The Traditional Knife of 2016

[hamsco]

I have purchased more Vipers. But my 2016 Drover Bladeforums knife has been my favorite. It gets my vote of knife of the year.

 

[redsparrow]

This thread should raise BF subscriptions substantially... ya it's that good. Fantastic photography of the highest caliber, knives to drool over and the prose of sages, just awesome! Thank you Posters especially the OP!

I have an idea of a knife to represent 2016 but it can't be revealed just yet. When it does get posted it'll be a game changer. It can't be shown just yet because this post should include a couple of new additions to the herd which have not been photographed as of yet. The past few days have been quite dreary here, not the right lighting to allow such a stunning knife to be presented properly. The weather forecast for the next several days is not much better so we'll have to wait it out, but I promise this, it will be worth the wait.

Just wanted to let you all know it's coming... and when it gets here it will be a game changer for sure. I can't say when but I will tell you this, my selection for 2016 will blow you away, so incredible I believe it needs a name. A powerful name, a poetic name, a name fitting a Czar of a knife, maybe a name like Earl or Steve. Got it... he shall be called Luke. Keep watching these pages because Luke will soon be here!

 

[Captain Howdy]

I've aquired 4 more Vic soldiers this year including my last for the year , a '99 which is in route. I also picked up
a couple of OC pioneers. I've always been a sucker for alox, but this year something new and somewhat familiar came along a half scout if you will, from GEC. The 35 harness jack gets my vote for 2016. It's a great pattern and I hope it will have some longevity in GEC's lineup.

 

[Old Engineer]

I will end the year with what I feel are some pretty good knives and it is hard for me to choose a favorite but here we go. I like Stag !!!
This may very well have the best F&F of any Northfield that I have .

Then there is the Smooth Bone version
Then there is the 85 Smooth Autumn Gold with a Sabre grind spear
Then I found this Old Cattaraugus which I Do Not think I could ever replace

Then there was this one .

Then there were the 72's
Then there were the 77 Barlows
Then there was the GAFishing GAW of which some day will be also gifted by me .
This is a special knife to me .
Then there were these 72's.PURPLE

Almost every one of them can be replaced except for this one that I have picked for 2016 . The Old Catt


Harry

 

[redsparrow]

Nice knives Harry! You definitely chose the best of them all, that Cat is stunning! Sleek, beautifully well worn and with a lock no less. Take good care of that one my friend. -James

 

[Old Engineer]

Nice knives Harry! You definitely chose the best of them all, that Cat is stunning! Sleek, beautifully well worn and with a lock no less. Take good care of that one my friend. -James

I will certainly will try to James and thanks very much for the kind words my friend.

Harry

 

[Jack Black]

This thread should raise BF subscriptions substantially... ya it's that good. Fantastic photography of the highest caliber, knives to drool over and the prose of sages, just awesome! Thank you Posters especially the OP!

I have an idea of a knife to represent 2016 but it can't be revealed just yet. When it does get posted it'll be a game changer. It can't be shown just yet because this post should include a couple of new additions to the herd which have not been photographed as of yet. The past few days have been quite dreary here, not the right lighting to allow such a stunning knife to be presented properly. The weather forecast for the next several days is not much better so we'll have to wait it out, but I promise this, it will be worth the wait.

Just wanted to let you all know it's coming... and when it gets here it will be a game changer for sure. I can't say when but I will tell you this, my selection for 2016 will blow you away, so incredible I believe it needs a name. A powerful name, a poetic name, a name fitting a Czar of a knife, maybe a name like Earl or Steve. Got it... he shall be called Luke. Keep watching these pages because Luke will soon be here!

Thanks for the kind words James, I'm sure looking forward to seeing Luke :thumbup:

Wonderful knives Harry, and I agree with James, your Catt is stunning :thumbup:

 

[pmew]

Great thread Jack :thumbup:


I've not had a massive year of it, but I've had some wonderful gifts from Charlie, Jack, Cody, Ken and Will - including old and new knives and of course some of my beloved 25s.

The highlights though have been three fold;



I was late to the party for the farmers jack but when I finally arrived, my what a party. Such a solid and versatile working knife, beautifully resurrected by Lyle, Charlie and GEC. A joy to use.



I must thank AKC for doing the deal that put this elusive 25 drop point into my hand. Truly the finest blade profile for the pattern. I had been after one for ages. So pleased.

But the one winner for 2016 for me was a surprise. It has the best fit and finish of any production knife I have ever handled. Seamless transitions, exquisite bone dye, very well executed jigging, no sharp edges or corners anywhere except for the bits that need to cut. Made by a great American company, resurrected and redesigned by a great American cutler from an old english pattern;



The Case Bose Teardrop. My knife of 2016.

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks Paul, great post, and an excellent choice for your knife of 2016 :thumbup:

 

[supratentorial]

That's a tough question. I've received some gifts which of course mean a lot. I couldn't pick one gift over another gift. A lot of nice knives have been produced this year. And this year, I've found some neat oldies as well.

