Looking for Validation

[Cory Hess]

I really appreciate the kind words. As I'm writing these long posts I'm thinking that these must be incredibly boring to read. I'm glad that you guys are finding them interesting and I'm hoping that someday somebody finds them helpful in their own quest for their first quality knife.

All I have to say is this; see when you start using it, I think you'll find the sheepfoot blade is one of the most useful blades you've ever had.

This has been my biggest hangup with choosing a trapper. Ideally, I'd find a knife with a 3" spey blade, a 2.5" - 3" clip or drop point and a smaller sheepsfoot. This is why I scoured the Internet looking for a quality American made stockman with the same blade layout as my Rough Rider. I haven't been able to find one. If you know if one please let me know. The trapper is the closest I've been able to find in that it's just missing the sheepsfoot. I looked at the improved trappers, but I didn't want to lose the spey.

OOPS- this is what I get for not reading the thread more carefully- looks like I am def late to the party lol

I had already gotten similar advice, but you were spot on. After playing around with Rough Riders for a couple weeks I now have the perspective to appreciate how solid the GEC feels in my hand. If I had just gone ahead with a GEC as I initially intended I don't think I'd have appreciated it as much because I'd have very little to compare it to. I also wouldn't have the experience to confidently pick a pattern that fit my needs, which is where I was at when I started this thread.

 

[Cory Hess]

So, I got the 73 in the mail today. I was hoping that holding the two knives at the same time there'd be a clear winner. I was wrong. When I started with this quest I made the comment that I might be better off just ordering a knife. Whatever came would have been way better than I was used to and I would be ignorant to the fact that there might be other options that fit me better, so I'd be happy. Right now I'm thinking that I might have been better off not having both knives in my possession. My wife and I had a conversation and "we" decided that one knife was enough for right now and that money would be better spent on our upcoming family vacation, so keeping both is out of the question for now.

I was underestimating the size difference between the 23 and 73. The 73 is just a little wider, but otherwise identical in size, to my Rough Rider Whittler. Other than size, the 23 and 73 are pretty close to the same knife. The pull is close to the same, with the 73 surprisingly being a little stiffer. Not much, but a little. They really snap into the half stop position with some authority. I wasn't expecting that. The fit and finish is pretty similar. The pins on the 73 are a lot closer to flush, but the blades aren't centered as well. The blades aren't in any danger of rubbing, but they're not quite centered either.

I'd appreciate any opinions you guys could offer, though I know ultimately it comes down to me just manning up and making a choice.

Here's the pics:

 

[midnight flyer]

Wow. That's a lot to ask as it is such a personal matter.

I would think ultimately FOR ME, it would become a decision as to how much I am going to actually be using it daily, and how I would be carrying it.

If I was going to use it hard as a tool a lot, I would take the wider handles with no doubt. It is easier on my hands to have plenty of handle if I am doing the things I normally do with a knife.

On the other hand, if I was going to use it to cut apples, open packages, cut tape and strapping, cut up a box or two, snip off an occasional small branch in the garden and have it on an occasional hunt, I would take the one that carries more easily. I have a couple of larger CASE knives I don't carry because the feel like I have a piece of rebar in my pocket, so a thinner knife, even just a little, can be a big difference over time.

To me, you will get the same utility out of blades and their shapes, so it comes down to ease of use and portability.

I have to say, I sure like that smooth bone, though. That's the kind of scales that look better and better over the time you have the knife.

Also, when I have had two similar knives, I wind up liking one better than the other. Then one just sits in the box when I decide I like the other better. What a waste of money that could be used on a completely different knife or knives. Or family vacation.

Just my two cents. Carry on with your soul searching!

Robert

 

[Lemmy Caution]

hmmm,

Well the 73 is probably plenty big for most day to day tasks and would probably carry in pocket a bit better, but the bone on the 23 is prettier IMO. Then again the 73's bone might pocket wear nicely. Would you be willing to wear a belt pouch for the 23? One day while watching a movie at home with my partner I decided to sew a slip into the outer edge of the left front pockets of all my jeans. I keep my larger EDC's (4 inch or over) in the slip and it keeps them upright, scratch free, and makes them easier to get at. LOL probably TMI but these are just things to consider. Eventhough your innocence is lost and you can't go back to oblivion, I bet either one you pick you'll be happy with and make it work, but yeah I'd probably only want to keep one as they are rather similar and you don't seem like the type to buy a ton of knives for the heck of it. I'm starting to wish I only had one or two knives and could just bond with them. Its funny I have a couple GEC's that I like a lot, but otherwise I get the most use and fun out of my opinels I think.

