kamagong
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2001
- Messages
- 10,939
Thanks Gary. It really is a sweet piece. Not much call for it, but who wants to be totally practical?
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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Who's got a Grail Story to share?
- Thread starter rockgolfer
- Start date
Thanks Gary. It really is a sweet piece. Not much call for it, but who wants to be totally practical?
Hickory n steel
Gold Member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2016
- Messages
- 20,272
For me it has to be the Buck 110 I received as my highschool graduation gift.
I lived with my mom and 4 half siblings ( we never gave that much thought ) growing up and we were poor enough that I realized it was best to never ask for anything lest I be disappointed if we could not afford it.
The one knife I wanted more than anything was a Buck 110 , but of course I wasn't earning any kind allowance and I couldn't really earn my own money so I was pretty much SOL.
Well I was surprised with the 110 as my highschool graduation gift and man was I in love with that knife.
I appreciate my smaller folders most these days but I always hold a special spot for the Buck 110 and will always have this one.
I lived with my mom and 4 half siblings ( we never gave that much thought ) growing up and we were poor enough that I realized it was best to never ask for anything lest I be disappointed if we could not afford it.
The one knife I wanted more than anything was a Buck 110 , but of course I wasn't earning any kind allowance and I couldn't really earn my own money so I was pretty much SOL.
Well I was surprised with the 110 as my highschool graduation gift and man was I in love with that knife.
I appreciate my smaller folders most these days but I always hold a special spot for the Buck 110 and will always have this one.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
- Messages
- 19,385
That is a nice story. I also knew not to ask for anything that cost money when I was a kid. I purposely did not have many high school activities because it would require 20 mile trips each way by my parents which are both inconvenient and cost for gas and so forth. Things changed after I got older, worked, and provided for myself.For me it has to be the Buck 110 I received as my highschool graduation gift.
I lived with my mom and 4 half siblings ( we never gave that much thought ) growing up and we were poor enough that I realized it was best to never ask for anything lest I be disappointed if we could not afford it.
The one knife I wanted more than anything was a Buck 110 , but of course I wasn't earning any kind allowance and I couldn't really earn my own money so I was pretty much SOL.
Well I was surprised with the 110 as my highschool graduation gift and man was I in love with that knife.
I appreciate my smaller folders most these days but I always hold a special spot for the Buck 110 and will always have this one.
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2017
- Messages
- 194
As soon as I saw this knife I knew I had to have one! The 85 in antique yellow jigged bone. I love bullet end/tear drop jacks and in my opinion it’s some of the best bone/jigging gec has done... I was about 8 months late to the party and by then most of these knives seemed to be in there forever homes. Than I found out they only made 47 single blades and 39 with two blades. So I figured slim chance of finding one. Then I missed one or two I the exchange by 20 minutes. Then there was one on eBay in the last 3 years but I never had the money for the high prices they seem to go for. Then one day I was browsing evilbay and there it was a single blade in almost like new condition.. 6 days left on the timer. I started selling some knives/pipes I don’t use much and on the day before I had enough to stand a chance at it. Last 10 seconds I bid 350
...and won with the final bid of 320. (Most I’ve ever spent on a knife ) Three days later I got it! It’s everything I could have hoped it to be! Basically perfect fit and finish, and perfect walk and talk in my opinion about an 8. It’s my favorite knife without a doubt took about 3 and a half years to get it! I carry it in a slip and am kinda scared to use it lol I’m scared if I lose it or break it I won’t be able to replace it! Part of me just wants to stick it in a apple and get it over with
anyways sorry this is long winded. (Also typing isn’t my strong suit so I apologize for all the errors)
...and won with the final bid of 320. (Most I’ve ever spent on a knife ) Three days later I got it! It’s everything I could have hoped it to be! Basically perfect fit and finish, and perfect walk and talk in my opinion about an 8. It’s my favorite knife without a doubt took about 3 and a half years to get it! I carry it in a slip and am kinda scared to use it lol I’m scared if I lose it or break it I won’t be able to replace it! Part of me just wants to stick it in a apple and get it over with anyways sorry this is long winded. (Also typing isn’t my strong suit so I apologize for all the errors)
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2010
- Messages
- 765
I think Bob Lum was one of our great knife designers and makers. I’ve had a few Spyderco models but they moved on with my switch to traditionals. I keep looking for something like this from Mr. Lum but so far… and even so I might not be able to afford it. Even so, this, or similar, is my grail knife:
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2001
- Messages
- 8,969
I know who has the first/original Platypus...I'm not sure what it was about the "Platypus" that piqued my interest. I saw this knife pattern, made by Terry Primos, and thought I just had to have one. As a side note, the Platypus name came from a comment Terry's wife made regarding its appearance.