GEC in particular has come a long way. It doesn't seem like much time has passed since they only made a couple of patterns but it's been... around 10 years. The SS #15 was a big surprise. And the elk even had a shield (shields have been dropped from stag). There have also been several nice barlows and in three different sizes! I'm looking forward to the new one.

Some real nice knives posted. :thumbup: I'm tempted to pick from your knives!

Excluding all gifts (since I couldn't pick one over another), I think maybe the old Schrade stockman that I bought on the exchange. I bought it way back in January--had to double check that it was this year and not last year. It reminds me of the Schrade 8OT from my childhood... though this knife has beautiful peach seed bone covers instead of the saw cut delrin.

 

[StoneBeard]

This is a wonderful thread Jack. I have really enjoyed all the pictures and insight that has lead to many of what I know are hard decisions in choosing just one knife for 2016.

While I truly enjoy every knife I have purchased this year I've chosen to use an Olympic rating system to show my appreciation for my top knives of 2016.

Coming in third with the bronze medal for 2016 is my #25 I'm burnt orange jigged bone. It was gifted to me by a fellow member in January as a first knife for my five year old son. It is not carried often but has spent some time with me which should add to it's sentimental value when he receives it.



In second with the silver is another fine example of generosity and the good friends we make here on the porch. I had regularly admired the Lambsfoot knives posted and was blown away when WhittlinAway sent me a fine example of Sheffield cutlery in feathered buffalo horn. It is a sturdy functional knife that is one of two in my pocket on most days.



And finally the gold medal winner and my choice as the traditional knife for 2016 is my #77 Barlow in natural canvas Micarta. I was lucky to purchase this knife from BigBiscuit back in August and it has been in my pocket almost every single day for the last four months. While not nearly as eye catching as jigged bone or exotic wood it is a rugged work horse. It has been dropped unintentionally multiple times, submerged in salt and fresh water, covered in dust and mud yet it continues to bounce back with minimal signs of ware. An incredibly durable companion for both light and heavy tasks that takes a razor edge with little effort.

 

[redsparrow]

This annual thread is a favorite of mine. It is always good and this year is no exception, in fact this year's thread is simply outstanding. Thank you all for your excellent choices presented so well. It has made for some very entertaining viewing.

The theme of this thread inspires a time of reflection and review that I find enjoyable and useful. Sorting, viewing, handling, and comparing knives that through out the year were able to enticed me to purchase them, is for me, an enjoyable pastime. It is a useful process, teaching me about my personal preferences so the knives I acquire, become more suitable with each passing year. Having worked thru this learning process for a few years, selecting only one knife as my "Traditional Knife of 2016" has not been an easy task.

Honorable Mention has to go to a pair of small blades I'm glad to have, even though they are smaller than my usual acquisition, the GEC 14 & 25. Both knives looked great and reviewed well so I tried them. Both surprised me with their capabilities and usefulness far exceeding my expectations.

The 2016 Forum knife (Drover) and a 1964-1969 redbone Case Barlow nearly became my number one choice but I decided my number one had to be a EDC, a knife that I would carry and use. Those two were more likely to be set aside and admired, carried only infrequently if at all.

This next contender is a fantastic design that would make an excellent EDC. It was seriously considered as a number one. It will be carried but probably only on a semi-regular bases,

Queen's amazing, beautiful, comfortable to hold 1948-1958 Barlow


The knife I am most thrilled with this year and would have been my choice for knife of the year if I was willing to EDC it, is a favorite pattern of mine. It's build quality and condition absolutely amazed me but because of it's age, it's unlikely to see any pocket time, the 100 year old

newly aquired 1902-1916 Valley Forge Barehead Ebony Jack


This next knife was another pleasant surprise. Purchased mostly for it's material but after using it for a few weeks, I have not been able to put it down. It's has an attractive American Chestnut handle and the blade is stainless. It's thin, light and feels great in hand. It slices through everything I throw at it without hesitation while staying sharp and still looks like new. When I first got it I posted this may be the one. Now having carried and used it the past several months, I'm still saying it is the one for me as an EDC and my choice for

The 2016 Knife of the year "Luke" a GEC 74!!!

 

[Jsega51]

I'll be completely honest with no sugar coating:

I simply cannot choose just one.

 

[SadSappySucker]

Okay. I'm ready to play!
This year has been very slow as far as purchases go which made this pretty easy.
First up, the forum knife.

I really intended on making this one a primary carry. I loved the blade combo. I'm partial to nice and symmetrical patterns like sleeve boards and equal ends. But mainly I really wanted to experience the manic that happens as rough jigged bone gets smoothed out and mellowed after days and days and days of pocket time. But unfortunately that all came to a sudden end.
Which brings me to knife number two, the Case peanut.

