Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[Prester John]

I carry a lambsfoot...

...because I have an IQ of 160.

How 'bout you?

 

[dc50]

...because I have an IQ of 160.

What!!!

 

[Prester John]

What!!!

Well, I've been known to tell some tall tales. But I have an excuse: I'm Texan!

 

[dc50]

Well, I've been known to tell some tall tales. But I have an excuse: I'm Texan!

 

[Prester John]

View attachment 1065892

Our state is so big that only applies to parts of Texas. I'm pretty sure north Texas (Lubbock, Amarillo, etc.) gets snow every year. I've seen snow here in south Texas only three times in 58 years, though.

 

[dc50]

Our state is so big that only applies to parts of Texas. I'm pretty sure north Texas (Lubbock, Amarillo, etc.) gets snow every year. I've seen snow here in south Texas only three times in 58 years, though.

okey dokey I love this song anyway

 

[Jack Black]

Thank you Jack. Sure hope things are working out for you on the plus side today. We are getting our second snowstorm of the season should last through Sunday -25c wind gusts of 80 kph causing whiteout conditions on the Hiway. Rock and Roll baby.

Thanks Dave, sounds like a good excuse to stay indoors my friend

Up to 25F today. This lambsfoot in my pocket.

Nice pic

That's awesome, Jack. It's nice to see people give homage to our alien overlords

LOL! I think it was an advert for a fibre optic company! I snaffled one of their pens for you

Jack- That Lambsfoot is a toughie! and I usually cant open knives with my weak nails, I got this old Girl covered though- my ring finger on my left hand gets the knife everytime.

Isnt it weird?...quite some time ago I wasnt 100% keen on either the single bladed Sheepsfoot or Lambsfoot - but as I used my knives more and more through the years- the benefits from both of these patterns soon came apparent to me and I have embraced these patterns for some time now!

Sure is Duncan

I felt much the same when my grandfather handed me my first Lambsfoot, thought it was some kind of 'trainer' knife!

Went to my Mom's for a visit and brought her the candy she loves.
The Lambsfoot came in handy opening all the packages for her

Nice John

Jer, I sure hope you're right about winter being on the ropes. I seem to have come down with the worst case of SAD I've ever experienced this week.

Sorry to hear that GT, I think you might need a Taddy Porter and a Double Lambsfoot Day It looks like you have been getting plenty of exercise with all that snow

Lot of amazing wood in those piles! Jack, you've done it again!

Thanks pal, I hope everyone is happy with them

Thanks for the correction, Jack. I doubt if I've spelled the name the same way twice , so I've copied your correction in a place where I can find it.

LOL! I know what you mean GT, but I'll be sure to guide you there when you visit I was in yesterday, but they's sold out of Lambsfoot patterns, they've put their prices up too!

Union Jack dreaming of summer:
View attachment 1065724

Aren't we all my friend?

Ashley's Choice was with me all day today. Sadly, I did not get to use it.

View attachment 1065861

Always a shame Joshua, but always a great knife to have in your pocket

I carry a lambsfoot...
View attachment 1065876
...because I have an IQ of 160.

How 'bout you?

You're definitely one of the smart ones Vince The stag on your AC seems to look better and better

I thought I'd treat myself today, and double up

Have a pleasant Sunday folks, thought I'd share a few pics from my trip to York yesterday

 

[Campbellclanman]

I saw that White Lamsfoot a few pages back Jack- Stunning to say the least, I have been watching ( and missing ) for Stag Lambsfoot Knives when they come up in the For Sales thread.

Hey...That Tower in York - I was breath-taken when standing where you took that shot when Sue and I went there - LOVED it and was disappointed we could only stay for the day! The Old old buildings - Whew!

 

[Jack Black]

I saw that White Lamsfoot a few pages back Jack- Stunning to say the least, I have been watching ( and missing ) for Stag Lambsfoot Knives when they come up in the For Sales thread.

Hey...That Tower in York - I was breath-taken when standing where you took that shot when Sue and I went there - LOVED it and was disappointed we could only stay for the day! The Old old buildings - Whew!

