Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[WhittlinAway]

It is a great story going on here!! The Lambsfoot is an almost universally useful knife, and I still carry one frequently. This thread might go on forever, much like the knives!!
Jack's dedication inspired me to chase GEC for years to produce one and I am ever-glad that it came to fruition!!
In fact I am carrying one for this Victoria Day holiday so I will always have the right knife with me!!View attachment 1342485
Off to harvest some of our back-yard lettuce!!!

A great story indeed! Jack's dedication can be quite inspiring, can't it? As can yours! Thanks for all you've done to further the cause on this side of the pond.

 

[mitch4ging]

I'm carrying something a bit special today, on its maiden voyage in my pocket

And a super dooper special carry 'tis, Jack! I'd be pretty tight fisted with that one!

Anyway, my only attempt at "catching up" will be to post the lambsfoot knives I've carried the past 3 weeks.
Since last Monday, I've been carrying Cracker Jack, my Ashley's Choice lambsfoot:

And a great looking "Choice" to return to the herd, GT! Look forward to summer vacation to see more of your posts!

I think about you often when I see the cool things you sent me.
I think that's the best thing about gifts sitting on my knife shelf, it makes me think of my friends daily.

Thank you very much for your kind words, and your generosity! That's what is so great about this place, each and every gift is special, and my dresser in my office has all of them on display, proudly!

Great looking Hartshead in the cranny image. Have a peaceful Sunday.

Thank you, Harvey! Hope all is well with you!

How about you?

It wasn't the knife that first attracted me, it was the community
The fun, friendly, and generous people that make up the Guardians.

I will have to agree with everyone else, great folks having conversation and enjoying cultures AND FOOD from all over...and the hootch!

Jack's enthusiasm is contagious about the pattern, and like so many here, I carry one daily, at least part of the day!

All I can think of to add to everyone's great comments is, "Guardians, come for the knives, stay for the friends"!

Beautiful Stag Hartshead my friend!

Thank you very much, Ron! Haven't seen a bad one yet!

That must have been a tough one

It was 3 years after coming back from the gulf war, it was a pretty horrible thing committed by a fellow grunt in the war. Mind numbing.

That's a very interesting photo of your Hartshead Barlow

Thanks, Jack. Sometimes I get lucky, and a very photogenic knife!

I took my Ironwood DamLamb up to the park yesterday, and found it surprisingly difficult to capture with my simple camera, the Ironwood reflects light more than I'd realised, and yet you need light to get the Damascus to pop - the blade mainly looked grey on the pics I took

But an awsome looking DamLamb!

Catch up with you later folks My 2017 Guardians Lambsfoot will be helping me out today

Nice pattern in your horn, Jack.

What is this “company” you speak of?

When you sit a laptop on a lawn chair and Zoom in other folks!

Good Morning Guardians
I get to go into work today, a nice treat.
Lots of meetings ahead but it will be nice to be out of the house.

Hope it was a productive day out, John! Remember how to get to the school?
Nice travel companion!

I carry a Lambsfoot to open 25 lb bags of flour.

That's a lot of baking projects!

I've had a busy day, but just been out for some recreational cardboard cutting I have beer stacked all around the house, and am looking forward to tucking into it, including re-exploring the Sam Smiths range

Party at Jack's house this weekend!

As most of you know, introducing people to the Lambsfoot pattern, which was once almost unknown outside my small island, has been a mission for me for some years now, going back long before this thread was started, and it has been great to see so many folks here come to accept, and even love, the Lambsfoot. The Guardians have done an enormous service to the traditional knife community I think, promoting the pattern, but also being such a good and friendly bunch, that posters are attracted here just for the sense of friendship and camraderie. Special mention must also go to Charlie @waynorth of course, for finally persuading GEC to produce the first run of US Lambsfoot knives

Thanks to you and Charlie @waynorth for your diligence in promoting such a great knife!

Howdy do Guardians and anyone else looking in.

