2023: A Knife Odyssey

[d.2.the.p]

Absolutely stunning collection! Which one/ones do you find yourself using the most? Some of those are so beautiful I would not even let them out of the house

Up until a year or two ago, I strictly carried folders, the focus being primarily CRK and, in more recent years, custom slipjoints. Between the two, I probably have 40-45 knives, so I rotated quite frequently. I truly love the look and feel of a well worn and well loved tool, so that included all the prettier ones as well.

However, once I discovered the utility of a small pocket fixed blade, since I work from home and don’t have to worry much about raising any eyebrows, it became my daily go-to. At first I was really into Bark River, but that was soon overtaken by Tom Krein, and to a lesser extent, Arno Bernard and Alex Harrison. I would then carry slipjoints if I had to go into the office or some other more dressy affair. I live in DC on the MD border, and MD does not allow pocket fixed blade carry, so if I know I am going to spend a chunk of my day there for some reason, I’ll grab a small Sebenza.

Having said all that, one of the drivers of this current exercise is to pay some long overdue attention to everything in my collection equally. It is also helping me weed out some pieces that ultimately will live better knife lives in someone else’s collection.

 

[d.2.the.p]

1/30
Happy Micarta Monday, folks! Today’s carry is a GEC 86 Two Acorn Barlow or “2AB”. This particular model is sporting a satin 440c blade which is accompanied by satin bolsters with some classic green canvas micarta covers. At 3 7/8” closed with large metal bolsters, these are not tiny or light knives. However, if you are a fan a a medium to large barlow that can handle some real work, then look no further. These were beautifully executed with fairly stout pulls that inspire confidence. I especially appreciate the satin finish on this version for a welcome break from GEC’s usual polished finish because it makes it feel and look more like a legit tool than pocket frosting.

 

[d.2.the.p]

1/31
Here we have a discontinued Arno Bernard Galago with an N690 blade with hand-rubbed satin bevels and polished flats over olive wood scales. Worth noting, I have seen this model called other names such as the Bush Baby Caper. I don’t know if this model’s name has changed over time or what, but I wanted to call it out. This was the Arno Bernard that got me hooked on their stuff. This particular model comes with some really nice flourishes such as the two-tone blade, crowned spine & choil, and tapered tang. It is super slim, light, crazy sharp, and is as classy as it is useful.

 

[Therom]

I am on a similar track
Over the years my collection simply went too large and I decided to cut it down
I like to carry my knives and with a larger collection I was carrying and knowing only a fraction of it
So I sold the knives I carried less
For sure I miss some but in general I really enjoy this move

 

[The Hawk]

Needless to say, you have some fine blades. I am enjoying eyeballing your collection. Keep 'em coming!

 

[1911bphil]

1/31
Here we have a discontinued Arno Bernard Galago with an N690 blade with hand-rubbed satin bevels and polished flats over olive wood scales. Worth noting, I have seen this model called other names such as the Bush Baby Caper. I don’t know if this model’s name has changed over time or what, but I wanted to call it out. This was the Arno Bernard that got me hooked on their stuff. This particular model comes with some really nice flourishes such as the two-tone blade, crowned spine & choil, and tapered tang. It is super slim, light, crazy sharp, and is as classy as it is useful.

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That looks awesome. I really enjoy your collection. Thanks for sharing.

 

[d.2.the.p]

2/1
Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. It’s the first of the monnnth.
Happy February, party people. Today I have some serious old school cool for ya - a Gerber 2PW Paul Axial Lock series 2 in cocobolo. I am unsure about the blade steel, but I want to say these were done in 440C. Either way, these knives pretty freaking so cool. The Paul lock is interesting and fun, and the design and 3 5/8” closed length fits both the hand and in the pocket quite well. Check out the video below for a look at how it works - it locks in both the closed and open positions, and the lock rotates with the blade, allowing the handle to be swung for a very clunky one-handed operation.

https://imgur.com/a/SgdIsSB

 

[d.2.the.p]

2/2
Today’s sharp thing is an A.G. Russell Model 340 Lockback in black lip pearl and abalone. For those that may be unaware, AG Russell has been belting out insanely good knives for decades made of premium materials at very reasonable prices. Whether manufactured in Japan, China, Italy, or the U.S., I have never picked one up that wasn’t top quality and an unbelievable bang for your buck.

This particular knife has a bit of heft to it for its relatively small 3 3/4” closed length due to the materials used, but everything has been rounded and chamfered so that it feels like a well worn river stone in hand. I also love the blade profile, which is reminiscent of a Zulu spear where the spear point has been dropped below the center line. This shape is marvelous for common EDC utility tasks. I assume the stainless blade is AUS8, VG10, or ATS34, but I was not able to confirm after 37 seconds of deep internet research.

 

[d.2.the.p]

2/3
Happy Fancy Friday, folks! In the pocket today is the Boker Solingen BFF Damast. Designed by Lucas Burnley, the “Barlow Front-pocket Fixed blade” is an amazing EDC blade. This particular version is decked out in Chad Nichols Coil Belt stainless damascus, 5000-year-old bog oak, and copper hardware. These knives have exceptional fit & finish, thinly ground slicey blades, and are slim in the pocket for carry. They tend to be a bit overpriced stateside, but good deals can be found if you are vigilant.

