325.00 + shipping.
