Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[btb01]

I think I am going for northerns and walleye next week. Nothing wrong with pan fish. Love taking my boys to a blue gill hole. They have loads of fun with it.

We used to fish for northerns on our old Minnesota fishing trips, usually when we couldn’t catch anything else. Throw a spoon on a steel leader and let ‘em fight. They’ll hit a lot of the stuff you’d throw for bass, too.

I wish Eleanor was more into fishing than she is. I can get her to go a couple times a year, but that’s about it. Maybe I’ll have better luck with Scout.

I fly to El Paso to begin their journey north on June 11th!!!!!!!

That’s great, Paul!

It’s been hard to kick the Albers out of my pocket.

 

[herder]

Hello, fellow Guardians. I hope you will forgive my relative silence - I don't keep up with things nearly as well as I used to be able to. That said, I am always close by.

I have a pretty special project to share with you all. Some time ago, I acquired a fairly unique Lambsfoot - a decidedly Lambsfoot blade on a swell center (coke bottle) frame. Though I have seen the frame paired with other blades, I haven't seen this particular combination anywhere before or since. Jack, I believe, has a similar knife but with a spear blade, which (from what I understand) is a more typical combination.

I have a fondness for the coke bottle shape and so it was much to my delight to have found this example and I had to make it mine. However, the blade was used and treated rather poorly and despite it still having the ability to perform as a cutting tool, I was left with a small sense of wanting. I had reached out to a couple of makers to possibly embark on recreating this unique piece, only to largely be met with crickets.

I became aware of Rhidian's work through Charlie's lavish (and well deserved) praise here on the forums and so I tossed the dice and reached out. Much to my surprise and delight, not only was @Rhidian receptive to the idea, I was able to meet him at the Oregon Show, give him the subject knife and seal the deal. H herder also took the opportunity to examine the knife and he made some keen observations - dating the blade to around the '30s (if I recall correctly) and believing it to be all original, despite me thinking it might have been a re-blade at some point.

I was expecting a bit of a wait but Rhidian wasted no time. He gave me permission to share some progress pics - I'm also including pictures I took of it after its arrival today. Just an incredible knife that captures absolutely everything from the original piece that I had hoped would carry over.

A2 steel with steel hardware and ebony covers - an absolute beauty that melts in the hands and practically sings with its walk-n-talk. I couldn't be happier with my first foray into custom slipjoints.


The original subject knife:

Some in-progress pics of the project:

The finished knife!

Here next to its inspiration.

I am very, very pleased with this one - it's going to get an enormous amount of mileage.

Dylan, it was great to meet you at the Eugene show and have a look at that fine old Rodgers Lamb Foot model. And seeing it next to the incredible build from Rhidian offers a fantastic picture. Congratulations on owning both models.
That swell center Coke bottle handle shape from Joseph Rodgers (and other companies) is a very old style and is seen in a factory Rodgers catalog dating back to 1865, but with different blade shapes. While they certainly must have offered that handle with a Lamb Foot blade by the early to mid 1900s, I can't find a picture of such a model until 1961 (picture enclosed). I find it very interesting that the Lamb Foot knife was so popular in Sheffield, England for nearly 150 years, but almost non existent in the United States until really after WWII. Yes, we do find older Lamb Foot models here in the U.S., but they were almost certainly not imported here until the second half of the 20th century. While I have several Joseph Rodgers catalogs, two of them were specifically meant for the U.S. One from 1892 and one from 1938 which both show a wide range of models, but no Lamb Foot models.

 

[Pàdruig]

And what may I ask are you drinking?

That would be High West Rendezvous Rye - a pretty excellent Rye, in my opinion.

Dylan, it was great to meet you at the Eugene show and have a look at that fine old Rodgers Lamb Foot model. And seeing it next to the incredible build from Rhidian offers a fantastic picture. Congratulations on owning both models.
That swell center Coke bottle handle shape from Joseph Rodgers (and other companies) is a very old style and is seen in a factory Rodgers catalog dating back to 1865, but with different blade shapes. While they certainly must have offered that handle with a Lamb Foot blade by the early to mid 1900s, I can't find a picture of such a model until 1961 (picture enclosed). I find it very interesting that the Lamb Foot knife was so popular in Sheffield, England for nearly 150 years, but almost non existent in the United States until really after WWII. Yes, we do find older Lamb Foot models here in the U.S., but they were almost certainly not imported here until the second half of the 20th century. While I have several Joseph Rodgers catalogs, two of them were specifically meant for the U.S. One from 1892 and one from 1938 which both show a wide range of models, but no Lamb Foot models.

View attachment 2181600

Thank you for sharing that, Neil, and for the information - very intriguing, indeed. Would it have been common to omit other markings from the blade for the catalog print? Namely, the Hand Forged stamp that is on the blade of my example - kind of a curious label, really.

 

[Jack Black]

Great way to wind down....but is that a lamb?View attachment 2181274

It's a Guardian!

