Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[Jack Black]

My apologies, but I am compelled to post this:

Brilliant! I think I saw Greg in there somewhere!

 

[Modoc ED]

My apologies, but I am compelled to post this:

Thanks for that Rachel. I spilled my coffee while dancing to it.

 

[WhittlinAway]

Great post Greg, love the knots, and they're very well photographed One of my reasons for making my first hiking staff was to enable a quick tarp set-up Unfortunately, I don't get to use it enough, partly because of the complete disinterest of my regular hiking partner (and girlfriend) Nice set-up Do you find gutting the paracord makes it grip better when used as a prusik, I've only ever used it un-gutted? Thanks for the book recommendation, I shall investigate! Hope you have a great weekend too

Thanks, Jack! I hadn't realized that was one of your motivations for making your first hiking staff. Very cool. Can certainly understand that disinterest on the part of your hiking companion would put a damper on that use, though. I think I could convince my wife that it'd be useful as a sunshade or a windbreak during a picnic lunch mid-hike, but that hypothesis is, as yet, unproven.

My apologies, but I am compelled to post this:

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks, Jack! I hadn't realized that was one of your motivations for making your first hiking staff. Very cool. Can certainly understand that disinterest on the part of your hiking companion would put a damper on that use, though. I think I could convince my wife that it'd be useful as a sunshade or a windbreak during a picnic lunch mid-hike, but that hypothesis is, as yet, unproven.

That's what I thought Greg, but I'm afraid Rachel has the survival skills of a lemming!

 

[Onebigbill]

I was fortunate as well to receive a Lambsfoot from Ed.

Very nice HHB. I love mine. I still have the wool slip and tin too.

 

[WhittlinAway]

Do you find gutting the paracord makes it grip better when used as a prusik, I've only ever used it un-gutted? Thanks for the book recommendation, I shall investigate!

Double oops! First, I realized that I forgot to reply to this part of your post, Jack. Yes, I believe that's the idea. The Technora line is both quite thin and slippery, so I think the gutting and consequent flatting of the cord is intended to help achieve a better grip. I'll PM you with a bit more info about that book later on.

And, second oops: I looked back at my pictures and realized that those are overhand knots for the loops on the end of the prussiks, not bowlines. I tied that set-up a while back and leave it attached to the ridge line for quick deployment. I guess I forgot what I did. That's what I get for typing from memory without double checking it.

Lambfoot content: my wife and I are taking a three-day wekeend and intended to split a breakfast burrito on the way to a hike this morning. We asked for them to cut it in half for us, but that didn't end up happening. Never fear, a Guardian is always prepared for such matters and my sharp Rosewood SFO did the honors splendidly. No pictures, I'm afraid, but I trust you'll take my word for it.

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[AntDog]

Replacement Big’un came in today. I’m very happy with this one. Blade is straight as an arrow, great snap, no play, and the covers are nice. I have no idea what type of wood it is, but the grain and coloring are very handsome.



Different lighting:

 

[bigfish64]

Replacement Big’un came in today. I’m very happy with this one. Blade is straight as an arrow, great snap, no play, and the covers are nice. I have no idea what type of wood it is, but the grain and coloring are very handsome.



Different lighting:

Very nice AntDog, glad you got a nice one!

 

[cudgee]

I have no idea what type of wood

Whatever it is, it is nice, has plenty of character already.

 

[AntDog]

Very nice AntDog, glad you got a nice one!

Thank you, sir! I’m thoroughly enjoying these knives. I find the blade shape very useful, and they’re dead sexy looking!

It has also opened my eyes to Sheffield produced knives in general. In addition to the big and little lambs I’ve picked up a clip point barlow and a senator in stag.

I think they’re all fantastic knives. Sure, the fit and finish isn’t the best, but I didn’t expect it to be. I expected functional, hand made knives with lots of personality and character, and all of them have that in spades. They’ve become some of my favorites.

I never would have found any of them if it weren’t for this thread. I stumbled onto this thread and liked what I saw, and that opened my eyes to the beauty of these knives.

A big “thank you” to Jack and all of the Guardians. I’m enjoying the ride and looking forward to learning more and enjoying all of it.

Whatever it is, it is nice, has plenty of character already.

Thank you, sir! I agree.

 

[Modoc ED]

Jack Jack Black will know. I'm guessing Rosewood but I've been wrong before.

 

[Onebigbill]

Replacement Big’un came in today. I’m very happy with this one. Blade is straight as an arrow, great snap, no play, and the covers are nice. I have no idea what type of wood it is, but the grain and coloring are very handsome.



