Cult of the one knife man

[Cory Hess]

this post TOTALLY floored me, Cory!! I thought you were devoted to that #23 for life, and didn't even realize you had a Eureka jack. What is it about the 92 that kicked the 23 out of your pocket after so long?

I was equally floored, Gary. In fact, this happened shortly after I made a post where I said that I didn't expect to ever find a knife that worked for me as well as the 23 did. I think the main advantage of the 92 is that it's got the perfect sized and shaped main blade. I had steered clear of the spear point for aesthetic reasons, but was curious about the Eureka pattern. After using it I found that the spear on the eureka is perfectly sized to slice an apple. It's pinchable, and it's sturdy enough to handle my day to day needs. I spent some months carrying one of Evan's beerlows, and found that my uses didn't require a straight edged blade nearly enough to justify carrying a knife with a straight edged main blade. However, a straight edged secondary blade being paired up with a sturdy main blade with a belly works out perfectly. I can forget all about the coping blade until I have a package to open, and then it's right there at my fingertips. It's a great size for that use as well, as cutting a box or blister pack doesn't really require a very long blade. Basically, the Eureka Jack is everything I look for in a pocket knife. It's very versatile, it's easy to carry, and it's beautiful to look at. What more could I possibly ask for?

The 23 is sturdier by far, but when I'm camping, or in other situations where I need a sturdy blade, I usually bring along a fixed blade anyways. The 23 would still be my choice if I found myself in a situation where I could only have one knife for ALL of my needs. It's a bit of a brick in your pocket, but it has never left me wanting during usage. The 92 is just more convenient, and when I need something with more oomph I strap on a fixed blade.

Cory - Does the 92 tap your kids heads as well as the 23?

Do they miss it?

I have to say that this is one area where the 92 really falls short. Maybe if I glued some lead weights to it...
I'd have to say that my kids probably have missed the 23. I hadn't really thought of it until I read this post. They haven't named any of my other knives, and they haven't shown nearly as much interest in them. I think I'm going to purposefully use my 23 in front of them tomorrow and see if there's any reaction. I might just have to give up this one knife thing if they take a noticeable interest in it's reappearance. Dangit, Brett. You may have just pulled me back into this whole mess after I was doing so well being content with just the one knife.

[video=youtube;UPw-3e_pzqU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU[/video]

 

[jmarston]

I have been carrying my 72 for just short of a year. Apart from a couple weddings and one day I misplaced it, it has been in my pocket every single day.

Am I crazy to not carry anything else purely to keep the streak going?

 

[supergnat]

I have been carrying my 72 for just short of a year. Apart from a couple weddings and one day I misplaced it, it has been in my pocket every single day.

Am I crazy to not carry anything else purely to keep the streak going?

You're only crazy if the knife you carry isn't up to your needs but you carry it anyways just to keep the streak going. However, that seems unlikely with a 72.

I've never truly been a one knife man since even though my only real pocket knife for almost 2 decades was a Victorinox Huntsman, there was always the Vic Classic SD on my keychain that I carried for the nail file. Even if I'm allowed to pretend that the Classic doesn't count as a knife, now that I have a small assortment of knives to choose from, I always carry a user and a loaner. I do the same with flashlights.

 

[2Dead]

I looked into that option, but don't like the smaller size of those tools. I bought a Classic and my wife took it. I purchased the Bantam with the intention of carrying it (for mostly the tools) and my GEC #42 (have two). Have a Spartan too that I made as part of manufacturers days at a knife store (and of course buying a SAK that day). Don't care much for the cork screw, but the knife was free.

Have a couple other traditionals the same size as the 42. I have just not implemented this new approach of carrying with the Bantam. If I did, I might even get some use our of my GECs. But I know that would be comfortable with this.

I was looking at GEC's web site and they really have not made a lot of 42's with two blades. The single blade seems to be the one they produce a lot.

As long as you tried it If it doesn't work out that's alright. I didn't take into account a difference in the size of the tools. As for the #42, yeah, it looks like GEC has made a lot more of the lockbacks than the 2 blade trappers. Part of that might be that even with a few more runs of lockbacks, there's more trappers sitting on dealer's shelves...

does your "Vic manager" have two blades, Phillips w/can opener, file and orange peeler?
Had a SAK classic size with those and have searching high and low swearing it was named "manager". Lost a year ago when it fell out of my pocket when I pulled my key ring out.
Thank you in advance.

