Many of us on Alan's site enjoy, use, and collect knives — it is part of who we are as anglers and outdoor folks.
There are many custom makers out there — and I have some of their knives. However, my favorite blade pastime is EDC (every day carry pocketknives) made by quality companies.
My favorite US maker is Case.
My favorite worldwide maker is Boker, based in Germany for 300 years.
Boker has adapted extremely well to our global market — by offering many price ranges of knives, many patterns, and multiple countries of origin — all while keeping with their roots, integrity, and a Lifetime Guarantee on any of their knives — regardless of where they are manufactured.
But the two most important things to me — quality craftsmanship & materials, along with fair pricing.
Their CEO, Carsten, is an approachable and knowledgeable spokesperson for the company. He knows knives, he encourages young folks to become part of their company, and he is a great example of how a 300 year company should operate — going into the 21st Century.
No games, no drama, no misleading claims — just solid products at fair prices.
I generally buy 4 to 10 knives a month — usually in pairs — and always on sale. I have accounts with a half dozen retailers — and keep track of what would be a good value.
The reason I buy in pairs — if a quality knife is a great bargain — I just buy two, then sell the other one for what both knives cost — and that way the knife I keep — is free, or close to free.
Or, I give them to friends during the year.
Picked up 4 knifes this week — 2 Case large 4 1/4" Navy Stockmans and 2 Boker Camp/Scout knives.
The Cases were $110 MSRP — on sale for $31 and free shipping.
The Bokers were $55 MSRP — on sale for $15 and $3 shipping for the pair. The quality of these knives blew me away.
Grab a beverage and check out these 2 videos about Boker — you will enjoy the explanations, I think.
Best, Fred
https://youtu.be/kIfZ5ytKVZ0
https://youtu.be/bXGlPJB2FnE
Thanks for posting these videos. One of my favorite knives was found in a bush in the desert. It had been there a while but the leather sheath was still good and the blade had a little rust. It's marked 'Solingen Germany' but that's all, no maker's mark. It's a medium size Bowie. I cleaned the rust and put an edge on it and it is scary sharp and it retains that edge.
-Mike
just goin' from memory... not lookin' stuff up: Solingen is a highly desirable "type of steel"
specific to a geographical region in Germany, I think, rather than one maker
I know it's better from use -- someone else better explain how/why
Yes, Mike —
Boker is based in Solingen, Germany — and took over one of the 300 year old Solingen steel blade manufacturers about 150 years ago.
The integrity and mindset, along with the look to the future globally, and an eye towards innovation while keeping their top quality roots — is possibly unmatched in the world.
Believe it or not — one can email or call the CEO, and he will actually talk with you.
Details, transparency, and communication are key to doing business today.
These camp knives are an example —
Rosewood scales, 440 SS which takes a great sharpening edge, the best materials, crisp springs for a "snap-back"walk, no blade slop, attractive, and extremely well made with a Lifetime Guarantee.
And...$14.99 — IMO, unbelievable.
Their products are made to the same precise & exacting standards in Germany, the US, Argentina, Italy, and China — no difference in quality.
Best, Fred
Where did you find this great deal?
This one was from BladeHQ
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Boker-Magnum-Classic-Pocket-Steel--40248
Others I buy from are Deadwood, Shepherd Hills, and a few others, plus eBay occasionally, and sometimes directly from the manufacturers. Just depends.
Best, Fred
I went through a knive collecting phase back when eBay had some deals. Collected mostly quality hunting knives like puma, buck, Anza etc. Have a decent collection. I have used most of them so I guess I ruined collector's status.
Todd
Ah yes, that German apprenticeship system. I so wish we had that here. We may have minor stuff like that here, official and unofficial, but mostly it's about selling young people on school programs and student loans. The Germans recognize the value of a well developed National system.
Thanks for the videos Fred.
Gerber is a Quality Knife .
Hey Fred I'm looking to replace my EDC I use for work and was wondering what you'd suggest?
It gets used for everything from cutting rope to cutting my lunch.....
I currently have a cheap semi-serated Kershaw.....