Hey Duncan, I just sent you an email mate! Most of the stag used over here now, since the Indian government's ban on Sambar exports, is pretty lacklustre, but I've been getting a few knives made up with vintage Sambar cutlery hafts, like the Ashley's Choice Lambsfoot knives you'll have seen here

I wish I could have accompanied you that day my friend, there's so much to see in York. I've been going there over 50 years, and I still discover new things to see

Edit - Thought I'd add a link for York Castle and Clifford's Tower: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York_Castle

 

[Campbellclanman]

Hey Jack... we should meet up in York then? let me work on this....

So my friend, what do you think of my new Colours eh?
Ok... time to hit the hay - minds whirring now

 

[Campbellclanman]

I just HAD to do it...sorry for crowding Jack- just realised that the last post was post number 9,999
so I would like to have the honour of placing my 10K here - and Now - BOOM!

 

[Cambertree]

Thank you very much my friend, both knives are made entirely by Ashley Cheers! Good to have your thoughts on Charlie's 'flight risk' theory

Definitely it would mate, if he is still with us, a lot of those old fellers seemed to work almost until the end. I have a lot of published interviews with folks from different trades, but I don't think I have one with a bone-jigger, I imagine he may have also performed a few similar cutlery-related jobs too. I doubt there'll be anymore in Sheffield, not enough demand for it these days, and I can't see any school-leavers going to see the careers officer for advice on entering the trade

That would make a great painting, or even a bronze statue, for the GEC entrance, the Guardians shock troops door-step the gaffer demanding a US-made Lambsfoot! Nice work guys

Thanks Yes, it's just on the surface. The damage around the pin was actually caused by the pin being forced out, as the blade of the knife was open at a 45 degree angle. Worst case of knife fumbling I've ever seen, it really went with a bang, then tumbled across the roughly-textured concrete...

What a fantastic composition Chin, such great colours Nice to see your ebony Lambsfoot looking so good too

Living phat there mate, what a life!

Morning Guardians, up at 5.30am today, and trying to soothe my aching heart with this ivory custom...

Thanks Jack, yes I recall now, that I think the inaugural 2017 Guardians edition was made by Ashley and his Head Cutler dad, and the 2018 ebony edition was all Ashley’s work. I think it adds immeasurably to these knives, that we are getting to support and enjoy the work of one of the young cutlers who will be the future of high quality Sheffield knifemaking.

Yeah, sad to hear of that last bone jigger retiring, and yeah, I don’t think we’ll see any of the younguns heading into that trade anytime soon. It’s also kind of sad to think that most of those Sheffield specialist cutler tradesmen probably would have no idea of the Traditional Knife Renaissance coming out of the US over the last few years.

A fascinating read Chin (and an outstanding pic) I also have one of the white pocket stones, and have used it since Sal sent it me in the early 90's, together with the coarser grey stone, which sadly I don't have anymore

Very cool mate. Yeah those white sintered ceramics are a great value considering they hardly wear at all, and produce a great edge on carbon steels.

Nice one Jack. What’s the difference between ‘hollow’ and ‘fluted’? Would you say those deeply concave Unity bolsters are ‘hollow’? And the 2017 and ‘18 Guardians knives are fluted?

Chin....my friend I couldn't even begin to quote your posts- just fantastic - LOVE the photos my friend...
Jack Sir- a Massive THANK YOU from the knife World I am sure you do so much more than what we see for the Traditional Knife World- and I really appreciate this- you are an amazing guy...

Great reading folks, great viewing!

Hey Duncan, good to see you here brother!

Yeah, I smile to myself sometimes, when considering that the strange history of the Lambsfoot pattern, when it comes to be documented, will have two ‘bookends’. It will tell about the genesis of the pattern in the late part of the 19th century (and its subsequent domination of the local British market as the quintessential single blade working knife) - and then it will have a curious resurgence, and international dissemination almost exactly 100 years later! Yep, all down to one man, our very own Jack Black! I feel honoured to be a minor functionary in assisting his crusade!

