Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[Pàdruig]

I'm not a member of Facebook, so I can only get a limited view of the A.Wright & Son page, which, seeming as they don't actually own a computer, a nice lady at The Famous Sheffield Shop maintains for them. Nice to see Bladeforums get some praise though, as well as the Guardians of course

I am not on Facebook all that much, though I do have an account. Very difficult to carry on a discussion there and visiting old threads is a real pain... Nonetheless, I did pull up Wright's page and was pleasantly surprised to see you, as well as the Guardians, get mentioned with some regularity.

I sometimes get messages from users concerned about if they're going to struggle to open a Lambsfoot blade due to arthritis. I have some arthritis in my fingers, but am able to pinch the blade open on all my Lambsfoot knives. I find the Wright pulls pleasingly authoritative, but not excessively strong (I have older Lambsfoot knives with stronger pulls). I'm interested to know how everyone else finds them, and also, if they use the nail-nick or pinch them open

Ever since I acquired my first Lambsfoot, I have been very pleased with the action. Every one of them has sported a stout pull and excellent snap. Rather than attempt to emulate Barret's most excellent analysis, I will simply state that patina helps facilitate the ability to pinch open a blade. Rosie and my first Ebony have some great patina and they pinch open with ease. However, the others are a bit more difficult and I simply use the nail nick.

The AC and the other wee one in Stag sit too low to be pinchable and my wee one in Ox Horn has the stoutest/heaviest pull of them all! The nail nick gets used on all of those as well.

 

[Pàdruig]

I enjoy Colman's mustard as well, Dylan, but as you say, a little goes a long way! To be honest, I think I've only found a handful of mustards that I don't like... it's easily my favorite condiment!

That red jigged bone is fantastic! That was a glennbad job, correct?

My apologies, Barrett, for neglecting your question. Yes, it is indeed the very fine work of Glennbad, I am very pleased with how it turned out.

I am also with you when it comes to mustard, I have a considerable variety in my fridge. Stonegrounds, spicy browns, standard yellows,etc. One of the only ones that I can think of that I do not tend to prefer is honey mustard and I can't be sure as to why. I just don't...

 

[kamagong]

I sometimes get messages from users concerned about if they're going to struggle to open a Lambsfoot blade due to arthritis. I have some arthritis in my fingers, but am able to pinch the blade open on all my Lambsfoot knives. I find the Wright pulls pleasingly authoritative, but not excessively strong (I have older Lambsfoot knives with stronger pulls). I'm interested to know how everyone else finds them, and also, if they use the nail-nick or pinch them open

That's a valid concern I think. I have no problem opening my small lambfoot, but then again I don't have arthritis. My wife, who has weaker hands and nails than I do, is unable (unwilling perhaps?) to open it at all.

I will say this about the lambsfoot -- it is good training for your hands. After using it for a bit, all my other knives seem soft-sprung in comparison.

 

[Fodderwing]

btb01 , Pàdruig - Beautiful array of lambs! Some of the ebony is so utterly black. How beautiful it is.

@donn - David such a beautiful photo of York Minster Cathedral. I am fascinated by this structure, its age and history, the fatal fire hazard of wood construction, the 1829 fire and subsequent discovery of Norman ruins beneath by John Brown. Your and Jack's ancient edifice photo documentation is a highlight of this thread for me.

 

[rockman0]

Cambertree Chin, I replaced the battery in my micrometer, the McClory measures .014 behind the edge with the spine coming in at .12
My Guardian measures .026 behind the edge with the spine coming in at .08

 

[Prester John]

I carry a lambsfoot...

...ergo sum.

How 'bout you?

 

[tmd_87]

I carry a Lambsfoot....

Because it goes well with some tea.

 

[herder]

Oh my word! Have we found the replacement for pie....???



I've not actually worn them yet but I've had Woolpower 200 baselayers for the past two winters and now I'll never go back to synthetics; that's why I've bought the socks. My current socks are synthetic Bridgedale thermal liners underneath either Bridgedale mid or heavyweight socks. For some reason I was finding the heavyweights uncomfortable (my boots are an excellent fit) so thought I'd experiment with whether wearing wool means I can reduce to a midweight sock permanently.
I'll try the new liners with my Bridgedale midweights first, but if I decide to go for a wool second layer I'm looking at either the Woolpower 400, Smartwool merino midweights or the Teko merino midweight.
I do winter hill and high moorland walking. My temp range is +5c to -10c but has been as low as -18c (windchill).



