Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[cigarrodog]

Good show today Knights (and honorary Knight)!

Thank you for the honory title, Dan. That sure is a wonderful looking pair of baguettes.

Amazing detail in that closeup shot.

Thank you John. Excellent “today’s post” of your Lamb Foot.

Terrific old Lambsfoot Harvey! Beautiful bread my friend!

Thank you kindly, Ron. Gorgeous Slater Lamb Foot.

the Heart & Pistol really is a classic tang stamp

Thank you Jack. Nicely balanced Hartshead image. Gingerbread Ale...Nice.

Good Evening Guardians.

A couple of snaps from today’s walk.

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks Rachel I agree on new knives with etched blades, they haven't earned their stripes and the etch disappears with a little use the antiques developed a soul over the years and stamps or etches are part of their story as well as a testament to their heritage that's my overly romantic opinion

I love the old stamped blades, and tried to get the Sheffield cutlers to do them, likewise an 'Oil The Joints' reverse tang stamp. I raised the matter numerous times, but it was always too complicated for them. I don't know why, they had the equipment, and I have had blades stamped in the past in Sheffield. It seems they don't like to do anything different, or which requires any extra effort or some imagination. Whenever I've tried to get anything better made in Sheffield, I've always encountered a wall of conservatism, which it's hard not to characterise as sheer laziness The Hartshead Barlow blades have a deep electro-etch, which I hope will survive

Thanks Jack! I’m glad you live in a friendly neighborhood Jack! It’s a great thing to be able to know and interact with your friends and neighbors! 93 years young is quite a grand ole age. Thanks for the Slater info and photo!

Thank you my friend, it's a nice place to live

Very cool. We don't get to see a lot of Senators here.

We don't. Here's a couple more for you John

I bet it was a good show. I didn’t get to see them in concert until 1983 when they played in Houston.



Your bread looks really good. Here is some fresh blackberry jam my wife made to go with it.



That is a great song right up there with My Generation.

Definitely I bet that's some great blackberry jam too, nice photo I have just a few blackberries left in the freezer, so I'm going to have a mini blackberry crumble at some point

For the last two weeks I've not been able to find corn meal... Silly me was looking in the decimated baking aisles. Chatting with my mom on the phone, and she said it was in the cereal aisle with the oatmeal! Went and picked some up this morning.

Nothing quite like skillet cornbread fresh from the oven with some honey

That looks very tasty Mike

Jack Black Prester John

I saw them live in Chattanooga on 8/17/67. They were at the Jet-FLI Spectacular. A show that was put on several times a year and sponsored by the biggest local Rock Radio Station, Jet-FLI. The performers that particular night were Herman’s Hermits, The Who, Neil Diamond, Blues Magoos, Jon & Robin, The In Crowd. The Who was the last performance that night. I was setting in the lower floor level seats. Let’s just say when Pete Townsend started smashing his guitar it left quite an impression on this almost 13 year old boy. I’ve been a life long fan.

That must have been quite a show Ron!

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Lovely photo Dwight

It's time to mow the yard again...
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Happy Tuesday Guardians!

Looking well-loved Taylor

Thank you, Jack. I'm being forgetful in my "not-so-old" age. I meant to carry Ironwood today and forgot again! Despite that, I still had some daylight and snapped some pics of the duo. You can see the natural inclusions in the sides that look like they came from a burl. (Nevermind the actual tooth marks)

Thank you, Ron!



I'll never tire of seeing that one, Ron. 'Tis a special knife.


Had the Ebony again, today.

I know how that can happen Dylan! Thank you my friend, it's good to see those I'm glad the tooth marks aren't too bad! I think you might be right about the burl, I was a little taken aback by the depth of character in the Ironwood, it was actually much better than I'd expected. Here's my original sample, before the incident with The Butter-Fingered Oaf

Great pic of your ebony WCLF

 

[Jack Black]

Thank you Jack. Nicely balanced Hartshead image. Gingerbread Ale...Nice.

Good Evening Guardians.

A couple of snaps from today’s walk.

View attachment 1330877

Thank you Harvey, those are beautifully atmospheric photos. I hope you had a nice walk

Good morning Guardians, the weather has changed here. It's been quite Summery for the past few weeks, but it's dull at present, and rained earlier. Hope everyone is managing OK, especially you folks who are having to work extra hours. Stay safe Guardians

On cardboard duty today...

 

[screened porch]

It seems they don't like to do anything different, or which requires any extra effort or some imagination. Whenever I've tried to get anything better made in Sheffield, I've always encountered a wall of conservatism, which it's hard not to characterise as sheer laziness

I can relate.

