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nevermind, poor wording
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Traditional Choices for the day's work
- Thread starter Gary W. Graley
- Start date
Gary,
I'll try to focus on the how, not the what...
I keep my pocket knives in 3, no 4 places.
There is a very small pile on my dresser. These are knives I really love but rarely carry. An Ulster Camper. 2 Schrade 5OT (one from a forum friend, thanks always Dave) and a Buck 500 (my wife gave me one, I lost it and traded with a forum member for this one). Each of these knives is tied to my heart but they in my knife version of Pawtucket.
I keep two big folders in my kitchen drawer. My big 51OT and Buck 110. They are so big and heavy that I won't carry them. Here, they get some use and make me happy. But they mostly just stay right there.
My work bench and tool boxes usually have a few beaters laying around. Inside bench currently has a busted up Ulster camper and loaner Opinel 10.
None of these are my carry knives.
The is the how for the daily carry. I keep a large ceramic bowl on the fridge for loose change. My EDC knives go there. There is a LM Wave in a clip on sheath for odd jobs on the property and next to that, always an Opinel N9 and whatever else is floating around. Sometimes it's a knife I've brought from the minors, like the 500. Other times its another Opinel I'm experimenting with, like an 8 or a 10. I give a lot of them to friends and carry them till they're tuned.
I'm a skier and a cyclist and I think this makes me particularly fussy about "fit and feel". Good skis and good bikes disappear under you. There's a state of zen like joy when, in a few fleeting moments there is noting but the turn and nothing but the road rolling under you. In those moments, there is no ski and no bike and I'm just barely there. Working with wood can sometimes give me the same sort of drug. It's not as pronounced but its there. I try to take this mind set to everything. Even making a bagel. I get more moments of mindlessness with some knives than others. Some knives demand to be noticed and that's a bad thing. Blade isn't long enough to reach the peanut butter or the handle just doesn't fit the hands or I feel a persistent thump in my pocket when I walk.
I'm aware of a little test that's emerged for me. It's the coming home from work test. I unload my junk. Keys on the hook, cell phone off of my body (I loath the thing, honestly). I stand by the fridge. Sometimes, I'm so sick of the knife in my pocket that I change right then and there and finish off the day with a different knife.
I never toss the Opinel N9 out of my pocket at the end of the day. Never. This pair has emerged as my day in, day out, no matter where I go and what I'm doing selection. I've found my bike and skis too.
EDC Pair by Pinnah, on Flickr
I'll try to focus on the how, not the what...
I keep my pocket knives in 3, no 4 places.
There is a very small pile on my dresser. These are knives I really love but rarely carry. An Ulster Camper. 2 Schrade 5OT (one from a forum friend, thanks always Dave) and a Buck 500 (my wife gave me one, I lost it and traded with a forum member for this one). Each of these knives is tied to my heart but they in my knife version of Pawtucket.
I keep two big folders in my kitchen drawer. My big 51OT and Buck 110. They are so big and heavy that I won't carry them. Here, they get some use and make me happy. But they mostly just stay right there.
My work bench and tool boxes usually have a few beaters laying around. Inside bench currently has a busted up Ulster camper and loaner Opinel 10.
None of these are my carry knives.
The is the how for the daily carry. I keep a large ceramic bowl on the fridge for loose change. My EDC knives go there. There is a LM Wave in a clip on sheath for odd jobs on the property and next to that, always an Opinel N9 and whatever else is floating around. Sometimes it's a knife I've brought from the minors, like the 500. Other times its another Opinel I'm experimenting with, like an 8 or a 10. I give a lot of them to friends and carry them till they're tuned.
I'm a skier and a cyclist and I think this makes me particularly fussy about "fit and feel". Good skis and good bikes disappear under you. There's a state of zen like joy when, in a few fleeting moments there is noting but the turn and nothing but the road rolling under you. In those moments, there is no ski and no bike and I'm just barely there. Working with wood can sometimes give me the same sort of drug. It's not as pronounced but its there. I try to take this mind set to everything. Even making a bagel. I get more moments of mindlessness with some knives than others. Some knives demand to be noticed and that's a bad thing. Blade isn't long enough to reach the peanut butter or the handle just doesn't fit the hands or I feel a persistent thump in my pocket when I walk.
I'm aware of a little test that's emerged for me. It's the coming home from work test. I unload my junk. Keys on the hook, cell phone off of my body (I loath the thing, honestly). I stand by the fridge. Sometimes, I'm so sick of the knife in my pocket that I change right then and there and finish off the day with a different knife.
I never toss the Opinel N9 out of my pocket at the end of the day. Never. This pair has emerged as my day in, day out, no matter where I go and what I'm doing selection. I've found my bike and skis too.
EDC Pair by Pinnah, on Flickr
Gary W. Graley
“Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Mar 2, 1999
- Messages
- 27,784
Nice shot and great story there too, certainly makes some sense to it as well, thanks for posting.
Now, I need to figure out where I can get one of those little bit larger opinels that everyone seems to have!
G2
Now, I need to figure out where I can get one of those little bit larger opinels that everyone seems to have!
