Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[dc50]

Well, my wife is a brunette.
Got a yellow mini-trapper in my pocket now, and often carry amber bone knives.

Then you're on the right track, Vince. I'm pretty much in the same club as you, except her hair has turned grey after 49 years with me.

 

[Prester John]

Then you're on the right track, Vince. I'm pretty much in the same club as you, except her hair has turned grey after 49 years with me.

My wife colors her hair, or there would be some grey/white hair. Shhhh...

P.S. Happy 49th Wedding Anniversary! That is awesome. Just celebrated my 27th.

 

[Jack Black]

Congratulations Vince and Dave (and your good ladies)

Thank you, Jack. I will call it Whiskey.

That is certainly a lovely colour Dave

Followed me home today...G.Gothard lambsfoot. Nice patina, going to make a nice Sunday go to meeting knife! Anyone have a good way to date these Sheffield knives?

Nice find, that's a beautiful knife Do you think it has always been a Lambsfoot, or a Sheepsfoot that has seen some honest use? It looks like the latter to me, but you're best placed to judge. Any chance of a pic taken from directly above? Dating old Sheffield knives is a minefield, and not easily done with any accuracy. I don't know G.Gothard, and thdey're not listed in Tweedale's Directory of Sheffield Cutlers. There are a few omissions in that book, but not that many. It's possible Gothard was a factor? You certainly have a nice knife there, pre WW2 from the look of it

Took a few pics of my Cracker Jack yesterday while waiting for the tiny air compressor I have to build up pressure so I could inflate my car tires, all 4 of which were super soft!

I've been using the Cracker Jack all week to help with food prep, and it's starting to get some patina, as seen in these photos taken in our city yard waste cart (I was also working on some leaf clean-up Saturday afternoon):
View attachment 1015080
View attachment 1015081

- GT

I like those pics GT, your Cracker Jack is looking good Hope the soft tires aren't down to all that cutlery my friend

Perhaps the next Guardians knife should be blonde?

I don't think I'll be going down that route with Wright's again! Half of this year's Guardian's knives were supposed to be Redheads! If I ask them for one blonde knife, I'll be OK, maybe half a dozen, but it's hard to determine the exact colour of horn before it's ground and polished, and keep it consistent for a run of 30-50 knives. We could get blonde knives, but I'd have to keep going over to Sheffield, when they were doing a run of horn, and picking out the best ones - not sure how they'd feel about that (or me), but they would only have Wright's standard fit and finish.

Hope everyone had a great weekend My week is starting with a trip to the hospital to see a specialist about the heavy cough I've had for 14 months now, hoping he can help me get rid of it! Have a good week folks

Marilyn seemed an appropriate choice to accompany me today

 

[Will Power]

Perhaps the next Guardians knife should be blonde?

If Blonde is wanted then look no further than Ram's Horn/Mufflon Rather appropriate to have the sire of the lamb on the handle slabs

 

[Jack Black]

If Blonde is wanted then look no further than Ram's Horn/Mufflon Rather appropriate to have the sire of the lamb on the handle slabs

I'd love to have some Ram or Sheep's Horn Will, but based upon prior experience, Wright's are wary of working with it. I've thought about importing pre-cut scales, but it's a material most of their cutlers have no experience of working with, and I could be left substantially out of pocket. I wouldn't rule it out completely, but it would be a costly and complicated exercise. Don't forget I'm dealing with a company that don't even have an email address. After all the shenanigans I had with the ebony and horn knives this year, I nearly threw in the towel, so I'd like to keep it relatively simple, and try and use materials they are familiar with, and which are a bit more consistent. I've got a few ideas for the 2019 knife, one of which is Desert Ironwood

 

[Will Power]

Yes, I understand that, pity though as Ram's Horn appears more stable than a lot of pressed Cow horn et al. It seems that it does not shrink or warp, but that's likely due to curing processes. One choice I think I've floated before could simply be polished White or Ivory coloured bone, doesn't need jigging or dyeing and should be relatively uniform. Lot of people like this type of slab and it looks very well on Barehead patterns.

Isn't Ironwood extremely hard and tough to work with though?

Then there's polished micarta....I'm a fan but many in the Old School look suspiciously on it also, specialist tools may be needed to work with it ?

Thanks, Will

 

[Jack Black]

Yes, I understand that, pity though as Ram's Horn appears more stable than a lot of pressed Cow horn et al. It seems that it does not shrink or warp, but that's likely due to curing processes. One choice I think I've floated before could simply be polished White or Ivory coloured bone, doesn't need jigging or dyeing and should be relatively uniform. Lot of people like this type of slab and it looks very well on Barehead patterns.

