Guardians of The Lambsfoot!

[JohnDF]

Speaking of starting the day...

Have a great Sunday Guardians

I think my body would go into shock if I ate that much healthy food in one sitting. Beautiful picture though.

 

[Jack Black]

A relaxing change of perspective from the Luthiers' Handbook I've been studying.

Cool pic Jer

I think my body would go into shock if I ate that much healthy food in one sitting. Beautiful picture though.

 

[Fodderwing]

Beautifully captured Dwight

Thank you Jack. My that is a healthy breakfast! I would love that served with bacon, eggs, biscuits, hash browns...

...a lamb... sunbathing...

 

[JohnDF]

Ah, the Eye of Sauron!

I remember when my son was in sixth grade, he had a project where he had to build a model of a castle. He stressed over that project for days trying to come up with a good plan of what to build and how to build it. I told him he should build a model of Barad-dur. He said it would be too hard, but I told him it would be easy.

So, I threw one together and showed it to him. We laughed and laughed for a long time, but both agreed it probably wouldn't earn a very good grade. I still keep the picture on my phone, it was such a fun memory!!!

Here's the picture ...............

Notice the ingenious use of a googly eye

 

[Fodderwing]

Notice the ingenious use of a googly eye

That is hilarious John!

 

[Jack Black]

Thank you Jack. My that is a healthy breakfast! I would love that served with bacon, eggs, biscuits, hash browns...

...a lamb... sunbathing...View attachment 1070600

Another great pic my friend

I remember when my son was in sixth grade, he had a project where he had to build a model of a castle. He stressed over that project for days trying to come up with a good plan of what to build and how to build it. I told him he should build a model of Barad-dur. He said it would be too hard, but I told him it would be easy.

So, I threw one together and showed it to him. We laughed and laughed for a long time, but both agreed it probably wouldn't earn a very good grade. I still keep the picture on my phone, it was such a fun memory!!!

Here's the picture ...............

Notice the ingenious use of a googly eye

Brilliant John!

 

[JohnDF]

That is hilarious John!

Brilliant John!

To think at one time I was studying to become an Architect... I think I chose wisely when I switched to math

 

[WhittlinAway]

Very cool photo, Greg!
Great use of the Lamb!

Thanks Dennis.

Good to see you posting, Greg. I agree, the only civilized way to open a bag of anything is with a sharp straight edge! My non-knifey friends now have a running joke, that whenever a package needs to be opened, someone will ask, "Does anyone have a scissors?" and someone else will start to try tearing it open before I can pull out my pocket knife.

Thanks r8shell! You're spot on about a bag of anything. Especially those "easy tear open" bags that have just enough perforations to mock you.

I understand that, someone famous said 'the hurryer I go the behinder I get.'

I like it.

Good to see you here Greg Please let me know if I can help out with index

Thanks Jack. The index is even more woefully behind than I am. About the time it was first completed, the thread took off at record pace. It's hard to believe, but it's been almost a year since I've updated it. At that time, there were a little over 200 pages in the thread. Now there are well over six hundred. It tripled in size in less than a year. Amazing! But, also very challenging for the index. I need to put some thought into how to handle both the rate of new material and the sheer volume of posts. I'll email you when I have some more concrete thoughts to discuss.

 

[draggat]

My thoughts exactly! The open to just past half is firm (reminds me of my sodbuster jr) but the final snap open on this lamb has gusto. And the close to half has me very aware of my left hand placement. No, no, I'm not scared. Really.

Reminds me of the workback stag lamb I posted on page 650. This pattern is definitely stronger than the regular swayback pattern. I’m used to heavy pulls but I daresay it’s nearly a bear trap. Pinchable if you get a death grip on it and it’ll shred your fingernail if you don’t approach it right. You could say it’s a little temperamental but the loud pop when it opens and the general satisfaction it gives is all worth it.

Very nice, we don't see too many in that pattern

Thanks Jack! I couldn’t help myself and ordered another one, along with a few other patterns. Fingers crossed for some decent stag. I’m hooked!!

Here’s a shot of the pile side. The stag on this one has some pretty grizzled character. I have to drive several hours for work everyday and this one often sits in my hand like a worry stone.

