What is your most special knife - A GAW

Very generous GAW. Thanks for the chance. I'm in for the Lone Wolf.
My parents bought me this SAK in Basel before anyone I knew had heard of them. I'm sure I've told my Swiss Army Pre-Raphaelite story, so I'll spare you.
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Entry for @Misplaced Hillbilly for the @waynorth seahorse.

Not even close, despite owning knives costing thousands of dollars, the force is strong with my dad's Case stockman. Is the only knife I remember him carrying and never remember him without it. Due to his employment as a brakeman / conductor on the Rock Island Railroad, he rode trains constantly, these items have traveled many, many miles. In those hundreds of thousands of miles there were accidents, people hit trains and trains hit people. As conductor, the blame got put on him if possible. Remember Dad telling me stories about gasoline tankers bearing down on crossings too fast while they were already going across. Trucks looking like they might be going to hit them, having trouble getting stopped in time, with him and the other brakeman ready to jump off the caboose. The threat of an accident was real, but horseshoes on his pocketwatch fob were there to keep away the gremlins.

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But what really makes this knife special is the backside. One day Dad was using the knife as a tack hammer and broke the backside bone scale in pieces. He sent it to Case to be repaired per their lifetime warranty. HAH! They correctly sent it back stating it was abuse and he would have to pay to have it repaired. "I'll show them and fix it myself". So he wrote his name on it and globbed epoxy in place of the broken scale. A little sandpaper and good as new. Stubborn. And he continued to carry it everyday till he passed. Once I gifted him a new stockman, but it remains unused to this day.

Looking back I realize that by fixing it himself, he created a bond with that knife that remains to this day. At one time considered sending it to Case and having it fixed, but that would be the mistake of a lifetime.

Recurves are from years of use, spey is still full. Snappy but no nailbreaker, perfect. Bill's NAPA Farm and Auto Supply had a large carborundum stone on their counter. Remember him sharpening it there while waiting on parts. Most everyone who came in used that stone. Since he passed all I have done is strop it a little and occasionally carry it around the house. Still wicked sharp.

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Thank you for the thoughtful giveaway, abbydaddy, and if I win, I would prefer the Case Seahorse.

I have always thought the Northfield #72 Mini-hunter lockback was the epitome of beauty in the pocket knife world. The ergonomic and shapely contours of the frame, together with the threaded bolster and, to my eye, the best looking clip blade extant, make it the jewel of pocket cutlery. When you add in the spectacular color and texture of this example in red stag, my eye says, "The best of the best!"

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Now, to make it even more special, a few years back I was in financial straights and decided, painfully, to sell this knife. This was well before the price of GECs skyrocketed on the secondary markets, yet I still got a princely sum for selling it. When I contacted the buyer for shipping info, he told me he realized what the knife meant to me, and said to keep both the knife and the payment! Needless to say, this is now a VERY special knife to me, and will never be let go.

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I don't have any knives that were presents from the family or immediate friends, nobody has had even the slightest interest in knives so there are no emotional connexions there, pity.

But, friends here on the Forum have often been generous but one stands out for me. Last year I got in touch with Big Biscuit as I had a surplus Boy's 15 in jigged bone I thought he would like. I told him it was simply a gift and wanted nothing back, but he ignored me. Almost exactly a year ago, received a very nice package from him with this fine BB Winchester Sowbelly, a beautiful Bison leather pouch-which I often use and a US Half Dollar as I'd often commented on the beauty of your American coins. It's poignant for me and naturally others, that Bob died not very long after this, he was a Forum friend and comrade and this makes this knife very special for me yet in a happy not mournful way. With respect Bob.:thumbsup:

I'd like the Lone Wolf if I'm lucky enough.

Thanks, Will

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When I came home from my second tour in the sandbox I took some of the savings and commissioned these knives for my brother and myself. Each of us got one. I figure it's the only heirloom I'm passing down.

Knives by Tim Hartman of New Mexico, engraving by the late great Ron Nott, photo by Coop.
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Thank you for the thoughtful giveaway abbydaddy! If I win, I would proudly pocket either of the knives. :)

This Schrade Walden Old Timer 8OT is my most cherished knife!

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This knife belonged to my paternal grandfather. When I was young I used to aggravate my granddaddy every time we went to visit, wanting to see his knife. I guess this is where I really got my love of pocket knives from. My granddaddy and grandmother were hard working folks. They raised chickens and sold them two or three times a year. They always had about an acre garden. They raised enough food for our whole family and were always very generous to the neighbors and their friends at church.

My granddaddy also raised Fox Hounds. He and his brothers were big time Fox hunters in the mountains of North Georgia. I will never forget when I was visiting one time two men came to buy a dog from my granddaddy. Now this was sometime in the 1960's, I don't remember exactly when. What I do remember is watching one of the men count out ten $100 bills for one of my granddaddy's dogs. That really left a big impression of this young boy because I had never saw that much money at one time before in my life. Something else I'll never forget, as soon as the men were loaded up and gone here comes my Grandmother with her hand out! ;) I can still see that big ole grin on her face when he handed her the money!

So as you can see this Old Timer has seen a lot of good honest use. It's the only knife I ever remember him owning. I normally get it out every once in a while to wipe it down and reminisce a little. Those were grand times. He and I were really close. He passed away in 1968, I was fourteen years old. All of us grandkids were out on the front porch after the funeral service when my grandmother called me over to the side. She held out her hand, I reached out and she dropped his Old Timer into my hand. I will never forget as long as I live what she said. Bill would have wanted you to have this! The Good Lord only knows you aggravated him enough about it, it should be yours. :)
 
Half/Stop said:
Thank you for the thoughtful giveaway abbydaddy! If I win, I would proudly pocket either of the knives. :)

This Schrade Walden Old Timer 8OT is my most cherished knife!

31002392618_c95a24a873_b.jpg


This knife belonged to my paternal grandfather. When I was young I used to aggravate my granddaddy every time we went to visit, wanting to see his knife. I guess this is where I really got my love of pocket knives from. My granddaddy and grandmother were hard working folks. They raised chickens and sold them two or three times a year. They always had about an acre garden. They raised enough food for our whole family and were always very generous to the neighbors and their friends at church.

My granddaddy also raised Fox Hounds. He and his brothers were big time Fox hunters in the mountains of North Georgia. I will never forget when I was visiting one time two men came to buy a dog from my granddaddy. Now this was sometime in the 1960's, I don't remember exactly when. What I do remember is watching one of the men count out ten $100 bills for one of my granddaddy's dogs. That really left a big impression of this young boy because I had never saw that much money at one time before in my life. Something else I'll never forget, as soon as the men were loaded up and gone here comes my Grandmother with her hand out! ;) I can still see that big ole grin on her face when he handed her the money!

So as you can see this Old Timer has seen a lot of good honest use. It's the only knife I ever remember him owning. I normally get it out every once in a while to wipe it down and reminisce a little. Those were grand times. He and I were really close. He passed away in 1968, I was fourteen years old. All of us grandkids were out on the front porch after the funeral service when my grandmother called me over to the side. She held out her hand, I reached out and she dropped his Old Timer into my hand. I will never forget as long as I live what she said. Bill would have wanted you to have this! The Good Lord only knows you aggravated him enough about it, it should be yours. :)
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Great story.
 
Thanks for the neat GAW!

I thought about what knife I'd keep and it came down to one. My son gave me a knife when he was 5. He suggested it and my wife took him to the antique mall. She really wanted the sterling sliver watch pocket knife but he picked this
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And he was right!

This is the last one to go of all my knives, many more useful and many better made because my little boy thought of and picked it out just for me.

It was also a bit before my dad died so it ties me to a better time when all 3 generations were still around.

If I get chosen, I'd like the seahorse. Love those funky looking guys.

Thanks again.
 
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Great GAW and even better story... I'm in for sure. Tough choice but I would have to go with the seahorse.