Interesting Jack, the pull on the pen of my two-blade lambsfoot is as easy as on my small frame swayback horn. But your right about the bulk; my two-blade is one chunky knife.

My large rosewood has always been a real nail breaker, (though it's eventually loosening up). I find it a lot easier to open if I pinch it with my left hand and using the nail nick pull the blade out and down

Beautiful Pictures, donn.
Sorry if this has been brought up before, but do you know the age of that black synthetic handled Wright model?
I would be interested to know if Wright had the molds for that handle (or still do) or if they were contracted out?
Jack will probably know.

 

[herder]

Great comparison pictures and statements on the pulls for the various Wright models, btb01 and Padruig.
Very interesting observations.
And yet more wonderful pictures from Fodderwing, JTB, JohnDF, Prester John, and tmd.

 

[Cambertree]

Great pic Chin (I picked up a Chestnut Knife at the weekend) I think cutlers back then were better trained, better skilled, and gaffers and customers more demanding. It's probably the case that nobody wants to risk spoiling a blade these days, the same goes for stag, it used to be cut much thinner.

Definitely. Some of the old two-bladed Lambsfoot knives in my friend @1500international’s collection have super thin covers, so the overall knife feel is far less bulky than you would think.

I'd forgotten about those. Stainless Lambsfoot blades are available with Rodgers, Wosteholm, and TEW colours

I hadn’t really considered those. I remember we walked past the Egginton building on our way around Sheffield. It had the look of an office, rather than a workshop. Was it ever established where those knives are made? I’m assuming they’re still contracted out to a maker in Sheffield somewhere?

Thanks, Chin. I may get a horn knife some day and see how it does. They do look nice.

No problem. I tend to consider materials properties as one of my highest considerations for knife parts, so while horn wouldn’t tend to be my first choice for a long term stable handle material, it certainly can have a very high aesthetic value, as shown by the astonishing first run of Guardians knives. Horn has a nice warmth to the touch, takes a great finish, and can be easily reshaped too.

So many beautiful and creative pictures from everyone, thanks all!!! And good to see Cambertree back again.
Nice old McClory Lambsfoot model from rockman0, and neat to see some pictures and information on that company from Jack.
Here is a comparison shot between an old Taylor "Eye Witness" Lambsfoot and a new Wright model.
The Taylor has a very slight taper on the blade, whereas the Wright is more pronounced.

View attachment 1054161

Thanks Herder, my friend. Nice comparison pic.

I carry a Lambsfoot...

Because Jack is a very generous man!!!

I couldn't wait to post that
Jack, thank you so very much. I am so excited to get to know my new Lambsfoot knife. First impressions are wonderful, now I get why everybody is so fond of them. It is a little pocket-sized BEAST of a knife. You can tell these were meant to be used. Thanks again for the very generous gift. I will be sure to post reviews in the coming days as I get to know my new knife better. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Congratulations John, I’m glad you’re getting used to the virtues of the Lambsfoot knife!

And well done Jack, as always.

Jack, thanks for the pic of the old McClory building and the 1922 ad.

Cambertree I believe this McClory will measure thinner than a modern day lambsfoot. It's thicker at the spine but plunges fast to the edge.

Mmm, nice and thin, a beautifully made cutting tool. Love those steel liners too.

I find the Wright pulls pleasingly authoritative, but not excessively strong (I have older Lambsfoot knives with stronger pulls). I'm interested to know how everyone else finds them, and also, if they use the nail-nick or pinch them open

I definitely pinch mine open - in fact it’s an integral part of why I carry a Lambsfoot knife. And my standard Ebony A. Wright in particular, due to the satin finish, light swedging, smooth pull, and patina is perfect for this way of opening. Although I wouldn’t want to change the pronounced swedges on the Guardians knives - indeed they’re one of the attractions of the knife to me - as Barrett noted, along with the high polish, you have to take a bit firmer grip to pinch them open. I dig my thumbnail into the nick while pinching, holding the knife in my left hand.

I've never taken to two blade knives either, for the same reasons as you. I find the second blade to be redundant and is often inferior to the main blade for most uses. However, if the main blade is a spear, then I like to have a secondary blade with a point for piercing tasks. Those piercing tasks pop up more than any other for me, so the Lambsfoot is a perfect blade shape for getting stuff done.

