The Post-Vacation Duplicate Re-Gift Giveaway -- WINNER!! See post #29

[btb01]

A couple weeks ago, the wife, kiddo and I traveled to England to visit my brother and his family, who moved to Bath last year when my brother took a job at a University there. I shared some photos of our trip in the off-topic thread, so I won't bombard you with those again, but if you'd like to see them, they're here and here.

Part-way through our trip, a package arrived for me from Jack Black . Jack included a number of great items in the package (you can see everything here), including this Pallés Navaja.

Now anyone who has spent much time here on the Porch knows that Jack is an incredibly generous fellow, and he has sent wonderful gift packages to a lot of folks here, so he can hardly be blamed for forgetting that he had, in fact, sent me an almost identical Pallés folder back in February, when I was fortunate enough to win his Take the Gold or Open the Box! giveaway. That means I now have two of these sleek, slicey little folders!

So, with Jack's blessing, I'm going to pass along one of these knives (the slightly larger of the two) to one of you!

Here are the RULES for this giveaway:

• You must be a regular contributor here in Traditionals, let's say 35 posts as of the start of the GAW.
• On our trip to England, I traveled with one knife, a Tidioute spearpoint #25 in Ebony. For one entry into the GAW, please share your preferences, thoughts, reasoning, etc. behind what knives you like to bring with you when you travel.
• For one additional entry into the GAW, share some photos of a favorite trip (or trips) that you've taken, and maybe some of the stories behind them!
• I'll let this run for one week, ending at or around noon (MST) on Thursday, September 14th. That way I should be able to mail the knife out to the winner on the following Friday.

Here is the little Ebony #25 that I carried with me in England. I chose it partly because it fit well within the legal restrictions on knives in the UK, but also because I like how stout and capable these knives feel despite their small size, and how nicely it fits into your pocket. (That last part worked out well, because I learned after a couple days that if you use cash in the UK, you're going to end up with a pocket full of coins! I needed all the extra pocket space I could get! )

Good luck everyone!

 

[Will Power]

I'd like to take part as the spirit of this whole thing is so pleasant
But, I already have a near identical knife so I'll bow out

The other thing is that I don't travel on aeroplanes, ships only, so my travelling is rather limited. Nevertheless, any trip outside the house means careful consideration as to what knife to take For distance, I'd likely take a knife that could be replaced with ease, is light and looks good. So, CASE Penknife in Yellow D it would be.

Good luck paticipants and thanks to Barrett for sharing a very interesting trip & rounding it off with a decent GAW

Regards, Will

 

[Stropping Young Lad]

Very cool! Nice photos as well.

I'm in!

This is a hard one to answer for me. Being of the lower middle class variety, my wife and I tend to fly with only a carry-on each. That becomes a problem when it comes to knives. (Knives on a plane! Oh no!)

So I've made it a point to seek out the nearest knife shop once we land, and ship my new knife back to myself at the end of the journey!

As far as travel-by-car goes, I feel like my new favorite it going to be the GEC 25. It's small enough to disappear in my coin pocket, so I stay comfy the whole ride there. At the same time, it's beefy enough to do real knife chores with.

 

[Neko2]

Ooh, a friend for my Opinels, I'm in!

My travel is mostly by car (I'm like BA from A-Team with planes) so my options are far more open.
I usually keep a multi blade traditional modified for whittling plus a multitool at minimum but I do like to bring someone new with me when I'm out and about.
If I fear that where I'm going is tough on knives I pair it down to traditional plus Swisschamp so I don't feel completely naked

 

[abbydaddy]

Oh I am definitely in! I have been drooling over those Palles knives for a while. Very cool looking.

Entry One:
When it comes to traveling knives, it can vary depending on where I am going and how I am getting there. For airplane travel I usually prioritize replaceability, but over the last couple years I have broadened my options. The last time I drove to Canada one of the knives I took was actually the Bruckmann that Glennbad had generously gifted to me. It certainly doesn't count as replacable in any way, but I was driving and attending a conference, and it seemed like a great option. When I am traveling to wilder areas I usually bring a modern folder, but that is not what we are talking about in this forum. I do also frequently have to fly out East, and when there small and traditional is the name of the game.

My yellow delrin sodbuster jr is definitely a regular companion on trips, but I also sub in other slipjoints. My collection has grown, which makes me more willing to risk the loss of a more valuable knife these days. Because at this point I am realizing that it is more a function of sentimental value and irreplacability that make my favorite knives special. The ones that just cost money are easier to risk. But then I haven't lost any knives while traveling yet. We'll see how I feel if I lose one.