Different lighting:

Looks to me like Oak but I can't be sure.

 

[bigfish64]

Thank you, sir! I’m thoroughly enjoying these knives. I find the blade shape very useful, and they’re dead sexy looking!

It has also opened my eyes to Sheffield produced knives in general. In addition to the big and little lambs I’ve picked up a clip point barlow and a senator in stag.

I think they’re all fantastic knives. Sure, the fit and finish isn’t the best, but I didn’t expect it to be. I expected functional, hand made knives with lots of personality and character, and all of them have that in spades. They’ve become some of my favorites.

I never would have found any of them if it weren’t for this thread. I stumbled onto this thread and liked what I saw, and that opened my eyes to the beauty of these knives.

A big “thank you” to Jack and all of the Guardians. I’m enjoying the ride and looking forward to learning more and enjoying all of it.

My journey to the lambfoot is very much the same as yours and just as enjoyable my friend. Reading past posts in this thread makes me wish I had found it sooner!

 

[mitch4ging]

It's great seeing your posts Dennis

Thanks Jack!

Goodmorning and HAPPY FRIDAY! have a good day everyoneView attachment 1584822

A great way to start the morning!

I thought I left a draft here taliking about the weather. I'll check the edc thread.

That's one cool Lambsfoot, Jer!

Got contractors swarming all over our new home. Fixing punch-list stuff, installing our sunroom, putting in cabinets to our pantry room, etc. Busy morning for sure and I have my trusty HHB in my pocket once again.

View attachment 1584877

We might have one last move in the near future, but I'm not looking forward to it.

Hope they knock out the punch list items out quickly for you guys.
Your HHB is looking superb, Bill.

I was fortunate as well to receive a Lambsfoot from Ed.

What a fine and generous gift, and a looker to boot!

For now it’s a fun way to get some experience with the setup and enjoy some cooler sleeping weather.

Nice setup, Greg! I need to pick up a couple of hiking poles some day, seem handy!
I was using a bowline knot with a marlin spike on one tree then the trucker' hitch on the other with 550, then started using one of the nite eze cams on one end, now I've gone to using the Dyneema cord. 36# bank line works real well for the prusik knots, it's waxed and holds very well.

My old 550 ridgeline, cord I've had since my Army days in the '80s.

My apologies, but I am compelled to post this:

Thank you very much for the laugh!! Much needed!

Replacement Big’un came in today. I’m very happy with this one. Blade is straight as an arrow, great snap, no play, and the covers are nice. I have no idea what type of wood it is, but the grain and coloring are very handsome.



Different lighting:

Looks good, Will!
I'm thinking Rosewood as well, but could be way off.

Ironwood Mike again today.

 

[btb01]

The Ron Half/Stop Memorial Giveaway

I never imagined, when I started this thread, on June 26th 2016, almost 5 years ago, that it would run to 50,000 posts, only very rarely slipping off The Porch front-page. Things are certainly quieter here than they were a few years back, when everyone was posting pics of their SFOs, and I was struggling to keep up with all the posts made while I was fast asleep in Yorkshire, but we’ve still made it to this great milestone. So thanks to everyone who has helped us get here, particularly our longstanding regular members. Thanks for making this thread the great place it is to hang-out

As everyone here knows, less than a year ago, we lost one of our greatest contributors, Ron @Half/Stop, who I know is still greatly missed by those of us lucky enough to have counted him as a friend. Ron loved Lambsfoot knives, but he had a particular fondness for the large-bladed Big ‘Un, and always wanted a large Lambsfoot SFO with ebony covers. Before the change of ownership at A. Wright & Son, I had hoped to get a run of Big ‘Uns made for our annual Guardians knife, and while that wasn’t to be, I did get a short run of 10 made up with Bagpipe Ebony covers. They were the last knives I had made by Wright’s, and the ebony wasn’t as black as I had been promised, and half the blades were off-centre, so I gave most of them away. Ron had the first pick though, and that knife was, sadly, the last knife I gifted him before he passed away.

When I noticed we were rapidly approaching 50,000 posts, I was searching round for a suitable prize, and was surprised to come across a knife from that run. Sadly, the blade is slightly off-centre, but I hope it’s acceptable as a suitable prize in my Ron Half/Stop Memorial Giveaway. It does bear the tang-stamp of the firm who made it, but I think they’ve had enough publicity from me, and considering their rather despicable behaviour, I resent them filching pics from the Guardians thread to use in their publicity material, so I’m not showing it.

