Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[SnailOffTheTrail]

I find the popularity of the lambsfoot on The Porch to be rather peculiar. I have never seen this blade shape any other place than here. Yet everybody seem to enjoy and carry it. I decided that this must be one of those things you don´t understand unless you try it yourself. So, I looked into what´s available of A. Wright and sons production and to be frank, I am confused.

I gather that there are two sizes 3 1/2 and 4 inch; rosewood, buffalo horn, stag and jigged bone. Then I come here and I see ebony (!), some fluted bolsters, barlow (!), differently looking blades, some with inscription, some without... Were those some limited runs? I can´t find those anywhere.

If there was anyone kind to be bothered to guide me through this flock of lambsfeet and thus help me to get me my (quite likely only) first lambsfoot knife, please shoot me an e-mail to username (at) gmail.

 

[kamagong]

That's exactly right, though Wright's also makes a 3 1/4" lambsfoot. They make the only production lambsfoot currently available. All those others you see in this thread were limited runs, unobtainable save for what you can find on the secondary market.

 

[JohnDF]

This Ebony Waynorth was on a pilgrimage home today!

Have a great trip, Ron.

 

[dc50]

And just who is the "Hooves Up" darling in the background with the empty glass suppose to be? I know it's not me because I don't drink wine.

it's most likely someone that thinks a Sheepsfoot is the same as a Lambsfoot they just can't hold their wine

 

[JohnDF]

I find the popularity of the lambsfoot on The Porch to be rather peculiar. I have never seen this blade shape any other place than here. Yet everybody seem to enjoy and carry it. I decided that this must be one of those things you don´t understand unless you try it yourself. So, I looked into what´s available of A. Wright and sons production and to be frank, I am confused.

I gather that there are two sizes 3 1/2 and 4 inch; rosewood, buffalo horn, stag and jigged bone. Then I come here and I see ebony (!), some fluted bolsters, barlow (!), differently looking blades, some with inscription, some without... Were those some limited runs? I can´t find those anywhere.

If there was anyone kind to be bothered to guide me through this flock of lambsfeet and thus help me to get me my (quite likely only) first lambsfoot knife, please shoot me an e-mail to username (at) gmail.

A lot of the nicer ones you see are SFOs and not readily available through the factory.

 

[5K Qs]

Thanks GT. Hope you are enjoying your vacation.

Thanks, @JaxBaron. Third full day in our rental, and I'm having a fine time!

Well, it started out as my Lambfoot Ninety-Three, or LFNT... which I figured could be sounded out like 'elephant', so she could be called Ellie... but since there are two versions, she's really Jigged Ellie, or "Jelly"!

So Jelly is her name. And yes, I have issues!

Union Jack is looking good!

Thanks, Matt. I think that's an inspired name, now that I know the rest of the story!
(My lambsfoot knives are the only knives I have with names.)

Good Evening Guardians
I took the Waynorth out to dinner and got an early start on a patina.

Congrats, John! Use it or lose it!

...
5K Qs I thank you G.T. for the nice things you said. I, too like the Albert Oats Lambsfoot.

Impressed that you took a “casual” walk of six miles. Enjoy your vacation. Your Union Jack looks right at home at your watery retreat.
...

Thanks Gary

LOL! She certainly did my friend, and it's great to see that pic of it, and know that it is with you again this year Hope you're having a relaxing time
...

Thanks, Harvey & Jack. When we're up here on the lake, I eat more meals, drink more beer, and enjoy more ice cream than I do at home. So I try to exercise regularly while here. My goal on this trip is at least 10000 steps per day (just short of 6 miles for me), and that's not been a problem so far, although it seems kind of like "work"!

Thank you Gary for all your posts and comments you're are a Gentleman and a Scholar
...

Thanks for the kind words, Dave. I'm glad there's at least one person I've fooled!

It still has the BEST blade action of any knife I own.
It has a strong pull, but it's buttery smooth, and it 'snaps' like a gator.
A bonus is that it rides very comfortably in the watch pocket for a larger knife.

Cool testimonial, John!

Thanks Matt, I'm sorry you missed out on them too Here's a couple of pics without the names

Those Ashley's Choice lambsfoot knives are sensational, Jack; thanks!

