YOUR 2025 Traditional Knife of the Year

[DaveHS]

I will pass on the giveaway, please redraw hopefully to convert another into the lambfoot lifestyle!

I debated for a few minutes between this and my Charlie Flat Cap lamb, but I do believe this saw more pocket time and use.

KOTY goes to the Waynorth City Stock! This year I surprised myself with trying some new patterns and really hit it off with the single spring two blade "pen knife" vibe. I really enjoyed this one, the 32 run, and an older 80s case red bone pen knife. But this has stolen the crown for me for sure.

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Great choice! I don’t know if Jack Black or someone else is keeping a tally but the City Stock has to be a front runner for 2025!

 

[Bigburly912]

Thank you kindly for the opportunity. My KOTY would have to be the SAK I bought for my daughter. Those scissors have cut more fishing line and crafts than anything I’ve ever owned haha. I don’t have any good pictures of it but it had sloths on it and she put it in a pink carrier.

As for myself I’m going to say the most pocket time traditional has been with my mesquite rehandled Lamb. It’s smooth and came sharp. I love a lamb probably more than any other blade and this one is just amazing. It’s not the most expensive or fanciest I’ve bought this year but I find myself reaching for it often. Bonus Sak included.



There ya go. That’s a 7 year old fisher lady’s dream tool haha. Can’t beat those memories.

 

[3-1-1]

 

[Jack Black]

This nice but low cost Marttini. I am trying to find reasons to use it as much as possible.

I'm in. Thanks. Some years this would be hard for me. Not this year. Around May I caught the barlow bug. And it was/ is a bad case. But even before I caught the bug I had liked them. It just went into the next galaxy. And before this year my holy grail knife was a barlow. I wanted a Case with my birthyear. Sawcut redbone barlow. They were what my eyes jumped to when I would see one and thought it was such a classic old knife. Well this year I was able to get it. And it is stunning to me. The color of the redbone is just amazing. This knife was carried a lot. But was not used much because the blades seem to be just about full. The sawcut has worn off a lot. But that just makes it even better to me. It has stories. I did clean and polish it up. More then I wanted to. I wanted to leave some of it's old on it. But I got carried away. But that's okay. It will come back as I use it. Since I got it I have carried it just about every day. I will stick to the rules and keep it as just one. My birth year is 1967. And of course Case did not have single year stampings yet. But a 1965-69 is close enough for me. I got a great deal on this. But it is the most I have ever spent on a knife. But I don't care. It was worth it.

IMG_20251122_163505951 by Bill Friggle Photography, on Flickr
IMG_20251122_163532710 by Bill Friggle Photography, on Flickr
1965-69 Case Sawcut Redbone by Bill Friggle Photography, on Flickr
1965-69 Case Sawcut Redbone by Bill Friggle Photography, on Flickr

Thank you for your generosity Jack Black, I am in!

My KOTY this year is a type I had wanted for awhile, but could never justify the cost. I love everything about it, the beer and sausage knife by GEC that is. Thanks to some fortunate financial happenings my wife agreed to let me buy a nice knife. I vacillated between this and a an automatic knife. Ultimately the beer and sausage knife pattern was made right when my fortunate financial happenings were happening, so I snagged the last one off a site that I could find, and here we are.

This is the nicest slip joint I have and my first GEC as well! I really dig the fork and comb combo as well as the beautifully swedged full nail nick spear point. The only drawback with it is you can’t use the fork and knife in combo. When I take this to picnic though, I will carry a small fixed blade for food knife work.

Here she is, my favorite slip joint!

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This one is an easy year for me, even though the knife that won it didn’t come in until September. I’ve been after one of GEC’s stainless Cuban patterns for years now, specifically this Red Wine bone. Finally found the perfect trade this year, where we both had exactly what the other was looking for, and we made it happen.
It’s been almost impossible to take out of my pocket ever since! This one got new edges and started getting used almost the day I got my grubby hands on it, and I think it will stay that way for a long time!

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Also, thank you for the very generous giveaway, I’m in.

There are some truly great knives that people have come upon this year!

It seems that congratulations are definitely in order for you 3 gents Great pics fellers

I’m IN! Thank you for your generosity Jack Black! (And what fun to be able to share our diverse collections outside the pasture ;-)

Following the lead of the great Charlie C, my KOTY is the City Stock. I never knew how much I needed a two-blade stockman in my life until I started carrying and using this elegant and classic tool. No knife found its way into my hands and pocket (and photos!) more this year. View attachment 3052098View attachment 3052099
[EDIT] Hat tip to @Sharp & Fiery Coleman for the SOTY (Slip o the Year)
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My runner-up is this beautiful purple bone two-blade barlow by Cosimo that dazzles me every time I carry it. It’s a showstopper in appearance but also packs a pair of truly utilitarian blades inside the party dress.View attachment 3052102View attachment 3052103

However, since the barlow was a mid-year arrival I have to put the Buffalo Brand first!

