Bustin' out the traditionals, a 30-day challenge

[Wspeed]

Congratulations Borg

[McStitchy]

Day 31

Afterthoughts

(Image removed from quote.)

As said earlier, just thankful to be part of this challenge.  Some afterthoughts after speeding a month long with my GEC traditionals, which I hardly ever do:

1) I used to collect a few traditionals, here and there, (Case, Queen, RR, etc), and am somewhat discouraged by their QC.  But spending a month with these GECs really did impress me, they don't only look good, but also preform admirably as cutting tool.  Though I didn't spend all my time with just one model, so I can attest to the durability of particular model, but sampling from different patterns, I think they do have rather high quality across board.  Yes, it's a lot more pricier, but given it is semi-hand made with literally hundred of steps(unlike most modern mid-tech, where mostly are actually machine made instead of custom), owning one is in fact owning a piece of US knife making history.

2) As a SAK collector/accumulator, I love having a good old Spear point/Drop point on my blade.  Yet, all these traditional pattern open my eyes to all different blade shapes, which I less likely to see or use in modern cutlery(BM, Spyderco, ZT, CRK, Hinderer, etc).

3) Even as a premium brand, I later learned that earlier models tend to have strong pull and some are just plain nail breaker.  I am thankful to find the expertise on this forum to help remedy my GEC 54 issue, but it will be best to research on the model before committing to buy.

4) The one-arm blade is kinda gimmicky.  If we wind back 1-2 hundred years, I think this might be a very good option to have if you need it.  But given the abundant choices we have nowadays for one hand opening mechanism, this one-arm blade from the Farm and Field tool is more for experience than real use.

5) In the past, I tried venture out to more colorful scales(acrylic, dyed bone, etc), but no, still can't do it.  I still prefer more traditional covers such as sambar stag or quality wood.  I know it is just personal taste, but I felt whatever classic should remain classic...and sambar stag is just in a different class of its own.


6) Some patterns surprise me and did warm up to me, namely Toothpick and Pemberton(the pinky size).  I quite enjoy a full size toothpick, the ergo was great in hand, the narrow profile is so easy to carry, and it cuts exactly like a laguiole.  Pemberton is just a cute knife, almost like a Spyderco bug, but with more character and less sanitized.


Thank you for reading, and I'd hope you've enjoyed the challenge as much as I do.

 

I get it that collectors prefer a perfect sample of a knife. It's purpose is to be admired and not used.
So any imperfections would be an annoyance.

On my end here these knifes are getting admired too but most importantly used. They must be technically correct but I can accept the charming imperfections that sometimes arise from the individual craftsmanship at producing them.

 

[McStitchy]

Thanks fellas !   


I think I've got everyone their badges, if I missed anyone let me know and I'll get you sorted out   

 

[Alan K.]

Congrats Borg! That is a great Zippo and I hope you enjoy it.

[comis]

I get it that collectors prefer a perfect sample of a knife. It's purpose is to be admired and not used.
So any imperfections would be an annoyance.

On my end here these knifes are getting admired too but most importantly used. They must be technically correct but I can accept the charming imperfections that sometimes arise from the individual craftsmanship at producing them.

 

You are much more forgiving than me , I just can't stand serious blade rub with marks, nail pullers, very obvious uneven grind, chipping blade(because it touches something), unless it was made a century or two ago by hand.  Possibly because of all the spoiling from SAK.

[Nix]

5) In the past, I tried venture out to more colorful scales(acrylic, dyed bone, etc), but no, still can't do it.  I still prefer more traditional covers such as sambar stag or quality wood.  I know it is just personal taste, but I felt whatever classic should remain classic...and sambar stag is just in a different class of its own.

Great write up!

Like you, I tend to favor the more traditional scales materials for my traditionals. However, in the case of Case, some materials (here I'm thinking of yellow Delrin) have become classics. I recall seeing those yellow scales around when I was a wee lad, so they have their own nostalgic value for me. And, they are functional.

When it came to getting a Case Barlow I really struggled.  What would Tom Sawyer have on his Barlow?  Likely wood, maybe bone. But there was just something so much fun about the loud Kirinite scales that I was drawn to them. Kirinite is a fairly modern material, so in some ways it is out of place on a Barlow. Still, I felt the scales celebrated the knife. That sense of celebration was too much to resist. so that's where I ended up. 

And besides, McStitchy had taken the last really cool Red Bone model. 

[cody6268]

Great write up!

