Challenge: EDC Something New !GAW FROM TSARBOMBA PG. 5!

[TsarBomba]

Sounds a lot like the Vic "short" opener on my Cybertool. It would also serve as an excellent box opener as Buzzbait has observed.

With any luck I'll find some time Saturday to do some roughing in and initial testing.

 

[TsarBomba]

For my first attempt at carrying a single neglected traditional for a whole week (no 6375! ), I briefly considered a Texas jack I've been looking forward to cleaning and putting into the rotation, but my lack of free time has prevented me from doing any work on it so far. For a 2-blade knife I think it could tick a lot of boxes in the Challenge with its size, blade selection, and classic Case jigged bone, but it would certainly entail starting the Challenge proper in "hard mode". As it is, I wimped out, deciding to start my challenge week on Sunday (tomorrow) and use a knife that seemed destined to participate in this challenge when it was sent out the door as a factory second, never to return to the place of its construction again: A Queen #26 EDC small stockman in D2 and Winterbottom Delrin.





First of all, I have no idea where Queen comes off saying it's a "small stockman" when it's barely 1/8" short of Case's venerable #18 medium stockman pattern. This is just a hair shy of the famous Case in almost every measurement, so I consider it to be among the "medium stockman" class of knives.



I will be pairing this watch-pocket-sized stockman (with wicked sharp scalpel-like blades) with just a modern folder, so it will have to take the place of my usual large stockman, a Barlow/peanut/pen/other short watch pocket knife, and the occasional large back pocket blade for a whole week. I have little doubt that Queen's tool steel and overall construction will hold up just fine -- I don't think this was seconded for any reason other than the damage done to the Delrin during the pinning process -- and if this knife proves itself then I may be sending it off to one of our esteemed modders to put a serious pair of pants on it as my official #2 stockman. Still, relying on a single traditional when you're used to a small cutlery drawer in your pockets is a real leap of faith.

 

[TsarBomba]

As an added bonus to those people who have participated in the Challenge thus far, and to those who will do so in the upcoming week, I will be offering a GAW after my week's carry has ended, for a medium-class stockman in excellent shape somewhere in the 3¼" to 3½" range. In short, it'll either be this week's Queen EDC #26 (near-mint minus the churned Delrin at the pins, only carried once before), should it not pass muster as per Connor's criteria in the initial post, or one of my equivalently-apportioned medium stockmen (think Case #18, Schrade USA 34OT, Buck 303,etc.) somewhere along the spectrum from excellent to mint (or what I call near-mint-ish), at my discretion. Basically, if I like the Queen enough to keep it, you're getting something in the general ballpark.

 

[TsarBomba]

Part 2 of 3 - Cloudflare sucks... :grumpy:

Winner will be decided by randomized selection of a post number from all the qualified entry posts. Posts from the beginning of the thread will be included, so past challenge-takers are rewarded for their unprompted contributions, but only past or future posts that meet one the following criteria will count as an entry:

* Your first "introductory" post of the challenge week describing the knife you've chosen - photos aren't necessary but it must indicate that you are carrying it for the week as challenged by Connor in the OP;

* An "update" post, with or without photos, describing activities or cutting jobs undertaken by the challenge knife;

* Any photo post of the knife, text optional; or

* The "summary" post, after the week's end, in which one's impressions of the knife or the decision to add the knife to the carry rotation or pass it along to another are discussed (photos optional but always encouraged ).

 

[TsarBomba]

Part 3 of 3 because Cloudflare's still being a butthead...

To be acknowledged as participating in the challenge, there should be a minimum of an introductory post and a summary post for each entrant as specified above. The introductory post must be no later than Monday, 7 March, at 12:00PM UTC (by post timestamp) and the summary post no later than Sunday, 13 March, at 12:00PM UTC. An update or photo post will also act as a separate entry, but only if the week is opened and closed with introduction and summary posts. Multiple qualifying posts dated 30 minutes apart or less will be counted as one entry, using the first post's number only. This way, posts that are relevant and add content to the challenge are rewarded and actually increase your odds in the GAW, but only within reason. Simple question/answer or comment posts will not be counted as an entry but neither are they discouraged, and in fact discussing the challenge or the GAW would be a good thing. . The winning post after I've had a few hours to finish processing all the posts into individual entries and randomize the pick. Author of the winning qualifying post, picked Sunday 13 March, wins the knife and I will attempt contact through email and visitor message after posting results here.

