Odd habit with traditional knives?

J

James Y

Joined
Feb 18, 1999
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I carry and use both modern and traditional knives, but when I'm relaxing watching TV or the like, I often grab one of my traditionals, particularly one of my Case bone-handled ones, and semi-absentmindedly run my fingers over the textures, sometimes even lightly tapping the scales with my finger/thumbnails. The only types of bone handles I have are Pocketworn red bone or amber bone, and whichever I grab depends on my mood.

I also sometimes do that with one of my SAKs (which I consider a class of traditional). Though the texture of bone is more interesting, and you become aware of which texture/little landmark is where on the scale. I recently became re-interested in my Case amber bone mini-trapper, which for some reason I'd let sit on a desk collecting some dust on the front (shield) side. It's an excellent sample of the pattern, but for some reason I had never 'bonded' with it before. Lately, it's been my favorite one to handle in this manner, and I'm even carrying it/using it more now, too.

So is it an odd habit, or more common among traditional pattern owners than I might have thought?

Jim
 
I'm always "bonding" with my knives. There's something about the feel of a traditional, especially jigged bone or stag. I find it's a bit like a worry stone, all I have to do is reach in my pocket and feel the handle material and everything feels a bit better. Like a friend that is always in your pocket.
 
Nothing odd about it. You are basically using your knife like a worry stone. I do it myself. It's the reason I prefer stag over ebony or the more premium ivory. Stag is more texturally interesting.

- Christian
 
I carry an old smooth bone Graef & Schmidt Jack knife that has become my worry stone, certain pearl scales give me the same satisfaction.

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The other day I was at my summer job and was working with a customer. Before I knew it I had my red jigged scout out just fondling it through my fingers as I worked with him. He looked down to see what I was doing and it reminded me I was at work. I find I do this a lot while driving as well.
 
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I wouldn't say it is a modern vs traditional thing. The 'worry stone' was a good analogy.



It isn't odd unless you start getting too attached to the knife....;)
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I find myself reaching in my pocket to touch my knife or rub my thumb over it while watching TV

~Nick
 
a reason I like to carry a peanut on my person. nice sized worry stone to hold unnoticeably in public while I take a walk (need to keep my hands occupied). I do the same with my zippo, it's a matter of what I grab first.
 
I do not share in this habit. I don't think I've ever been one to use objects as worry stones.
 
You left a Mini-Trapper laying in a desk getting dusty for an extended period of time? I agree that is quite odd however I wouldn't worry about it as you have bonded with it again. And at least the knife rubbing is normal and shows your heart is in the right place. Let us know if you find yoursel neglectiing any other deserving knives or other strange behaviour and we will try to form a support group. :D
 
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Lol! Thanks for the responses!

I bought it sometime in '09 and just kinda let it sit there. Last week I was using it on some fruit, and it bit the pad of my left ring finger. Nothing much, only a little blood. User error, I know, but I like to think it was telling me, 'I'm a knife! You shoulda been using me! Take that.'

And yes, I have found that my fingers (oils?) have given the shield side its gleam back. It had become a drab compared to the unexposed back side.

Sometimes I hold it from the narrow end and put my ear up to the wider booster end and tap the bolster with my fingernail to hear the little metallic ringing sound (the only way I can describe it). :)
Jim
 
I keep a Boker Beer-Barrel whittler in my jacket pocket for this purpose. My commute has 45 minutes of walking each way and I love the texture on the wood.
 
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