Cambertree Yes I do prefer the smaller frame with the Swayback, Chin. I don't find the pull excessive, but then I'm one of those odd types who is ambidextrous

Oh, cool Will. You were certainly favoured by the Fates, my friend!

I’m only half so blessed: I use my right side for all strength related tasks, in that I kick a ball, swing a golok, cane knife and axe, and shoot with my right side; and use my left hand for all finesse related tasks, like using a knife, writing and drawing! Over the years, I’ve worked out that the crossover point for blade length is about 10”! Anything less goes in the left hand, anything longer goes in the right!

I agree that any GEC Lambsfoot would be desirable, but for those of us with little lady hands, the small frame version is the one that indexes into the palm.

Oh, nice, R8shell, I wasn’t aware you favoured the small frame. Is the AC your favourite Lambsfoot user in your craft work then?

TGIF fellow Guardians. I carry a Lambsfoot because...

it looks so good in the morning light!

Beautiful magic hour glow in that pic, Preston, my friend. Yeah, these knives love that golden dusk and dawn magic hour light, huh? My 2017 Guardians knife I dubbed Ingrid, particularly loves to be showed off in that light as well!

Thank you Chin for your kind words. I'm afraid I've been posting recycled photos since the surgery. Although I have been attempting to take a few.
You have made another fantastic post. I enjoy immensely your acute attention to detail and the beautiful photography.
View attachment 1064674

Thank you Dwight, I hope you’re healing up well, and although you’re far too generous in your compliments in this regard, my friend, you really make my day with your kind words! I’m very much enjoying your fine pics, whenever they were taken!

Really a great looking Lambsfoot handled in ivory, Jack...
And darn good to see that Campbellclanman has finally joined this motley crew.

Yes, Herder my friend, I agree - that Ivory Lambsfoot is a lovely contemporary example. I do often imagine what it might look like with some fine English gunsmiths checkering on it, or some sweet, folksy maritime scratting on the ‘tooth covers.

Thank you for the compliment, it was made for me by Ashley's dad

Notwithstanding my previous comment, that is such a wonderful Lambsfoot exactly as it is!

Great picture and so nice to see a young man with actual tools in hand. I've had my sons help repair all types of things with hand and power tools since they were old enough to hold them.
And of course, they carry knives.

Of course they do, my friend. You’ve done well in passing some of your encyclopaedic knowledge to the next generation.

My grit bowl this am with bacon, cheese, eggs and onions!!

Great Lambsfoot knife and food pics, Jody!

So I'm limited to a non-locking knife with a blade 2-1/2" or shorter while I'm at work.

Hmmm, I tried to find a previous reference in this thread to a South African custom maker, who make a quite small Lambsfoot (not identified as such, though). Didn’t succeed in tracking it down, though. I think maybe @Mescladis is working her way through the whole thread at the moment? Perhaps she might come across the makers name? They’re in Sandvik 12c27 stainless.

Fresh grilled ribeye with some onions, $7.00

Ack, Jody, I couldn’t stand it any more! You made me go up the street and pick up some nice steak to sear!

Beautiful seasonal pic mate, I hope you at least had some R&R on your well earned (half) day off!

After the bitter cold, came more snow. Still it was beautiful.
View attachment 1064856

Another superb seasonal pic.

....perhaps a GEC Lambsfoot would split the difference...just sayin'

As usual, you’re spot on in your assessment, Rachel. Yep, that’d be a great outcome, I agree.

Now I find myself like the kid hanging around the neighbourhood Gang - wanting to join and get my patch! I see plenty of guys running with the Guardians logo on their sig line! The gangs GROWING Jack!

Duncan, I think your first post was wayyy back on page 13. And you’ve probably given more Lambsfoots away, than most of us have in our personal collections!

I daresay you’re well and truly ‘patched in’, my bro! Or should I say, Guardian Sergeant-at-Arms Duncan!

 

[Cambertree]

Thanks for posting that; some options to consider there. I've been in the market for a new sharpening system for the past few months since free-hand and my eyesight don't seem to match anymore

Amen to that....