I have 2 knives that I would not part with, the first is the knife that my dad always carried when we went camping. the second is the first real knife I got, an SAK Alox pioneer.

Dads scout

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My Pioneer

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black mamba said:
Thank you for the thoughtful giveaway, abbydaddy, and if I win, I would prefer the Case Seahorse.

I have always thought the Northfield #72 Mini-hunter lockback was the epitome of beauty in the pocket knife world. The ergonomic and shapely contours of the frame, together with the threaded bolster and, to my eye, the best looking clip blade extant, make it the jewel of pocket cutlery. When you add in the spectacular color and texture of this example in red stag, my eye says, "The best of the best!"

ik0xkG4.jpg


Now, to make it even more special, a few years back I was in financial straights and decided, painfully, to sell this knife. This was well before the price of GECs skyrocketed on the secondary markets, yet I still got a princely sum for selling it. When I contacted the buyer for shipping info, he told me he realized what the knife meant to me, and said to keep both the knife and the payment! Needless to say, this is now a VERY special knife to me, and will never be let go.

F4fMtyY.jpg
Click to expand...

That’s a great story, and a gorgeous knife! I wish GEC would do more red stag. If you ever want to sell it, let me know. (Joking)

onojoe said:
Great GAW and even better story... I'm in for sure. Tough choice but I would have to go with the seahorse.

I have 2 knives that I would not part with, the first is the knife that my dad always carried when we went camping. the second is the first real knife I got, an SAK Alox pioneer.

Dads scout

wuRYSCJ.jpg


My Pioneer

TPq51kv.jpg
Click to expand...

I just bought the twin brother of your Dad’s scout at a farmers market, still has the original edge! :eek:
 
onojoe said:
Great GAW and even better story... I'm in for sure. Tough choice but I would have to go with the seahorse.

I have 2 knives that I would not part with, the first is the knife that my dad always carried when we went camping. the second is the first real knife I got, an SAK Alox pioneer.

Dads scout

wuRYSCJ.jpg


My Pioneer

TPq51kv.jpg
Click to expand...
OK... sooooooo which one you keepin'? ;) It's easy to narrow it down to just two knives :D
 
Thanks for the opportunity to enter the GAW.

I’ve posted this picture before but I like it and it’s been awhile. This knife was my Grandad’s knife he gave to me in 1997. I was bow hunting out at his place in Montana and he handed it to me and told me it was time to pass it on. He bought it brand new right before he shipped out in the Seabee’s headed to Okinawa in WW II. I’ve heard vague stories about Okinawa and know the knife actually saw some action. I tried to get him to tell me about it but he would never say much.

In the next chapter of its life that knife has taken care of moose, caribou, deer, Antelope, fish and who knows what else. Back in the 70’s he left it next to a gut pile from an Antelope he shot. He drove back over 60 miles the next day over a two track to go get it. I’ve taken it on many hunts since I got it from him and I’ve been fortunate enough to use it on moose, deer, Antelope and bear. Someday my daughters can fight over it or possibly give it to a grandchild if I ever have any.

There’s not anything you could offer that would make me give this one up. Grandad is 101 now, but 11 years ago I used that knife on his last deer he shot at 90.

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Thanks for the opportunity; I'm in for the Lone Wolf. If I could only keep one knife in my collection, here's the one knife I would never part with.


Now this knife is not unique or particularly valuable. In fact, I don't really even care all that much for the pattern. But this knife is priceless to me. The story? Well, my lovely wife accepts and encourages my collecting but really doesn't actively participate in my obsession. This seahorse whittler was her one attempt to surprise me with a birthday present. I was browsing knife sites on the computer like any other knife knut. Well, I walked away from the computer for a few minutes and this knife was still up in the browser. She copied the site and knife info that she believed I was drooling over. Next she sent an email to our son and had him purchase the knife for her so there would be no credit card trail. So, best in knife in my collection? Nope, not by a long shot. Most precious? You bet - irreplaceable!
 
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