Two sweet knives Dave, the City Stock is proving a popular choice

I'm in!
At the end of July I bought a Swiss Army 1 (AKA "Solo") for $22, and by the first of September I had already decided that this was my KOTY. What a fantastic knife! I carry it every day and use it exclusively for food tasks, slicing fruit, melons, homemade sourdough bread, etc. (Plenty of other knives available to handle the more "dirty" tasks.)

Nice

Gray bone CS Russlock. Usually paired with a SAK.

I’m in! I have tried a couple of times to quench my thirst for my first lambfoot, with nothing panning out this year. So, thanks Jack Black for the generous opportunity to win one!
I digress.
Now to the business at hand. My KOTY is hands down, given my purchase history this year is small, my Warncliffe Trapper in Kentucky Bluegrass Bone. I’ve wanted one of these for a hot minute and this one is a winner. So much, that I’m gonna order the crimson for myself for Christmas.
Happy Holidays, Everyone!
Stay Sharp!View attachment 3052511

Good luck in the giveaway buddy

I love the giveaway, Jack, but I am NOT in - I have already been the beneficiary of your generosity plenty of times. Also, I'm not sure I qualify:

One good KOTY candidate for me is this redwood burl lambsfoot, made by @ashwinearl and given to me (quite out of the blue!) by Generous Bob himself (@Rufus1949 ). I've carried it quite frequently this year, but probably not quite enough to be considered a KOTY.

My SAK Cadet has been carried pretty much every day since I got it - it's what I clip to my keys and keep in my pocket when I'm lounging around the house in sweats or pajamas. So, for at least a few minutes every morning, this is in my pocket. That's not quite enough to get to KOTY, in my mind at least.

After thinking about it, I don't have a 2025 KOTY, but it has been a lot of fun seeing everybody else's - congrats to all of you on finding a really good one!

Two great knives Tyson

I will pass on the giveaway, please redraw hopefully to convert another into the lambfoot lifestyle!

I debated for a few minutes between this and my Charlie Flat Cap lamb, but I do believe this saw more pocket time and use.

KOTY goes to the Waynorth City Stock! This year I surprised myself with trying some new patterns and really hit it off with the single spring two blade "pen knife" vibe. I really enjoyed this one, the 32 run, and an older 80s case red bone pen knife. But this has stolen the crown for me for sure.

View attachment 3054289View attachment 3054290

Wow, another! I reckon I'll have to do a tally before closing this thread! It's certainly a great-looking knife

 

[Jack Black]

Great choice! I don’t know if Jack Black or someone else is keeping a tally but the City Stock has to be a front runner for 2025!

Reckon you're right Dave

Thank you kindly for the opportunity. My KOTY would have to be the SAK I bought for my daughter. Those scissors have cut more fishing line and crafts than anything I’ve ever owned haha. I don’t have any good pictures of it but it had sloths on it and she put it in a pink carrier.

As for myself I’m going to say the most pocket time traditional has been with my mesquite rehandled Lamb. It’s smooth and came sharp. I love a lamb probably more than any other blade and this one is just amazing. It’s not the most expensive or fanciest I’ve bought this year but I find myself reaching for it often. Bonus Sak included.

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There ya go. That’s a 7 year old fisher lady’s dream tool haha. Can’t beat those memories.

Great report buddy, and I love your daughter's SAK

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Impressive!

 

[cudgee]

Just saw this thread, and thought i'd join in. Only purchased 2 knives this year, and one i was not so enamoured with, but this one i like. Been after one of these for years, but Case knives nearly impossible to get here, but tracked this one down. It already has a shine on the jigged bone from carry. I just really like a single blade work knife and these fit the bill. Lambsfoot, Sheepsfoot and Sodbuster, you can't go wrong. Have a good and safe Christmas everyone. .

 

[Augie]

My favorite find of the year is a corroded Camillus Tip Top barlow, been in my pocket since I received it in Sept. Took a great edge, slightly larger barlow like a GEC 77, always wanted a Tip Top as a carry.

 

[cudgee]

always wanted a Tip Top as a carry.

Great get.

 

[unclekurty]

I was browsing pictures I’ve taken and I took many of this here Lambsfoot by Cosimo DeBenedetto. This knife just makes me smile. I enjoyed talking with Cosimo about the knife. I do like shadow patterns. This one is 4 inches. I got the scales from Knife Handle Supply who has a subforum here. I liked the crosscut Green Mountain Richlite. Cosimo did his usual cutlery magic and I just really enjoy this one. The richlite is getting a brown patina but there’s still lots of green. It does remind me of a dill pickle sometimes. Here’s some pictures.