Entry two:

One of my all time favorite trips I have ever taken was to the Haida Gwaii. This trip was 5 years ago now, but it was one of the high points of my life. Our tour was through Morseby Explorers and we got to take a multi-day trip around the archipelago in a little zodiac. We stayed at a floating lodge, and an old whaling station that is now a small hippie commune. The Islands and the old village sites are amazing. The whole archipelago is a temperate rainforest, and the setting is stunning. As you go through the national park, the different village sites have Haida interpreters called Watchmen who share their knowledge and history of the places. SGang Gwaay is a Unesco world heritage site for a reason.View attachment 761764
Old totem/house poles in SGang Gwaay
View attachment 761765
An old partially finished and then abandoned dugout canoe.

 

[Jack Black]

Nicely done Barrett I must say that, even though we didn't actually meet on this occasion, it was a real pleasure having you here, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about your travels, and seeing your pics. Thank you for your own generous package, and once again, I must apologise for having the memory of a middle-aged goldfish!

I've done a fair bit of travelling in my life, and seen some beautiful places, but the past few years I've not felt like going too far away. I dare say I'll get the travelling bug back at some point, but for the moment I'm enjoying having adventures closer to home. I've mainly carried SAKs when I've travelled abroad, particularly the Mauser Officer's Knife I've had since 1982. Safe travels everyone, and good luck




(Not an entry, obviously! )

 

[WhittlinAway]

Barrett, thank you for your generosity in offering this GAW (and kudos to Jack for his generosity to you). Count me in, please. I always admire the old-world charm of the Pallés Navajas when I see them posted here and I'd be very happy to try carrying one.

I have a Vic Climber that my sister gave me as a college graduation gift many years ago and has accompanied me on most of my international travel since. The main blade has sliced many a salami—or local equivalent—and blocks of cheese for picnics and the scissors, punch, and variety of beverage and food container openers always come in handy. It is classic, useful, and doesn't seem to look out of place anywhere.

Here it is after doing its thing in Santorini, Greece earlier this year:

More recently I've also begun carrying a Camillus 72 and a block or two of basswood for whittling during down time. That knife is shown in my avatar along with a carving that I started from the same spot shown above, inspired by the island's blue-domed churches. You can see one in the background if you look closely.

My favorite trips have been to places that have long histories. It's quite humbling to be walking through streets filled with buildings that are all older than my country. One of those trips that I am sure I'll remember forever was a 2013 trip to Peru to visit Machu Picchu. It was truly awe inspiring and no photos can prepare you for the experience of seeing it and walking through it in person. The craftsmanship and knowledge behind it is mind boggling. Here's a picture that in no way does it justice:

If I may share one more from that trip, this is my favorite of all my photos from Peru, taken in the main square in Cusco:

Thank you again for offering this GAW, Barrett. Good luck to all who enter. I've been enjoying reading the other posts so far and look forward to those to come.

 

[Vaporstang]

Thanks for the generous GAW!
I took several trips for work to England and I carried the small Sears Rosewood knife. I took a later personal trip to Slovenia and Paris and carried the small Buck. They are robust enough to handle many jobs. They fit in the suitcase easily without taking any space or adding weight. And they were not "threatening" in any way. If they were confiscated, I was not out much. (Travel pics to follow, but need to sort and upload them.)

 

[Titan]

Thanks for this GAW, btb01 and I hope you enjoyed Bath!

For my first entry, the knife I'm thinking of bringing on my next travels is my Victorinox Super Tinker. I do think this has all the essentials I will be needing, and nothing more. (This will be paired with my Leatherman Charge for heavier duty use).

As for additional entry, I'll share these photos taken in Bath in May 2013 when I visited Europe for the first time. We had a work conference in Oxford and after this, colleagues from different parts of the world who were first timers in the UK (like me), decided to vote on where to go during our last weekend in the country-- London or Bath. I and the majority decided on Bath and I believe we made the right decision for what we have seen! A couple of pics:

Good luck to all entry here!

 

[abcdef]

Nice gaw.

 

[Pàdruig]

Barrett, I would like to take part if I may, mostly because I really enjoy these sort of giveaways. For me, it is less about the prize and more to do with the efforts that go into the entries. Oftentimes we are able to get some glimpses into the lives of our fellow forum brothers and sisters and it can be quite fun to experience each other's interests and hobbies through this window that is the internet.

I had a great time following your pictures and posts during your recent travels, it really looks like you had a grand time and to be quite honest, I was rather envious. I hope to be able to travel to Great Britain and experience that great country in the not so distant future myself.

Most of my travels abroad occurred when I was younger and involved in various mission work projects. I found myself in Mexico several times, and Argentina as well. As I have family in Ontario, Canada, I go up there periodically but haven't done so in quite some time. My most recent trip was earlier this year when I traveled across the country to see some family in Maine after a family loss. As it was a whirlwind trip and I was trying to go light and fast, I left the knives at home and just took a carry on for the plane ride.