No, the Manager is very similar to a Classic but with a phillips/bottle opener added and the orientation of the tools a bit better suited to be used while still attached to keys. Basically, it's a Rambler with a pen instead of the toothpick.

 

[KBA]

Cory - I had a feeling that might get you

Nothing wrong in being a two knife guy. :thumbup: I just remembered your kiddos had developed an attachment to that 23 and was looking out for you. All the best buddy. Just remember that 23 is heavier so don't "tap" them to hard.

 

[LoopCutter]

~
No, the Manager is very similar to a Classic but with a phillips/bottle opener added and the orientation of the tools a bit better suited to be used while still attached to keys. Basically, it's a Rambler with a pen instead of the toothpick.

was home last night and found the box and receipt. I purchased in 1999 for $30, and box had sticker label with "Manager". Bought from Cutlery World, because I liked the tool offerings and now more upset that a replacement does not appear anywheres.

Sorry for hitching message to OP topic.

 

[2Dead]

was home last night and found the box and receipt. I purchased in 1999 for $30, and box had sticker label with "Manager". Bought from Cutlery World, because I liked the tool offerings and now more upset that a replacement does not appear anywheres.

Sorry for hitching message to OP topic.

Well, it could be your one knife right? Honestly, my Manager can do most of what I need it to do in a pocket knife. I could use a kitchen knife for food stuff instead of my pocket knife but its fun to use your knives. Btw, left you a visitor message. Perhaps it can help you find the one you're looking for.

 

[CROWEMAG]

Although I have many lovely knives, ever since trading my stag #73 for my new love, the Osage #73, I have been a one knife man. I am in love with it!

 

[matgarsmi]

do these have different blade shapes? ive seen this same doctor that told me it was a gravity knife, using a tongue depressor to cut open an avocado and ive offered my knife but he said no this will do

My work doesn't allow pocketknives of any sort. I still carry one to work everyday. A lot of times I see people struggling to open packages, boxes, etc. and all I can think is how easier it would be for everyone if I could offer my knife to them to help with their task. Instead I quietly laugh as they struggle. [emoji48]

 

[5K Qs]

I was equally floored, Gary. In fact, this happened shortly after I made a post where I said that I didn't expect to ever find a knife that worked for me as well as the 23 did. I think the main advantage of the 92 is that it's got the perfect sized and shaped main blade. ... a straight edged secondary blade being paired up with a sturdy main blade with a belly works out perfectly. ... Basically, the Eureka Jack is everything I look for in a pocket knife. It's very versatile, it's easy to carry, and it's beautiful to look at. What more could I possibly ask for?
...
I'd have to say that my kids probably have missed the 23. I hadn't really thought of it until I read this post. They haven't named any of my other knives, and they haven't shown nearly as much interest in them. I think I'm going to purposefully use my 23 in front of them tomorrow and see if there's any reaction. I might just have to give up this one knife thing if they take a noticeable interest in it's reappearance. Dangit, Brett. You may have just pulled me back into this whole mess after I was doing so well being content with just the one knife.
...

Thanks for the rationale for your change, Cory. It makes a lot of sense to me. :thumbup: I'm not always a very quick study, but one thing I determined fairly quickly after I became interested in pocket knives again almost 2 years ago was that at least 2 blades, one large and one small, and one straight and one with belly, was the configuration that worked best for me. (I think getting, and carrying, a dozen different patterns of Rough Riders early in my new hobby was incredibly helpful in helping me decide what I liked and what I loathed.)

Having said that, your response to Brett about your kids' reactions also resonates with my experience. My head tells me the characteristics, mentioned above, my ideal knife should have, but my heart often tells me to obtain and carry less than optimal knives for "sentimental reasons". For example, carrying a single-bladed slipjoint seems totally illogical to me, but I do it all the time because I have several single-bladed knives that I picked up while visiting my daughter in Spain, or received as gifts from BF members.