Terry was a an ABS Bladesmith that had the privilege of being mentored by Jerry Fisk. He had quite a following and I purchased a couple of his knives, but no Platypus. I kept my eye open to all the knife websites I knew of, where I'd seen Terry's knives sold. No Platypus. At the same time I got on Terry's waiting list, because it seemed like the odds of me finding a Platypus were pretty slim. This was around 2005, I think.
Time dragged on, sans Platypus. Then my dreams of acquiring one of these knives were shattered. I found out in October of 2006 that Terry was giving up his knife making. He wasn't able to catch up on his waiting list before he pulled the plug. I was Platypusless (is that a word?).
Fast forward to 6 or 7 years later, I think. While browsing the Exchange what to my wandering eyes did appear? A Platypus! Thomason was selling his! I pulled the trigger so fast, I'm not sure I even noticed the price!
When I had it in hand it was everything I thought it would be! A wonderful piece of work by a true craftsman!
My Platypus, hand forged 1084 with a ss guard and Curly Maple handle. Wonderful chatoyance!
Here's my precious! Pic taken today, while the snow piles up outside my office window.
Pic taken in 2013. Probably shortly after I got the knife.
Great idea for a thread, Jeff!
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2004
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- 18,305
Now that's just not fair!
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2016
- Messages
- 169
As a kid, I went on a camping trip with a group of boys, loose common acquaintances, one of whom had a beautiful red knife with a white cross. I'd seen 'Swiss Army Knives' before, but never the alox versions, and was completely transfixed by the display of all the tools and their uses. Fast forward to me working a part-time job in high school, finally with disposable income of my own, and learning that the old cross versions were retired, and the new versions were all to be found. The shop I went to had the red alox 'Canadian' Pioneer and Farmer with the new shields and I choose the Pioneer. It was great, but the old cross version was tattooed into my mind and it ended up as a grail knife quite subconsciously.
17 or 18 years go by, and one early morning I decide to drive down to a (different) local knife store to alleviate the boredom. I peruse the Vic cabinet, and then see behind the counter a stack of older Victorinox and Wenger boxes. I ask 'what the deal was with those' and the clerk shuffles them to the counter saying that they are a consignment that just came in that morning, and the boss hadn't gone through and priced them yet. When I slid the box open and saw the keyring and red alox my hands started shaking. The clerk said they were all from a collector who'd passed away, and his widow brought them all in. I asked if they were for sale and the clerk said sure, but he'd have to check the owner for prices. I gave him the old cross Farmer (tang stamped '99), an old cross Pioneer (no date), and a Mauser, and he went upstairs to talk to the boss. He came back down and said "$35 for the metal ones and $40 for the plastic." I put my money down and walked out trembling. I came back the next day and grabbed a 100 year anniversary Soldat, a '91 Soldat, and a '94 Soldier, all mint in box, for $35 each.
