- Joined
- Jan 15, 2013
- Messages
- 460
The gift card was burning a hole in my pocket, and I couldn't get to the store fast enough. With $25 to spend, I knew that there was only an outside chance that I'd find a blade worth bringing home. Having been only recently rescued from the dark and dangerous world of all things black, tanto, and serrated, I was on the lookout for something small, tasteful, and tradition steeped. And boy did I find it.
It was hiding on the end of an aisle, between the flashlights and an unmistakably imported array of pseudo-tactical folders. Even though it was obscured by the plastic blister pack, the knife still spoke to me. The wide, drop point, satin finish blade with the unmistakable plow etched on it, next to the words "Sod Buster Jr." The shapely, black handle with three small brass pins. It was mine the moment I saw it.
I got home and began the process of releasing my new friend from its plastic cocoon. The inspection process brought to light some of the finer points of my new purchase: 1) The blade, plenty thick at the spine, tapered smoothly in a shallow hollow grind. The tool marks remained untouched, no mirror finish here. The edge was by no means polished or symmetrical, but it passed the paper test with flying colors. A few minutes on the stones would bring it back to where it should be. 2) The brass liners were narrow and highly polished and, except for a few places, sat snugly against the back spring. Sure, they might let a little light through, but this was never going to be a safe queen anyway. 3) the pins were flush, to the point of being undetectable to the touch. 4) the tang stamps were crisp and deep, no shallow and soft-edged like so many cheaper knives that've passed through my hands.
After inspecting the blade and coming to these conclusions, I set apart the "what" aspect of the equation, and thought about the "why." Why did I need this? what did it do for me? here's why.
Is it simple? Yes. Is it polished? No. Are the fit and finish perfect? Far from it. And how about the edge? Decent, but nothing to get excited about. would I buy it again? Absolutely. This knife, in all its average glory, is an American knife. Its been carried for years and years, pressed into service by the kind of men that I can only hope to become like. Its tangible aspects may be matched by any number of overseas companies (many of whom I have purchased blades from over the years) but one thing that they will never recreate is the soul and spirit of it. Simply put, this knife is the real deal. Sure, its brand-spankin new and nobody handed it down to me, but when I feel its slight weight in my hand, I immediately think of the fathers, protectors, providers, and real men that carried one just like it in years past. At 16, I am watching as my generation casts off its roots with disgust, looking only to the newest, best thing that will give them the most personal enjoyment. Sometimes I feel that I've been born two generations two late. To me, this knife is what ties me to the men of my dad's, my granddad's, and my great- granddad's generations, who's shoes I can only hope to fill.
It was hiding on the end of an aisle, between the flashlights and an unmistakably imported array of pseudo-tactical folders. Even though it was obscured by the plastic blister pack, the knife still spoke to me. The wide, drop point, satin finish blade with the unmistakable plow etched on it, next to the words "Sod Buster Jr." The shapely, black handle with three small brass pins. It was mine the moment I saw it.
I got home and began the process of releasing my new friend from its plastic cocoon. The inspection process brought to light some of the finer points of my new purchase: 1) The blade, plenty thick at the spine, tapered smoothly in a shallow hollow grind. The tool marks remained untouched, no mirror finish here. The edge was by no means polished or symmetrical, but it passed the paper test with flying colors. A few minutes on the stones would bring it back to where it should be. 2) The brass liners were narrow and highly polished and, except for a few places, sat snugly against the back spring. Sure, they might let a little light through, but this was never going to be a safe queen anyway. 3) the pins were flush, to the point of being undetectable to the touch. 4) the tang stamps were crisp and deep, no shallow and soft-edged like so many cheaper knives that've passed through my hands.
After inspecting the blade and coming to these conclusions, I set apart the "what" aspect of the equation, and thought about the "why." Why did I need this? what did it do for me? here's why.
Is it simple? Yes. Is it polished? No. Are the fit and finish perfect? Far from it. And how about the edge? Decent, but nothing to get excited about. would I buy it again? Absolutely. This knife, in all its average glory, is an American knife. Its been carried for years and years, pressed into service by the kind of men that I can only hope to become like. Its tangible aspects may be matched by any number of overseas companies (many of whom I have purchased blades from over the years) but one thing that they will never recreate is the soul and spirit of it. Simply put, this knife is the real deal. Sure, its brand-spankin new and nobody handed it down to me, but when I feel its slight weight in my hand, I immediately think of the fathers, protectors, providers, and real men that carried one just like it in years past. At 16, I am watching as my generation casts off its roots with disgust, looking only to the newest, best thing that will give them the most personal enjoyment. Sometimes I feel that I've been born two generations two late. To me, this knife is what ties me to the men of my dad's, my granddad's, and my great- granddad's generations, who's shoes I can only hope to fill.
Well-written and thoughtful. If you do not already know about them, please check the stories by JackKnife. I think you will enjoy the JackKnife Tales and will also encourage him to have these published. Faiaoga