I don't collect things but will sometimes buy a Camillus knife. If I carry a knife it is usually a bosum marlin spike rigging knife.
Quote from: pjstevko on August 08, 2021, 04:59:14 AM
Hey Fred I'm looking to replace my EDC I use for work and was wondering what you'd suggest?
It gets used for everything from cutting rope to cutting my lunch.....
I currently have a cheap semi-serated Kershaw.....
There are literally 1000's of pocket or EDC knives in the market today, PJ —
A few hundred of them are very good knives.
For me, it boils down to just a few things —
How will I use the knife?
How often will I use the knife?
Where will I use the knife?
Will the knife hold up to my use?
Do I need a tool, a cutter, or a pry bar?
How accessible and quickly can I get it out, open it, use it, and put it back in my pocket?
Can I open it with one hand? And can I close it with one hand?
Is it a locker? Do I typically need a locker?
I always have a Kershaw Barge when around the property, a scout knife in my center console, and a Case when going to town or dressed for Church.
Please confirm your address with a PM. I will be sending you a couple of my favorites — a high quality Kershaw Barge & a high quality Boker camp/scout knife — since I have been needing to find a way to Thank You for helping us with information on our home when the Creek Fire evacuated us for 19 days last September. They will be new and in the boxes.
Best, Fred
Fred I appreciate that offer but I can't except as helping out friends is what we do here....
I carry a Leatherman for all my other needs but the pocket knife is the first thing I reach for....
I'll look into the Barge as it seems more like what I'm after....
Hope you're well my friend
I understand and respect that, PJ —
However, the Barge is a unique knife with many, many uses.
It is a weird configuration — stronger than any other knife — able to pry open paint cans, break car glass, attach a lanyard, control easily, one-hand opening and closing, Tanto type Wharncliffe blade with lots of backbone, sharpens easily, bead-blasted so it doesn't show scratches, a solid locker, and nearly bullet-proof. It is not a lightweight knife.
But, because of the cost of manufacturing this specialized knife — and it's small intended market (tradesmen, first responders, loggers, and woodsmen) — it was discontinued by Kershaw last year.
Some of the YouTube's have good explanations of this tough and high quality knife.
It is an impressive tool — and I also keep one open on my reel bench. It is extremely handy.
Since it is not readily available — I hope you will let me send you one as a friend — and for no other reason.
I purchased 31 of these from the last (2) stores that had any inventory. Bought every one they had. Only have a couple left after giving to friends.
Best, Fred
https://youtu.be/4XmB1G0ERg0
That Barge is quite a knife! Too bad they discontinued it. About the only thing they could have done to improve it would be to build it out of titanium.
-Mike
Thanks Fred - great videos and a really interesting little foray into the world of knives!
Definitely count myself among the members who appreciate (and accumulate) edged tools - primarily for their utility in the outdoors.
A friend of mine started a shop some years back, specialising in some of the storied knife-makers mentioned. I helped him develop the brand, website etc - here:
- https://www.top-gear.co.nz/ (https://www.top-gear.co.nz/)
My wife recently gave me a 'knife-making course' for my 50th, which was a fantastic experience.
I have a wide array of options for different purposes - Knives of Alaska for fishing, Gerber for outdoors, Victorinox for general purpose etc - but wanted a handy, drop-point blade for breaking down/de-boning venison shoulders etc.
Here's the before and after - a piece of high-carbon 1084 and the end result...
(https://alantani.com/gallery/35/3590_08_08_21_11_09_21_354722380.png)
And in my hand for scale.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/35/3590_08_08_21_11_09_20_354711957.jpeg)
Highly recommend having a crack at knife-making, if there's a course available in your area.
It was a sensational experience and one I'll not forget.
The end result was also far better than I'd anticipated - thanks, on the most part, to having a true craftsman guiding the process...
All the best, Justin
Quote from: oc1 on August 08, 2021, 06:16:54 AM
I don't collect things but will sometimes buy a Camillus knife. If I carry a knife it is usually a bosum marlin spike rigging knife.
I think I have 4-5 of those in my knife box. Will be carrying one of them if I ever get to fish the San Diego blue fin or if albacore ever return to the central coast.