The giveaway is open to any member of Bladeforums to enter, with more than 20 posts on The Porch. If you’re a Guardian, post a pic of your Lambsfoot, and get a second entry. If you’re a regular here, and have posted in this thread in the past 3 months, post a link to one of your posts, and you get an additional entry. If you have any memories about Ron, please feel free to share them. Otherwise, either tell us some of the things you love about the Lambsfoot pattern, and why you carry one, or, if you don’t yet have a Lambsfoot, say why you’d like to try the pattern. Outstanding posts will get yet another chance of winning the prize. The draw will be from my hat, in about a week’s time. I’ll call ‘Last orders’ a day or two beforehand

Good luck everyone, and thanks once again to all the Guardians

Seize the Lambsfoot! Seize the Day!

Jack

Congrats on 50,000 posts, Jack! Funny that it was only a week or so from being right at the 5 year mark, too. That's very generous of you (no surprise there, of course) to do a GAW, and thoughtful to do so in memory of Ron. I have to say that while the knives are, of course, wonderful, I think the reason this thread has fared so well has more to do with the warm, friendly atmosphere created by folks like yourself, Ron and many other Guardians. So thank you for that (and for putting up with those of us who have a tendency to stretch the limits of staying on topic).

Although this knife (at least to my knowledge) isn't one of the "Bagpipe Ebony" knives, I do already have an Ebony Big 'Un, which you sent me as a gift around Christmastime a couple years ago. So I think it's best that I sit out this giveaway and give someone else a shot. Here it is alongside my Ebony 2018 Guardians Lambsfoot, and a standard-production regular-size Ebony that is the minority of being one of the few Lambsfoot knives I bought for myself.

I also thoroughly enjoyed your trip-down-memory-lane photos, Jack; some really wonderful stuff in there! Although I obviously remembered them as soon as I saw them, I'm not sure I could have recalled having posted photos of both my girls in this thread holding the same Lambsfoot (and both looking much smaller than they do now). That knife (my 2019 Ironwood Guardians Lambsfoot) is still probably my favorite, and I feel a bit of a special connection to that run, as well, since I got to visit the factory (which shall remain nameless) with you the day that you picked up the initial sample.

Here's to 50,000 more posts!

 

[btb01]

From 30 below in the winter to 100 degrees in the summer around here. I wish we could settle around the middle somewhere...

View attachment 1584134

But then what would I talk to my neighbor about? At least that 100 degree stuff didn't stick around too long! Nice photo!

 

[Jack Black]

Double oops! First, I realized that I forgot to reply to this part of your post, Jack. Yes, I believe that's the idea. The Technora line is both quite thin and slippery, so I think the gutting and consequent flatting of the cord is intended to help achieve a better grip. I'll PM you with a bit more info about that book later on.

And, second oops: I looked back at my pictures and realized that those are overhand knots for the loops on the end of the prussiks, not bowlines. I tied that set-up a while back and leave it attached to the ridge line for quick deployment. I guess I forgot what I did. That's what I get for typing from memory without double checking it.

Lambfoot content: my wife and I are taking a three-day wekeend and intended to split a breakfast burrito on the way to a hike this morning. We asked for them to cut it in half for us, but that didn't end up happening. Never fear, a Guardian is always prepared for such matters and my sharp Rosewood SFO did the honors splendidly. No pictures, I'm afraid, but I trust you'll take my word for it.

No worries Greg (I just saw I had a PM from you, which is a nice bonus) That makes sense, friction is obviously important with all knots, as is feel and 'handle' in a rope. When Marlow, the firm I mentioned earlier, first started making climbing ropes, the first test ropes were overly stiff, with poor handle, and when Dyneema/Spectra first became available, climbers had to start using Triple Fisherman's knots, rather than Double Fisherman's knots to make slings, as the latter could slip.

I sometimes work on new tarp set-ups, then forget what I've done! I enjoyed your pics Greg Years ago, I wrote for a magazine who paid by the column inch, and per photograph. They were stingy with prose, and paid better for the pics. I had the idea to do a 2-part article on knots - lots of pics!

I'm glad that your Lambsfoot came to the rescue my friend, and hope you both enjoyed breakfast Have a great weekend

Replacement Big’un came in today. I’m very happy with this one. Blade is straight as an arrow, great snap, no play, and the covers are nice. I have no idea what type of wood it is, but the grain and coloring are very handsome.



Different lighting:

That's good to hear Ant, great pics

Thank you, sir! I’m thoroughly enjoying these knives. I find the blade shape very useful, and they’re dead sexy looking!

