2018 BF Traditional Knife

[B.F.U]

CONTACT HAS BEEN MADE with Spark.

Okey doke, here we go. If Buck is chosen, we have to make sure that all 250 are sold/pre-sold to the forum. Spark does not want any excess sold for profit or mark up or even showing up on our site or any others. It changes only one thing for SK, and that is if Buck is chosen, then we'll have to fill the pre-order of 250 prior to the order of the knives. SK won't be able to sell any leftovers of any kind. What say you members of the forum?

I think this is probably the best way of doing it either way. I think it would be better and more secure to do a "MassDrop" style pre-order in which people commit to purchase if a certain number of people commit to purchase. As in you give your credit card / bank info and it isn't charged until at least 249 other people also enter their payment information and commit to the purchase.

First, let me express my thanks and appreciation for all you are doing here. I am sure that I speak for many here that your efforts are noted and very much valued.

Guaranteeing the pre-sale of 250 knives can be tricky. Last year, we had a TC Barlow for our forum knife and the odds were quite certain that they would sell out, and they most certainly did. But that is the nature of a TC Barlow... Your polling in terms of what Buck pattern to offer with whatever materials it is to be constructed with might give you a better gauge on whether you have any certainty towards covering that number of 250. If a Buck is selected, I will likely be in for multiples, especially if it is a pattern that speaks to me.

But still, filling 250 pre-orders prior to placing the order seems to be a bit of a risk. I am not sure how you would mitigate that. Get everyone's commitment prior to taking money? If you can't fill 250 orders then the whole thing is a wash? What happens when folks back out when it comes time to pony up? Just seems there are a lot of logistics that are in question.

Well if we as a forum believe it would be tricky, and after making the pre-order live if it looks as if we'll have trouble then we can take the initiative as a forum and try to distribute knowledge of the group order and try to get less regular members or other knife enthusiasts who don't post here to buy in also. Yes, it's ideal to only have forum regulars buy the knives but if we want to make it happen we'll have to branch out. Obviously last year's knife was not only bought by regulars of the porch.

You've nailed it on the head and rubber needs to meet the road. GEC needs a champion with a wallet. As of right now, it's just a nice thought. Does anyone want to take on the challenge of funding and logistics for a GEC knife?

I don't think funding it out of one's own pocket is really the best way for this to go. It is awesome that @waynorth Charlie and @gunstockjack Barry have taken it upon themselves in the past, and very selfless being that it is not for profit, but I don't know that we can ask a dealer (or especially a private individual) to foot the bill without profit for a full size SFO that in every other case could be very profitable with the same financial risk.

I voted, but am curious to know if Buck would make the 301 as a "Texas Jack" ie. a two-blade Jack on the same frame. Clip and sheepfoot blades maybe?
In the usual course of events, it's easier for most cutleries to do a two-blade Jack, hence less costly.

I am certainly in favor of that!

 

[glennbad]

I have been following this thread for some time now. It's not in my nature to get involved in this type of debate, mainly because I just love knives, (all knives) and the friendships created that go along with them are far more important to me than the knives will ever be. Honestly, it's not really about the knives at all, although someone has to keep up with Ted in regards to the forum knife family pics, LOL! Truth be told, I'll buy at least a couple of whatever is decided upon, even if it's just a plastic butter knife. The 2009 forum knife means the most to me. I was recovering from open heart surgery when the ordering process started, but had to make sure I got to the post office no matter what, to purchase and mail out my money order for that years' knife. That's what this forum knife and the "Porch" mean to me.

It's somewhat sad to see the mudslinging in this thread. I get it...you don't like company "X", or knife steel "Y". However, I'd like to think that healthy, CIVIL knife talk is a good thing for all knife manufacturers. For instance, there have been some members in this thread that hardly knew about the patterns or options that Buck is able to produce, and will probably pursue purchases with them regardless. On the GEC side of things...well, they are pretty darn popular right now, and I don't think that is going to change any time soon. Our parents/grandparents would laugh and shake their heads in disbelief if they saw all this silliness over a knife. A knife.

I love me a good GEC, they are exciting to collect, and some patterns are darn near to grails for me (they're fun to mod also). Truth be told though, I'm pretty excited of the prospect of a "Buck" produced forum knife if it happens. Their offerings are different than much of what we discuss daily in this subforum. I was a huge fan of the CSC forum knife a couple years back. It was so different, and excited me like many of the unique patterns being produced by GEC. If CSC had made a knife like that forum knife few years earlier, who knows, they still might be making knives now. Would I like a GEC forum knife this year? Of course. Just like I would like a Buck, or Case, etc. forum knife this year. Who makes it really matters little to me in the grand scheme of things.

I understand that certain patterns or makers are not for everyone. Remember last year's knife? I seem to remember a fair amount of people that were put off by the micarta covers. I guess as they say, "there's a butt for every seat". Unfortunately, there are happy and unhappy people every year with the forum knife offering. I have never been unhappy with the forum knife, I like each one, even if I don't love them, and each one reminds me of another year of knife talk with all my friends on the porch.

What does my wall of text mean? Nothing. Do my words carry any weight? Hardly; my opinion is no more or less important than anyone else's. (Where's Meako when I need a good quote?) My BP can go back to normal now that I've had a chance to vent.

Just tell me where to send my money, so I can get back to drooling over everyone else's knives!

 

[HeathH]

I voted, but am curious to know if Buck would make the 301 as a "Texas Jack" ie. a two-blade Jack on the same frame. Clip and sheepfoot blades maybe?
In the usual course of events, it's easier for most cutleries to do a two-blade Jack, hence less costly.

I'm not sure a jack is possible without some re-tooling. The sheepsfoot rides high (or the clip low) so the nick on the clip isn't accessible... They could put the sheepsfoot on the back side of the clip, or do it like a pen knife... all existing parts work just fine ~ here's a 303 I did in that style I carry it very regularly

 

[joeradza]

I have been following this thread for some time now. It's not in my nature to get involved in this type of debate, mainly because I just love knives, (all knives) and the friendships created that go along with them are far more important to me than the knives will ever be. Honestly, it's not really about the knives at all, although someone has to keep up with Ted in regards to the forum knife family pics, LOL! Truth be told, I'll buy at least a couple of whatever is decided upon, even if it's just a plastic butter knife. The 2009 forum knife means the most to me. I was recovering from open heart surgery when the ordering process started, but had to make sure I got to the post office no matter what, to purchase and mail out my money order for that years' knife. That's what this forum knife and the "Porch" mean to me.

It's somewhat sad to see the mudslinging in this thread. I get it...you don't like company "X", or knife steel "Y". However, I'd like to think that healthy, CIVIL knife talk is a good thing for all knife manufacturers. For instance, there have been some members in this thread that hardly knew about the patterns or options that Buck is able to produce, and will probably pursue purchases with them regardless. On the GEC side of things...well, they are pretty darn popular right now, and I don't think that is going to change any time soon. Our parents/grandparents would laugh and shake their heads in disbelief if they saw all this silliness over a knife. A knife.

I love me a good GEC, they are exciting to collect, and some patterns are darn near to grails for me (they're fun to mod also). Truth be told though, I'm pretty excited of the prospect of a "Buck" produced forum knife if it happens. Their offerings are different than much of what we discuss daily in this subforum. I was a huge fan of the CSC forum knife a couple years back. It was so different, and excited me like many of the unique patterns being produced by GEC. If CSC had made a knife like that forum knife few years earlier, who knows, they still might be making knives now. Would I like a GEC forum knife this year? Of course. Just like I would like a Buck, or Case, etc. forum knife this year. Who makes it really matters little to me in the grand scheme of things.

I understand that certain patterns or makers are not for everyone. Remember last year's knife? I seem to remember a fair amount of people that were put off by the micarta covers. I guess as they say, "there's a butt for every seat". Unfortunately, there are happy and unhappy people every year with the forum knife offering. I have never been unhappy with the forum knife, I like each one, even if I don't love them, and each one reminds me of another year of knife talk with all my friends on the porch.

What does my wall of text mean? Nothing. Do my words carry any weight? Hardly; my opinion is no more or less important than anyone else's. (Where's Meako when I need a good quote?) My BP can go back to normal now that I've had a chance to vent.

Just tell me where to send my money, so I can get back to drooling over everyone else's knives!

Exactly how I feel Glenn. With all the knives most of us buy another one with the BF stamp becomes a special knife.

 

[Old Hunter]

SK, make sure the poll links over to the Buck sub-forum, then we’ll pick up more orders towards the 250 minimum when the time comes. OH

 

[NJBillK]

@skblades, since we are having some wish list requests here, I prefer my 112's a little slimmer than when they leave the factory.

View attachment 893277 View attachment 893278

Any chance Buck would be willing to make a pocket slim 112?

Did you do the thinning yourself?
Nice looking work.

 

[sitflyer]

Did you do the thinning yourself?
Nice looking work.

I did the thinning, I have wished for a thinned down 112 for many years, so decided to just make my own a few years back. Thanks for the kind words.

 

[r8shell]

I'ma just throw this picture up. It's one of the big box store Xmas tins from a few years ago It's from their imported (China) line, but maybe it's something Buck could make in the USA without too much re-tooling? I'm not a cutler, but could it work as a Jack configuration if the nail nick on the main blade were moved out toward the tip?

Don't mind me. Just muddying the waters...

 

[NJBillK]

I'ma just throw this picture up. It's one of the big box store Xmas tins from a few years agoView attachment 893874 View attachment 893875 It's from their imported (China) line, but maybe it's something Buck could make in the USA without too much re-tooling? I'm not a cutler, but could it work as a Jack configuration if the nail nick on the main blade were moved out toward the tip?

Don't mind me. Just muddying the waters...

