Here's an initial impression of a Amber Winterbottom Bone one I'd won over a year ago at a giveaway here on the forums...
Mail came Saturday while I was out splittin', haulin' and stackin' 2 cords of firewood for the fireplace at home so when I came home and the Mrs. handed me a Priority Mail box I knew the knife I'd won from TLARbb on the Traditional Forums here at BFC was here at last.
I've never had, held or owned a Sowbelly before and it was a pattern I'd never considered ownin', so when the opportunity to win one in a giveaway I threw my name in the hat.
The fact that it had Winterbottom bone scales, (my favorite type of scales) just cinched it.
I forgot all about till I saw the notification from Ed that I had won the giveaway so when it came on Saturday I was chompin' at the bit to check this baby out.
All I can say is WOW, what a beautiful knife, the scales are gorgeous, the F&F are superb, I own one other Case/Bose knife, (a Chestnut Bone Swayback Jack in CV) also won here @ BFC, I've come to the conclusion that if it has a TB prefix in the Case pattern # it's gonna be a great knife.
I don't know why but I thought this was gonna be a bigger knife, happily it's midsize and bein' a single blade it's slim profile rides very nicely in the watch pocket.
I love the attention to detail that some of the other companies don't address, like how the bolsters actually cover the end of the tang where the sharp corner's usually exposed. The slim profile and perfectly centered blade make this a perfect EDC user, scales match perfectly and the jigging is very deep offerin' great grip on a slim knife.
Outta da box sharpness, well like most production companies out there, fell a little short of a butter knife but all it was, a wire edge that had to be cleaned up, 2 minutes on the bench hone and it was good to go.
Now at well over a year of carrying it around I love it, I was never a big fan of traditional single blade folders but this knife has changed my mind. The knife is a perfect size with a slim frame that fits my hand well it handles well, I use it for everything from food prep to general outdoor activities.
I have the stainless blade and I love it, takes and holds a decent edge. Like any Case/Bose collaboration this knife has all the little touches, sunken joints, the back spring is flush when open and close, F&F is fantastic. I would highly recommend this knife, just inspect it first if you can, I've never had an issue with any case knife but I have heard some complaints. I do have one pet peeve and that's not coming with a sharp blade although I resharpen all my knives anyway it's all I can complain about.
