☆ ☆ ☆ The Dean 30-day ☆ ☆ ☆

[SteveC]

I know.  How could I be so remiss.

As a bonus, here is a picture of all the Utica Girl Scout Knives I own with an Adirondack Mountains bandana.

For those interested, I also thought I would share some nostalgia and connections to highlight the significance of the picture.

Growing up the Girl Scouts was a very big part of my life starting when I was 8 years old.  My Dad presented me with my first knife, a Utica Girl Scout knife, following my first Girl Scout camp.  I grew up not that far from Utica, NY which is where most early Girl Scout knives were made.  Girl Scout camp was one of the things I loved the most about the Girl Scouts and a big reason why I stayed in the Girl Scouts as long as I did.  One of the best things about Girl Scout camp was the backpacking trips into the Adirondack Mountains, which were amazing.  Those backpacking trips stimulated a lot of my love for the outdoors which I was able to pass on to others.  The Girl Scouts and achieving the Gold Award (Girl Scout equivalent to Eagle Scout) helped me to get college scholarships to include a Navy ROTC scholarship.  The Navy ROTc scholarship led to my Navy commission.  I spent 20+ years in the Navy, which is a big part of who I am today.  Also, if it wasn’t for the Navy, I would have never met my wife. 

So in summary, a Girl Scout knife from Utica NY given to me in 1980 after a week of camp in the Adirondack mountains can be linked to the person I am today and why I am on this forum.  Isn’t it funny how things work!
(Image removed from quote.)

Nice collection of Utica's Sherry !         And I'd also like to thank you for your service 

[LoopCutter]

^ Yes, what he said too!

Can not imagine what MTo would be without your presence.  Or, the World, so good your DAD gave you your first knife. 😉
 
 
 

[comis]

Day 30   

 Well, it's certainly been fun, though the extra challenge I set myself of not carrying the same knife twice in the month has been "interesting".  It forced me to carry some knives that I don't habitually go for, but I sure have missed carrying some of my favourites.    Buying 2 or 3 new knives and only being able to carry them for a day has definitely been tough.

So for day 30 I'm carrying one of my top penknives; a "Foreign" made knife from the early part of the 20th Century.  "Foreign" was a euphemism for "made in Germany" when that wasn't a great selling point.  It came to me covered in rust, all but seized solid and with a good amount of lateral play on the main blade, but with a bit of work it's just a pleasure to hold and use. 

Well done to everybody who has taken part.  If I didn't get round to liking and commenting on every single post I am sorry, but be assured that I definitely enjoyed them all. 

Great job on restoring this knife, and see you around!

[comis]

I know.  How could I be so remiss.

As a bonus, here is a picture of all the Utica Girl Scout Knives I own with an Adirondack Mountains bandana.

For those interested, I also thought I would share some nostalgia and connections to highlight the significance of the picture.

Growing up the Girl Scouts was a very big part of my life starting when I was 8 years old.  My Dad presented me with my first knife, a Utica Girl Scout knife, following my first Girl Scout camp.  I grew up not that far from Utica, NY which is where most early Girl Scout knives were made.  Girl Scout camp was one of the things I loved the most about the Girl Scouts and a big reason why I stayed in the Girl Scouts as long as I did.  One of the best things about Girl Scout camp was the backpacking trips into the Adirondack Mountains, which were amazing.  Those backpacking trips stimulated a lot of my love for the outdoors which I was able to pass on to others.  The Girl Scouts and achieving the Gold Award (Girl Scout equivalent to Eagle Scout) helped me to get college scholarships to include a Navy ROTC scholarship.  The Navy ROTc scholarship led to my Navy commission.  I spent 20+ years in the Navy, which is a big part of who I am today.  Also, if it wasn’t for the Navy, I would have never met my wife. 

So in summary, a Girl Scout knife from Utica NY given to me in 1980 after a week of camp in the Adirondack mountains can be linked to the person I am today and why I am on this forum.  Isn’t it funny how things work!
(Image removed from quote.)

