Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[draggat]

I do that a lot,Ive tried to stop doing it though I drive myself crazy.

With Amazon in England I only know when they have delivered when my email alert goes of they NEVER ring the doorbell.

Yesterday I found 2 packages thrown on my doorstep,I am thinking of ordering some fine glassware and see how that turns out.

Back in my early 20's I worked at a mail order warehouse. If you saw how packages are handled, you would realize it's a miracle anything fragile survives.

I saw tons of returns that looked like this

 

[Johnnythefox]

Back in my early 20's I worked at a mail order warehouse. If you saw how packages are handled, you would realize it's a miracle anything fragile survives.

I saw tons of returns that looked like this

I was a agency driver sent to Royal Mail once,they where drop kicking parcels around the warehouse.

Some were so good they could have made the England Rugby team.

 

[Jack Black]

Five pages to catch up with, and a market report to write! What's going on?!

Thats very interesting I thought it was over 100 years old?

Is he still around to ask,I wonder why they put a bail on it.

I do like it though.

Lockwood trace their history all the way back to 1767 John, but they originally made files, only moving into cutlery production in the mid to late 19th century. In the 20th century the failing company's marks were acquired by Joseph Elliot & Sons, who ran Lockwood Brothers as a separate mark, out of their factory on Sylvester Street in Sheffield. The company was only wound up in 1998.



Sheffield cutlery companies frequently alter their patterns slightly, (while, generally they stay the same for decades). Very often, it is simply because there is an order for a particular variation, a different handle material, or a minor addition, such as a bail. The altered pattern may be repeated, or not, depending on popularity, and future orders from that customer. Bails are unusual, so there was probably not a big demand for them, so you have something a bit different mate.

The bolsters were stamped out with blocks like this (a triple rat pattern used on knives carrying both the Elliot and Lockwood marks), and this was often a job which was given to apprentices

Fascinating, I’ll take as much knowledge like that as you can give.

Here's a pic of the older Lockwood factory (they had several, the others also still standing), prior to their being taken over by Joseph Elliot. I think this one, on Spital Hill, Sheffield, has been demolished within the past few years

Does Boring Ray know hes called boring Ray?

Well Tool Man, frequently interrupts his ramblings, with things like, "Shut up (Ray)Mundo, you boring Polish 'nana!"! So he may be aware of it!

Going to be fun chosing knife of the year for '24.

Isn't it!

Doing some maintenance. It’s essential.

View attachment 2641900

Great pic Pete, I guessed that was one of yours straight away! That ammo is a bit on the liberal side mate!

I haven't carried a lambsfoot for some time, but today I carried my old favorite. I think I've edc'd this knife continuously, for longer than any other knife, but it's been over a year since the last time.

The stag lamb today

Nice that you have it back in your pocket

Not the best that Wrights has done. I'm actually not sure how they manage to get the bolsters to be different sizes. I have a fondness for imperfect knives, as long as they work as intended, the aesthetics can be a little off.

They are hand manufactured by poorly-paid, often poorly-trained, workers, most of whom have little pride in their work, for stingy wholesalers, who want to pay as little as possible My deal with them was that I was prepared to pay extra, for the extra time it would take to ensure better quality, but it was a difficult concept for them to understand I'm afraid

It always brings back memories of the hospital project I worked on in Alturas, CA - I specialize in resilient flooring installations, primarily in healthcare - been at it for 26 years now. Found out later that @Modoc ED lives near there! Ed, if you ever go to that hospital and notice any crummy workmanship on the flooring, it was one of the other guys!

That was at the beginning of the pandemic. A lot of people were forced to stay home, but we were rockin and rollin nonstop all the way through the shutdown. BTW, Modoc County, along with the city of Alturas, is a gorgeous place! I remember it snowed quite a bit then, even in March.

Here's a Pic of Buzz Lightyear one morning. At the time, my son loved Buzz. Looks like he really did go to infinity and beyond!

LOL! Brilliant!

Got a chuckle out of the buzz bit!

