My long, convoluted search has Finally come to an end.

[5K Qs]

Congrats on bagging your quarry after a long hunt, NJBillK ! You must be feeling ecstatic!

I should probably try to get more focus, like you, in the knives I go for. On the other hand, when there are so many that appeal to me, if I can't acquire one specific knife on "my list", I can just move on to another that I like just as much! But maybe that's my character flaw, that I like almost EVERY knife without being absolutely passionate about ANY knife.

I hope you enjoy your sowbelly for years to come!!

- GT

 

[Dadpool]

Beautiful Lloyd, and what a story! That looks like some of the lovely vintage micarta I've seen him use before (including on the Lloyd custom I used to own), and it's fabulous stuff.

 

[NJBillK]

Congrats on bagging your quarry after a long hunt, NJBillK ! You must be feeling ecstatic!

I should probably try to get more focus, like you, in the knives I go for. On the other hand, when there are so many that appeal to me, if I can't acquire one specific knife on "my list", I can just move on to another that I like just as much! But maybe that's my character flaw, that I like almost EVERY knife without being absolutely passionate about ANY knife.

I hope you enjoy your sowbelly for years to come!!

- GT

Words can't begin... I was (hopefully not still, lol) like you. I liked many patterns enough that I really didn't focus on any one in particular. But that was only because this knife (and that Wenger) was always in the back of my mind.
I just figured I would play the field til the right one came along.

Beautiful Lloyd, and what a story! That looks like some of the lovely vintage micarta I've seen him use before (including on the Lloyd custom I used to own), and it's fabulous stuff.

Thank you, I believe it is Westinghouse, but I have not received confirmation from John yet. I will be sending him an email and seeing what information he recalls of the knife. I am glad that it is home, and I can't wait to put it to steady use.

 

[Fodderwing]

I really appreciate your story and admire your tenacity. It is a special thing to feel so passionate about a particular knife. Great ending!

 

[Wowbagger]

Today My knife landed, and while it has a few bumps, scrapes, and a solid grey patina, I couldn't be happier. The stepped liners were an awesome surprise, and the pull is a 6-7 which is welcomed as I prefer a firmer pull.

That is so cool !
I am very happy for you.
I experienced in a very small way a similar win this year (my Boker Smooth Red Bone Stockman) so I can relate.
Great story ! Great knife !
What steel is it ? (sorry if you said and I missed it)

 

[NJBillK]

That is so cool !
I am very happy for you.
I experienced in a very small way a similar win this year (my Boker Smooth Red Bone Stockman) so I can relate.
Great story ! Great knife !
What steel is it ? (sorry if you said and I missed it)

Thank you, it is 52100.
John uses this alloy almost exclusively, but some W2 sneaks through, as well as one or two other alloys.

 

[Wowbagger]

Thank you, it is 52100

Very hip !
Even though it is an older knife you are right up town and up to the minute (reference to the Spyderco Para2 in the same steel everyone is enjoying this year)

There is another knife that has eluded me for just as long, the Wenger Professional 4 Layer that I stated above.

Great minds and all that . . .
I've had this one in my shopping cart for quite a while. (they call it the Vic Pioneer Range) These days it seems to be out of stock most of the time but it comes back now and then but often up around $90.
Like you said "one day".

 

[Wowbagger]

It is a special thing to feel so passionate about a particular knife.

That's the way I am about my Para2 in M4. I feel so fortunate that people here in Blade Forums made it possible for me to get one. Every day is Christmas with that in my pocket.
Not as special and rare as NJBillK's custom by John Lloyd obviously.
That custom is a whole nother realm.
I've always admired that kind of handle material but never experienced it first hand.

 

[NJBillK]

Very hip !
Even though it is an older knife you are right up town and up to the minute (reference to the Spyderco Para2 in the same steel everyone is enjoying this year)

Great minds and all that . . .
I've had this one in my shopping cart for quite a while. (they call it the Vic Pioneer Range) These days it seems to be out of stock most of the time but it comes back now and then but often up around $90.
Like you said "one day".
View attachment 878960

Congrats on your Boker. I would love to see a pic of it.
Do you plan on using it?

