2015 Forum Knife - It's Never Too Early To Think About the Next Blade Forum Knife

[waynorth]

I've got to agree with the above. Everybody's got a favorite pattern . . . . . . . .it would be interesting to see all the knives suggested in this thread lined up!! A veritable menagerie!!

A real favorite of mine!

Rarely made in modern times, a two-blade stockman. Economical and useful.
The secondary blade can also be a punch, or a caplifter/screwdriver, but traditionally would be a spey.

I have a soft spot for single-spring two-blades. They "pocket" well, and show off the cutlers' skills. Lots of bragging rights, as well as practicality, IMO.

 

[blademan 13]

I've got to agree with the above. Everybody's got a favorite pattern, but the point is not to just make a knife that can be readily had in a special version, but to make a special knife that can be more readily had. Look at the knives now available from manufacturers that were not in production until this forum showed there was a market for them. Canal Street made multiple runs of Ring Knives and Canoe Whittlers (Canitlers), GEC brought out the Barlow (and a whole lot of others started them back up) and the 73's. Take a look and see who was making an EO before this forum provided incentive.

I can buy a Sodbuster for $10. I can't find an EO Caplifter for any kind of money. Yes, it's easier and cheaper to go with something that already exists, but really, why bother?

Here's a small sampling of knives I'd like to think we could do for the forum; they're beautiful, useful, patterns that are not currently made and impossible to find. One's a old discontinued pattern, one's a "made-up" pattern, and one's a custom. Think about what it would be like to actually be able to buy one of these new; isn't that a goal worth reaching for?

Truer words have not been spoken, this is a great chance to re-introduce a classic pattern with our own unique twist as far as blade choice or embellishment. The congress jack was a great example of this. That Erickson is certainly sweet but so is the 2 blade stockman. I could easily add the Farmer's jack into the mix as well. Just about any classic pattern not readily available works for me.

 

[waynorth]

You are right blademan! The BF annual has kicked off some great patterns!

 

[pertinux]

HOLD UP.

I had no idea such a thing existed when I wrote the following last April, playing at a supposed "wish list":

I would like a whittler on a 3.25 regular jack frame, with the main "blade" being a screwdriver/caplifter; the secondary blades will a clip and a coping blade, appropriately sized-- possibly longer than on a typical whittler, as I would like the main caplifter on its double springs to be stout and proportionately small/sturdy, which would potentially leave more room for the smaller blades. Not that I'm opposed to wee versions of the same, having a thing for small clip blades especially.

I sense I may have to go custom.

No, it's not a regular jack/sleeveboard frame, and I'm guessing it's a stockman configuration-- the caplifter riding on one spring, not the combined two-- but it would do. Understatement.

[whisper]What is it?[/whisper]

~ P.

 

[Markesharp]

HOLD UP.

I had no idea such a thing existed when I wrote the following last April, playing at a supposed "wish list":


No, it's not a regular jack/sleeveboard frame, and I'm guessing it's a stockman configuration-- the caplifter riding on one spring, not the combined two-- but it would do. Understatement.

[whisper]What is it?[/whisper]

~ P.

It is a whittler or as Camillus called (marketed) them...a carpenters knife. Someone removed the small clip blade and replaced it with a screwdriver/caplifter.....a thirsty carpenter?!

 

[Dr. Scott]

A real favorite of mine!

Rarely made in modern times, a two-blade stockman. Economical and useful.
The secondary blade can also be a punch, or a caplifter/screwdriver, but traditionally would be a spey.

I have a soft spot for single-spring two-blades. They "pocket" well, and show off the cutlers' skills. Lots of bragging rights, as well as practicality, IMO.

Seriously, sign me up! Take my money! Now!

It checks a lot of boxes: resurrects a traditional pattern, slim profile, likely a lower price with the single spring, potentially gets the Waynorth or Pertinux seals of approval...



What I really like most about this year's knife: the price. An affordable knife can be enjoyed by more of our friends, and I'm always sad to read that the price might be an obstacle for some. My hope is that we can keep the price under $80.

 

[Tenacious D]

I'd like to see a Barlow on the new 77 frame, with a BF stamped bolster, single bladed sheepsfoot with a dark colored, gnarly figured, stabilized burl wood for the covers.

 

[fishface5]

mmmm that 2-bladed serpentine stockman with jigged bone and square bolsters is delicious! I'm generally a single-blade guy but those elements blend perfectly, I would definitely buy that! I think I would prefer a sheepsfoot second blade over a spey blade though.