I was going to say the covers look more like bone than antler, then remembered antler is bone. As bone covers they look quite good, without the again and pearling of a decent set of antlers though it’s a bit disappointing. Still a nice lamb

A few Guardians have chosen to sand down Wright's crummy stag, to the point it resembles smooth bone. A big improvement I think

I will throw my name into the hat for the milestone guardians GAW. Here is a photo of my first lamb, this pattern has quickly become my favorite after following this thread, definitely need to add more examples to give this lamb some friends to graze with.
View attachment 2641937

Welcome aboard!

 

[Jack Black]

The 88 ace is probably my all time favourite GEC (on par with the forum bunny but I won’t discuss that here). Always keeping an eye open for one to pop up. Beautiful piece mate

Please DON'T

View attachment 2641951

Looks like an interesting tome Jack, and a handsome Lamb to go with it

Good evening Guardians! I have many traditional lambs but only one the Michael May says he makes based on a design by Trevor Ablett. The “Ergonomic” handles I find to be comfortable in hand but somewhat odd looking to my eyes. Though I’m sure that there are threads about them I don’t see them very often. Does anyone else have one and what are your thoughts about them?
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I guess his other knives are based on designs by A. Wright & Sons! Michael May originally bought all Trevor's old stock and parts, so he kind of inherited the pattern. I'm not sure if Wright's make the parts for him now, like his other Lambs, if he still has old stock, or if he makes them himself. I remember when Trevor produced the pattern, I thought it looked awful, and still feel the same. I don't know how you think it compares Dan, but personally, I find the classic Lambsfoot frames, particularly the subtly curved Swayback, VERY ergonomic Great discussion point my friend, and I would love to hear thoughts and opinions on the pattern, particularly from folks, like yourself, who have actually used it, which I never have

It did have some brown coloring on it along with some scratchiness but I sanded it out, keeping the same general shape, so it does have some texture. It wasn't quite as bad as Jack Black 's stag knife, but close!

Good job!

Bobstag

That's a handsome combination Mitch

Have a good evening...

Beauty Dwight! Where's the cool coin from?

No the 88 ace, I was fortunate enough to pick up a bunny from our very own Rufus1949 . It’s in my pocket today as a matter of fact.

There's a reason why I ask posters not to mention other patterns here, without having a very good reason, because that can then turn into a discussion. There's also a reason this thread has got to 5000 pages. Jack, please go to page 1, and read my first post

“You still wake up sometimes, don’t you? You wake up in the dark and smell the stinking of the Lambs.”

Looks like Mrs. Singh had a nice party.

Yes, it was nice, quite a few of the neighbours there, and some nice food Wih I'd taken my camera now

You had me at “holidays in Iron Curtain Poland”

LOL! And not a single interesting story from any of them!

Watch that chip butty sticker around Tool Man, he might try to eat it!

Too right!

 

[Jack Black]

Even Basil loves this lamb
View attachment 2642090

Lovely dog Jack, I like his name too

Wonderful to see the GL-24s continue to filter in. Such a great project and the surprise was delightful.

I continue to carry mine, though it's too dark for pictures at the moment.

As a brief aside, I just got in a copy of Tolkien's translation of Beowulf and I am greatly looking forward to reading it. I had read a different translation awhile back and it was such a memorable experience. I had documented it with a pic of my AC Lambsfoot at the time.

(Apologies for the recycled pic)

I have never been a fan of Tolkien, but the translation intrigues me Dylan, be interested to know what you think Great pic

I have been known to dabble in a wee bit of Living History. My periods and cultures of interest have been the final Jacobite Rebellion in the early to mid 18th century and the American Civil War in the mid 19th century. I am an astute observer of material culture and I find the challenges of discovering and manifesting it today to be worthy pursuits.

I craft all of my own leatherwork for my ensembles and I took it upon myself to make these leather bottels some years ago. It was a challenging and time consuming process but very satisfying.

Here is an old pic of me in some of my Highland garb.

Go on Dylan! That's some excellent work too my friend I have been taking part in some living history with Tool Man today - had to venture back to the Stone Age!

Thank you, my friend. You have some fascinating family history, I am sure. That is fantastic! Myself, I am a proper mongrel but can vaunt my Irish credentials well enough, being that my great grandparents emigrated from County Tyrone in the 1940s.