Sherry, thanks so much for sharing the story behind the knives, I thoroughly enjoy the read and this really does give meaning to the tools we use and cherish.  Some day, besides sharing your love for nature and the girl scout experience, I hope you could pass this all down as family heirloom with the stories, and that's how legacy get started.

[LoopCutter]

Day 30   

 Well, it's certainly been fun, though the extra challenge I set myself of not carrying the same knife twice in the month has been "interesting".  It forced me to carry some knives that I don't habitually go for, but I sure have missed carrying some of my favourites.    Buying 2 or 3 new knives and only being able to carry them for a day has definitely been tough.

So for day 30 I'm carrying one of my top penknives; a "Foreign" made knife from the early part of the 20th Century.  "Foreign" was a euphemism for "made in Germany" when that wasn't a great selling point.  It came to me covered in rust, all but seized solid and with a good amount of lateral play on the main blade, but with a bit of work it's just a pleasure to hold and use. 

Well done to everybody who has taken part.  If I didn't get round to liking and commenting on every single post I am sorry, but be assured that I definitely enjoyed them all. 

That is a very nice pen knife.   
It is great that there is so much diversity among us and what sharp tools we are attracted to.   

I have come to appreciate the lines on pen knives, particularly the older models Gareth, so THANK YOU for sharing good taste in little things that are sharp

[comis]

Day 30


Carried a GEC 54, which Dean taught me how not to mod a knife--it is always easy to take too much off, but you can never put the metal back on.  When I first started collecting traditional, some has such strong backspring that I deemed them borderline dangerous to use, and I was so eager to mod them.  Years later, I am still learning, but my nails seem to be able to handle most of those gator traps better than I used to.

A large Case stockman in black, since Dean like black handle knives.

And finally a RR reserve large stockman, I remembered talking about this in last challenge, and Nate got one eventually, I hope the knife serve him as well as it did for me.  I remember Dean told me not to 'collect' RR since their value won't hold.  I probably would still agree with the assessment today, but how I'd like a chance to discuss with him about all the new offerings that sprung out in the last couple of years and what are his thoughts on them.

Thank you to all the participants in this awesome thread, sorry I completely missed out the better half of the challenge, but so glad I was able to catch the last of the train.

[McStitchy]

Day 30
Well this went by faster than I could cut my thumb 
On this last day of our annual Dean memorial challenge I've chosen to put my Case Barlow into my pocket...



It was great fun.... and bad influence... with all you guys over the last 30 days! Let's do this again next year 

[McStitchy]

Day 30

(Image removed from quote.)
Carried a GEC 54, which Dean taught me how not to mod a knife--it is always easy to take too much off, but you can never put the metal back on.  When I first started collecting traditional, some has such strong backspring that I deemed them borderline dangerous to use, and I was so eager to mod them.  Years later, I am still learning, but my nails seem to be able to handle most of those gator traps better than I used to.

A large Case stockman in black, since Dean like black handle knives.

And finally a RR reserve large stockman, I remembered talking about this in last challenge, and Nate got one eventually, I hope the knife serve him as well as it did for me.  I remember Dean told me not to 'collect' RR since their value won't hold.  I probably would still agree with the assessment today, but how I'd like a chance to discuss with him about all the new offerings that sprung out in the last couple of years and what are his thoughts on them.

Thank you to all the participants in this awesome thread, sorry I completely missed out the better half of the challenge, but so glad I was able to catch the last of the train.

Nice trio Comis    And thanks for sharing Dean's wisdom with us 

[LoopCutter]

@comis -  The three stock mans are beauties. 
GEC appears to have mastered the collectable and quality builds of their products, unique traditional in limited supply...

CASE, since their control fell under Zippo, collecting is more the trend, yet offering multiple offerings of scales and steel, creating a need to select multiple patterns in same scales or multiple finishes in the same pattern, yet unfortunately material storages is causing manufacturing storages and cut back of products. 

Rough Ryder - Dean was ahead of his time.  Their products look preety, are more hardty  than like models, yet pricing g is low enough that a younger collector can gather more patterns with fewer $s.