I agree, John. The blade’s just a bit longer than most people’s forefinger, perfect for putting the pad of your finger at the ‘hump’ near the tip for piercing, and doing fine slicing and opening tasks very exactly, with the thin, precise tip. Then, due to the single blade handle, you can take a full, comfortable hammer grip for heavy cuts, without a second blade spine digging into your fingers.

I’ve mentioned before I think, that a full size Lambsfoot blade, and a small, full bellied spey blade might be an interesting combo, but that’s just an idle curiosity in pairing two blades from far different ends of the spectrum...

Generally, in reality, most of us just revert to a second knife, I guess, if there’s a need for a drastically different blade type or tool needed, which is not that often.

I didn't think I could pinch it open, then I handed it to my son and saw him pinch it open without much trouble. I then discovered that is easily pinched open, so I am using both methods. I'm used to using the nail mark, so that's my go-to method. But the large and deep nail mark on the Lambsfoot makes it very easy to pinch.

Good to hear you got the hang of it. I can kind of pinch my Ebony user just under the swedge and smoothly swing it a bit past halfway, then change grip with both hands to clack it fully open. Or if I just need to bring it out to cut something and go back in the pocket, I can take a slightly firmer grip on the blade, with two fingers and thumb, and open it completely in one movement. I find it a lot better than fiddling around with right handed nail nicks. I think we get trained to stouter pulls generally than the average punter, and I like the ‘medium Lambsfoot A. Wright’ pull and smart SNAP! - as long as it’s smooth.

Wow, Jack! That is a beauty! Love the jigging.

I pulled out all of my Lambsfootses (all of which come from Wright's) this afternoon to do a pull/pinchability test/comparison. Here's a photo showing the knives in order of pinchability, with the most pinchable at the top, and the least at the bottom.

...
I would, I think, be somewhat hesitant to recommend any of these (except maybe the Big 'Un) to someone who has difficulty opening certain knives due to arthritis. I don't usually like using the 1-10 scale for pull strength because it's so subjective, but I'd say these are all at least an 8.

Great post Barrett.

Oh, I remember the the pull on my golden Ox horn Lambsfoot knife - which is the same frame as the Ashley’s Choice knives - was absolute murder! It actually flew out of my hands a few times while trying to open and close the thing! And you could lose a fingertip quick in that closing bite - it was most definitely a ravenous snapping turtle! I ended up taking a bit of material off of the tang corners with files and abrasive pastes, and now I’d categorise it as having a heavy, but smooth, pinchable action.

Cambertree Chin, I replaced the battery in my micrometer, the McClory measures .014 behind the edge with the spine coming in at .12
My Guardian measures .026 behind the edge with the spine coming in at .08

Nice one Rob, thanks for taking the time to do that. Yes, that would be a fine slicing tool for sure.

After grinding off a bit of material behind the edge with the Venev bonded diamond stones, my user Ebony is about the same.

10 thousandths of an inch difference in thickness more or less doesn’t seem like much, but it does give a noticeable improved feel in cutting performance IMHO. I thin out pretty much all my user knives as soon as I get them.

I thought I’d pull out this old pic to say that as well as being good workers -

I carry a Lambsfoot...

‘Cause they’re purty!

 

[herder]

Definitely. Some of the old two-bladed Lambsfoot knives in my friend @1500international’s collection have super thin covers, so the overall knife feel is far less bulky than you would think.



I hadn’t really considered those. I remember we walked past the Egginton building on our way around Sheffield. It had the look of an office, rather than a workshop. Was it ever established where those knives are made? I’m assuming they’re still contracted out to a maker in Sheffield somewhere?



No problem. I tend to consider materials properties as one of my highest considerations for knife parts, so while horn wouldn’t tend to be my first choice for a long term stable handle material, it certainly can have a very high aesthetic value, as shown by the astonishing first run of Guardians knives. Horn has a nice warmth to the touch, takes a great finish, and can be easily reshaped too.



Thanks Herder, my friend. Nice comparison pic.



Congratulations John, I’m glad you’re getting used to the virtues of the Lambsfoot knife!

And well done Jack, as always.



Mmm, nice and thin, a beautifully made cutting tool. Love those steel liners too.