 

[rockman0]

Good morning Guardians !

Jack I suspect you are partially right about the laziness, I also suspect they don't want to lose time setting up to do a small run of specially stamped blades, they have tunnel vision and only see profit in making the same knives as always

I love the old stamped blades, and tried to get the Sheffield cutlers to do them, likewise an 'Oil The Joints' reverse tang stamp. I raised the matter numerous times, but it was always too complicated for them. I don't know why, they had the equipment, and I have had blades stamped in the past in Sheffield. It seems they don't like to do anything different, or which requires any extra effort or some imagination. Whenever I've tried to get anything better made in Sheffield, I've always encountered a wall of conservatism, which it's hard not to characterise as sheer laziness The Hartshead Barlow blades have a deep electro-etch, which I hope will survive

 

[Jack Black]

Good morning Guardians !

Jack I suspect you are partially right about the laziness, I also suspect they don't want to lose time setting up to do a small run of specially stamped blades, they have tunnel vision and only see profit in making the same knives as always

I offered to pay to have the stamps made, and it only takes a a minute or two to change the stamp on the presses they have. I also offered to pay for an extra time involved. The main issue with stamping the blade is that has to be stamped after it's ground, so there'd have to be a jig set up to hold the blade flat when it's stamped, but a relatively minor problem I think, and again, I offered to pay for it. Our orders were pretty big orders for them, but I think you're right Rob, they'd rather just keep on producing the same knives, and never give thought to improving anything

What a beauty

I have been cutting up cardboard all morning, and I've just sharpened my Barlow again (only took a few minutes). This is an old pic though

 

[Half/Stop]

Thank you, Jack. I'm being forgetful in my "not-so-old" age. I meant to carry Ironwood today and forgot again! Despite that, I still had some daylight and snapped some pics of the duo. You can see the natural inclusions in the sides that look like they came from a burl. (Nevermind the actual tooth marks)

Thank you, Ron!

I'll never tire of seeing that one, Ron. 'Tis a special knife.

Had the Ebony again, today.

Thanks for the compliment Dylan! Outstanding Lambsfoot content my friend! The teeth marks just add character to that beautiful Ironwood!

Thank you kindly, Ron. Gorgeous Slater Lamb Foot.

Good Evening Guardians.

A couple of snaps from today’s walk.

View attachment 1330877

Thanks Harvey! Great photos and a wonderful old Lambsfoot!

I love the old stamped blades, and tried to get the Sheffield cutlers to do them, likewise an 'Oil The Joints' reverse tang stamp. I raised the matter numerous times, but it was always too complicated for them. I don't know why, they had the equipment, and I have had blades stamped in the past in Sheffield. It seems they don't like to do anything different, or which requires any extra effort or some imagination. Whenever I've tried to get anything better made in Sheffield, I've always encountered a wall of conservatism, which it's hard not to characterise as sheer laziness The Hartshead Barlow blades have a deep electro-etch, which I hope will survive


Thank you my friend, it's a nice place to live

We don't. Here's a couple more for you John

That must have been quite a show Ron!

I know how that can happen Dylan! Thank you my friend, it's good to see those I'm glad the tooth marks aren't too bad! I think you might be right about the burl, I was a little taken aback by the depth of character in the Ironwood, it was actually much better than I'd expected. Here's my original sample, before the incident with The Butter-Fingered Oaf

Thanks Jack! I’ve lived in the same home since 1977. I know all of my immediate neighbors. Our kids all grew up together. At one time there was 12 kids playing in my yard. Ranging in age from 9 to 13. They’ve all grown and moved out on their own now. Just us old geezers still hanging around! Great Lambsfoot examples Jack. Good to see the Senate is finally in session! Those shows were quite an experience for the cost. Starting with the one in ‘67 I attended all of them until they stopped having them in the early 70’s. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m a Rocker at heart!

Thank you Harvey, those are beautifully atmospheric photos. I hope you had a nice walk

Good morning Guardians, the weather has changed here. It's been quite Summery for the past few weeks, but it's dull at present, and rained earlier. Hope everyone is managing OK, especially you folks who are having to work extra hours. Stay safe Guardians

On cardboard duty today...

You’ve got a great patina going on your Rosewood Hartshead my friend! We’ve got rain and storms coming in today also Jack! We’ll just have to make the best of it. Regardless, enjoy your day Jack!

 

[Half/Stop]

It’s Wednesday Guardians! That means WOOD! Y’all have a great day and please stay safe out there!

