Favorite Shield?

[woody d]

theres some very cool stuff on this thread, being a poker player i love that ace of spades. of my modest collection its definitely this one, my newest and maybe nicest knife...





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[ptradeco]

That's a lot of shields! I'll look for a copy of the book. Does it give a name for this one?? The one on the left. I've wondered about it... is it a plus size "bodice"? Or something completely different? It's from a bull head. The one on the right is a "bodice" shield from a Remington Sowbelly.

Jake unfortunately the book does not name any of the shields, just the pictures. I assume this is because many of the shields have gone by various names over the years.

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

This shield is my favorite...IT is what caught my eye in a bin of old rusty knives at a flea market...

My favorite is this symmetrical shield on a symmetrical knife, the congress.

I'm not sure the official name of this one, but I call it a "banner shield."

This style of shield came to mind when I saw the thread title. I loved the GEC on a dark brown Jigged bone Half Congress I believe, it was very busy but very striking at the same time. Unfortunately it didn't become mine, yet! I like the older version too, as I have only noticed it on the new knives.

I find that I do not care for some shields more than love others. I love my GEC Courthouse Whittler in Red Palm, but haven't warmed up to the cloud shield at all, it just doesn't fit the knife IMO. I'm warming up to bar shields a bit, but not much. However a shield or not hasn't stopped me from picking up a knife if I like the rest, and perhaps it is like other aspects of slipjoints that I will warm up/find my niche in time!

 

[pertinux]

I'm enjoying this thread immensely. Ptradeco says it well:

The key is to match the right shield, aesthetically always, historically not necessarily, to the pattern and size of that pattern.

I do tend to prefer "simple," but that can be very subjective. If a shield and knife pattern/covers work well together, nothing draws attention to itself in the wrong way. I can't always pinpoint why a design pleases me, but am bothered if/when something is visually distracting.

... I generally prefer shields with very clean lines. The one that Ken put on the Junior Michigan Pen he made for me is one of my favorites, and not a shield I've seen often.

Ken has a remarkable eye for proportion, whether of shield, the actual jigging on bone, the curves, etc. :thumbup:

Here are some other shields-- on these specific knives, where applicable-- that caught my eye as I browsed this thread:

I especially like this particular one because it goes so well with the etch...

Of my modest collection its definitely this one, my newest and maybe nicest knife...

All hail the GEC acorn. I, too, love the juxtaposition of the acorn shield with the hungry squirrels ('cause you know they are!) on the blade etch. The effect is especially perfect on these little 25s. Not that I'm biased, or anything.

... I'll look for a copy of the book. Does it give a name for this one?? The one on the left. I've wondered about it... is it a plus size "bodice"? Or something completely different?

I was going to add that the shield on the left is colloquially known as the Hefty Helen ("Wholesome Helen" if the inspiration happens to be nearby), but having entirely made that up, I decided to desist.

Of my own modest collection, I would prefer the older(?), more "utilitarian" upper case CASE logo shield that is still on some current production models to the swirly one that is on my Case knives.

The diamond on my trappers is too small, or appears so with the letters smooshed into it:

I like the centered UN-X-LD logo shield on my White Owl, and believe it would look nekkid without it:

The no-shield look is sometimes fitting, as when a small barlow has this much bolster:

I love the blank Tidioute bar on the Appaloosa Jack-- all the more after seeing what it looks like with TIDIOUTE stamped through its middle.

The guitar shield is a funny one, on a funny knife. I wouldn't have bought the above Tango had it not had the guitar shield, but I can't say the shield itself is a favorite. I'd like it more if the guitar head were more pronounced. Maybe.

Fortunately, in the midst of so many other patterns and renditions of traditional knives that evoke appreciation (and respect) for design and craftsmanship, "It makes me laugh" remains a valid reason to like something. Although this one is closer to, "I make me laugh because I bought this one instead of one in subdued, exquisite bone, and I don't regret doing so."

Silly shield.

~ P.

 

[MT Damascus]

Let us not forget engraved shields

 

[RDFinn]

Double Bomb is my favorite..

 

[Gevonovich]

 

[supratentorial]

That's a neat one, Gevonovich. I don't think I've seen one like it.

 

[pistonsandgears]

Thats a great knife with a great shield thanks for sharing.

 

[pistonsandgears]

mustache shield?

 

[Gevonovich]

Thanks Jake ...I have not seen another one like it either. Sure would like to know more about it.

Pistonsandgear
Thanks and that's exactly what popped into my mind when I first saw it.

 

[JAlexander]

Pistonsandgear
Thanks and that's exactly what popped into my mind when I first saw it.

And mine.

 

[TLARbb]

The shield on my BF 2011 is probably my favorite

It's my favorite too. I'm not sure I could get "TLAR" to fit on it properly though. The one that Keith Johnson has used on my two knives is my second favorite.

Ed J

 

[Gevonovich]

http://i50.tinypic.com/fm2aeb.jpg

Seems Adolf, August, Sigmund, and Nathan Kastor, all had mustaches

 

[waynorth]

I admit to being fond of the bollocks shield, but I generally prefer shields with very clean lines. The one that Ken put on the Junior Michigan Pen he made for me is one of my favorites, and not a shield I've seen often.

That shield has been referred to as an "Empire" shield, because Empire used it often from the mid-to-later 1880s and up into WWI.
Schrade reprised it in the 1970s-1980s, giving credit to Empire!
Ken uses it well - I love it.

Nice job finding this old thread Sarah. If anyone can, why not restore your missing pictures!!

 

[black mamba]

I'd put the acorn pretty high up there. I think it looks terrific on this pearl trapper.

 

[rinos]

must be cloud shield

 

[rockgolfer]

Keystone is my current favorite

 

[pertinux]

I have loved this shield ever since seeing this picture...

... and then this knife:

(I didn't win )

... and especially this one,

... which led to this knife:

(Which I feel like I "won," even though it was a direct purchase. )

I have also long admired more straightforward shields, of which this is an interesting yet readily-identifiable variation:

~ P.

 

[Gevonovich]

One more for the mix

NYKCo