G2
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2000
- Messages
- 976
For the first time today, I am all SAK. I left the medium stockman on my vanity. I've tried desparately to convince myself that the 5 various sized blades between my 3 SAKs are all that will be needed to get'r done. Big-SOLO, Med.-Exploer, and Little-Pocket Pal. That Buck's sheepsfoot is the hard-one to replace, however.
Hey Jackknife.. that is a wonderful stockman. What is the full closed length of it? I have been looking for a good carbon steel stockman (a bit lighter than the average case medium stockman though) with little success. I have looked for one similar to yours but it seems to be 1 in a million kind of knife. Great looking pocket tool!!
I tend to be a one knife guy for periods of time where I'm infatuated with a particular knife. My damascus peanut went three years, My resolza is still being carried very often. Since April I haven't carried another knife but the Northwoods stockman. Last time I got infatuated with a stockman, it lasted for 25 years.
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2012
- Messages
- 8,815
I have settled into a routine. I always carry my Victorinox silver Alox Cadet. I usually carry a second slipjoint, but sometimes just the Cadet. For the first 4 months of the year, knife #2 was a Case Small Texas Jack. For the past 3 months it has been a Buck 303 Cadet. I will every so often carry something else in slot 2, such as on weekends where I may have specific activities in mind that might call for something else.
But in general, it's a pre-determined choice rather than a knife du jour decision made each day.
I tend to go with (1) a Vic Classic, usually in green, in front right pocket, and (2) a single-blade lockback in the watch pocket.
The second knife varies, mostly on whim. It's almost always one of these: Camillus #2, Schrade OT5 (either the carbon or the Schrade+), Buck 500 or 501, or Buck 55. More rarely, it'll be a Buck 112 (the 110 is much loved, but just too big for a watch pocket).
Today's it's a red Classic from this collection, and the woodie OT5 in the lower image.
Basically I do as many do keep a small collection of favorites on the dresser and choose the couteau(x) du jour from that.
The second knife varies, mostly on whim. It's almost always one of these: Camillus #2, Schrade OT5 (either the carbon or the Schrade+), Buck 500 or 501, or Buck 55. More rarely, it'll be a Buck 112 (the 110 is much loved, but just too big for a watch pocket).
Today's it's a red Classic from this collection, and the woodie OT5 in the lower image.
Basically I do as many do keep a small collection of favorites on the dresser and choose the couteau(x) du jour from that.
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 5,215
To make breakfast I have started using this 15. However, being a teacher and not wanting to be on the news, I don't carry at work. It feels like I am missing a shoe all day.
Could you tell me more about this 15 Scout? This is the exact knife I've been looking for! Any chance they are available anymore?
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2010
- Messages
- 2,348
Finding a single blade one is going to be very difficult but there are still some two blade versions out there. If your really set on the single blade version just keep watching the exchange on this forum as they do show up from time to time. I sold one exactly like this on there a few months ago.
It's 4 inches bolster to bolster. But the rounded profile of it makes it seem more compact both in hand and the pocket. I've really fallen in love with this knife because of many factors, including size. In a way, it's very reminiscent of my old Buck 301 stockman at 3 7/8th inches, that fits in between the 3 1/2 medium stockman and the 4 1/4 large stockman.
I don't know anything about it's heritage, but Dan, (silenthunterstudios) who gifted it to me might know where to get one like it. Most of all, I love the very light pulls of the blades. This may be my last knife.
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2013
- Messages
- 2,493
I've decided to downsize in numbers but not actual knife size .
For me a big Multitool paired with a traditional of some kind is all I need 99.9% of the time .
I have a small fixed blade coming in the mail and that will be an interesting addition - experiment .
My modern folders seem to have all been retired into obscurity .
I never thought I would bypass my Seb 21 in favour of a old Sheepsfoot bladed Traditional that was picked up cheaply because nobody else wanted it .
It's a funny old world
Ken
For me a big Multitool paired with a traditional of some kind is all I need 99.9% of the time .
I have a small fixed blade coming in the mail and that will be an interesting addition - experiment .
My modern folders seem to have all been retired into obscurity .
I never thought I would bypass my Seb 21 in favour of a old Sheepsfoot bladed Traditional that was picked up cheaply because nobody else wanted it .
It's a funny old world
Ken
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 5,215
I will be sure to keep an eye on the exchange. Could you PM me a link where I could get a 2-blade please? I can't find any Sheepsfoot 15's with an Easy Open feature...
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I never thought I would bypass my Seb 21 in favour of a old Sheepsfoot bladed Traditional that was picked up cheaply because nobody else wanted it .
It's a funny old world
Ken
A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add , but when there is nothing left to take away
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2008
- Messages
- 2,516
Im a blue collar worker and carry several slippys 24/7...I have carried all of my knives at some stage,and used them for whatever was required....In my humble opinion, there is no doubt in my mind that the Sodbuster would take a lot of beating in any sphere..What it lacks in aesthetics,it makes up for in many other ways.......FES
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2013
- Messages
- 647
I begin with one of two Leathermen: on my time a Micra from my Mother, and at work one of the original models a gift from old friends 25 years ago.