Otherwise, all of my trips are more close to home. I like to spend as much time in the woods and mountains as I can and fortunately for me, the Pacific Northwest is full of both, despite all of the wildfires we have been dealing with lately. One of my favorite places to go, and I usually venture out a few times a year with some buddies, is the Firecamp Lakes area located in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness. It is a little cluster of lakes nestled in the mountains and trees in the middle of nowhere and it is just a terrific spot to hike in, spend several days, and hike back out. The country is gorgeous, the air is clean, and the quiet is wonderful. After discovering the place, my brother-in-law inadvertently had it named Fort Kicka** in Google Maps, the name has stuck to this day and we will often run into other hikers who hiked in simply because it was named such in their searches.

Here is me (on the left) with my brother-in-law on our first or second outing to Firecamp Lakes a few years ago. We are, of course, enjoying some of the finer things on the trail.

Here are some pictures of a thunderstorm rolling in a couple years ago while we were camped out at one of the lakes. (I might have shown these before)

Not too far from the lakes is Bear Peak which we usually try to summit at least once during each stay. On top, you feel you can almost reach out and touch Mt Jefferson.

Last year, while on one of our stays, we decided to take a short jaunt. What I didn't realize is that some of my companions were rather bent on climbing Bear Peak and as I didn't bring my water, I stayed refreshed with "snow cones". Here is me raising one to the mountain when we reached the top.

A couple more from my trip earlier this year at the end of May.

My apologies, I probably got a little carried away with the pictures but it truly is one of my favorite places to venture to and I never tire of it. I should probably talk about my knives now.

When I venture out to the woods, I generally carry an assortment of fixed blades and the selection varies depending on what ever fanciful whim seems to take me. But I always have a Victorinox Huntsman, it has never occurred to me to leave it behind. Everything from whittling, food prep, camp kitchen duties, to splinter removal and 1st Aid, it takes care of business and does so in a neat, tidy package. The picture below is pretty indicative of what I take with me, albeit a stripped down version, though I usually have a few modern fixed blades as opposed to the 119.

As I am getting ready to leave for some hunting in the woods after work, I am going to be taking Rosie with me as well. I think she will be more than up to whatever task I toss her way.

I might have made this post a lot more long winded than I intended but thank you, btb01 , for hosting a terrific giveaway, I am certainly looking forward to seeing more entries.

 

[Hickory n steel]

This I a great giveaway, and an interesting knife that's certainly not to common here in the us.
I'd love e the chance to check one out.


I don't really travel much, but a few weeks ago when I went and stayed with my family for a few days I took my Victorinox tinker or recruit ( I can't remember exactly which one it was but you can't go wrong with either ) Because amount of utility and function in one package.
It's a highly functional knife with some additional added utility.

 

[Titan]

Barrett, I would like to take part if I may, mostly because I really enjoy these sort of giveaways. For me, it is less about the prize and more to do with the efforts that go into the entries. Oftentimes we are able to get some glimpses into the lives of our fellow forum brothers and sisters and it can be quite fun to experience each other's interests and hobbies through this window that is the internet.

I had a great time following your pictures and posts during your recent travels, it really looks like you had a grand time and to be quite honest, I was rather envious. I hope to be able to travel to Great Britain and experience that great country in the not so distant future myself.

Most of my travels abroad occurred when I was younger and involved in various mission work projects. I found myself in Mexico several times, and Argentina as well. As I have family in Ontario, Canada, I go up there periodically but haven't done so in quite some time. My most recent trip was earlier this year when I traveled across the country to see some family in Maine after a family loss. As it was a whirlwind trip and I was trying to go light and fast, I left the knives at home and just took a carry on for the plane ride.

Otherwise, all of my trips are more close to home. I like to spend as much time in the woods and mountains as I can and fortunately for me, the Pacific Northwest is full of both, despite all of the wildfires we have been dealing with lately. One of my favorite places to go, and I usually venture out a few times a year with some buddies, is the Firecamp Lakes area located in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness. It is a little cluster of lakes nestled in the mountains and trees in the middle of nowhere and it is just a terrific spot to hike in, spend several days, and hike back out. The country is gorgeous, the air is clean, and the quiet is wonderful. After discovering the place, my brother-in-law inadvertently had it named Fort Kicka** in Google Maps, the name has stuck to this day and we will often run into other hikers who hiked in simply because it was named such in their searches.

Here is me (on the left) with my brother-in-law on our first or second outing to Firecamp Lakes a few years ago. We are, of course, enjoying some of the finer things on the trail.