Standard with Buffalo Horn covers and "Lil-un" with Pere David Stag covers. Neither used yet - not safe queens - just haven't gotten around to using them yet.

Nice pair, look forward to more shots of those, Ed!

Jack's dedication inspired me to chase GEC for years to produce one and I am ever-glad that it came to fruition!!
In fact I am carrying one for this Victoria Day holiday so I will always have the right knife with me!!

A knife worthy of always being carried, Charlie!

How in the heck did I get into this mess!!!!! I'd taken notice of the "Guardians of the Lambsfoot" thread way back when but didn't come to the thread as a participating Guardian until June/July 2019. To make my splash into the thread, I ordered a Lambfoot Small "Lil-un" with Buffalo Horn covers and shaped handle from a dealer in Wales, Great Britain and here it is - my first Lambfoot.

Since then, I've accumulated a few more but that's the nature of the game -- Isn't it???

The pattern itself is useful and makes for a comfortable pocket carry. The straight edge makes for a great slicer and last summer while working on one of my lawn tractor engines, the straight edged Lambfoot blade came in handy as a gasket scraper.

Can't finish up this post without mentioning all the Guardians Members. A great bunch of guys and gals that have been nothing but friendly to me. A special thanks to all you "bone heads" that have put up with my goings on about my adventures during the last few months going to and from various hospitals, doctors, etc.. Oh, and looking at the pictures of me in various stages post-op poses and states of dress.

Lastly, Thanks to Jack Black ( Jack Black ) for getting us all into this mess.

Well put, Ed!

Good Afternoon Guardians.

I just love this lil'un...

What's not to love! Cool photo, Harvet!

I've just got these two so far, but I was lucky enough to win one of Jack's SFOs in a giveaway so it will be interesting to see how the GECs compare to the "real deal" once it arrives.

Like most all have conveyed, my attraction to the knife is twofold. First, the knife just feels right - it's utilitarian yet somehow elegant. Second, the folks that hang out at the Guardians section of the porch are very welcoming, knowledgeable, and fun to be around. Every day it seems we learn some history, see some amazing food, experience nature, and I don't think I've ever seen any of the snarkiness that sometimes appears in an internet forum. For sure thanks to Jack for sharing his love of the pattern, to Charlie for championing it to GEC, and to all the porch dwelling Guardians who make this a fun group to "belong to".

What an incredible pair to start with!

Hope everyone's week is going good so far!

 

[Jack Black]

Howdy do Guardians and anyone else looking in.

Standard with Buffalo Horn covers and "Lil-un" with Pere David Stag covers. Neither used yet - not safe queens - just haven't gotten around to using them yet.

Very handsome Ed

How in the heck did I get into this mess!!!!! I'd taken notice of the "Guardians of the Lambsfoot" thread way back when but didn't come to the thread as a participating Guardian until June/July 2019. To make my splash into the thread, I ordered a Lambfoot Small "Lil-un" with Buffalo Horn covers and shaped handle from a dealer in Wales, Great Britain and here it is - my first Lambfoot.

Since then, I've accumulated a few more but that's the nature of the game -- Isn't it???

The pattern itself is useful and makes for a comfortable pocket carry. The straight edge makes for a great slicer and last summer while working on one of my lawn tractor engines, the straight edged Lambfoot blade came in handy as a gasket scraper.

Can't finish up this post without mentioning all the Guardians Members. A great bunch of guys and gals that have been nothing but friendly to me. A special thanks to all you "bone heads" that have put up with my goings on about my adventures during the last few months going to and from various hospitals, doctors, etc.. Oh, and looking at the pictures of me in various stages post-op poses and states of dress.

Lastly, Thanks to Jack Black ( Jack Black ) for getting us all into this mess.

Thanks Ed, that's a very impressive Lambsfoot collection Great having you here

It is a great story going on here!! The Lambsfoot is an almost universally useful knife, and I still carry one frequently. This thread might go on forever, much like the knives!!
Jack's dedication inspired me to chase GEC for years to produce one and I am ever-glad that it came to fruition!!
In fact I am carrying one for this Victoria Day holiday so I will always have the right knife with me!!View attachment 1342485
Off to harvest some of our back-yard lettuce!!!

