Now and Then

[Stich2442]

Travman has gotten me to look at some of my older pictures and post, I came across this picture from 2012 I believe when the 26 was new, peanut and zippo already had a few miles, apparently my table has seen more.

Please share any examples of new and used that have aged with you along the way.

 

[kamagong]

 

[Modoc ED]

 

[rbeggs]

Here is my #21 in red linen new with its little brother. I started carrying it in July of 2017 after I lost my black linen #21 while on vacation in Florida.
I have carried it every day in my back pocket since then. The last two years has been hard use and even abuse. Ive used it for a hammer, scraper, screwdriver, pry bar, drink stirrer, food cutter and even used it as a knife when its sharp enough to cut.
There is not even a wiggle in the blade but tbe spring has mellowed and gotten softer. I had to whittle the micarta down on the pivot end after using it as a hammer on a flat steel surface to make noise with.

 

[Stich2442]

This one has gotten a lot darker and lost a lot of the contrast and unfortunately the light blue hues it originally had, usually I enjoy the knife more as it changes, this one not so much, it’s still a great knife, but I liked the look of the mammoth originally. I can’t find the originals and I had to pull these off the original thread.

the lighting is not the same but you can tell how dark the mammoth has become.

 

[Stich2442]

 

[flatblackcapo]

 

[btb01]

Here is my #21 in red linen new with its little brother. I started carrying it in July of 2017 after I lost my black linen #21 while on vacation in Florida.
I have carried it every day in my back pocket since then. The last two years has been hard use and even abuse. Ive used it for a hammer, scraper, screwdriver, pry bar, drink stirrer, food cutter and even used it as a knife when its sharp enough to cut.
There is not even a wiggle in the blade but tbe spring has mellowed and gotten softer. I had to whittle the micarta down on the pivot end after using it as a hammer on a flat steel surface to make noise with.

View attachment 1402774 View attachment 1402775

Wow, that red linen Micarta aged beautifully!

Here are some photos I shared recently in the Micarta Monday thread, but they’re applicable here, too. I’ve carried and used both of these #71’s regularly. The Natural Canvas Micarta doesn’t even look like the same knife!

 

[Lansky1]

great thread - always like to see honest patina

 

[CVamberbonehead]

This is a great thread!

 

[Stich2442]

received this last July and carried it for most of the time since.

 

[Jack Black]

That's taken on some great character Kevin

 

[Misplaced Hillbilly]

Now, almost constant carry and use. Sometimes used to cut things hard on the edge, so the wharncliffe has been sharpened allot. In fact in the right light you can see the remnants of the etch,and now the edge touches the line under the fence post.
Sometimes I pull it from my pocket after a hot hard days work and its a bit rusty, but it keeps on working.

Then, fresh from the mailbox still new and shiny. Ready for the work its designed so well to do.

 

[black mamba]

 

[JohnDF]

That's a beauty.

 

[rbeggs]

Both 71s are very dark. Did you sand them or oil them?

Wow, that red linen Micarta aged beautifully!

Here are some photos I shared recently in the Micarta Monday thread, but they’re applicable here, too. I’ve carried and used both of these #71’s regularly. The Natural Canvas Micarta doesn’t even look like the same knife!

 

[btb01]

Both 71s are very dark. Did you sand them or oil them?

No sanding. I’m sure I’ve gotten oil on the Micarta as a byproduct of oiling the joints and blade, or from the rag I use to wipe down and handle knives before putting them away, but I haven’t specifically applied oil to the Micarta. I’ve just pocketed these, handled and used them.

 

[Modoc ED]

Same knife. New with etch and used with etch removed.

 

[JohnDF]

I like it better with the etch.
But having competed in Calf Roping, I'm a little biased.

 

[CVamberbonehead]

My dad gave me this Case medium stockman (it spawned my username actually, I love that amber bone!). It was gorgeous when I got it, and its better now. Its got its fair share of dings and patina just like I do, and its never let me down. Its been through years of farm work, camping and fishing, whittled many a stick and even used as a hammer by my uncultured friend (hence the gouge on the bolster in the second photo, especially painful since that happened when it was new! ). Its ridden in my pocket so long that the jigging is worn down and the bone has darkened, and its great. I dont mind, I cant "take it with me when I go" but my family will think of me when they use it.
I hate to see a good knife that just sits in a display, the beauty of a thing is in the memories it holds. When I use this knife to cut up food or string or whatever needs doing, it reminds of my family. I think of all the good and bad times Ive had with my trusty friend here in my pocket, and I wouldnt trade it for a brand new knife if you paid me. Its a knife with stories to tell, and hopefully more to come in the future.