I definitely pinch mine open - in fact it’s an integral part of why I carry a Lambsfoot knife. And my standard Ebony A. Wright in particular, due to the satin finish, light swedging, smooth pull, and patina is perfect for this way of opening. Although I wouldn’t want to change the pronounced swedges on the Guardians knives - indeed they’re one of the attractions of the knife to me - as Barrett noted, along with the high polish, you have to take a bit firmer grip to pinch them open. I dig my thumbnail into the nick while pinching, holding the knife in my left hand.



I agree, John. The blade’s just a bit longer than most people’s forefinger, perfect for putting the pad of your finger at the ‘hump’ near the tip for piercing, and doing fine slicing and opening tasks very exactly, with the fine, precise tip. Then, due to the single blade handle, you can take a full, comfortable hammer grip for heavy cuts, without a second blade spine digging into your fingers.

I’ve mentioned before I think, that a full size Lambsfoot blade, and a small, full bellied spey blade might be an interesting combo, but that’s just an idle curiosity in pairing two blades from far different ends of the spectrum...

Generally, in reality, most of us just revert to a second knife, I guess, if there’s a need for a drastically different blade type or tool needed, which is not that often.



Good to hear you got the hang of it. I can kind of pinch my Ebony user just under the swedge and smoothly swing it a bit past halfway, then change grip with both hands to clack it fully open. Or if I just need to bring it out to cut something and go back in the pocket, I can take a slightly firmer grip on the blade, with two fingers and thumb, and open it completely in one movement. I find it a lot better than fiddling around with right handed nail nicks. I think we get trained to stouter pulls generally than the average punter, and I like the ‘medium Lambsfoot A. Wright’ pull and smart SNAP! - as long as it’s smooth.



Great post Barrett.

Oh, I remember the the pull on my golden Ox horn Lambsfoot knife - which is the same frame as the Ashley’s Choice knives - was absolute murder! It actually flew out of my hands a few times while trying to open and close the thing! And you could lose a fingertip quick in that closing bite - it was most definitely a ravenous snapping turtle! I ended up taking a bit of material off of the tang corners with files and abrasive pastes, and now I’d categorise it as having a heavy, but smooth, pinchable action.



Nice one Rob, thanks for taking the time to do that. Yes, that would be a fine slicing tool for sure.

After grinding off a bit of material behind the edge with the Venev bonded diamond stones, my user Ebony is about the same.

10 thousandths of an inch difference in thickness more or less doesn’t seem like much, but it does give a noticeable improved feel in cutting performance IMHO. I thin out pretty much all my user knives as soon as I get them.

I thought I’d pull out this old pic to say that as well as being good workers -

I carry a Lambsfoot...

‘Cause they’re purty!

Always enjoy your posts my friend, and good to see you around here!!!

 

[Rusty1]

The checkered blue and orange lambsfoot knives are made in Japan.

Russell

 

[Jack Black]

Yeah most of my mates have moved out to places like Selby, Haxby, or Malton. A few weeks ago out of curiosity I looked at rental prices if I was to move back there. On a full time staff nurses wage I couldn't afford a terrace house or small flat now. Apparently that's what being in the Leeds commuter belt does.
I was in Holbeck in Leeds, Christmas week for the annual Christmas meet up. It was almost £5 a pint in some of those pubs so I couldn't afford to drink there if I lived in Leeds

Shocking David, it must be 2 years since I last had a pint in Holbeck, at the Northern Monk Brewery, and that was only under sufferance because I had some friends over from Catalunya, who have business dealings with Norther Monk, and wanted to visit. Cost me a fortune!

Wow, Jack! That is a beauty! Love the jigging.

I pulled out all of my Lambsfootses (all of which come from Wright's) this afternoon to do a pull/pinchability test/comparison. Here's a photo showing the knives in order of pinchability, with the most pinchable at the top, and the least at the bottom.

And here are a few notes on each:

1. The Big 'Un -- Most pinchable simply due to it's size. Also happens to have the lightest pull out of all these knives (more leverage, maybe?).

2. Standard Ebony -- Stout pull with probably the most snap of any of these knives, but surprisingly easy to pinch open, which I attribute to the satin finished blade. (This is the only one of these knives with a satin finished blade. The level of "high polish" on the others varies a little, but this one's almost like Case's "As Ground" blade finish. There was nothing that specified this when I ordered this knife, that's just how it showed up, but I think I like it better than the more polished blade finishes.)