I'm so woefully behind on this thread that there is no hope of catching up anytime in the future. So, rather than spending any time on that, I'm going to cut my losses and use what time I'm able to devote to the thread just trying to keep up going forward. Even that may be a challenge given the impressive rate of postings here.

My apologies to all the authors of the many, many incredible posts that I'm sure I've missed. I do hope to read them someday.

Even though I've been away from the forum a lot lately, I've had a lambsfoot knife in my pocket almost every day and it always proves up to the tasks that are asked of it. No surprise there.

And, oh yeah, I carry a lambsfoot...

... because ripping open bags of ice is so uncivilized!

How 'bout you?

I feel like you just summed up my situation with this thread.... I get snippets of it here and there but never seem to find the time to go back and read it all. Kind of like a drowning man, but the pictures of all the beautiful lambsfoot knives are a great life preserver!

Glad you didn’t tear that bag open!

 

[WDJ]

Hello all. Am new to this site and thought that I would say hello. I bought a Taylor's Eyewitness lambsfoot a few years ago via mail order. The fit and finish off the knife I received was awful and it kind of put me off them. However, looking at the pictures of some lambsfoots on this thread has really out me back onto them. Such that as I live in Manchester England I going to drive over to Sheffield at some point and see if I can pick a nice one up for myself. Thanks.

 

[pjsjr]

I bought a Taylor's Eyewitness lambsfoot a few years ago via mail order. The fit and finish off the knife I received was awful and it kind of put me off them. H

Welcome, it's always best to buy a knife in person, if at all possible. good luck, Preston.

 

[btb01]

Hello all. Am new to this site and thought that I would say hello. I bought a Taylor's Eyewitness lambsfoot a few years ago via mail order. The fit and finish off the knife I received was awful and it kind of put me off them. However, looking at the pictures of some lambsfoots on this thread has really out me back onto them. Such that as I live in Manchester England I going to drive over to Sheffield at some point and see if I can pick a nice one up for myself. Thanks.

Welcome, WDJ!

I actually just saw your post over in the "Let's Talk GEC" thread, and when you mentioned you lived in Britain, I wondered if we'd see you over here in the Lambsfoot thread, as well. I assume your Taylor's Eye Witness was of recent manufacture? I haven't had one myself, but the reviews of their recent knives I've seen here seem to be mixed, at best. You should be able pick up a nice A. Wright Lambsfoot in Rosewood for not much money. The fit and finish on their standard-production knives are generally pretty good, though there are sometimes a few quirks (small gap here, funky grind there), so if you're able to get to a shop where you can pick one out in person, that would be good.

In the meantime, there's 650+ pages of Lambsfooty goodness here to view/read. If you go back to the very first post, Jack has added a link to a thread index that Greg ( WhittlinAway ) kindly put together for us, which might help you find some interesting content.

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks Jack. The index is even more woefully behind than I am. About the time it was first completed, the thread took off at record pace. It's hard to believe, but it's been almost a year since I've updated it. At that time, there were a little over 200 pages in the thread. Now there are well over six hundred. It tripled in size in less than a year. Amazing! But, also very challenging for the index. I need to put some thought into how to handle both the rate of new material and the sheer volume of posts. I'll email you when I have some more concrete thoughts to discuss.

Sorry Greg, I hadn't realised When you eventually get some free time, I would be more than happy to do what I can to help out, and I dare say we can raise one or two other volunteers

Thanks Jack! I couldn’t help myself and ordered another one, along with a few other patterns. Fingers crossed for some decent stag. I’m hooked!!

Here’s a shot of the pile side. The stag on this one has some pretty grizzled character. I have to drive several hours for work everyday and this one often sits in my hand like a worry stone.

That's very nice my friend I have a couple in the same pattern, but without stag



Extended bolster on this one:

Hello all. Am new to this site and thought that I would say hello. I bought a Taylor's Eyewitness lambsfoot a few years ago via mail order. The fit and finish off the knife I received was awful and it kind of put me off them. However, looking at the pictures of some lambsfoots on this thread has really out me back onto them. Such that as I live in Manchester England I going to drive over to Sheffield at some point and see if I can pick a nice one up for myself. Thanks.

