Thank You Giveaway...WINNER on pg.3!!

[LEGION 12]

What a great knife my love for knives started when i was very young and to be honest i still dont know why practicality i remember taking my mothers kitchen knives to have something to carry till she got sick of looking for them all the time and had my father get me my first folder still have it. Thanks for the chance sure i wont win though. Rich here it is.

 

[jacktrades_nbk]

Thank you for the chance to participate in this generous giveaway,

While being in essence just a sharpened piece of steel, it has the weird power to become something truly magic in the eyes of its owner, giving great pleasure in carrying, using, and sometimes just admiring the little object that lives in his pocket, and ages with him, becoming part of that man's history.
It's a tool that with skill can make other tools, and it's the only tool that can be seen as with soul. It's a very powerful object, both as a symbol and as a very useful item. It's simple, yet so fascinating.

 

[hunter s thompson]

Awesome and generous giveaway, I enjoy a knife because it is a knife. the usefulness of them has always amazed me, I don't understand how someone isn't a knife person, also there is some kind of beauty in every knife, from a $7 Opinel to a one off custom that costs 1000's of dollars.

 

[C Ben Susrool]

I appreciate and enjoy the simplicity, utility and beauty of well made knives.

Thank you for the GAW.

 

[glennbad]

Very generous giveaway!

What I really enjoy? Well, when I was younger, it was just the feeling of holding knives and being able to use them, and the ties they had to family and such. Plus, the wonder of so many different kinds and manufacturers of knives. I was like a kid in a candy store.

Nowadays, I enjoy the feeling that I am doing my part to preserve a piece of history. Older knives that are in fair shape, I am keeping them from deteriorating further. I also enjoy wondering the stories those knives could tell...who owned them, how they were used.

I am also really enjoying customizing knives. It's alot of fun taking a tired old knife, and rehabbing it into something somewhat new and useable.

Thanks for the opportunity.

Glenn

 

[TheGoldenWalrus]

i like knives because..... i like knives because..... its kinda hard to really think of a reason, i just feel drawn to them .
they are quite useful though, which is why i carry them. but the reason i like them.... im not sure if i have a real reason

 

[Yo Mama]

Thanks for the opportunity!

I only started getting into knives a few years ago. Was raised by a single Mom, did the best that she could, but never showed us a knife or gun. It was only when I found male role models that I hunted with that I learned.

What I like about knives? They are so much simpler than guns! Simpler to take care of, and keep in working order. I also love learning about the different steels, locks, and handle material. I never knew what G10 was till I started collecting. It keeps me busy, which is really important!

 

[sitflyer]

Thank You for the very generous giveaway, I have been interesred in this pattern for a while now...
When growing up, it seems that everyone had a pocket knife back then, and most of the men around had a fixed blade or two. They were necessary tools for cleaning the fish and game that was harvested for our families tables. Most of us boys would spend many a day fishing the local streams and ponds by day, and oftentimes me and my brother and dad,and sometimes an unkle, would go out at night for horned pout (catfish) or river eels...these were the best times! An old kerosene lantern, sodas for the boys, and of couse adult bevereges and cigars for the adults...before these outings we would hone our knives and get our gear ready. Many times we would be up till the wee hours cleaning and packaging our catch for the freezer...for me I would always have my pride and joy...a Buck 112 that I purchased myself with paper route money. when working for my unkles summers,painting and light contruction, I noticed that they all seemed to be carrying Electricians Knives. These were fascinating to me, a screwdriver/scraper on a knife! They used those knives for everything it seemed, opening paint cans, scraping putty, cutting tape and rope.
At about age 15 I got a job in a local restaurant, and became a cook. Now I was using knives professionaly! Loved using the big knives in the kitchens...It seems I have always been fascinated and drawn to cutlery from a very early age...I started accumulating knives at some point, seems it was when I first started making regular money...
the interest in knives has waxed and waned over the years, but it is always there...calling...


*edit* All that and I didn't even answer the question ...Knives fascinated me from a very early age, and continue to do so till today, they are so much more than just tools.
From putting food on the table, to helping in the work environment, to creating works of art, and even being elevated by some makers as works of art, knives are one of mans first tools, that continue to serve us in many ways...

 

[mobenzowner]