17 or 18 years go by, and one early morning I decide to drive down to a (different) local knife store to alleviate the boredom. I peruse the Vic cabinet, and then see behind the counter a stack of older Victorinox and Wenger boxes. I ask 'what the deal was with those' and the clerk shuffles them to the counter saying that they are a consignment that just came in that morning, and the boss hadn't gone through and priced them yet. When I slid the box open and saw the keyring and red alox my hands started shaking. The clerk said they were all from a collector who'd passed away, and his widow brought them all in. I asked if they were for sale and the clerk said sure, but he'd have to check the owner for prices. I gave him the old cross Farmer (tang stamped '99), an old cross Pioneer (no date), and a Mauser, and he went upstairs to talk to the boss. He came back down and said "$35 for the metal ones and $40 for the plastic." I put my money down and walked out trembling. I came back the next day and grabbed a 100 year anniversary Soldat, a '91 Soldat, and a '94 Soldier, all mint in box, for $35 each.
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2009
- Messages
- 1,192
I’m glad you took the time to define “grail,” as that term gets tossed around frequently and means different things to different people. I do have a knife that fits your description.
I have a great fondness for the Victorinox Pioneer, and this set me on the path of collecting its variants—more specifically, regular factory production models in silver Alox with the “modern” cross shield. While most of these are quite easy to find, a couple are elusive, but a little patience led me to them. All but one, that is.
The final knife was the “First Mate.” This knife was produced in the “old cross” configuration but was discontinued pre-2000. As the story goes, Victorinox assembled as many as 600 “new shield” knives from spare parts in the 2005-2008 timeframe. While 600 isn’t a particularly small number, when one considers Victorinox’s overall production numbers and the size of their market this quantity is minuscule.
It took me four years, but a few months ago a gracious collector in Europe came to the rescue.
I have a great fondness for the Victorinox Pioneer, and this set me on the path of collecting its variants—more specifically, regular factory production models in silver Alox with the “modern” cross shield. While most of these are quite easy to find, a couple are elusive, but a little patience led me to them. All but one, that is.
The final knife was the “First Mate.” This knife was produced in the “old cross” configuration but was discontinued pre-2000. As the story goes, Victorinox assembled as many as 600 “new shield” knives from spare parts in the 2005-2008 timeframe. While 600 isn’t a particularly small number, when one considers Victorinox’s overall production numbers and the size of their market this quantity is minuscule.
It took me four years, but a few months ago a gracious collector in Europe came to the rescue.
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2018
- Messages
- 237
My grail story mirrors
Anothername
.
I've always carried traditional knives, but one day on tumblr or somewhere I came across a picture of a smooth white bone GEC 73 with a beautiful rainbow patina, gorgeous yellowed scales and a corset shield. I still have that picture saved. Though I didn't care for the pattern, I knew that was the scale/steel/shield combo I had to have.
Fast forward a few months and I saw a picture of the 85 Northfield Bullet End Jack. I thought that was the absolute most beautiful pattern I could imagine in a folder; Extravagantly flamboyant but subtly seductive with it's voluptuous curves. My hunt was on.
I was lucky in that the buffalo bone run came out shortly after, and I was in the right place and right time for the early reserve. I also put it for a smooth stag as I've always liked the look of polished stag when done right (and it's often not done right).
The stag ended up being the one I chose to carry first - something of how the 'rut' in the stag lines up with the knife on both sides just make it look perfect and add a nice touch of texture to the scales. The smooth bone is the grail, and the one I haven't been able to use (yet). It's my only true collector piece, but I guess I can't call it that as I'm not keeping it for the value.
The stag 85 is in the pocket today, reminding me of the finer things in life.
Full disclosure - I suppose my actual grail would be one of the 3 or so elephant ivory 85s that came out with this run and were only available at the factory, but with laws and interstate trade bans, I'm perfectly content with buffalo bone
Anothername
.I've always carried traditional knives, but one day on tumblr or somewhere I came across a picture of a smooth white bone GEC 73 with a beautiful rainbow patina, gorgeous yellowed scales and a corset shield. I still have that picture saved. Though I didn't care for the pattern, I knew that was the scale/steel/shield combo I had to have.