No probs mate. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat about any sharpening gear - I think I like learning about sharpening as much as learning about knives. And I’ve certainly spent almost as much on it!

Thanks for the pic too: I always wondered what The End of The World looked like!

Good morning Guardians!
View attachment 1065303

Awesome pic, Dave.

Thanks pal... the snow was halfway up Clifford's Tower! Wish I'd had a micrometer to measure it!

I took this pic for you

Snow is the Kryptonite of the SUL (Stiff Upper Lip)! ... here's another pic of my AC from today - that's an iceberg behind it, floating down the River Ouse!

Thanks mate, beautiful pics!

Union Jack dreaming of summer:

It’ll come GT, it’ll come:

I carry a lambsfoot...
View attachment 1065876
...because I have an IQ of 160.

How 'bout you?

Dare I ask if you’re also a Very Stable Genius, PJ, my friend?!

 

[btb01]

I thought I'd treat myself today, and double up

Have a pleasant Sunday folks, thought I'd share a few pics from my trip to York yesterday

Great photos from York, Jack! I particularly like the snow covered cobblestone street.

Hmmm, I tried to find a previous reference in this thread to a South African custom maker, who make a quite small Lambsfoot (not identified as such, though). Didn’t succeed in tracking it down, though. I think maybe @Mescladis is working her way through the whole thread at the moment? Perhaps she might come across the makers name? They’re in Sandvik 12c27 stainless.

Chin, I think the posts I’ve quoted below might be the ones you’re looking for re: the small South African Lambsfoot. Unfortunately the link now leads to nowhere, and a quick Google search of Cor van Ellinckhuijzen didn’t turn up much. He has a Facebook page, but there not much there, just a few photos, including this one.

Ok Guardians, what do you think of this knife? Does it make the cut?

https://africancustomknives.com/products/cor-van-ellinckhuijzen-slipjoint-1

It is very attractive in any case, though pricier that most Sheffield offerings, I'm guessing.

Small knife, it's 3" closed. A hundred bucks an inch closed . Nearly a lamb foot peanut
Pretty knife for sure, and it looks extremely well made.

Michael

I think so Joshua They are familiar with the Lambsfoot in South Africa (even if they've forgotten what to call it ), not the first SA custom I've seen

 

[Jack Black]

Hey Jack... we should meet up in York then? let me work on this....

So my friend, what do you think of my new Colours eh?
Ok... time to hit the hay - minds whirring now

Hey, great idea Duncan, York is a central hub for the northern railway network, so hopefully it will be manageable, and I can really show you around. Sleep well my friend

I just HAD to do it...sorry for crowding Jack- just realised that the last post was post number 9,999
so I would like to have the honour of placing my 10K here - and Now - BOOM!

Congratulations on that impressive milestone Duncan, and thanks for 'spending' it here

Thanks Jack, yes I recall now, that I think the inaugural 2017 Guardians edition was made by Ashley and his Head Cutler dad, and the 2018 ebony edition was all Ashley’s work. I think it adds immeasurably to these knives, that we are getting to support and enjoy the work of one of the young cutlers who will be the future of high quality Sheffield knifemaking.

Yes, that's right Chin I think so too, I had a long chat with Michael the other day, and I said that he must be very proud with the work Ashley is doing. He told me that when his own father trained him, he told him that he didn't want him to be as good as him, he wanted him to be better. He told me, "I said the same to Ashley, and he is." I know the Guardians knives are valuable to you all already, but one day they may be even more so

Yeah, sad to hear of that last bone jigger retiring, and yeah, I don’t think we’ll see any of the younguns heading into that trade anytime soon. It’s also kind of sad to think that most of those Sheffield specialist cutler tradesmen probably would have no idea of of the Traditional Knife Renaissance coming out of the US over the last few years.

I can't reveal the full content of a conversation I had on Friday yet, but we may yet see some 'new' Sheffield jigged bone Yes, a few of them followed things in the US a little, but most didn't even know what was happening over here!

