P. .

[RayseM]

The L'Aurillac is in fact - PERFECT.

 

[Will Power]

This thread has revealed an interesting paradox and one that may 'vex' many knife enthusiasts. Many of us are fortunate to own rare, desirable or expensive knives some custom/artisan. These may offer superior finish/materials, status, rarity even complexity. They may well cost a lot too...However, the thread shows that most people are more moved or pleased by modest knives that may not appear 'special' but most certainly offer great satisfaction in terms of ownership and actual use. I'm no different here either (for once...)

This modest G.David factory Laguiole provides everything I like in a knife. Barehead (or Shadow) all steel, very nice finish, beautiful action- it opens very smoothly and yet is reasonably difficult to close, blade is keen easy to sharpen and the Juniper is wonderful, in hand is supreme. Many, most Lags cost a great deal more, have far more intricate filework have costly handles but they can't eclipse this factory gem I'm afraid!

Another example but this time American, would be the Sodbuster. A great work-knife, handles well and has a lot of qualities, examples from CASE or GEC come to mind but my firm favourite is the Queen Country Cousin in D2. Precise, superior steel and blade shape, a bit more compact and cost me 30 USD (some moons ago).

All too often it is the foot soldiers of the knife world - Basic CASE, SAK, Opinel, Douk-Douk, Buck, modest Puukko that carry the standard of appreciation and satisfaction. Only this week I've been overjoyed by the arrival of an Opinel No.6 in Olivewood , prepared tomatoes, garlic and parsley for tonight's dinner with total ease. Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to ditch my collection of illustrious knives (not unless stellar offers are made of course ) but all too often it is the more commonplace and inexpensive knives that please us most. One sobering instance where spending more certainly doesn't guarantee more.

Thanks, Will

 

[JB in LV]

Very well stated, Will.

 

[joeradza]

You hit the nail on the head Will Power . Since selling most of my "rare, desirable or expensive knives some custom/artisanal" I've discovered the pleasure of a good utilitarian knife. A sort of everyman's knife.

 

[Old Hunter]

Will Power - eloquently stated!
For today I'm showing (and carrying) this Schrade Medium Stockman, 98OT Ramrod - Imperial-Schrade's version of the Case 18 pattern and every bit as good a knife. OH

 

[redsparrow]

IMO these are PNP (pert near perfect) EDC
The Evogrip 11 would be perfect if it stayed 2 layers but added scissors
The Executive would be perfect is it was 84mm
While not perfect both are still EDC (excellent daily carriers)

Have a RGW (really great weekend) !

 

[Ironbut]

IMO these are PNP (pert near perfect) EDC
The Evogrip 11 would be perfect if it stayed 2 layers but added scissors
The Executive would be perfect is it was 84mm
While not perfect both are still EDC (excellent daily carriers)

Have a RGW (really great weekend) !

I'm partial to the ALOX SAKs and I have one in my pocket at all times. They're all pert near perfect..... but not quite.
If I'm carrying the Cadet, then I find that I need an awl for making a hole in something. If I have the Electrician, then I'll probably run across a Phillips screw that needs tightened, and the tip of the can opener on the Pioneer is a good substitute for a real Phillips screwdriver in a pinch. Etc, etc. I know I can get a SAK with all that stuff, but I like the slim ones. First world problems.

 

[redsparrow]

I'm partial to the ALOX SAKs and I have one in my pocket at all times. They're all pert near perfect..... but not quite.
If I'm carrying the Cadet, then I find that I need an awl for making a hole in something. If I have the Electrician, then I'll probably run across a Phillips screw that needs tightened, and the tip of the can opener on the Pioneer is a good substitute for a real Phillips screwdriver in a pinch. Etc, etc. I know I can get a SAK with all that stuff, but I like the slim ones. First world problems.
View attachment 2206299

I agree, the Vic alox SAKs that I've tried are all, "PNP" but they gotta be 3 or less layers to qualify. With 2 layers being the most "PNP".
And... I strongly agree with Thomas Sowell, that "There is a no more stupid, or more dangerous way of making decisions, than to put those decisions in the hands of those who pay no price for being wrong."

 

[MTHall720]

Great idea, and all of the examples so far are fantastic! I have two but since this first one arrived a little over a month ago, it has been with me nearly every day.

Both are one piece of cow horn that is actually still connected at the end of the handles. They are linerless, featuring stout springs with a solid crisp action, half stops and incredibly light in hand.

Blade faces are satin, spines mirror finished. 100% handmade in Italy for a price comparable to a new Northfield from an honest dealer. The fit and finish is nearly flawless. Handmade knives are the most appealing to me.

The current favorite is a pattern originally from Sicily called a Rasolino ("razor", due to the blade shape and extremely thin grind)
View attachment 2184514

The contender, is named Marremano a Foglia (maremma region of Italy, leaf blade also with a very thin grind).
View attachment 2184517View attachment 2184518

Love that blade! Does it have a light pull?

 

[Badger28]

The case medium stockman about does it for me. I have a few. This one I bought when I was in high school working at an ice cream place and used the sheepsfoot blade to open bags of milk. And since it was bright red i figured it wouldn’t be too scary (somehow I find box cutters far more nefarious). But that aside, this knife has traveled the world with me and is really a fantastic accessible knife. Will always remember carrying it in Nepal and friends being blown away, “but, your knife has 3 knives?” Kind of thing.

 

[redsparrow]

View attachment 2206520
The case medium stockman about does it for me. I have a few. This one I bought when I was in high school working at an ice cream place and used the sheepsfoot blade to open bags of milk. And since it was bright red i figured it wouldn’t be too scary (somehow I find box cutters far more nefarious). But that aside, this knife has traveled the world with me and is really a fantastic accessible knife. Will always remember carrying it in Nepal and friends being blown away, “but, your knife has 3 knives?” Kind of thing.

First knife I've seen that's been to Nepal, so she's still amazing people. A genuine beauty especially with that honestly earned pocket wear. Nice!

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

My full custom slip joint by Alan Davis, featuring a spear point blade in Vegas Forge raindrop carbon Damascus, hand-carved Elk Horn covers, and hand-filed liners with a Elk Horn backspacer. Ignore the other stuff.

 

[draggat]

Love that blade! Does it have a light pull?

Thank you! The pulls on these are heavy. If they used a nail nick they would probably be around a 9 out of 10. However, they are very pinchable and smooth and I personally prefer the strong pull on them.

 

[B1GSHOT]

Any of the Buck 300 series... whichever size or blade configuration fits your need.