- Joined
- Jan 30, 2012
- Messages
- 240
Written as more of a collection of my thoughts; apologies if it's not relatively easy to follow.
For as long as I've been a pocket knife enthusiast, I've liked the idea of a signature knife. One that is on your person most days, although it can be supplemented given the situation (in my case, the secondary is a Victorinox Rambler that I consider more of a multi-tool). Something that ages with you, and that your children fondly remember you using. I think this way about a lot of things: watches, tools, particularly nice bags/luggage and shoes.
I like smaller knives. Anything more than 3" closed is often just too big for my tastes. Maybe it's because I'm built slightly, but I can "feel" a larger (to me) knife in my pockets. I also subscribe to Carl/jackknife's maxim that anything a smaller knife can't cut for you, and additional inch or two probably won't make much of a difference. In other words, you'll likely need something substantially larger (still trying to find something that will fit that bill, although there is no rush since I can't think of a time it was a need).
Speaking of Carl, his posts influenced me to pick up a yellow delrin CV Case Peanut not long after I found bladeforums. In fact, I carried a Peanut and Victorinox classic combo just like Carl did. I know Carl has had a profound effect on a lot of folk here, particularly the newbies. Must be some parts cool, some parts creepy that a bunch of random people on the internet follow your example! Getting back to the peanut, I learned I'm just not a big fan of clip points. Can't explain it. Tried several others, but they just don't "sing" to me. Did a GAW for the peanut here. Don't recall who won it, but hope it's getting the use it deserves. (Honestly, still kinda miss it.) Also prefer the Manager over the Classic for the pen and the blade the opens away from the keyring.
What I do like are spear points. It would also be nice to have a straight edge, for variety and utility, and mostly because I've owned only a few examples (which I barely used). I appreciate, and daresay prefer, that pocket knives can have multiple blades. Seems more ... efficient; packing more in the same space. I have also realized that while I like smaller knives, I also prefer chunkier ones. More blades helps with that. See Vic Manager vs. Classic.
Earlier this year, pmew/Paul - a terrific guy - sent me a GEC #18 Coyote in brown jigged bone. It was my first Wharncliffe. Besides appreciating the thoughtfulness of the gift, I quite liked the frame. I don't think that I've mentioned this to Paul, but I'm saving it to give to my son when he's old enough - I'm going to have the shield engraved with the initial of his first name. The PPP blade etch are actually my initials! His twin sister will get the 2016 limited edition Vic Classic alox in Orchid, which is more or less purple - her favorite color. When they are old enough is going to be determined in part by their mother. My wife doesn't understand my hobbies, but loves me enough to let me pursue them (responsibly).
I hadn't really considered the #18 Beagle, but I decided the other day on a whim to look at some knives (how often do you all do that?!) online, and came across some. Then it all came together regarding items above, as well as a few others:
- Less than 3" closed. Check.
- Peanut-like and chunky. Check.
- Spear point main. Check.
- Straight edge secondary. Check. (Not to mention secondary behind main.)
- Natural stag covers. Check. Sambar deer are native to India (along with other places in Asia) - I ethnically Indian, and was born there.
- Made in the USA. Check. Proud of my South Asian heritage, but equally proud to be a citizen of this great country. I try to support US manufacturers.
- Serial number 78. Check. My birth year.
DLT Trading was awesome to do business with (I believe they are a site sponsor, so the mention is ok. Obviously, if not, mods please remove.), and the shipping was fast. Without further ado, I give you:
I've been CEing and CFing it all week. Makes a terrific worry stone. If you've made it all the way through this post, thanks, and I hope you enjoyed it!
For as long as I've been a pocket knife enthusiast, I've liked the idea of a signature knife. One that is on your person most days, although it can be supplemented given the situation (in my case, the secondary is a Victorinox Rambler that I consider more of a multi-tool). Something that ages with you, and that your children fondly remember you using. I think this way about a lot of things: watches, tools, particularly nice bags/luggage and shoes.
I like smaller knives. Anything more than 3" closed is often just too big for my tastes. Maybe it's because I'm built slightly, but I can "feel" a larger (to me) knife in my pockets. I also subscribe to Carl/jackknife's maxim that anything a smaller knife can't cut for you, and additional inch or two probably won't make much of a difference. In other words, you'll likely need something substantially larger (still trying to find something that will fit that bill, although there is no rush since I can't think of a time it was a need).
Speaking of Carl, his posts influenced me to pick up a yellow delrin CV Case Peanut not long after I found bladeforums. In fact, I carried a Peanut and Victorinox classic combo just like Carl did. I know Carl has had a profound effect on a lot of folk here, particularly the newbies. Must be some parts cool, some parts creepy that a bunch of random people on the internet follow your example! Getting back to the peanut, I learned I'm just not a big fan of clip points. Can't explain it. Tried several others, but they just don't "sing" to me. Did a GAW for the peanut here. Don't recall who won it, but hope it's getting the use it deserves. (Honestly, still kinda miss it.) Also prefer the Manager over the Classic for the pen and the blade the opens away from the keyring.
What I do like are spear points. It would also be nice to have a straight edge, for variety and utility, and mostly because I've owned only a few examples (which I barely used). I appreciate, and daresay prefer, that pocket knives can have multiple blades. Seems more ... efficient; packing more in the same space. I have also realized that while I like smaller knives, I also prefer chunkier ones. More blades helps with that. See Vic Manager vs. Classic.
Earlier this year, pmew/Paul - a terrific guy - sent me a GEC #18 Coyote in brown jigged bone. It was my first Wharncliffe. Besides appreciating the thoughtfulness of the gift, I quite liked the frame. I don't think that I've mentioned this to Paul, but I'm saving it to give to my son when he's old enough - I'm going to have the shield engraved with the initial of his first name. The PPP blade etch are actually my initials! His twin sister will get the 2016 limited edition Vic Classic alox in Orchid, which is more or less purple - her favorite color. When they are old enough is going to be determined in part by their mother. My wife doesn't understand my hobbies, but loves me enough to let me pursue them (responsibly).
I hadn't really considered the #18 Beagle, but I decided the other day on a whim to look at some knives (how often do you all do that?!) online, and came across some. Then it all came together regarding items above, as well as a few others:
- Less than 3" closed. Check.
- Peanut-like and chunky. Check.
- Spear point main. Check.
- Straight edge secondary. Check. (Not to mention secondary behind main.)
- Natural stag covers. Check. Sambar deer are native to India (along with other places in Asia) - I ethnically Indian, and was born there.
- Made in the USA. Check. Proud of my South Asian heritage, but equally proud to be a citizen of this great country. I try to support US manufacturers.
- Serial number 78. Check. My birth year.
DLT Trading was awesome to do business with (I believe they are a site sponsor, so the mention is ok. Obviously, if not, mods please remove.), and the shipping was fast. Without further ado, I give you:
I've been CEing and CFing it all week. Makes a terrific worry stone. If you've made it all the way through this post, thanks, and I hope you enjoyed it!
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The others are auditioning for more pocket time.