Isn't Ironwood extremely hard and tough to work with though?

Then there's polished micarta....I'm a fan but many in the Old School look suspiciously on it also, specialist tools may be needed to work with it ?

Thanks, Will

I think the problem they had with Ram's Horn was that, when they've used it in the past, as it's being ground to shape, particularly for the Barehead patterns they favour, small pieces can flake off, and spoil the appearance of the finished knife. Not a problem for a custom maker, who can start again if necessary, but for an outfit like Wright's, it's a big deal as they just end up with a load of seconds nobody wants It's the same with horn, some are fancy, some look more plain, depending on what the top layer of horn is like when the knife is finished, but everybody wants the fancy stuff, and folks are disappointed if they get a plain one. Wright's have had a lot of experience with horn, but supplies and suppliers change, which makes it harder to determine how it's been stored, and for how long. Then there are climatic issues, they haven't previously encountered the sort of climates some BF folks live in, and this can lead to all sorts of problems with the horn. If I was to ask them to use Ram's Horn, it could be ruinous financially, and I think I'd have to source cut scales in the US, with all the hassle and cost that entails, and the knife might have to have two bolsters, which I'm not sure I'd want. I'm not saying it won't happen at some point, but Ram's Horn is a lot of trouble for 20 or 30 knives. If I just wanted one for myself, I'd just buy half a dozen cut scales, and hope I got one good knife out of them, but it's different with a run of knives.

White camel bone is something Wright's have probably used before, and a more realistic option. Wright's have been working with Ironwood for years, so it won't be a problem. The only wood they're wary of is Lignum Vitae, so I might have to do a bit of arm-twisting there My main concern with the wood is US import restrictions. I used a form of Micarta on the first knife I did, but I wouldn't choose it for a Guardians Lambsfoot knife

 

[dc50]

Hope everyone had a great weekend My week is starting with a trip to the hospital to see a specialist about the heavy cough I've had for 14 months now, hoping he can help me get rid of it! Have a good week folks

Marilyn seemed an appropriate choice to accompany me today

Heres to hoping you can get that cough sorted out Jack. Marilyn is looking mighty fine.

 

[Jack Black]

Heres to hoping you can get that cough sorted out Jack. Marilyn is looking mighty fine.

Thanks a lot Dave

 

[Prester John]

I think the problem they had with Ram's Horn was that, when they've used it in the past, as it's being ground to shape, particularly for the Barehead patterns they favour, small pieces can flake off, and spoil the appearance of the finished knife. Not a problem for a custom maker, who can start again if necessary, but for an outfit like Wright's, it's a big deal as they just end up with a load of seconds nobody wants It's the same with horn, some are fancy, some look more plain, depending on what the top layer of horn is like when the knife is finished, but everybody wants the fancy stuff, and folks are disappointed if they get a plain one. Wright's have had a lot of experience with horn, but supplies and suppliers change, which makes it harder to determine how it's been stored, and for how long. Then there are climatic issues, they haven't previously encountered the sort of climates some BF folks live in, and this can lead to all sorts of problems with the horn. If I was to ask them to use Ram's Horn, it could be ruinous financially, and I think I'd have to source cut scales in the US, with all the hassle and cost that entails, and the knife might have to have two bolsters, which I'm not sure I'd want. I'm not saying it won't happen at some point, but Ram's Horn is a lot of trouble for 20 or 30 knives. If I just wanted one for myself, I'd just buy half a dozen cut scales, and hope I got one good knife out of them, but it's different with a run of knives.

White camel bone is something Wright's have probably used before, and a more realistic option. Wright's have been working with Ironwood for years, so it won't be a problem. The only wood they're wary of is Lignum Vitae, so I might have to do a bit of arm-twisting there My main concern with the wood is US import restrictions. I used a form of Micarta on the first knife I did, but I wouldn't choose it for a Guardians Lambsfoot knife

I definitely like the idea of ironwood!

 

[r8shell]

I don't think I'll be going down that route with Wright's again! Half of this year's Guardian's knives were supposed to be Redheads! If I ask them for one blonde knife, I'll be OK, maybe half a dozen, but it's hard to determine the exact colour of horn before it's ground and polished, and keep it consistent for a run of 30-50 knives. We could get blonde knives, but I'd have to keep going over to Sheffield, when they were doing a run of horn, and picking out the best ones - not sure how they'd feel about that (or me), but they would only have Wright's standard fit and finish.