3. Standard Rosewood -- Pull is similar to the Ebony (maybe a touch lighter), but the action's not as snappy. Fairly easy to pinch open, but you can feel your finger sliding on the more polished blade, especially your index finger on the back side.

4. Standard Horn -- Again, a stout pull, this one is very snappy, and the action is probably the smoothest of any of these knives. You have to pinch a bit harder to get a grip on this blade. This knife also has a fairly shallow nail nick. If it weren't for the smooth action, this one would be a pain to open. (Ok, I was wrong about the standard Ebony having the most snap of all these knives. This sucker is like a snapping turtle!)

5. & 6. 2018 Guardian's Knives -- These are both fairly difficult to pinch open (equally so, I'd say, which is why I put 'em together). It's tough to get a good grip on the blades, and the action is a bit tight on each compared to the other knives. Outside of this test, I wouldn't be pinch-opening these; nail nick all the way.

7. 2017 Guardian's Lambsfoot -- Nice pull and action on this knife, stout like the standard Ebony, but nice and smooth like my standard horn. That said, this knife is almost impossible to pinch open. I think part of the reason (and to an extent this applies to the 2018 knives as well) is the swedge. There's less flat surface to grip where you need it most. On this knife in particular, the swedge thins out to almost a double edge it's so thin, and I think your fingers have a tendency to slip right off the thing if you're not gripping quite hard.

8. Ashley's Choice -- No two ways about it: this thing is unpinchable. Thankfully it has a nice pull (strong but not too heavy), good snap and smooth action.

I would, I think, be somewhat hesitant to recommend any of these (except maybe the Big 'Un) to someone who has difficulty opening certain knives due to arthritis. I don't usually like using the 1-10 scale for pull strength because it's so subjective, but I'd say these are all at least an 8.

Thank you for the compliment Barrett That is a great pic of your outstanding collection, and thanks for the detailed pinchability report Would you rate the pull on the Big 'Un as an 8, I also don't like using that scale, but find the pull on mine fairly light? For the most part, I find that my vintage Lambsfoot knives have stiffer pulls than the knives made today

I've posted these photos here before, but thought I'd post them again here as a visual aide for what I was saying about the swedge on the 2017 Guardian's knife. (It's the one of the left.) It's a beautifully done swedge, but it's not doing anyone any favors when it comes to pinching open the blade.

Thanks for posting those pics again Barrett Personally, I think the swedges really enhance the aesthetics of the blade, and while it undoubtedly changes the pinchability, I still pinch mine open without any problem

Thanks! Only one I have so far is Ashley's Choice and I have not been able to pinch it open. Glad there's not something wrong with me! (As regards opening the knife, that is; there's plenty wrong with me, but won't go there! )

Nothing serious I hope Vince

# 8 is my favorite of that group based on scales alone. That's a beaut Must admit that I would be frustrated with such a pull resistant blade. Can't those get eased up? I guess that's rhetorical, as it seem the answer is no or you would have done it.

On another note - I'm glad you guys are Guardians of something, because judging by the food dishes presented you aren't Guardians of your health - though you show many of my favorites!

Cheers, Ray

They can be eased up (the thread index has a section on it). Personally, the stiff pull, and the authoritative snap, of the knives is very satisfying. I certainly don't regard the pull as excessively strong

Hey, I'm on a health kick this month! There isn't much more I could give up!

I am not on Facebook all that much, though I do have an account. Very difficult to carry on a discussion there and visiting old threads is a real pain... Nonetheless, I did pull up Wright's page and was pleasantly surprised to see you, as well as the Guardians, get mentioned with some regularity.



Ever since I acquired my first Lambsfoot, I have been very pleased with the action. Every one of them has sported a stout pull and excellent snap. Rather than attempt to emulate Barret's most excellent analysis, I will simply state that patina helps facilitate the ability to pinch open a blade. Rosie and my first Ebony have some great patina and they pinch open with ease. However, the others are a bit more difficult and I simply use the nail nick.

The AC and the other wee one in Stag sit too low to be pinchable and my wee one in Ox Horn has the stoutest/heaviest pull of them all! The nail nick gets used on all of those as well.

That's nice Wow, what a line-up Dylan!

Just a lovely knife

That's a valid concern I think. I have no problem opening my small lambfoot, but then again I don't have arthritis. My wife, who has weaker hands and nails than I do, is unable (unwilling perhaps?) to open it at all.