 

[rockman0]

It's a shame they refuse to do something different.
That's what I like about carbon steel, only takes a minute to strop it back to sharpness and back to cutting.

I offered to pay to have the stamps made, and it only takes a a minute or two to change the stamp on the presses they have. I also offered to pay for an extra time involved. The main issue with stamping the blade is that has to be stamped after it's ground, so there'd have to be a jig set up to hold the blade flat when it's stamped, but a relatively minor problem I think, and again, I offered to pay for it. Our orders were pretty big orders for them, but I think you're right Rob, they'd rather just keep on producing the same knives, and never give thought to improving anything

What a beauty

I have been cutting up cardboard all morning, and I've just sharpened my Barlow again (only took a few minutes). This is an old pic though

On a different note, I had these 3 on my desk yesterday and wondered why some are made with the spine in line with the spring and some angled down. The J. McClory in the center I believe is the oldest of the 3. Front is the T. Turner I've been posting recently and back is my T. Turner big un. Both Turners angle down, as you see the tip and belly of the handle are touching the table on the Turners and the McClory the handle and kick are touching. I can't tell any difference in cutting but I'm interested to hear opinions on why the difference and if anyone prefers one over the other?

 

[donn]

Afternoon. I was wanting to reply to some people who acknowledged my last post on Sunday I think but I've had awful trouble with the internet for the past 24 hours. So please don't think I'm being ignorant by not replying or acknowledging your replies. It's taken me 10 mins just to write this.
I can't upload to Imgur at the mo either but I've been able get my old pics.
So mine today. Doing absolutely nothing again.

All the best.

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks Jack! I’ve lived in the same home since 1977. I know all of my immediate neighbors. Our kids all grew up together. At one time there was 12 kids playing in my yard. Ranging in age from 9 to 13. They’ve all grown and moved out on their own now. Just us old geezers still hanging around! Great Lambsfoot examples Jack. Good to see the Senate is finally in session! Those shows were quite an experience for the cost. Starting with the one in ‘67 I attended all of them until they stopped having them in the early 70’s. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m a Rocker at heart!


You’ve got a great patina going on your Rosewood Hartshead my friend! We’ve got rain and storms coming in today also Jack! We’ll just have to make the best of it. Regardless, enjoy your day Jack!

Fantastic Ron, it sounds like a wonderful neighbourhood I think it's very important to be happy in terms of where you live, if you have good neighbours it's a real bonus You can't buy memories like that can you, most of the best gigs I've been to have been free or very inexpensive, probably wouldn't happen today?

Thanks buddy, it's not had much pocket-time lately. I always figured it'd be my user, but it's stag brother has certainly dominated my pocket I've just been out for a short walk, and it's cool here today, with some light rain, really the sort of weather you'd expect here in April. Hope those storms aren't bad ones Ron, stay safe my friend

It’s Wednesday Guardians! That means WOOD! Y’all have a great day and please stay safe out there!

F-A-B Ron!

It's a shame they refuse to do something different.
That's what I like about carbon steel, only takes a minute to strop it back to sharpness and back to cutting.



On a different note, I had these 3 on my desk yesterday and wondered why some are made with the spine in line with the spring and some angled down. The J. McClory in the center I believe is the oldest of the 3. Front is the T. Turner I've been posting recently and back is my T. Turner big un. Both Turners angle down, as you see the tip and belly of the handle are touching the table on the Turners and the McClory the handle and kick are touching. I can't tell any difference in cutting but I'm interested to hear opinions on why the difference and if anyone prefers one over the other?

Sheffield has always blamed someone else for their fall from the pinnacle of cutlery excellence, the Germans, the Japanese, the Chinese, probably US tariffs back in the day, but they might want to look closer to home in some cases

Very interesting question Rob I don't know if anyone can have a stab at an answer, but I have no definitive one myself, anymore than why some firms round the nose of their Lambsfoot blades, and most don't. I guess cutlers have their own style, and pass that on to those they apprentice and work alongside. Likewise some gaffers would ask for one thing or another, or tolerate inconsistency more than another. I have never liked blade cant as a general rule, but it's different with the Lambsfoot pattern, unless the cant is just too much, as in some knives we've seen here sometimes (ones produced in recent years). Three great-looking knives there

Afternoon. I was wanting to reply to some people who acknowledged my last post on Sunday I think but I've had awful trouble with the internet for the past 24 hours. So please don't think I'm being ignorant by not replying or acknowledging your replies. It's taken me 10 mins just to write this.
I can't upload to Imgur at the mo either but I've been able get my old pics.
So mine today. Doing absolutely nothing again.