I think the conflicts that preceded Great Britain as we know it today make for some very keen reading and study (including the Napoleonic Wars). The Jacobite rebellions (there were a few) were fascinating all on their own, with all of the religious and political implications that were involved. The final uprising, with Bonnie Prince Charlie, with all its scarce documentation (material culturally speaking), is the most recent glimpse that we have into Highland culture. The English did quite a good job at stamping it out upon their victory.

The musket you see above is actually a 1717 French Infantry reproduction (functional). The Jacobites received a bit of French support, including arms (most of which didn't make it in time). However, it is documented that a lot of the arms that did arrive from France were outdated, in various states of disrepair, and not looked upon all that favorably. Had the French been more successful and assertive in their support, I wonder if we might have seen a very different monarchy in place today.

My neighbour, Jason Gallagher, is from Tyrone Dylan I've had quite a few friends from the county over the years, as I dare say I have probably told you before!

Afternoon all.

Natty hat and a natty Lamb Mitch

I have a fondness for imperfect knives, as long as they work as intended, the aesthetics can be a little off.


I get that well put,I have a few including a Wright if I look hard it’s a bit wonky here and there.

Yet if I pick it up and use it then it’s fine and feels good in the hand.

I used to carry this Alfred Blackwell often John, a well-made knife, but when I got it, it had obviously been run over!

Burger night tonight, ate too much too fast.

Homemade chilli sauce ain’t terrible if I may say so.

View attachment 2642158

I often do the same with burgers Jack! Speaking of which, I'm going to go and cook one, or it'll be too late for me to eat! Great pic

I try not to check tracking and have the surprise of knives turning up in the mailbox. That way I don’t mind the wait, but no had to check!
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Now I have no choice but to hang around the verandah watching the mailbox like this for the next week.
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Hope you get it soon

Evening all.
Said do you want to get a coffee, i knew the wife agreed to easy. Ended up grocery shopping for work

Doh!

Good morning.View attachment 2642173

Beautiful Lambsfoot Bob

 

[Rufus1949]

Go on Dylan! That's some excellent work too my friend I have been taking part in some living history with Tool Man today - had to venture back to the Stone Age!

Beautiful Lambsfoot Bob

Now that's funny Jack.

One of my favorites. It has more meat in the handle, to wrap my fingers around.

 

[unclekurty]

A double lamb day for Market Day. Hatchet Jack it looks like you have a German Shorthair Pointer. I love seeing dogs with lambs. When I walk along the beach I have treats for my favorite dogs. They love it. One of the funniest dogs is a GSP. He likes to walk in the gutter and get a sniff of the good smells. And at random times he’ll just sit down, maybe roll on his back and then decide maybe to continue on. I’ve been lucky to have dachshunds, bassets and an assortment of mutts. I miss them all. I love cats too and have one to be my companion now. Good pics today as usual.

 

[sf fanatic]

sf fanatic said:
Good evening Guardians! I have many traditional lambs but only one the Michael May says he makes based on a design by Trevor Ablett. The “Ergonomic” handles I find to be comfortable in hand but somewhat odd looking to my eyes. Though I’m sure that there are threads about them I don’t see them very often. Does anyone else have one and what are your thoughts about them?
View attachment 2641952View attachment 2641953View attachment 2641954
I guess his other knives are based on designs by A. Wright & Sons! Michael May originally bought all Trevor's old stock and parts, so he kind of inherited the pattern. I'm not sure if Wright's make the parts for him now, like his other Lambs, if he still has old stock, or if he makes them himself. I remember when Trevor produced the pattern, I thought it looked awful, and still feel the same. I don't know how you think it compares Dan, but personally, I find the classic Lambsfoot frames, particularly the subtly curved Swayback, VERY ergonomic Great discussion point my friend, and I would love to hear thoughts and opinions on the pattern, particularly from folks, like yourself, who have actually used it, which I never have
I’m with you on this Jack which is why I only have one and carry it very little. I’ve always believed that the appeal of the lambfoot pattern and most traditional slip joints is their elegant design and style. I guess it’s no wonder they don’t show up on the Forum more.

 

[Rufus1949]

A double lamb day for Market Day. Hatchet Jack it looks like you have a German Shorthair Pointer. I love seeing dogs with lambs. When I walk along the beach I have treats for my favorite dogs. They love it. One of the funniest dogs is a GSP. He likes to walk in the gutter and get a sniff of the good smells. And at random times he’ll just sit down, maybe roll on his back and then decide maybe to continue on. I’ve been lucky to have dachshunds, bassets and an assortment of mutts. I miss them all. I love cats too and have one to be my companion now. Good pics today as usual.
View attachment 2642291

Shooting with both barrels, I see. Nice Kurt.