I posted this in the existing challenge thread in an effort to generate some enthusiasm about the challenge and maybe move some people outside of their usual cutlery comfort zones, so I truly hope you don't feel like it's a thread hijack, Connor, so much as a spiff to people who put the effort in to make this thread move and my way of giving back to the forum since we haven't seen any knives that didn't pass muster get shuffled off to another home for a second opinion just yet.

Good luck in both the week's challenge and the GAW, all!

 

[ConBon]

Tsar, you always surprise me with what knives you bring to the table, what challenges you take on (NEVER would I imagine you carrying one knife ) and now with such a generous giveaway! I might have a little something cooking up for you at some point down the line, depending on materials available to me.

I haven't been able to do a one knife carry yet, one knife used exclusively yes, but can't stop throwing my opi in the back pocket. It sits next to my lighter in my EDC box (old micrometer wood box) and I grab by instinct. I do have an excuse for carrying my northfield, I gotta work in its pocket sheath . Tomorrow I'll be getting the camera out for WIP pics and I'll take some good ones of my little SAK.

Connor
P.S. I am interested in your giveaway, since I haven't got any I'll carry (the mushy Case is like a burden at this point) and my northfield isn't technically a stockman. I love that it's in here! I'll update the title so more people join in. If it takes a gift to make people use their neglected knives, wrap one up I say!

Cheers,
Connor

 

[Hickory n steel]

It'll be in a month or 2, but since I wear cargo shorts when it warms up ( 9 pockets ) I'll have somewhere else to put my phone and will be able to carry my sodbuster jr in my left front pocket.
I bought it as a user, but just couldn't put the buck 482 away. Anyway I plan on sticking with the 110 till then ( I would love to carry my 33OT or 34OT but the sheep's foot has a worn out backspring on one and the other was a lemon when my dad got it )

 

[Dr-Mabuse]

That Greenut keeps coming in handy! Yesterday I had to change a car battery and I could not get the plastic covers off the terminals. Luckily that tough little pen blade was just right for popping them off! It was the perfect knife to take to The Cleveland Orchestra too, completely disappearing in slacks. Heck, I think it'll disappear in a Speedo but I don't have pics to back that claim up.

I'm looking forward to next weeks challenge, I have something of a sacred cow in my collection. A Northwoods Presidential, I loved it when I got it but I haven't used it in forever. I'm actually worried about running the challenge with it. I think I might need to let it go, but it's such a pretty pattern. That's why I know I need to put it to the test.

Tsar, you rock! I hope we get some more people in here taking the challenge because of it.

 

[SadSappySucker]

I'm looking forward to next weeks challenge, I have something of a sacred cow in my collection. A Northwoods Presidential, I loved it when I got it but I haven't used it in forever. I'm actually worried about running the challenge with it. I think I might need to let it go, but it's such a pretty pattern. That's why I know I need to put it to the test.

Tsar, you rock! I hope we get some more people in here taking the challenge because of it.

Do it! I carried the presidential almost exclusively last year. Lately the 77 Barlow has given it a run for its money, but I still love that knife. That was THE knife that got me into traditionals.

I've since cleaned it all up and started back on a new patina. I wish I hadn't polished off that glorious dark grey/ black.
And I'll echo what folks have said. Tsar, that is very generous of you!

 

[Nature Boy]

Cool idea Tsar!
This post doesn't count for the GAW, as I've been carrying this one for s few weeks (though I will participate tomorrow), but wanted to share my experience EDCing the Presidential.

I knew a lot of people liked to edc this knife, but I thought it would be too large for me, as I general carry something a bit smaller. I gave this knife a few weeks, as opposed to one, as it took a bit to really open up to the new relationship. Once I really started to use it, though, I found that I really liked the extra length, and the blade combination took care of every cutting task I had.

What's more, the thinness and single spring allow this to disappear in your pocket. Once I ditched the slip it came with, I barely noticed a knife in my pocket, let alone one that was longer than I was used to!

