The Quintessential Coke Bottle Thread (The Patterns, The History, The Experiences)

[Pàdruig]

This is a Day 7 & 8 update (with more to add possibly before Day #8 is over):

I am now just past a week with this exercise and it's been terrific. Like with most knives in extended user periods, this 97 sweetens with use and age, young as it may be yet. The walk-n-talk sings better and better with each day and the smoothness of its action is rather sublime. In fact, I handed the knife to my brother the other day for him to take a look at and he was rather impressed with how smooth its operation is. My brother is not the collector that I am but he has a deep appreciation for a quality tool and this 97 certainly made an impression.

This exercise requires me to make a somewhat conscious decision each day. Where in the past, I would go to my knife chest and make a selection each morning, this 97 remains on my nightstand and I simply put it in my pocket upon wakening. It will be interesting to see how my philosophies are shaped at the conclusion of the month of carry.

One of the sure signs of a regular user with a high carbon steel blade and back spring is the darkening of the blade spine as well as spring - my 97 is no exception to this and it's been fun seeing that patina develop. In addition to this, the bolsters are beginning to dull and the brass liners are losing their luster. There is a lot of time left in this exercise, I am curious what it will look like at the end.

My morning coffee and a rare treat I indulged in - a breakfast smoke (I usually don't smoke until the evening but it was a nice cool morning today).

 

[Quiet]

Dylan, interestingly, I have been carrying my #97 for the past four days, in a sort of solidarity. It's been doing well when paired with a modern folder and I've spent a great deal of time just admiring it. The #97 is an excellent gentleman's knife, and I'm enjoying having it in my pocket for an extended time. I'm also enjoying seeing you having a good time with yours, and am glad that it hasn't been the less than stellar experience it might have at first seemed like it would be!

 

[Pàdruig]

Dylan, interestingly, I have been carrying my #97 for the past four days, in a sort of solidarity. It's been doing well when paired with a modern folder and I've spent a great deal of time just admiring it. The #97 is an excellent gentleman's knife, and I'm enjoying having it in my pocket for an extended time. I'm also enjoying seeing you having a good time with yours, and am glad that it hasn't been the less than stellar experience it might have at first seemed like it would be!

It certainly has been eye-opening and goes to show how the whole "judging a book by its cover" mindset can certainly apply to knives as well. This 97 has sure blown a lot of my initially low expectations away.

 

[btb01]

Thank you, Barrett.

You bring up some good points regarding the 97. If I remember correctly, there was some concern with the recurve on these as well as the 86s when they were produced. The recurve on the 97, though slight, is far more noticeable than on the 86 clips. I also remember it being mentioned that the 97 blades are the same ones that were used on the 98 Camp Knives (that surely puts it into perspective on how big those 98s are, a piece that I haven't had the pleasure of experiencing).

Recurve blades are not my cup of tea, at least not on folders. I do think they are terrific on a large fixed blade that is used for chopping and such - on a folder though, I fail to see how useful it it is. The recurve on the 97s though, is so very slight that it doesn't rankle my nose like the recurves you see on a lot of modern folders, where I think they follow more of a form over function sort of design path.

In terms of sharpening though, I learned how to sharpen a recurve on a flat stone quite some time ago - it certainly can be done. I had a modern folder with S30V steel with a rather pronounced recurve. The only sharpening equipment I had at the time was a flat coarse stone - nothing special. It takes a lot of patience to sharpen S30V on a regular stone but it also helped me learn the techniques needed for hitting the full length of that recurve.

The uneven bevel actually came from the factory, which is something I have noticed more than once on GEC knives. It is very easy to correct as they have very short bevels due to the thinness of their grinds. Is the uneven grind exacerbated by the slight recurve? It is possible, as I think that it is going to require a bit more work on my part to get everything right where I want it but I don't believe that it will cause any further trouble in the future.

Makes sense, Dylan. I hope you didn’t take my post as me underestimating your sharpening abilities.

I don’t have any recurve blades — haven't really ever felt the need/desire to seek them out — and to be honest I wasn’t aware that you could sharpen them on a flat stone. Do you use just the edge of the stone?

Although they’re far from perfect, I’ve always appreciated GEC’s factory edges because they don’t “overdo” it, which generally makes it easy to set your own bevel/angle, and as you say, their grinds are normally nice and thin which I think makes sharpening quicker and easier.

 

[CVamberbonehead]

If you can use this knife on an elk, this would be the ultimate review lol. It looks like it would be just about perfect if you like a thin handle on a hunting knife. I dont, but I usually use fixed blades.

 

[Misplaced Hillbilly]

Makes sense, Dylan. I hope you didn’t take my post as me underestimating your sharpening abilities.

I don’t have any recurve blades — haven't really ever felt the need/desire to seek them out — and to be honest I wasn’t aware that you could sharpen them on a flat stone. Do you use just the edge of the stone?

Although they’re far from perfect, I’ve always appreciated GEC’s factory edges because they don’t “overdo” it, which generally makes it easy to set your own bevel/angle, and as you say, their grinds are normally nice and thin which I think makes sharpening quicker and easier.

If I may give an answer to my experience with the 97 and sharpening. The recurve is so slight that honestly I don't sharpen it any different than any other knife. Same for the 86 Oilfield,I just sharpen like normal. Now my normal is using a very fine(almost worn out) pocket diamond sharpener. It started as a medium on one side and fine on the other,but now I'd call it fine and super fine. Its 1 inch wide and about 3 inches long. I carry it in a leather slip in my left front pocket every day. If I'm at home when I do a touch up its usually just 2-3 passes per side on a ceramic rod. A ceramic rod is perfect for light touch ups on recurve edges.

 

[btb01]

If I may give an answer to my experience with the 97 and sharpening. The recurve is so slight that honestly I don't sharpen it any different than any other knife. Same for the 86 Oilfield,I just sharpen like normal. Now my normal is using a very fine(almost worn out) pocket diamond sharpener. It started as a medium on one side and fine on the other,but now I'd call it fine and super fine. Its 1 inch wide and about 3 inches long. I carry it in a leather slip in my left front pocket every day. If I'm at home when I do a touch up its usually just 2-3 passes per side on a ceramic rod. A ceramic rod is perfect for light touch ups on recurve edges.

I wondered when I saw the #86’s (which I actually did consider buying) how much sharpening it would take to basically flatten out the recurve. I always assumed rods (or a belt sharpener) would be best for recurved blades (as well as pruner blades). My sharpening set-up, which I’ve been using for a few years now, consists of two 8” DMT DiaSharp continuous surface plates in Fine (which is actually pretty coarse, at least when sharpening 1095) and Extra Fine. It’s simple and fast, but they don’t seem like they’d work well (or at all) for recurved blades.

 

[Quiet]

Both Misplaced Hillbilly and btb01 seem to have good sharpening foundations going on, and I'll add that for my #97s and #86s, I use a Spyderco Sharpmaker. The rod system makes sharpening knives with a recurve fairly easy. I then finish on my strop, which has been working very well. I will say that I feel that both of those models have a very light recurve so sharpening them has been pretty easy.

 

[Pàdruig]

Makes sense, Dylan. I hope you didn’t take my post as me underestimating your sharpening abilities.

I don’t have any recurve blades — haven't really ever felt the need/desire to seek them out — and to be honest I wasn’t aware that you could sharpen them on a flat stone. Do you use just the edge of the stone?

Although they’re far from perfect, I’ve always appreciated GEC’s factory edges because they don’t “overdo” it, which generally makes it easy to set your own bevel/angle, and as you say, their grinds are normally nice and thin which I think makes sharpening quicker and easier.

Not at all, Barrett. I'd still call my sharpening skills to be somewhat amateur. As long as I can get a usable edge that can pop hairs and I don't scratch the crud out of the blade, I am generally pretty happy.

I think David did a good job of explaining things. I'll go one step further and try to describe how I sharpen on a flat stone/plate. I never have the full length of the bevel flat on the stone - I start at the ricasso (or choil if applicable) and with a sweeping motion push the tip of the blade away from me in a steady motion, making sure the full bevel gets worked along the plate. For a deeper recurve like a had in the past, I've often started at the tip and worked my way down to the ricasso.

I'm not sure if that helps any (I may have to do a video or something later) but I've never had an issue. I also have the Spyderco Sharpmaker and though I've been unable to get as consistent results as I am with a flat stone, it is a terrific option and I use it to hone my kitchen knives and do light touch ups before hitting the strop (I've head the diamond rods are a worthy addition).

 

[Quiet]

Not at all, Barrett. I'd still call my sharpening skills to be somewhat amateur. As long as I can get a usable edge that can pop hairs and I don't scratch the crud out of the blade, I am generally pretty happy.

I think David did a good job of explaining things. I'll go one step further and try to describe how I sharpen on a flat stone/plate. I never have the full length of the bevel flat on the stone - I start at the ricasso (or choil if applicable) and with a sweeping motion push the tip of the blade away from me in a steady motion, making sure the full bevel gets worked along the plate. For a deeper recurve like a had in the past, I've often started at the tip and worked my way down to the ricasso.

I'm not sure if that helps any (I may have to do a video or something later) but I've never had an issue. I also have the Spyderco Sharpmaker and though I've been unable to get as consistent results as I am with a flat stone, it is a terrific option and I use it to hone my kitchen knives and do light touch ups before hitting the strop (I've head the diamond rods are a worthy addition).

I would just caution that the diamond rods require a pretty steady hand, and a good eye for keeping the blade perfectly vertical as it travels down the rods when sharpening. I scratched up the flats of a couple of cheap knives with scratches reaching up from the edge when I was still getting used to the Sharpmaker. I moved those on to friends who didn't mind a beater for the toolbox!

 

[Pàdruig]

Day #9:

The day is still rather young for me so I will definitely have more to touch on later but I did want to share an interesting observation that I kind of just stumbled on. I was fidgeting with the knife while I was pondering some code and was surprised to find myself absentmindedly opening the blade with one hand to the half stop. Once I had recognized what I was doing, I was a bit intrigued and started to practice opening this knife with just one hand.