 

[Bigburly912]

Hope all is well. Been catching up and saw the giveaway. As a newish lamb owner hope its ok if i join. Been taking care of dad and my two storerooms so not been around much. Things are looking up though. Got dads cataracts fixed so hopefully he will be able to get around a little better. Hes lost without mom.

Anyway, long long time lurker and finally bought my first of many lambs this past year. A stag from off the auction site. Was a little rough and dull as could be but i was planning on putting it to work anyway so i didnt mind. . Now i have a small flock going and will add as time allows to search for interesting pieces. Love this thread and the members that keep it going. Heck loved it before i was accepted into the group. One of the best forum threads on the entire internet. Thank you all!

 

[Rufus1949]

Hope all is well. Been catching up and saw the giveaway. As a newish lamb owner hope its ok if i join. Been taking care of dad and my two storerooms so not been around much. Things are looking up though. Got dads cataracts fixed so hopefully he will be able to get around a little better. Hes lost without mom.

Anyway, long long time lurker and finally bought my first of many lambs this past year. A stag from sheffieldcutleryshop off the auction site. Was a little rough and dull as could be but i was planning on putting it to work anyway so i didnt mind. . Now i have a small flock going and will add as time allows to search for interesting pieces. Love this thread and the members that keep it going. Heck loved it before i was accepted into the group. One of the best forum threads on the entire internet. Thank you all!

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Always good to hear when people are on the mend. A fine son to set the example for many.
Many find the newer Wright's are a work in progress.
Glad you have time to stop by.

Nice lamb.
Bob

 

[euroken]

Been a while, but a short return to my 'classic' window shot on a gloomy day lol...

 

[draggat]

Hope all is well. Been catching up and saw the giveaway. As a newish lamb owner hope its ok if i join. Been taking care of dad and my two storerooms so not been around much. Things are looking up though. Got dads cataracts fixed so hopefully he will be able to get around a little better. Hes lost without mom.

Anyway, long long time lurker and finally bought my first of many lambs this past year. Was a little rough and dull as could be but i was planning on putting it to work anyway so i didnt mind. . Now i have a small flock going and will add as time allows to search for interesting pieces. Love this thread and the members that keep it going. Heck loved it before i was accepted into the group. One of the best forum threads on the entire internet. Thank you all!

View attachment 2642296

That's a fine piece of stag there, which is actually pretty impressive, considering the standard stuff I've seen and received from Wright's. It's a good 'un!

 

[Fodderwing]

Beauty Dwight! Where's the cool coin from?

Thanks Jack. It's from Sweden.

 

[Jack Black]

Good morning Guardians. Off to play 18 on this glorious morning. Hope everyone has a nice day.

Hope you had a great time Bill

I do that a lot,Ive tried to stop doing it though I drive myself crazy.

With Amazon in England I only know when they have delivered when my email alert goes of they NEVER ring the doorbell.

Yesterday I found 2 packages thrown on my doorstep,I am thinking of ordering some fine glassware and see how that turns out.

I have the same problem with Amazon John! Sometimes they tell me they didn't see the doorbell! I don't know where they expected it to be apart from next to the door!

Smashing Dwight

I was referencing The Postman Always Rings Twice and trying to link a picture of Jessica Lange. She frustrated me. (That never happens.)

But I'll bet this is how Jessica Lange deals with her woodchucks.

LOL! Interesting pic Jer

I bought this knife in the US. It looks to me to be inked, as in "salesman's sample". The knife is unused.

I remember Dwight, nice bit of history that

I’ve been keeping an eye on it myself (I added the tracking for all the Guardians knife packages to my USPS app). It’s funny, I dropped yours and Mitch’s off at the same time. Obviously you guys don’t live in the same part of Australia, but still, same side of the country. Yours went through Chicago, then San Francisco, then Melbourne, which seems logical. His went from Chicago, to Atlanta, and then to Frankfurt, Germany! I had to double check and make sure I didn’t accidentally send it to Austria instead of Australia!

