- Joined
- Jan 9, 2012
- Messages
- 3,331
When I was just getting back into enjoying traditional slip joint knives a couple months ago I bought a Northfield 73 Scout because I was intrigued by the primitive bone. It proved to be too thick to pocket carry, and almost impossible to open. The gentleman who sold it to me graciously took it back in exchange for an ebony Tidioute 68 White Owl (and kindly refunded me the difference in cost).
I am still attracted to the primitive bone, so when I saw the Northfield 65 Ben Hogan that B Hess had listed for sale, I became instantly interested. He kindly answered all my questions, even entertained my trade offer. Probably against better judgment (because I tend to prefer smaller knives), I jumped, and we agreed to terms. The 65 arrived yesterday, and I really like the look of the bone on this one.
But here is the kicker. When I pulled out the Certificate of Authenticity I see that this knife was manufactured on February 4, 2011. That would have been my grandfather's 99th birthday -- the man responsible for my love of pocket knives.
I have posted before about the Schrade Walden 708Y I gave him on what turned out to be his last Christmas with us, and my grandmother gave back to me the following Christmas. Here it is. That Schrade is the knife in my avatar.
Now I have two knives that are fitting tributes to a man loved by everyone who knew him, the man for whom I named my son.
If ever there was a man the complete opposite of Ben Hogan, for whom this knife is named, it was my grandfather. He was never one to assert himself or push his opinions on anyone, but everyone respected his wisdom. He would never own such a large, and what he would consider ostentatious knife, but I still think it fitting. His love for others and wise counsel often proved to bear larger than expected fruit in the lives of those he touched, so I don't mind one bit having a somewhat larger than expected knife by which to remember and honor him.
I am still attracted to the primitive bone, so when I saw the Northfield 65 Ben Hogan that B Hess had listed for sale, I became instantly interested. He kindly answered all my questions, even entertained my trade offer. Probably against better judgment (because I tend to prefer smaller knives), I jumped, and we agreed to terms. The 65 arrived yesterday, and I really like the look of the bone on this one.
But here is the kicker. When I pulled out the Certificate of Authenticity I see that this knife was manufactured on February 4, 2011. That would have been my grandfather's 99th birthday -- the man responsible for my love of pocket knives.
I have posted before about the Schrade Walden 708Y I gave him on what turned out to be his last Christmas with us, and my grandmother gave back to me the following Christmas. Here it is. That Schrade is the knife in my avatar.
Now I have two knives that are fitting tributes to a man loved by everyone who knew him, the man for whom I named my son.
If ever there was a man the complete opposite of Ben Hogan, for whom this knife is named, it was my grandfather. He was never one to assert himself or push his opinions on anyone, but everyone respected his wisdom. He would never own such a large, and what he would consider ostentatious knife, but I still think it fitting. His love for others and wise counsel often proved to bear larger than expected fruit in the lives of those he touched, so I don't mind one bit having a somewhat larger than expected knife by which to remember and honor him.
I'm glad you got it, and it sounds like a fitting tribute to your grandfather. :thumbup:
