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LOL! Fantastic P, I'm looking forward to seeing this unfold over the years to come :thumbup:
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
"Carl's Lounge" (Off-Topic Discussion, Traditional Knife "Tales & Vignettes")
- Thread starter jackknife
- Start date
r8shell
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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*r8shell, should there be any doubt? You and I are "knife guys" too.
Oh, I grew up with older brothers, so I know "guys" can be a gender neutral term. As in: "What are you guys up to? Well, stop it and clean up this mess!" ,meant all of us.
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The GEC #56 might be a good choice while her hands are still small. Mine was actually the very first GEC that I purchased. I thought it was a "Bradford Cutlery" Trapper (#73 pattern) from a certain dealer but it was a few months later. I was making up a "knife list" today and purchase dates as best I could. I know that I don't have so many, but I'm up to 13 now. Planning on taking pictures and inserting into the document. Should be cool. The Schrades were the imputus to do the list even though I should have had one already.
silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
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Sarah, that is great that you have gotten the younger generation interested. Self reliance will be the best lesson she can learn from having a knife, but it will be quite fun whittling her pencils 
.
.
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Sarah, that's a great story about your niece!! Thanks for sharing it with us. :thumbup::thumbup: I loved her "running commentary" , since I'm often accused of talking to myself (when I think I'm just thinking the words, not actually uttering them audibly 
). My favorite line was, "My fingers only hurt when I take them off the micro." There have been so many activities in my life that seem so enjoyable at the time, but when I finally quit I realize I was damaging myself! 
- GT
). My favorite line was, "My fingers only hurt when I take them off the micro." There have been so many activities in my life that seem so enjoyable at the time, but when I finally quit I realize I was damaging myself! - GT
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Recently, my shepherd, Scout, has been in bad health. Two times during the past week I thought we were going to have to put him down. Some of you may know I've been a professional dog trainer, and since I have no children, the past twelve years has been working on him. He is my masterpiece. He is my son. This week has been hard, but he seems to be improving. But it made me think of the future and how time is a thief. I had to do a little writing. I hope you will indulge me with what I wrote.
Of Dogs and Knives
Mac was lost in his own thoughts whittling on a piece of wood there on the front porch of his home when the blue-eyed Australian Shepherd at his feet snapped his head up to see who was coming up the path. Mac smiled at the ever alert dog, already seeing the visitor was a boy named Ross who was a neighbor.
Ross and his mother had moved into the area a couple of years ago and Mac knew it was just the two of them trying to make it together in a strange town. The old man tried to help whenever they needed it and hated that the boy didnt have a whole lot of male guidance. It felt good to lend a little since he had no children of his own.
The dogs ears relaxed and his butt started to wiggle as though trying to furiously wag a tail that wasnt there. The dog liked that boy. He knew just how to scratch that right spot just behind the ears.
Hey, Mr. Mac! the boy called out as he approached the porch.
Stop calling me that, boy. Its just Mac, said the old man.
Mom insists, replied the Ross.
Fine. When youre talking to her you can call me that, but when youre talking to me its just Mac. I feel old enough without you putting any emphasis on it.
The boy smiled and nodded in agreement as he continued, And, she asked me to bring you this, as he held out a freshly baked pecan pie.
Whats this for?
You fixed the leaky faucet in the bathroom, the sink pipe in the kitchen, and that sticking closet door.
The old man smiled and said Since you helped, I suppose you get to share in the spoils. Cmon in and lets carve up that pie.
Mac looked down and could see the dog was nearly beside himself with excitement because of the visitor. He smiled and told the dog Go on, Barlow. Say hi. The dog sprang to greet boy who knelt down to scratch that perfect spot behind the ears.
Inside as Mac retrieved a couple of plates and glasses, the boy looked in fascination at a few displays the old man had of antique pocket knives. He then heard the old man issue a command to the dog.
Barlow. Milk.
The boy watched as the dog walked to the refrigerator, tugged on a dishtowel looped through the handle opening the refrigerator. The dog then grabbed a plastic pint bottle of milk and took it to the old man.
Another. Milk.
The boy watched in fascination as the dog retrieved another bottle, then went back to push the door to the refrigerator closed again. When he was done, he found his way to his bed close to the hearth.
Wow. Just wow. That was amazing Mac. I knew Barlow was smart but I had no idea he could that. How did you teach that?
I used to be a professional trainer a long time ago. It all started with that one, Mac said pointing to the mantle.
Ross looked and saw three individual framed photographs of three different dogs on mantle behind three small boxes. Two had a pocket knife in front of their box.
Which one, Mac?
The one in the middle. The big black shepherd.Mac motioned again.
Ross looked at the picture in the middle of the mantle. It was of a black German Shepherd Dog that had longer than average hair, which with the golden eyes, gave the dog a wolf like appearance. Even though Ross could imagine that this beautifully striking dog could appear terrifyingly intimidating, the image captured a face with what the boy could only describe as a happy smiling face. In front of the photograph was a wooden box, and in front of that was an old pocket knife with Scout inscribed on the shield of the knife.
Ross looked at the knife, then to the sleeping dog next to the hearth, then back to the knife. Ross remembered one of Macs small displays of antique pocket knives, and how several of those had Barlow inscribed on them.
Is Barlow named after a knife?
Yes, he is actually. I felt it was an appropriate name for him since hes not too big, very unassuming, strong, sturdy, and as youve seen, pretty useful.
So this dog on the mantle was named Scout? After a knife?
Mac smiled. Yes, his name was Scout, but he wasnt named after a knife. That just happened to be an interesting and appropriate coincidence. He was named Scout because I got him to be a Search and Rescue dog. His job was to scout for people who were lost. He was fantastic at it if it was me he was trying to find. Anyone else, and they shouldnt have been out there.
So the knife? asked Ross.
The knife is what a lot of people call a camp or scout pattern. Used to be if you had one of those there wasnt anything you couldnt do. Open cans, bottles, slice, cut, bore, punch, turn screws, you name it. When I had Scout I felt like he could do anything too. He went with me to school when I went off to learn to be a trainer. I trained him in obedience, tracking, agility, scent discrimination, and protection. He was amazing and taught me a lot.
Ross saw the old mans chin quiver and his eyes get misty.
He was with me through some of the best and worst times of my life. The old man reached up and put his hand on the box.
Hes still with me.
Ross realized the box held the ashes of the big black shepherd. He also realized the other two dogs on the mantle were in the boxes that were there too.
Mac gathered himself, wiped his eyes, and continued.
Whit here was a mixed stray that wandered up one day and stayed. He showed up with a stick in his mouth and loved to just lay around chewing on them, whittling them down to stubs. So, I named him Whit as in whittler, Mac said showing Ross the whittler pattern knife in front of the box.
And, what about this one? Ross asked. He has no knife.
Thats Bay, said Mac pointing to the picture of the black and red face of a very intimidating looking dog. Bay was a Beauceron, a French herding breed that was also used as a military and police dog in France. He was the guardian of the house for a while during a time when I felt we needed it. He was named after the city of Bayonne, France, birthplace of the Bayonet,
Mac pointed toward a plaque on the wall that had an M-9 bayonet mounted to it and the insignia of the 7thID, Macs old Army unit The Bayonet Division.
Thats his.
So Barlow? The boy trailed off.
I wouldnt worry about him too much. Hes only two, and will probably outlast me, much like these old Barlows outlasted all of their owners, Mac said motioning to a small case of displayed antique Barlow knives.
But the boy trailed off.
Ill have to find someone who I know and can trust to take care of him. Someone who has the knowledge and heart, replied Mac, knowing where the boy was going.
Dogs and knives have a lot in common in that different breeds were bred for specific jobs, just like knives are designed in different patterns for specific jobs. They are also alike in the fact that they are often the best friend a man or boy could have.
Will you teach me about dogs and knives, Mac? asked the boy.
The old man smiled, knowing he had planted a seed. Absolutely! How about we get started over a slice of your moms pecan pie?
Of Dogs and Knives
Mac was lost in his own thoughts whittling on a piece of wood there on the front porch of his home when the blue-eyed Australian Shepherd at his feet snapped his head up to see who was coming up the path. Mac smiled at the ever alert dog, already seeing the visitor was a boy named Ross who was a neighbor.
Ross and his mother had moved into the area a couple of years ago and Mac knew it was just the two of them trying to make it together in a strange town. The old man tried to help whenever they needed it and hated that the boy didnt have a whole lot of male guidance. It felt good to lend a little since he had no children of his own.
The dogs ears relaxed and his butt started to wiggle as though trying to furiously wag a tail that wasnt there. The dog liked that boy. He knew just how to scratch that right spot just behind the ears.
Hey, Mr. Mac! the boy called out as he approached the porch.
Stop calling me that, boy. Its just Mac, said the old man.
Mom insists, replied the Ross.
Fine. When youre talking to her you can call me that, but when youre talking to me its just Mac. I feel old enough without you putting any emphasis on it.
The boy smiled and nodded in agreement as he continued, And, she asked me to bring you this, as he held out a freshly baked pecan pie.
Whats this for?
You fixed the leaky faucet in the bathroom, the sink pipe in the kitchen, and that sticking closet door.
The old man smiled and said Since you helped, I suppose you get to share in the spoils. Cmon in and lets carve up that pie.
Mac looked down and could see the dog was nearly beside himself with excitement because of the visitor. He smiled and told the dog Go on, Barlow. Say hi. The dog sprang to greet boy who knelt down to scratch that perfect spot behind the ears.
Inside as Mac retrieved a couple of plates and glasses, the boy looked in fascination at a few displays the old man had of antique pocket knives. He then heard the old man issue a command to the dog.
Barlow. Milk.
The boy watched as the dog walked to the refrigerator, tugged on a dishtowel looped through the handle opening the refrigerator. The dog then grabbed a plastic pint bottle of milk and took it to the old man.
Another. Milk.
The boy watched in fascination as the dog retrieved another bottle, then went back to push the door to the refrigerator closed again. When he was done, he found his way to his bed close to the hearth.
Wow. Just wow. That was amazing Mac. I knew Barlow was smart but I had no idea he could that. How did you teach that?
I used to be a professional trainer a long time ago. It all started with that one, Mac said pointing to the mantle.
Ross looked and saw three individual framed photographs of three different dogs on mantle behind three small boxes. Two had a pocket knife in front of their box.
Which one, Mac?
The one in the middle. The big black shepherd.Mac motioned again.
Ross looked at the picture in the middle of the mantle. It was of a black German Shepherd Dog that had longer than average hair, which with the golden eyes, gave the dog a wolf like appearance. Even though Ross could imagine that this beautifully striking dog could appear terrifyingly intimidating, the image captured a face with what the boy could only describe as a happy smiling face. In front of the photograph was a wooden box, and in front of that was an old pocket knife with Scout inscribed on the shield of the knife.
Ross looked at the knife, then to the sleeping dog next to the hearth, then back to the knife. Ross remembered one of Macs small displays of antique pocket knives, and how several of those had Barlow inscribed on them.
Is Barlow named after a knife?
Yes, he is actually. I felt it was an appropriate name for him since hes not too big, very unassuming, strong, sturdy, and as youve seen, pretty useful.
So this dog on the mantle was named Scout? After a knife?
Mac smiled. Yes, his name was Scout, but he wasnt named after a knife. That just happened to be an interesting and appropriate coincidence. He was named Scout because I got him to be a Search and Rescue dog. His job was to scout for people who were lost. He was fantastic at it if it was me he was trying to find. Anyone else, and they shouldnt have been out there.
So the knife? asked Ross.
The knife is what a lot of people call a camp or scout pattern. Used to be if you had one of those there wasnt anything you couldnt do. Open cans, bottles, slice, cut, bore, punch, turn screws, you name it. When I had Scout I felt like he could do anything too. He went with me to school when I went off to learn to be a trainer. I trained him in obedience, tracking, agility, scent discrimination, and protection. He was amazing and taught me a lot.
Ross saw the old mans chin quiver and his eyes get misty.
He was with me through some of the best and worst times of my life. The old man reached up and put his hand on the box.
Hes still with me.
Ross realized the box held the ashes of the big black shepherd. He also realized the other two dogs on the mantle were in the boxes that were there too.
Mac gathered himself, wiped his eyes, and continued.
Whit here was a mixed stray that wandered up one day and stayed. He showed up with a stick in his mouth and loved to just lay around chewing on them, whittling them down to stubs. So, I named him Whit as in whittler, Mac said showing Ross the whittler pattern knife in front of the box.
And, what about this one? Ross asked. He has no knife.
Thats Bay, said Mac pointing to the picture of the black and red face of a very intimidating looking dog. Bay was a Beauceron, a French herding breed that was also used as a military and police dog in France. He was the guardian of the house for a while during a time when I felt we needed it. He was named after the city of Bayonne, France, birthplace of the Bayonet,
Mac pointed toward a plaque on the wall that had an M-9 bayonet mounted to it and the insignia of the 7thID, Macs old Army unit The Bayonet Division.
Thats his.
So Barlow? The boy trailed off.
I wouldnt worry about him too much. Hes only two, and will probably outlast me, much like these old Barlows outlasted all of their owners, Mac said motioning to a small case of displayed antique Barlow knives.
But the boy trailed off.
Ill have to find someone who I know and can trust to take care of him. Someone who has the knowledge and heart, replied Mac, knowing where the boy was going.
Dogs and knives have a lot in common in that different breeds were bred for specific jobs, just like knives are designed in different patterns for specific jobs. They are also alike in the fact that they are often the best friend a man or boy could have.
Will you teach me about dogs and knives, Mac? asked the boy.
The old man smiled, knowing he had planted a seed. Absolutely! How about we get started over a slice of your moms pecan pie?
silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2005
- Messages
- 20,039
My old yellow labrador, Beau, 14 years old, is sick too. I don't want him to be in pain, but I also don't want to do what needs to be done. It is tough, thank you for that story, it means a lot to me. You should write more.
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- Jul 25, 2010
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- 7,432
First of all - thanks to the great recovery wishes I got during the last few days and weeks. it actually helped.
Today was the day I hoped to get answers but instead it is just more confusing now. The lung specialist didn´t find anything. These organs even work great it seems. If there is an allergic reaction, he can´t tell. But he is thinking that it is an issue of my heart. Eventually malfunction
So this will be the next specialist I have to visit. Need to go to my regular doctor tomorrow and see what she is saying and to get my papers.
It really sucks right now...
Today was the day I hoped to get answers but instead it is just more confusing now. The lung specialist didn´t find anything. These organs even work great it seems. If there is an allergic reaction, he can´t tell. But he is thinking that it is an issue of my heart. Eventually malfunction
So this will be the next specialist I have to visit. Need to go to my regular doctor tomorrow and see what she is saying and to get my papers.
It really sucks right now...
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2011
- Messages
- 3,525
First of all - thanks to the great recovery wishes I got during the last few days and weeks. it actually helped.
Today was the day I hoped to get answers but instead it is just more confusing now. The lung specialist didn´t find anything. These organs even work great it seems. If there is an allergic reaction, he can´t tell. But he is thinking that it is an issue of my heart. Eventually malfunction
So this will be the next specialist I have to visit. Need to go to my regular doctor tomorrow and see what she is saying and to get my papers.
It really sucks right now...
Goodness me! What a awful result. Keep your chin up Andi, I'm sure you'll find an answer soon. We'll keep praying for you brother.
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- Dec 2, 2005
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Andi, very sorry to hear that nothing has been resolved my friend, and that there is more worry ahead for you and your family. I hope that you are well soon, and that the next specialist can give you good news. I'm sure that you know that all your many friends here are thinking of you and wishing you all the best :thumbup:
Jack
Jack
r8shell
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Andi, I can't express my thoughts better than Jack just did.
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Andi, sorry to hear that the doctor couldn't give you more definite news (although learning that the lungs are NOT a problem is encouraging). I hope you're able to be patient with the ongoing uncertainty, and I'll keep you in my prayers.
- GT
- GT
silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2005
- Messages
- 20,039
First of all - thanks to the great recovery wishes I got during the last few days and weeks. it actually helped.
Today was the day I hoped to get answers but instead it is just more confusing now. The lung specialist didn´t find anything. These organs even work great it seems. If there is an allergic reaction, he can´t tell. But he is thinking that it is an issue of my heart. Eventually malfunction
So this will be the next specialist I have to visit. Need to go to my regular doctor tomorrow and see what she is saying and to get my papers.
It really sucks right now...
Get your doctor to check out cardura/doxasozin. Works great for me, and I am a recovering porker with atrial fibrillation. Andi, I am praying for you man.
Will Power
Gold Member
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- 33,363
Andi, I send power and health to you, fear not! I'd advise sticking to your regular doctor, specialists often just know one area and are not that good on the general aspect. I also prescribe a new knife, that ought to work!
Regards, Dr. Power
Regards, Dr. Power
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- Dec 11, 2011
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- 2,618
Andi - I hope your docs can get down to it for you. My wife is going through a similar situation right now so I know how stressed you are. Even with all the different specialists involved, no useful answers yet, that stinks! My sweetheart can't work, and most areas of our lives have been affected. I really feel for you and truly wish for the best outcome. Hang in there!:thumbup: