Sailors of the Sheepsfoot Main

Buck model 180 River Rafter. There was a similar version called the Yachtsman with a half serrated blade and spanner wrench as a secondary tool. Not to be confused with the model 315 Yachtsman marlinspike knife with the same name.

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...a good cigar is short lived, but a good woman is lasting


 
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Too bad that 180 River Rafter has a serrated blade. If it was a plain blade I'd look for one.

(I detest serrated blades - even on a "bread knife".)
 
I have had this knife awhile, never knew the model
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R Randy3000
11031SH is the model number.
I can't tell for sure if yours is a 3 or 4 dot.
If 4 dot it is from 1976, 3 dot would be from 1977.

I think Case discontinued the pattern in 1978.
 
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afishhunter said:
R Randy3000
11031SH is the model number.
I can't tell for sure if yours is a 3 or 4 dot.
If 4 dot it is from 1976, 3 dot would be from 1977.

I think Case discontinued the pattern in 1978.
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It is a 4 dot. I dont remember if it was a slip joint or not. It acts like a fricton folder though it does have a back "spring".

I carried it frequently for many decades, it is amazing it is still going strong.
 
I enjoy seeing how knives age. Look at how the fit between wood scale and bolster is still good, the shield pocket loosened up, the wood has not split at the pins, the shield pins are now showing, and the tang&spring wore down quite a bit. I have always thought of this knife as a user, 40 something years is a good long life!

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Randy3000 said:
I enjoy seeing how knives age. Look at how the fit between wood scale and bolster is still good, the shield pocket loosened up, the wood has not split at the pins, the shield pins are now showing, and the tang&spring wore down quite a bit. I have always thought of this knife as a user, 40 something years is a good long life!
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A lot of hard honest hours of wear from being used as intended on that one. It reminds me of the knives carried and used everyday by the old guys when I was a kid.

Something about rope knives that looks better with use. Even those have seen some pitting and rust to the metal from exposure to the sea air and neglect are just taking on character, like some old salt spinning a story. Definitely made for hard work!
 
OLd_gUY said:
At the same time, I also admire the aesthetics of a newer design.
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A very old new design indeed!
Started out in the WWI as the Navy Knife (with a second nail cleaner/file blade), became the #2 Boy Scout knife with the substitution of a pen blade for the nail cleaner/file blade, then as a single blade evolving into the Electrician's coping knife (which may have at least honorable mention as one of the longest continuous production runs without major changes in American knife making history-if not in numbers made, in years of production), and finally the more upscale (up scaled? the bone sure is nice!) Northfield fancy rope bailed version in the photo. Quite a design survivor!
 
WinchesteRalox said:
Hey what’s all your guys opinions on Mam sheepsfoots?
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The Tipica, with a liner lock, is a nice, light, inexpensive everyday sheepsfoot, with a wide tip on the blade that excels at bagel work. I used to carry it a lot until I got the Okapi Biltong, which is smaller in the pocket and much more stylish.
 
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