Very cool mate. Yeah those white sintered ceramics are a great value considering they hardly wear at all, and produce a great edge on carbon steels.

Absolutely Chin, I don't see any sign of wear on mine at all, and I got it in 1993 I think!

Nice one Jack. What’s the difference between ‘hollow’ and ‘fluted’? Would you say those deeply concave Unity bolsters are ‘hollow’? And the 2017 and ‘18 Guardians knives are fluted?

I put that because Wright's got the bolsters wrong last time, and because they generally refer to fluted bolsters as 'hollow' bolsters. I'd call them fluted, hollow bolsters are the sort of thing firms like Richards used to use! I asked for 'rat-tail bolsters' last time, and got thread bolsters. They look very nice, and suit the AC knives better, for example, but I wanted something different this time

Yeah, I smile to myself sometimes, when considering that the strange history of the Lambsfoot pattern, when it comes to be documented, will have two ‘bookends’. It will tell about the genesis of the pattern in the late part of the 19th century (and its subsequent domination of the local British market as the quintessential single blade working knife) - and then it will have a curious resurgence, and international dissemination almost exactly 100 years later! Yep, all down to one man, our very own Jack Black! I feel honoured to be a minor functionary in assisting his crusade!

Thank you comrade, I'm flattered!

I’m only half so blessed: I use my right side for all strength related tasks, in that I kick a ball, swing a golok, cane knife and axe, and shoot with my right side; and use my left hand for all finesse related tasks, like using a knife, writing and drawing! Over the years, I’ve worked out that the crossover point for blade length is about 10”! Anything less goes in the left hand, anything longer goes in the right!

That's interesting Chin, and handy you shoot right-handed

Yes, Herder my friend, I agree - that Ivory Lambsfoot is a lovely contemporary example. I do often imagine what it might look like with some fine English gunsmiths checkering on it, or some sweet, folksy maritime scratting on the ‘tooth covers.

Notwithstanding my previous comment, that is such a wonderful Lambsfoot exactly as it is!

I love the look of checkered ivory, the ivory on my 'Big 'Un is actually very 'plain' (if such a word Can be considered), and would suit checkering well. I might consider scrimshaw too, but it's getting hard shipping these knives around. Stan Shaw checkers some of his

Thanks mate

Beautiful seasonal pic mate, I hope you at least had some R&R on your well earned (half) day off!

Thank you again Chin, York was absolutely rammed, but it was nice to get the smell of tape and jiffy bags out of my nostrils for a bit!

Thanks mate, beautiful pics!

I could look at that all day Thanks again my friend

Dare I ask if you’re also a Very Stable Genius, PJ, my friend?!

 

[Jack Black]

I carry a Lambsfoot...

Because sometimes I need something to bite down on!

How 'bout you?

 

[Cambertree]

Great photos from York, Jack! I particularly like the snow covered cobblestone street.

Chin, I think the posts I’ve quoted below might be the ones you’re looking for re: the small South African Lambsfoot. Unfortunately the link now leads to nowhere, and a quick Google search of Cor van Ellinckhuijzen didn’t turn up much. He has a Facebook page, but there not much there, just a few photos, including this one.

Nice work Barrett, and quick too! Thanks - I had a look at that site, and he doesn't seem to be one of the listed makers anymore. The original knives Joshua was talking about seemed to be a bit more traditional in their shape with a swayed handle, IIRC. Although that knife you found seems to be a legitimate Lambsfoot variant, for sure. I'm sure more than a few Lambsfoot knives must have been exported from Sheffield to South Africa over the first half of the 20th century.

Maybe the prevalence of hunting related tasks led to other blade shapes being preferred, as seems to have been the case in Australia?

I did perform some experiments a while ago, in trying out my ebony user Lambsfoot to skin and dress out Sambar deer, and 'Roos (taken on permit). Despite its great performance in many other common usages for todays average punter, it really wasn't ideally suited for loose, sweeping skinning passes. The tip would either bite through the hide or into the meat a little too easily, rather than just separating tissue without marking either side.