Fred thank you as always for sharing the knowledge and insight.
Mike - Yes the blade making/steel prowess at Solingen is legendary. My culinary set is Henkle, but if you look closely at all of their offerings, they have some nice knives at a good price point that are not produced in Germany, and they have some $tellar knives that are and are priced appropriately - but to a casual observer they might appear the same except for the sticker shock with the better knife.
I love Fred's classification of "EDC". For me for decades it has been a Buck Prince, that comfortably fits in my back pocket (even with business attire) and like Fred, I own 3. I dropped one and broke the tip, so I went and purchased another. And when I mentioned why I was buying it then the helpful clerk at my local Bass Pro handed me a form and mentioned that Buck replaces knives, so I sent it away and lo and behold now had a spare. But I can also be absent minded; I forgot where I left the backup and my "EDC" went missing (later found it in between the cushions of our couch, probably when I was "resting") so in frustration I went out and bought another...- john
Who doesn't like a good knife,,,, :D great job fred on this,,,, ;) i don't carry a pocket knife anymore just a razor blade in my wallet,,,, :( because when you lose a knife it's a terrible thing,,,,, >:( i do have 3 collectables,,,i just don't see anything pop up here anymore like this,,,,,,,, ;D
Check these guys out for some sheaths for folders. I have one and I love it and I'm about to buy another. This is a small company in Alvarado, TX.
https://mcdanielsaddles.com/shop/ols/products/horizontal-trapper-knife-sheath/v/KS%20HOZ%20BWN%20MT
https://mcdanielsaddles.com/shop/ols/products/pancake-folding-hunter-knife-sheath
"For me, it boils down to just a few things —
How will I use the knife?
How often will I use the knife?
Where will I use the knife?
Will the knife hold up to my use?
Do I need a tool, a cutter, or a pry bar?
How accessible and quickly can I get it out, open it, use it, and put it back in my pocket?
Can I open it with one hand? And can I close it with one hand?
Is it a locker? Do I typically need a locker?" -Fred
This was some very good criteria for selecting a knife. It's hard if not impossible to find one knife that does it all well. There are almost always compromises.
My everyday carries are Kershaw Leeks. A lot of people (knife snobs) give me grief over it, but the Leeks serve their purpose for opening packages and some light rope, removing splinters, etc...but that's about it. I use these because they are affordable (I buy them used) and I can fix them just like we do our reels. I'll buy either serrated or straight and a broken tip doesn't bother me because it will be stronger after I re-contour it. I do a few mods on them like removing the clip and safety. I always carry them in a sheath like the one I showed in the previous post. Here's some pics:
(https://alantani.com/gallery/35/14769_10_08_21_12_22_30_354742463.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/35/14769_10_08_21_12_22_22_354732330.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/35/14769_10_08_21_12_22_40_354752435.jpeg)
I have a couple of specialty knives that I use for work and only special projects where rigging will be required. The Myerchin with a marlin spike only comes out when there will either be some rope splicing involved or someone will be sending some 'granny knots' my way and I don't want to cut them out.
The Spyderco Mariner goes on my 'golden triangle' (chest area, outside layer) for quick access. The Mariner is serrated and will go through most rope and webbing like butter. I use this while on towers. We do some helicopter lifting and entanglement can be an issue when the safety guy insists on tag-lines that are too long. It's there for safety and back-up but it's always there. I only had to use it once to clear some fouled rigging.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/35/14769_10_08_21_12_22_49_354761930.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/35/14769_10_08_21_12_22_56_354772268.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/35/14769_10_08_21_12_23_04_35478583.jpeg)
I have had a pretty large collection in the past, I whittled it down to put those resources in other collections. I'm probably in the 40-50 range on how many I have now. I have most of my pics stored on another device, I'll have to figure out how to get them over here. Mostly vintage.
Pacific Cutlery Corp
Bench made
Al Mar
Buck
Schrade
Western
One Scott Cook
Marbles
Others
Cleavers
Axes
Hatchets
This one that I somehow imported from my facebook is the first real knife I made, hand forged from a truck leaf spring.
