Those go together really well as a set!
Day 31Afterthoughts(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.
Beautiful Steve
Great photos especially that last one! How close are you to that area?
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.)
Ron Who - Day 28 - Trapper and StockmanPlease let me know what you think about the pic.Personally, I think it´s horrible.
The background color comes from my working clothes. For visibilty and safety.
Good callStill nearer the original ethos than this flashy scrolled bolster version of mine though
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.)
Day 31With this challenge officially being over and the Explorer Challenge starting tomorrow, I thought I would test out what might become my carry combo outside of challenges.I used the Soddie Jr for cutting open and breaking down a box, but then decide I’d rather use the SAK’s awl for getting the protective wrap off the new chair (less likely to cut pads underneath). Here is a picture of the tools. You don’t get the picture of the chair, because I’m already testing it out.(Image removed from quote.)Thanks for a great challenge with so many different and beautiful knives.
Thanks Ray It's about 1.5hrs drive to that specific point.
I too had been looking at the Barlow’s and when I saw the Ka-Bar-Lo with stag I had to snap it up. It is my first and only stag knife.
Great posts and pics guys!!! Just in, a Queen made, Winchester Bullet Jack in Utica Bone (1987).(Image removed from quote.)As close to my GEC Bullet Jack as I could imagine..F/F are perfect and bear trap springs.
Great pics and knives buddy!
Wow, that's horrible!How much do you want for it?
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.
I'm going to try to get the prizes in the mail tomorrow.
What is on the fob...a whistle? Interesting looking for sure.
Oh, you've finished it! Great job Borg
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