Passing on your Precious

Jack Black

Seize the Lambsfoot! Seize the Day!
Platinum Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2005
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69,768
Rich generosity is an all pervasive feature of our little place here, people give their knowledge, advice, and expertise. They are also generous of spirit, kind in every way and genuinely caring for each other, new members and old. A day doesn’t go by without a giveaway or contest of some kind running, and then there are the less formal gifts and exchanges that also happen all the time. People just can’t do enough for each other here.

As knife lovers, we all appreciate a special knife, and that makes the gift of giving it even greater in my book. I’ve seen some extraordinary acts of generosity in that sense here, and also been the recipient of them. I’ve witnessed people give away, not just great and beautiful knives, but knives which were really special to them personally. Indeed my first GEC, given to me by Duncan, was not just a lovely and very collectible knife, but it was Duncan’s FAVOURITE knife, the knife he carried everyday. Now when I carry that knife, it makes me think of my pal all the more, and it’s the same with the other knives I’ve been so generously gifted.

When I first starting posting regularly here, I was struck immediately by the warmth and kindness shown towards me, and one of my first threads was one where I was asking for some advice on cleaning up an old laminated Mora knife (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1003202-Old-Frosts-Laminated-Hunter). The other members of this fraternity could not have been more encouraging or helpful, and I was greatly touched. Since finishing the knife, despite it not looking much like something I’d design myself, it quickly became my favourite sheath knife, and I’ve carried it whenever I’ve had an excuse. It’s comfortable and light, it carries well, the steel is incredible, and for me it has real character, despite (or even because of) its scars. It’s quite a big knife for me today, but its light weight and slim profile, and a good sheath, allow me to carry it discreetly.



However, from the moment I started getting those kind comments on that thread, I knew that I wanted to share the knife. Despite my love of it, in truth I have little use for a sheath knife that size these days, and it’s almost wasted on me. I had thought some time ago about doing a giveaway, and I’m sorry folks, this isn’t one! From time to time, I’d post a pic of my knife in the EDC thread, and I was particularly struck by one approving comment. Since then, I’ve had it in my mind to pass on my Precious to that poster, I just wanted to carry it a few more times before passing it on to someone I think will appreciate it. So it’ll be leaving me soon and I’ll look forward to seeing the occasional pic of it with its new owner, who isn’t incidentally aware of this. I’m sure the rest of you will enjoy seeing it too in some way, which brings me to the real purpose of this thread.

I’ll sit here at my computer reading the posts here on Traditionals, and not be able to stop myself from positively beaming when I read the fine discourse between members, and my heart swells with pride when I read of yet another act of generosity, and I’m pretty sure that I’m far from alone in that. I feel blessed just to be allowed a peek in here. So the purpose of this thread is to talk about this, and in particular, what compels us to pass on knives that are so special to us in the way we see here all the time. It seems to me that those who give get at least as much of a kick out of it as the recipient of the kindness.

Thanks folks, I promise I’m sober, and I hope that this is not just me thinking too much!

Jack
 
Hi there Jack, gee that knife came out great didn't it!!
That's really great to see the outcome of it, and it was a heart warming read, and thank you for the kind comments as well, it was a pure pleasure to pass that knife on to you, and I would tip my hat to you Sir if you wanted to pass her round again!

This is a very heart warming place, I feel proud to be part of it, at times when the internet is a cold place, this place is like home.
 
Nicely put, Jack, and I agree wholeheartedly. I've been here just over a year and I consider some of the folks here dear friends, even though we have never met. I have been the recipient of remarkable kindness from several members, and it still amazes me when I pause to ponder.

On a purely selfish side note, but one that's safe to say now that you have graciously chosen to give it away: I have greatly admired that Mora every time I have seen it. I guess I should have been more demonstrative of that! Congratulations to the fortunate recipient.
 
Hi Duncan,

It was certainly great to have the advice and encouragement of other forum members such as yourself :)

Jack
 
I have greatly admired that Mora every time I have seen it. I guess I should have been more demonstrative of that! Congratulations to the fortunate recipient.

Thank you Doug! :D I'm sure you'll get the chance to admire it again my friend ;)
 
None in! :eek:

Just as well eh?! :D

Wait, ain't it about 9:30 there right now? What did England run out of tastey beverages? Do I need to send you some relief aid?!?!?!?! Do you need help?!?!?! Jack, talk to us. Have we imported too much Guinness?!?!?!? Jack!?!?!?!? :eek:
 
I have given away many knives, but not really any that were "precious" to me, so I am always amazed when something like that happens. Speaks volumes about the type of people on this forum.

I have a bit of a different perspective on this topic though, and I think anyone who makes or mods knives might agree with me. I tend to get attached to the knives I work on, and sometimes, it's a little depressing to send them off after spending so much blood, sweat, and tears on them. However, that feeling usually goes away quickly after getting feedback from the owners. Whether they are just trying to make me feel good, they seem genuinely pleased with the work. That feeling must be similar to the feeling you get in passing your precious knives on to others.

And it IS a great feeling!