I know there's been a few references to hunters in the UK who use Lambsfoot knives in the field, but as far as I recollect, they were hunting rabbits, for which you really only need to do a couple of incisions with a knife, then the rest is just 'peeling', by hand.

 

[donn]

That's a nice landscape. Hope there are no zombie snowmen on the horizon.

LOL John! I didn't see any but then I didn't see any BBC journalists either. If they had been there I'm sure there would of been a profusion of hysterical "eye witness reports" of undead snowballs....

David everything you and Jack have said about this PERFECTLY describes the reactions here in Arkansas. A 1" snowfall paralyzes the state. Within hours the highways are littered with stalled and or crashed vehicles, grocery store shelves are empty and the local news is running around the clock with minute by minute updates on the unfolding catastrophe.

View attachment 1065313

View attachment 1065892

Oh now stop it folks! Your destroying my image of the resilient independent American happily battling the elements of your great land
Like these chaps below...

Thank you Jack. Sure hope things are working out for you on the plus side today. We are getting our second snowstorm of the season should last through Sunday -25c wind gusts of 80 kph causing whiteout conditions on the Hiway. Rock and Roll baby.

Up to 25F today. This lambsfoot in my pocket.

-25c! Whiteouts! -25F!! Now that's a winter! Hope your all ok

Jer, I sure hope you're right about winter being on the ropes. I seem to have come down with the worst case of SAD I've ever experienced this week. Great snow shot of Old Toffeewing, and I can probably come up with a couple of snow shots. Can't believe how low some of the Kalamazoo temps were this week! Here's a photo from the corner of my garage, looking across my driveway toward the bakery kitty-corner across the alley the driveway leads to. Looks like a good, clear driveway, eh?
View attachment 1065706
But if I pivot to my right, you'll see the snow that fell in the alley Monday where I piled it:
View attachment 1065707

Union Jack dreaming of summer:
View attachment 1065724

- GT

GT, what a fantastic shot of your Union Jack Very summery. Of course I go on about winter but I forget that isn't it law in most places that people have to clear the pavement of snow from the sidewalk in front of their houses? If I had to clear as much snow as that I think I'd be dreaming of sitting on the sunny dock as well

Thanks pal, yes it's been a tough day my friend, the snow was halfway up Clifford's Tower! Wish I'd had a micrometer to measure it!

That is a wonderful pic there David, just the sort of vista I love

Hope everyone is having a good weekend, here's another pic of my AC from today - that's an iceberg behind it, floating down the River Ouse!

Crikey! I hope that iceberg didn't knock down any of the bridges or sink anything important....
Oh the pic was taken off Burnt Hill looking east towards Kinder Scout. -10.2c and about a foot of snow depending on where you stood

Have a pleasant Sunday folks, thought I'd share a few pics from my trip to York yesterday

Jack thanks for sharing those great pictures! You'll recall they used to do the ice sculpture display in November and called it the 'Festival of Angels'. I'm glad it's back, it looks great! Do you know if it's going to be an annual event?
I hope you don't mind but I thought I'd post a pic taken off the top of Clifford's Tower a few winters back looking over the Grande Olde Cittie of Yorke.
In the foreground is the spire of St' Mary's church, behind which is the lantern tower of All Saints behind which is York Minster. The tower to the left is the Catholic Church of St' Wilfrid's.

No probs mate. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat about any sharpening gear - I think I like learning about sharpening as much as learning about knives. And I’ve certainly spent almost as much on it!

Thanks for the pic too: I always wondered what The End of The World looked like.

It’ll come GT, it’ll come:

Thanks Chin, Oldguy contacted me as well I think I know now what sharpening system I'm going to get but I know what you mean; I'm trying not to spend so much money on it as well....
Great pic; another Anitpodean photo that "looks" warm.

Hope everyone's having a great Sunday. My pic of the day was either going to be my sausage butty I had for breakfast, or another snowy shot of my 2019 lambsfoot. But as Punxsatawney Phil forecast an early spring, I thought I'd stick with the white stuff while we still have it

 

[Jack Black]

Great photos from York, Jack! I particularly like the snow covered cobblestone street.



