- Joined
- Nov 27, 2004
- Messages
- 3,124
Hi All,
Lately, I have noticed that many of the knives that seem to be most popular amongst us W&SS folks share the common trait of being based on historical blades that had to serve as their owners multipurpose go-to knife. Us modern collectors and enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, and can rotate our selections regularly, for reasons of efficiency, taste, or simply for fun. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with this - heck, I love thinking about which knives to bring with me on a given outing.
But, for a change, I thought I would choose a single knife and make it my mainstay for an extended period. So, I have decided to set out on a One Year / One Trio challenge.
For a whole year (starting Nov 13 2008), I will use the same setup for everything. The setup will consist of one medium-sized fixed blade and one neck knife. I will also make use of my Leatherman Wave, as it travels in my sheath pouch. Think of it like a Nessmuk trio, only without the axe.
Now, when I say Ill use the same setup for everything, I mean it. I am (reluctantly, I assure you!) relegating all of my other knives to display model only status for a whole year. This means that I will be using my large or small fixed blade for all food prep, eating, hiking, camping, zombie combat, and other purposes.
The Trio:
Delta 5 drop point.
Small fixed blade based on a Cobblers blade from Ragnar.
Leatherman Wave.
The rules:
Obviously, Ill be operating on the honor system. But, I intend to stick with this three-piece setup with only minimal common-sense exceptions. For example, I reserve the option to use a different knife to eat when Im a guest at someones house, or eating at a restaurant. Or on a date. That being said, most of my colleagues and friends assume Ill be bringing my own knife to such occasions anyway, so I may not have to exercise my option. Oh, and Im keeping clear of axes for the entire year, too. As far as wood is concerned, if I cant saw it with my Leatherman or baton it with my Delta 5, I cant use it!
I dont intend to keep bumping this thread to report on my progress and thoughts, though I do commit to writing a retrospective one year from now.
In the meantime, Ill be posting pics of my trio in use in applicable threads.
The purpose:
First and foremost, I think this will be both challenging and fun. Beyond that, I think it will force me to think carefully about the features of a knife that work best for me. After a year has passed, I imagine that the strengths and weaknesses of my setup will be pretty apparent. For example, Im open to the idea that my Delta 5 is a bit too thick and my neck knife a bit too thin. But, only time and regular use will tell! Finally, I expect that the familiarity that comes with constant use will generate a greater appreciation for my gear.
So, thats it. One Year / One Trio. What say you guys? Do you think Ill be able to hold out, and stick with the same trio for the entire year? Or will the sheer number of tantalizing knives posted in this forum on a regular basis wear me down?
Others are welcome to join in the challenge, of course.
Should be a fun year.
All the best,
- Mike
By the way, heres the Delta 5. Everyone knows what a Wave looks like, so I wont post that. But I will post pics of the small fixed blade - as soon as I make it, which I will be doing this weekend!
Lately, I have noticed that many of the knives that seem to be most popular amongst us W&SS folks share the common trait of being based on historical blades that had to serve as their owners multipurpose go-to knife. Us modern collectors and enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, and can rotate our selections regularly, for reasons of efficiency, taste, or simply for fun. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with this - heck, I love thinking about which knives to bring with me on a given outing.
But, for a change, I thought I would choose a single knife and make it my mainstay for an extended period. So, I have decided to set out on a One Year / One Trio challenge.
For a whole year (starting Nov 13 2008), I will use the same setup for everything. The setup will consist of one medium-sized fixed blade and one neck knife. I will also make use of my Leatherman Wave, as it travels in my sheath pouch. Think of it like a Nessmuk trio, only without the axe.
Now, when I say Ill use the same setup for everything, I mean it. I am (reluctantly, I assure you!) relegating all of my other knives to display model only status for a whole year. This means that I will be using my large or small fixed blade for all food prep, eating, hiking, camping, zombie combat, and other purposes.
The Trio:
Delta 5 drop point.
Small fixed blade based on a Cobblers blade from Ragnar.
Leatherman Wave.
The rules:
Obviously, Ill be operating on the honor system. But, I intend to stick with this three-piece setup with only minimal common-sense exceptions. For example, I reserve the option to use a different knife to eat when Im a guest at someones house, or eating at a restaurant. Or on a date. That being said, most of my colleagues and friends assume Ill be bringing my own knife to such occasions anyway, so I may not have to exercise my option. Oh, and Im keeping clear of axes for the entire year, too. As far as wood is concerned, if I cant saw it with my Leatherman or baton it with my Delta 5, I cant use it!
I dont intend to keep bumping this thread to report on my progress and thoughts, though I do commit to writing a retrospective one year from now.
In the meantime, Ill be posting pics of my trio in use in applicable threads.
The purpose:
First and foremost, I think this will be both challenging and fun. Beyond that, I think it will force me to think carefully about the features of a knife that work best for me. After a year has passed, I imagine that the strengths and weaknesses of my setup will be pretty apparent. For example, Im open to the idea that my Delta 5 is a bit too thick and my neck knife a bit too thin. But, only time and regular use will tell! Finally, I expect that the familiarity that comes with constant use will generate a greater appreciation for my gear.
So, thats it. One Year / One Trio. What say you guys? Do you think Ill be able to hold out, and stick with the same trio for the entire year? Or will the sheer number of tantalizing knives posted in this forum on a regular basis wear me down?
Others are welcome to join in the challenge, of course.
Should be a fun year.
All the best,
- Mike
By the way, heres the Delta 5. Everyone knows what a Wave looks like, so I wont post that. But I will post pics of the small fixed blade - as soon as I make it, which I will be doing this weekend!