Flea markets and other used markets may provide best options to locate the quality of  the yesterdays, at hopefully reasonable pricing.  Just being educated as Dean, Robert, David, Steve and others have aired through MTo will better prepare me to venture forward on my quest

So many where to start

[LoopCutter]

Before I became to involved with Saturday projects…

Day 30 -
Found two of my favorites, that sport my preferred blade shape riding in left and right pockets this morning!!! (Actually did not realize the 250 was loaded )
  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

[Gareth]

Great job on restoring this knife, and see you around!

That is a very nice pen knife.   
It is great that there is so much diversity among us and what sharp tools we are attracted to.   

I have come to appreciate the lines on pen knives, particularly the older models Gareth, so THANK YOU for sharing good taste in little things that are sharp

Cheers folks. 

[Gareth]

Day 30

(Image removed from quote.)
Carried a GEC 54, which Dean taught me how not to mod a knife--it is always easy to take too much off, but you can never put the metal back on.  When I first started collecting traditional, some has such strong backspring that I deemed them borderline dangerous to use, and I was so eager to mod them.  Years later, I am still learning, but my nails seem to be able to handle most of those gator traps better than I used to.

A large Case stockman in black, since Dean like black handle knives.

And finally a RR reserve large stockman, I remembered talking about this in last challenge, and Nate got one eventually, I hope the knife serve him as well as it did for me.  I remember Dean told me not to 'collect' RR since their value won't hold.  I probably would still agree with the assessment today, but how I'd like a chance to discuss with him about all the new offerings that sprung out in the last couple of years and what are his thoughts on them.

Thank you to all the participants in this awesome thread, sorry I completely missed out the better half of the challenge, but so glad I was able to catch the last of the train.

A great trio that I'm certain Dean would have approved of. 

[Rich_SD]

Day 30

I didn't know Dean, but I think you all represented and celebrated him well because I now have a much greater appreciation of traditional folding knives.  I liked traditional folders already, but I don't think I was ever as excited to buy them like I was with the several knives I purchased this month...  and my wish list is pretty long now.

The most difficult part of the challenge was going without a multitool.  I felt naked without one for the first couple weeks, then I got used to going to my toolbox when I needed a tool. 

As I sit here, I'm realizing that I missed showing a few of my traditional folders that are scattered around the house - an Opinel in my tool box, a Buck 110 in my closet, a Buck Stockman in my car, and an Old Timer Hawkbill I use when working in the yard.

Here's the Old Timer.  I wanted an inexpensive knife I could use on punishing tasks around the house so I wouldn't have to abuse my good blades.  I ran across this Old Timer for $11, so it fit the bill perfectly.  I have used this knife to cut grass out of cracks in concrete, to cut roots in muddy holes, and cut numerous plastic planters, but you could never tell by looking at it.




Since the Old Timer might be disqualified due the the studs on the blade, I'm also posting a pic of the knife I'll be carrying today.  I'm back to a Buck 303 (not the same one I posted earlier).  I think the 303 is the perfect size (big enough, but still light in my pocket) with a perfect combination of blades.  This is a new one I just purchased so I wouldn't worry about losing my old one.




Thank you to Nix for hosting this challenge and thanks to all who participated. 

[SteveC]

Day 30

I didn't know Dean, but I think you all represented and celebrated him well because I now have a much greater appreciation of traditional folding knives.  I liked traditional folders already, but I don't think I was ever as excited to buy them like I was with the several knives I purchased this month...  and my wish list is pretty long now.

The most difficult part of the challenge was going without a multitool.  I felt naked without one for the first couple weeks, then I got used to going to my toolbox when I needed a tool. 

As I sit here, I'm realizing that I missed showing a few of my traditional folders that are scattered around the house - an Opinel in my tool box, a Buck 110 in my closet, a Buck Stockman in my car, and an Old Timer Hawkbill I use when working in the yard.

Here's the Old Timer.  I wanted an inexpensive knife I could use on punishing tasks around the house so I wouldn't have to abuse my good blades.  I ran across this Old Timer for $11, so it fit the bill perfectly.  I have used this knife to cut grass out of cracks in concrete, to cut roots in muddy holes, and cut numerous plastic planters, but you could never tell by looking at it.

(Image removed from quote.)