Enjoying my last day off before my work week starts. Got the grass cut and the laundry done. Now I am just in chill mode. Got the smooth stag with me today. Have a great day everyone.

View attachment 2181293

Nice choice buddy

I fly to El Paso to begin their journey north on June 11th!!!!!!!

Yay!

Thanks Jack and safe travels home !

Thanks Steve

I'm fine and dandy, Jack... thanks for inquiring.
I'm just taking a little break from the forum, gaining perspective, and working on tossing a one pound beanbag.

Thanks for calling in my friend, it's good to know you're ok. Enjoy your rest, and good luck with the beanbag

Thanks a lot, Jack!!!

It looks like your having a great seaside vacation with your Lambsfoot in tow!

Many thanks JJ

Evening Guardians. Looks like everyone has had a good day. Jack hope get a good night sleep so your rested for you traveling home. Boss is guarding the flock today.

View attachment 2181416

Thanks a lot David, nice pic of Boss

It’s been hard to kick the Albers out of my pocket.

I'm not surprised Barrett, it's a beauty

Dylan, it was great to meet you at the Eugene show and have a look at that fine old Rodgers Lamb Foot model. And seeing it next to the incredible build from Rhidian offers a fantastic picture. Congratulations on owning both models.
That swell center Coke bottle handle shape from Joseph Rodgers (and other companies) is a very old style and is seen in a factory Rodgers catalog dating back to 1865, but with different blade shapes. While they certainly must have offered that handle with a Lamb Foot blade by the early to mid 1900s, I can't find a picture of such a model until 1961 (picture enclosed). I find it very interesting that the Lamb Foot knife was so popular in Sheffield, England for nearly 150 years, but almost non existent in the United States until really after WWII. Yes, we do find older Lamb Foot models here in the U.S., but they were almost certainly not imported here until the second half of the 20th century. While I have several Joseph Rodgers catalogs, two of them were specifically meant for the U.S. One from 1892 and one from 1938 which both show a wide range of models, but no Lamb Foot models.

View attachment 2181600

Fascinating information buddy, thank you for your research efforts. I have an old wreck of the pattern with jigged bone covers, in addition to the one like Dylan's, and also a Spearpoint on the same frame

The strange contrast between the scarcity of the Lambsfoot blade in the US, and its ubiquity in the UK, absolutely fascinates me too, and is one of the main reasons I originally posted this thread. For our newcomers, there's some excellent discussion on this subject, which you should be able to find with the help of the Thread Index linked to in post #1

Good morning Guardians, I hope everyone is doing ok. I am halfway through packing. No hurry, as I have extended my check-out time to 5pm this evening. I might have a walk on the beach, but don't think I'l be doing much today. Have a good one Guardians

 

[Rufus1949]

It's a Guardian!

Nice choice buddy

Yay!

Thanks Steve

Thanks for calling in my friend, it's good to know you're ok. Enjoy your rest, and good luck with the beanbag

Many thanks JJ

Thanks a lot David, nice pic of Boss

I'm not surprised Barrett, it's a beauty

Fascinating information buddy, thank you for your research efforts. I have an old wreck of the pattern with jigged bone covers, in addition to the one like Dylan's, and also a Spearpoint on the same frame

The strange contrast between the scarcity of the Lambsfoot blade in the US, and its ubiquity in the UK, absolutely fascinates me too, and is one of the main reasons I originally posted this thread. For our newcomers, there's some excellent discussion on this subject, which you should be able to find with the help of the Thread Index linked to in post #1

Good morning Guardians, I hope everyone is doing ok. I am halfway through packing. No hurry, as I have extended my check-out time to 5pm this evening. I might have a walk on the beach, but don't think I'l be doing much today. Have a good one Guardians

View attachment 2181738

I'm glad for you to ease in to your exit Jack. Another check mark for the unique places to travel column.

Safe travels home.

 

[cudgee]

I'm fine and dandy, Jack... thanks for inquiring.
I'm just taking a little break from the forum, gaining perspective, and working on tossing a one pound beanbag.

I was thinking of you yesterday and was pretty sure you were just having a break from the Forum, you advised me to have a spell a while back when someone had peeved me off. Was good advice my friend, you do what you have to do. As an esteemed and valued member here you are always in our thoughts. .

 

[Jack Black]

I'm glad for you to ease in to your exit Jack. Another check mark for the unique places to travel column.

Safe travels home.

Thanks Bob, Bulgaria is not somewhere I ever expected to travel. Many thanks my friend

 

[JohnDF]

Hi John good to see you!

Great to hear from you, John. Good luck on you bean bag endeavor !!!!

Thanks for calling in my friend, it's good to know you're ok. Enjoy your rest, and good luck with the beanbag

I was thinking of you yesterday and was pretty sure you were just having a break from the Forum, you advised me to have a spell a while back when someone had peeved me off. Was good advice my friend, you do what you have to do. As an esteemed and valued member here you are always in our thoughts.