If I was picking a knife just from the ones I had purchased this year it would hands down be the peanut. I've carried it everyday(I think) since getting it over three weeks ago regardless if I was carrying another knife. This one currently takes the spot I originally intended for the forum knife.
Last, but not least, my runner up for last year's Knife of the Year thread, the 77 Barlow.

This is my "The Knife of 2016" by far. It was purchased new last September and has been in my pockets for the majority of the time. This year the knife has really started to show its age. I originally picked smooth white bone after seeing pictures of the old Russel barlows and the likes. The mellowing of the bone, the dark areas around the pins, the patina on the steel bolsters... I wanted a knife that would eventually scream with a story. The more I carry this one the more I want to carry it.

 

[Old Engineer]

This annual thread is a favorite of mine. It is always good and this year is no exception, in fact this year's thread is simply outstanding. Thank you all for your excellent choices presented so well. It has made for some very entertaining viewing.

The theme of this thread inspires a time of reflection and review that I find enjoyable and useful. Sorting, viewing, handling, and comparing knives that through out the year were able to enticed me to purchase them, is for me, an enjoyable pastime. It is a useful process, teaching me about my personal preferences so the knives I acquire, become more suitable with each passing year. Having worked thru this learning process for a few years, selecting only one knife as my "Traditional Knife of 2016" has not been an easy task.
This next knife was another pleasant surprise. Purchased mostly for it's material but after using it for a few weeks, I have not been able to put it down. It's has an attractive American Chestnut handle and the blade is stainless. It's thin, light and feels great in hand. It slices through everything I throw at it without hesitation while staying sharp and still looks like new. When I first got it I posted this may be the one. Now having carried and used it the past several months, I'm still saying it is the one for me as an EDC and my choice for

The 2016 Knife of the year "Luke" a GEC 74!!!

Thanks for FINALLY showing Luke James : It isn't always easy to pick a favorite is it ?? I certainly can not disagree with your choice . I like your 74 very much . They do fit my hand and they were very well made and I just like that pattern too. But then again , I am really drawn to the Valley Forge .

 

[Old Engineer]

I'll be completely honest with no sugar coating:

I simply cannot choose just one.

Sure you can Jake !!! Just look at them and which one would you least want to give up or lose .On the other hand : You have some outstanding knives my friend and I am not sure that I could choose , but send them all here and I will pick one for you. LOL I remember now that you should be getting another one soon and maybe that will be the one for 2016 .

Harry

 

[Old Engineer]

Jack Black : In my excitement , I completely forgot to tell you that I agree with you about Abbeydale , even thow the Stan Shaws are outstanding , there is just something about the aged Stag I guess .
Thanks for starting this thread . It causes us to reflect on what we acquired and to review the merits of why we chose that particular knife over another.
Thank you my friend !!!
Harry

 

[blee]

Nice thread, Jack. I slowed down on my traditional folder purchases this year. Last year I bought 16, and this year only 4. The Harvestors caught my fancy early in the year and I bought 2. Then the Beagle came out in Oil Sucker Wood, and I couldn't resist, even though I would have preferred a larger knife. Then, of course there was the Drover.

But, unfortunately, it didn't mean my spending was curtailed, because I started buying fixed blades. Most are Bark River Knives, and the Lon Humphrey Rustic Bravo started it. Because Sarah (Pertinux) has been buying Fiddleback knives with great looking burlap micarta handles, I couldn't resist when I saw the Lon Humphrey. Then I started getting the Bravo EDC, because it's small enough to put into my pocket. I also got an L.T. Wright Patriot and a Japanese kitchen knife with Aogami Super. Plus, I got back somewhat into Spyderco knives, buying 6 this year, in large part due to the HAP40 sprints.

If I had to chose traditional folder of the year, it would have to be the Drover. But knife of 2016 is the Bark River Bravo EDC in Dark Curly Maple, as it represent a change this year, and I've always liked curly maple stocks on fancy muzzleloaders.

 

[tmd_87]

It definitely is my #77 from the last run. Long match stricker pull, clip blade, great fit and finish. Saw cut bone covers. Checked a lot of boxes for me. 2nd and third would have to be my beer scout and crown lifter from the most recent run. The fit and finish on my beer scout is outstanding.

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk

 

[btb01]

Really enjoying this thread (as I knew I would). Thanks again, Jack!

The theme of this thread inspires a time of reflection and review that I find enjoyable and useful. Sorting, viewing, handling, and comparing knives that through out the year were able to enticed me to purchase them, is for me, an enjoyable pastime. It is a useful process, teaching me about my personal preferences so the knives I acquire, become more suitable with each passing year. Having worked thru this learning process for a few years, selecting only one knife as my "Traditional Knife of 2016" has not been an easy task.

Excellent observation on what exactly it is that makes this thread great! I wholeheartedly agree. :thumbup:

I'll be completely honest with no sugar coating:

I simply cannot choose just one.

But if you had too...?