Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[Old Traf]

Edit - Oops! Too many images

As I said earlier, I've seen the name WRITTEN in various way, but it's a Sheffield pattern, and in Sheffield it is CALLED a Lambsfoot. I don't think anymore needs to be said that hasn't been said before

The problem for us in the US, is that many of the smaller or less known UK vendors will not ship overseas or at least the the US.

-Mel

 

[Peregrin]

Please, if Jack says the pattern is a Lambsfoot, that's good enough for me, and I'm sure the majority of those who post here regularly. I've seen sheepsfoot called wharncliffe, and lord knows what else. All the manufacturers make up, and change names, even some that are very highly regarded on this very sub-forum. The majority of those who market this stuff just want to get it on the shelf and out the door.
A Lambsfoot by any other name is still a Lambsfoot! Carry on!

 

[Modoc ED]

The most common traditional etching on Lambsfoot blades is 'Real Lamb Foot' (there are other variations). Nonetheless, the pattern is called a Lambsfoot. Again, there is indexed discussion on this issue.

Don't doubt you one bit Jack Jack Black . Some of the confusion for us "hardheads" on this side of the pond is that Levine has it as "Lambfoot" in his LVG4 and many regard his LVG4 as gospel. I think I refer to it as Lambfoot because of the common blade etching but will refer to it as Lambsfoot from now on.

OOPS - Was typing this as Gary was typing posting. Anyway, Lambsfoot it will be.

 

[Onebigbill]

I'm not offended by either designation. I'm amused.

 

[Modoc ED]

Forgot to post a picture.

 

[Jack Black]

The problem for us in the US, is that many of the smaller or less known UK vendors will not ship overseas or at least the the US.

-Mel

I don't want to talk about buying here Mel, but I think if anyone does a search on the pattern, as I did earlier, they may come across one or two US vendors, who appear to stock the pattern, from time to time at least. Most of the UK vendors are small one person part-time outfits, and are probably best avoided in any case

Please, if Jack says the pattern is a Lambsfoot, that's good enough for me, and I'm sure the majority of those who post here regularly. I've seen sheepsfoot called wharncliffe, and lord knows what else. All the manufacturers make up, and change names, even some that are very highly regarded on this very sub-forum. The majority of those who market this stuff just want to get it on the shelf and out the door.
A Lambsfoot by any other name is still a Lambsfoot! Carry on!

Thanks Gary

Don't doubt you one bit Jack Jack Black . Some of the confusion for us "hardheads" on this side of the pond is that Levine has it as "Lambfoot" in his LVG4 and many regard his LVG4 as gospel. I think I refer to it as Lambfoot because of the common blade etching but will refer to it as Lambsfoot from now on.

OOPS - Was typing this as Gary was typing posting. Anyway, Lambsfoot it will be.

Would you be kind enough to let me have a page number for that Ed please, I've just spent the past half hour trying to find a reference to Lambsfoot knives in my copy, and I'm struggling? I regard IV as the Knife-collector's 'Bible', but Inevitably there are minor errors in any publication, as there are with regard to Sheffield knives, and there are certainly many differences in nomenclature. I imagine there's a reason Mr Levine drafted in others to work on the Sheffield history section. If the knife is referred to as a 'Lambfoot' I would find it entirely understandable in an American publication, whose esteemed author may have spent little or no time in Sheffield (the main focus of the book being traditional American patterns). If you look at post #2 in this thread (by me), you'll see this illustration:

And, as I am now repeating for the third time today:

"I have seen it written as 'Lambsfoot', 'Lambfoot', 'Lambs foot', and 'Lamb Foot', but only ever heard it pronounced 'Lambsfoot'.

I have said the same in the past. If anyone wants to call the pattern a Lambfoot, feel free, but if you ever use that term in Sheffield, where the overwhelming majority of Lambsfoot knives (almost all of them) have been made, you'll get an odd look. Just as I might if I were to use certain words, or the pronunciations of those words, in the USA. The difference here is that this is a quintessentially English pattern, which until very recently has had no US equivalents

 

[Jack Black]

I'm not offended by either designation. I'm amused.
View attachment 1593345

Me neither, but a few minutes checking the thread index, and the related past posts, might have saved us going over old ground

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Forgot to post a picture.

View attachment 1593346

Gorgeous, Ed! I got to briefly handle one of these at Charlie's last weekend, and can definitely see why they're so loved!

