Charlow, the Anti Peanut

J

jon_slider

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Aug 24, 2010
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My name is Jon, and I am a Poser.

I was a member of the Peanut and Pemberton cult for a while,

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but then I met Charlow.

I know at least 2 other people here that have made public confessions about having been seduced by the utility of a 3.5" knife to the point of displacing a 3" knife such as a Peanut or Pemberton.

Of course there are also those of us in Denial, who carry multiple knives, including a Vic Classic. The best way not to be expelled from the cult, is not to admit we did not cut anything.

I collect is denial speak for, I Have more than I Use.

true confessions of the anti nuts
RobbW said:
Hey, I have a Pemberton...

I haven't used mine yet, other than to sharpen the blades, because I bought mine with a Boys Knife which hasn't left my pocket yet.
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jackknife said:
My peanut, my precious, has been parked and for the last week and a half the number 15 has been my sole edc pocket knife. With the exception of the Vic classic on my keyring of course.

I had always like the GEC 15…

Over the past several days I've used the ever login' heck out of it, cutting everything from salad makings for dinner to breaking down old dirty cardboard boxes helping a family member clean out an attic. It's opened about a ton of plastic blister packages, my mail, UPS boxes, and even slice up some nice smoky Gouda and a hard Italian salami…

Grand High Muckba Of The Cult carrying a GEC.
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The difference between a 3.5" knife and a 3" knife, is the former works better on food. Size definitely matters. The extra inch and a quarter of the Charlow at full extension goes a long way.

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Peanuts are for people that don't really need a knife for anything more than open an occasional package or bit of string.
 
As I posted in another thread, I'd like to see GEC come out with a peanut just like Case's for shape, etc., but in a 3¼" to 3½" closed length. I love the shape of the peanut's clip blade, as well as the centered nail nick. Maybe a secondary coping blade, but the pen they have is good too. Under 3" is just too small for my meat hooks.
 
They never let me into the cult.

It’s not just that my splinter-picking knife is a Jr. Stockman. It’s that I also carry a bigger knife. Always. Sometimes longer blades matter. For hard work, longer handles always matter.

So I’m out with the in-crowd, but I don’t repine. ;)
 
I find that 3 1/2" is the lower limit for me as well.
It's hard to admit, but I'm getting older:rolleyes:,
and it is easier to grasp the slightly larger handles.

Also, it goes without saying, when the going gets tough, the handles get longer!!:D
So I won't say it . . . . .:eek::confused:;)
 
Age has nothing to do with it Charlie. Smaller knives may be easier to carry, but when it comes to actual use I find them wanting. Check out the Iceman's knife. The blade is peanut-esque, but as you can see it is attached to a full sized handle.

- Christian
 
Tried several peanuts, got a stag single blade, that is the only one I can get a grip on, though a tentative one. My smallest constant use is a GEC#25, it is robust enough for a secure grip. Charlows are even better, small enough to go unnoticed, just big enough to get the job done. The mantra is the same, but I am afraid I will never be welcomed into the cult, and that is OK by me...




 
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To be honest, I think it's quite a strong statement that Peanut users only cut strongs, but I agree that some tasks are performed more comfortably with a bigger knife (and I agree that the handle size matters more than the blade size).
Now, back to the OP.
I think it's not a question between a Peanut and a Charlow. I just believe that a good quality slipjoint will take possession of a certain number of pockets, eventually taking the place of other good production slipjoints that were common enough. And Charlow's are great pocket knives, just like (in my opinion) Peanut are good knives with awesome ergonomics for such a small slipjoint.
As for size, it does matter, but not as a stand alone factor. My favourite closed length is 3,5", but that doesn't mean all 3,5" feel good in my hands. GEC's #15 frame works just fine...and Charlie did the rest :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
Sidehill Gouger said:
Peanuts are for people that don't really need a knife for anything more than open an occasional package or bit of string.
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Oh man I laughed when I read this - I hope Carl doesn't see this, I think from memory hes a real good shot!

That Ebony Charlow is absolutely beautiful - so close to THE perfect knife.
 
Peanut/Pemberton sized knives are for light-duty "I don't really anticipate any serious cutting tasks today" carry. When you know you need a knife for serious work, a bigger 3.5"-4"+ sized model is more appropriate.

My spey Charlow is now a huge favorite. Until yesterday's dalliance with the Pemberton, the 15 Charlow and 55 Houndstooth had not been out of my reach in 6+ weeks. Both are 3.5" single blade folders which for me are an ideal size for a pocket knife.


Now when i'm out actually working at heavy chores or on an extended hike then its a 5" fixed blade by a fella named Ethan... :)
 
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Jon, I'm shocked and dismayed, so, how much do you want for your peanut :) Just kidding sir, I had a Charlow, very nice knife!
G2
 
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A similar sized blade (victorinox soldier) has been displacing my small but mighty yellow peanut. Its definitely a battle of titans in my pockets.
 
As a woman I can say, "Size matters." Ok, all kidding aside, I usually carry a Pemberton or Peanut on a regular basis simply because most of the time I am not doing any heavy cutting when I am out with my kids. And they fit inconspicuously in my smaller pockets better than larger blades. Most of the time they do what I need them to do. However, if I am doing anything in the workshop or yard or even kitchen, I prefer a longer blade and handle. I can certainly peel an apple with my Pemberton, but I enjoy using something larger. I can use my peanut in the garden, but I don't. I always carry something larger. So, I am a fan of both smaller and 3.5" knives. At our home they all have a special place.
 
For everyday urban carry, the peanut will remain for me the perfect knife. No other knife i tried was able to put it to rest for more than a few days.
The weight, size, shape, blades.. are great, for me.
Anyway, that charlow is looking good :thumbup:
 
Gary W. Graley said:
Jon, I'm shocked and dismayed, so, how much do you want for your peanut :) Just kidding sir,
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Youre not the first to try to buy my nut after this post, but I will never part with it. I am a polyknifealist :-), I dont believe in fidelity to only one, both my nut and charlow are grail knives to me, variety is the spice ...
all in good fun, and thanks to those of you who post photos too

While Im confessing, I did sell my single blade Pemby, because I missed having a pen blade. This coming from an avowed single blade Charlow devotee.

Gary W. Graley said:
I had a Charlow, very nice knife!
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youve had some very nice knives and passed them on to lucky others.. I seem to recall something about a damascus stag nut you once had

whimsical that we are, I once tried to give away a marrow stag handled Barlow, but better minds prevailed on me that time.

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then theres the time I gave away a Grail knife, a pen behind spear ebony charlow.. now What Was I thinking! (actually, I was thinking life is short, and the gift would survive me), Now like you and your damstag nut, Im trying to reacquire a pen behind spear ebony charlow..

I confess Ive begun to include pen blades (remnants of peanuthood) in my Grail knives :-)

this one belongs to Jack Black I believe a gift from Duncan, who after losing his Charlow, received one back from Paul Hilborn

pen behinds, gifts from the heart

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