I will say this about the lambsfoot -- it is good training for your hands. After using it for a bit, all my other knives seem soft-sprung in comparison.

And what a great work-out!

I was brought up with British Army Clasp Knives, invented by an Army Physical Training Instructor!

(Having to split my post! )

 

[Jack Black]

btb01 , Pàdruig - Beautiful array of lambs! Some of the ebony is so utterly black. How beautiful it is.

@donn - David such a beautiful photo of York Minster Cathedral. I am fascinated by this structure, its age and history, the fatal fire hazard of wood construction, the 1829 fire and subsequent discovery of Norman ruins beneath by John Brown. Your and Jack's ancient edifice photo documentation is a highlight of this thread for me.
View attachment 1054961

Such beautiful wood Dwight Here's a pic of Ripon Cathedral for you

Cambertree Chin, I replaced the battery in my micrometer, the McClory measures .014 behind the edge with the spine coming in at .12
My Guardian measures .026 behind the edge with the spine coming in at .08

Thanks Rob, great info

Beautiful Pictures, donn.
Sorry if this has been brought up before, but do you know the age of that black synthetic handled Wright model?
I would be interested to know if Wright had the molds for that handle (or still do) or if they were contracted out?
Jack will probably know.

I will try and remember to ask my friend. Wright's still make a number of models with Bexoid scales

Definitely. Some of the old two-bladed Lambsfoot knives in my friend @1500international’s collection have super thin covers, so the overall knife feel is far less bulky than you would think.

Yes, despite its flaws, this old Alfred Blackwell is a light and very pocketable knife

I hadn’t really considered those. I remember we walked past the Egginton building on our way around Sheffield. It had the look of an office, rather than a workshop. Was it ever established where those knives are made? I’m assuming they’re still contracted out to a maker in Sheffield somewhere?

Yes, I've been inside a few times, and it is just an admin building with some warehousing. There is some machinery in there, but I doubt it has been used for decades. The place smells like an office, not a factory. Their knives have been made by many outworkers over the years, and by Wright's. Stan Shaw used to do a few for them, but fell out with the gaffer at the time. There had been a piece in the local paper about Stan, and the gaffer (who I know myself) had written, in very pompous tones, to inform them that Stan was only one of many cutlers in the town, and was rather disparaging about him. Since they were having difficulty getting knives made at the time, it probably wasn't a good idea. Stan used to deliver the knives he'd done, and then get paid, but after reading the letter, he went to the factory, leaving the knives on the front seat of his car. He went in and challenged the gaffer, and pointing towards the knives, told him him that if they had all these cutlers, "Tha won't be wanting these then!" No more knives from Stan!

I definitely pinch mine open - in fact it’s an integral part of why I carry a Lambsfoot knife. And my standard Ebony A. Wright in particular, due to the satin finish, light swedging, smooth pull, and patina is perfect for this way of opening. Although I wouldn’t want to change the pronounced swedges on the Guardians knives - indeed they’re one of the attractions of the knife to me - as Barrett noted, along with the high polish, you have to take a bit firmer grip to pinch them open. I dig my thumbnail into the nick while pinching, holding the knife in my left hand.

...

Good to hear you got the hang of it. I can kind of pinch my Ebony user just under the swedge and smoothly swing it a bit past halfway, then change grip with both hands to clack it fully open. Or if I just need to bring it out to cut something and go back in the pocket, I can take a slightly firmer grip on the blade, with two fingers and thumb, and open it completely in one movement. I find it a lot better than fiddling around with right handed nail nicks. I think we get trained to stouter pulls generally than the average punter, and I like the ‘medium Lambsfoot A. Wright’ pull and smart SNAP! - as long as it’s smooth.

I always enjoy reading your thoughts on these matters my friend

I thought I’d pull out this old pic to say that as well as being good workers -

I carry a Lambsfoot...

‘Cause purty is as purty does!

Great pic Chin

The checkered blue and orange lambsfoot knives are made in Japan.

Russell

In the 70's or 80's I think. Do you know if Jim Taylor was involved?

My Rosewood Big 'Un had been sat just in front of my keyboard for a while, and I play with it often, but I thought I'd slip it in my pocket today for Wooden Wednesday Have a good day Guardians

 

[Jack Black]

I carry a Lambsfoot...