- GT

 

[Old Engineer]

I do not know if I can ever get down to carrying 1 knife during the day , but after I got the 73 in some rather decent Stag I have carried it every day that I could legally carry it. After I get the new 77 Barlow in Stag I will find out whether it is the 73 that I like to carry or is it the Stag. The 73 does fit my hand very well , but then so does a 77 Barlow.


Harry

 

[gmrv4]

Quote from a friend that applies here:

I have one woman for the rest of my life, I refuse to get into any more of these situations going forward.

 

[Cory Hess]

2 blades, one large and one small, and one straight and one with belly, was the configuration that worked best for me.

Having said that, your response to Brett about your kids' reactions also resonates with my experience. My head tells me the characteristics, mentioned above, my ideal knife should have, but my heart often tells me to obtain and carry less than optimal knives for "sentimental reasons".

I really like having two full sized blades, one for food one for general use. However, I've found that I don't mind using the same blade to cut my sandwich that I used to cut some rope an hour ago. I could honestly make due with a single spear blade, but I don't like how slim single bladed knives are. They just don't feel right in my hand. Maybe if I got one in fat stag? Once I got over the fact that the second blade is really just there for the ergonomics when using the main blade the coping made a ton of sense. It gives me that straight edge you're talking about for the handful of times a month that I'm opening a package.

I have to admit that since Brett brought up the kids I have been carrying my 23 again. It feels good, and I had forgotten what a great worry stone it is. I think that a good part of my decision to just throw the 92 in my pocket was determined by our financial crunch this summer. I couldn't afford to indulge my desires, so having one knife that I carried every day and didn't think too much about made it easier to forget about buying more. I've also limited my time on these forums for the same reason. It's hard not to think about the 23 when you're carrying it. It definitely makes it's presence known.

 

[PythonDR]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I have an update on the discussion.

In mid-2015, I wrote in this very thread that I could never settle down to one knife and that I’d always have a SAK and something else with me. The “something else” varied from day to day, from a one-handed modern folder to a traditional slipjoint — the latter, at the time, being a relatively new interest for me. (More precisely, a renewed interest from my childhood!)

That opinion was written before I saw a picture in the “Black Box Winchesters” discussion. That picture spurred something in me.

It was of a Winchester 3949 sowbelly stockman, and I thought it was the best-looking knife I’d ever seen. Shortly thereafter, I found one on the big auction site and bought it. I started carrying it in late 2015 (I didn’t keep track of the exact day.) To my surprise, it stayed with me.

Sometime during that next year I even stopped carrying my beloved SAK. It still has a place in my Bag Of Doom, which is near me whenever I’m away from home, but I stopped carrying it in my pocket as an EDC.

During the first year or so I occasionally carried a second knife of some sort, just to see if I liked it more than the Winchester, but none of them made the cut. I even tried another sowbelly or two, but the Winchester’s combination of form and construction quality always won out.

Near as I can tell, and except for when I’m on an airliner, I’ve carried that Winchester sowbelly constantly for about 3-1/2 years now. Most of that time, and for at least the last 2 years, it’s been my one and only daily carry. I’ve even been selling off all of the other knives I own — modern and traditional alike — because I just don’t use them any longer. I still have a few knives in the drawer that I grab for specific purposes, such as whittling or skinning, but none of them see any real “carry”.

This discovery ended up starting a general downsizing of my life, as I discovered I had a lot of possessions that didn’t serve any real purpose or hold any meaning for me. I stopped buying things I didn’t need and started taking better care of the things I already had. Even my garage got cleaned up!

As this happened, though, I stopped participating in the discussions here. I was no longer in the market for any other knives, so most of the talk didn’t interest me. I stop in very occasionally to check sharpening discussions or look at some whittling conversations, but not much other than that. I’ve got what I want, it does what I need, and I’m happy with it. It's become my constant companion.

(Now my wife is trying to find her "perfect knife", so I am making the occasional purchase based on her instructions. Hopefully she'll find it soon so we can sell off her extensive knife collection, too.)

So, it seems as though the guy who didn’t think he’d ever join the “cult of the one-knife man” is the one who actually did!

 

[akaMatt]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I have an update on the discussion.