Chin, I think the posts I’ve quoted below might be the ones you’re looking for re: the small South African Lambsfoot. Unfortunately the link now leads to nowhere, and a quick Google search of Cor van Ellinckhuijzen didn’t turn up much. He has a Facebook page, but there not much there, just a few photos, including this one.

Thanks Barrett, that's just a quiet little street near the Minster, but York was so busy yesterday, I still had to wait a few minutes to get a photo that was clear of people

Interesting-looking knife Barrett

Nice work Barrett, and quick too! Thanks - I had a look at that site, and he doesn't seem to be one of the listed makers anymore. The original knives Joshua was talking about seemed to be a bit more traditional in their shape with a swayed handle, IIRC. Although that knife you found seems to be a legitimate Lambsfoot variant, for sure. I'm sure more than a few Lambsfoot knives must have been exported from Sheffield to South Africa over the first half of the 20th century.

Maybe the prevalence of hunting related tasks led to other blade shapes being preferred, as seems to have been the case in Australia?

I did perform some experiments a while ago in using my ebony user Lambsfoot to skin and dress out Sambar deer, and 'Roos (taken on permit). Despite its great performance in many other common usages for todays average punter, it really wasn't ideally suited for loose, sweeping skinning passes. The tip would either bite through the hide or into the meat a little too easily, rather than just separating tissue without marking either side.

I know there's been a few references to hunters in the UK who use Lambsfoot knives in the field, but as far as I recollect, they were hunting rabbits, for which you really only need to do a couple of incisions with a knife, then the rest is just 'peeling', by hand.

I seem to have missed Joshua's post, I'll have to go back. I saw some pretty expensive South African custom Lambsfoot knives a few years back, which were using the Joseph Rodgers name very heavily. They probably didn't realise that the Joseph Rodgers trademark is still owned and used, and knowing the owners, I imagine they might have received a threat of legal action The Lambsfoot pattern does seem to have been popular with some in South Africa, and I imagine that Joseph Rodgers would have been one of the main exporters. Many of the blatantly forged Rodgers copies I've seen over the years have been African, but they have looked nothing like any actual Rodgers patterns, and the name has been stamped crudely on the blade.

That's a very interesting practical observation regarding hunting Chin, nice to have it, and you are right, the hunters I've heard of using it here have been mainly hunting rabbits

Nice pic, you need to send us some antler over mate!

Jack thanks for sharing those great pictures! You'll recall they used to do the ice sculpture display in November and called it the 'Festival of Angels'. I'm glad it's back, it looks great! Do you know if it's going to be an annual event?
I hope you don't mind but I thought I'd post a pic taken off the top of Clifford's Tower a few winters back looking over the Grande Olde Cittie of Yorke.
In the foreground is the spire of St' Mary's church, behind which is the lantern tower of All Saints behind which is York Minster. The tower to the left is the Catholic Church of St' Wilfrid's.

Thanks Chin, Oldguy contacted me as well I think I know now what sharpening system I'm going to get but I know what you mean; I'm trying not to spend so much money on it as well....
Great pic; another Anitpodean photo that "looks" warm.

Hope everyone's having a great Sunday. My pic of the day was either going to be my sausage butty I had for breakfast, or another snowy shot of my 2019 lambsfoot. But as Punxsatawney Phil forecast an early spring, I thought I'd stick with the white stuff while we still have it

Thank you David, apparently they reckoned York was dangerously crowded in the run-up to Christmas anyway, so decided to move it to February. More likely, the idea involves wringing more money out of people, but they have said it'll be an annual event. York was as crowded yesterday as it is in December

Fantastic view and commentary, I've always balked at the queue and admission price to see the ruined interior, but maybe I'll have to drag my ageing carcass up there Thanks for another great Lambsfoot pic too, I'm going to have some fried leftover haggis, mushrooms, and tatties shortly

 

[bonzodog]

A gift from@Jack Black,sambar stag never leaves my pocket.