Hope everyone had a great weekend My week is starting with a trip to the hospital to see a specialist about the heavy cough I've had for 14 months now, hoping he can help me get rid of it! Have a good week folks

Marilyn seemed an appropriate choice to accompany me today

White camel bone is something Wright's have probably used before, and a more realistic option. Wright's have been working with Ironwood for years, so it won't be a problem. The only wood they're wary of is Lignum Vitae, so I might have to do a bit of arm-twisting there My main concern with the wood is US import restrictions. I used a form of Micarta on the first knife I did, but I wouldn't choose it for a Guardians Lambsfoot knife

First of all, 14 months is too long for a cough, so I do hope the Dr. can help. You can't blame it on seasonal allergies if it lasts all year!

The blond horn was just a passing thought. As to the practicalities, logistics, and pitfalls of actually having them made, I trust your judgement..

Here's wood, horn, and antler. Bone would be nice...

 

[dc50]

I definitely like the idea of ironwood!

Me too.

 

[dc50]

Here's wood, horn, and antler. Bone would be nice...

I like that as well.

 

[screened porch]

Alabaster and turquoise!
Good luck with the cough specialist, Jack Black .

 

[Jack Black]

First of all, 14 months is too long for a cough, so I do hope the Dr. can help. You can't blame it on seasonal allergies if it lasts all year!

The blond horn was just a passing thought. As to the practicalities, logistics, and pitfalls of actually having them made, I trust your judgement..

Here's wood, horn, and antler. Bone would be nice...

Thanks Rachel, I had a series of breathing and blood tests, and I'm going in again in 3 months. I sure will be glad to get rid of the cough. It's not just a polite 'ahem', it sounds like I have the 'Black Lung'! Unlikely, as I've never been down a coal-mine! According to the doc, most likely thing is that it's asthma-related (which one of our good members here told me about 12 months ago!)

I thought so Thanks

Those three look nice together

Alabaster and turquoise!
Good luck with the cough specialist, Jack Black .

Noted! Thanks pal

 

[Half/Stop]

It’s been awhile! Have a great Monday!

 

[5K Qs]

Thankfully not GT (well, one of them might have been)! Me and my neighbours are still trying to work out what was going on The little pig is on a door-stop, I got it for a friend I was sending a package to, but it wouldn't fit in Cracking shot of your Cracker Jack my friend
...

Thanks for the follow-up info, Jack, both porcine and copterine. And, as always, thanks for mentioning my posted knife.

Good morning Jack and fellow Guardians! I will be rocking out with Big Red. View attachment 1013270

Nice, Dave; Big Red looks to be a sassy lass!

Thought I'd show a pile side pic of my leather Lambsfoot

Dylan sent you some luxurious leather products, Jack!

...
I'm not sure I'll put all those buttons on my cap my friend, folks might get the wrong idea!

https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Pearly-Kings-Queens/

Besides, I thought they might go nicely with next year's Guardians Lambsfoot

Wow, Jack, I had no idea!! Is that like a British "suit of lights"??

Already thinking about next year's lambsfoot, huh? Amazing how quickly you can forget pain. It's why women ever have more than one child.

View attachment 1013503
Ipa and pile side!

Joshua, I think both sides of your AC lambsfoot are distinctive and desirable, but that Grand Canyon on the pile side is especially impressive!!

Thanks Gary! Your comments are always appreciated!

Thanks, Ron. I think my comments are deserved, too, based on the splendid pics everyone posts!

My newest Barlow acquisition is this George Wostenholm IXL Lambsfoot. This knife needs cleaned, oiled and sharpened but other wise in great shape. Thank God the previous owner(s) never buffed it. Anyway I am including pictures of the tang stamps in case someone may know the date I know very little about these knives.

...

Congrats on a classic Barlow, Randy!! That looks like a keeper!

Man, you guys are posting some beautiful outdoor pictures!!!
Fodderwing, Padruig, r8shell, and Jack, great shots from the last two pages.
And 5kQs, the glow of what looks like a setting sun really sets off the stag on your two models.

Thanks, @herder. At this time of year, the setting sun shines directly onto my back yard, almost "horizontally" and makes some interesting light. (FWIW, I have only one stag lambsfoot, but I showed both sides of it.)

Good Morning Jack! I took a photo yesterday of my mailbox on the right, that I will send to Canada post, this may help with future deliveries.
View attachment 1013839

WW, Dave! How green is your valley!! (Another Academy Award winning film I haven't seen. )

...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night

That's a vivacious variation of a stag lambsfoot, Jack!

View attachment 1013946
Good morning, Guardians! Going to watch Arsenal vs. Liverpool in an hour, then heading to the local Greek Festival. Totin' this wee staggie.

Vince, you are a cosmopolitan kind of guy: English football and lambsfoot, Greek festivals, Irish whiskey, Mexican breakfast!!

Nice pic, CJ is looking fine in the golden hour light!
...
Look at all the cool stuff there is to be learned in this place!

