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- Jul 25, 2014
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Most of you here that new our late friend Bob “BigBiscuit” knew that he had a knack for modifying knives to meet his own tastes. He was quite good at doing it. Bob and I shared a friendship and we also shared a lot of similar tastes in cutlery. Many times, we would talk about our likes and dislikes. I would often comment to Bob about his modifications and he would explain his reasons for doing them. When the 2016 run of #47’s came out Bob picked up a beautiful Northfield Harvester model 47P116 with Burnt Orange Jigged Bone. It wasn’t long until Bob had decided to make some changes to his 47. Bob said to me “I modified the blade on this from a hawkbill to a sheepsfoot. I always liked the F&F Hayn’ Helper, but the covers were a lot thicker than I like for a knife of its purpose.” I agreed with him totally. Having an affection for the #47 frame I own a lot of Vipers and a few Hayn’ Helpers. One of my most frequently used knives for around the house and yard work was an Orange Delrin #47 with a single O1 sheepsfoot blade from the first run in 2012.
In January of 2017 Bob had begun selling some knives on the exchange. I saw that he had his modified 47 for sell so I sent him a PM and bought it. I explained to him what I had in mind to do with the knife. I told him I was going to have someone take the sheepsfoot blade and back spring from my Delrin 47 and put them into the 47 Northfield. He was 100% on board with my idea. A couple of problems that resulted because of the modifications to Bob’s 47 were the resulting reground blade was shortened in length and it had to be lowered so much to get it to set down in the frame that it affected the back spring as you would expect. Bob and I both knew that the factory 47 sheepsfoot blade and back spring should eliminate that problem. I never got around to having the modifications done. When Bob passed I sort of put it on hold for awhile with full intentions to do it later!
Let me say this, if Bob hadn't known about this planned change to his knife out of respect I would never have done it. I think he is just as happy with the results as I am!
So, several months ago, I decided it was time to proceed with the modifications. I sent Glenn @glennbad a PM explaining what I wanted to do. He graciously agreed to do the work for me. Glenn discovered one thing that he or I didn’t consider. The pivot pin on the F&F models are larger than the Northfield or Tidioute 47’s. However, Glenn was able to work his magic and complete the job. I could not have been any happier with the results. I now have a one of a kind beautiful knife that is a pleasure to carry and use. It is also full of memories and a treasure that will never leave my possession. I had told Glenn that I would like to have the knife completed before the Rendezvous. He was able to fulfill this request. I was able to show the knife to both Bill and William Howard while at the rendezvous. Who knows maybe we will see a production model someday.
Now some photos of the knives and the results.
Bob’s photos from the sales thread showing his modified #47 Northfield.
My original #47 Hayn’ Helper
In memory of my friend Bob here is what I have in my pocket today! Thanks again Glenn @glennbad! The blade in this knife rides low and is completely pinchable! It is thin, classy, and a joy to carry and use!
In January of 2017 Bob had begun selling some knives on the exchange. I saw that he had his modified 47 for sell so I sent him a PM and bought it. I explained to him what I had in mind to do with the knife. I told him I was going to have someone take the sheepsfoot blade and back spring from my Delrin 47 and put them into the 47 Northfield. He was 100% on board with my idea. A couple of problems that resulted because of the modifications to Bob’s 47 were the resulting reground blade was shortened in length and it had to be lowered so much to get it to set down in the frame that it affected the back spring as you would expect. Bob and I both knew that the factory 47 sheepsfoot blade and back spring should eliminate that problem. I never got around to having the modifications done. When Bob passed I sort of put it on hold for awhile with full intentions to do it later!
Let me say this, if Bob hadn't known about this planned change to his knife out of respect I would never have done it. I think he is just as happy with the results as I am!
So, several months ago, I decided it was time to proceed with the modifications. I sent Glenn @glennbad a PM explaining what I wanted to do. He graciously agreed to do the work for me. Glenn discovered one thing that he or I didn’t consider. The pivot pin on the F&F models are larger than the Northfield or Tidioute 47’s. However, Glenn was able to work his magic and complete the job. I could not have been any happier with the results. I now have a one of a kind beautiful knife that is a pleasure to carry and use. It is also full of memories and a treasure that will never leave my possession. I had told Glenn that I would like to have the knife completed before the Rendezvous. He was able to fulfill this request. I was able to show the knife to both Bill and William Howard while at the rendezvous. Who knows maybe we will see a production model someday.Now some photos of the knives and the results.
Bob’s photos from the sales thread showing his modified #47 Northfield.
My original #47 Hayn’ Helper
In memory of my friend Bob here is what I have in my pocket today! Thanks again Glenn @glennbad! The blade in this knife rides low and is completely pinchable! It is thin, classy, and a joy to carry and use!
That's a nice-looking and very practical knife and keepsake Ron 