Good morning, Guardians!

I love Jelly (and cheese) on toast! Sweet and tasty knife, Matt!

Here you go, Dwight and Rachel... Signs that Fall is coming.

NOOOOOOO!

Sigh. The leaves are falling here too, but it's because of the heat.

Stellar stag, Rachel!

John, I will keep the theme and add a fall time pic
View attachment 1174424

That's Totem's pile side, right, Dave? Immaculate ironwood!

...
Honey...Did you see my TEW Lambsfoot?
View attachment 1174428

I like your TEW Lambsfoot, Harvey, but the "eye logo" on the blade IS kind creepy!

My rosewood Wright's is now a glovebox knife.

Ever since I absentmindedly left my house without a pocketknife I have taken steps to ensure that it doesn't happen again. The principal precaution is to keep a knife in the gloveboxes of our cars. The glovebox knife is a strange creature. It can't be something you're too fond of because of the likelihood that you won't see it for a long time, the best case scenario being that it is never called upon. On the other hand, it also has to be a knife you hold in high regard because if you do have need of it, you want a good knife.

The Wright's lambsfoot is perfect for the task. I find myself reaching for the WCLF on those occasions I want a straight edged blade. This way I can keep the Wright's honorably employed.

Sounds like a great plan, Christian! I've considered putting a knife in my car, but I walk and/or take the bus much more often than I drive my car. So I'm better off with some of my knives in my backpack.

Shoppers in Leeds were terrorized by T.Rex today!

Some of the knives currently on my coffee table

Probably a Big'un is de rigueur for facing T Rex?

The Lambfoot lounge.
View attachment 1174496

You've got me thinking about "lambsfoot" in a whole new way, Dave, and I don't like the implications!

View attachment 1174544

Great photo!

Great pic of your stag HHB, FBC, but are you sure that melon is ripe??

Cracker Jack helped me make breakfast and lunch today, and we're about to make a salad now! Old photo:


- GT

 

[JohnDF]

Third full day in our rental, and I'm having a fine time!

So happy to hear that you are having a fun and relaxing time.

I eat more meals, drink more beer, and enjoy more ice cream than I do at home.

Living the high life, my friend.

NOOOOOOO!

But Fall is the best time of year. Cool evenings, sitting outside by the fire pit, the fishing is better, and the four wheeling trails are better and less crowded. It's my favorite time of year!

 

[dc50]

Thanks for the kind words, Dave. I'm glad there's at least one person I've fooled!

What!!

 

[akaMatt]

Cracker Jack helped me make breakfast and lunch today, and we're about to make a salad now! Old photo:
View attachment 1174612

- GT

Cracker Jack is a great looking knife, GT!

Thanks for the kind words on Jelly!

 

[JohnDF]

@Fodderwing Dwight, where are you?

 

[cigarrodog]

@Fodderwing Dwight, where are you?

You know John, I was thinking that, but you said it.

@flatblackcapo - You got me partner. Great image.

5K Qs - Thank you G.T. A Lambsfoot knife in a tray of makeup, and you thought the eye was creepy. That’s a good one. Well it sure looks like Cracker Jack isn’t on vacation. May you continue to enjoy yours.

 

[cigarrodog]

Sorry. Double Post.

 

[Jack Black]

Nice-looking pic Kevin

Life is good in the world of the Lambsfoot Jack!

This Ebony Waynorth was on a pilgrimage home today!

Yes indeed my friend Hope you all made good time Ron

I find the popularity of the lambsfoot on The Porch to be rather peculiar. I have never seen this blade shape any other place than here. Yet everybody seem to enjoy and carry it. I decided that this must be one of those things you don´t understand unless you try it yourself. So, I looked into what´s available of A. Wright and sons production and to be frank, I am confused.

I gather that there are two sizes 3 1/2 and 4 inch; rosewood, buffalo horn, stag and jigged bone. Then I come here and I see ebony (!), some fluted bolsters, barlow (!), differently looking blades, some with inscription, some without... Were those some limited runs? I can´t find those anywhere.

If there was anyone kind to be bothered to guide me through this flock of lambsfeet and thus help me to get me my (quite likely only) first lambsfoot knife, please shoot me an e-mail to username (at) gmail.