When the 2017 Guardians Lambsfoot was in the mail, a number of folks drove me absolutely mad with the tracking, despite my having warned everyone in advance, that I had no special powers to intercede with USPS, or any other postal service! A few guys contacted me multiple times a day, and one was so insistent that his knife was 'lost', that against my better judgement, and the conditions of sale he'd agreed to, I sent a replacement. When the two knives arrived on consecutive days, he decided he'd keep the free knife

Just wanted to drop in and congratulate all of the Guardians on the double milestone.
I still carry Jake 99% of the time.


Howdy Dylan. It is good to see Rosie is still looking sweet as ever.

Great to see you here Kevin, and it's great to see Jake again too How're you doing buddy, you must be running NASA by now?!

Back in my early 20's I worked at a mail order warehouse. If you saw how packages are handled, you would realize it's a miracle anything fragile survives.

I saw tons of returns that looked like this

Yikes, the reason the Hartshead Barlows were sent out tins is that, and the Guardians SFOs were sent out in tins and hard containers was that I sent a couple of Lambs to a guy, and a truck ran over the parcel. Unfortunately, despite it looking much like that, he signed for it!

I was a agency driver sent to Royal Mail once,they where drop kicking parcels around the warehouse.

Some were so good they could have made the England Rugby team.

Seen it on YouTube mate!

Now that's funny Jack.

One of my favorites. It has more meat in the handle, to wrap my fingers around.

Nice

A double lamb day for Market Day. Hatchet Jack it looks like you have a German Shorthair Pointer. I love seeing dogs with lambs. When I walk along the beach I have treats for my favorite dogs. They love it. One of the funniest dogs is a GSP. He likes to walk in the gutter and get a sniff of the good smells. And at random times he’ll just sit down, maybe roll on his back and then decide maybe to continue on. I’ve been lucky to have dachshunds, bassets and an assortment of mutts. I miss them all. I love cats too and have one to be my companion now. Good pics today as usual.
View attachment 2642291

Happy Double Lambsfoot Day Kurt! Two beauties there

I’m with you on this Jack which is why I only have one and carry it very little. I’ve always believed that the appeal of the lambfoot pattern and most traditional slip joints is their elegant design and style. I guess it’s no wonder they don’t show up on the Forum more.

Yes, why changed something that works, and has done for a long time? I guess there's always a bit of 'marketing' Though I can't see Trevor stabbing his knives through car doors!

Hope all is well. Been catching up and saw the giveaway. As a newish lamb owner hope its ok if i join. Been taking care of dad and my two storerooms so not been around much. Things are looking up though. Got dads cataracts fixed so hopefully he will be able to get around a little better. Hes lost without mom.

Anyway, long long time lurker and finally bought my first of many lambs this past year. Was a little rough and dull as could be but i was planning on putting it to work anyway so i didnt mind. . Now i have a small flock going and will add as time allows to search for interesting pieces. Love this thread and the members that keep it going. Heck loved it before i was accepted into the group. One of the best forum threads on the entire internet. Thank you all!

View attachment 2642296

Great to see you here buddy, and that stag looks better than most of the stuff Wright's use I've edited out the name of the vendor, hope you'll do the same I'm glad things are looking up for your dad

 

[Johnnythefox]

Five pages to catch up with, and a market report to write! What's going on?!

Lockwood trace their history all the way back to 1767 John, but they originally made files, only moving into cutlery production in the mid to late 19th century. In the 20th century the failing company's marks were acquired by Joseph Elliot & Sons, who ran Lockwood Brothers as a separate mark, out of their factory on Sylvester Street in Sheffield. The company was only wound up in 1998.



Sheffield cutlery companies frequently alter their patterns slightly, (while, generally they stay the same for decades). Very often, it is simply because there is an order for a particular variation, a different handle material, or a minor addition, such as a bail. The altered pattern may be repeated, or not, depending on popularity, and future orders from that customer. Bails are unusual, so there was probably not a big demand for them, so you have something a bit different mate.

