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 stripped 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 Handmade Damascus Steel Skinner Specifications Overall Length: 6" Handle Length: 3" Blade Length: 3" Blade Width: 0.16" Blade Material: Damascus Steel 1095 and 15n20 Damascus Pattern: Twist Number of Layers: 256 Handle Material: Walnut Full Tang Grind: Secondary Bevel Please note: This knife is a BLEM. Blemished inventory or a “blem” is a new, unused product that has a defect. These defects come from the manufacturer and do not affect the structural or functional integrity of the product. All products are laser engraved with a Forseti Steel logo to indicate they are a blemished product.  The product image does not represent a blemished knife. It is a stock photo only. Each knife is handmade from natural materials, there will be some variation in color, Damascus pattern and overall look.  ALL BLEM PRODUCT SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS, RETURNS OR EXCHANGES WILL BE ACCEPTED. 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.