In mid-2015, I wrote in this very thread that I could never settle down to one knife and that I’d always have a SAK and something else with me. The “something else” varied from day to day, from a one-handed modern folder to a traditional slipjoint — the latter, at the time, being a relatively new interest for me. (More precisely, a renewed interest from my childhood!)

That opinion was written before I saw a picture in the “Black Box Winchesters” discussion. That picture spurred something in me.

It was of a Winchester 3949 sowbelly stockman, and I thought it was the best-looking knife I’d ever seen. Shortly thereafter, I found one on the big auction site and bought it. I started carrying it in late 2015 (I didn’t keep track of the exact day.) To my surprise, it stayed with me.

Sometime during that next year I even stopped carrying my beloved SAK. It still has a place in my Bag Of Doom, which is near me whenever I’m away from home, but I stopped carrying it in my pocket as an EDC.

During the first year or so I occasionally carried a second knife of some sort, just to see if I liked it more than the Winchester, but none of them made the cut. I even tried another sowbelly or two, but the Winchester’s combination of form and construction quality always won out.

Near as I can tell, and except for when I’m on an airliner, I’ve carried that Winchester sowbelly constantly for about 3-1/2 years now. Most of that time, and for at least the last 2 years, it’s been my one and only daily carry. I’ve even been selling off all of the other knives I own — modern and traditional alike — because I just don’t use them any longer. I still have a few knives in the drawer that I grab for specific purposes, such as whittling or skinning, but none of them see any real “carry”.

This discovery ended up starting a general downsizing of my life, as I discovered I had a lot of possessions that didn’t serve any real purpose or hold any meaning for me. I stopped buying things I didn’t need and started taking better care of the things I already had. Even my garage got cleaned up!

As this happened, though, I stopped participating in the discussions here. I was no longer in the market for any other knives, so most of the talk didn’t interest me. I stop in very occasionally to check sharpening discussions or look at some whittling conversations, but not much other than that. I’ve got what I want, it does what I need, and I’m happy with it. It's become my constant companion.

So, it seems as though the guy who didn’t think he’d ever join the “cult of the one-knife man” is the one who actually did!

Good on you, P PythonDR ! Sounds like you found what you needed and wanted!

For myself, I have also found my one-and-only knife... four times this year so far, I think! But my latest is "the one" for sure...

 

[PythonDR]

Good on you, P PythonDR ! Sounds like you found what you needed and wanted!

For myself, I have also found my one-and-only knife... four times this year so far, I think! But my latest is "the one" for sure...

I thinks that's what's known as "serial monogamy"!

 

[cortopar]

Interesting perspective P PythonDR . I’d bet that you’re not the first who finds that one step into minimalism or downsizing leads to others.

I have a number of knives that could easily be “the one.” I don’t have any particularly odd or demanding needs, other than a strong bias for multi-blade traditionals. I don’t want to own so many things that storing and caring for them becomes, itself, a burden. Nor do I want so much money tied up in things that it impairs other areas of life, including saving/investing for the future, etc.

But, having flirted with my own downsizing/minimalism phase, I’ve come to a place where I can own a number of things and use them just because I enjoy it - even if they don’t fill some unmet need that could be satisfied by only owning one. Whether it’s pipes, knives, guitars, watches. There are some things that simply give me joy to own and use.

Whether you stay a one knife man for life, or end up re-acquiring a few more, I’m glad you’ve been able to have a cool experience and some self-awareness as a result. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed reading your journey.

 

[Elgatodeacero]

I think the current abundance of widespread material wealth, supply chain efficiencies, easy access to raw materials, etc. would have been hard to imagine 100 years ago. Owning more than one of most anything meant you were rich.

also, even 50 years ago a knife was needed to perform many daily work tasks and for food prep. Now most food comes in tear open packages.

knives are being safety engineered out of daily corporate consumer life and so collectors are needed to insure the art and function of this critical tool lives on!

by buying lots of knives you are saving the best of the past for the future. you are a noble person.

 

[PythonDR]

knives are being safety engineered out of daily corporate consumer life and so collectors are needed to insure the art and function of this critical tool lives on!

by buying lots of knives you are saving the best of the past for the future. you are a noble person.

I prefer to think of it this way: by no longer being in the knife market, I'm leaving more of those Waynorth SFOs for the rest of you!