black mamba
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It's been so cloudy, wet and dreary around here for so long that I just wanted to see some sun and green for a change.
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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Guardians of The Lambsfoot!
- Thread starter Jack Black
- Start date
JTB_5
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That’s very kind of you to say so, Vince. I’m so glad to see that good folk are enjoying the thread in its entirety in that way. It’s clearly a labour of love for our Grandmaster Guardian JB, but other Guardians like Greg @WhittlinAway, with his index, and Barrettbtb01 with the Map, have also really gone above and beyond, to make this thread a really well curated archive of knowledge and discussion.
Yes, it was a bit of walkabout, a bit of work commitments, and a bit of delving into other subjects like steel metallurgy, that were responsible for my absence. I’m glad to be back, and thanks to you and everyone else who contributes to this thread for making it the fun and informative read that it is.
Very nice design, Joshua. Thanks for sharing that, I enjoyed poring over your detailed specs. I’m guessing you’re specifying a carbon steel blade, given you’re after a forge-scaled finish on the tang?
Oh really? It looks fine to me!
Very much so, my friend. Words to live by for sure.
Thanks mate. LOL, out of the mouth of babes, eh? Good to see your political acumen was honed from an early age, my friend!
Now Jack, you know I’d never wish to insult you by suggesting that you’re in any way suited for political office, but just think - as Lord Mayor, you could draw a wage, and spend 30 hours of the working week on the Guardians thread, ah I mean engaging in Executive Time.
Thanks mate, I’ll be keen to see what you get. Great pic - where is that?
That’s terrible news, Dave, I’m very sorry to hear that.
That sounds like a fine adventure, my friend. And I trust you’ll take some great pics so we can share the experience with you.
Excellent write up, my friend, I’m glad to see you got some fine Rosewood on yours. Now, sharpen it up to a razor edge, and give it some work to do, and let us know what you think of it then!
The flaws you describe were all present on my ebony user as well.
Thanks! Carbon steel would be cool, but I asked for M390 for edge retention and strength. Plus, the contrast between the forged finish and satin blade looks nice to me.
The sun was so bright today that I had trouble finding a place where the difference between the light and shadow was not too strong... But here is my little 'feu follet' (our French Will-o'-the-wisp, which translates 'fool's fire') !
My very first impressions: it's a beautiful and very well made knife. The 'flaws' I've found are only minor details, I'll maybe come back to them later, if I remember to do so. They're no big deal at all.
I like the weight of this little thing, and it's incredibly elegant. The pull is really strong, I hope it will 'weaken' a bit with use because it snaps open with so much authority I'm scared it might jump out of my tiny hands!! I like knives with a soft pull, so I may need some time to get used to that one
Now, the scales! The mark side is absolutely gorgeous, with swirls and reflections of gold and small dark areas. It almost looks like a flow of lava or the flame of an open fire... The pile side is completely different (but I don't mind it at all!) with long diagonal stripes of brown and gold. I found it extremely difficult to take proper picture that would show the complexity of the reflections in there, but using the flash helped a lot! I just had to play with the angle to avoid the reflection of the flash on the polished wood or the bolsters.
I'm really happy with this knife, it's so pretty I will need to just manipulate and look at it for a while before I can accept to put it to work
Another lovely example!
pjsjr
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Wonderfully done photos of an outstanding knife, hope you get the pull to where you like it. Preston
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One of my favourites is 'Jeepers Creepers'
Things are still pretty Anglo-Saxon here in Yorkshire though 
The sun was so bright today that I had trouble finding a place where the difference between the light and shadow was not too strong... But here is my little 'feu follet' (our French Will-o'-the-wisp, which translates 'fool's fire') !
My very first impressions: it's a beautiful and very well made knife. The 'flaws' I've found are only minor details, I'll maybe come back to them later, if I remember to do so. They're no big deal at all.
I like the weight of this little thing, and it's incredibly elegant. The pull is really strong, I hope it will 'weaken' a bit with use because it snaps open with so much authority I'm scared it might jump out of my tiny hands!! I like knives with a soft pull, so I may need some time to get used to that one
Now, the scales! The mark side is absolutely gorgeous, with swirls and reflections of gold and small dark areas. It almost looks like a flow of lava or the flame of an open fire... The pile side is completely different (but I don't mind it at all!) with long diagonal stripes of brown and gold. I found it extremely difficult to take proper picture that would show the complexity of the reflections in there, but using the flash helped a lot! I just had to play with the angle to avoid the reflection of the flash on the polished wood or the bolsters.
I'm really happy with this knife, it's so pretty I will need to just manipulate and look at it for a while before I can accept to put it to work
Thank you for persisting, and sharing those wonderful photos
I think people will be pleasantly surprised with the wood when they see it in hand, even the few dull-looking ones have a shimmer and sparkle in the light, and there was a dark one, with lots of swirls within, I found myself calling The Black Prince! The pull will ease up, but have you tried flushing the joint Mescladis? What I do is liberally oil the joint, and then with the blade half open, I blow 'canned air' through. Put a tissue behind to catch the gunk. Keep repeating until the oil comes out clear. There's also a great (indexed) post by @Cambertree with advice on easing it further if you prefer an even lighter pull
JTB_5
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My package arrived today!