Thanks for jumping in! Welcome to The Porch. Sorry to hear about that rotten TEW I'm sure you'll be able to find something much nicer in Sheffield

 

[JohnDF]

Those are purdy knives, Jack.

 

[JTB_5]

Welcome WDJ !

 

[draggat]

That's very nice my friend I have a couple in the same pattern, but without stag



Extended bolster on this one:

Both of those are beautiful but I really like the extended bolster. Do they make variations like that very often?

They make a barlow pattern as well, but unfortunately not with a lambsfoot blade.... that would be cool to see. Maybe as a future Guardians knife?

 

[5K Qs]

I think I'm up-to-date, as of Saturday night, on the Guardians who have received their ironwood lambsfoots. If I missed someone, please accept my apology.

Afternoon ladies and gentlemen.
Obviously we've all seen Jack's prototype but by virtue of the fact that my nationality places me in close proximity to West Yorkshire, I have the honour of introducing to you all...
The Guardians 2019 Lambsfoot.
...
Ooh la la...

...
Well everyone this is one very nice knife. I've only ever bought off the self before and this is my first semi-custom and I'm mightily impressed. It's shaving sharp and the pull is just right; solid, positive but no nailbreaker.
The covers are not matched but are beautifully finished both sides. A very minor difference in thickness but I only noticed that when I'd taken a close up shot and the pins are perfectly flush. The bolsters set everything off nicely; I think Wright's should use them more often.
It actually feels slightly heavier than the large rosewood I have so this is no wall flower but a proper working knife.
Apologies for the pictures, I thought I'd take them in daylight but it's -1c outside. Also, I didn't realize until after I'd taken them that I hadn't cleaned off small amounts of polishing compound on the knife, so if you think you see blemishes on the bolsters it's not, it's polish.
I missed the last two Guardians knives, but I'm really glad I participated in this buy as this is a knife to cherish.
And lastly, a great "Huzzah!" to both Jack Black, whose been so kind and generous in arranging all this, and of course to Ashley at Wright's who obviously really Really knows his onions and is a true craftsman.

Thanks for the review of the first post-prototype Guardians ironwood to arrive, David; well-done! And what a beauty! I'm so glad a passionate hiker like you got a knife with "topographical grain" on the mark side cover!

Oh My GAWD - Just got back from the mail box!!
View attachment 1067399 View attachment 1067400
View attachment 1067411

Congrats, @OLd_gUY!! The contrast between the light and dark wood on your new lambsfoot is sensational!

Drum roll please.............

After checking my mail today I had this waiting for me....
View attachment 1067661
Pile side has a ton of depth and colors hard to capture in a photo with non-natural lighting. Beautiful.
View attachment 1067662
And then the show side....stunner just amazing. I don't know what to say.
Perfect centering. Perfect snap, strong pull that I like. Amazing knife!!!! Cheers to Jack and thanks a million times my friend. To the Guardians, thanks for being the best place to post in the forums!

Congrats, Taylor, you got one of the most recognizable examples in that first group of 50! As I said in another thread, IMHO you won the ironwood lambsfoot lottery!

Ah, the Eye of Sauron!

I can certainly understand your comment, Vince, but I have to reserve that name for @donn's horn knife that I've been calling that for a long time!

My package arrived today!

Heartfelt thanks to Jack Black !!!!!
...

"Ooooh, what a lucky man he was." Congrats on a stunner, @CasePeanut!

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') !
...
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 enjoyed reading your initial reactions to your ironwood lambsfoot, and seeing your fantastic photos, @Mescladis! Thanks!

Mail Call!

Thanks go to Jack Black for making this happen!

...

Both sides are amazing, but the grain of the pile side seems exceptional to me! Congrats, @lambertiana; I know you enjoy your ironwood knives!

No natural light available at the moment, but here you go. I think it’s a keeper.
View attachment 1068832

Definitely an outstanding keeper, @Frailer! I especially like that dove (or some kind of bird) taking flight from the butt end of the knife!

