Wow! A single experience changed my outlook

bush-haus

bush-haus

Basic Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2010
Messages
924
I have to make an admission here--I have never spent any time in this subgroup because, well, I did not ever give traditionals much thought. I LOVE fixed blades and more specifically drop point bushcraft knives made of the newest supersteel.

Then two extraordinary things happened to me tonight:

1. I sat down and actually learned how to sharpen a knife. I was so excited at my knew skill so I sharpened all of them, every knife I own (Small fixed blades and folders).

2. As I was putting the knives up I found deep in my box a knife my Dad gave me several years ago--an Imperial Boy Scout knife (IMPC4E, BSA # 1996, manufactured in the late '50's)I am sure he owned when he was a scout 55-ish years ago (if they were made that long ago).

I instantly opened all of the blades and tools and wow, very cool, I LOVE the handle and although it has seen some aging, I see it as a personal mission to clean it up and use it like it was made for. It was made with comfort and lasting style in mind, not some tacticool concept design. I won't be a stranger in these parts anymore. I have a new respect for traditional styles. :D
 
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Sounds like you have a good knife there. Would love to see it all cleaned up. Welcome to traditionals.
 
bozack said:
Sounds like you have a good knife there. Would love to see it all cleaned up. Welcome to traditionals.
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Thanks very much! This knife has a fantastic patina. What steel is it? Is there such a thing as cleaning it up too much? Trying to get the feel for what I should do with it in regards to polishing the blade.

Thanks again!
 
Our fathers and grandfathers didn't need anything that wasn't useful and practical. The tools and knives from that time reflect that. Knives they carried were used hard but not disposable. There was soul to those old carbon blades. Welcome.
 
btmccutcheon said:
Our fathers and grandfathers didn't need anything that wasn't useful and practical. The tools and knives from that time reflect that. Knives they carried were used hard but not disposable. There was soul to those old carbon blades. Welcome.
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Very poetic! Thank you for that.
 
Welcome! As you spend more time using that knife (and the others you are sure to get!) you will quickly realize why these patterns have stood the test of time:thumbup:
 
bush-haus said:
2. As I was putting the knives up I found deep in my box a knife my Dad gave me several years ago--an Imperial Boy Scout knife (IMPC4E, BSA # 1996, manufactured in the late '50's)I am sure he owned when he was a scout 55-ish years ago (if they were made that long ago).
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The "scout knife" is an old pattern and has been made by one company or another for much longer than 55 years.

Some of us grew up using traditional patterns. Some of us are new to them. I think all of us have an appreciation for what useful tools they are. You are welcome to hang out with us anytime.
 
Don't forget that Traditional forum rule - new guy buys the next round of drinks. ;)
 
jc57 said:
Don't forget that Traditional forum rule - new guy buys the next round of drinks. ;)
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I can only hope it's the right kind of drink!
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Welcome to the traditional side of the street, bush-haus! Now of course you need a stockman, and maybe a barlow, and a whole new adventure will begin.
 
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And don't spend time worrying about kind of blade steel. Do you really need that anxiety and OCD? It works as designed. That's good enough.
 
Welcome to the Porch! IMO this is the best forum in all of Blade Forums. Once the bug has bitten there is no turning back and your wallet will get thinner. Also congrats on learning to sharpen there is something very satisfying about putting an edge on your knives. Some people love patina some don't so clean the knife to whatever stage you like because a knife passed down is a keeper. I would suggest you invest in some Flitz metal Polish and a good Dremel Tool wit lots of buffing pads because you will find yourself acquiring many old used knives that need cleaned up and IMO you can't get anything better to clean them up with.
 
btmccutcheon said:
Our fathers and grandfathers didn't need anything that wasn't useful and practical. The tools and knives from that time reflect that. Knives they carried were used hard but not disposable. There was soul to those old carbon blades. Welcome.
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Too true.:)
 
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