To Shield or not to Shield?

[crbauhs]

Ive got to say its a piece by piece descion. I have bone handled and delrin handle knives that would look horrible without a shield. However when I look at my stag knives if it had a shield it would just look wrong.

 

[jackknife]

With stag like that, there should be a minimum jail term to clutter it up with a shield!

 

[kamagong]

Ive got to say its a piece by piece descion. I have bone handled and delrin handle knives that would look horrible without a shield. However when I look at my stag knives if it had a shield it would just look wrong.

I don't think there's a right or wrong answer to this question. I agree with Corey in principle when it comes to stag knives, but even that is not a hard and fast rule. Take this Ohta for example -

I think it looks good with a shield.

- Christian

 

[somniloquist]

I think the low end "working man's knife" like the Barlow and Sodbuster don't have shields because they were meant to be inexpensive. But, both have little room for shields or they just look kinda silly on those frames. Sheilds are better left off of those two patterns IMHO.

I think this sums up my take on the issue perfectly. I have seen the odd sodbuster with a shield that looked alright, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

 

[waynorth]

It's mostly been said here, and eloquently at that!
Some must have shields, and some shouldn't have them.
A shield on a traditional regular-sized Barlow looks wrong for instance.
But what would a sowbelly be without the Bathing Beauty shield??

 

[Ken44]

I think the low end "working man's knife" like the Barlow and Sodbuster don't have shields because they were meant to be inexpensive.

But, both have little room for shields or they just look kinda silly on those frames. Sheilds are better left off of those two patterns IMHO.

Silly on those frames say you, but I kinda think the one in my avatar looks pretty dog gone good myself





I wouldn't want a Barlow with shield at all, or a factory sodbuster. But I do like a shield on a fine custom soddie such as the KHnutbuster.

 

[din]

for me it depends entirely on the knife and/or shield in question. I don't appreciate a lot of shield patterns that seem to be in favor with a lot of folks, but unless I really dislike the shield a lot it's not a dealbreaker. when it comes right down to it, though, my preference is for no shield and no (or at least very small) bolsters.

 

[jivedaddy]

I voted like most of the others-I like the looks of a shield, but not a deal-breaker, some knives look great without a shield too.

 

[SteelSnob]

I'm new to this but I haven't seen a shield I didn't like(I'm the Will Rogers of shields hahah) on a custom knife. I have seen some production shields I didn't care for though.

 

[kai76]

Silly on those frames say you, but I kinda think the one in my avatar looks pretty dog gone good myself


I wouldn't want a Barlow with shield at all, or a factory sodbuster. But I do like a shield on a fine custom soddie such as the KHnutbuster.

Yes, that is a sweet looking KHnutbuster. The gimp shield is one of my favorite and I think it looks good on most knives.

 

[HAKnPocket]

I like both but it depends on the pattern. Soddie, barlows, and shadow patterns no not really but stockmen and jacks I like em. Just really a personal preference I guess.


HAK

 

[Absintheur]

I think if you are going to add a shield to good stag the shield should be unusual...

But whoever said shadow pattern look good sans shield was right...

Knife shape also plays a part tho...a long knife deserves a long shield...

 

[hunterfisher808]

I like shields if they enhance the overall theme/aesthetics of the knife. Many productions seem to have them as an after thought or just a place to put the brand name on (these would do better w/o shields). Then certain patterns traditionally have no shields. Just my .02

 

[cnas122]

Hell...on my customs I get double-shields

 

[Blues]

Hell...on my customs I get double-shields

That's just a carryover from your previous experience ordering doubles!




(Edited to add: I'm kidding (above) but proud of you, brother. :thumbup

 

[Rick]

With stag like that, there should be a minimum jail term to clutter it up with a shield!

This stag is somewhat similar, and YMMV, but I think the shield is a perfect finishing touch.

 

[SteelSnob]

Hell...on my customs I get double-shields

Heck yeah! I didn't even know that was a option. I'm going to have to get one like that.

 

[Will Power]

Generally speaking, for most patterns, a knife will benefit from having the appropriate shield.

Absolutely:thumbup:

The right shield in the right place. Think of older Congress knives with a simple bar shield, really shows off the length and elegance of the knife. With stag, the shield must be inlet very skillfully so as not to disturb the 'gnarl'

Those bar shields are getting scarce....

 

[cnas122]

Heck yeah! I didn't even know that was a option. I'm going to have to get one like that.

That's the great thing about customs....you can customize them

 

[Goatsfoot]

I like the shield only if it is pinned. Glued shields tend to fall out and really annoy me. My preference is for a knife with minimal markings.