The bolsters were stamped out with blocks like this (a triple rat pattern used on knives carrying both the Elliot and Lockwood marks), and this was often a job which was given to apprentices



Here's a pic of the older Lockwood factory (they had several, the others also still standing), prior to their being taken over by Joseph Elliot. I think this one, on Spital Hill, Sheffield, has been demolished within the past few years



Well Tool Man, frequently interrupts his ramblings, with things like, "Shut up (Ray)Mundo, you boring Polish 'nana!"! So he may be aware of it!

Isn't it!

Great pic Pete, I guessed that was one of yours straight away! That ammo is a bit on the liberal side mate!

Nice that you have it back in your pocket

They are hand manufactured by poorly-paid, often poorly-trained, workers, most of whom have little pride in their work, for stingy wholesalers, who want to pay as little as possible My deal with them was that I was prepared to pay extra, for the extra time it would take to ensure better quality, but it was a difficult concept for them to understand I'm afraid



LOL! Brilliant!

A few Guardians have chosen to sand down Wright's crummy stag, to the point it resembles smooth bone. A big improvement I think

Welcome aboard!

Wow thanks for taking the time to reply,I appreciate it.

 

[Jack Black]

Been a while, but a short return to my 'classic' window shot on a gloomy day lol...

Great to see you here Ken, one of my favourite mods that - subtle

Thanks Jack. It's from Sweden.

Thanks for the info Dwight, very interesting

Good evening Guardians, as it is here now. I hope everyone has had/is having a good day It's been a great week for the Guardians, with 2 important milestones, plus a personal milestone for Bob, and the first Guardians SFO since 2019, so it annoys me to have to post a reminder about this:

This thread is dedicated to one pattern, the Lambsfoot pattern, and that is the only pattern we discuss, and post photos of, here. There may, exceptionally, be a reason to mention another pattern, but there better be a good reason for it, and if discussion becomes centred on that pattern, please ensure you nip that discussion in the bud.

I am grateful for how this thread is moderated, but over the years, I have seen lots of threads locked because there was too much off-topic discussion in them. Which is why it says this in the introduction to this thread: "We have enjoyed some wide-ranging off-topic discussion here, but the Lambsfoot has to remain the focus of this thread, so please try and bear that in mind. If you want to have an extended discussion about an off-topic issue, take it to Carl’s Lounge." There's nothing wrong with talking about something other than knives, the friendly chat is one of the things that makes this thread so special I think, but if there are a lot of posts, which don't mention the Lambsfoot at all, potentially, the thread is being endangered.

I really don't like to have to remind people about this, so please cut me some slack, and if you haven't read post #1 in this thread, please go and read it now

Thanks

Jack

 

[draggat]

When the 2017 Guardians Lambsfoot was in the mail, a number of folks drove me absolutely mad with the tracking, despite my having warned everyone in advance, that I had no special powers to intercede with USPS, or any other postal service! A few guys contacted me multiple times a day, and one was so insistent that his knife was 'lost', that against my better judgement, and the conditions of sale he'd agreed to, I sent a replacement. When the two knives arrived on consecutive days, he decided he'd keep the free knife


Yikes, the reason the Hartshead Barlows were sent out tins is that, and the Guardians SFOs were sent out in tins and hard containers was that I sent a couple of Lambs to a guy, and a truck ran over the parcel. Unfortunately, despite it looking much like that, he signed for it!

Well, I certainly hope I wasn't too annoying during at least two of those Guardians knives. I've bought/traded/sold (mucked up at least one of my own GAW's ) a lot here at BF and while the vast majority of folks are super easy and honest to deal with, there's occasionally one who makes you seriously question ever doing it again.

Thanks, Jack, for not giving up. This thread is a testament to your perseverance and we all appreciate you!

I love the tins you sent them in!

With me today again.

 

[draggat]

Great to see you here buddy, and that stag looks better than most of the stuff Wright's use I've edited out the name of the vendor, hope you'll do the same I'm glad things are looking up for your dad

Just and FYI, I did the same.

 

[Jack Black]

Wow thanks for taking the time to reply,I appreciate it.

A pleasure mate, in a few years, you won't be able to get any sense out of me!

Both Lockwood's and Elliott's have interesting histories. One of Lockwood's first factories was on Arundel Street, which is only a stone's throw from where they ended up:







Prior to that, they rented space at the old Butcher Works of Wade & Butcher (lots of photos in my Sheffield Factories thread)