I have a new knife in mind that I've been meaning to give some time to, and will challenge myself with it tomorrow, but I'm sure the presidential will find itself in my pocket often in the future!

 

[Nature Boy]

Do it! I carried the presidential almost exclusively last year. Lately the 77 Barlow has given it a run for its money, but I still love that knife. That was THE knife that got me into traditionals.

I've since cleaned it all up and started back on a new patina. I wish I hadn't polished off that glorious dark grey/ black.
And I'll echo what folks have said. Tsar, that is very generous of you!

I hope mine ages as well!

 

[TsarBomba]

Tsar, you always surprise me with what knives you bring to the table, what challenges you take on (NEVER would I imagine you carrying one knife ) and now with such a generous giveaway! I might have a little something cooking up for you at some point down the line, depending on materials available to me.
...
P.S. I am interested in your giveaway, since I haven't got any I'll carry (the mushy Case is like a burden at this point) and my northfield isn't technically a stockman. I love that it's in here! I'll update the title so more people join in. If it takes a gift to make people use their neglected knives, wrap one up I say!

I'm glad that you're cool with the GAW, I was definitely figuring to include your posts as entries since it's your thread and idea and I think it'd be nice to see a lot of traffic in here. I expect we might see a few extra challenge-takers this week.

I must admit that it would be infinitely more difficult to carry one knife for a week if I didn't have a modern alongside it, mostly because I have no interest in finding myself in a situation where a treasured traditional gets destroyed because I didn't have a hard-use knife with me. The last couple times I've forgotten or otherwise neglected to take a big modern with me were fraught with worry.

That Greenut keeps coming in handy! Yesterday I had to change a car battery and I could not get the plastic covers off the terminals. Luckily that tough little pen blade was just right for popping them off! It was the perfect knife to take to The Cleveland Orchestra too, completely disappearing in slacks. Heck, I think it'll disappear in a Speedo but I don't have pics to back that claim up.
...
Tsar, you rock! I hope we get some more people in here taking the challenge because of it.

Me too, and thanks for doing the challenge even before the incentive was put out there! Definitely make sure you put together a summary post after your week with the Greenut's over and you'll have quite a good chance at winning. The peanut's chief advantage is it disappears into almost anything for carry yet it packs a bunch of cutting power and still runs scalpel-sharp. I had to buy one to match my usual EDC big stockman once I caught the 'nut bug.

Do it! I carried the presidential almost exclusively last year. Lately the 77 Barlow has given it a run for its money, but I still love that knife. That was THE knife that got me into traditionals
I've since cleaned it all up and started back on a new patina. I wish I hadn't polished off that glorious dark grey/ black.
And I'll echo what folks have said. Tsar, that is very generous of you!

If I had to make the choice between the 77 Barlow and the Presidential I think I'd be hemming and hawwing way too often. One good thing about the challenge is you save all that time and contemplation. That was one excellent (and uniform) patina, I hope your latest attempt is as good or better. :thumbup:

Cool idea Tsar!
This post doesn't count for the GAW, as I've been carrying this one for s few weeks (though I will participate tomorrow), but wanted to share my experience EDCing the Presidential.
I knew a lot of people liked to edc this knife, but I thought it would be too large for me, as I general carry something a bit smaller. I gave this knife a few weeks, as opposed to one, as it took a bit to really open up to the new relationship. Once I really started to use it, though, I found that I really liked the extra length, and the blade combination took care of every cutting task I had.
What's more, the thinness and single spring allow this to disappear in your pocket. Once I ditched the slip it came with, I barely noticed a knife in my pocket, let alone one that was longer than I was used to!
I have a new knife in mind that I've been meaning to give some time to, and will challenge myself with it tomorrow, but I'm sure the presidential will find itself in my pocket often in the future!

Another fine example of the patina on the Presidential; I am spoken for as far as GECs for the foreseeable future but I may have to start keeping my eye out for one of those ebony beauties.

 

[Tdhurl1103]

I've been lurking this thread up to this point because I've been hesitant to post concerning my "something new" my something new has not been a traditional.

Wait, actually, as I type this I recall I do sort of qualify for the something new.

A few months back I carried my black SAK Alox Cadet in my suit jacket pocket. When I took the suit off I forgot to check the one pocket and after a few days forgot to look again. Anyway, through some changes at work I have been wearing business casual a lot over the last 2 months so.....