I think you're onto something there Check out the thread index linked to in the first post, there's a lot of information there. As my fellow Guardians have said, many of the Lambsfoot knives you'll see here are SFOs. Not all of them though. Personally, if you're thinking of getting one, I'd recommend the humble A.Wright & Son 3 1/2" Rosewood model, it works well, is good value, and can be quite beautiful. At the price point, don't expect the greatest fit and finish necessarily, and be careful where you shop (not something we discuss here). If you do order, tell them to check it over for you, and make sure that the closed blade is centred, and that there are no other obvious flaws

it's most likely someone that thinks a Sheepsfoot is the same as a Lambsfoot they just can't hold their wine

Thanks, Harvey & Jack. When we're up here on the lake, I eat more meals, drink more beer, and enjoy more ice cream than I do at home. So I try to exercise regularly while here. My goal on this trip is at least 10000 steps per day (just short of 6 miles for me), and that's not been a problem so far, although it seems kind of like "work"!

...

Those Ashley's Choice lambsfoot knives are sensational, Jack; thanks!

...

Probably a Big'un is de rigueur for facing T Rex?

...

Cracker Jack helped me make breakfast and lunch today, and we're about to make a salad now! Old photo:
View attachment 1174612

- GT

Sounds like you're having fun Gary Thank you, I do like the ACs Yes, I think a Big 'Un would be needed there my friend! Nice to hear Cracker Jack is earning his keep, that's a nice pic

@Fodderwing Dwight, where are you?

Hope he's OK, and that we don't need to send out a search party! Nice pic John, shows how great the meat-and-potatoes Lambsfoot can look

Morning Guardians,

Thought I'd carry some Rosewood myself today, in the form of my Hartshead Barlow

 

[SnailOffTheTrail]

That's exactly right, though Wright's also makes a 3 1/4" lambsfoot. They make the only production lambsfoot currently available. All those others you see in this thread were limited runs, unobtainable save for what you can find on the secondary market.

A lot of the nicer ones you see are SFOs and not readily available through the factory.

I think you're onto something there Check out the thread index linked to in the first post, there's a lot of information there. As my fellow Guardians have said, many of the Lambsfoot knives you'll see here are SFOs. Not all of them though. Personally, if you're thinking of getting one, I'd recommend the humble A.Wright & Son 3 1/2" Rosewood model, it works well, is good value, and can be quite beautiful. At the price point, don't expect the greatest fit and finish necessarily, and be careful where you shop (not something we discuss here). If you do order, tell them to check it over for you, and make sure that the closed blade is centred, and that there are no other obvious flaws

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I had the ambition to read the thread in its entirety, but got quickly disheartened by the fact, that the thread is growing faster than I am able to read. This herculean task's got to wait until I am retired or imprisoned. Index might help though.

I was thinking to order one over the internet from GB, best before it leaves EU, but the quite noticeable variation from knife to knife (e.g. angle of the blade to the handle) makes me want to pick one personally in brick and mortar store. Asking the vendor to check it out for me might work.

Does putting buffalo horn on a knife like this feel right, or is there a huge mismatch between a rather crude knife (?) and luxurious cover material?

Is 3 1/2 inch lambsfoot with pruner handle so much more pocketable than regular one as they state on their website?

I would appreciate a side by side photo of said models.

 

[Jack Black]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I had the ambition to read the thread in its entirety, but got quickly disheartened by the fact, that the thread is growing faster than I am able to read. This herculean task's got to wait until I am retired or imprisoned. Index might help though.

I was thinking to order one over the internet from GB, best before it leaves EU, but the quite noticeable variation from knife to knife (e.g. angle of the blade to the handle) makes me want to pick one personally in brick and mortar store. Asking the vendor to check it out for me might work.

Does putting buffalo horn on a knife like this feel right, or is there a huge mismatch between a rather crude knife (?) and luxurious cover material?

Is 3 1/2 inch lambsfoot with pruner handle so much more pocketable than regular one as they state on their website?

I would appreciate a side by side photo of said models.