Apart from you and Bill Howard Charlie, I doubt that anyone apart from me, knows just how much effort you put into getting GEC to finally produce a Lambsfoot knife. I know it was a real labour of love for you my friend, which you pursued with determination and passion, and I'm glad you were able to finally achieve your goal, in the shape of the magnificent Lambsfoot knives eventually produced A belated Happy Victoria Day!

Thank you Jack. Looks like going thirsty will be one less obstacle for you. If you don’t mind, aside from Stingo, what would be your favorite Samuel Smith? Cheers!


Thank you John.

Good Afternoon Guardians.

I just love this lil'un...
View attachment 1342524

I've got good beer stashed all round the house at the moment Harvey, but I am really looking forward to re-sampling the Sam Smith's line in short order That's an interesting question, and with most breweries I would be able to answer right away, but I'm not sure with this one. Luckily, I'm generally able to get a number of their ales on draught, and most commonly I drink their Sovereign Best Bitter or Old Brewery Bitter. In comparison to the draught beers, Smith's bottled beers are expensive, but I've drunk all of them multiple times, with the exception of the Wheat Beer, which I've only had on draught a couple of times. The Taddy Porter, Nut Brown Ale, and Imperial Stout are all favourites, and I've drunk plenty of the Pale Ale over the years. The Chocolate Stout is delicious, and the fruit beers can also be quite refreshing. I'm sorry not to be able to give you a definitive answer Harvey, but maybe I will be able to after I work my way through this mixed case, I suspect that it might be the Imperial Stout

Cool pic of your Joseph Rodgers

I can related and identify with every single post preceding mine by other Guardians.
Reading all the responses I am like " Yeap, that's it, me too" over and over

Adding to those reasons, in my experience, was also the fact that at the time I bought my ebony lamb in August 2019 I was experiencing some increased stress (buying new knives it helps ... up to a point... and I did buy a few ...ordering them, waiting for the package, opening it etc but it's not the way to deal with life ).

My humble ebony lamb provided me with a way to feel more grounded, something to focus on, to carry every day on my walks, take pics, share here in the Guardians community, unwind (and temper my cravings for so many new knives lol ).

Cheers Guardians !

Thanks for all your fabulous contributions here Dan, you really go the extra mile to take photos for us in the great outdoors The standard of photography here in the Guardians thread is outstanding

Well, I know I can speak for a WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE by saying a MASSIVE THANK YOU Mr. Jack Black for your outstanding love of this pattern, we all can see why as it is such a great Knife!
My Guardian Pocket sheath contains my Damascus Lambsfoot today, what a great start to the day!
My best to all my Blade friends here!

Thank you very much DDuncan, it's great to see you here pal, and I hope that you and Sue are keeping well

I've just got these two so far, but I was lucky enough to win one of Jack's SFOs in a giveaway so it will be interesting to see how the GECs compare to the "real deal" once it arrives.

Like most all have conveyed, my attraction to the knife is twofold. First, the knife just feels right - it's utilitarian yet somehow elegant. Second, the folks that hang out at the Guardians section of the porch are very welcoming, knowledgeable, and fun to be around. Every day it seems we learn some history, see some amazing food, experience nature, and I don't think I've ever seen any of the snarkiness that sometimes appears in an internet forum. For sure thanks to Jack for sharing his love of the pattern, to Charlie for championing it to GEC, and to all the porch dwelling Guardians who make this a fun group to "belong to".

That's a pretty good start there! I can only apologise to you and the other two winners for the fact your knives aren't in your hands yet, it's very frustrating, and something I think about daily. Unfortunately, our postal system is still in utter chaos here I hope it's not too much longer before things are back to normal

Today I took my lamb for a walk ... to Jurassic Park

LOL! Great pics Doc!

