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My 3 knife experiment.
- Thread starter Grateful
- Start date
Maybe I could make it for a month but even then it would be a huge maybe!
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I almost always carry three. I carry my Gerber Shortcut, my dark red jigged bone Peanut and a third that varies depending on mood. Today I carried my GEC Western Outlaw in natural stag. I wish you the best on your experiment, but I enjoy changing out my third knife too much to restrict myself to carrying the same one for a few months.
Have fun! I'll watch for your comments with interest. :thumbup:
Have fun! I'll watch for your comments with interest. :thumbup:
arizonaranchman
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A fun excersize! Now for me my knife inventory is tiny compared to most here, perhaps 6-7 fixed blades, my 7 GEC traditionals (my babies!!) a Craftsman version of a Buck 110 type folder and 2 modern single-blade thumb-stud type folders. A small assortment in this crowd, but still plenty for me as I'm not a collector - more like I've accumulated these over the years.
Choose three? Hmmm.
The fixed blade is easy - my BK2 as it's a real workhorse (5") and good old 1095 steel.
Modern folder? Easy - my Kershaw Leek
Traditional? This is tougher as I have 7 GECs and love them all. Gosh I think I'd choose my two-blade Northfield #79 in blood red bone (Spear/Coping). I've not carried this one much but it's so beautiful it's like a piece of jewelry, I truly love that knife and it deserves to be carried really.
So that would be my Trio of edged companions.
Choose three? Hmmm.
The fixed blade is easy - my BK2 as it's a real workhorse (5") and good old 1095 steel.
Modern folder? Easy - my Kershaw Leek
Traditional? This is tougher as I have 7 GECs and love them all. Gosh I think I'd choose my two-blade Northfield #79 in blood red bone (Spear/Coping). I've not carried this one much but it's so beautiful it's like a piece of jewelry, I truly love that knife and it deserves to be carried really.
So that would be my Trio of edged companions.
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For years I carried only one of two knives, a large CASE copperhead and 4" stockman. I was broke, and I carried which ever of those two was the most sharp. Even on the job site, rarely felt under knifed.
I understand about having too many knives now. After a little distance and more money from my starving youth, and I bought lot more knives. And through the years of receiving them as gifts I have many more than I could ever justify. I couldn't wear out 1/10 of all the knives I have accumulated, even if I tried hard, before I move on from this life.
Every once in a while I pick up that old CASE copperhead with its worn scales, headless pins, and fairly weak snap and think... man... remember when you were the only work knife I had? I feel silly looking at a couple of shoe boxes of traditionals I like, but don't carry.
Carrying three knives would be easy for me. Two traditional patterns (probably a large and a medium stockman with a Turkish clip main) and one large beater and I would be fine.
Robert
I've been thinking about this challenge all day! I want in, but I honestly don't know if I can do it! There are so many knives that play an important role in my day-to-day. But, I have a knife that I have been trying to bond with, and this could be THE opportunity. For this challenge to work for me, I need my choices to mirror yours as much as possible...Here is what I have been considering all day: 1) While I have many Vic classics, I prefer the rally (yes, I need to open beers on occasion), I feel this is close enough to call it an agreement. 2) The knife I have been trying to bond with is a Case medium stockman that I recently re-dyed. 3) the fixed blade I would choose is either my Mora Classic #1 or #2...If you settle on a vic, a stockman, and a mora combo I think I'll try my best to jump on board! I know our attraction to knives is idiosyncratic, but I need some help if I'm gonna make this challenge work...
I also commit to taking pics at least twice a week...
Oh crap! This is my long over due 200th post! Looks like I'm on board regardless...
I also commit to taking pics at least twice a week...
Oh crap! This is my long over due 200th post! Looks like I'm on board regardless...
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Grateful
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- Oct 5, 2002
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I am happy to have you on board but I can't commit to any of my knife choices just yet. I am hoping to have my fixed blade chosen by the end of the day. I suspect that choosing my pocket knife will be harder for me. I wonder what my non-knife nut friends would think of my knife choosing troubles? Have a great day all.
Jim
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No 55??? I'm shocked!
screened porch
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I want to vote for the Western fb. The others aren't much longer than your folders, and I don't think you'll need that spatulate Case unless you'll be skinning a lot of bears or trowelling mortar with it. If the sheath is flimsy, stiffen it up with aluminum flashing and duct tape. IMHO, as they say.
I can't really join you, since I usually carry only one knife (plus a Swiss tool, so the knife can be something other than a scout type). Lately it's my new Remington Barlow all the time. Oh, and my big Vic with the magnifier if I'm going antiquing or estate sailing.
Maybe I could do the experiment backwards, by carrying as many as three instead of as few.
I can't really join you, since I usually carry only one knife (plus a Swiss tool, so the knife can be something other than a scout type). Lately it's my new Remington Barlow all the time. Oh, and my big Vic with the magnifier if I'm going antiquing or estate sailing.
