John Colter was fur trapper, mountain man and frontier explorer. Colter was picked for the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804. While returning from the expedition in 1806, Colter was given permission to leave the expedition and explore the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers.  Colter spent most of the following year trapping around what is now known as Yellowstone. In 1808, Colter was captured by the Blackfoot Indians. The Blackfoot stipped him naked and told him to run for his life while a large pack of young braves pursued him. After several miles Colter was able to outmaneuver one of the braves and killed him. Colter was able to elude capture from the pursuing braves by hiding in a beaver lodge. Once night fell Colter left the safety of the lodge and walked for eleven days until he reached a trader’s fort on the Little Big Horn.  Upon returning to St. Louis, Colter sat down with William Clark and provided a detailed description of the area, which Clark turned into a comprehensive map of the Yellowstone and Teton areas. No one believed the stories Colter told of geysers and boiling mud until Clark confirmed their existence.  A skinner knife was a necessity to a trapper and hunter. The ruggedness of this damascus steel blade and short handle make it the perfect tool for its job. This handmade damascus knife is easy to maneuver and allows you to work precisely, even with gloves on. Designed in the manner of its time, the walnut handle makes is the perfect choice for this skinning knife.  Colter Damascus Skinner Specifications Overall Length: 6" Handle Length: 3" Blade Length: 3" Blade Material: Damascus Steel 1095/15n20 Blade thickness: 4mm Full Tang Damascus pattern: Twist Number of layers: 256 Grind: Secondary bevel Handle Material: Walnut Includes a full-grain leather sheath and a wood presentation box Please note: Each knife is handmade from natural materials, there will be some variation in color, Damascus pattern and overall look. The knife you receive will have the same attention to quality and detail as the one pictured but may differ slightly in appearance. Sheaths: The sheath you receive may vary in color, style, and type from what is shown in product photos. Please refer to our sheath support page or by contacting us at support@forsetisteel.com. Care Instructions 1095 steel is a high-carbon steel and will rust if not dried and oiled after use. Hand wash only with soap and hot water. Dry completely before oiling.