It has also opened my eyes to Sheffield produced knives in general. In addition to the big and little lambs I’ve picked up a clip point barlow and a senator in stag.

I think they’re all fantastic knives. Sure, the fit and finish isn’t the best, but I didn’t expect it to be. I expected functional, hand made knives with lots of personality and character, and all of them have that in spades. They’ve become some of my favorites.

I never would have found any of them if it weren’t for this thread. I stumbled onto this thread and liked what I saw, and that opened my eyes to the beauty of these knives.

A big “thank you” to Jack and all of the Guardians. I’m enjoying the ride and looking forward to learning more and enjoying all of it.




Thank you, sir! I agree.

Great to hear you're enjoying the pattern I carry other knives, as we all do, but when it comes to use, I really don't think anything has the versatility of a Lambsfoot. When I use other knives now, I can't help comparing them to the Lambsfoot, and usually wishing that's what I had in my hand!

Jack Jack Black will know. I'm guessing Rosewood but I've been wrong before.

Looks to me like Oak but I can't be sure.

I'd say it's Rosewood, almost certainly Indonesian Rosewood. The colour and texture of Rosewood can vary a lot. I'm no wood expert, but I do know what the Sheffield cutlers use Oak is only used rarely by the established firms, I don't know why really

Thanks Jack!

A great way to start the morning!

That's one cool Lambsfoot, Jer!

We might have one last move in the near future, but I'm not looking forward to it.

Hope they knock out the punch list items out quickly for you guys.
Your HHB is looking superb, Bill.

What a fine and generous gift, and a looker to boot!

Nice setup, Greg! I need to pick up a couple of hiking poles some day, seem handy!
I was using a bowline knot with a marlin spike on one tree then the trucker' hitch on the other with 550, then started using one of the nite eze cams on one end, now I've gone to using the Dyneema cord. 36# bank line works real well for the prusik knots, it's waxed and holds very well.

My old 550 ridgeline, cord I've had since my Army days in the '80s.

Thank you very much for the laugh!! Much needed!


Looks good, Will!
I'm thinking Rosewood as well, but could be way off.

Ironwood Mike again today.

I don't envy you that move Dennis, hope it goes well when it comes buddy Cool to see your old ridgeline, and Ironwood Mike of course!

Good morning Guardians, hope everyone is easing into the weekend No hike for me today I'm afraid, as I have some work to do Never mind, I'd rather have a day off in the week anyway (if that happens) I relinquished my usual sourdough toast this morning, and had some fruit and granola for breakfast, made for a photo op! Have a great day everyone

 

[Jack Black]

Congrats on 50,000 posts, Jack! Funny that it was only a week or so from being right at the 5 year mark, too. That's very generous of you (no surprise there, of course) to do a GAW, and thoughtful to do so in memory of Ron. I have to say that while the knives are, of course, wonderful, I think the reason this thread has fared so well has more to do with the warm, friendly atmosphere created by folks like yourself, Ron and many other Guardians. So thank you for that (and for putting up with those of us who have a tendency to stretch the limits of staying on topic).

Although this knife (at least to my knowledge) isn't one of the "Bagpipe Ebony" knives, I do already have an Ebony Big 'Un, which you sent me as a gift around Christmastime a couple years ago. So I think it's best that I sit out this giveaway and give someone else a shot. Here it is alongside my Ebony 2018 Guardians Lambsfoot, and a standard-production regular-size Ebony that is the minority of being one of the few Lambsfoot knives I bought for myself.

I also thoroughly enjoyed your trip-down-memory-lane photos, Jack; some really wonderful stuff in there! Although I obviously remembered them as soon as I saw them, I'm not sure I could have recalled having posted photos of both my girls in this thread holding the same Lambsfoot (and both looking much smaller than they do now). That knife (my 2019 Ironwood Guardians Lambsfoot) is still probably my favorite, and I feel a bit of a special connection to that run, as well, since I got to visit the factory (which shall remain nameless) with you the day that you picked up the initial sample.

Here's to 50,000 more posts!

Thanks Barrett, we must have been posting at the same time I'm glad I was able to find something to give away! That is one of the Bagpipe Ebony Big 'Uns I had made Barrett, I had 10 Big 'Uns, and 10 on the medium frame Nice to see that ebony group shot, and your other pics I always enjoy your photos my friend, and there's some real history in this thread now. I hope that, if it's still here, in years to come, Eleanor and Scout will be able to skim through it, and see all your great pics That's a fantastic day in Sheffield with you, and I really appreciate the huge effort you made to visit

 

[Pt-Luso]