For a while back in the 80's I played around with and had a small collection of "modern" knives. Zytel handles, single blades with a lock, bead blasted stainless steel. Even fooled around with a Pacific Cutlery company balisong. They were okay. I guess I was trying the "new" stuff, design wise.
But in the 80's I had some family members pass on, and I inherited thier old pocket knives since I was the knife knut of the family. When grandad passed away, Uncle Mike gave me his old stag Hen and Rooster stockman that was in a old cigar box with a brown paper note taped to it that said "for the pup". What he always called me. About a week before dad went from his lukimia, he gave me his old Case pocket knife and the old Colt woodsman, and told me they were his very good friends and may they serve me as good as him. About a week after dad's wake I found myself sitting in the bedroom holding the old peanut and grandads stockman and turning them over in my hands thinking alot of things. Mostly how these two men who were extremely influencial in my life got by with the simple tools they chose for their lifestyle, different as they were. It was a turning point of some sort, because all of a sudden the new stuff didn't mean anything to me anymore. I sold off, gave away the modern stuff and started carrying dad's old peanut. A year or two later it got sent back to Case to have the cracked handle scale and worn out main blade replaced. It's been traditional ever since. Now the modern knife hold zero interest to me. The only single blade locking folder I have is a few Opinels.
Just thought, I would add some drool factor to the thread. It is an old one of Don's, he did not do the engraving, engraver unknown.