Thanks everybody, I've been thinking of all of you too.
I'm sure I will be back soon in full force, I can feel the 'itch" returning.

 

[SteveC]

Good morning Guardians !

Carrying the Baxter today

 

[Jakeywax31]

Back to the grind. Enjoying a beautiful day. 80s and low wind. Got the Charlie lamb in the pocket today. Hope everyone has a good one.

 

[Jakeywax31]

We used to fish for northerns on our old Minnesota fishing trips, usually when we couldn’t catch anything else. Throw a spoon on a steel leader and let ‘em fight. They’ll hit a lot of the stuff you’d throw for bass, too.

I wish Eleanor was more into fishing than she is. I can get her to go a couple times a year, but that’s about it. Maybe I’ll have better luck with Scout.

Northerns put up a hell of a fight. It is my understanding that they are a good eatin fish too. All I know is, they are fun to catch.

Good luck with Scout!!!! May she get addicted to fishing with her Pops .

It's a Guardian!

Nice choice buddy

Yay!

Thanks Steve

Thanks for calling in my friend, it's good to know you're ok. Enjoy your rest, and good luck with the beanbag

Many thanks JJ

Thanks a lot David, nice pic of Boss

I'm not surprised Barrett, it's a beauty

Fascinating information buddy, thank you for your research efforts. I have an old wreck of the pattern with jigged bone covers, in addition to the one like Dylan's, and also a Spearpoint on the same frame

The strange contrast between the scarcity of the Lambsfoot blade in the US, and its ubiquity in the UK, absolutely fascinates me too, and is one of the main reasons I originally posted this thread. For our newcomers, there's some excellent discussion on this subject, which you should be able to find with the help of the Thread Index linked to in post #1

Good morning Guardians, I hope everyone is doing ok. I am halfway through packing. No hurry, as I have extended my check-out time to 5pm this evening. I might have a walk on the beach, but don't think I'l be doing much today. Have a good one Guardians

View attachment 2181738

Have a save trip home, Jack. I bet Harry Hot Balls is dying to see you .

Good morning Guardians !

Carrying the Baxter today


View attachment 2182102

What a great lamb, Steve. You certainly know how to pick them.

 

[SteveC]

What a great lamb, Steve. You certainly know how to pick them.

Thanks Paul !

 

[echoscout]

Afternoon Guardians!

 

[Badger28]

We used to fish for northerns on our old Minnesota fishing trips, usually when we couldn’t catch anything else. Throw a spoon on a steel leader and let ‘em fight. They’ll hit a lot of the stuff you’d throw for bass, too.

I wish Eleanor was more into fishing than she is. I can get her to go a couple times a year, but that’s about it. Maybe I’ll have better luck with Scout.



That’s great, Paul!

It’s been hard to kick the Albers out of my pocket.

These covers somehow look Star Wars 3 esque. So cool!

 

[flatblackcapo]

Cool pic Kevin

Thanks Jack. I hope your trip home goes nice and smooth and thanks for taking us along on your travels.
I decided to stick with the '19.

 

[Fodderwing]

 

[screened porch]

 

[herder]

That would be High West Rendezvous Rye - a pretty excellent Rye, in my opinion.



Thank you for sharing that, Neil, and for the information - very intriguing, indeed. Would it have been common to omit other markings from the blade for the catalog print? Namely, the Hand Forged stamp that is on the blade of my example - kind of a curious label, really.

The "Hand Forged" blade stamp/etch is not commonly seen on Joseph Rodgers knives. I'm fairly certain that mark dates from the 1920s to 1930s.

 

[herder]

It's a Guardian!

Nice choice buddy

Yay!

Thanks Steve

Thanks for calling in my friend, it's good to know you're ok. Enjoy your rest, and good luck with the beanbag

Many thanks JJ

Thanks a lot David, nice pic of Boss

I'm not surprised Barrett, it's a beauty

Fascinating information buddy, thank you for your research efforts. I have an old wreck of the pattern with jigged bone covers, in addition to the one like Dylan's, and also a Spearpoint on the same frame

The strange contrast between the scarcity of the Lambsfoot blade in the US, and its ubiquity in the UK, absolutely fascinates me too, and is one of the main reasons I originally posted this thread. For our newcomers, there's some excellent discussion on this subject, which you should be able to find with the help of the Thread Index linked to in post #1

Good morning Guardians, I hope everyone is doing ok. I am halfway through packing. No hurry, as I have extended my check-out time to 5pm this evening. I might have a walk on the beach, but don't think I'l be doing much today. Have a good one Guardians

View attachment 2181738

Thanks Jack. the Lamb Foot knife was barely on my radar when you started the Guardians thread, and now it has become a bit of a quest to find out more about them.
Hope you had a great vacation and I enjoyed your updates throughout.

 

[Daniel W]

Had rosie out the pocket for a few days while I tried out another pattern, but back she went today.