Glenn
 
Wait, ain't it about 9:30 there right now? What did England run out of tastey beverages? Do I need to send you some relief aid?!?!?!?! Do you need help?!?!?! Jack, talk to us. Have we imported too much Guinness?!?!?!? Jack!?!?!?!? :eek:

:D I knew some English people in the 1970's, whose US relatives, having seen exaggerated TV reports of strikes and spiralling inflation, regularly sent aid parcels over. The recipients didn't protest as they kinda liked the Hershey bars and Oreos. Went on for years! :D
 
I have given away many knives, but not really any that were "precious" to me, so I am always amazed when something like that happens. Speaks volumes about the type of people on this forum.

I have a bit of a different perspective on this topic though, and I think anyone who makes or mods knives might agree with me. I tend to get attached to the knives I work on, and sometimes, it's a little depressing to send them off after spending so much blood, sweat, and tears on them. However, that feeling usually goes away quickly after getting feedback from the owners. Whether they are just trying to make me feel good, they seem genuinely pleased with the work. That feeling must be similar to the feeling you get in passing your precious knives on to others.

And it IS a great feeling!

Glenn

That's a very interesting perspective Glenn :thumbup: A very satisfying feeling I can remember from my own brief foray into the cutlery trade - a sort of Born Free moment! :D I'm sure the recipients of your work are genuinely pleased, the examples shown here are stunning.

I'm sure nobody has to think hard to think of some quite incredible acts of generosity here. Elliott's gift to Sarah for example, or the knives given to that young feller just the other week, one of which had real deep history :)
 
That is a beautiful knife, Jack, with a lot of character. The lucky recipient will be receiving something special, for sure!

This forum is the kindest place I have been on the Internet. As the recipient of the kindness of people I have not (yet) met in person, I'm simply amazed at the dynamics of this place.
 
That is a beautiful knife, Jack, with a lot of character. The lucky recipient will be receiving something special, for sure!

Thanks Blaine, the lovely Higonakami you sent me is one of the many knives I treasure :)

 
Great thread Jack!
Great post Glennbad!

I have given away knives that I have worked on and the recipients always cherish them, or at least that is the impression that I have gotten back from them. One of my brothers was eyeballin' a small fixed blade when I was back home, he doesn't know it but that is going to be his birthday present this year. It happens to be one of my all time favorite little knives. I have also given away other knives that were just special to me for some reason, to someone who just admired it. Giving away a precious is a very rewarding feeling, choosing the recipient carefully,hoping that they will cherish and care for the knife with the respect that it deserves.
I don't miss the knives I have gifted one bit. The happiness that they brought to someone I care for means way more than the ownership of a material object.
Having been the recipient of some special knives, for me I too feel a connection to the giver whenever I use the tool, taking a moment to pause, admire and reflect upon the circumstance of this object coming into my hand.

I think I might have a speck of pollen in my eye, the screen is a little blurry, perhaps I need a beer ;)
 
Thanks Blaine, the lovely Higonakami you sent me is one of the many knives I treasure :)


I'm digging the lanyard you put on it! :thumbup:

Great thread Jack!
Great post Glennbad!

I have given away knives that I have worked on and the recipients always cherish them, or at least that is the impression that I have gotten back from them. One of my brothers was eyeballin' a small fixed blade when I was back home, he doesn't know it but that is going to be his birthday present this year. It happens to be one of my all time favorite little knives. I have also given away other knives that were just special to me for some reason, to someone who just admired it. Giving away a precious is a very rewarding feeling, choosing the recipient carefully,hoping that they will cherish and care for the knife with the respect that it deserves.
I don't miss the knives I have gifted one bit. The happiness that they brought to someone I care for means way more than the ownership of a material object.
Having been the recipient of some special knives, for me I too feel a connection to the giver whenever I use the tool, taking a moment to pause, admire and reflect upon the circumstance of this object coming into my hand.

I think I might have a speck of pollen in my eye, the screen is a little blurry, perhaps I need a beer ;)

As one of those lucky guys (from you and a couple others), it always makes me smile a little more when I have a member's knife in my pocket, too. FWIW, my wife thinks this place is unusually special because of all of the gifting and GAWs that I tell her about.
 
Outstanding, Jack!!!

You are very right of course, that there is no other place in the internet that is like this. I do believe that this place is a true brotherhood, and as Louis LaAmore would say "They'll do to ride the high country with." None of the other forums I very briefly flirted with was even a pale shadow of this forum. I would not hesitate at all to call any here brother, unless age made it more like an adopted son or grandson. Family is a priceless thing, no matter where you find it. And you are a prime example of that generosity, to give away a personal precious.

Whom ever is the recipient of that knife will have something to hand down to their own family, with the tale of a far off friend that would do do ride the high country with.

Carl.
 
Fine looking knife Jack and I enjoyed your tale. The knife will be welcome I am sure by the lucky recipient, if only to serve to remind them of having such a good friend. Hats off to you sir.
 
Jack, my hat is off to you as well. You, along with many others on this forum, are a true class act.


Have a great day,
Jeff
 
NO BEER!? I'd like a report ON MY DESK THIS AFTERNOON!
Whats That? I don't have a desk and I don't work here.Oh .
seriously though .Well said Jack.
cheers.
 
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