Since the Old Timer might be disqualified due the the studs on the blade, I'm also posting a pic of the knife I'll be carrying today.  I'm back to a Buck 303 (not the same one I posted earlier).  I think the 303 is the perfect size (big enough, but still light in my pocket) with a perfect combination of blades.  This is a new one I just purchased so I wouldn't worry about losing my old one.

(Image removed from quote.)


Thank you to Nix for hosting this challenge and thanks to all who participated. 

It was good having you and good thoughts on the challenge.       For next time.... Multitools are allowed to be used during this challenge. We just ask that you do all your cutting, within reason with a traditional.   

[Nix]

    

[Nix]

Day 30 (but perhaps not the last entry....):


For the final day, I decided to dig out a modern knife, but in someways my most 'traditional' of pocket knives:


Top to bottom: A. Wright & Sons, Laconico, Case


The Laconico is a slip joint, clip point delight made with 1095 steel. It was made by a guy in his garage. I suspect that the most traditional of slip joints were made this way: some smith banged out a blade and spring and fitted them to a handy material for a specific customer. I suppose a friction folder made on some smith's forge would be even more traditional, but I don't have one of those...

Ray made a great knife here with good hard steel and a superb "walk and talk". One of my favorite knives because it performs well and is so convenient. 

The Laconico got used to open a package of floss (I hope you guys are flossing daily!). Question: why do I need a knife to get to my floss?  That little "open" tab was somebody's idea of a joke....





Later on, the slippie served very well when collecting a batch of peas for lunch:




Lunch was a dish I think I invented, but I'm willing to bet that there are thousands of people who makes something very similar: Peas and pasta.   

Recipe:

1. Use a traditional folder to collect and shell a mess of peas from the garden.
2. Cook whatever pasta you have on hand in the pantry in boiling salted water until 3 minutes from being done (Approximately 7 minutes).
3. Toss the peas in the pasta water and cook for a further 3 minutes.
4. Drain peas and pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
5. In the boiling pot, add olive oil and crushed garlic. Cook for a minute or two until that garlic smells awesome.
6. Add back the drained pasta and peas and stir.
7. Add some more olive oil because you didn't add enough the first time.
8. Add a splash of the pasta water back to the pot and stir until you get a small amount of "sauce".
9. Grind in some fresh black pepper.
10. Add lots of Parmesan cheese and gently stir in.
11. Serve in big bowls and add more Parmesan, more Black pepper, and some chile flakes (if desired).
12. Lastly, have your assistant pick some Basil. Chop that up and sprinkle on top.
13. Find a private place where you can eat and cry with joy, undisturbed, in peas peace.

I'm sure somebody's Italian Auntie will yell at me for chopping up the Basil instead of tearing it, but chopping is much faster and even and produces the same result. So tell Auntie to simmer down and makes some Nix-style Peas & Pasta.

[GA1dad]

The Dean51 Traditional Challenge
Great Eastern Cutlery Bull Nose - Red Micarta
Day 30

Well here we are,,, another great challenge has come to the finish line. This is hands down my favorite challenge, that I've participated in so far.

The GEC Bullnose turned out to be a wonderful EDC. At first I felt it was just a little bit larger than what I normally prefer to EDC, but I sure did get used to it quickly and hardly knew it was laying at the bottom of my pocket. I really like the micarta scales.

Through a turn of events, I won't be able to get my cobbler done within the 30 days. My daughters 17th birthday was yesterday and my wife made 50 cupcakes for her to take to her MedEx Academy class,,,, and 50 more to take to church last night. Well,,,, my daughters class only ate half the cupcakes and the church services were cancelled,,,, so there is like 75 cupcakes sitting on the counter at my house right now. No room for anything else sweet at the moment. So I guess I will have to do a late entry in the upcoming few days.


On a side note, I almost came home with my second GEC today. At the fleamarket I found a Tidioute 57 Wrangler in black buffalo horn. It had a fair sized chip in the handle, and the tube was not the original, but it was priced at only $75. I fondled it for quite a while, debating the pros and cons, but ultimately talked myself out of going back to the ATM because the pattern just didn't appeal to me. My thoughts were that if I was gonna have to explain a second cash withdrawal to my wife, it should at least be for a knife that I really, really liked. But it was cool to stumble across a GEC in the wild.