Well, at some point I was looking for the SAK to carry again but couldn't find it so I thought I lost it.

Then last week I had an occasion to wear the suit again and discovered my SAK. I was relieved I found it, so it's been in my front pocket for the last week.



Also, I had to say goodbye to a good friend about 2 weeks ago. I took my daughter to a wizards game and forgot my Case SBJ was in my pocket. Security took it from me. When I went to guest services to get the knife back they told me the knife wasn't turned in to them.

I guess that's what I get.....lol

 

[ConBon]

Title updated, Tsar, do you wanna extend the entry date since I just got the title updated?

Connor

 

[TsarBomba]

Title updated, Tsar, do you wanna extend the entry date since I just got the title updated?

Sure. Let's push the deadline for the introductory "challenge accepted" post to Tuesday, 8 March at 5:00PM UTC and the last week summary post to Monday, 14 March at 5:00PM UTC to accomodate. The first deadline is only to ensure that it is an honest EDC challenge of a week or thereabouts, no Johnny-come-latelies need apply trying to slide in on the last day of the week.

My first day with one traditional was interesting, though I think the little Queen #26 might be up to a good deal of what I may need to throw at it. The master doesn't have the size I'm used to but it's versatile and sharp, and for all the stories I've heard about D2 being nearly patina-proof I managed to put one on mine with just a combination of slicing some strawberries into my cereal, using as a coffee-stirrer, and chopping up some salad for dinner.



Something must have gotten on the bolster because it, too, was affected a little, though I was able to polish some of it off after noticing. Consider me a little surprised.



So far, so good. I'm making a concerted effort to check the blade sharpness from time to time and I may see how the D2 takes a touch-up later in the week, but I don't find myself missing my usual large stockman too badly so far. More to come as the week unwinds...

 

[thedraperyfalls]

Hello there!

Compared to most of you, I'm relatively new to traditional knives.
However, in the past year I've sold most of my modern folders in favour of these old-world beauties.
I've haven't looked back since!

My collection is humble, but I do have my favourites that I carry often.
As a result, certain knives have been neglected.

In the spirit of this challenge, the Case Tiny Trapper will be carried exclusively for a week!
It was my first introduction to traditional knives before I discovered GEC and the rest.

I must also add that I'm heavily influenced by Jackknife's stories.
I've read all, and re-read most, of his lovely stories.
While I don't have a Case Peanut, I do have a Case Tiny Trapper!

 

[TsarBomba]

Compared to most of you, I'm relatively new to traditional knives.
However, in the past year I've sold most of my modern folders in favour of these old-world beauties. I've haven't looked back since!

My collection's humble, but I do have my favourites and certain knives have been neglected. In the spirit of this challenge, the Case Tiny Trapper will be carried exclusively for a week! It was my first introduction to traditional knives before I discovered GEC.

I must also add that I'm heavily influenced by Jackknife's stories.
I've read all, and re-read most, of his lovely stories.
While I don't have a Case Peanut, I do have a Case Tiny Trapper!

Talk about starting the challenge on Hard Mode! I have a natural bone tiny trapper and I often use it to supplement other knives but carrying it by itself is a true challenge! Yours is a great-looking example, and I'm not just saying that because of my green-favoritism. Good luck! :thumbup:

 

[thedraperyfalls]

Thank you, my friend!

I was enticed by the Bermuda Green bone too.
It has a breezy, tropical island feel to it that helps me relax in a concrete jungle.

The great thing about it is how it fits in the watch pocket with space to spare!
I've already used it several times today to great effect.

Do you've pictures of your natural bone trapper?

 

[Old Hunter]

I pulled this Buck 501 out on Friday evening - it's another old favorite that has been neglected for a few years. Carried it Saturday and Sunday, will keep on carrying it all week. I had forgotten how solid it locks up; this is the largest size lock-back I would pocket carry, any bigger and it would have to be in a belt sheath. I used it quite a bit yesterday afternoon while working in the yard. OH

 

[mike Berkovitch]

Great idea Tsar your GAW will give a push to using new patterns by the great members of this forum. :thumbup::thumbup:

Mike