Vintage = Good Memories

JK Knives

JK Knives

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As I’m getting older (I’ll be 72 in August), I find myself remembering the simpler times from when I was younger, and using older gear like I used to.
I recently picked up a Mitchell 300A spinning reel from pre 1988 when they were still made in France, along with a Fenwick Blackhawk rod of the same age from when they were made in the USA. I’ve also been using my grampa’s metal tackle box from the 1950’s.
For cutting tools I’ve been using a pre 1980 Buck 112, a Buck 119 from 1990, or one of my vintage Imperial Kamp Kings.
I’ve even been using a Ray O Vac Sportsman flashlight from the 1970’s that I repaired, and when I go to the range I always include my 1983 Ruger Single Six .22.
I’ve started carrying the Westclox Pocket Ben pocket watch again that I bought at a Venture store in 1975.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my modern gear too, but I’m enjoying bringing back my “simpler days.” Maybe I should take my Crossman .22 pump pellet rifle down from the wall that I bought when I was 15 back in 1968, and shoot a few soda cans in the backyard!
 
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I've resurrected vintage rods and reels only to realize as much as I like them there's no comparison to modern equipment. The one exception is an Orvis fiberglass fly rod. As far as flashlights go, I've got an old Rayovac that takes 2 D batteries and is about as bright as a candle when compared to a modern AA flashlight. I enjoy older firearms I just wish my eyes were as sharp as they once were so I could be more accurate with open sights. I occasionally feel nostalgic and carry a knife I've had for years. I recently picked up an Old Timer Sharpfinger with kydex sheath and I'm loving it. I've got several with the factory leather sheath but the kydex sheath is a game changer.
The ViKtim was a classic display of the capabilities of the JK line!
 
Nice, John.

I have some old knives but rarely carry them anymore.
I cannot remember the last time I carried a Ranger, although I do coon-finger them in my collection.

Cool pictures and ironically, I had viKtim #9 out for cleaning and oiling yesterday.
20250614_192311.jpg
 
JK Knives said:
I agree on the flashlight, but it’s fun to have. I replaced the bulb with one for a 2D Maglite so it’s pretty bright. As for the Mitchell and Fenwick, for $28 out the door, I couldn’t pass it up.
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I picked up a couple Penn "greenies" that were in great condition for a really good price. I serviced them and added new line. I then listed then for sale at less than half the average selling prices I found online for reels in worse condition......they did not sell:confused:
 
I don't have much time for fishing, nor anyone that really wants to go with me, but I do enjoy getting out my old gear from time to time. Yes, the new gear is a top performer, but you can't deny the style of the old stuff. Made to last and good looking too.

When I was fly fishing heavily years ago, I used to use a JC Higgins automatic fly reel. It's a cool relic of marketing, as my understanding is that the name brand was loosely based on a Sears employee John Higgins. They slapped that logo on everything you could think of...fishing gear, knives, lanterns, etc. That logo was eventually replaced with the Ted Williams line.

As for vintage knives, I like a good variety of them. There's something very satisfying hearing the snick of a carbon blade snapping closed on a barlow or stockman.
 
Shakespeare Wondereel Model 1920, in box with velvet bag, manual, and tool, with my mother’s name engraved on the reel seat.
 

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John, I have 2 of those Shakespeare 1920's, also in box's, but neither has yours's or anyone else's mothers name on them!
Did I ever drag you down to the Mazon river to fish with me?
 
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We went to the Mazon river several times, now the old wooden bridge is replaced with a modern bridge.

B JACKSON said:
John, I have 2 of those Shakespeare 1920's, also in box's, but neither has yours's or anyone else's mothers name on them!
Did I ever drag you down to the Mazon river to fish with me?
Click to expand...
 
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