A Rock Pile and an Old Schrade Walden Trapper

An exceptionally touching story. Your dad obviously wasn't a rich man, and men in those days (like my grandfather) had only one pocketknife, which they carried and used daily. We get attached to all our many knives, but imagine how attached a man got to his single trusted tool. Those beat-up knives were kept because they were still good and useful. Not pretty, but as useful as the day they were new.

I think him giving you his (probably) most prized possession at that time is a mirror into his soul, showing how much he regretted the way his life was going, how much he really loved you. He probably hoped that you would look at that little tool and it would cause you to remember him.

If he only knew....
 
Been to Oaks, sounds like you came thru 'forged with fire'. Keep the knife as is, as a spirit token it will live on helping you do the best you can with your 'youngin's'.
300Bucks
 
After reading that story, I would bet that an apple sliced with that knife would taste of honey and vinegar. Thanks for posting it; it is something that we should all take to heart, especially those of us with young children.
 
What a great read... While reading it, I was seeing what was taking place through your eyes.

That has to just about rip your heart out

It is the kids that get hurt. The adults get out of a situation that one or the other didn't want anymore. The begin to enjoy happiness while the kids have no outlet and can't do anything to fix it. It truly is sad.

If it wasn't for my son, I would have been divorced years ago. But as unhappy as I am, I am waiting until I think my son is old enough to handle it without being devastated...
 
You are living proof of the resiliency and character that children somehow find when grown-up problems intrude on life. Thanks for sharing your story and congratulations for beating the pain and becoming the man you are.
 
My gosh John, this was the first thing I read when logging on this morning, and caught me unprepared for such a heart-wrenching story. Even though it's way after the fact, my heart still goes out to you. I'm very happy to read that the second chapter in your life is now in YOUR control, and I have no doubt your little ones will be well loved and nurtured. They might even be given yellow Trappers of their own someday? :)

I would definitely leave the knife as-is, for the reasons mentioned by others.
 
Amazing knife.....one with a history and stories, I think it's absolutely beautiful just as it is.
 
Very moving story...that is a knife with a story to tell to say the very least. I am glad you adjusted so well
 
That was a stong thing to write about. The pain from your childhood felt through your post but also the man you are now.

My father died right before I was born. Allthough I never met him and grew up together with a stepfather I have missed him a lot. I have 2 moraknifes that was his, One has a broken tip and the other one is slightly bent. Bouth things would be easy fixed but I like to keep them the way he left them.

Helping children and their familys in the process of unhappyness and sometimes divorce is one of the things I work with. There is no way to say if staying togehter or living eatchother is the best thing for the adults to do to support their kids. Depends on eatch and every unic situation. But every time a parent also leaves his/hers kids is a tradgedy. You must also consider the danger of living your kids even when being around them. Its the mental state of love and parenting that is important.

Thank you John

Bosse
 
I have to say that I don't often get on here and read the stories, but this story caught my attention and pulled at my heart. It must have been hard for you as a boy, but obviously has taught you how to be a better father, and give your boys what you didn't have as a child.

When I first got into knives, I only wanted the shiny new Case knives. Now that I have matured as an (amature) knife collector, I love the history and meaning to old pocket knives. I collect knives that have been loved and carried and used over the years and have a satisfaction knowing that I am carrying on that tradition. Having a knife that has true personal meaning behind it makes it so much more meaningful (I wish I knew the stories behind all of my knives). I would love to have a knife from my father, but I have recently turned him on to carrying pocket knives, so I will have to be the one to pass that tradition on to my children.

Your story makes me truly appreciate the old knives that I carry around. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. :)
 
Do whatever you have to do to preserve that knife and give it to one of your own.
 
Thanks to all for the kind words. I debated on whether or not to write that story, and finally decided to post it here.

My oldest son was going through my knives and asking me about a lot of them. He noticed that I had a lot of trappers and a lot of yellow handled knives, and it got me started musing.

Interestingly enough, when my dad died, he had nothing much to leave us but a funeral bill.

When we went through his little room, the only thing I took home with me from his meager things was an Old Timer Sharpfinger...a knife I had given him years ago.

I think my fascination with knives began on that hot July day so long ago.
 
Coonskinner said:
. . . . I think my fascination with knives began on that hot July day so long ago.
Click to expand...

After reading your story I wanted to say something profound here.. But then I thought that the most profound statement here has already been written by you with the above mentioned quote, Coonskinner.

Thanks for telling your fine story and God Bless your own family.

Best Always,
Anthony
 
Great story and great writing
I can tell good writers by the way they "paint the picture" of the setting in my head
I felt like I was at the gate with you!!

I guess I'd keep it the same
If I did rehandle it it might be with yellow Corian or something

I thought it was kinda funny how you we're hesitant to post it in this subforum
I think a lot of us here LIVE for stories about dad's ol' knives
I know they always kinda brighten up my day hearing the stories and seeing the pics.....
 
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