That 372 is intriguing. It is like a Hawbaker with a Pint sized secondary.

 

[PirateSeulb]

The 532 option is interesting I saw mentioned

What about something like amboyna burl? I'm yet to see a bad piece of that.

My choice right now would be a 20CV (or Toolsteel) 301 with bottle-opener instead of the spey. Scales: some nice wood or micarta, but Jigged bone etc would also be nice

I would be happy with any multi-blade option having a bottle-opener for the secondary, tertiary, etc.

 

[Txjohn]

I could be mistaken ! My understanding regarding GEC financing. If it's the 14 it won't be a stand alone sfo and the minimum won't be 500 . Not sure what gec would require but it seems to be we could do a prepay before production and there wouldn't be a risk. Still need someone everyone agrees to handle the transaction and shipping . Maybe a dealer could weigh in here?

 

[blanco112]

Didn't we all prepay last year?

 

[meako]

Silliness Glenn?
SILLINESS??!
How dare you Sir.
Next you'll be saying reality tv shows arent representative of reality.

 

[glennbad]

Silliness Glenn?
SILLINESS??!
How dare you Sir.
Next you'll be saying reality tv shows arent representative of reality.

They're not?????

 

[1066vik]

Didn't we all prepay last year?

it's been prepay for the past 5 or 6 that I know of, and pretty sure before that as well.

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

It seems it's time for a forum wide vote to decide which company are we selecting for the 2018 Forum knife.

What company other than Buck do we even have a proposal for? We have a champion for Buck. Who are the champions for any of these other knife companies who are stepping up to do all of the work? Perhaps I missed those posts.

Seems to me that right now we have exactly ONE company. Which is one better than zero.

I remember some previous years when the hurdle was something like 120 pre-orders before Spark would commit to the run back when Spark was handing the forum knives himself, pre-2014. Some years it was down to the wire as to whether we'd get enough people who would pre-pay. 2013 was one of those.

You may find that if it's not a GEC, and the sales are limited to forum members only, that you may not hit that 250 number.

And you may hit it in spades. I will be in for one (and maybe two) unless the price is ridiculous.

Thanks, SK!

We've got a solid option in place for a Buck forum knife, including a dealer willing to handle the legwork, Spark's blessing, and a path to making the financial side of things work out. That is awesome!

Do we have all of those elements in place for GEC? Unless I've missed it in the thread, we do not. Crucially, the financial side for a potential GEC run is not in place. I'm not sure polling GEC vs. Buck makes sense until the GEC ducks are in a row.

Bingo.

 

[meako]

Good people of Porchenburgh !
It is my great pleasure to announce the commencement of Clause 5(see page 7 for details).
Cue Winston Churchill voice:
The battle....may be ovah...
But the War...has mmmjust...begun!.
Pass me...mmm the champagne.

 

[danno50]

Will the two dot Blade Forums tang stamp be used on the Buck forum knife? That is if Buck is chosen.

 

[SV-97]

Will the two dot Blade Forums tang stamp be used on the Buck forum knife? That is if Buck is chosen.

Depends on the Steel. I think CPM154 yes; 20CV no. I think with the really High end steels er have the Option to engrave it

 

[abbydaddy]

To be clear, before I go on with the rest of this post, I am totally pulling for a Buck 2018 forum knife. Even if there was a vendor wanting to do a GEC offering, there are no options available that interest me from GEC this year that could be used for the forum knife. When it comes to this year's knife, we really appear to have only one viable option, and it just so happens, that option is the option I want. Things could change, but I am quite happy with things as they are.

But, I do like the idea of taking a longer view and working with GEC to get a 2019 knife in the planning phase. I bet that if we could find some vendor willing to work with us (bearing in mind the labor of love factor and the lack of profit for the vendor) on this we could really get something special lined up for next year from GEC. It certainly seems like GEC would like to work with us, they are just booked up and we don't have a vendor to handle this for us.

Personally I wish we could dragoon vendors (Yarr! Avast ye mangy knife merchant!), because I would love to have a Northwoods knife (I don't own one, I wasn't on the porch when there was a Northwoods forum knife, and I pretty much only buy fancy traditionals when they are the forum knife... or a Whaler), and I really don't see how we could make a Northwoods happen again with the current process in place (you know, lots of debate, griping, waiting for someone to volunteer as tribute--I mean vendor, hoping for Spark approval, etc.), since Northwoods essentially means getting a vendor to let us use their branding for a GEC produced knife, without them getting to charge for their normal profit.

I guess what I am saying is, maybe we (and by we, I mean preferably people who actually have relationships with some of those vendors, not just tagging them in posts) should start asking GEC vendors (or *ahem* Northwoods vendors) very politely if they might want to work with us toward next years knife. I don't imagine this process will ever be smooth, but if we want to get GEC to make us a unicorn, I think it is clear that we can't just say "Hey Bill! Will you make a unicorn for me and sell it to me directly next week?"