Like you, I tend to favor the more traditional scales materials for my traditionals. However, in the case of Case, some materials (here I'm thinking of yellow Delrin) have become classics. I recall seeing those yellow scales around when I was a wee lad, so they have their own nostalgic value for me. And, they are functional.

When it came to getting a Case Barlow I really struggled.  What would Tom Sawyer have on his Barlow?  Likely wood, maybe bone. But there was just something so much fun about the loud Kirinite scales that I was drawn to them. Kirinite is a fairly modern material, so in some ways it is out of place on a Barlow. Still, I felt the scales celebrated the knife. That sense of celebration was too much to resist. so that's where I ended up. 

And besides, McStitchy had taken the last really cool Red Bone model. 

(Image removed from quote.)

I'm still torn between picking up an earlier Case Barlow (from about the 1960s-1970s and before) or the new one. But I really do like the Kirinite version!   Barlows are working knives in my view--stuff like wood or Delrin is what's right at home on them. I carry a much cheaper 1970s Kutmaster a lot.

[Nix]

I'm still torn between picking up an earlier Case Barlow (from about the 1960s-1970s and before) or the new one. But I really do like the Kirinite version!   Barlows are working knives in my view--stuff like wood or Delrin is what's right at home on them. I carry a much cheaper 1970s Kutmaster a lot.

   Delrin seems like a great choice for the new classic Barlow. Still.....hard to resist jigged bone or stag.

[McStitchy]

You are much more forgiving than me , I just can't stand serious blade rub with marks, nail pullers, very obvious uneven grind, chipping blade(because it touches something), unless it was made a century or two ago by hand.  Possibly because of all the spoiling from SAK.

Those two fall into technically incorrect for me and need fixing 

[McStitchy]

Great write up!

Like you, I tend to favor the more traditional scales materials for my traditionals. However, in the case of Case, some materials (here I'm thinking of yellow Delrin) have become classics. I recall seeing those yellow scales around when I was a wee lad, so they have their own nostalgic value for me. And, they are functional.

When it came to getting a Case Barlow I really struggled.  What would Tom Sawyer have on his Barlow?  Likely wood, maybe bone. But there was just something so much fun about the loud Kirinite scales that I was drawn to them. Kirinite is a fairly modern material, so in some ways it is out of place on a Barlow. Still, I felt the scales celebrated the knife. That sense of celebration was too much to resist. so that's where I ended up. 

And besides, McStitchy had taken the last really cool Red Bone model. 

(Image removed from quote.)

I bet Tom Swayer would have taken the Patriotic Kirinite too if they had it back then   

[Fuzzbucket]

Day 31

Afterthoughts

(Image removed from quote.)

As said earlier, just thankful to be part of this challenge.  Some afterthoughts after speeding a month long with my GEC traditionals, which I hardly ever do:

1) I used to collect a few traditionals, here and there, (Case, Queen, RR, etc), and am somewhat discouraged by their QC.  But spending a month with these GECs really did impress me, they don't only look good, but also preform admirably as cutting tool.  Though I didn't spend all my time with just one model, so I can attest to the durability of particular model, but sampling from different patterns, I think they do have rather high quality across board.  Yes, it's a lot more pricier, but given it is semi-hand made with literally hundred of steps(unlike most modern mid-tech, where mostly are actually machine made instead of custom), owning one is in fact owning a piece of US knife making history.

2) As a SAK collector/accumulator, I love having a good old Spear point/Drop point on my blade.  Yet, all these traditional pattern open my eyes to all different blade shapes, which I less likely to see or use in modern cutlery(BM, Spyderco, ZT, CRK, Hinderer, etc).

3) Even as a premium brand, I later learned that earlier models tend to have strong pull and some are just plain nail breaker.  I am thankful to find the expertise on this forum to help remedy my GEC 54 issue, but it will be best to research on the model before committing to buy.

4) The one-arm blade is kinda gimmicky.  If we wind back 1-2 hundred years, I think this might be a very good option to have if you need it.  But given the abundant choices we have nowadays for one hand opening mechanism, this one-arm blade from the Farm and Field tool is more for experience than real use.

5) In the past, I tried venture out to more colorful scales(acrylic, dyed bone, etc), but no, still can't do it.  I still prefer more traditional covers such as sambar stag or quality wood.  I know it is just personal taste, but I felt whatever classic should remain classic...and sambar stag is just in a different class of its own.


6) Some patterns surprise me and did warm up to me, namely Toothpick and Pemberton(the pinky size).  I quite enjoy a full size toothpick, the ergo was great in hand, the narrow profile is so easy to carry, and it cuts exactly like a laguiole.  Pemberton is just a cute knife, almost like a Spyderco bug, but with more character and less sanitized.