Whoo-Hoo! Thank you, Jack! Icy and overcast today, I can't wait to see what it looks like in sunshine.

...

Congrats on a sublime ironwood lambsfoot, @r8shell! I'd like to see a pic of the mark sides of your ironwood and horn Guardians lambsfoot knives side by side; I think they both have a similar sort of wiggly motif!

This Texan also welcomed his girl home today (maybe you will too, Vince)! Thanks a bunch Jack Black ! Now I was supposed to have a stern talk with her for lollygaggin' around Chi-town but... anyway. Here's a not-too-good-picture on a very gloomy day.

Congrats, @peanutsxx! Looking forward to more pics, but the "gloomy day" one you show here is impressive with its glowing ember look to it!!

Boy, this thread moves fast! May have to catch up tomorrow--it's getting late. But I wanted to post a couple of pics of a new knife I received today:

Mark side.

Pile side.

Wish I had better light, but it's late at night here. I'll be taking more pictures this weekend. Fit and finish are fantastic, blade centered, pull nice and stout. Perfect size, just a wee bit larger than the stag Ashley's Choice. I must say I am very pleased. Thanks, Jack! Guess what I'll be toting for a while?

(Did all the Texas knives get delivered on the same day?)

Yowza, Vince, that's striking!! Both sides, but especially your mark side photo, have kind of a 3D optical illusion like hills and valleys cutting across the width of the handle, due to the "kinks" in the grain.

Well I got tired of passively waiting, so I put out an ironwood decoy this morning to see if I could lure something in....
I highly recommend the proactive approach!

Tremendous job Jack! Thank you so much!

Congrats on a gorgeous knife, @Dschal, and on your successful decoy strategy! Who'd a thunk it??

Gorgeous knife!
(Gotta find me an ivory decoy)

View attachment 1070150 View attachment 1070151

Checking in from New Orleans.

That's a stunning parti-colored example, @Leslie Tomville!! EVERY day can be Mardi Gras with THAT knife! Looking forward to a pile side shot by the pond some day!

...
In the meantime, I'll just keep looking at the most up-to-date version of this photo and choosing from the unclaimed knives the ones I'd most like to show up in my mailbox.

We must think alike in some ways, Barrett! When Jack first posted the mark and pile piles of 2019 Guardians, I copied them, tried to zoom in as far as I could without losing vital detail, and then tried to classify the knives. I remember my first try came up with 17 or 18 of the 50 being exquisite beyond belief, 28 or 30 being superb, and 3 or 4 that at the level of detail I could get in the photo might be hard to tell from ebony or dark rosewood. I think some for which Guardians have posted pics were in my original "superb" middle category, but having seen them by themselves and in more detail, I've moved them into the "exquisite beyond belief" top category!

I'm still carrying Black Jack for another day:


- GT

 

[screened porch]

Cool pic Jer

Thanks.
Fun book, too.

 

[WDJ]

Welcome, WDJ!

I actually just saw your post over in the "Let's Talk GEC" thread, and when you mentioned you lived in Britain, I wondered if we'd see you over here in the Lambsfoot thread, as well. I assume your Taylor's Eye Witness was of recent manufacture? I haven't had one myself, but the reviews of their recent knives I've seen here seem to be mixed, at best. You should be able pick up a nice A. Wright Lambsfoot in Rosewood for not much money. The fit and finish on their standard-production knives are generally pretty good, though there are sometimes a few quirks (small gap here, funky grind there), so if you're able to get to a shop where you can pick one out in person, that would be good.

In the meantime, there's 650+ pages of Lambsfooty goodness here to view/read. If you go back to the very first post, Jack has added a link to a thread index that Greg ( WhittlinAway ) kindly put together for us, which might help you find some interesting content.

 

[WDJ]

Thanks. Yes the TEW was not good. About an eighth of an inch gap between the bolster and scale, which had been marked by filling it with a thick grease. Apart from that the blade is nice. I use it occasionally as s beater. I do hope to have a good look with the knife in game before I buy the next one. I have a few GEC's and you do get used to their fit and finish, and you need to lower your expectations a little when getting a much cheaper knife.