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- Apr 10, 2005
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- 8,808
... Or, a pair of Neilsons
A couple of weeks ago, I bought a J. Neilson Whisker from the folks in the Pass Around group. It is one of those knife shapes that simply screams SHARP at you. It has grey maple burl scales and a small bead made from the same wood attached as a fob/lanyard/decoration, which I think is a nice touch.
I had another Neilson blade, but it is a massive 3/8ths of an inch thick bowie. The Whisker is a delicate flower (.110" at the choil) by comparison. Then I noticed a small drop point for sale with the same style scales and decided I should get a companion piece for the Whisker. It arrived in yesterday's (October 29th) mail.
J. calls this model a Badger, which is a great knife name (and one of my favorite Busse blades). Blade length is almost identical to the Whisker, but is approximately 50% beefier (.175" at the choil). They are both "three finger" knives, at least in my hands. The Badger has a much more filling handle shape. It reminds me of the old "well worn bar of soap" analogy. There is nothing but smooth surface anywhere you put your hand. The Whisker has some thumb ridges just forward of the scales but the Badger is unadorned. Both knives have beautiful satin finishes and are hair-popping sharp. They came with sheaths made by Tess Neilson. The Whisker has a belt clip and the Badger uses a simple leather loop. Fortunately for me, the pass-around guys had purchased the knife with a lefty sheath. I have far too many right-handed sheaths in my home. Anyway, the work(wo)manship on the sheaths is very high quality. Stitching is tight, tooling is precise, finishes are smooth and even. Tess makes good stuff to compliment J's blades.
Overall, I am pleased with them both. I see many more items from the Mountain Hollow folks in my future.
Pictures (forgive the indoor lighting, it has been raining all weekend):
The pair:
With their corresponding sheaths:
Closeup of the scales. This wood is gorgeous. Notice the fob on the whisker:
Spine shot:
Sheathed:
Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoy the knives.
Rick
A couple of weeks ago, I bought a J. Neilson Whisker from the folks in the Pass Around group. It is one of those knife shapes that simply screams SHARP at you. It has grey maple burl scales and a small bead made from the same wood attached as a fob/lanyard/decoration, which I think is a nice touch.
I had another Neilson blade, but it is a massive 3/8ths of an inch thick bowie. The Whisker is a delicate flower (.110" at the choil) by comparison. Then I noticed a small drop point for sale with the same style scales and decided I should get a companion piece for the Whisker. It arrived in yesterday's (October 29th) mail.
J. calls this model a Badger, which is a great knife name (and one of my favorite Busse blades). Blade length is almost identical to the Whisker, but is approximately 50% beefier (.175" at the choil). They are both "three finger" knives, at least in my hands. The Badger has a much more filling handle shape. It reminds me of the old "well worn bar of soap" analogy. There is nothing but smooth surface anywhere you put your hand. The Whisker has some thumb ridges just forward of the scales but the Badger is unadorned. Both knives have beautiful satin finishes and are hair-popping sharp. They came with sheaths made by Tess Neilson. The Whisker has a belt clip and the Badger uses a simple leather loop. Fortunately for me, the pass-around guys had purchased the knife with a lefty sheath. I have far too many right-handed sheaths in my home. Anyway, the work(wo)manship on the sheaths is very high quality. Stitching is tight, tooling is precise, finishes are smooth and even. Tess makes good stuff to compliment J's blades.
Overall, I am pleased with them both. I see many more items from the Mountain Hollow folks in my future.
Pictures (forgive the indoor lighting, it has been raining all weekend):
The pair:
With their corresponding sheaths:
Closeup of the scales. This wood is gorgeous. Notice the fob on the whisker:
Spine shot:
Sheathed:
Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoy the knives.
Rick
All i can say is "I want one...... of each!!!"