When I was a kid growing up all of us guys and more than a few girls had knives. I remember the old men at the country stores sitting around the wood burning stove in winter bragging about whose was best and whose was sharpest. One particular gentleman who frequented my grandparents country store would tell me (I was about 3 yrs old), "his knife was so sharp he could cut an ear off and it wouldnt even bleed". It made such an early impression on me that when driving by his house, as we did nearly everyday, I would lay down in the floorboard of the back seat to hide till we passed "safely" out of distance. I assumed he had to have already cut someones ear off in order to know it "didnt bleed".
I can remember my grandfather on my dad's side having traded knives for a year and ending up with $50 and the knife he started with that year. At least that is his story. He was definitely a big time trader although I dont know if he was especially as good a one as he claimed. My grandfather on my mom's side is who taught me how to sharpen a knife on and old whetstone. I lived right across a narrow gravel road from he and my grandmother. He made granfather clocks in his tiny, poorly equipped shop. This man probably exerted about as much influence on my life as anyone.
Growing up in the lower midwest I can remember the crisp, clean, cool air of late fall. I had nearly an hours worth of bus ride after school to get home. This ride took me over various winding gravel roads and hills and valleys. We would cross many small creeks with only wooden bridges with no side rails. After finally getting home me and a neighbor kid or two would always head to the woods. The trees would be sporting their colorful wardrobe whilst we built imaginary forts or simply looked out for bears or mountain lions(none were to be found in that area of course).
As I grow older I find myself reminiscing more and more about those times. For 20 years I never carried a knife or had any interest in them to speak of. For the last 10 years I have taken a keen interest in knives. I have thought to myself numerous times as to why. I live close to a city of 50,000 people, I work in an office enviroment. In short I have no basic need for constant carry of a knife. After much introspect I simply deduce that it is not indeed as much about the knife itself, but rather about the feeling it evokes. To sum up a nice knife brings me back to what was a great period of my life. It helps me to remember people and places I dearly miss. In short it grounds me, and that's what I like about knives.

 

[Art_Vandeley]

I enjoy the quality of manufacturing, the intelligent design choices and the machining. I also love the diffrent looks, shapes, colours and feels of knives. Oh and they are very very useful.

Thank you for the generous giveaway, and good luck everybody!

 

[TX180SX]

great GAW and much appreciation for the chance!

What I love about my knife hobby is learning. It's been a great ride seeing/reading all the stories and pictures you all have posted. Learning about the different locks, blades and still trying to learn more about the steels. I'm also learning what features certain designers use and why, it's been very enlightening. I know I'm just scratching the surface here but I'm pretty excited and thank every one of you.

 

[jmac30]

Great giveaway thanks for the opportunity!
I have always loved the feel and usefulness of a pocketknife and have always carried a small jack with me even when also carrying the latest super steel one hander thanks again

 

[Bladenoobie1]

Cool giveaway

I enjoy knives for the craftsmanship each one holds, whether it be a production knife of a custom right off this forum. Each and every knife is unique -- for the most part, and appeals to individuals in different ways. My first knife was a wenger multi-tool made in the 70s-80s given to me by my dad. I carried this knife far in my Boy Scouting career until I decided it was time to get my own knife. Soon this would lead to a CRKT Mt. Shasta folder, a leatherman juice, and most recently the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. Recently, when I just learned how to sharpen acquiring a Spyderco sharpmaker, I began appreciate what a sharp edge really was being able to slice through a sheet of printer paper for the first time. Previously my conception of a sharp edge was a edge was one taught to me in Boy Scouts. As long as the apex didn't reflect light when holding the edge of the blade upwards to a light source, this was considered sharp. Now I know what it is to have a apexed edge, although I have not achieved hair-whittling sharp. Whether I'm whittling a piece of wood in the local San Bernardino mountains for opening a package at home I will always enjoy having a knife by my side along with the qualities each an every one presents

 

[confucius37]

Wow, so many excellent stories in this thread. I wanted to quote the ones that I especially liked, but I almost quoted the whole thread! I really like the ones dating back to when you were a kid, those are some really great stories and I can relate to alot of them. Thanks for the wonderful replies!

I'll keep this open until it reaches the end of the end of the 3rd page or end of the week, whichever comes first. Good luck everyone

 

[arcadiaknives]

To me a knife is something of an extension of myself. Since I can remember there has always been a knife in my pocket. From the most mundane uses, like cleaning your fingernails to cutting open my friends shirt when he cut his arm on sheet metal. Lately they are getting many more uses out in the woods behind the house, where I've started a little campsite. It is being built most primitively with as many cutting tools as I can take out there. I make knives so this brings many more aspects of knives to light. This is a passion. Making a useful cutting instrument come to life from basic materials gives me a huge thrill. I enjoy making my own micarta and showing people that not everything comes from a factory in china. There are craftsmen and craftswomen who care enough to make something that can be handed down to future generations, not just toss it out and get another cheap one. People depend on me to have my knife at hand when something needs to be cut and be able to sharpen their knife when it won't cut. The last few months I have really enjoyed carrying traditional knives. I had a SAK in my pocket for almost 20 years that my son bought me out of his own money. It's getting a little R&R while the traditionals take over. They are doing a great job. The more I check out this forum the more I'm getting hooked on traditional knives, the way they kinda take you back in time. I often wonder what knife was in each of my grandfathers pockets. For now I have a Carl Schliepper Sodbuster in my pocket. That knife you are giving away is a beauty and any of us would be lucky to win it and get to carry around a piece of American history. Thanks!

 

[mrbear]

Nice giveaway!
What I like best is if I don't carry one I always find myself needing one.
Versatility pure and simple. Rarely does a day go by that one will not help you in one way or another.

