Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[Old Engineer]

Much has been said about the horn on these Guardians Lambsfoot knives, and for good reason. It's been so much fun to follow this thread as they arrive and view and appreciate them all. From the most fantastically feathered to the deepest, darkest onyx, they are each unique and wonderful.

It's too early to say for sure, but I think what may prove to be my favorite feature of the GL is not the handles, but the bolster. From the get-go I've admired its simple, yet elegant, look. What I didn't realize until I had mine in hand, though, is that, in addition to being handsome, it's functional. Given the hard-working nature of the pattern, I now wonder if the motivation for its historical precedent in Jack's Unity lambsfoot was as much about utility as it was aesthetics.

As as example of what I'm talking about, I find that sometimes for fine detail work, pull cuts with a grip choked up on the blade offer the most control. This morning I discovered that, for my hands at least, a grip with my middle finger resting in the flute of the bolster, the top joint of my index finger wrapped around the spine, and my thumb laying against the blade and my index finger yields a confident grip. I haven't put it to work yet, but I think it will be very effective. It's similar to a grip I've become very comfortable using with puukkos and Moraknivs through my practice of spoon carving and also some times use with other slipjoints when whittling. Having the flute in the bolster as an index for the middle finger is really nice, in terms of feel, confidence, and repeatability.

I fully expect as I handle the knife more and put it through its paces I'll discover other functional advantages of its bolster.

I'm curious, are others also finding its bolster design to be advantageous in use?

I do agree with you on the functionality of the Rat Tailed Bolster . Beautiful Knife and great picture too !!!

Harry

 

[Will Power]

Good morning to y'all from Tennessee! I am somewhat under the weather this morning so I took advantage of some extra time home. I have spent several hours with these four latest additions to the flock. I gave all of them a proper joint flushing and oiling. I cleaned out all of the blade channels spotless and just spent a lot of time generally Coon Fingering and Chicken Eyeing the lot of them! My feelings are that the ones among us that were able to receive a Guardian Lambsfoot are very fortunate indeed! These are truly beautiful knives. They are extremely well made and I know that with proper care and attention people will surely be admiring them long after we are all but a memory! Thanks again Jack! To the fine cutlers at A. Wright and Son a big thumbs up for your extra efforts with these special knives!

I'll tell you what Ron, having those decent knives to fettle and admire will soon have you as right as rain

Anytime you get bored with polishing up that one second from left... I'll give the orphan a fine new home

Regards, Will

 

[Half/Stop]

I'll tell you what Ron, having those decent knives to fettle and admire will soon have you as right as rain

Anytime you get bored with polishing up that one second from left... I'll give the orphan a fine new home

Regards, Will

Much better now!

 

[Jack Black]

Much better now!

Glad to hear it Ron!

I thought I'd carry my ebony today I wish this one had the A.Wright tang stamp

 

[Half/Stop]

Glad to hear it Ron!

I thought I'd carry my ebony today I wish this one had the A.Wright tang stamp

Thanks Jack! I didn’t feel hardly good enough to work today so I’m on my iPad this morning. Your Ebony may be missing the makers tang stamp and the blade etch, but it is still a terrific example with that deep dark Ebony!

 

[Pàdruig]

So I am pondering something interesting today. Last weekend I visited my biological father, who happens to be quite a knife collector himself, and I usually make a point to show him whatever knives that I currently have on my person when I come over. It just so happened that since I was there to help on some mechanical projects, I brought some knives that I intended for work which included my GEC Churchill and my Lambsfoot in Ebony.

Now my father is quite a craftsman and tradesman and has done a fair amount of woodworking over the years and the first thing he said when I handed him the Lambsfoot was, "Oh, this is some nice Rosewood!". I responded, saying, "Uh no, that's Ebony." To which he replied, without skipping a beat, "You're wrong, it is some variety of Rosewood". After that he proceeded to explain to me the difference in grain between a wood classified as Ebony versus one classified as Rosewood. It just so happened that I had my Churchill with me as well, which is in some beautiful Ebony, no question about it, and he was able to point out the rather apparent differences between the two woods.

So that left me in a state involving no small amount of consternation as I began to realize that he very likely was correct. I recall my initial disappointment when I received the knife, thinking it wasn't a very splendid example, and I also remember on a number of occasions that the wood has been referred to as Rosewood by some who have commented on my pictures in the past. This, coupled with the notion that every time I see one of you fine folks posting your Ebony Lambsfoot, it has a luster and density that is markedly absent on my own. In fact, mine looks nothing like your ebony examples and I am beginning to think I might have been hoodwinked, though perhaps not intentionally.

So I decided to compare the knife with Rosie to see if there were some similarities in grain and overall appearance and I am sad to say, I think the proof is in the pudding, as they say. If you take away the color variations, I don't think you could tell the woods apart... That all being said, it is still a very finely made knife, I just happened to pay for an Ebony, not a second one in Rosewood.

What do you folks think? (Keep in mind, Rosie is a bit more "pocket-worn")

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks Jack! I didn’t feel hardly good enough to work today so I’m on my iPad this morning. Your Ebony may be missing the makers tang stamp and the blade etch, but it is still a terrific example with that deep dark Ebony!

Sorry to hear that Ron Thank you my friend. I received this one by mail-order some years ago, from a source I wouldn't order from again. The order form asked you to state any special requirements, "such as tang-stamp", and I asked for an A.Wright & Son stamp. When I later drew the discrepancy to the vendors attention, he replied telling me that the knife couldn't be inspected as they were packaged at the factory - but the knife had been sent in a simple Jiffy bag with no packaging at all! Further, that carbon steel was supposedly so sensitive it might be stained if handled! While I considered this utter nonsense, and decided not to deal with this individual again, I thought, apart from the tang-stamp, the knife was a beautiful example of the pattern, the best I'd had from Wright's so far, at that time, with particularly impressive ebony, so I kept it!

So I am pondering something interesting today. Last weekend I visited my biological father, who happens to be quite a knife collector himself, and I usually make a point to show him whatever knives that I currently have on my person when I come over. It just so happened that since I was there to help on some mechanical projects, I brought some knives that I intended for work which included my GEC Churchill and my Lambsfoot in Ebony.

Now my father is quite a craftsman and tradesman and has done a fair amount of woodworking over the years and the first thing he said when I handed him the Lambsfoot was, "Oh, this is some nice Rosewood!". I responded, saying, "Uh no, that's Ebony." To which he replied, without skipping a beat, "You're wrong, it is some variety of Rosewood". After that he proceeded to explain to me the difference in grain between a wood classified as Ebony versus one classified as Rosewood. It just so happened that I had my Churchill with me as well, which is in some beautiful Ebony, no question about it, and he was able to point out the rather apparent differences between the two woods.

So that left me in a state involving no small amount of consternation as I began to realize that he very likely was correct. I recall my initial disappointment when I received the knife, thinking it wasn't a very splendid example, and I also remember on a number of occasions that the wood has been referred to as Rosewood by some who have commented on my pictures in the past. This, coupled with the notion that every time I see one of you fine folks posting your Ebony Lambsfoot, it has a luster and density that is markedly absent on my own. In fact, mine looks nothing like your ebony examples and I am beginning to think I might have been hoodwinked, though perhaps not intentionally.

So I decided to compare the knife with Rosie to see if there were some similarities in grain and overall appearance and I am sad to say, I think the proof is in the pudding, as they say. If you take away the color variations, I don't think you could tell the woods apart... That all being said, it is still a very finely made knife, I just happened to pay for an Ebony, not a second one in Rosewood.

What do you folks think? (Keep in mind, Rosie is a bit more "pocket-worn")

Very interesting post Dylan The grain of those two knives looks to be very similar, though there is obviously a difference in colour, but I have to confess to being pretty ignorant about wood, whereas there are some real experts here. I have seen some lighter ebony on some of Wright's knives recently, and I did wonder about a couple of them myself, but don't know enough to discuss this with authority I'm afraid. For what it is worth, Wright's packaging code for their ebony Lambsfoot is 31E. Here's another pic of mine for comparison

 

[Pàdruig]

Thanks, Jack. I am certainly no expert on woods myself, it would be interesting to hear from someone who has a trained eye. I think the most marked difference is not simply the coloring, but the texture and grain of the woods. In the couple of knives that I have that I know for certain are Ebony (in fact, the two knives I posted in the What are you totin' thread), the wood is far more finely grained, one might even say denser, and has a very smooth, lustrous feel and look to it.

In any case, I might just order up a new Ebony Lambsfoot from a more reputable dealer and then perhaps I can judge better with another example in hand. The knife I currently have is certainly a nice knife with an excellent swedge and solid construction, I just wish I wasn't so skeptical of the covers.

 

[Jolipapa]

Thanks, Jack. I am certainly no expert on woods myself, it would be interesting to hear from someone who has a trained eye. I think the most marked difference is not simply the coloring, but the texture and grain of the woods. In the couple of knives that I have that I know for certain are Ebony (in fact, the two knives I posted in the What are you totin' thread), the wood is far more finely grained, one might even say denser, and has a very smooth, lustrous feel and look to it.

In any case, I might just order up a new Ebony Lambsfoot from a more reputable dealer and then perhaps I can judge better with another example in hand. The knife I currently have is certainly a nice knife with an excellent swedge and solid construction, I just wish I wasn't so skeptical of the covers.

I ain't a wood specialist, but there are so many kinds of ebony, I could not tell. Maccassar, Mozambique, Gabon, and all kind that don't look a bit like what we think is ebony... Some are quite green, other dark black (what history learned us to be ebony) the problem is that we have the same differences in rosewood...
So keep on believing (as I do) that this is just another kind of ebony. And enjoy a fine knife!

ps : when you're fed up with her, well, You know what to do...

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks, Jack. I am certainly no expert on woods myself, it would be interesting to hear from someone who has a trained eye. I think the most marked difference is not simply the coloring, but the texture and grain of the woods. In the couple of knives that I have that I know for certain are Ebony (in fact, the two knives I posted in the What are you totin' thread), the wood is far more finely grained, one might even say denser, and has a very smooth, lustrous feel and look to it.

In any case, I might just order up a new Ebony Lambsfoot from a more reputable dealer and then perhaps I can judge better with another example in hand. The knife I currently have is certainly a nice knife with an excellent swedge and solid construction, I just wish I wasn't so skeptical of the covers.

I know there are many different types of ebony. Off-hand, Charlie @waynorth, @scruffuk, @Cambertree, and @lambertiana are all posters who have a good knowledge of wood types I think, along with many more

This photo might be more helpful in showing the grain on my knife

 

[Jack Black]

You might find this site informative Dylan - http://www.wood-database.com/

 

[AShearer]

Good morning to y'all from Tennessee! I am somewhat under the weather this morning so I took advantage of some extra time home. I have spent several hours with these four latest additions to the flock. I gave all of them a proper joint flushing and oiling. I cleaned out all of the blade channels spotless and just spent a lot of time generally Coon Fingering and Chicken Eyeing the lot of them! My feelings are that the ones among us that were able to receive a Guardian Lambsfoot are very fortunate indeed! These are truly beautiful knives. They are extremely well made and I know that with proper care and attention people will surely be admiring them long after we are all but a memory! Thanks again Jack! To the fine cutlers at A. Wright and Son a big thumbs up for your extra efforts with these special knives!

A great looking collection Ron! Sorry to hear you're not feeling well and hope that ends soon enough. I fully agree. The GL's are something very special.

 

[AShearer]

I made a visit to the pretty North Yorkshire market town of Knaresborough today. As long-standing members may recall from my Round Yorkshire With A Knife series (and particularly The Wizard's Quest), I used to be a regular visitor to the town, but I have not been for over two years, in fact the last time I was there was in the company of the notorious Earl! I only had time for a flying visit today, but it was nice to see the place briefly, and to catch up with a few old acquaintances. I was just dating a Girl Guide knife for an antique dealer I know, when a middle-aged gentleman, I have not met before, asked me if I had ever heard of a Lambsfoot knife. It turned out he had his father's, so we had quite an interesting discussion I had my Guardians Lambsfoot with me, and took a few pics before I headed home

Here's the iconic view from Knaresborough Castle of the stone-built railway viaduct, which spans the River Nidd far below.

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The remains of Knaresborough Castle, in the background of course

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A train passing over the arches.

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Oops! Somebody's left a gate open!

(Hey! Is that Arthur's dad?! )

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As I had done on my visit with Earl, I decided to go for a chip buttie and a pint at The World's End, which takes it's name from a prophesy by Knareborough's second most famous hag, Mother Shipton, that when the adjacent bridge falls, the world will end!

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Nice post Jack! This is an example of the things I love about the Guardian's Thread!!!

 

[AShearer]

Thanks for feeding my Lambsfoot obsession, Jack!


Thanks, r8shell. I have to say the folks at A Wright & Son did a real fine job on this run.

Another unique look Kevin. Super. Glad you got it.

 

[AShearer]

Much has been said about the horn on these Guardians Lambsfoot knives, and for good reason. It's been so much fun to follow this thread as they arrive and view and appreciate them all. From the most fantastically feathered to the deepest, darkest onyx, they are each unique and wonderful.

It's too early to say for sure, but I think what may prove to be my favorite feature of the GL is not the handles, but the bolster. From the get-go I've admired its simple, yet elegant, look. What I didn't realize until I had mine in hand, though, is that, in addition to being handsome, it's functional. Given the hard-working nature of the pattern, I now wonder if the motivation for its historical precedent in Jack's Unity lambsfoot was as much about utility as it was aesthetics.

As as example of what I'm talking about, I find that sometimes for fine detail work, pull cuts with a grip choked up on the blade offer the most control. This morning I discovered that, for my hands at least, a grip with my middle finger resting in the flute of the bolster, the top joint of my index finger wrapped around the spine, and my thumb laying against the blade and my index finger yields a confident grip. I haven't put it to work yet, but I think it will be very effective. It's similar to a grip I've become very comfortable using with puukkos and Moraknivs through my practice of spoon carving and also some times use with other slipjoints when whittling. Having the flute in the bolster as an index for the middle finger is really nice, in terms of feel, confidence, and repeatability.

I fully expect as I handle the knife more and put it through its paces I'll discover other functional advantages of its bolster.

I'm curious, are others also finding its bolster design to be advantageous in use?

Cant say for sure yet Greg, as I have not used mine, really at all. I have used my standard lambs foot and find it easy to use for several tasks. I do really like the bolsters aesthetics anyway. Will report back!

 

[Half/Stop]

I have this photo that might be helpful in the comparison between A. Wright Ebony and Rosewood. The upper knife in the photo is Rosewood. I purchased it from the large auction site from a dealer that I obviously knew nothing about. The Ebony example is a knife that I was fortunate to win in a Jack Black GAW. I had the Ebony before I ordered the Rosewood. As I recall Jack had hand picked this Ebony from one of his regular sources. Jack, please correct me on that if it is not accurate. There is an obvious difference in the grains and colors of this two examples. Again this is just to help in the comparison and conversation because I am definitely not an authority on wood.

 

[Half/Stop]

A great looking collection Ron! Sorry to hear you're not feeling well and hope that ends soon enough. I fully agree. The GL's are something very special.

Thanks my friend!

 

[Jack Black]

I have this photo that might be helpful in the comparison between A. Wright Ebony and Rosewood. The upper knife in the photo is Rosewood. I purchased it from the large auction site from a dealer that I obviously knew nothing about. The Ebony example is a knife that I was fortunate to win in a Jack Black GAW. I had the Ebony before I ordered the Rosewood. As I recall Jack had hand picked this Ebony from one of his regular sources. Jack, please correct me on that if it is not accurate. There is an obvious difference in the grains and colors of this two examples. Again this is just to help in the comparison and conversation because I am definitely not an authority on wood.

Thanks Ron Yes, I got that one direct from Wright's factory

 

[Jack Black]

Nice post Jack! This is an example of the things I love about the Guardian's Thread!!!

Thanks Alan

 

[AShearer]

So I am pondering something interesting today. Last weekend I visited my biological father, who happens to be quite a knife collector himself, and I usually make a point to show him whatever knives that I currently have on my person when I come over. It just so happened that since I was there to help on some mechanical projects, I brought some knives that I intended for work which included my GEC Churchill and my Lambsfoot in Ebony.

Now my father is quite a craftsman and tradesman and has done a fair amount of woodworking over the years and the first thing he said when I handed him the Lambsfoot was, "Oh, this is some nice Rosewood!". I responded, saying, "Uh no, that's Ebony." To which he replied, without skipping a beat, "You're wrong, it is some variety of Rosewood". After that he proceeded to explain to me the difference in grain between a wood classified as Ebony versus one classified as Rosewood. It just so happened that I had my Churchill with me as well, which is in some beautiful Ebony, no question about it, and he was able to point out the rather apparent differences between the two woods.

So that left me in a state involving no small amount of consternation as I began to realize that he very likely was correct. I recall my initial disappointment when I received the knife, thinking it wasn't a very splendid example, and I also remember on a number of occasions that the wood has been referred to as Rosewood by some who have commented on my pictures in the past. This, coupled with the notion that every time I see one of you fine folks posting your Ebony Lambsfoot, it has a luster and density that is markedly absent on my own. In fact, mine looks nothing like your ebony examples and I am beginning to think I might have been hoodwinked, though perhaps not intentionally.

So I decided to compare the knife with Rosie to see if there were some similarities in grain and overall appearance and I am sad to say, I think the proof is in the pudding, as they say. If you take away the color variations, I don't think you could tell the woods apart... That all being said, it is still a very finely made knife, I just happened to pay for an Ebony, not a second one in Rosewood.

What do you folks think? (Keep in mind, Rosie is a bit more "pocket-worn")

Interesting post Dylan: I'm not sure I could tell the difference. I do know from some old guitars I have that there are several origins for Rosewood and they do look quite different. Your post makes me want to learn more. Thanks!