Heartfelt thanks toJack Black !!!!!
So much thought and care went into the packaging of this knife. Such an easy process. The tin and button are a great touch.
I got so lucky with this beautiful knife. Great construction and the wood grain is really stunning.
Very nice!
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It's been so cloudy, wet and dreary around here for so long that I just wanted to see some sun and green for a change.
Beautiful photo Alan
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Great one, congratulations! Great marbling of colors.I got mine I got mine I got mine!!!!
I'm waiting for a better light to take more pictures, but damn is it pretty! Thank you so much
Haha, I was on the fence for this one but coudn't pull the trigger since I had to choose between that one or the 2019 Lambsfoot and couldn't afford both. And then I saw it had been sold. But you know, I KNEW it had to be to a Guardian ;-)
I was intrigued by the very large blade, which made it look almost like a sheepfoot despite the 'Real Lamb Foot' etch, and the horn seemed to have a nice potential. I'm glad you picked it up, please post it regularly here
See you all later for more pics of my 2019 Lambsfoot!
The pull will ease up, but have you tried flushing the joint Mescladis? What I do is liberally oil the joint, and then with the blade half open, I blow 'canned air' through. Put a tissue behind to catch the gunk. Keep repeating until the oil comes out clear. There's also a great (indexed) post by @Cambertree with advice on easing it further if you prefer an even lighter pull
I had that post in mind when writing about the pull, I will work on it later.
Patina will help too! Come to me apples, pears and oignons!
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- May 25, 2018
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Thanks to map, I know tmd_87 lives in California, as do I. I wonder ifCasePeanut lives here, also?
If so, that's a helluva Tuesday for the Guardians of CA
That’s right. California leading the way!
btb01
can you please add me to the map in Oakland, California thanks!
Prester John
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- May 20, 2018
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Great photos.The sun was so bright today that I had trouble finding a place where the difference between the light and shadow was not too strong... But here is my little 'feu follet' (our French Will-o'-the-wisp, which translates 'fool's fire') !
My very first impressions: it's a beautiful and very well made knife. The 'flaws' I've found are only minor details, I'll maybe come back to them later, if I remember to do so. They're no big deal at all.
I like the weight of this little thing, and it's incredibly elegant. The pull is really strong, I hope it will 'weaken' a bit with use because it snaps open with so much authority I'm scared it might jump out of my tiny hands!! I like knives with a soft pull, so I may need some time to get used to that one
Now, the scales! The mark side is absolutely gorgeous, with swirls and reflections of gold and small dark areas. It almost looks like a flow of lava or the flame of an open fire... The pile side is completely different (but I don't mind it at all!) with long diagonal stripes of brown and gold. I found it extremely difficult to take proper picture that would show the complexity of the reflections in there, but using the flash helped a lot! I just had to play with the angle to avoid the reflection of the flash on the polished wood or the bolsters.
I'm really happy with this knife, it's so pretty I will need to just manipulate and look at it for a while before I can accept to put it to work
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I carry a Lambsfoot...
Because my razor-blades stay in the bathroom
How 'bout you?
Because my razor-blades stay in the bathroom
How 'bout you?
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- Feb 20, 2018
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- 1,213
GREAT!! From now on, I will always remember Trifecta Tuesday!That’s right. California leading the way!
Here's a better pic of mine, now that the sun has come out.
Last edited:
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I'm very proud and happy - thanks to you, Jack.Great pic OG, that is certainly a very nice one
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You never know Vince
Almost all older Sheffield knives were assembled by Little Mesters Dylan, even with the big firms, such as Joseph Rodgers, the majority of their knives were made by out-workers or other self-employed cutlers
That's a wonderful photo Dylan, and a great scene to wake up to
Another fantastic pic my friend, at least that one will stand out
Thank you, Jack. Now that you mention it, I can recall on a number of occasions where you've stated such about the out-workers and self-employed cutlers. I'll have to do better at retaining some of that knowledge
.Thank you, Joshua. I figured either the Ebony or the Jigged Red would make for a nice contrast.
Finally got my first lambsfoot in yesterday. If you don't look too closely it's a fine looking knife. Both scales are nice looking. There is a small hole on the mark side at the bolster, but I can fix that... just happen to have some spare rosewood laying around from my woodworking days! The blade is like a bear trap... smacks open and closed with authority, but with that comes a very strong pull, more so than I prefer, but hopefully it will loosen up with some use. There is a fairly sizable gap between the blade and liner on one side, probably 2-3 sheets of printer paper thick at the widest. The blade is not centered, but not touching the liner either, and it seems a little crooked, almost kinked in how it was cut. The edge is ok sharp, but not exactly straight... I'll touch that up this weekend and fix the bevel.