The railroad spike knife is my first knife shaped object.
I also collect knives and if you are ever near Pigeon Forge ,TN SMKW is a must see,3 floors of knives. I have several fillet knives but my pretty knives are in a display case never used. Case, Kissing Crane,Boker, Hen & Rooster to name a few. Some in the case are from great uncles that have passed away. The knives I carry are lightweight and easy to sharpen on my paper wheel. The Buck 284 is so light and the Kershaw 1830 has spring assisted opening almost fast as a switch blade.
I am curious about re-contouring a damaged blade. What do you do to not change the temper? Dip in oil or ice water? Thanks, Stan
Quote from: smnaguwa on August 10, 2021, 12:08:56 PM
I am curious about re-contouring a damaged blade. What do you do to not change the temper? Dip in oil or ice water? Thanks, Stan
Just don't get it to hot as your grinding it, keep water nearby to dip it in. If it's not too hot to hold it by hand, you're not changing the temper.
Another quick tip: if you're reprofiling a broken tip, grind the backside of the blade, not the beveled side. It's much easier to grind the back to match then to reprofile the beveled side.
After watching so many episodes of Forged in Fire I have this false sense that I know what I'm doing. Seriously though, I first re-profile the curve of the tip using a bench grinder and quench often to keep the heat down. I might even do a rough profile of the blade angle. Then I switch over to a Work Sharp tool which is a small hand held belt sander. You hold it down to a stable surface with one hand and pass the blade through the guides with the other...again, going slow and quenching. When I'm happy with my cutting edge profile I go to the Lansky and put a precision edge angle on it and it's done. When I'm done the blade is a little less pointy but a whole lot stronger and will stand up to mild abuse better than when it left the factory.
I was fortunate to go to school in the 1970s. In my middle-school shop class we forged tools so we learned about hardening, tempering, annealing, etc. This stuff was just common knowledge back then but is no longer taught in school.
-Mike
Good looking knife collections, guys!
Thanks for posting.
Whether experts, amateurs, collectors, users, enjoyers, makers, or just whittlers — we have talent on this site.
Best, Fred
One of my great uncles thought it was bad luck to give a knife away,I don't believe this superstition but I always had to give him at least a penny or nickle when he gave me one,I think it was more tradition for him that actually believing it...
Fred,
so what's my Solingen-made Wüsthof? (excellent, BTW)
do they just get raw steel or blanks from Boker & make kitchen knives?
thx
Wüsthof is one of many knife makers in the world that get their raw steel from the Solingen Region of Germany — not from Boker.
Similar to Silicon Valley in California, Detroit in Michigan, or Walla Walla Sweet Onions in Washington — not brand specific — just regionally sourced.
I purchased a set of kitchen knives and a block last year from Boker, on sale. They are made in Argentina, and labeled Arbolito — same Boker lifetime guarantee — same quality — just a different country with lower labor costs — but they are the same quality Bokers.
Being a cheap B****** — I would have a hard time paying $150 for one kitchen knife — when I could buy a whole set for less than that — including a nice hardwood Chef's block.
Works for us.
Best, Fred
hey, I'm w/ you on this... I buy cheaper stuff
got the Wüsthof + honing steel & fake-Damascus (early Kershaw?) as gifts
they don't go bad & I don't have to feed 'em ;D
That Kershaw looks a lot like the one I used to carry, other than mine had a black blade. I had that knife for 10 years, and i used it for everything from drywall to bait to wire to fruit (with a wash in between). I just kept the packaging. Whenever it got dull I'd bend the clip and take it back to wallyworld to swap it out for a new one, about every year and a half.
I think I need to get another one, I finally lost it about 5 years ago.
