- Joined
- Dec 29, 2011
- Messages
- 7
This knife has an interesting story.
I found it in a parking lot several years ago. It was covered in grime, the blade was a little loose, and it had seen some abuse. I didn't know much about knives at the time and I thought it was just a cheapo knife someone had lost and not cared enough about to go looking for.
So, with that in mind I just threw it in the door compartment of my car and kept it just as a backup car knife, where it rode around with me for years under receipts and random car junk and I never really thought about it except to open an occasional package or clean my fingernails.
I gave so little thought to this knife that now I can't even remember exactly where I found it, or what year it was. All I remember is that it was in a parking lot at least three years ago.
Fast forward to this week. I am getting more into knives and my wife got me a Spyderco Sharpmaker for Christmas. Like any fledgling knife knut with a new sharpener, I decided that I must sharpen ALL the things. I had gone through the house sharpening all of out kitchen knives, pocket knives, and my camp knife, as well as a hatchet, machete and even a small camp shovel. When looking around for new things to sharpen, I remembered my car knife, so I went and dug it out.
Back in the garage, getting ready to sharpen, I decided to clean it up, so with a rag, a toothbrush and some oil I cleaned it up, and I tightened up the pivot screw, which tightened the blade up nicely and took out the play. After cleaning it up, I realized that it was actually a pretty well made knife, with outstanding fit and finish and black micarta scales instead of the simple black plastic I had previously assumed. I decided to look it up.
After some googling, what I think I have is a Barry Dawson Model 17, which is actually a high-end custom made knife, probably worth a few hundred dollars. Holy crap. The knife I found in a parking lot and left to rattle around in my car for years is actually the nicest knife I own! I guess I'll have to find another car knife now.
I kinda feel bad for whoever lost this nice knife, and if I ever can verify who it might have been I will happily return it. I suppose one does not forget losing a twenty year old knife worth several hundred dollars. Until then, I will treasure it.
Can anyone give me any more information about this knife or it's maker? Thanks. And if you know anyone who lost a Dawson 17 a few years ago, point them to me.
TL;DR: I found a Barry Dawson model 17 in a parking lot years ago, and didn't realize what it was until yesterday.