Thank you for reading, and I'd hope you've enjoyed the challenge as much as I do.

Not only have I enjoyed this challenge, but I have particularly liked reading your up-beat write ups and your fabulous pics... So, thank you! 

[Nix]

Not only have I enjoyed this challenge, but I have particularly liked reading your up-beat write ups and your fabulous pics... So, thank you! 

 

[comis]

Great write up!

Like you, I tend to favor the more traditional scales materials for my traditionals. However, in the case of Case, some materials (here I'm thinking of yellow Delrin) have become classics. I recall seeing those yellow scales around when I was a wee lad, so they have their own nostalgic value for me. And, they are functional.

When it came to getting a Case Barlow I really struggled.  What would Tom Sawyer have on his Barlow?  Likely wood, maybe bone. But there was just something so much fun about the loud Kirinite scales that I was drawn to them. Kirinite is a fairly modern material, so in some ways it is out of place on a Barlow. Still, I felt the scales celebrated the knife. That sense of celebration was too much to resist. so that's where I ended up. 

And besides, McStitchy had taken the last really cool Red Bone model. 

(Image removed from quote.)

Jack, awesome point on the (Delrin) yellow, it too indeed is a 'classic' color in its own way.

That is really a Kirinite well done, I can see why it could be attractive to you, even Tom Sawyer as McStitichy said. 

Those two fall into technically incorrect for me and need fixing 

Smurf happens, and to be honest, I felt modern website did a fantastic job on photoshoping all the knives' photo, and what you see is not always what you will get. 

 

  Fuzz, what a nice thing to say, thank you to both of you!

[Ron Who]

Ron Who - Day 28 - Trapper and Stockman

Please let me know what you think about the pic.
Personally, I think it´s horrible. 

[Nix]

Well....it is eye-catching, Ron.   

[AimlessWanderer]

Kirinite is a fairly modern material, so in some ways it is out of place on a Barlow.

I'm not so sure. Synthetic materials have been around long enough to be accepted in the traditional arena, and Barlows were always a cheap working knife, made with low cost materials. From that perspective, I'd say kirinite, or any other freely available plastic today, is more in keeping with the original mindset of the knife than exotic woods, mother of pearl, or other higher priced traditional scale materials.

[Ron Who]

Well....it is eye-catching, Ron.   

The background color comes from my working clothes. For visibilty and safety.

[Nix]

I'm not so sure. Synthetic materials have been around long enough to be accepted in the traditional arena, and Barlows were always a cheap working knife, made with low cost materials. From that perspective, I'd say kirinite, or any other freely available plastic today, is more in keeping with the original mindset of the knife than exotic woods, mother of pearl, or other higher priced traditional scale materials.

Fair enough. And that reflects my thinking on Delrin scales, too. So, is Kirinite a modern (10? 15 years-old?) material in the spirit of the originals?  Sure, I guess so.  I like that view. 

But for me the Kirinite is pure Disco. And these particular Kirinite scales are pure Austin Powers Union Jack. 

[McStitchy]

 

+1 

[McStitchy]

Ron Who - Day 28 - Trapper and Stockman

Please let me know what you think about the pic.
Personally, I think it´s horrible. 

The background makes a great difference Ron 

[AimlessWanderer]

Fair enough. And that reflects my thinking on Delrin scales, too. So, is Kirinite a modern (10? 15 years-old?) material in the spirit of the originals?  Sure, I guess so.  I like that view. 

But for me the Kirinite is pure Disco. And these particular Kirinite scales are pure Austin Powers Union Jack. 

(Image removed from quote.)

Good call

Still nearer the original ethos than this flashy scrolled bolster version of mine though 

[Nix]

   Lovely!

[comis]

  Lovely!

[Wspeed]

That’s a nice looking knife Al

[AimlessWanderer]

 

[Borg]

 

My Birthday has come early 

Thanks everyone, super happy here 

And thank you Nix for putting up that fabulous prize 

[Borg]

Day 31,   i meant to carry this one earlier but it slipped my mind, blade groove finished now opens and closes nicely 

[Nix]

 

I'm going to try to get the prizes in the mail tomorrow.   

[McStitchy]

Good call

Still nearer the original ethos than this flashy scrolled bolster version of mine though 

Wow, that's horrible!
How much do you want for it? 

[McStitchy]

Day 31,   i meant to carry this one earlier but it slipped my mind, blade groove finished now opens and closes nicely 

(Image removed from quote.)

Oh, you've finished it! Great job Borg