Greg I carried a Case Stockman for years! When Case came out with the Swayback’s I was immediately drawn to the shape and the Wharncliffe blade. I loved the straight edge blade! The problem was the knives were really smaller that I liked to carry. In 2014 I made a mistake! I discovered GEC! My first was a Tidioute #55 Houndstooth with a Wharncliffe blade. Then I saw a #47 Viper and feel in love with the size and that big Wharncliffe blade. I found that the straight edge was really versatile for EDC. The single blade and handle shape made for a comfortable knife in hand and in the pocket. Then I noticed this knife on the big auction site. It was my introduction to the Lambsfoot. I ordered the knife. It was my Humphreys Radiant! I loved the knife! Next, thanks to me being the lucky winner in Jacks Jack Black “bad back” GAW. I received a beautiful Wright’s Ebony Lambsfoot from Jack and I was immediately addicted! I believe these were some of the first knives that Jack had Wright’s make special for him. Every since then there has been very few days where I haven’t had a Lambsfoot in my pocket! Thanks to Jack I’ve had some very nice ones to choose from! To sum it up, day in and day out the Lambsfoot will handle any cutting requirements that I have for a pocket folder!


Very well stated Jeff!

Your Humphrey's Radiant is an absolute peach Ron, and it's been great having you here throughout Your giveaway knife was indeed one of the first knives Wright's made for me. At that time, they didn't use ebony on any of their standard models, and didn't polish most of the blades. As for the etch, they'd given up using it. So I asked John Maleham to make me up a couple of small batches to give to my friends Since I already had an ebony Lambsfoot with the generic 'Sheffield' tang-stamp, I didn't bother to keep one for myself

 

[Jack Black]

We’ve been a little busy here today. In between rain showers I managed to cut and load this old decking materials. The bed on my Silverado was loaded level full, all 1192 lbs. Here’s my Rosewood Bigun posing for a photo before I tossed the lumber in the dumpster at the landfill!

Crikey Ron, you sure have been doing some hard work!

Thanks, Jack! I believe I've asked a similar question in the past, but I find people's lambsfoot origin stories fascinating and a good way to learn something new both about the pattern and my fellow Guardians. I appreciate everyone's answers! I'll probably ask again in a year or two.

And, thanks for sharing your own first experience, Jack. You've certainly become an extremely effective Lambsfoot Evangelist, my friend.

You always ask good questions Greg, please DO ask again I'm very grateful to you, and to everyone else who has told us how they came here, thanks Guardians

Utilitarian yet somehow elegant. Yup! That exactly.

It also seems like something that someone might say about a light saber, that that's another thread....

A great story indeed! Jack's dedication can be quite inspiring, can't it? As can yours! Thanks for all you've done to further the cause on this side of the pond.

Thanks again

And a super dooper special carry 'tis, Jack! I'd be pretty tight fisted with that one!

...

I will have to agree with everyone else, great folks having conversation and enjoying cultures AND FOOD from all over...and the hootch!

Jack's enthusiasm is contagious about the pattern, and like so many here, I carry one daily, at least part of the day!

All I can think of to add to everyone's great comments is, "Guardians, come for the knives, stay for the friends"!

Thanks a lot buddy

It was 3 years after coming back from the gulf war, it was a pretty horrible thing committed by a fellow grunt in the war. Mind numbing.

Horrific

But an awsome looking DamLamb!

Nice pattern in your horn, Jack.

Thank you kindly

Party at Jack's house this weekend!

I sure wish! I guess we could all stand out in the garden and shout across at each other!

Thanks to you and Charlie @waynorth for your diligence in promoting such a great knife!

...

Hope everyone's week is going good so far!

Thanks again Dennis, fantastic pic

Good Morning Guardians, hope everyone is doing OK, and at least managing to remember what day it is! I got my work done yesterday, but there's plenty of stuff I need to do in the house I have to say, I'd rather be out hiking! Have a good day Guardians

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[AnW]

That's a pretty good start there! I can only apologise to you and the other two winners for the fact your knives aren't in your hands yet, it's very frustrating, and something I think about daily. Unfortunately, our postal system is still in utter chaos here I hope it's not too much longer before things are back to normal

No apologies are necessary. Hopefully soon we are all looking back at this crazy event in the rear view mirror as "normalcy" returns. In the meantime, I've got two WCLFs to keep me company!