Maybe I could do the experiment backwards, by carrying as many as three instead of as few.
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I did consider this, but just picked up 3 more knives this week. No sense in pretending that I can neglect them. Good luck on your experiment.
Mark
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- Jan 5, 2011
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I've been carrying a three knife set-up for quite some time: a Vic Rambler on my keychain, a modern one-hander clipped RFP and a slip-joint loose or in a leather slip sheath LFP*. The Rambler is here to stay but I've been trying to wean myself off the one-handers. My slippies do most of my cutting chores anyway, are better lookin', and don't chew up my pockets. I've come close to leaving the modern stuff behind on a few occasions, but old habits die hard, I reckon. Maybe someday...
*Still trying to figure out what traditional pattern I like best... I shall continue the research!
Good luck with your experiment, OP! :thumbup:
-Brett
Maybe someday...*Still trying to figure out what traditional pattern I like best... I shall continue the research!
Good luck with your experiment, OP! :thumbup:
-Brett
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arizonaranchman
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No 55??? I'm shocked!
You know me too well apparently! lol... Yes in fact it's entirely possible I would go with the 55 as it's never been out of my presence since I got it in June. It just clicks with me perfectly what can I say?
Ha, I hear that! I have already changed my mind on what knives to carry...I'll probably change my mind again before the 15th
Grateful
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So I wanted to choose my fixed blade before I went to sleep tonight. Would not have been the end of the world if I needed an extra day or two but I am gonna go ahead and call it as one of them just feels right. Some folks might not call it a true traditional because of the modern handle but it is close enough that I can live with it.
I have decided to use my Mora High-Q All-Around as my dedicated fixed blade for my little experiment. I really like the length and shape of the blade and the sheath seems pretty safe tho a little boring. The handle isn't exactly a thing of Beauty either but it fits my hand like a glove and is grippy enough that it should be safe with cold and or wet hands.
So I will have my Classis and my Mora now I just need to choose 1 edc pocket knife. I had made a mental list that contained 7 knives that I really like and thought would make good candidates. So in the back of my mind I been thinking about the pros and cons of each. I have handled each one at least twice in the last couple of days and I was right. Any of them would serve me well. I really can't go wrong, but the choosing, man that's tuff.
A couple of hours ago this little voice in my head asked me "Why are you making this so tuff? You know darn well what pocket knife you want to choose. You have known since you decided to do this." And I have known all along, it's just tuff to choose a 12 dollar knife when I have hundreds of dollars in beautiful boned handle slip joints just setting around.
It is however what I want and I'm gonna go ahead and call it. I don't need to wait until the 15th. Until January 1st of 2014 I am going to rely on my Victorinox Classic, my Mora All- Around and my Opinel #7. It feels right .
These three all have something in common. I didn't want to like any of them. They were all recommend and liked by lots of forum members and so I gave them a try but I really wanted to not like them. They are cheap and plain and boring. Not really romantic or exciting or any of that.
Just honest and simple and dependable. They work well with out any flash or bang and most anybody can afford them. Maybe I have really gone over the edge this time but it seems like the way I look at knives has changed. We will see how I feel come January.
Jim
I have decided to use my Mora High-Q All-Around as my dedicated fixed blade for my little experiment. I really like the length and shape of the blade and the sheath seems pretty safe tho a little boring. The handle isn't exactly a thing of Beauty either but it fits my hand like a glove and is grippy enough that it should be safe with cold and or wet hands.
So I will have my Classis and my Mora now I just need to choose 1 edc pocket knife. I had made a mental list that contained 7 knives that I really like and thought would make good candidates. So in the back of my mind I been thinking about the pros and cons of each. I have handled each one at least twice in the last couple of days and I was right. Any of them would serve me well. I really can't go wrong, but the choosing, man that's tuff.
A couple of hours ago this little voice in my head asked me "Why are you making this so tuff? You know darn well what pocket knife you want to choose. You have known since you decided to do this." And I have known all along, it's just tuff to choose a 12 dollar knife when I have hundreds of dollars in beautiful boned handle slip joints just setting around.
It is however what I want and I'm gonna go ahead and call it. I don't need to wait until the 15th. Until January 1st of 2014 I am going to rely on my Victorinox Classic, my Mora All- Around and my Opinel #7. It feels right .
These three all have something in common. I didn't want to like any of them. They were all recommend and liked by lots of forum members and so I gave them a try but I really wanted to not like them. They are cheap and plain and boring. Not really romantic or exciting or any of that.
Just honest and simple and dependable. They work well with out any flash or bang and most anybody can afford them. Maybe I have really gone over the edge this time but it seems like the way I look at knives has changed. We will see how I feel come January.
Jim
screened porch
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Those are all good, sensible choices. (I know what you mean about wanting not to like; it was the same for me with the Opinel.)