 

[Cory Hess]

Well, I couldn't decide which knife I liked better, but I had this feeling that I wanted to like the 23 more. Late Sunday night I took a look around and nobody was watching, so I just started to pretend to like the 23 more. I got up in the morning and shot the 73 out in the mail and slipped the 23 in my pocket for the first time. So far nobody has called me on my deception. I'm really happy with the 23. It's more knife than I need, and the 73 definitely would have sufficed, but we live outside of town and I work out of the house so there's not going to be too many occasions where I won't be able to carry the larger knife. I have my CCL, so for the last year and a half or so I've carried a spare 17 round 9mm magazine in my pocket. I have been leaving that in the safe and the 23 has taken it's place. By comparison, the 23 is downright comfy. I'm just going to have to learn to survive a trip to the grocery store with "only" 11 rounds on hand. Here's a picture of the old carry side by side with the new for comparison:

I've been shocked at how quickly food prep has formed a patina on the one blade. Here's an updated picture of the 23 with almost 3 days of use on it. If you look real close I bet you'll almost be able to pick out which blade I'm using in the kitchen:

Thank you all for all the help you've given me during this process. I was completely overwhelmed with all the different options when I began this process. You guys steered me right. For that I'm very grateful. There's not too many corners of the Internet where you can find such a friendly and helpful group of individuals. I was intimidated to make my first post here, and I'm so glad that I did.

 

[Lemmy Caution]

There you go! Nice pick. And just think if you really intend to be a one knife man you'll never be underknifed with the 23.

 

[pjackst]

Only 11 rounds made me lol.
I'd say the real estate is better filled with the 23. But a guy like me w/o a CCL WOULD prob say that. Enjoy that beyoot

Well, I couldn't decide which knife I liked better, but I had this feeling that I wanted to like the 23 more. Late Sunday night I took a look around and nobody was watching, so I just started to pretend to like the 23 more. I got up in the morning and shot the 73 out in the mail and slipped the 23 in my pocket for the first time. So far nobody has called me on my deception. I'm really happy with the 23. It's more knife than I need, and the 73 definitely would have sufficed, but we live outside of town and I work out of the house so there's not going to be too many occasions where I won't be able to carry the larger knife. I have my CCL, so for the last year and a half or so I've carried a spare 17 round 9mm magazine in my pocket. I have been leaving that in the safe and the 23 has taken it's place. By comparison, the 23 is downright comfy. I'm just going to have to learn to survive a trip to the grocery store with "only" 11 rounds on hand. Here's a picture of the old carry side by side with the new for comparison:

I've been shocked at how quickly food prep has formed a patina on the one blade. Here's an updated picture of the 23 with almost 3 days of use on it. If you look real close I bet you'll almost be able to pick out which blade I'm using in the kitchen:

Thank you all for all the help you've given me during this process. I was completely overwhelmed with all the different options when I began this process. You guys steered me right. For that I'm very grateful. There's not too many corners of the Internet where you can find such a friendly and helpful group of individuals. I was intimidated to make my first post here, and I'm so glad that I did.

 

[Cory Hess]

So, it's been a year since I first received my Tidioute #23. It has been everything I had hoped to find and more. It has been with me every single day over the last year and it has handled the vast majority of my cutting over that span. It isn't my one and only, as I had envisioned when I first came to the porch, but that's more a function of bad influences here than any shortcoming of the knife. I have carried a good 30 to 40 other knives along with the 23, but it's always been my primary, go-to knife while the others all played second fiddle. My kids have taken to affectionately calling it my thumping knife. This is because I've developed a habit where if I'm having trouble getting their attention I'll hold the knife about an inch over their heads and let it slip through my grasp and thump them on the noggin. They think it's the funniest thing, and I've caught them pretending to not pay attention just to get a thump. To everybody else that knows me it's simply become "your knife". I have prettier ones, and more popular ones, and fancier ones, and more highly regarded ones, and more expensive ones, but I've yet to find a better one. I don't think I will any time soon. It has been my constant companion, and I have come to think of it as a trusted friend. It has spent sleepless nights in the hospital keeping my restless hands occupied while I watched over my grandmother and my father. It has been a part of countless afternoon snacks shared sitting in the grass with my kids. It has helped start fires and fashion marshmallow roasters. It has turned sticks into staffs and swords that have inspired many fantasy worlds for my children. It has cleared thorny vines that have blocked our paths through the forest behind our house. It has cut rope and stripped wire. It has assisted in repairing our vehicles. It's come to the rescue when we forgot the cake knife for my son's birthday party in the park. It's become a unit of measure when my kids come across some wonder that is about the same size as my "big one". The only thing that it hasn't done is fail me. I really appreciate this knife, and the fine folks that accepted me in and helped me find it. I got a kick out of going back and reading this thread today. Such a great group of people all giving me really solid advice. I really had no clue about knives at all.

Here's a shot of my Pioneer Trapper at the one year mark:

 

[Rockon75]

Great update Cory. It is becoming a part of you. Now, unlike your backside-it is not attached to you, so don't lose her. Although, I doubt it "disappears" like the slick beauty you gifted me.

 

[Chris Montgomery]

Well write and thought out. I am glad you have found the "One", even if that doesn't mean what you thought it would a year ago. You are very correct that the folks here are enablers that will have an influence on behavior and choices but, in the most refreshing way.

Thanks for the update and what you have brought to the porch this year.