When i was doing conveyor belt work this is a must,,,,, ;) but when the splicers gets dull they just throw them away,,,,, :-\ so i got about 15,,,,,,, ;) and a halk bill knife has so many purposes,,,,, :) one is opening packages,,,,,,,,,,, ;D
I'm not really a knife collector, but I picked up this beauty while scouting for old reels. At the time I had no idea what I had, but it looked awesome and was priced right. ;D
Quote from: nelz on August 12, 2021, 02:41:39 AM
I'm not really a knife collector, but I picked up this beauty while scouting for old reels. At the time I had no idea what I had, but it looked awesome and was priced right. ;D
That's a great knife,,,,, ;) let's keep this thrend going ok i got a whale bone i got in nagshead nc,,,, :D back in the 70's it was ok ,,,,,,,, ;D
Quote from: Benni3 on August 12, 2021, 04:20:59 AMThat's a great knife,,,,, ;) let's keep this thrend going ok i got a whale bone i got in nagshead nc,,,, :D back in the 70's it was ok ,,,,,,,, ;D
Ahrrrrrr, she be real whale bone matey? Can't make out the inscriptions on the blade, what'd they say?
Quote from: Benni3 on August 12, 2021, 04:20:59 AM
back in the 70's it was ok
Up to December 21, 1972 it was OK. They're picky about it now.
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/protected-species-parts (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/protected-species-parts)
This one too:
https://knifenews.com/virginia-switchblade-commerce-bill-vetoed-by-governor/#:~:text=While%20laws%20across%20the%20country%20are%20changing%20and%2C,facilitate%20their%20sale%20and%20distribution%20in%20other%20states.%E2%80%9D (https://knifenews.com/virginia-switchblade-commerce-bill-vetoed-by-governor/#:~:text=While%20laws%20across%20the%20country%20are%20changing%20and%2C,facilitate%20their%20sale%20and%20distribution%20in%20other%20states.%E2%80%9D)
Our best kitchen knives are a J.A. Henckels and a Cold Steel, both dangerously sharp. I like to cut up veggies and drink a cold one while my wife cooks and we have the food network on in the background. Pioneer woman is one of our favorites.I got the Henckels at SMKW fer $30 they were $80 on Amazon at the time. I wish I had got more for Christmas gifts .
Quote from: nelz on August 12, 2021, 04:30:19 AM
Quote from: Benni3 on August 12, 2021, 04:20:59 AMThat's a great knife,,,,, ;) let's keep this thrend going ok i got a whale bone i got in nagshead nc,,,, :D back in the 70's it was ok ,,,,,,,, ;D
Ahrrrrrr, she be real whale bone matey? Can't make out the inscriptions on the blade, what'd they say?
The Mariner,,,,,national bale,,,,, ;D
This thread is making me long for my previous kershaw knife I described above. I haven't actually carried a knife as a regular thing since I lost that one.
They still make the 1670TBLKST model that I know and love. Though at this stage of my life I don't think I need to do the same renewal operation as above.
My birthday is 2 weeks out. I think I'll start dropping hints.
Quote from: JasonGotaPenn on August 13, 2021, 12:47:26 PM
This thread is making me long for my previous kershaw knife I described above. I haven't actually carried a knife as a regular thing since I lost that one.
They still make the 1670TBLKST model that I know and love. Though at this stage of my life I don't think I need to do the same renewal operation as above.
My birthday is 2 weeks out. I think I'll start dropping hints.
There's a great price for that knife here: https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KS1670TBLKST/kershaw-1670tblkst-ken-onion-blur-assisted-folding-knife-black-tanto-combo-blade-black-aluminum-handles
Quote from: PacRat on August 13, 2021, 04:17:37 PM
Quote from: JasonGotaPenn on August 13, 2021, 12:47:26 PM
This thread is making me long for my previous kershaw knife I described above. I haven't actually carried a knife as a regular thing since I lost that one.
They still make the 1670TBLKST model that I know and love. Though at this stage of my life I don't think I need to do the same renewal operation as above.
My birthday is 2 weeks out. I think I'll start dropping hints.
There's a great price for that knife here: https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KS1670TBLKST/kershaw-1670tblkst-ken-onion-blur-assisted-folding-knife-black-tanto-combo-blade-black-aluminum-handles
I'm sorry...I need to drink more coffee before I post. I thought the price was $44.04 but that's the savings. The cost is $80 so I would shop around.
