The " Roosters " are crowing for the " Farmers"

wlfryjr · Feb 19, 2016

No Stilleto,Wyeth,or Watauga,yet.....

Jake has done me and this thread a great service ,Thanks Jake.

Notice the LF&C "perfected stag"(black composition typical to LF&C) and IXL "patent stag"(I think what we call pressed stag according to this: https://books.google.com/books?id=9...Other Laws Oct. 27,1884 synopsis 6616&f=false)

I still haven't verified the actual material we call pressed stag,which I'm thinking is IXL's patent stag(being ,as supposed,actual softened and pressed in a die, stag aka deer horns. All makers having a distinctive die impression.).

Here's the ones I have of the cuts Jake showed.Thanks again,great provenance.

Wostenholm "pressed stag"

LF&Cs
1.

2.

Remington

HSB OVB

DEs

1. About like in Jakes cut,maybe earlier. It is Empire ,they went out in 1930

2.1800s AF Shapleigh Hdwe

wlfryjr · Feb 19, 2016

Yes Robin GEC is getting it right.

RobbW · Feb 19, 2016

Lyle: I have a major happy every time I see you have updated this thread. :thumbup:.

wlfryjr · Feb 19, 2016

In this 1960 Wostenholm brochure their black composition is called imitation stag:

1.

2.Imitation stag with flat pruning blade(this might be Robin's knife

)

Pipeman · Feb 20, 2016

Thanks to you it is mine Lyle

Here she is with the Schrade "synthetic" showing it's distinctive colour.

Very best regards

Robin

pmew · May 8, 2016

So it had been almost a year since Lyle created his Lick Creek roosters and Charlie his Orchard Gem farmers. Bill Howard released his own Johnny Appleseed variants and all of them in different trims and styles and whatnot.

At the time, I was rather taken with this thread as Lyle poured image after image on top of layer over layer of history, documenting the evolving styles and variations of a pattern that has become undoubtedly his. I think most of us regulars could see the SFO approaching before it became official and then when they emerged we all agreed that they looked stunning! I however held off. I have been caught in the whirlwind of new releases before; the forum becomes enamoured with a new pattern, the hype grows and the conversations turn to; 'where do I get one? I have to have one! You can pre-order at... Hold on you can't post that here PM me. Imagine how good it would be with a cap lifter!' - and such like. I didn't want to fall for it all again so didn't get one.

Time passed and certain forum regulars (whom I respect greatly; Paul and Will) continued to post daily carry pictures of their farmers jacks long after the feeding frenzy had subsided. They still looked very good to me. I contacted the venerable Mr Campagna with whom I have always had very pleasant dealings and arranged for one of his few remaining Orchard Gems to come my way. What an outstanding chap, he sent two.

I'll not go into how beautiful they are, or how well made. They are of course the usual Great Eastern excellence which require much coon fingering and chicken eying and which tends to leave me purring away like an idling four stroke with a full tank - bliss. I contacted Charlie a little while later to let him know how impressed I was and he asked me to share my thoughts.

This amber jigged version has been getting a lot of pocket time of late. I really like the unorthodox shape and the almost comically large pruning blade that rides proud with the disdainful grace of a camels hump. The nail nick is practically redundant, as even with heavy work gloves I've been able to pinch the blade open with ease. It's so pinchable, that one handed opening is a breeze too. I grip the big blank plane of blade, hook the minor end of the frame into a pocket and pull - viola, open knife.

Being an old school freehand stone sharpener, the hawkbill posed a challenge for me. Initially, I used up-turned mugs but I knew that there would be a wife sized reproach if I kept that up so I invested in a couple of pairs of ceramic rods to keep the blades sharp. They worked beautifully well and the concave edge is wonderfully useful. It effortlessly zips through any kind of packaging and fastenings with derision. Pruning shrubs and trees is a doddle, and it manages all the usual household tasks too. The little spey is great as well. I love the huge belly on such a small blade, it makes the knife so versatile. I'm really very impressed indeed.

Mostly, I just like its unique nature. Until Lyle began this thread I was totally ignorant of the pattern. Had someone said to me; "what would you think of a wharncliffe frame with a hawkbill pruner main and a spey secondary?"
I probably would of laughed. Now I'm just smiling. I've another two on the way.

Paul

paulhilborn · May 8, 2016

Nice posts Paul, you hit on all the attributes the knife possesses. Often over looked but so versatile. I too was not aware in detail of what a great knife it is. I see that an African Blackwood will join the two beauties you posted. I actually prune very little but I own a Handy Man business in our small town and I'm amazed at all the tasks this knife excels at:thumbup:

Gevonovich · May 8, 2016

Thanks for the smile, Paul! Well written, great content, and very enjoyable read. I think these knives are some of the most wondrous out there:thumbup:

waynorth · May 8, 2016

Your wonderful scribblings were worth waiting for, Paul!
About the knife, as Paul (two? too? also?) has stated, and I paraphrase, you nailed its attributes! Brought back to our attention by Lyle, and exquisitely executed by Bill H, this knife does most jobs well. And continues to amaze me with its good looks!
Thanks for giving us your thoughtful musings!
And, I'm glad you are enjoying it!

RobbW · May 8, 2016

The SFOs are exceptionally well hafted and a pure delight to behold. Everyone involved in this project helped create beautiful masterpieces that are real tributes to the cutler's craft. Charlie's and Lyles are for my collection--I have other users.

supratentorial · May 8, 2016

wlfryjr said:
No Stilleto,Wyeth,or Watauga,yet.....

