Which one should I carry?

Pygmalion

Pygmalion

Joined
Oct 7, 2007
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I can't decide which 34OT to carry.
I have my father's 34OT that he carried from the late 1970's through the 1980's. It is in what I would call good condition. It has tremendous sentimental value to me, and I would really hate to lose it.
Do I carry the 34OT that my father gave me, or should I stick it in the safe and carry one of my other unused 34OT's.
I know that my father would feel good about my using his knife, but there is something to be said about preserving it in it's good condition.
What would you do?
Below is a picture of the knife.
 
I don't think there is a wrong answer, unless you are prone to losing or misplacing small objects, then I would not carry the knife in my pocket. I'd choose another one that would not have as much sentimental value. If you feel OK about it, the 34OT fits perfectly in the watch pocket of jeans.

Maybe use your dads at your desk, around the house, in the console, ashtray, or a little nook in the car, instead of putting it in a safe. Having one handy while driving is nice so you don't have to wiggle and dig to get one out of your pocket while you are driving. Then it can be useful and you get the benefit of knowing you are using the same knife he used.

I might be prone to losing it around the house unless it has a specific place it goes when not in use.
 
Thawk - Thanks for the great advice. Sometimes when the best course of action is somewhere in the middle, it is often overlooked by someone who is thinking only of choice A vs. choice B.
You've given me insight to my best way to go in this instance - I'll keep my Dad's Old Timer in my desk drawer, and carry one of my unused OT's. Now I have the best of both worlds - I get the benefit of knowing I am using the same knife my father used without the danger of possibly losing it, and I get to start using (and carrying) a near mint 34OT. It's always good when you get to have your cake and eat it, too!
 
Often times I struggle with whether or not to use a newly purchased knife. With my Busse knives, I generally opt to use them. I have noticed that with Busse, using a blade does not lower the value by much at all, in fact, I have seen a used blade sell for more than the same blade in mint condition. It just depends on the market at the time.
I'm thinking that it may be a little different with Schrade knives, though, especially with a knife such as the 100th anniversary 34OT (which, by the way, I am sooooo tempted to use!)
 
I agree with the idea of keeping your Father's knife put up and not carrying it. I've often suggested that such "Heritage" knives be placed in a shadowbox with the owner's photo, a signature example and other small memorabilia to pass down to your own heirs.

The knife he gave you is one he expected you to use, so if it were my choice I would use it.

The 34OT was the most popular, most mass produced folding knife made by ISC. So in and of themselves, they are by no means rare. Your Dad's knife is a one-of-a-kind.

No one knows how many of the anniversary edition 34OT were made before the company bankrupted, but common sense suggests not more than a year's production if that.

But common sense also says that when you buy a knife it is yours to do with as you please. And if you use it, there will be fewer unused examples in the world so mine will be less common and more desirable. Ya, use the 100th Anniversary knife! :D

Or pick up a good user for not a whole lot, usually less than the last MSRP. Oh, and the last few years they were stainless bladed, not carbon steel like most of them were.
 
If a knife has sentimental meaning to me I opt to carry those on days when I am off and lounging around the house.

I specifically buy sweat pants and shorts now that have pockets for just that purpose.

For other use, I will carry other knives, sometimes the same model as the one that is special to me.
 
I wouldn't carry an heirloom, but I wouldn't carry an unused USA Old Timer either. They don't make them any more, if you haven't heard. :D

I'd look for a lightly used 34OT on eBay. :)
 
I am with Bob W. on this one. I wish I had an heirloom from Grandpa or Dad. Who knows where they went? My Dad's Dad was born a month before Custer got his. He was a professional trapper for more than 70 years. And not a knife to be found. I have maybe 500 knives. I carry a battered 881, and even though I put others in my pocket, it is generally the only one that gets used, except in hunting season, when I usually pull something bigger out for a few days. And then when the boys and I break down 20 or more deer, antelope and elk, I have a bucket full of butcher knives. I ramble....
 
tongueriver said:
I am with Bob W. on this one. I wish I had an heirloom from Grandpa or Dad. Who knows where they went? My Dad's Dad was born a month before Custer got his. He was a professional trapper for more than 70 years. And not a knife to be found. I have maybe 500 knives. I carry a battered 881, and even though I put others in my pocket, it is generally the only one that gets used, except in hunting season, when I usually pull something bigger out for a few days. And then when the boys and I break down 20 or more deer, antelope and elk, I have a bucket full of butcher knives. I ramble....
Click to expand...

Ramble on, I like hearing stories about buckets of knives ... and buckets of backstraps. I got three knives from my dad, and he really never used them. No grandpa knives though.
 
ive got some of dads and some of grandads, they are for looking at!! easy to get a edc on --how did jamo put it----peebay. my 2 cents----------brady
 
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