Congrats to everyone who completed the challenge. As usual, the traditions that were shared here were indeed phenomenal!!!

[McStitchy]

Day 30 (but perhaps not the last entry....):


For the final day, I decided to dig out a modern knife, but in someways my most 'traditional' of pocket knives:

(Image removed from quote.)
Top to bottom: A. Wright & Sons, Laconico, Case


The Laconico is a slip joint, clip point delight made with 1095 steel. It was made by a guy in his garage. I suspect that the most traditional of slip joints were made this way: some smith banged out a blade and spring and fitted them to a handy material for a specific customer. I suppose a friction folder made on some smith's forge would be even more traditional, but I don't have one of those...

Ray made a great knife here with good hard steel and a superb "walk and talk". One of my favorite knives because it performs well and is so convenient. 

The Laconico got used to open a package of floss (I hope you guys are flossing daily!). Question: why do I need a knife to get to my floss?  That little "open" tab was somebody's idea of a joke....


(Image removed from quote.)


Later on, the slippie served very well when collecting a batch of peas for lunch:

(Image removed from quote.)


Lunch was a dish I think I invented, but I'm willing to bet that there are thousands of people who makes something very similar: Peas and pasta.   

Recipe:

1. Use a traditional folder to collect and shell a mess of peas from the garden.
2. Cook whatever pasta you have on hand in the pantry in boiling salted water until 3 minutes from being done (Approximately 7 minutes).
3. Toss the peas in the pasta water and cook for a further 3 minutes.
4. Drain peas and pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
5. In the boiling pot, add olive oil and crushed garlic. Cook for a minute or two until that garlic smells awesome.
6. Add back the drained pasta and peas and stir.
7. Add some more olive oil because you didn't add enough the first time.
8. Add a splash of the pasta water back to the pot and stir until you get a small amount of "sauce".
9. Grind in some fresh black pepper.
10. Add lots of Parmesan cheese and gently stir in.
11. Serve in big bowls and add more Parmesan, more Black pepper, and some chile flakes (if desired).
12. Lastly, have your assistant pick some Basil. Chop that up and sprinkle on top.
13. Find a private place where you can eat and cry with joy, undisturbed, in peas peace.

I'm sure somebody's Italian Auntie will yell at me for chopping up the Basil instead of tearing it, but chopping is much faster and even and produces the same result. So tell Auntie to simmer down and makes some Nix-style Peas & Pasta.

(Image removed from quote.)

That's a beautiful knife Ray made there   

... and now I'm very hungry 
Thanks for sharing your recipe 

[GA1dad]

Day 30 (but perhaps not the last entry....):


For the final day, I decided to dig out a modern knife, but in someways my most 'traditional' of pocket knives:

(Image removed from quote.)
Top to bottom: A. Wright & Sons, Laconico, Case


The Laconico is a slip joint, clip point delight made with 1095 steel. It was made by a guy in his garage. I suspect that the most traditional of slip joints were made this way: some smith banged out a blade and spring and fitted them to a handy material for a specific customer. I suppose a friction folder made on some smith's forge would be even more traditional, but I don't have one of those...

Ray made a great knife here with good hard steel and a superb "walk and talk". One of my favorite knives because it performs well and is so convenient. 

The Laconico got used to open a package of floss (I hope you guys are flossing daily!). Question: why do I need a knife to get to my floss?  That little "open" tab was somebody's idea of a joke....


(Image removed from quote.)


Later on, the slippie served very well when collecting a batch of peas for lunch:

(Image removed from quote.)


Lunch was a dish I think I invented, but I'm willing to bet that there are thousands of people who makes something very similar: Peas and pasta.   