Yes, it's become something of a behemoth for sure! Don't go getting locked-up just so you can read it all! There's a lot of information in the first couple of hundred pages I think, but the index really helps (though it needs updating)

If you get the chance, definitely pick one in person. Unfortunately, new models aren't widely stocked outside the UK, but if you can pick up a vintage model, they can be the best of all. Asking a reliable vendor to pick you one out is the next best thing, but sadly, there are a lot of unreliable UK vendors.

Buffalo horn can look great on a Lambsfoot knife, though the one below is an SFO (the 2017 Guardians Lambsfoot).

The Lambsfoot certainly doesn't have to be crude (another SFO below), but it is a working pattern, which most of us enjoy using.

I wouldn't take too much notice of what's on that site, if you want a Lambsfoot in carbon steel (C70), Arthur Wright & Son are the last Sheffield manufacturer. They do Lambsfoot knives in three sizes, and with Swayback (Pruner) frames, and Candle-end (more or less straight) frames, as standard. Most of us find the Swayback frame has better handling ergonomics, and presents the Lambsfoot blade better. The two smaller size Lambsfoot models will fit in a watch pocket, the larger size won't. They're all pocketable though.

Hope this is helpful, but please bear in mind that we talk about knives here, not the BUYING of knives. If you should choose to become a paid BF member, you'll have access to private messages, which will allow other posters to share information on the buying process

 

[Wild Ben]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I had the ambition to read the thread in its entirety, but got quickly disheartened by the fact, that the thread is growing faster than I am able to read. This herculean task's got to wait until I am retired or imprisoned. Index might help though.

I was thinking to order one over the internet from GB, best before it leaves EU, but the quite noticeable variation from knife to knife (e.g. angle of the blade to the handle) makes me want to pick one personally in brick and mortar store. Asking the vendor to check it out for me might work.

Does putting buffalo horn on a knife like this feel right, or is there a huge mismatch between a rather crude knife (?) and luxurious cover material?

Is 3 1/2 inch lambsfoot with pruner handle so much more pocketable than regular one as they state on their website?

I would appreciate a side by side photo of said models.

Here is a comparison between the regular size (ebony) and the pruner frame (buffalo). I like them both - the pruner feels noticeably smaller in hand, but still very capable! You can't go wrong either way!
Ben

 

[JohnDF]

Good Morning Guardians

 

[Jack Black]

View attachment 1174877


Here is a comparison between the regular size (ebony) and the pruner frame (buffalo). I like them both - the pruner feels noticeably smaller in hand, but still very capable! You can't go wrong either way!
Ben

Helpful comparison shot Ben, two great-looking knives too It's worth noting that Wright's website is not run by them, but by a Sheffield dealer, and a lot of the nomenclature used is not used by them at the factory. They don't use the term 'Pruner frame' for example, so other websites may use different terms

I thought it might be helpful to show the range of standard frames Wright's use, though not all these knives are standard production

From top to bottom, that's an ebony SFO on the large Swayback frame, which folks here generally refer to as the 'Big 'Un'. The second knife is a standard production Big 'Un with some particularly nice buffalo horn Wright's had a couple of years ago (the pile side horn is far more plain). Note that both these knives have polished blades, whereas the Rosewood model comes with an unpolished blade. The top knife also has the 'Real Lamb Foot' etch, which is only used by request. The following knife is what Wright's, rather unfortunately refer to as a 'Senator' pattern, I say unfortunate, because a 'Senator' is actually a Penknife pattern. This example has covers of vintage pre-ban ivory, it is a custom knife. The next knife, with the vintage Sambar stag covers uses Wright's Candle-end frame. Below that is a standard production two-blade in Rosewood, with a Lambsfoot blade and a Pen blade. The following knife is similar to Wright's standard production Rosewood model, but it has a polished blade and better fit and finish, as it was an SFO. Finally, a standard production Lambsfoot, of the smallest size Wright's do, with golden oxhorn covers. The frame has a little more sway than the larger Swayback models, and I have also seen a larger frame, with more sway, used on the medium size Lambsfoot, as a dealer SFO.

Good Morning Guardians

Great to see the wolf at the door John

 

[JohnDF]

Great to see the wolf at the door John

Thank you, Jack.
He does howl to be taken out now and then.

 

[r8shell]

Three sizes of Lambsfoot (the horn and stag are SFOs, but I believe they are made on the regular sized frames)

And...Jack beat me to posting again.