My new Svord Von Tempsky Forest Ranger Bowie knife

So after much reading and deliberation and general "do really need it" type thinking i went a head and got myself the Svord Von Tempsky Bush Ranger. Yes its massive and heavy and very sharo put of the box. I knew that when i got it, and I didnt need a knife that size for the bush, or skinning but who said hunting items are always on a need basis? Not me.

There is a lot to be said about good kit and having a big high quality knife that feels like it will out last me and my grandchildren. Its an impressive knife and in my opinion even more so when you read its history. (which i have included below)

I actually think Svord should stamp Von Tempsky's name on the blade.  

He had it made for New Zealands bush rangers for fighting Maori warriors on their terms in the bush. His men where trained with pistol and blade for skirmishes in the tight close bush. The knife was held with the blade running down the soldiers forearm and the spine of the blade facing outwards to block an armed attack and counter with quick downwards stab.

When I read this i realized just how tough the fighting must have been.

Anyway i an very pleased with my new addition. I recommend it to all hunters that want a thumper of a knife, one that you can be proud of and one steeped in New Zealand history. The leather sheath is top quality too. I think there is nothing wrong with a little extra weight in the bush, but i will need a better belt to hold my knife.     

 In May 1846 Von Tempsky left Prussia for the Mosquito Coast of Central America, where a colonisation society was intent on founding a Prussian settlement. The Mosquito Kingdom had been established with British support before the arrival of the Prussian colonists, and when it came under attack from Nicaraguan forces Tempsky saw action for the first time as an officer in the local militia. A facile linguist, Tempsky had an excellent command of English and was a constant visitor to the British settlement at Bluefields.


The outbreak of hostilities in Waikato in 1863 led to the formation of volunteer units to supplement British regiments. Tempsky offered to raise a corps from the diggers but the government rejected his offer, possibly because of his nationality. He then transferred his attention to the Forest Rangers, an irregular colonial force which the authorities believed could match the bush fighting skills of the Maori. British regulars had shown little aptitude for this type of warfare and consequently were at a disadvantage. While working as war correspondent for the Daily Southern Cross, Tempsky accompanied a company of rangers, under Captain William Jackson, on an expedition into the Hunua Range. Tempsky's knowledge of guerilla tactics impressed Jackson, who suggested he apply for a commission in the Forest Rangers. This was granted on condition that Tempsky take out British citizenship, which he did on 24 August 1863.

One of Tempsky's exploits soon after being commissioned ensign was the reconnaissance of the Maori position at Paparata. He was accompanied by Thomas McDonnell, a fellow subaltern, who was later to command the colonial forces. They were able to supply information about the strength of the Maori force to Lieutenant General Duncan Cameron, the commander in chief. This feat earned both officers promotion to captain and Tempsky was given command of No 2 Company of the Forest Rangers. McDonnell received the New Zealand Cross in 1886 for his part in the reconnaissance but no posthumous award was made to Tempsky.


Tempsky took part in the actions at Hairini, Waiari, Rangiaowhia, Kihikihi and Orakau, establishing a reputation as an intrepid leader. He was a strong disciplinarian who was popular with his men. When the defenders broke out of the pa at Orakau, he led his men in a ruthless pursuit but strongly disapproved when the British troops killed some of the wounded and women. He encouraged his men to intervene in order to prevent these atrocities.

Tempsky regarded the Maori defence of Orakau as courageous but foolhardy, and could not understand why the defenders had chosen such an untenable position. He admired the engineering and fighting skills of the Maori, but otherwise did not hold them in high regard. In his unpublished account of the war, 'Memoranda of the New Zealand campaign, 1863–64', he refers to the need to teach 'those overbearing, headstrong and pampered natives' a lesson, and shows little appreciation of Maori grievances.

For his part at Orakau Tempsky was promoted to major in April 1864. He next saw action at Wanganui. He led a successful attack on Kakaramea on 13 May 1865 and was subsequently praised by the premier, Frederick Weld, as 'the great bulwark of the self-reliant policy'.


In late 1865 and early 1866 Tempsky took part in Major General Trevor Chute's march to New Plymouth. The march is depicted in an evocative watercolour which Tempsky completed later.

 He was prominent in Auckland social life. Endowed with a fine singing voice, he was much in demand at musical gatherings. He also helped to establish a gymnastic club.
In January 1868 Tempsky was appointed inspector (the equivalent of major) in the Armed Constabulary and was placed in command of the 5th Division. After serving in Waikato and Wanganui he was placed under the general command of Thomas McDonnell for the Taranaki campaign against Titokowaru and his followers.

On 7 September 1868 McDonnell's force attacked the Maori position at Te Ngutu-o-te-manu. His troops were severely mauled and McDonnell ordered a retreat which he left Tempsky to cover. Soon after, Tempsky was shot in the head. All attempts to recover his body failed and it was later burned on a funeral pyre, along with the bodies of other soldiers, by the Maori defenders.

Although he spent only a short time in this country, Tempsky was one of the most colourful characters of nineteenth century New Zealand. His independence of thought and action, his talent for writing and painting, and his evident charm and good looks made him something of a folk hero. As a soldier he was flamboyant and apparently fearless. He was known to the Maori as Manurau, 'the bird that flits everywhere'. An adventurer rather than a mercenary, he sought excitement wherever he could find it.