Quote from: pjstevko on August 08, 2021, 04:59:14 AM
Hey Fred I'm looking to replace my EDC I use for work and was wondering what you'd suggest?
It gets used for everything from cutting rope to cutting my lunch.....
I currently have a cheap semi-serated Kershaw.....
PJ , knowing how you live and work I think I can throw my 2cts in here ...
EDC for over 20 years , Spyderco Endura .
When I was doing Mountain Rescue , Spyderco Salt .
Both fully serrated .
I resisted the full serrations until at the suggestion of an old timer who told me to carry it for a year and then decide.
No decision .
Spyderco will sharpen for free , lifetime .
First pic is a HK , spring assist , heavy but super strong .
More
Spyderco Salt and Spydy Endura.
Nother
Spyderco Salt .
Probably the finest Rescue knife made .
About $100 .
This will become part of your arm after about a day or two .
Not bad out for a day of fishing either !
Quote from: nelz on August 12, 2021, 02:41:39 AM
I'm not really a knife collector, but I picked up this beauty while scouting for old reels. At the time I had no idea what I had, but it looked awesome and was priced right. ;D
Nelz,
That 531 was recalled due to a poor locking mechanism. Just use it as a slip frame and you'll be fine.
I'm late to the party, and a certified knife nut. As of in I have long discussions concerning the advantages of Boss hardened 420HC vs non drop forged 440c.
The knife I use day in and day out is a Pine Ridge Ridgeline Hunter:
https://www.pineridgeknife.com/ridgeline-hunter.html
As much as I love the knifes size and the way it fits my hand, the truly amazing thing is that Mark is from a family that has made amazing saddles for generations. Real using saddles as well as some stuff in the movies. The sheath of this knife is out of this world. They are cross-draw and so I wear a right handed cross draw as a SOB on the left.
Some of you have seen this knife in Cedros and on the SOA, and you will see it again this year!
The Man
Quote from: Ron Jones on August 14, 2021, 04:16:46 AMNelz,
That 531 was recalled due to a poor locking mechanism. Just use it as a slip frame and you'll be fine.
Yes sir, you know your knives! I know the full story on this model concerning the Sawby locking mechanism. I would never use it, though,
not because I don't trust the lock, but because it's a collector piece. I've been offered $300 for it (sheesh, shoulda taken it, lol). As I understand it, the lock could fail when the knife was being used as a hammer. ::)
That's the way I understand it. They figured it out in independent testing, but it is a good test because I know of three individuals who have done it (with different knives,) two that ended up under a surgeon's knife for a cut tendon. One of the guys was hammering on the blade to drive it through a catfish backbone.
I took away their man cards, and told them to let their fathers know they failed.
The man
Quote from: Ron Jones on August 14, 2021, 06:12:07 PM
That's the way I understand it. They figured it out in independent testing, but it is a good test because I know of three individuals who have done it (with different knives,) two that ended up under a surgeon's knife for a cut tendon. One of the guys was hammering on the blade to drive it through a catfish backbone.
I took away their man cards, and told them to let their fathers know they failed.
The man
That's some funny sh!t right there!
I use to have quite a few Knives including a Dealers Display Case Full of over 20 NEW with boxes and sheaths OLD TIMER's
Sold most of my knives and the Display case a few years ago . Got a Few left like this Hand Made Hunting Knife by Parsons
I met a young feela, Scott Cook, at a gun show, he had a table next to ours. He was in his early 20s and trying to break into the knife making business. He sold a couple but my friend and I ordered a couple custom made from him. I paid Scott 125 for what he would make and send me when he finished, was about a month before I got my knife.
He did very well for himself in the future, designing a one piece titanium frame lock called the Lochsa.
http://www.scottcookknives.com/bench.html
Mr. Cook did quite a bit of work on that one Clint.
I am especially enamoured with the scales. It takes someone gifted to do them just right. Straight enough to be functional and shaped enough to be packable with enough natural antler to clearly demonstrate that it is organic. Mr. Cook clearly knows something about it.
