My opinion is that the concept is sound but a larger knife is more optimal for wood working. Think of the Hoko knife as a saw or slicing tool. It provides a specific application for a piece of cordage. It is difficult to teach people to make neat, strong cordage unless they have a specific application in mind for the cordage. Another previously made Hoko knife can be used to cut the wood used for the handle, demonstrating the usefulness of the tool.
Entire class helps twirl up a fire with a hand drill.
Hoko knife is shown to the students. Tell them that they will make their own Hoko knives and use them to cut the notch in the hearth board. Students use sharp rocks to cut wood for handles. Students make twined cordage for binding the handle. Students knock off small flakes from a core to use as blades.