Shields...any preference? Or know any history on them?

huntnfishin

huntnfishin

Joined
May 16, 2009
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Hi all. Happy Saturday. Was picken through old posts here and there trying to find out if there was a poll or anything out there about shields - who liked what? Couldn’t find much but found some interesting facts and history and discovered a shield or three I never saw before.

I know that saying “I like this shield the best” is a fools errand because it would seem certain shields look better than others with certain patterns. Curious to find out who like what combo(s) the most? I for instance really like the waterfall on the sowbelly. And the federal large shield on a swayback.

Also if you know some interesting history or facts about shields I would really be interested to know that as well. I don’t know much but from what I read the waterfall shield on a sowbelly is considered traditional but I don’t know why exactly. But heck maybe I read that wrong, or don’t remember it perfectly as it is Saturday night. :) Anyhow just wondering what ya’ll like and know about shields.
 
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I like "shield-shaped" shields best. Shields definitely make knives better looking.
 
Lots of old school shields looks really nice, and I'm happy with a lot of the shields Case uses as well.

I don't really think about the shield much when purchasing though , sometimes the shield is particularly a nice touch on a particular knife and sometimes it's just there and doesn't really matter much.
 
I don't have a "favorite" that I am aware of.
It depends on the pattern, cover material, and positioning for me.
IMHO some just look "better" to my six (with bifocals) eyes without a shield, or a fairly small shield, such as a bomb/badge/acorn, on a Barlow, or canoe, for example.
On a large and beefy stockman or equal end cattle knife, large Sunfish/Whaler, or two blade slipjoint folding hunter, a larger a ribbon or a starburst might be more appropriate, depending on the positioning.

IMHO, the diamond shield on the RR1740 "Classic Carbon" Barlow, is a bit too big, while the badge/bomb shield used on the RR719 Yellow Barlow is a much better size:
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(I don't have a pile side photo with no shield, but they don't look shabby without a shield)
 
I do like any of the UN-X-LD GEC shields, sadly I missed out on the shielded stag offerings. Sigh... Maybe someday I'll pick one up.

Other shields of note for me - hounds tooth, federal badge, oh and Case arrowhead is really nice.
 
Shields are cool on most knives. I don’t know if anybody else does it, but I use the shield to make sure the knife is sitting in my pocket the right way.

Here’s a mixed variety of shields:
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But my favorites are the bomb and federal shields.
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I like shields in general. Occasionally a knife looks better to me without one.
Looking forward to hearing some history on shields. if there's some to be had.
One of my favorites is the Double Bomb.
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Case's Federal shield is really well done on the Bose Collaboration knives.
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A simple Bar Shield looks good on a slimmer knife.
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I always liked the Arrow shield
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I like that all of these in my little Ohta collection have the same style shield.
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I like shields, I'm not really particular about them. If I had a preference it would be for simple, symmetrical shapes rather than the odd blobby shapes. Think of the Boker Great American Story knives.

I don't know if it's by design or not, but generally if you have the shield under your right thumb the master blade is in the right position for easy opening. I'd guess the original intent was either ornamentation or brand identity.
 
Like most would say, depends on the knife for example this shield would look odd on any other pattern,but is stunning on this Ulster half congress imho
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I like figurative shields
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As a side note I didn't vote for the bomb shield on the 2019 forum knife, but after seeing how it turned out it was the perfect choice.
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Normally dont like shields on barlows but if it has one it better be whimsical (I still want one of those barlow on barlow on barlow shields ;):thumbsup:)
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And honestly like this one on certain pattern Rough Riders, it reminds me of some tool logos from the 50's for some reason. Looks good on "working" patterns imo.
 
Shields can tie the knife together, aesthetically, or ruin it, aesthetically, for me. Pattern and materials dictate a lot of what type of shield seems to work, but, in general, a well incorporated shield beats no shield, for me.

As far as history, I would really like to know more about the acorn shield origins. That’s one of my favorites when done well.
 
My favorites are the standardized company shields.
I like the shield to tell me right off the bat who made the knife.
Kinda like the company stamps on a Barlow's bolster.
Here are a few examples of what I'm talking about...




 
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I like all types of sheilds as long as they fit with the theme of the knife.

I also like seeing non-traditional shields. I think it would be cool if GEC or another company made card suit shields with a diamond, heart, spade, and club for one of their releases.
 
Nature Boy said:
Shields can tie the knife together, aesthetically, or ruin it, aesthetically, for me. Pattern and materials dictate a lot of what type of shield seems to work, but, in general, a well incorporated shield beats no shield, for me.

As far as history, I would really like to know more about the acorn shield origins. That’s one of my favorites when done well.
Click to expand...

Heres a couple that I think look good. But, I have no idea about the history.
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Anyone ever see a chart with a lot of shields/names? I remember stumbling across one somewhere. I think the GEC website has one? Be great to have all the names/pics of different shields. Wish we knew more history on them.
 
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