I'm with ya, Jim. I made my final choice, and as long as you stick it out until the first of the new year, I'm going down the road with a classic, Sardinian resolza, and the Buck 102. The resolza won out on the weight issue and I just love the feel of it. It's about the size of an Opinel 7 after I drop the point on the Opinel blade, and I figure millions of French guys before 1955 got by with a friction folder, not to mention all those tough Sardinian shepherds up in the hills. Not only am I going to box up all my other knives to avoid temptation, When we leave for our road trip in a matter of days, I'm only taking those knives with me.
This is going to be interesting.
Carl.
Grateful
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Ah right Carl! Happy to have you on board. I do think this is going to be a interesting 2 1/2 months. I of course have my Opinel in my pocket today as well as my classic on my key ring. I haven't officialy put my other knives away yet but will in the next day or two as time allows.
Something about these simple folders has really grabbed me by the shirt collars and got my attention.
Jim
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I would like to participate, too. Tapatalk isn't letting me upload photos, so I will have to get them later. For those with an imagination, I will be using a Wenger Patriot, which is a 85mm pen knife pattern with main spear blade and a clip secondary, with black aluminum scales, a red Victorinox Rambler, and Case full sized stockman, with stag scales and stainless blades. The model number is 6.5375. It is a heavy knife, and I love it, but it is a freaking boat anchor. It is so seldom I use a fixed blade, I won't miss my Mora for 2-1/2 months. These will be my daily carry until after the holidays, and I will make sure to check in periodically.
Grateful
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Great choices and glad to have you on board. So far I am getting along pretty well with just my Opinel and my Classic. I haven't had a need yet to reach for my Mora.
There have been two instances so far where I wished for another knife to help complete a task. In both cases I wished for a 91 mm sak, not for the blades but for the tools. I got along without it but it would have been handy to have.
Jim
Today is the 15th, which means I have finally made the decision to jump fully onboard and publicly state my three choices for the rest of the year. After giving it much thought, and changing my mind dozens of times I have decided to carry three knives at three different price points.
At the lowest price point I have decided to utilize my opinel #8. I don't use fixed blade often, but I do use my Opi regularly as my food/slash outdoor and fire making knife. At $11 I am constantly impressed with what this knife can do. It's larger size was also a consideration when I picked it. Here is a comparison with its runner up a Mora Classic #2:
Sitting in the middle range of the three is my 3.25" Case Medium Stockman that I recently dyed to a nice rich chocolate color from a bright garish red. This is a knife that I have been wanting to bond with, but never gave it a chance because i couldn't love the color. Well, I love the color now! Also, its small size and blade choices make it perfect for day-to-day EDC chores. Since I have dyed this knife, I have used it for almost everything. It disappears in the pocket and for $30 or so is a great little EDC and front porch whittler.
Rounding out my load for the next two and a half months is a knife that I don't actually have yet, but am looking forward to getting in the mail today or tomorrow. The Opinel is my food and fire knife, the Case is my choice for the more detailed tasks, and for the rougher work will be my brand new GEC EO Boys Knife in ebony. I have been wanting a knife in ebony for awhile, and I have been drawn to the recent proliferation of sheepsfoot blades that I have seen on this forum. I am looking forward to putting it to the test and seeing how it works for me. Currently, my only sheepsfoot blades are smaller ones on my various stockmen, a blade which I use more than any other, so I am excited to receive this new edition today or tomorrow.
So there you have it, my three choices for the rest of the year! I am committing to this challenge starting now. I'll be sure and get some group shots up as soon as I can. Good luck to all of you who have taken on this challenge!
At the lowest price point I have decided to utilize my opinel #8. I don't use fixed blade often, but I do use my Opi regularly as my food/slash outdoor and fire making knife. At $11 I am constantly impressed with what this knife can do. It's larger size was also a consideration when I picked it. Here is a comparison with its runner up a Mora Classic #2:
Sitting in the middle range of the three is my 3.25" Case Medium Stockman that I recently dyed to a nice rich chocolate color from a bright garish red. This is a knife that I have been wanting to bond with, but never gave it a chance because i couldn't love the color. Well, I love the color now! Also, its small size and blade choices make it perfect for day-to-day EDC chores. Since I have dyed this knife, I have used it for almost everything. It disappears in the pocket and for $30 or so is a great little EDC and front porch whittler.
Rounding out my load for the next two and a half months is a knife that I don't actually have yet, but am looking forward to getting in the mail today or tomorrow. The Opinel is my food and fire knife, the Case is my choice for the more detailed tasks, and for the rougher work will be my brand new GEC EO Boys Knife in ebony. I have been wanting a knife in ebony for awhile, and I have been drawn to the recent proliferation of sheepsfoot blades that I have seen on this forum. I am looking forward to putting it to the test and seeing how it works for me. Currently, my only sheepsfoot blades are smaller ones on my various stockmen, a blade which I use more than any other, so I am excited to receive this new edition today or tomorrow.
So there you have it, my three choices for the rest of the year! I am committing to this challenge starting now. I'll be sure and get some group shots up as soon as I can. Good luck to all of you who have taken on this challenge!