It can be done!

 

[CVamberbonehead]

Day #9:

The day is still rather young for me so I will definitely have more to touch on later but I did want to share an interesting observation that I kind of just stumbled on. I was fidgeting with the knife while I was pondering some code and was surprised to find myself absentmindedly opening the blade with one hand to the half stop. Once I had recognized what I was doing, I was a bit intrigued and started to practice opening this knife with just one hand.

It can be done!

Maybe its the angle of the video here, but this looks so scary! It looks like you are pushing on the sharpened edge to open it past half stop!

 

[Pàdruig]

Maybe its the angle of the video here, but this looks so scary! It looks like you are pushing on the sharpened edge to open it past half stop!

I must admit that it is a technique (the pushing with thumb past the half stop) that I picked up from Mike (@knifeswapper). He uses that technique in his demonstration videos on his website.

For some reason (likely another absent minded habit), I adopted it and have been using it on most of my knives with half stops. No mishaps yet... (knocking on wood) I will say that the spring being as light as it is on the 97s, it doesn't take all that much pressure.

 

[Fire Beard]

I must admit that it is a technique (the pushing with thumb past the half stop) that I picked up from Mike (@knifeswapper). He uses that technique in his demonstration videos on his website.

For some reason (likely another absent minded habit), I adopted it and have been using it on most of my knives with half stops. No mishaps yet... (knocking on wood) I will say that the spring being as light as it is on the 97s, it doesn't take all that much pressure.

Ha! My very first thought was of Mike at CK and his demo videos. Years ago I would cringe watching him do that. Now it’s just expected. I dunno if you have a 23 from the new run, but I wouldn’t recommend trying it with that one!

I have always admired the lines of the 97, but never picked one up for one reason or another. After following this thread (and admiring the beautiful photos), it finally pushed me over the edge and today, I ordered one. I went with the micarta because that’s the one that has always called to me the most. Love the simplicity, the single long pull, etc.

Thanks for the inspiration (enablement?) by posting this thread!

 

[Pàdruig]

Day #9 continued:

Pickles, tomatoes, apples, and cucumbers - all fell before the mighty #97. Picture below is of fresh produce that I picked from my garden today.

The blade accompanied me under my house as I took a closer look at a plumbing leak - not excited about that really... Despite the 97 not getting brought out while I inspected my pipes, it's always nice knowing you have a capable blade at the ready.

Still in the midst of my kitchen remodel so I'm waiting for my wife to bring home dinner - she was out picking new countertops. While I wait, I think I'll have a dram and a smoke.

Tomorrow sees me doing my joyous civic duty and attending grand jury. During orientation the other week, we were told to bring some reading material as there is always "down time" between hearing cases. I get to do this every Wednesday until the end of next month.

The 97 will be in my pocket and I'll be bringing along a couple of classics that I'm in the middle of reading again.

 

[wildmike]

I have two 97's, and this thread has me thinking of picking up another. They really are fine knives.

I also have two 98 cattle knives, the very mild recurves has never presented even the slightest sharpening difficulty.

 

[Pàdruig]

Day 10 & 11:

Mostly the same as usual - garden work, food prep, etc. Finally got our subfloor installed in kitchen, dining room, and hallway - now we are in the middle of painting our cabinets while we wait on the actual flooring and counter tops to get in and installed. The 97 was excellent at prepping the doors and drawers for paint - shaving off old build up, marking and scoring for new hardware, etc.

Still loving the knife, still enjoying the experience.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Glad you're enjoying it still Dylan. I've been smiling along every time I get a notification that there's a new post in this thread. I think the 97's too large for my tastes, but it's fun to live vicariously

 

[Misplaced Hillbilly]

Glad you're enjoying it still Dylan. I've been smiling along every time I get a notification that there's a new post in this thread. I think the 97's too large for my tastes, but it's fun to live vicariously

You know while it is big, it really doesn't carry big imo. I know that doesn't make sense,but its slim overall thickness and rounded handle makes it more comfortable than you'd think. At least for me it does. Here's a comparison pic I did of some other large knives

I think this line up gives a good perspective for anyone that hasn't handled a 97, sometimes its easy to say "Oh its 4 1/2 inches closed". But sometimes its helpful to see it side by side something familiar.

This Case for example makes it look small side by side, however the Case is pretty darned big

 

[sitflyer]

You know while it is big, it really doesn't carry big imo. I know that doesn't make sense,but its slim overall thickness and rounded handle makes it more comfortable than you'd think. At least for me it does. Here's a comparison pic I did of some other large knives

I think this line up gives a good perspective for anyone that hasn't handled a 97, sometimes its easy to say "Oh its 4 1/2 inches closed". But sometimes its helpful to see it side by side something familiar.

This Case for example makes it look small side by side, however the Case is pretty darned big

I've had this same observation with my 97 Beavertail, it rides light in the pocket, and that really surprised me being as this is cargo shorts season for me. It carries smaller than it appears for some strange reason, it fills the hand in use, and yet, lends itself to be choked up on very well. All around, a pleasing user so far.