Overall, I'd been prepared to not expect a flawless knife, so my expectations were tempered from the start. It certainly has its share of imperfections, but I can either fix or overlook them all. I think it'll make a fine user and good introduction to this cool pattern.
Thanks to Jack
Mark:
Pile:
Aside from the obvious defects (hopefully nothing a little elbow grease can't take care of), the wood grain on that knife is very fine. I'd be quite proud to have that knife, despite its imperfections. I look forward to seeing what you are able to remedy on it.
Great photos, Dylan! You’ve certainly got a scenic backyard!
Thank you, Barrett, I am quite fortunate.
Simply beautiful! Congratulations, you got an excellent one!
Just fantastic, my friend. What a gorgeous knife!
My package arrived today!
Heartfelt thanks to
So much thought and care went into the packaging of this knife. Such an easy process. The tin and button are a great touch.
I got so lucky with this beautiful knife. Great construction and the wood grain is really stunning.
These Ironwood knives are simply exquisite. I think every one will be a gem.
Haha, I was on the fence for this one but coudn't pull the trigger since I had to choose between that one or the 2019 Lambsfoot and couldn't afford both. And then I saw it had been sold. But you know, I KNEW it had to be to a Guardian ;-)
I was intrigued by the very large blade, which made it look almost like a sheepfoot despite the 'Real Lamb Foot' etch, and the horn seemed to have a nice potential. I'm glad you picked it up, please post it regularly here
See you all later for more pics of my 2019 Lambsfoot!
It certainly had me intrigued as well, especially with its rather distinctive horn. I would have been rather surprised if other Guardians had not noted it too. I suspect you will see plenty of it in the not so distant future, it really is going to be a remarkable user.
The sun was so bright today that I had trouble finding a place where the difference between the light and shadow was not too strong... But here is my little 'feu follet' (our French Will-o'-the-wisp, which translates 'fool's fire') !
My very first impressions: it's a beautiful and very well made knife. The 'flaws' I've found are only minor details, I'll maybe come back to them later, if I remember to do so. They're no big deal at all.
I like the weight of this little thing, and it's incredibly elegant. The pull is really strong, I hope it will 'weaken' a bit with use because it snaps open with so much authority I'm scared it might jump out of my tiny hands!! I like knives with a soft pull, so I may need some time to get used to that one
Now, the scales! The mark side is absolutely gorgeous, with swirls and reflections of gold and small dark areas. It almost looks like a flow of lava or the flame of an open fire... The pile side is completely different (but I don't mind it at all!) with long diagonal stripes of brown and gold. I found it extremely difficult to take proper picture that would show the complexity of the reflections in there, but using the flash helped a lot! I just had to play with the angle to avoid the reflection of the flash on the polished wood or the bolsters.
I'm really happy with this knife, it's so pretty I will need to just manipulate and look at it for a while before I can accept to put it to work
Ah yes, yet another stunner! congratulations on such a fine looking knife.
Good morning, All!
Really sorry I haven’t posted for a few weeks, but I have been following what’s been happening.
News and photos of your recent acquisitions inspired me to ‘spend a few bob’ too - my fellow Yorkshiremen on here will know what a ‘bob’ is.
So I should like to introduce you all to ‘The Three Musketeers’!
‘Porthos’ is at the back - he’s a Big ‘Un, as I understand a larger lambsfoot to be known - an oak-scaled Burgon & Ball fathered, as Jack Black confirmed, by A. Wright & Sons.
‘Athos’ is at the front - a jigged bone palmful of distinction that inspires you with confidence.
‘Aramis’ is on the left - a lighter weight and much slimmer buffalo horned chappy and the youngest of the bunch.
Each is rock solid. Their blade centering is almost perfect and they snap open and shut with all the flair you’d expect from a Musketeer.
Here they are lined up on parade - from top to bottom: Porthos, Aramis, Athos.
All I have to find now is a worthy D’Artagnan to complete the group!
All for one, fellow Guardians, and Lambsfoot for All!
Welcome! And what a fine little selection of knives you have! I certainly hope to see more of them.
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Thank you, Jack. Now that you mention it, I can recall on a number of occasions where you've stated such about the out-workers and self-employed cutlers. I'll have to do better at retaining some of that knowledge
It's much easier to understand the system if you've experienced it directly my friend, and of course very different to how things operated in the US, and indeed in other British industries. Perhaps the most unusual thing about the system is that, while it goes back to the earliest days of Sheffield cutlery production, it still exists, never having been usurped, even in the days of huge cutlery firms trading internationally. They still relied on skilled, but generally not well-educated men, working according to the archaic 'liver and draw' system, in tiny workshops dotted around the city, and totally untouched by Health & Safety legislation.
The snow from yesterday is giving way to a bit of slush today.
Another fine photo there Dylan
Fodderwing
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Jack could you expound on the "liver and draw" system?