waynorth
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2005
- Messages
- 32,617
I'd take my knife that is well made and well fitted over a BF knife with problems even if mine came with a shield in the shape of a dog turd.
roland
Let's be clear. Most of the BF knives are at least as well fitted as Billy's knives. In fact Billy's had more gaps in my experience. Queen improved that situation somewhat. The knives are essentially identical, with the masters reversed. Roland, you are lucky to get one that fits well, and most of the BF purchasers are as lucky.
Billy sold a lot of my knives, and we were in touch for a few years before he went back to teaching. I bought some of my best Harness Jacks from him way back when.
Lighter gauge knives are more "compliant" when assembled. These thick springs and blades do not assemble as tightly sometimes. Thick springed Ulsters and Empires I have repeat the tale. 90 years ago, same story!!
I own one of Billy's also, which is slightly gapped, but otherwise delightful. And it has that Mississippi tang stamp.
If I'm not mistaken, it's the first knife (knives actually - he had a fixed blade made also; a skinner) with a Mississippi stamp!