Show me your Elephant Toes.

Mack

Expert Ultracrepidarian
Platinum Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2007
Messages
38,433
I am new to traditional knives. One of the styles that really has me hooked(although I don't have one yet) is the Sunfish/Elephant Toe. Am I nuts?
 

cj65

Gold Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2008
Messages
33,396
I have one only so far. It is a Fight'n Rooster. I am meaning to have it rescaled. I bought it on ebay thinking it was bargain for restoration, but it probably will cost more than a nice original. It is a noble cause, and yes you are nuts! You are a knife nut. The celluloid scale is lifting, so it needs to be replaced. The main blade is so tight, it breaks my thumb nail to open it, and the pen blade wobbles. There also is some damage to one of the brass liners, I am not sure what was going on there. I am hoping for a toe nail for Christmas, the Dan Burke one with many lazer etched Queen tang stamps on it.

img293.jpg


This rooster is fat! I put a genuine silver dollar for size reference. I want to score a Case 6250 without the elephant on the blade. I almost got one, slightly outbid. Happy Elephant Hunting, and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

CJ
 

Mack

Expert Ultracrepidarian
Platinum Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2007
Messages
38,433
For some reason, I just love the style. I looked at that and thought it was a quarter. Wow.
Merry Christmas to you too sir.
 
Last edited:

Mack

Expert Ultracrepidarian
Platinum Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2007
Messages
38,433
Nice Sunfish. Roughly 2 5/8 inches?
 

yablanowitz

Platinum Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2006
Messages
9,342
I love this pattern. Unfortunately, my sunfish collection and camera are 400 miles apart at the moment. :eek:
 
Joined
Nov 27, 1999
Messages
15,781
At one time, I had an extensive gathering of Elephant Toes, but for some reason I experienced a shift. :( The only Toes I have left.
 

Attachments

  • My Elephant Toe 1.jpg
    My Elephant Toe 1.jpg
    41.7 KB · Views: 101
  • Elephant Toe 1.jpg
    Elephant Toe 1.jpg
    46.9 KB · Views: 103
  • My Case Elephant Toe Red Bone 1.jpg
    My Case Elephant Toe Red Bone 1.jpg
    78 KB · Views: 104
  • My Case Elephant Toe Peacock 1.jpg
    My Case Elephant Toe Peacock 1.jpg
    99.7 KB · Views: 108
Joined
Apr 14, 2007
Messages
2,738
I am new to traditional knives. One of the styles that really has me hooked(although I don't have one yet) is the Sunfish/Elephant Toe. Am I nuts?

You may be....I sure don't see the attraction, but these managed to follow me home....

toenails.jpg
 
Joined
Dec 13, 2008
Messages
565
Does anyone actually carry and use these patterns? I always see them in pristine condition and wondered if they were more collectibles then users.
 

cj65

Gold Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2008
Messages
33,396
I will most likely collect more than use, but if I do acquire, I do give them all pocket time.
 
Joined
Nov 27, 1998
Messages
2,602
Here's a 50+ year old Case XX 6250. Given its condition and age, this one stays in the knife case. Sunfish are too heavy and bulky for my EDC needs anyway.

Sunfish01.jpg


Sunfish036a.jpg
 
Last edited:

Blues

hovering overhead
Staff member
Super Mod
Joined
Oct 2, 1998
Messages
32,510
Early (mid 90's) work in forged carbon damascus and rosewood from the inimitable Don Hanson:

orig.jpg


orig.jpg


orig.jpg
 

Mack

Expert Ultracrepidarian
Platinum Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2007
Messages
38,433
Here's a 50+ year old Case XX 6250. Given its condition and age, this one stays in the knife case. Sunfish are too heavy and bulky for my EDC needs anyway.

Sunfish01.jpg


Sunfish036a.jpg

I'm seeing some great looking blades here. Blues, that damascus is perfect. Love the Sheepsfoot.
Rick, this one is simply amazing.:thumbup:

Can someone please show one in hand? They must be bigger than they look.
 
Last edited:

Blues

hovering overhead
Staff member
Super Mod
Joined
Oct 2, 1998
Messages
32,510
They must be bigger than they look.

I don't have an "in hand" shot for you but the Hanson weighs an honest 9 1/8 ounces, is 4.5" closed and the scales are 1.25" wide. :eek::cool::thumbup:

(In other words, you'd better wear a belt with your suspenders. ;))
 

Mack

Expert Ultracrepidarian
Platinum Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2007
Messages
38,433
Cool, I like a large knife. These are some amazing examples. I am seriously envious of some of your collections. Threads like this give me ideas to work toward.:thumbup:
 
Joined
Nov 18, 2001
Messages
3,593
I might have a photo of one of Don's Sunfish somewhere. Meanwhile, here is one of my favorites.
Greg

orig.jpg
 

Mack

Expert Ultracrepidarian
Platinum Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2007
Messages
38,433
That is gorgeous.
I just made the mistake of looking at the auction site and OMG, there are some incredible examples of this design. At some high prices I might add.
 
Top