All the best.

Sorry to hear about your internet woes David, you're certainly not alone, but it sounds like you're badly affected Nice pic there

 

[JohnDF]

Here's a couple more for you John

Thank you, Jack.
I enjoy seeing the different models.

I can't tell any difference in cutting but I'm interested to hear opinions on why the difference and if anyone prefers one over the other?

I much prefer the blades to be canted downwards.
It's so much easier to bring the tip to the cutting surface without having to cock my wrist at a weird angle.
That's the one and only reason that my Waynorth Lamb hasn't taken over my pocket. Fit n Finish is much better, but not as comfortable to use.

I've had awful trouble with the internet for the past 24 hours.

Same here. It's taking forever for things to load on the forum, so I'm keeping my Quotes to a minimum these days.

 

[JohnDF]

Good Morning Guardians

 

[chuck4570]

This is my sentiment at work today, really not that bad but I keep that sign on my desk all the time. I moved to my 6’ social distancing line and everyone laughs about it.

on an upbeat note today I have carried the Lambsfoot for a month now and I’m really liking it. I always have 2 or 3 knives on me but the Lambsfoot gets the most use.

 

[Hazelaar]

After seeing all these fantastic knives and missing a point while carrying my sheep foot I really want a lambsfoot in the collection. Does anyone know of a lambsfoot knife around 3 3/4 to 4 inch blade wise? I've searched but can't seem to find a larger lambsfoot.

Thanks!

 

[rockman0]

Thanks Jack, The history of Sheffield cutlery is very interesting and we see unwillingness to change with the times put many businesses out of business as we have witnessed several big ones go down in our lifetime. Hopefully they don't succumb to the same fate.

Sheffield has always blamed someone else for their fall from the pinnacle of cutlery excellence, the Germans, the Japanese, the Chinese, probably US tariffs back in the day, but they might want to look closer to home in some cases

Very interesting question Rob I don't know if anyone can have a stab at an answer, but I have no definitive one myself, anymore than why some firms round the nose of their Lambsfoot blades, and most don't. I guess cutlers have their own style, and pass that on to those they apprentice and work alongside. Likewise some gaffers would ask for one thing or another, or tolerate inconsistency more than another. I have never liked blade cant as a general rule, but it's different with the Lambsfoot pattern, unless the cant is just too much, as in some knives we've seen here sometimes (ones produced in recent years). Three great-looking knives there

Thanks John, I agree for most tasks, I normally use a kitchen knife for food prep but in a pinch I'll use what's in my pocket, I prefer the straight McClory in that case.

I much prefer the blades to be canted downwards.
It's so much easier to bring the tip to the cutting surface without having to cock my wrist at a weird angle.
That's the one and only reason that my Waynorth Lamb hasn't taken over my pocket. Fit n Finish is much better, but not as comfortable to use.

Another observation on the big un Turner is the pen blade has a stove pipe kick and the main doesn't, I assume the smaller pen needs the extra height to keep it out of the well.

 

[Half/Stop]

Fantastic Ron, it sounds like a wonderful neighbourhood I think it's very important to be happy in terms of where you live, if you have good neighbours it's a real bonus You can't buy memories like that can you, most of the best gigs I've been to have been free or very inexpensive, probably wouldn't happen today?

Thanks buddy, it's not had much pocket-time lately. I always figured it'd be my user, but it's stag brother has certainly dominated my pocket I've just been out for a short walk, and it's cool here today, with some light rain, really the sort of weather you'd expect here in April. Hope those storms aren't bad ones Ron, stay safe my friend

F-A-B Ron!

Thanks Jack! I’ve got roots here and I’m too old to contemplate moving now! My days of shows are over, at any cost Jack! But I definitely still enjoy the music. I’ve been listening to a little Zeppelin this morning! I really hope we don’t have any storms. We can use some rain, if for no other reason other than to wash away the blasted pollen. It’s a killer this year! I’ve never really used either one of my Hartshead Barlow’s for anything other than mail and light cutting duties. Nothing that would cause even the slightest patina! It’s a shame really because they scream “Use Me” every time I’m carrying them. They’re both beautiful and stout. I have no doubt someone will be posting photos of them 100 years from now!

 

[flatblackcapo]

Excellent pics Kevin, sorry for missing your post yesterday

Thanks, Jack, and no worries my friend.

 

[JohnDF]

Most Impressive.

 

[Prester John]

Good morning, Guardians!