Thanks, Gary. Getting Rilley to stand still ( while out on a walk ) is no easy task.
I also employ the " Run away, run away" tactic on the dust bunnies.
...
I had this little beauty with me yesterday.

Thanks for the compliment and for the additional comments about dogs and bunnies, FBC. And you're right - this thread ranges far beyond info about lambsfoot knives! Your oxhorn model is superb ; it reminds me a bit of one that Jack occasionally posts that invariably takes my breath away with its incredible "inner glow"!

Mornin to you all. Raining here and cool. Love it when we have your weather Jack.
Headed south to spend a couple days with the kids and grands. Hope you all have a great weekend.View attachment 1014568

Love the coloration of your AC, Dwight - more black/white than brown/cream! Hope you have/had a fantastic trip to see offspring.

I carry a lambsfoot...

... because those waffles aren’t going to trim themselves!

How ‘bout you?

Greg, I try to find kitchen tasks for my lambsfoot knives to perform, but I didn't realize trimming waffles was a thing!!

I had to run some errands this morning, so I haven't had time to make my weekly knife "reload" yet, so I'm still carrying the Cracker Jack. Gives me a chance to post a couple of more new pics from Saturday :



- GT

 

[dc50]

Thanks for the follow-up info, Jack, both porcine and copterine. And, as always, thanks for mentioning my posted knife.


Nice, Dave; Big Red looks to be a sassy lass!


Dylan sent you some luxurious leather products, Jack!


Wow, Jack, I had no idea!! Is that like a British "suit of lights"??





Joshua, I think both sides of your AC lambsfoot are distinctive and desirable, but that Grand Canyon on the pile side is especially impressive!!


Thanks, Ron. I think my comments are deserved, too, based on the splendid pics everyone posts!


Congrats on a classic Barlow, Randy!! That looks like a keeper!


Thanks, @herder. At this time of year, the setting sun shines directly onto my back yard, almost "horizontally" and makes some interesting light. (FWIW, I have only one stag lambsfoot, but I showed both sides of it.)


WW, Dave! How green is your valley!! (Another Academy Award winning film I haven't seen. )


That's a vivacious variation of a stag lambsfoot, Jack!


Vince, you are a cosmopolitan kind of guy: English football and lambsfoot, Greek festivals, Irish whiskey, Mexican breakfast!!


Thanks for the compliment and for the additional comments about dogs and bunnies, FBC. And you're right - this thread ranges far beyond info about lambsfoot knives! Your oxhorn model is superb ; it reminds me a bit of one that Jack occasionally posts that invariably takes my breath away with its incredible "inner glow"!


Love the coloration of your AC, Dwight - more black/white than brown/cream! Hope you have/had a fantastic trip to see offspring.


Greg, I try to find kitchen tasks for my lambsfoot knives to perform, but I didn't realize trimming waffles was a thing!!

I had to run some errands this morning, so I haven't had time to make my weekly knife "reload" yet, so I'm still carrying the Cracker Jack. Gives me a chance to post a couple of more new pics from Saturday :
View attachment 1015334
View attachment 1015335

- GT

Thanks for all the great comments, Gary! Cracker Jack is standing proud.

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks for the follow-up info, Jack, both porcine and copterine. And, as always, thanks for mentioning my posted knife.

A pleasure my friend, I'm afraid that this is the only pic I got of one of the copters

Wow, Jack, I had no idea!! Is that like a British "suit of lights"??

It's an old London thing GT, be considered a bit Flash Harry up north!

As would my new braces no doubt - if they were to peek out from under my weskit (took this one for you)!

That's a vivacious variation of a stag lambsfoot, Jack!


Vince, you are a cosmopolitan kind of guy: English football and lambsfoot, Greek festivals, Irish whiskey, Mexican breakfast!!


Thanks for the compliment and for the additional comments about dogs and bunnies, FBC. And you're right - this thread ranges far beyond info about lambsfoot knives! Your oxhorn model is superb ; it reminds me a bit of one that Jack occasionally posts that invariably takes my breath away with its incredible "inner glow"!


Love the coloration of your AC, Dwight - more black/white than brown/cream! Hope you have/had a fantastic trip to see offspring.


Greg, I try to find kitchen tasks for my lambsfoot knives to perform, but I didn't realize trimming waffles was a thing!!

I had to run some errands this morning, so I haven't had time to make my weekly knife "reload" yet, so I'm still carrying the Cracker Jack. Gives me a chance to post a couple of more new pics from Saturday :
View attachment 1015334
View attachment 1015335

- GT

Thanks pal, excellent AC pics

 

[dc50]

Congratulations you have 30,000 posts