 

[d.2.the.p]

2/4
Easy weekend carry time. I’m rocking Thys Meades’ take on Jared Oeser’s Native pattern today. Sporting a hand rubbed satin N690 blade with a mirrored swedge and vintage canvas micarta covers with what appears to be either a black paper micarta or a very fine double black linen micarta shield, Mr. Meades’ version is a comfy 3 5/8” closed and is quite pocket friendly.

For those that may be unaware, Thys is one of South Africa’s top knife makers. Whether a traditional slipjoint or a modern flipper, he is known for spectacular designs, interesting materials, crisp anction, and impeccable fit and finish. He is also a truly wonderful human who is always pleasantly refreshing to talk to due to his clear love for life and knives.

 

[foofie]

2/4
Easy weekend carry time. I’m rocking Thys Meades’ take on Jared Oeser’s Native pattern today. Sporting a hand rubbed satin N690 blade with a mirrored swedge and vintage canvas micarta covers with what appears to be either a black paper micarta or a very fine double black linen micarta shield, Mr. Meades’ version is a comfy 3 5/8” closed and is quite pocket friendly.

For those that may be unaware, Thys is one of South Africa’s top knife makers. Whether a traditional slipjoint or a modern flipper, he is known for spectacular designs, interesting materials, crisp anction, and impeccable fit and finish. He is also a truly wonderful human who is always pleasantly refreshing to talk to due to his clear love for life and knives.

First that Dowell. Then Romano. Then Rhidian. But wow - they keep getting better.
No disrepect to Moran or any other slipjoints/makers I didn't mention.

 

[d.2.the.p]

First that Dowell. Then Romano. Then Rhidian. But wow - they keep getting better.
No disrepect to Moran or any other slipjoints/makers I didn't mention.

Much appreciated! You have a good eye. I spent several years focused almost solely on custom slipjoints, so I picked up a few nice ones along the way. There are a few handfuls left that you may enjoy.

 

[MolokaiRider]

Some darn fine cutlery you have!

Keep 'em coming!

 

[d.2.the.p]

2/5
It was a Super Spyderco Sweatpants Sunday with the ultralight Spyderco Air. Designed by Gayle Bradley, this little guy is sporting a razor sharp CPM-M4 blade riding in Ti liners covered with glass fiber scales. Weighing in at a featherlight 1.3 oz, it disappears until you need it and is a pleasure to carry and use.

 

[d.2.the.p]

2/6
Happy Micarta Monday! This Tom Krein TK-1 XL was my last custom order to be delivered in 2022. I wanted the perfect small EDC pocket fixie that was comprised of materials that could take some real use while still looking good doing it.

Tom’s XL version gives you 2.5” of cutting edge versus the standard TK-1’s 2” edge. I landed on a satin CPM-3V blade with vintage linen micarta scales over black liners with a black micarta pin. The result is a slim knife that is an absolute breeze to carry and use and is functional as it is beautiful.

 

[d.2.the.p]

2/7
If you had to choose only one, could you do it? Gun to my head, this Zulu by Bret Dowell would likely get the nod from me for a slipjoint. At 3 1/2” closed, this little beauty is sporting a hand-rubbed CPM-154 blade with amber jigged bone covers and stainless bolsters, shield, and liners. “Snappy” is an understatement here - Mr. Dowell hit this one of the park.

 

[d.2.the.p]

2/8
Oooooh, Bark River. I won’t dredge up all their nonsense here, but long story short, I once had a fairly sizable collection of EDC-sized Barkies and have recently decided to sell off the majority of it because I no longer am willing to support Bark River in their current state. However, I will be keeping a couple handfuls of the knives that haven’t been soured for me because the knives themselves are so good.

In the immortal words of Forrest Alexander Gump, “That’s all I have to say about that.”

So today we have another City Knife from Bark River. (Feel free to jump back a few posts for more of an overview of the model.) This one is from their first production run and is in CPM-154 and is sporting emerald box elder burl scales. This one might just be my favorite Bark River.

 

[d.2.the.p]

2/9
Happy Thirsty Thursday, party people. Riding shotgun today is the GEC 85 Crown Lifter Bullet End Jack with 1095 blades and natural canvas micarta covers. These seemed to get a lukewarm welcome from the GEC faithful initially, but they gained in popularity once everyone calmed down and realized a bottle shield isn’t the end of the world. They’re nicely made, snappy as hell, easy to carry, and are pretty unoffensive to most normies. What’s not to like?

 

[d.2.the.p]

2/10
One good lifted cap deserves another. Here we have a Boker Solingen Swell-End Jack. This particular version is running satin N690 blades and thuja burl covers. For those of you dizzied by the lofty secondary market prices of the iconic GEC cap/crown lifters, these are an excellent substitute and arguably a better knife because you get a blade steel that won’t get dull if you breath on it (lookin at you, 1095).

 

[d.2.the.p]

2/12
Happy weekend, folks! Today’s carry is a CRK small Sebenza 21. This is the Blue Hexx CGG and is quite stunning to behold IRL. The machined facets of the geometric pattern in the polished titanium all catch the light at different angles and have quite a glimmer to them. I believe the CGG or Computer Generated Graphic 21s were released every year or two, the old batch retired and a new batch of graphics rolled out. I could be conflating product lines, though, so feel free to correct me. Either way, it is unfortunate that they have gone the way of the dinosaurs under the new Reeve regime. C’est la vie.