 

[Will Power]

I've got to agree with the above. Everybody's got a favorite pattern, but the point is not to just make a knife that can be readily had in a special version, but to make a special knife that can be more readily had. Look at the knives now available from manufacturers that were not in production until this forum showed there was a market for them. Canal Street made multiple runs of Ring Knives and Canoe Whittlers (Canitlers), GEC brought out the Barlow (and a whole lot of others started them back up) and the 73's. Take a look and see who was making an EO before this forum provided incentive.

I can buy a Sodbuster for $10. I can't find an EO Caplifter for any kind of money. Yes, it's easier and cheaper to go with something that already exists, but really, why bother?

Here's a small sampling of knives I'd like to think we could do for the forum; they're beautiful, useful, patterns that are not currently made and impossible to find. One's a old discontinued pattern, one's a "made-up" pattern, and one's a custom. Think about what it would be like to actually be able to buy one of these new; isn't that a goal worth reaching for?

I tend to agree with you. Left cold by run of the mill efforts like a Peanut or Sodbuster, they exist in droves.

The Surveyor type knives you show in the last two pictures are excellent. But the best of both worlds could be achieved by using a GEC 56 frame for a Spear version,with smaller bolster...or an 81 framed model single-spring for the second one. It is possible to be adventurous and practical.

Thanks, Will

 

[navihawk]

I agree with the single spring with the two blades Will. Three blades are still better that two though. Is GEC going to take over for the BF knife designs?

 

[Will Power]

The thing is Steve, a question of realities as regards GEC. I and I'm sure most others would welcome another company making a realistic offer for doing the Forum Knife. CASE won't look at anything other than a very big order for one of their existing knives, apparently. Canal St & Queen have made knives in the past but I personally feel that their QC is far more questionable and they haven't exactly brimmed with enthusiasm when being asked about the FK I get the feeling.

GEC have made 4 FKs in a row, they've delivered them extremely quickly (this year's is not only the biggest order but the earliest to be delivered) and tooled up new patterns. Certainly, they are geared up for SFO work so this may be a reason for their perceived dominance in FKs rather than them taking over knife design, bluntly, other companies do not seem so interested in making these knives, it could change.

Regards, Will

 

[navihawk]

Makes sense I guess Will.

 

[Fish30114]

I'd like to see a Barlow on the new 77 frame, with a BF stamped bolster, single bladed sheepsfoot with a dark colored, gnarly figured, stabilized burl wood for the covers.

Sugarleaf, obviously from my sig line I guess you could guess--but that would get my vote.

 

[LastRodeo]

I was just reading the "Love the Scout" thread and wanted to make sure the inspired thinking from there made it here. A scout knife using the #68 White Owl pattern. Sure does check a few boxes...

 

[neeman]

A real favorite of mine!

Rarely made in modern times, a two-blade stockman. Economical and useful.
The secondary blade can also be a punch, or a caplifter/screwdriver, but traditionally would be a spey.

I have a soft spot for single-spring two-blades. They "pocket" well, and show off the cutlers' skills. Lots of bragging rights, as well as practicality, IMO.

S&M Series 16 Serpentine Moose (aka Half Whittler)

 

[Alnamvet68]

Perhaps we're due for a Camper pattern for a BF knife...one with a sheep's foot main blade, can opener, cap lifter, and awl, clad in ebony wood, or Tru Ivory, with embellished bolsters and a bale.

 

[glennbad]

Canal St & Queen have made knives in the past but I personally feel that their QC is far more questionable and they haven't exactly brimmed with enthusiasm when being asked about the FK I get the feeling.

Regards, Will

Will, I would offer that CSC stepped up to the plate on this one, and lost out on a poll for the forum knife this year. As to their QC, agreeably it has been questionable in the past, but has improved greatly, at least IMO. And, I thought that "Eric's Jack" was a very nice knife, although I am somewhat smitten with the GEC offering as well!

Glenn

 

[Hawk45]

I'd like a #21 lock back with the #42 clip blade, long nail nic, 1095 and elk bone. So a combo of these:

This in a #21 size:

Long nail nic (bottom knife):

 

[Will Power]

Point taken Glenn, I'd be pleased if another company can make a knife up to the standards of recent GEC Forum Knives.

I have the Eric's Jack and the current Forum Knife. For me there's absolutely no contest, the GEC is leagues ahead in finish, quality and style. Note, I tend to prefer stainless knives as well. It also cost much less.

Thanks, Will

 

[navihawk]

Isn't queen doing better? did they get new management or something? I also heard GEC has some former Queen personnel.