I have eyeballed the Range before, but I opted for a Vic Castaway. I ended up selling it, but it was a nicely equipped model. My original plan was to open that and a Farmer or Range open and make a modern Professional 4 Layer mod, and combine the spare parts to make a second full knife. I am sure I will eventually but that is on the back burner now.

 

[NJBillK]

That's the way I am about my Para2 in M4. I feel so fortunate that people here in Blade Forums made it possible for me to get one. Every day is Christmas with that in my pocket.
Not as special and rare as NJBillK's custom by John Lloyd obviously.
That custom is a whole nother realm.
I've always admired that kind of handle material but never experienced it first hand.

Though I appreciate the sentiment, but "special" is all about perspective. I am a shining example of that, with my user dream knife...

 

[Vaporstang]

Great story! Glad you finally got it.

 

[neal70]

I feel like that a bit with this one, I’m just having a hard time bringing myself to use it!. Congratulations!
Thanks, Neal

 

[NJBillK]

View attachment 879474 View attachment 879471 I feel like that a bit with this one, I’m just having a hard time bringing myself to use it!. Congratulations!
Thanks, Neal

Nice looking STREK.
Are you looking for the spear now?

Even if my knife was still new, I would use it. I don't have enough time, patience or willpower to keep a new knife new. What is the fun in that?

 

[neal70]

No I could have had it-chose not to. Regret it some, but I’m not made of money, and it was a very gracious thing to have happened (from Tom’s personal collection); although if I had both, I could use one as a user...of course a pristine pair.... Just as well I got only one. I’ll use it. Honestly, may take awhile though. Lol.
Thanks, Neal

 

[NJBillK]

No I could have had it-chose not to. Regret it some, but I’m not made of money, and it was a very gracious thing to have happened (from Tom’s personal collection); although if I had both, I could use one as a user...of course a pristine pair.... Just as well I got only one. I’ll use it. Honestly, may take awhile though. Lol.
Thanks, Neal

Right there with you. That is why I use every knife of mine, I can't afford not to. I buy them to use.
If I want something soft to tinker with, I will go do some leather work and make a wallet, watch strap, or other small piece of kit.

I just noticed the regrind. I bet that will make a Fantastic little user.

 

[neal70]

Yup. It is light reflecting sharp-even in shade. Some what spooky. I get nervous opening multi blade regrinds of his, for fear of getting bit! That edge is always closer than a guy thinks.
Thanks, Neal

 

[foofie]

That is a beautiful knife, to match the saga. I am now starting my search for a close cousin of it...

 

[NJBillK]

That is a beautiful knife, to match the saga. I am now starting my search for a close cousin of it...

Feel free to post any info you have. I would rather search for your knife and help you spend your money, than occupy my time looking for another knife to contend with this one. I am speaking of that Wenger.

Best of luck with your search.

 

[greentrout]

This was an awesome story and an excellent knife. I'm glad you didn't give up and i'm glad to see you using it.

 

[r redden]

Great story NJBillK congratulations my friend on finally obtaining your Lloyd grail.

I saw a a Boker 494 Barlow posted here on the Porch and fell head over heels in love at first sight. After searching for several months I found a minty one on the big auction sight and even though the knife is only worth $40 to $50 I placed a max bid of $200 on it so no one would outbid me. I won it for $35 and was ecstatic. Life however has a way to come around and bite you on the backside. I fell on hard times, had to sell off my collection and the 494 had to go. When I am in a position to start buying knives again I will be back on the hunt for another minty 494. It's funny how a knife in which others may or may not see much if any appeal to will catch your eye and you will do whatever it takes to own it.

NJBillK your story was a perfect example of a man on the quest to have the object of their affection thank you for posting it.