 

[Jack Black]

Have a great weekend Guardians

 

[Modoc ED]

I don't want to talk about buying here Mel, but I think if anyone does a search on the pattern, as I did earlier, they may come across one or two US vendors, who appear to stock the pattern, from time to time at least. Most of the UK vendors are small one person part-time outfits, and are probably best avoided in any case

Thanks Gary


Would you be kind enough to let me have a page number for that Ed please, I've just spent the past half hour trying to find a reference to Lambsfoot knives in my copy, and I'm struggling? I regard IV as the Knife-collector's 'Bible', but Inevitably there are minor errors in any publication, as there with regard to Sheffield knives, and there are certainly many differences in nomenclature. I imagine there's a reason Mr Levine drafted in others to work on the Sheffield history section. If the knife is referred to as a 'Lambfoot' I would find it entirely understandable in an American publication, whose esteemed author may have spent little or no time in Sheffield (the main focus of the book being traditional American patterns). If you look at post #2 in this thread (by me), you'll see this illustration:

And, as I am now repeating for the third time today:

"I have seen it written as 'Lambsfoot', 'Lambfoot', 'Lambs foot', and 'Lamb Foot', but only ever heard it pronounced 'Lambsfoot'.

I have said the same in the past. If anyone wants to call the pattern a Lambfoot, feel free, but if you ever use that term in Sheffield, where the overwhelming majority of Lambsfoot knives (almost all of them) have been made, you'll get an odd look. Just as I might if I were to use certain words, or the pronunciations of those words, in the USA. The difference here is that this is a quintessentially English pattern, which until very recently has had no US equivalents

Jack - In the Index and Glossary on page 509 of LVG4, there is the following:

Quote:

"SHEEPFOOT or LAMBFOOT BLADE. A short blade with a straight cutting edge, 35 - 36. The lambfoot blade tapers."

There are several pages throughout the book that show the Sheepfoot blade on knives that are called various names such as Carpenters Knife shown on page 180 along with other knives on the same page which is titled "Curved Jacks and Congress Jacks" BUT I don't see a picture of a Lambsfoot bladed knife in LVG4. The only reference to Lambfoot is in the index and Levine does distinguish a Lambfoot as having a "tapered" blade.

I wasn't trying to contradict you Jack. I was only trying to bring up how some might see Levine's reference to the Sheepfoot and Lambfoot blades as singular not plural.

Anyway, I'm content calling it a Lambsfoot blade. Hope this helps.

 

[Jack Black]

Jack - In the Index and Glossary on page 509 of LVG4, there is the following:

Quote:

"SHEEPFOOT or LAMBFOOT BLADE. A short blade with a straight cutting edge, 35 - 36. The lambfoot blade tapers."

There are several pages throughout the book that show the Sheepfoot blade on knives that are called various names such as Carpenters Knife shown on page 180 along with other knives on the same page which is titled "Curved Jacks and Congress Jacks" BUT I don't see a picture of a Lambsfoot bladed knife in LVG4. The only reference to Lambfoot is in the index and Levine does distinguish a Lambfoot as having a "tapered" blade.

I wasn't trying to contradict you Jack. I was only trying to bring up how some might see Levine's reference to the Sheepfoot and Lambfoot blades as singular not plural.

Anyway, I'm content calling it a Lambsfoot blade. Hope this helps.

Thank you Ed, I checked the Index first, but looked under 'L', rather than 'S' . Well at least he got the taper part right!

Not at all Ed, I'm grateful for your post

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[BrotherJim]

I too find it amusing. Historical Sheffield Cutlers, historical Sheffield Cutlery advertisements, books on blade pattern references and historical Sheffield cutlery, as well as current Sheffield producers of the knife, are all wrong ... as well as the etching that has been produced on every single "Real Lambfoot" made in Sheffield. It's just a matter of translation, reading comprehension and Sheffield cutlers not getting out in town much. Lambsfoot it is

 

[Jack Black]

I'm just going to post this for the fourth time:

"I have seen it written as 'Lambsfoot', 'Lambfoot', 'Lambs foot', and 'Lamb Foot', but only ever heard it pronounced 'Lambsfoot'.