The Man
I not in the same league with you guys. These are users: Cammilis rigging knife and Kbar Trout and Bird knife.
always had a Kbar like that when I was a kid. I lost it in thick willows and never replaced it. It's nice to see yours appears to have stuck with you for a lifetime.
I dropped my grandfather's Kabar bird & trout off the dock in Oceanside, Ca back in the late 80s. Still feel sick about it. I really enjoy the feel of a stacked leather knife handle. I've had some get nasty in salt water, however.
The Man
I was on the hunt for a nice bird and trout for quite awhile when this one came available in a group buy.
This is really embarrassing. I found that Kbar when I lived in an impromptu trailer park in the 70's. There was a gate you had to open, drive through, them get out and close behind you. Otherwise the cows would get out. The gate was a pain but the rent was cheap.
I stopped at the gate and walked off to the side behind a bush to take a leak. Looked down and I was peeing right on that knife. Picked it up with two fingers and threw onto the floorboard and it's been with me ever since.
Funny thing about that story is that's most likely how it got there!
Quote from: ClintB on August 15, 2021, 11:11:21 PM
Funny thing about that story is that's most likely how it got there!
Ain't that the truth LOL!!
Bucks 102, appears a bit larger then the Western, but I believe it's their version of a bird and trout knife.
The Al Mar 'Fisher' appropriate to this forum.....
Quote from: oc1 on August 15, 2021, 11:09:15 PM
This is really embarrassing. I found that Kbar when I lived in an impromptu trailer park in the 70's. There was a gate you had to open, drive through, them get out and close behind you. Otherwise the cows would get out. The gate was a pain but the rent was cheap.
I stopped at the gate and walked off to the side behind a bush to take a leak. Looked down and I was peeing right on that knife. Picked it up with two fingers and threw onto the floorboard and it's been with me ever since.
Your mission in life is great,, ;) that's how you know you are choosing,,,,, :o but that's native Indian talk,,,,,, ;D
I saw these at Academy today I almost grabbed one, but I think I would use the Havalon fillet version more so.
https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Edge-2813-0102-RLB-30C-Razor-Lite/dp/B078ZKSJ9Y/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=outdoor%2Bedge%2Bknives%2B3.5&qid=1629139396&sr=8-5&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Havalon-HV127EDGE-BRK-Baracuta-Quik-Change-Fillet/dp/B00AECFF2W/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=havalon+fillet+knife&qid=1629129758&sr=8-7
Everyone I know of who has one of those loves them. To me, you lose something. Guess you have to decide why you are doing what your doing. Someone who enjoys those probably also enjoys Lever drag two speed reels, recoil operated pistols and gas operated rifles.
The Man
That Al Mar "Fisher" is one pretty knife !
So it took me a while, but my son bought me a straight razor.....basically a no name, made in Pakistan, Damascus steel, razor. About 10 hours later I took the raw steel down to shaving sharpness. I have never shaved with a straight razor, but willing to try with this one....so if you don't hear from me for a while, I might be in the hospital with a severed jugular vein 😁....Bill
Pakistani surgical & tool steel can be an excellent value
some of my best dirt-cheap, no-name stuff
(no knives -- hemostats, manual can openers, etc.)
I was digging through some drawers and came across this Case XX Changer lock back knife. On my 15 year anniversary (1986) with the Retail Clerks Union I was given the choice of awards and of course I picked this. You can change out the blades by fully depressing the lock back and choose whatever blade best suits your need. With solid brass bolsters and jigged bone handle it is not a light weight. The blade lockup is as solid as my Buck 110 folder. Today's prices for this knife is pretty steep, but considering I had given 15 years of service to the retail industry, a small price. When I left state service after 25 years all I got was a clock, and still haven't received it after 7 months. But that's another story......Bill
Bill, what else you got hiding in that drawer ??