Here are some pictures of a thunderstorm rolling in a couple years ago while we were camped out at one of the lakes. (I might have shown these before)

Not too far from the lakes is Bear Peak which we usually try to summit at least once during each stay. On top, you feel you can almost reach out and touch Mt Jefferson.

Last year, while on one of our stays, we decided to take a short jaunt. What I didn't realize is that some of my companions were rather bent on climbing Bear Peak and as I didn't bring my water, I stayed refreshed with "snow cones". Here is me raising one to the mountain when we reached the top.

A couple more from my trip earlier this year at the end of May.

My apologies, I probably got a little carried away with the pictures but it truly is one of my favorite places to venture to and I never tire of it. I should probably talk about my knives now.

When I venture out to the woods, I generally carry an assortment of fixed blades and the selection varies depending on what ever fanciful whim seems to take me. But I always have a Victorinox Huntsman, it has never occurred to me to leave it behind. Everything from whittling, food prep, camp kitchen duties, to splinter removal and 1st Aid, it takes care of business and does so in a neat, tidy package. The picture below is pretty indicative of what I take with me, albeit a stripped down version, though I usually have a few modern fixed blades as opposed to the 119.

As I am getting ready to leave for some hunting in the woods after work, I am going to be taking Rosie with me as well. I think she will be more than up to whatever task I toss her way.

I might have made this post a lot more long winded than I intended but thank you, btb01 , for hosting a terrific giveaway, I am certainly looking forward to seeing more entries.

What a post! I especially like the fact that you get to bond with your brother-in-law and that you find the SAK Huntsman are very capable multitool in your adventures

 

[Wurrwulf]

That's a beautiful knife that you're generously giving away, Barrett. Thank you. I enjoyed your tales and photos from your trip to Bath. Your 25 looked fantastic among the scenery.

I recently went on a wonderful vacation to Nova Scotia with my wife, daughter, and father-in-law that included the gorgeous views of Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Peggy's Cove, and Grand-Pre. Being from southeast Louisiana, I'm not too far from authentic Cajun Country, and my wife's family can actually trace their roots back to Nova Scotia and the Acadians. It was wonderful to see three generations of Cajun blood overlooking Grand-Pre! Not to mention the ~30*F temperature drop from back home was quite welcome.

Here's a picture from Lunenburg that is reminiscent of many of the gorgeous bay views in beautiful Nova Scotia.

As this was my first time flying, and the only checked baggage that we brought was my daughter's Pack-N-Play, I wanted to bring only a couple of knives. Of course, one of them had to be a Peanut! My Victrinox Waiter helped lift quite a few caps after our days of exploring. As always, these two were fully capable yet svelte and pocket friendly.

I apologize for the cell phone pictures. We were travelling with our 1 year old daughter, so packing "light" was actually quite a handful! The camera bag was actually emptied out before the trip and used as a snacks/boarding pass back pack.

Thanks, again, Barrett! Good luck to all entrants!

 

[Bigfattyt]

When I travel, I usually like to bring an Opinel. Very non threatening and if they get lost or I have to leave it for what ever reason, not a big loss. Often I pair a SAK as well.

Here is a selection I took on my summer vacation to Tahoe. After relaxing and sharpening them all.

 

[Bigfattyt]

As for a favorite trip, that is a tough one.

Probably a "trip" to Bulgaria. For two years. Back in 96 to 98.

So long ago, that I don't have many digital photos. Just scans.

Here is a picture of me and my pals. Using a bread knife to get Thanksgiving Dinner started. Im the one in the middle with the bread knife. The neighbor with the hatchet left town, and we had to make due. Also, no store sold turkeys, so two of the group had to take a bus out to a village, early and actually catch the turkey. The farmer was hay to sell it, as long as they could catch it. Then they had to ride the bus back...... 2 hours with an angry turkey!

 

[Vaporstang]

I made five trips of two weeks each to England for work back in 2008/2009. Loved it! On the weekend between the two weeks site-seeing; castles mainly but did see the tower bridge also.

 

[deltaboy]

I love a Barlow and a SAK for road trips. They don't take up much space and are sheep friendly. This knife would fit into my routine with no problem!

 

[WValtakis]

Thanks so much for the chance at what looks to be a great little apple slicer

If we're just driving somewhere I'll aways take my EDC Ohta whittler and then grab a couple others that strike my fancy for the trip, if we're flying then it's just a Pioneer X in the checked baggage. Fully capable of any tasks I'll come across, and relatively cheap to replace if needed.

I'll try to dig up some vacation pics for a second entry

~Chip

 

[WValtakis]

Our last big vacation, to Disney World... memorable for me because I finally put in an order for a Randall when we visited the shop (and I have received the Randall, so we're probably due for another big vacation )



~Chip