Chris

 

[Half/Stop]

Cory, thanks for sharing During a time in my life I carried the same Case 47 Stockman everyday for over 25 years.
I really had many other knives, too many, but the 47 was my daily knife. Then I drifted into the world of pocket clips
and them thumb apparatuses. I gifted that 47 to my father, but I always missed it. When he passed I got it back and
now it gets a turn at least once a week. In the days of my Grandfather he carried his Old Timer 8OT every day of his
life. I know he owned other knives before that but that one was it for a long time. Most of us have a favorite knife
and I am sure some of us still carry the same one every day. But lets face it, if we all posted the same knife everyday
this forum would probably become boring. That 23 is a great knife and I know it will continue to serve you for a long
time. Congrats on the 1 year anniversary with a great friend

 

[Cory Hess]

I doubt it "disappears" like the slick beauty you gifted me.

Very true. I definitely know where the 23 is in my pocket. I can't imagine having to search through different pockets to find it like you've reported doing with the 89.

You are very correct that the folks here are enablers that will have an influence on behavior and choices but, in the most refreshing way.

I've said it before, but I don't think I'd be collecting knives if it wasn't for this forum. It really is more about the people than the knives for me. Between my dealings with dealers, manufacturers, custom makers, people here, and the various makers/collectors at the knife show I attended, I have come to the conclusion that the knife industry does a good job of attracting the best people from all walks of life. I have met so many great people through this hobby in the last year. It blows my mind. The knives are really just a nice side effect.

During a time in my life I carried the same Case 47 Stockman everyday for over 25 years.
...I gifted that 47 to my father, but I always missed it.

That stockman is just a stunner. 25 years of service and still looks like a spring chicken. It's truly an inspiration. I'm hoping that I'm lucky enough to have the privilege of carrying this 23 for half that long. :thumbup:

I have had a similar experience with a knife I gave to my father. I was actually wondering if anybody else had "gifter's remorse" and was thinking about starting a thread addressing that exact issue. Not really remorse, as I love knowing that he has the knife and that he uses it daily. It's more of a situation where the knife I gifted him turned out to be much more attractive to me now that I've seen it with some wear on it. I've considered buying another just like it, but I think I might wait, as that knife will make it's way back to me some day and how much more special will it be with some of his use on it? I'll see my father this afternoon, and I think I'll snap a picture of the knife I gifted him and go ahead and start that thread.

 

[Sword and Shield]

1095 is the classic of all classic knife steels. You'll likely die of old age before it gets worn down to not be useful. I've plenty in my collection with serious age- a Remington Scout from 1927-1940 that is still plenty useful, and my old-age king, a circa 1900 Felsenheld stockman that was my great-great-grandfather's. The clip blade is worn down, wobbly but useable, the two secondary blades are tight and useful. The spey was reprofiled to a pipe reamer long ago, but the sheepsfoot is still good for any task you'd want.

 

[bill boyd]

Cory,
Several times I have considered posting a comment after reading your response in various threads and just never did. Now it's time.
You have come a very long way in a very short time. Well done.

Michael

 

[Cory Hess]

1095 is the classic of all classic knife steels. You'll likely die of old age before it gets worn down to not be useful.

I've come to this conclusion myself. I'm a big fan of 1095. It's very easy to sharpen, keeps an edge fairly well, and gets super sharp. What more could you want from a knife blade?

Cory,
Several times I have considered posting a comment after reading your response in various threads and just never did. Now it's time.
You have come a very long way in a very short time. Well done.

Michael

I'm speechless here. This means a ton to me. I spend a good amount of time absorbing as much as I can from the experts here. I'm forever grateful for the hard earned knowledge that is so freely shared on these forums. Not too long ago I'd have to collect some books and pick the minds of people at knife and gun shows. Being able to come here and ask questions and get answers from dozens of people that have been active in the knife community for decades is an invaluable resource. I do my best to not let that go to waste. I really appreciate your kind words in regards to that.

 

[Half/Stop]

That stockman is just a stunner. 25 years of service and still looks like a spring chicken. It's truly an inspiration. I'm hoping that I'm lucky enough to have the privilege of carrying this 23 for half that long. :thumbup:

I have had a similar experience with a knife I gave to my father. I was actually wondering if anybody else had "gifter's remorse" and was thinking about starting a thread addressing that exact issue. Not really remorse, as I love knowing that he has the knife and that he uses it daily. It's more of a situation where the knife I gifted him turned out to be much more attractive to me now that I've seen it with some wear on it. I've considered buying another just like it, but I think I might wait, as that knife will make it's way back to me some day and how much more special will it be with some of his use on it? I'll see my father this afternoon, and I think I'll snap a picture of the knife I gifted him and go ahead and start that thread.

Cory - Thanks for the compliment I have no doubt that 23 will last a lifetime :thumbup:

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Myself, my 'food knife' has been my Opinel #10 Slim in olive wood handle, so light you don't know it's in your pocket, so thin it slices so well. So this one is relegated to such chores, with a blade long enough to slice nice sections off of a large subway sub easier eating them that way too.

I had the Slim #8's for a while, but the #10 provides the extra length that I found useful for food stuffs see my thread about my Slim models here

and the knife won't break the bank either
G2

 

[Cory Hess]

Thanks for the tip, Gary. I have yet to try a Opinel, though there's no reason not to. It's certainly not going to take food off of our table, as you correctly pointed out. Maybe I'll have to pick one up in the near future and find out what I've been missing.