Your "drawer" story reminded me that I have one in a drawer. Not as nice as those fancy ones posted here, but it's all I got. It's locally made thru friend of a friend. The handle is bone. The engraving is kinda nifty too. it comes to life when I hold it up to a mirror
That is a beautiful knife Ted.....I have a few others but nothing as nice as yours...Bill
(https://i.ibb.co/2Zt5KZH/20211222-125234.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vXPDzXR)
I've never been a collector, especially not big fixed blades, reminds me of basic training >:(, keep a few to get things done, that's about it. But I've always kept around this giant hunting knife I got years ago, it's the Godzilla of blades, the blade alone is over 9". You could take out a young bear or an inexperienced Puma with this thing. A friend who's a steel nerd pointed out that it's a "first generation USA made Cold Steel trailmaster......" So I go and research it and find it's kind of a collectors item and worth a few bucks, but now after looking at all this knife stuff I've got the bug myself. Just ordered a couple to start out my collection, I sense a rabbit hole.
I would give a piece of my anatomy that violates the 12 year old rule (the left one) for that blade. It was one of the first production knives to exceed $100.00 back in the 80s and was worth every penny. They have recently released a version in SV3 (costs more than many 2 speed lever drags) and I want one SO BAD. It is one of my favorites. That flat grind on a big blade trips my trigger.
I'd keep it forever if I were you.
The Man
Quote from: Bill B (Tarfu) on September 08, 2021, 02:21:03 AM
So it took me a while, but my son bought me a straight razor.....basically a no name, made in Pakistan, Damascus steel, razor. About 10 hours later I took the raw steel down to shaving sharpness. I have never shaved with a straight razor, but willing to try with this one....so if you don't hear from me for a while, I might be in the hospital with a severed jugular vein 😁....Bill
Talk about living dangerously!
Frank
Quote from: happyhooker on January 01, 2022, 05:34:28 PM
Quote from: Bill B (Tarfu) on September 08, 2021, 02:21:03 AM
So it took me a while, but my son bought me a straight razor.....basically a no name, made in Pakistan, Damascus steel, razor. About 10 hours later I took the raw steel down to shaving sharpness. I have never shaved with a straight razor, but willing to try with this one....so if you don't hear from me for a while, I might be in the hospital with a severed jugular vein 😁....Bill
Talk about living dangerously!
Frank
What is it Deep Purple said?
"it's not the kill, it's the thrill of the shave :)" (Had to)
The Man
Alot of fantastic knives here ,,,,,,, :o I got my girlfriend a knife for Christmas,,,,,, :) $26 + shipping = $50 from Japan,,,,but for dicing,,,,, ;) oh man it does the trick,,,,, ;D
A Dad's or Gramps bottom of the tool box type of find. "M. KLEIN & SONS" "CHICAGO".
Absolutely nothing fancy, not even a name on the handle, but seems well made. A nice brass blade lock and the bottom 2/3rds of the screwdriver blade is sharpened for...scraping?
Gotta try and clean it up.
Nice old knife, Greg —
That is an Electricians knife.
Klein is a good name in quality tools.
Best, Fred
I had one of those growing up Greg, my grandfather taught me a lot abut wiring with it. The Scooped out edge of the tool blade is for stripping insulation, the sharp edge of the tool blade is for cutting material that you did not want to pierce with the spear pint blade, and the spear point blade is for normal knife use.
They were designed for the old ceramic insulated 2 wire systems, not as relevant now but still a top quality tool.
I put Klein right up there with the current SK Wayne, hard to beat.
The Man
Thanks for the explanation Ron, I was trying to figure out looking at the photo how it worked! . john
Your welcome, John
Greg, I am almost certain that isn't stainless steel. You can get that bit of corrosion to go away, but it won't go "shiney" without a lot of needless work.
The Man
They were designed for the old ceramic insulated 2 wire systems, not as relevant now but still a top quality tool.
The Man
[/quote]
And I totally know what Ron is talking about when he says "ceramic wiring". First house I shared with my wife was built in the 20's (the 1920's, that is - not today) and had what was also called "tube and post". For you youngsters, think bare wires running through your walls and attic but whenever they are anchored (ceramic post nailed into something) or go through a structural member (ceramic tube going through a 2x4) you have ceramics as an insulator. Circuit breakers? What are those? That old house had screw in fuses (we kept a box in the kitchen). And NO, I never used a penny to bypass them! - john