Jake has done me and this thread a great service ,Thanks Jake.

Happy to help!

wlfryjr said:
I still haven't verified the actual material we call pressed stag,which I'm thinking is IXL's patent stag(being ,as supposed,actual softened and pressed in a die, stag aka deer horns. All makers having a distinctive die impression.).

Here's the ones I have of the cuts Jake showed.Thanks again,great provenance.

I've also wondered about the material. Beautiful examples!

Will Power · May 9, 2016

Paul Very quick post as I should be heading out to work soon...:grumpy:. fine measured write-up and response with some atmospheric shots too.
The 38 frame in general is wonderful, and still offers more possibilities, but the Farmer's Jack is the outstanding version. Lyle's dedication to the pattern has always impressed me and when he and Mr C were able to commission an SFO I was enthusiasm personified, nor did it turn out to be hype (which can certainly be the case with some SFOs and the chorus around them..

.) I've been admiring the two I have, carrying them carefully but always with pleasure, then last week I decided to really use the Lick Creek, it's too good and beautiful NOT to use. A pruner blade is far from restrictive, it slices through oranges and apples with a pull cut excellently, boxes and bubble wrap, clam shells are helpless victims and its intended use in the garden as pruner and harvester is peerless. Firesticks it will tackle too for a burn-up or barbie. The Spey comes in handy as well as a slicer, they not only look beautiful, they feel just right in the hand. I'd buy an Ivory Bone just like that if I could or any others too.

My Daily Bread

Fruits of Labour

paulhilborn · May 9, 2016

Beautiful Composition Picture Wise Will of two Great Knives

:thumbup:

philllll · May 9, 2016

Spectacular write-up Paul, and great pictures everyone!!!

wlfryjr · May 9, 2016

With warmth and light comes a resurrection, thanks everybody.

Really smiling all the way through these posts,and glad you Paul and Will are enjoying those knives.

Campbellclanman · May 10, 2016

I agree Lyle Sir - it is great to see this Thread containing these spectacular knives - wonderful reading too on this page by all :thumbup:

pmew · May 10, 2016

paulhilborn said:
Nice posts Paul, you hit on all the attributes the knife possesses. Often over looked but so versatile. I too was not aware in detail of what a great knife it is. I see that an African Blackwood will join the two beauties you posted. I actually prune very little but I own a Handy Man business in our small town and I'm amazed at all the tasks this knife excels at:thumbup:

Thanks Paul

Gevonovich said:
Thanks for the smile, Paul! Well written, great content, and very enjoyable read. I think these knives are some of the most wondrous out there:thumbup:

If I'm able to make someone smile, that's good enough for me!

waynorth said:
Your wonderful scribblings were worth waiting for, Paul!
About the knife, as Paul (two? too? also?) has stated, and I paraphrase, you nailed its attributes! Brought back to our attention by Lyle, and exquisitely executed by Bill H, this knife does most jobs well. And continues to amaze me with its good looks!
Thanks for giving us your thoughtful musings!
And, I'm glad you are enjoying it!

Thanks again Charlie, both for the articles in question and the prodding into forum action

RobbW said:
The SFOs are exceptionally well hafted and a pure delight to behold. Everyone involved in this project helped create beautiful masterpieces that are real tributes to the cutler's craft. Charlie's and Lyles are for my collection--I have other users.

Beautiful pictures Robb, you must show us your users again though

Will Power said:
Paul Very quick post as I should be heading out to work soon...:grumpy:. fine measured write-up and response with some atmospheric shots too.
The 38 frame in general is wonderful, and still offers more possibilities, but the Farmer's Jack is the outstanding version. Lyle's dedication to the pattern has always impressed me and when he and Mr C were able to commission an SFO I was enthusiasm personified, nor did it turn out to be hype (which can certainly be the case with some SFOs and the chorus around them...) I've been admiring the two I have, carrying them carefully but always with pleasure, then last week I decided to really use the Lick Creek, it's too good and beautiful NOT to use. A pruner blade is far from restrictive, it slices through oranges and apples with a pull cut excellently, boxes and bubble wrap, clam shells are helpless victims and its intended use in the garden as pruner and harvester is peerless. Firesticks it will tackle too for a burn-up or barbie. The Spey comes in handy as well as a slicer, they not only look beautiful, they feel just right in the hand. I'd buy an Ivory Bone just like that if I could or any others too.

My Daily Bread

Fruits of Labour

Love the pictures Will, I too seek Lyle's two bone versions which elude me thus far (admittedly I haven't been searching for long and only recently acquired the two wood covered SFOs that are still with a re-mailing service in the US). They became a favourite very quickly.

philllll said:
Spectacular write-up Paul, and great pictures everyone!!!

Thanks Phill, I have read the whole thread several times now and find bits I hadn't noticed before every time I do.

texmex03 · Jul 6, 2016

I had always wanted one of these and even pestered Paul a time or two about his smooth ivory one, finally picked one up to try it out. The back spring and main blade are very stout.
Really like the long slightly raised bar shield on this jigging and color it pops really well.

Untitled by Josh, on Flickr

deltaboy · Jul 6, 2016

Great Thread.

Travman · Jul 30, 2016

Just reread a few pages of this thread. Now I feel the need for another with jigged bone.

I like the non-symmetrical look and how well the handle shape fits my hand. I like how some people are immediately repulsed by the look, but others are intrigued.