I've known many Sheffield cutlers, some of whom were trained by cutlers who would themselves have learned their craft in the late 19th century. I don't know if any of those 19th century cutlers ever called the pattern anything else, but none of the men they trained did, they ALL called it a Lambsfoot. It's the only term I've ever HEARD used for the pattern. I try to name patterns correctly, not least so new members here are not misinformed, but there are only so many times I can repeat the same thing. It's 9.30pm here, and I've spent almost all of the day going over ground, which a visit to the thread index could have easily resolved.

 

[BrotherJim]

I try to name patterns correctly, not least so new members here are not misinformed, but there are only so many times I can repeat the same thing.

As do I and the only reason for this discussion. Just glad adults can have a discussion and don't mind offering and discussing facts without becoming annoyed or stomping their feet. Opinions and facts have been offered here and in a thread index of those who post here and are considered to be an authority I guess. I've never spoken with a Sheffield cutler and rely on second hand sources and forum experts and I've only ever seen Lamb Foot and Lambfoot on the knives and in historical reference and most larger (and smaller) Sheffield retailers ... but seen it pronounced Lambsfoot by some retailers, casual collectors and some here on BF .
Have a great weekend and long live the Lambsfoot !!!

 

[cudgee]

Forgot to post a picture.

Nice one Ed.

Gorgeous, Ed! I got to briefly handle one of these at Charlie's last weekend, and can definitely see why they're so loved!

Mike, if you ever get a chance to purchase one, do. As you now know they are a beautiful knife to not only look at, but feel in the hand. And mine keeps a really good edge, and all my knives are users so that is important to me. Have a good weekend mate.

 

[abbydaddy]

Instead of my grumpy early morning post that I deleted since I am not a mod and don't need to be complaining about anyone's refusals to take the polite hint, here is a picture of my Lambsfoot that I took a little later this morning.

Definitely not the greatest Lambsfoot photo ever taken, but I appreciated having the Lambsfoot with me in the field today.

 

[cudgee]

Instead of my grumpy early morning post that I deleted since I am not a mod and don't need to be complaining about anyone's refusals to take the polite hint,

. I'm with ya' brother. I'm not an early person, so i get you. I get up early, just takes me a while to adjust to the rest of the human race..

 

[mitch4ging]

Some wonderful character to that knife my friend

Thank you, Jack! There is no bad side on it, just bad photographer!!

Good morning Guardians, we're approaching the end of another week I've been concerned about the reports of extreme temperatures in Oregon and parts of Canada (B.C.), and hope our members living in those areas are OK, and everyone else too of course Despite enjoying carrying my Rosewood Big 'Un yesterday, my Hartshead Barlow has found it's way back into my pocket today Have a good Friday Guardians, it's nearly the weekend

Great shot of your HHB Lambsfoot Jack!
It's definitely been some screwy weather. We are usually hot and dry here by now, but we've been getting a lot of rain, but the PNW is burning up...

We are getting a visit today by rain/thunder storms. Got to get some things done today before they arrive. Going to use my Ironwood Lambfoot...err Lambsfoot...err... well, you know.View attachment 1593154

Same here with the rain, since the first of the week. Hope it starts out to dry out.
Your '19 Lambsfoot is looking dapper!

Over-exposed, to hide the crumbs.

I meant to do that.

I have to sweep away gingersnap crumbs!

RALF, Red and me sitting at the computer enjoying some decaf this morning; rainin' like crazy outside!

Love the mug, Jeff! RALF is a dandy looker!

Not a traditional lambsfoot knife but a Senator with a lambsfoot blade

Hope this still counts!

Looks great! Cool stag covers on it.

TGIF Guardians! HHB rides today. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Nice, Mike! Happy LATE Canada Day!

Forgot to post a picture.

View attachment 1593346

Those are such great looking knives!

And mine keeps a really good edge, and all my knives are users so that is important to me. Have a good weekend mate.

And another beautiful WCLF! Nice, Leon.

Definitely not the greatest Lambsfoot photo ever taken, but I appreciated having the Lambsfoot with me in the field today.

Looks good even as a dash mount!

. I'm with ya' brother. I'm not an early person, so i get you. I get up early, just takes me a while to adjust to the rest of the human race..

For years had to be up at 0-dark:30 for PT. Now I don't sleep so pretty good at night, and not too sociable in early morning.

An older shot of my 2019 SFO Lambsfoot.

 

[cudgee]

I have to sweep away gingersnap crumbs

Ohhh, Mate, now you're talkin' Any savory with ginger in it.

and not too sociable in early morning.

An older shot of my 2019 SFO Lambsfoot.

Nice one mate.