'Cos it's a whizz in the kitchen!

How 'bout you?

 

[Jolipapa]

btb01 there's a shop entirely dedicated to mustard around

I am not on Facebook all that much, though I do have an account. Very difficult to carry on a discussion there and visiting old threads is a real pain... Nonetheless, I did pull up Wright's page and was pleasantly surprised to see you, as well as the Guardians, get mentioned with some regularity.



Ever since I acquired my first Lambsfoot, I have been very pleased with the action. Every one of them has sported a stout pull and excellent snap. Rather than attempt to emulate Barret's most excellent analysis, I will simply state that patina helps facilitate the ability to pinch open a blade. Rosie and my first Ebony have some great patina and they pinch open with ease. However, the others are a bit more difficult and I simply use the nail nick.

The AC and the other wee one in Stag sit too low to be pinchable and my wee one in Ox Horn has the stoutest/heaviest pull of them all! The nail nick gets used on all of those as well.

All are gorgeous but the wee yellow horn and the red re-handled are outstanding!

 

[btb01]

My apologies, Barrett, for neglecting your question. Yes, it is indeed the very fine work of Glennbad, I am very pleased with how it turned out.

I am also with you when it comes to mustard, I have a considerable variety in my fridge. Stonegrounds, spicy browns, standard yellows,etc. One of the only ones that I can think of that I do not tend to prefer is honey mustard and I can't be sure as to why. I just don't...

Thanks, Dylan. Glenn did a fantastic job! I wish Wright’s could do a jigged bone that looked that good themselves.

I don’t dislike honey mustard, but I also don’t really find that I have much use for it, either. (Anytime I do want some, I just mix it myself at home using Dijon mustard, mayo, honey and a little cayenne.)

My brother had me try some Icelandic mustard one time, that was probably my least favorite mustard I’ve tasted. Another mustard I really do like is the stuff you get with take-out Chinese food, in the little packets with the panda on them. I’ve bought several different Chinese mustards in bottles trying to find one I like as much, but they’re never the same.

Thank you for the compliment Barrett That is a great pic of your outstanding collection, and thanks for the detailed pinchability report Would you rate the pull on the Big 'Un as an 8, I also don't like using that scale, but find the pull on mine fairly light? For the most part, I find that my vintage Lambsfoot knives have stiffer pulls than the knives made today

.....

Thanks for posting those pics again Barrett Personally, I think the swedges really enhance the aesthetics of the blade, and while it undoubtedly changes the pinchability, I still pinch mine open without any problem

I will say this about the lambsfoot -- it is good training for your hands. After using it for a bit, all my other knives seem soft-sprung in comparison.

Thanks, Jack! No, I should have specified, I’d put the Big ‘Un at a lower number, as it is noticeably lighter.

Like you, I appreciate the stronger pull, and I don’t find any of my Wright’s Lambsfoot knives difficult to open, but I would agree with the quote from kamagong above — they are noticeably stronger than other knives. After ranking mine by pinchability and making all those notes (which involved a considerable amount of repetitive knife-opening ), I started going through my GEC drawers and opening knives, to see if I could find one of their patterns that was comparable. Even the patterns known for having stronger pulls seemed pretty light after in comparison to the Wright’s knives.

As for your own pinching abilities, perhaps all that Henderson’s Relish has somehow altered your DNA and given you some extra grippiness in your knife-pinching fingers?

btb01 there's a shop entirely dedicated to mustard around

Sounds like my kind of place! Although I’ve never seen a shop devoted entirely to mustard, at least it’s a condiment with enough variety to support such a thing. I doubt you’ll find a shop that just sells mayonnaise.

Edited to add: See, I knew it wasn’t a viable business model.

 

[Jolipapa]

Sounds like my kind of place! Although I’ve never seen a shop devoted entirely to mustard, at least it’s a condiment with enough variety to support such a thing. I doubt you’ll find a shop that just sells mayonnaise.

Edited to add: See, I knew it wasn’t a viable business model.

Mayo is very easy to make at home, just be sure mustard, oil and egg have the same temperature.
The JR is in my pocket since monday.

 

[JohnDF]

Good Morning Guardians

View attachment 1055147

That is a very handsome Barlow.

 

[Jolipapa]

Good Morning Guardians




That is a very handsome Barlow.

Thank you! I find the script very posh and overall quality is good