 

[Jack Black]

No apologies are necessary. Hopefully soon we are all looking back at this crazy event in the rear view mirror as "normalcy" returns. In the meantime, I've got two WCLFs to keep me company!

Thanks I hope so, I had at least two packages, mailed before the lockdown, returned to the USA, and commercial items I ordered from companies here were also returned. I've sent a few things, just within the country, where I already knew, or could guess the postage, and had sufficient postage stamps - some things got there after some days, some were delayed by up to a month, others have gone missing altogether

 

[Half/Stop]

Thank you very much, Ron! Haven't seen a bad one yet!

Hope everyone's week is going good so far!

Thanks Dennis! I agree, not a bad one in the lot! A beautiful Horn Lambsfoot there my friend!

Your Humphrey's Radiant is an absolute peach Ron, and it's been great having you here throughout Your giveaway knife was indeed one of the first knives Wright's made for me. At that time, they didn't use ebony on any of their standard models, and didn't polish most of the blades. As for the etch, they'd given up using it. So I asked John Maleham to make me up a couple of small batches to give to my friends Since I already had an ebony Lambsfoot with the generic 'Sheffield' tang-stamp, I didn't bother to keep one for myself

My Radiant is one of those knives that anyone of us Lambsfoot lovers would be proud to own. I’m really proud to have won that GAW Jack! Those really were Midnight Black Ebony beauties! Certainly an improvement on the “off the shelf” models. Thank you for all you’ve done Jack! I have most certainly enjoyed being here among the Guardians.

Crikey Ron, you sure have been doing some hard work!

Good Morning Guardians, hope everyone is doing OK, and at least managing to remember what day it is! I got my work done yesterday, but there's plenty of stuff I need to do in the house I have to say, I'd rather be out hiking! Have a good day Guardians

Such an iconic Lambsfoot Jack!

 

[Half/Stop]

Good morning Guardians! I’m smiling so big this morning it’s making my jaws sore! I’d like to introduce y’all to the newest addition to my Lambsfoot collection! After making several offers back and forth with the seller I was finally able to score this one on the big auction site!

It’s a William Rodgers Sheffield, Horn weeun! I really can’t believe how pristine this knife is. It looks like a factory edge. As is common the Horn on the mark side is a little nicer than on the pile side. But both are actually quite nice! It’s probably the stoutest of any I own. It’s a bear trap! I can’t wait to hear from Jack with some comments on possible age, etc. I have been reading some of the comments and history that’s available here. Y’all have a great day and please stay vigilant out there!

 

[JohnDF]

"Guardians, come for the knives, stay for the friends"!

Very well said, Dennis.

 

[JohnDF]

Nice pick up, Ron.

 

[JohnDF]

Good Morning Guardians

 

[AnW]

After all the good Guardian vibes from yesterday, I decided to carry this one today.
Happy Tuesday - or whatever day it is ...

 

[Half/Stop]

I will have to agree with everyone else, great folks having conversation and enjoying cultures AND FOOD from all over...and the hootch!

Jack's enthusiasm is contagious about the pattern, and like so many here, I carry one daily, at least part of the day!

All I can think of to add to everyone's great comments is, "Guardians, come for the knives, stay for the friends"!

I know y’all won’t believe this, but somehow the above disappeared from my original quote! I wholeheartedly agree with your statements Dennis! Especially this part...."Guardians, come for the knives, stay for the friends"! Very well stated Dennis!

Nice pick up, Ron.

Thank you so much John!

 

[Jack Black]

My Radiant is one of those knives that anyone of us Lambsfoot lovers would be proud to own. I’m really proud to have won that GAW Jack! Those really were Midnight Black Ebony beauties! Certainly an improvement on the “off the shelf” models. Thank you for all you’ve done Jack! I have most certainly enjoyed being here among the Guardians.


