Giants of June / Big Blades Challenge - June 2026

[old Lefty]

Not signing up as of now, rather marking this so I won’t forget. Should my posting problem be gone I most certainly will participate!


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[nate j]

Not signing up as of now, rather marking this so I won’t forget. Should my posting problem be gone I most certainly will participate!

Looking forward to it!
 

[nate j]

Every year, I tell myself I have plenty of big knives for this challenge, and don’t need to buy more.  And that’s true. 

But every year, I see some big shiny toys, and my desire gets the better of me.  And this year, I’m starting even earlier than usual.  I’ll save the detailed write-ups/mini-reviews for the challenge, but here is the first of the new arrivals.

Boker (Plus) MEK

[nate j]

Another new arrival, B’yond EDC Nighthorse

[nate j]

Less than a month until the Giants of June Challenge kicks off.  Get those big blades sharpened, oiled, and ready to go!
 

Note that, for those who don’t already have it, there is a badge available for this challenge.

[IMR4198]

   I just got out my CASE 6265 folding hunter.  I found a little tape residue on one blade.  Probably from the last June challenge.  Got that wiped off.  Fixed blades here are a problem, so I will be carrying this folder again.  I'm sure this is the only 4 inch blade folder I own.  I like these big CASE knives, but they are first class pants saggers.  Might have to figure out where I put my suspenders. 
   Finally a little rain this morning.  I mowed yestiddy, and it looked like a yellow fog.  Dirt from the dry ground with all the pollen made a low-hanging screen over the proceeding.  I should have stopped and put on a mask of some sort, but I didn't.  Mistake.
Best wishes, G
 

[WECSOG]

   I just got out my CASE 6265 folding hunter.  I found a little tape residue on one blade.  Probably from the last June challenge.  Got that wiped off.  Fixed blades here are a problem, so I will be carrying this folder again.  I'm sure this is the only 4 inch blade folder I own.  I like these big CASE knives, but they are first class pants saggers.  Might have to figure out where I put my suspenders. 
   Finally a little rain this morning.  I mowed yestiddy, and it looked like a yellow fog.  Dirt from the dry ground with all the pollen made a low-hanging screen over the proceeding.  I should have stopped and put on a mask of some sort, but I didn't.  Mistake.
Best wishes, G
 

I bought my 6265 specifically because after seeing pics of your every day last June, I just had to have one! 
So I definitely intend to carry that one at least some days. I bought a '40-'64 6165 a couple months ago too, because I decided I needed a single blade version as well. So I'm pretty sure that one will make an appearance.

[IMR4198]

   I remember reading of an old mountain lion hunter that kept a pack of hounds to find the critters and keep them at bay.  He carried a little sawed off 22 rifle and kept a two blade large folding hunter very much like yours (and mine).  He said that he peeled spuds with one blade and lions with the other. 
Best wishes.  G
 

[nate j]

I’ll be sure to trot out some of my Case 65 patterns as well.
 

They’re actually fantastic knives.  They feel great in the hand and will handle anything that might reasonably be expected of a folding knife.

The only downside is they are heavy, especially the 2-blade traditional versions with those nickel silver bolsters.

[nate j]

   I remember reading of an old mountain lion hunter that kept a pack of hounds to find the critters and keep them at bay.  He carried a little sawed off 22 rifle and kept a two blade large folding hunter very much like yours (and mine).  He said that he peeled spuds with one blade and lions with the other. 
Best wishes.  G
 

That is a great story!
 

[IMR4198]

   They are heavy.  By the way, I already have the badge for the challenge, so I will likely request either the folding hunter badge or the CASE badge.  Assuming I can complete the challenge. 
    I'm not sure whether or not the (much) cheaper version of the CASE 6265 type have 4 inch blades or not.  Things like the Marbles or Rough Ryder.  That might be worth checking out for the members who are thinking about carrying a big folding hunter but don't want to drop a C-note on one.  Or whatever they cost now.
Best wishes.  G
 

[nate j]

I'm not sure whether or not the (much) cheaper version of the CASE 6265 type have 4 inch blades or not.  Things like the Marbles or Rough Ryder.  That might be worth checking out for the members who are thinking about carrying a big folding hunter but don't want to drop a C-note on one.  Or whatever they cost now.

A lot of the imitators are a little shorter for some reason.  Since a real 65 pattern is right at 4”, many (not necessarily all) of those are too short for this challenge.

The cheapest new 65 pattern I’ve seen lately was about $80.  Most up over $100 now though.

The RR Deer Slayer I posted earlier isn’t a Folding Hunter; I’d call it a Clasp Knife, probably a copy of the old Case 72 pattern.  It’s cleanly over 4” though, and for the budget-minded, it’s a steal for $15.  I could change my mind, but I’m hoping to put mine through its paces during some combination of this challenge & the Dean51 trad challenge.  Also pretty sure I have an actual 72 pattern around here somewhere; I’ll have to try to locate it.

[IMR4198]

   I seem to remember that RR clasp knife.  Should make a worthy folder for the challenge.  Best wishes.  G