Recipe:

1. Use a traditional folder to collect and shell a mess of peas from the garden.
2. Cook whatever pasta you have on hand in the pantry in boiling salted water until 3 minutes from being done (Approximately 7 minutes).
3. Toss the peas in the pasta water and cook for a further 3 minutes.
4. Drain peas and pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
5. In the boiling pot, add olive oil and crushed garlic. Cook for a minute or two until that garlic smells awesome.
6. Add back the drained pasta and peas and stir.
7. Add some more olive oil because you didn't add enough the first time.
8. Add a splash of the pasta water back to the pot and stir until you get a small amount of "sauce".
9. Grind in some fresh black pepper.
10. Add lots of Parmesan cheese and gently stir in.
11. Serve in big bowls and add more Parmesan, more Black pepper, and some chile flakes (if desired).
12. Lastly, have your assistant pick some Basil. Chop that up and sprinkle on top.
13. Find a private place where you can eat and cry with joy, undisturbed, in peas peace.

I'm sure somebody's Italian Auntie will yell at me for chopping up the Basil instead of tearing it, but chopping is much faster and even and produces the same result. So tell Auntie to simmer down and makes some Nix-style Peas & Pasta.

(Image removed from quote.)

Dude!! That is a fantastic looking knife!!!

[Nix]

Dude!! That is a fantastic looking knife!!!

  Super simple, but awl the nicer for the simplicity. It's a wonder I carrying anything else..... 

Now put down those cupcakes and pick some peas....

[Sos24]

Thank you for the picture, thank you for telling us your personal story behind the picture, thank you for your service, and thank you for being a wonderful part of this wonderful forum 

I'd like to echo Adam's comment 
Great to have you here Sherry 

What he said. 

^ Yes, what he said too!

Can not imagine what MTo would be without your presence.  Or, the World, so good your DAD gave you your first knife.
 
 
 

Thank you so kindly. Adam5, McStitchy, LoopCutter and Gareth

MTo is a great place and experiencing the camaraderie here is awesome.

Nice collection of Utica's Sherry !         And I'd also like to thank you for your service 

Thanks, Steve.  You have helped me acquire a couple of those Uticas as well as my oldest Girl Scout knife which I plan on posting today.

Sherry, thanks so much for sharing the story behind the knives, I thoroughly enjoy the read and this really does give meaning to the tools we use and cherish.  Some day, besides sharing your love for nature and the girl scout experience, I hope you could pass this all down as family heirloom with the stories, and that's how legacy get started.

I hope one day to have someone who will want and appreciate the entire collection.

I have tried to already pass on some of the nostalgia to a couple of my nieces.  I had found an identical to my first knife and another one from about the same time.

I have also given away a few newer Girl Scout knives to different forum members who knew young Girl Scouts to provide as gifts, in hopes that those knives might become a nice memento as they find their way in life.

[Sos24]

Today is another Girl Scout knife, but an Ulster and the oldest knife of my collection.  I have Steve to thank for spotting this one.

It is a Ulster Girl Scout scout knife, most likely from 1934.  I wish I knew the history behind the girl who once owned it but sadly I don’t. 

[SteveC]

That is a sweet one !  I'm happy I was able to spot for you 

[SteveC]

Day 30

One more day to go   


Lambsfoot and a Boker Cattle junior


  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

[SteveC]

It's been a great challenge as awlways   

I hope that you all will continue to enjoy carrying a traditional as your EDC and come join us in

Roberts thread, the best one on MTO      !

[David]

Day 30

Dean ole buddy this carry is for you. Churchill and a Oil Field Jack.

[Alan K.]

Day 30
I'd like to thank everyone of you for making this year's challenge fun (if expensive).  I've thoroughly enjoyed myself as usual.  For my day 30 picture I had to get a shot of an old favorite that I haven't otherwise used in this year's challenge because it is a nail breaker, the Ranger Ultra-Honed Stockman.

[GA1dad]

Now put down those cupcakes and pick some peas....

Not peas, but I am charring some veggies right now

[David]

Day 30

Comments:

Been a good Challenge again this year. Enjoyed it. Good to see the Lambsfoot and Case Barehead Trapper make a good showing. Tl-29 and Sod Buster type knives put in a strong presence. Lot of nice Case and Buck knives showed up. Ulster Girl Scout knives at the end was icing on the cake. Happy trials till next year!     

[Adam5]

Not peas, but I am charring some veggies right now

Looking good   

I am having to get take-out tonight