Fast forward a few months and I saw a picture of the 85 Northfield Bullet End Jack. I thought that was the absolute most beautiful pattern I could imagine in a folder; Extravagantly flamboyant but subtly seductive with it's voluptuous curves. My hunt was on.
I was lucky in that the buffalo bone run came out shortly after, and I was in the right place and right time for the early reserve. I also put it for a smooth stag as I've always liked the look of polished stag when done right (and it's often not done right).
The stag ended up being the one I chose to carry first - something of how the 'rut' in the stag lines up with the knife on both sides just make it look perfect and add a nice touch of texture to the scales. The smooth bone is the grail, and the one I haven't been able to use (yet). It's my only true collector piece, but I guess I can't call it that as I'm not keeping it for the value.
The stag 85 is in the pocket today, reminding me of the finer things in life.
Full disclosure - I suppose my actual grail would be one of the 3 or so elephant ivory 85s that came out with this run and were only available at the factory, but with laws and interstate trade bans, I'm perfectly content with buffalo bone
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2017
- Messages
- 194
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2009
- Messages
- 1,192
...I started selling some knives/pipes I don’t use much and on the day before I had enough to stand a chance at it. Last 10 seconds I bid 350
Good for you; fortune favors the bold!
Many folks are too timid to step up to the plate when that one special item comes along, but the few extra dollars are insignificant in the long term. I hope it brings you much pleasure!
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2017
- Messages
- 194
I searched high and low for a 66 Slim jack in sawcut red bone for years. Had it in my signature for years, posted several wtb threads. Out of the blue Gunstock Jack messaged me that he had one and a deal was made.
My other Grail was a 62 half easy pocket congress in raisin jig bone.....just got lucky one day on the auction site....didn't even pay that much for it.
Still hunting for a 62 courthouse Whittler in spring green bone.....one day.
My other Grail was a 62 half easy pocket congress in raisin jig bone.....just got lucky one day on the auction site....didn't even pay that much for it.
Still hunting for a 62 courthouse Whittler in spring green bone.....one day.
- Joined
- May 14, 2018
- Messages
- 28,969
I feel a "Grail Knife" is unobtainable, or you just haven't obtained it yet. Once it's your's, something else becomes a grail and you start hunting again. The hunting and anticipation are the fun of it all. Then there is the satisfaction of owning such a hard sought prize.
I said earlier that a GEC #76 Krack-A-Jack was my grail and I'll keep hunting it...
Now if we are talking about a knife that used to be a grail, then that would be my GEC #55 Hounds Tooth in Amber Jigged Bone. From the moment I saw one posted I knew I had to have one. I contacted the poster and told him I was interested in it, but he wasn't selling it. Over a year later he contacted me and said he was willing to let it go and now it's finally mine. It pays to reach out to fellow members, they have helped me find many knives I was looking for. The great members here are the best enablers and almost always willing to help a fellow knife knut. Anyways, this knife is one of my most carried, next to my Rosewood Lambsfoot. Hardly a week goes by that it isn't in my pocket at least a couple of days during the week. It was a grail, and now it is one of the most precious knives in my collection.
I said earlier that a GEC #76 Krack-A-Jack was my grail and I'll keep hunting it...
Now if we are talking about a knife that used to be a grail, then that would be my GEC #55 Hounds Tooth in Amber Jigged Bone. From the moment I saw one posted I knew I had to have one. I contacted the poster and told him I was interested in it, but he wasn't selling it. Over a year later he contacted me and said he was willing to let it go and now it's finally mine. It pays to reach out to fellow members, they have helped me find many knives I was looking for. The great members here are the best enablers and almost always willing to help a fellow knife knut. Anyways, this knife is one of my most carried, next to my Rosewood Lambsfoot. Hardly a week goes by that it isn't in my pocket at least a couple of days during the week. It was a grail, and now it is one of the most precious knives in my collection.