What "Traditional Knife" are ya totin' today?

[The Fort]

View attachment 3178229

Nice knife and boots, Lance!
Do you usually lace them up all the way to the top? I got some new work boots last October, with 2 pairs of those "speed hooks" or whatever they're called at the top of each boot. The right boot was "beating up" my inside right ankle bone, and I found out I could fix that by just using the top pair of hooks. So now I do that on both boots, just for a symmetric look.

Hi Gary, 5K Qs
Thanks for the compliment! I do typically lace those boots all the way to the top. After they’ve been worn for a while, and conditioned a time or two, they don’t bother me at all. I’ve been wearing boots all of my life, and very rarely wear anything else. Maybe that has something to do with it too. It sounds like you may have figured out what works for you, but if you do want the extra bit of stability from lacing them all the way up, sometimes there’s a bit of a price to pay up front. I’ve owned PNW loggers in the past, and always tell people that you’re going to hate them before you love them. Lately I’ve been leaning more into slip on boots. As I age, and become less flexible and less active, they seem to be a good choice. Again, I grew up and grew old wearing every type of boots imaginable. Hopefully yours will soon become favorites!

Lance

 

[WinMag775]

Let me join the quote enthusiasm club

That HSB 'Chopper' is a wonderful example. The Bingham shows great quality in construction and the unusual blade combination marks it as notable, it's interesting that so much detail finish is put on the Spey blade (it almost looks like a Drop-Point/Skinner) long pull and swedge. Must be quite a heavy knife, serious! Very nice condition these two, carefully used. I'm no fan of rusting hulks that some are besotted by-nobody wants the faux crocus of the buffer of course- but careful preservation makes for not only attractive but a viable occasional user too.

Thanks, Will

Thank you, Will — I truly appreciate the thoughtful comments. The HSB Chopper is one of my all-time favorite traditionals.
The Ulster-made Bingham is another piece that really impresses with its unique blade configuration and construction quality. Both knives reflect a period when even practical working patterns received a remarkable amount of hand-finishing and attention to detail.
I also agree completely regarding preservation versus over-restoration. Honest wear and careful maintenance tell a far better story than aggressive buffing ever could.
Thanks again for the kind words, my friend, and for taking the time to share your observations — it’s always enjoyable hearing insights from someone who clearly appreciates the finer details of these old patterns!

 

[WinMag775]

That Bingham is the funk!