As I near 1000 posts I’ve been thinking about some of the kindness and generosity I’ve received on this forum. From the gifts, giveaways, wisdom, helping hand when problems arise and the warm welcome at the UK meet, I’ve received a lot in my short time here.
Well folks, my time to try to pay to something back. As a proud Sheffield lad, I would have liked to champion Sheffield made multitools – but they have ceased to be
We have made “utility knives” here since before Victorinox existed, but apart from one or two Master Cutlers who may make you one by hand (even cutting out the blades with a hacksaw) if you’re prepared to go on their 3 to 5 year waiting list amd pay big prices, these too are nowhere to be found.
Knife and tool making is still found here in the “Steel City” though, but much diminished. I have several Sheffield made slippies, which are good honest hard working knives but until now I’ve never had a fixed blade knife from my home town
so I had to put that right … and I thought while I’m buying one …… I’ll buy some extras and …..
Passaround time (Followed by giveaway):First up John Nowill MOD Survival Knife. This is a 1/4” thick lump of home grown steel, sandwiched between two great lumps of tree!
The 7” blade is good quality carbon steel, not high spec – just good quality, and treated for ease of sharpening rather than edge retention (just the way it should be IMO). Fit and finish … None!! It’s not fitted and finished in the way you might be used to, you get the privilege of that. These beasts are typically supplied with something that vaguely resembles an edge, and roughly shaped handle scales riveted in position and it’s down to the owner to use them as they are or finish them as they please. A totally squadie proof, no frills beater!!
http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/John-Nowill-Knives/John-Nowill-Survival-Knife/p-92-153-1159/Next up is a lighter version of the same formula, a J Adams - Seaman Knife (Seaman with an "A"
). This has a 5” long blade, which is much thinner for utility tasks rather than hacking a rhino’s legs off or batoning through a concrete bunker. Both knives are supplied in a leather sheath. Again, this is a no frills user.
http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/John-Nowill-Knives/John-Nowill-Seamans-Knife/p-92-153-1987/These aren't pretty or precious, they're just crying out to be put to work
Also ready to go travelling is a cheapy notebook as a “Knife Diary” for folks to add a few notes of who they are, where they are, what the knives have done and well wishing for the next user. Once everybody who wants to play has had a chance to play with these and review/compare them to other such tools, I’ll pick a winner/s and ... well I'm sure you can guess what the prixes are
The method of choosing the winner will be down to best review, best pics, best testing etc – and my decision will be final – even if it’s wrong
NOTE: These are coming in brand new from an online store, and whoever receives them first will get them precisely as the leave the factory – warts and allRULES:1.) Over 18’s only, and members over 250 posts please (if you have less than 250 posts and want to be included please PM me first)
2.) Knives MUST be used whilst in your possession – no looking at it stroking it and passing it on – USE IT!! Members are also allowed encouraged to sand the scales, sharpen the blade or do anything else which they feel will improve the knife as it travels around.
3.) Knives MUST be used RESPONSIBLY and within the confines of the law in your respective areas. No getting these confiscated or yourselves in bother!!
4.) Be Honest!! If you like ‘em - shout it loud, but if you think it sucks – let’s hear that too. Don’t be shy with your review of these tools.
5.) You are responsible for getting these to the next guy in good order. These items are HEAVY (particularly the MOD knife). Total weight is unknown as yet, but postage may be high for sending to the next member, so if this may be a problem please consider this before committing to the passaround
6.) Bonus points of some fashion (which might not necessarily actually have any value or increase your chances of winning anything 
) awarded for head to head comparisons with equivalent knives from more familiar brands (Mora, ESSE, RAT, BUSSE etc)
7.) These are carbon steel – they WILL rust. Treat them accordingly – I’m confident everyone here knows what that means.
8.) Everyone should make an entry in the Knife Diary for the benefit of the winnerSo c’mon guys - sign up, the more the merrier. Let’s have your name on the list and an idea where you are so we can try and keep postage costs down for everyone. For example:
50ft-Trad - EnglandSoooo ...... Who wants to play?