Such an iconic Lambsfoot Jack!

Indeed it is Ron That's nice my friend, that giveaway was a way of saying thanks for all the very kind words I received when I was first struck down with sciatica I had noticed that Wright's had some particularly good ebony in their store-room at that time, and found it hard to believe they weren't using it. I think it was the best ebony they ever had actually. Thank you my friend

Good morning Guardians! I’m smiling so big this morning it’s making my jaws sore! I’d like to introduce y’all to the newest addition to my Lambsfoot collection! After making several offers back and forth with the seller I was finally able to score this one on the big auction site!

It’s a William Rodgers Sheffield, Horn weeun! I really can’t believe how pristine this knife is. It looks like a factory edge. As is common the Horn on the mark side is a little nicer than on the pile side. But both are actually quite nice! It’s probably the stoutest of any I own. It’s a bear trap! I can’t wait to hear from Jack with some comments on possible age, etc. I have been reading some of the comments and history that’s available here. Y’all have a great day and please stay vigilant out there!

I'm grinning ear to ear for you Ron! I wish you could see it, even though it isn't a pretty sight! Congratulations! That's a very nice knife

As I'm sure you know, 'William Rodgers' was a name acquired by John Clarke & Son, in 1910, and they sold knives under that name until 1964, when the firm was liquidated (both marks are now owned by Eggington). The reason for Clarke's use of the name were, of course, to allow them to bask in the success of the much grander Joseph Rodgers, to which they had no connection at all, but while humbler, the numerous knives Clarke's made with the William Rodgers mark are nonetheless of good quality (Stan Shaw even worked for the firm in the early 60's). Here are some photos of other Lambsfoot knives I have with the William Rodgers mark, all are Big 'Uns, one is in horn, the jigged bone two-blade was a generous gift from Charlie @waynorth Ron, it'd be great to see a photo of your new Lambsfoot alongside an AC and one of the Guardian's knives, for scale

After all the good Guardian vibes from yesterday, I decided to carry this one today.
Happy Tuesday - or whatever day it is ...

Nice choice

 

[Jack Black]

Good Morning Guardians

Doesn't that look good? That's a rhetorical question by the way!

 

[JohnDF]

That's a rhetorical question by the way!

Thems might big and fancy words you use.

 

[Jack Black]

Thems might big and fancy words you use.

 

[JohnDF]

Thems might big and fancy words you use.

 

[Half/Stop]

Indeed it is Ron That's nice my friend, that giveaway was a way of saying thanks for all the very kind words I received when I was first struck down with sciatica I had noticed that Wright's had some particularly good ebony in their store-room at that time, and found it hard to believe they weren't using it. I think it was the best ebony they ever had actually. Thank you my friend


I'm grinning ear to ear for you Ron! I wish you could see it, even though it isn't a pretty sight! Congratulations! That's a very nice knife

As I'm sure you know, 'William Rodgers' was a name acquired by John Clarke & Son, in 1910, and they sold knives under that name until 1964, when the firm was liquidated (both marks are now owned by Eggington). The reason for Clarke's use of the name were, of course, to allow them to bask in the success of the much grander Joseph Rodgers, to which they had no connection at all, but while humbler, the numerous knives Clarke's made with the William Rodgers mark are nonetheless of good quality (Stan Shaw even worked for the firm in the early 60's). Here are some photos of other Lambsfoot knives I have with the William Rodgers mark, all are Big 'Uns, one is in horn, the jigged bone two-blade was a generous gift from Charlie @waynorth Ron, it'd be great to see a photo of your new Lambsfoot alongside an AC and one of the Guardian's knives, for scale

Thanks for the kind words Jack! I’m sure the look on both of our faces is probably equal! The new one is a well made folder. I would say the workmanship is equal to or maybe a little better than a standard production knife from Wright’s. But, no where near equal to one of your SFOs. Here’s a couple of quick photos that might give an idea of the size comparison.