Then a #15 from GEC: a Boy's Radio or a Radio Jack, a single clip blade, or a one armed Razor Charlow. A Buck 112FG fills any need for a lock blade when needed.
Traditionals do the job.
Then a #15 from GEC: a Boy's Radio or a Radio Jack, a single clip blade, or a one armed Razor Charlow. A Buck 112FG fills any need for a lock blade when needed.
Traditionals do the job.
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2010
- Messages
- 2,348
Short version:
I drop an Opinel or a Swayback Jack in my pocket when I wake up. Reverse of that before bed. Repeat.
OK, it's a little more complicated than that...
Here's a long version:
My desk drawer has an organizer with a large well up front. In that is my grab pile. Right now, it holds a 108OT, 34OT, Case Swayback Jack, Case Peanut, Queen 9 work horse, a Douk Douk, Opinel #6, and an Opinel #8. Odds are good that it's going to be one of these that ends up in the pocket.
For the past several weeks (ever since a member here helped get me on board with the Opinels) either one of the Opinels or the Douk Douk has been in my rotation every day. The 108OT has sentimental value as it was in my pocket when my son was born and when I defended my MA and PhD, so if I'm doing something meaningful or memorable, I'll grab that. It's a good luck charm. The SBJ is a perennial favorite; if I can't really decide what to carry, that's what I grab. The Queen is currently under evaluation and I carry it occasionally, but it doesn't do a lot for me. It's probably getting sold or traded. Every now and then I'll drop a Vic tinker or Climber into the mix, but that's usually only if I think I'll need a driver.
I used to have days when I'd fuss over what I was going to carry and try to imagine what I might need, etc, etc. The Opinels and the Douk Douk have (for now...haha) really put a dent in that process. One of those comes out first. If it's not comfortable in whatever I'm wearing, something else will take its place. Odds are good that it'll be the SBJ. Maybe the Peanut.
OK, there might not actually be any logic to the process. I lead a very quiet semi-urban life as part-time professor and stay-at-home Dad. I carry knives because I like them and because I have for as long as I can remember. I am the opposite of a hard user.
The really short answer:
I don't know how I decide what to carry every day.
I drop an Opinel or a Swayback Jack in my pocket when I wake up. Reverse of that before bed. Repeat.
OK, it's a little more complicated than that...
Here's a long version:
My desk drawer has an organizer with a large well up front. In that is my grab pile. Right now, it holds a 108OT, 34OT, Case Swayback Jack, Case Peanut, Queen 9 work horse, a Douk Douk, Opinel #6, and an Opinel #8. Odds are good that it's going to be one of these that ends up in the pocket.
For the past several weeks (ever since a member here helped get me on board with the Opinels) either one of the Opinels or the Douk Douk has been in my rotation every day. The 108OT has sentimental value as it was in my pocket when my son was born and when I defended my MA and PhD, so if I'm doing something meaningful or memorable, I'll grab that. It's a good luck charm. The SBJ is a perennial favorite; if I can't really decide what to carry, that's what I grab. The Queen is currently under evaluation and I carry it occasionally, but it doesn't do a lot for me. It's probably getting sold or traded. Every now and then I'll drop a Vic tinker or Climber into the mix, but that's usually only if I think I'll need a driver.
I used to have days when I'd fuss over what I was going to carry and try to imagine what I might need, etc, etc. The Opinels and the Douk Douk have (for now...haha) really put a dent in that process. One of those comes out first. If it's not comfortable in whatever I'm wearing, something else will take its place. Odds are good that it'll be the SBJ. Maybe the Peanut.
OK, there might not actually be any logic to the process. I lead a very quiet semi-urban life as part-time professor and stay-at-home Dad. I carry knives because I like them and because I have for as long as I can remember. I am the opposite of a hard user.
The really short answer:
I don't know how I decide what to carry every day.
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Gary W. Graley
“Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Mar 2, 1999
- Messages
- 27,784
...The really short answer:
I don't know how I decide what to carry every day.
Indecision may or may not be your problem
But I'm guessing a lot of us do the very same thing, but paring down my options helps me decide. At work they would sometimes make bets on how many knives I had on me at any one time, same as my family at Thanksgiving, for some reason they just know I have more than one on me, go figure! But from those days I have cut back, pun intended, on the quantity I carry, but on a normal day, it's substantial, I can't seem to help myself...
This one is for food, this is for the tools it has, this because it's cool, this in case I need to cut open a package, this...another just cool item and it goes on and on.
There is a main stay for me though,
SAK black Alox Cadet
SAK Executive (probably the longest owned knife I have)
Le Compact by Chambriard with stag scales
Case Tuxedo in jigged bone
Cold Steel Tuff Lite
ZT 0770cf
Those are typically with me everyday, those below make cameo appearances as the mood strikes me
Tina 606
Benchmade 915
Opinel Slim #8 Bubinga wood
and I'm looking to add to my Opinel #8 Slim collection, just because they're so sleek looking
G2