 

[pertinux]

confucius37,

Thanks for a great giveaway, and for the chance at a beautiful, quintessential knife. I held on in my hands for a brief time in June, and my heart jumps a little every time I see a picture of a new one (or well-loved older one), still.

Wow, so many excellent stories in this thread. I wanted to quote the ones that I especially liked, but I almost quoted the whole thread!

I know what you mean! I've culled the many great comments down to a few that capture what I want to say, and whose words I can't improve upon:

... I enjoy the knife ...as in aesthetically, the way it handles, the actions etc...more so than the use.

I enjoy the combination of an everyday use tool and precise craftsmanship, this combination had always fascinated me.

... I enjoy the precision crafting of the steel. It's functional art to me. Being a lover of nature I am taken with the way bone, stag and other natural materials can give a cold metal tool such character, soul and warmth.

What I enjoy about knives is that each is a work of art in its own way. ... I enjoy having a "masterpiece" work of art that I can not only look at and enjoy its beauty, but hold in my hand, use it and admire the work and craftsmanship that went into creating it. I find a simple elegant design just as beautiful as an elaborately ornate one.

While being in essence just a sharpened piece of steel, it has the weird power to become something truly magic in the eyes of its owner, giving great pleasure in carrying, using, and sometimes just admiring the little object that lives in his pocket, and ages with him, becoming part of that man's history.
It's a tool that with skill can make other tools, and it's the only tool that can be seen as with soul. It's a very powerful object, both as a symbol and as a very useful item. It's simple, yet so fascinating.

After much introspect I simply deduce that it is not indeed as much about the knife itself, but rather about the feeling it evokes.

I enjoy the quality of manufacturing, the intelligent design choices and the machining. I also love the diffrent looks, shapes, colours and feels of knives. Oh and they are very very useful.

Yes!

I'm an inveterate fiddler, and I love having a piece of functional, useful art to fiddle with in the downtimes, and to use in the needful times. I marvel at the amount of thought and work that goes into each slipjoint, and enjoy puzzling over design decisions-- how some pieces are streamlined and pleasingly simple, while others somehow push too far and become sterile. Or, how some embellishments and features enhance the fundamental soundness of a knife and draw attention to it in the right way, while others look cheap and fussy. Where's the line? I don't know, but I love seeing the work of those who master the details and bring forth a congruent whole. I also love how the variegation found in natural cover materials means there's always something new to appreciate....

In addition to the wonder of having a piece of useful craftsmanship on hand (and in pocket!) as articulated so well by others, I will add that one of the things I've come to most enjoy about traditional knives is the people who seem to be drawn to their manufacture and use, and who take the time to photograph and discuss the same.

In recent months I've benefitted greatly from the welcoming, informative conversation here. That, in combination with meeting some of the people behind GEC and witnessing the amount of work (and focused passion) that goes into each knife, has contributed to an even greater enjoyment of the knives I've chosen as my own--as well as contributing to a greater number of knives I've chosen as my own, or which have seemingly jumped out and chosen me. Heh.

Thanks to the OP, and to everyone else who regularly participates here.

~ P.

 

[Flying Guillotine]

What a kind gesture, thank you for the opportunity. Who couldn't make good use of a nice bit of Case CV?

I like pocketknives for a number of reasons. The practical utility of a small blade that is always available is part of it, but then there's also the appreciation of a well-made tool, or even just great craftsmanship in general. I love the way bone scales and carbon steel takes on new character and grows more unique through time and use. I enjoy the maintenance process, finding it relaxing to take the time to put a good, sharp edge on a knife, carefully cleaning out the pocket lint, oiling the joints. I remember as a boy always staring with admiration at the old buck folder on my grandfather's dresser, he's always carried a pocketknife and that's been an inspiration to me. Finally, as a self-proclaimed practitioner of the manly arts (auto tinkering, scotch sampling, pipe smoking, exercising, shaving with a badger brush and a safety razor, martini perfecting, being polite and respectful to folks that deserve it, camping, hiking, being a good sport, manning a grill, cussing creatively, etc...) the collecting, using, and appreciating of a traditional pocket knife really fits in with my way of life. I'm sure I could go on, but you get the idea: I'm into pocket knives for a number of good reasons, and am happy to share my enjoyment with others whenever an opportunity arises.

 

[knifestuff]

Great idea and thanks. I enjoy knives as tools--for the capability that they provide.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Great giveaway.

Lots of things I love about knives. For traditionals, it is the feeling that my grandfather, great grandfather, etc would look at the knife and recognize the design, and materials. I can carry my grandfather's barlow in my pocket, and still use it. I can buy a similar barlow of modern make, and set the two side by side, and they are still built the same.

Knives, particularly traditional knives tend to be built "correctly" for me. Not the actual construction, but the design. They are meant to cut. Slip joints don't tend to be too thick. The blade stock is properly thin. The edge is ground to slice, not smash, or break it's way through anything.

I can't use any of my traditionals for heavy prying, or "abuse". But they do what they are supposed to do. Cut things that need to be cut.

It seems to me, the older I get, the thinner I like my blade stock and grinds!