Old Friends Friday

This was a gift that I haven't carried it lately.

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Dave
 


Almost exactly two years ago, (and it does seem longer), I received a GEC #15 Boy’s Knife, one of the first run, for my birthday. Unfortunately, it had a fault, the pen blade completely blocked the long pull on the main blade, and I couldn’t open it! I was unable to obtain a replacement, either from the UK dealer who had supplied the knife, or from GEC. Then Dan (SilentHunterStudios) stepped in, and very kindly gifted me a replacement knife. I’ve carried it a lot, and its earned a solid grey patina, but it’s not been in my pocket for a while. I cleaned, oiled, and sharpened it yesterday, and thought I’d carry it for Old Friend’s Friday. Thanks again Dan, great knife :thumbup:

 
Jack, wonderful folder with nice aged earned patina! Those GEC #15s have such value and F&F for the price. That back drop for the 2nd photograph especially (to me) is perfect and adds some nice ambiance to the shot. You always stage your knife photographs so well. Real pleasure to view.
 
Thank you for your very kind words my friend. According to the pencilled inscription inside, the book was presented to a Joseph Sowerby for conduct and attendance at Sunday School, Xmas 1897 :)
 
Many years ago (sometime in the 1960's) my Granddad gave this knife to my Dad. My Dad kept it in his tacklebox for decades and used it while fishing to cut line, etc.; he gave it to me several years ago. I carried it last night while I worked a trade show (to open boxes and packages) and will carry it today as well. OH

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I'm looking at Old Friends Friday in a little different light this week. These aren't "old friends" of mine, but they are certainly "friends," and they're quite "old."
German jack knife stamped Wadsworth & Sons, roughly 100 years old. And a monster-sized, ebony handled gully knife, that the previous owner tells me dates to the 1800s. So, in honor of these old fellas, who are every bit as functional as a GEC made yesterday, I'm carrying a combined 300 years' worth of sharp carbon steel in my pockets.
Cheers!

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Two beautiful and interesting knives my friend :thumbup: Can you tell us more about the Gully Knife? I have always thought of a Gully Knife as a slipjoint, something like this:

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I would be interested to know more about them :)
 
Jack, that's what I picture, too, normally. I guess I just was lacking a better term.
This one's of European origin, most likely French or Italian, I would say. The handle is one huge piece of deep, dark, tight-grained ebony. The blade and saddle spring appear hand forged, and are of two different steels -- the blade tastes and smells VERY strongly of carbon steel, while the spring has almost no odor or taste (yes, I tasted it... :p ), and the blade steel is VERY hard -- it took me about an hour to sharpen it to my satisfaction, and man oh man, the edge is so fine, screamin' sharp.
 
It's really is a beauty :thumbup: I know what you mean, I have a big Rodgers knife that I'm not sure what to call! :)

 
Wow... that's certainly quite impressive! At first glance, I'd call that one a gully knife for sure, looking at its size and shape. Although, I am under the impression that a gully is typically a very basic, low-cost item, almost like an oversized penny knife (I think of my Opinel No. 12 as a gully knife with a twist-lock), so yours is definitely a bit more flash. Also, I would think more gully knives were/are friction folders, too, with a minority having a backspring or a lock... eh?
Either way, that Rodgers will be appearing in my dreams for some time to come, I can tell you that much with certainty. First rate! :thumbup:
 
Thanks for the kind words :) I'd certainly be happy to call it a Gully Knife, appeals to the pirate in me! :D You are right though, it's a bit flash really! :D :thumbup:

Here's a pic closed.

 
Jack Black said:
It's really is a beauty :thumbup: I know what you mean, I have a big Rodgers knife that I'm not sure what to call! :)

Click to expand...

puukkoman said:
Wow... that's certainly quite impressive! At first glance, I'd call that one a gully knife for sure, looking at its size and shape. Although, I am under the impression that a gully is typically a very basic, low-cost item, almost like an oversized penny knife (I think of my Opinel No. 12 as a gully knife with a twist-lock), so yours is definitely a bit more flash. Also, I would think more gully knives were/are friction folders, too, with a minority having a backspring or a lock... eh?
Either way, that Rodgers will be appearing in my dreams for some time to come, I can tell you that much with certainty. First rate! :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Low-cost huh? With a rat-tail bolsters and a square and flush tang?

It would almost be funny if it wasn't so sad. That's heirloom quality compared to the low-cost knives offerings you see nowadays with synthetic covers and glued shields. I guess that knife was made before companies figured out where all the corners where.
 
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Christian, I think you mis-read my post. I typed "although" in front of that sentence, indicating that Jack's knife does NOT fit within those criteria, and is merely of a similar size & shape to the low-cost knives in question. Yes, it certainly is a beauty.
 
Thanks guys, it was a lucky find that one :thumbup:
 
puukkoman said:
Christian, I think you mis-read my post. I typed "although" in front of that sentence, indicating that Jack's knife does NOT fit within those criteria, and is merely of a similar size & shape to the low-cost knives in question. Yes, it certainly is a beauty.
Click to expand...

You're right, I did misunderstand your post. I still think the old stuff is better though. ;)

So Jack, do you carry around that pocket beast?
 
kamagong said:
So Jack, do you carry around that pocket beast?
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While I was very pleased to acquire it, I'm afraid it doesn't really have much practical use for me Christian. If I need a five inch blade, I tend to go fixed! :)
 
That knife has me wondering...who would use such a tool? Surely anyone needing that much steel would use a fixed blade as you noted. Novelty perhaps?
 
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