 

[cudgee]

I was browsing pictures I’ve taken and I took many of this here Lambsfoot by Cosimo DeBenedetto. This knife just makes me smile. I enjoyed talking with Cosimo about the knife. I do like shadow patterns. This one is 4 inches. I got the scales from Knife Handle Supply who has a subforum here. I liked the crosscut Green Mountain Richlite. Cosimo did his usual cutlery magic and I just really enjoy this one. The richlite is getting a brown patina but there’s still lots of green. It does remind me of a dill pickle sometimes. Here’s some pictures.

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That is some beautiful craftsmanship.

 

[Jack Black]

My favorite find of the year is a corroded Camillus Tip Top barlow, been in my pocket since I received it in Sept. Took a great edge, slightly larger barlow like a GEC 77, always wanted a Tip Top as a carry.


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Brilliant! What a great find, congratulations

I was browsing pictures I’ve taken and I took many of this here Lambsfoot by Cosimo DeBenedetto. This knife just makes me smile. I enjoyed talking with Cosimo about the knife. I do like shadow patterns. This one is 4 inches. I got the scales from Knife Handle Supply who has a subforum here. I liked the crosscut Green Mountain Richlite. Cosimo did his usual cutlery magic and I just really enjoy this one. The richlite is getting a brown patina but there’s still lots of green. It does remind me of a dill pickle sometimes. Here’s some pictures.

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It makes me smile too buddy, just a wonderful knife

 

[Augie]

Brilliant! What a great find, congratulations


It makes me smile too buddy, just a wonderful knife

Thank you Jack, love carrying this old barlow.

 

[Alex.Y.]

Well, this year I got some very good knives, even a grail - Northfield 77 Barlow. But, as usual, it has to be a carried one, hence the prize goes to the... Eureka Jack!

Had my back-and-forth's about it, but it came in right before my vacation, so I just grabbed it as-is out of the tube, took with me, and never had any regret about it. Spontaneous decision helped me to understand the knife and get along with it.

 

[5K Qs]

I was browsing pictures I’ve taken and I took many of this here Lambsfoot by Cosimo DeBenedetto. This knife just makes me smile. I enjoyed talking with Cosimo about the knife. I do like shadow patterns. This one is 4 inches. I got the scales from Knife Handle Supply who has a subforum here. I liked the crosscut Green Mountain Richlite. Cosimo did his usual cutlery magic and I just really enjoy this one. The richlite is getting a brown patina but there’s still lots of green. It does remind me of a dill pickle sometimes. Here’s some pictures.

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Great choice for your KOTY, Kurt!

Isn't there a song that goes something like,
I got my pickles in my pocket,
I'm Alabama bound.

- GT

 

[Viper84]

This was probably the greatest year in knife collecting I’ve ever had, especially with what GEC has been putting out lately.

At first I thought it would be this shielded stag (a rare sight these days) Lick Creek 38.

Then some great stainless 86 options from GEC.

I thought for sure my very first Waynorth lambsfoot would be the one.

But in the end, a lucky GEC raffle win ended up being my knife of the year: the 38 Christmas Farmer’s Jack. The rarest knife of my current collection and the icing on the cake of 2025.

 

[BladeCommander]

I have been envious of the old black box Winchester knives for some time. Fortune would have it I was able to get a like new sowbelly Stockman this year for a great price. Easily my 2025 traditional knife of the year. Great build quality on this one too.

 

[jmgruber]

I have been envious of the old black box Winchester knives for some time. Fortune would have it I was able to get a like new sowbelly Stockman this year for a great price. Easily my 2025 traditional knife of the year. Great build quality on this one too.

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Fantastic knife - what’s the model number of the sow belly? Thanks

 

[ferider]

Didn't buy that many knives in 2025. I guess my Huntsman Knife Co. LLC. Bowie has impressed me most. Phenomenal design, materials and execution.

 

[BladeCommander]

Fantastic knife - what’s the model number of the sow belly? Thanks

Its model 3949

 

[Jack Black]

Well, this year I got some very good knives, even a grail - Northfield 77 Barlow. But, as usual, it has to be a carried one, hence the prize goes to the... Eureka Jack!
View attachment 3056324
Had my back-and-forth's about it, but it came in right before my vacation, so I just grabbed it as-is out of the tube, took with me, and never had any regret about it. Spontaneous decision helped me to understand the knife and get along with it.

Great-looking knife

This was probably the greatest year in knife collecting I’ve ever had, especially with what GEC has been putting out lately.

At first I thought it would be this shielded stag (a rare sight these days) Lick Creek 38.

Then some great stainless 86 options from GEC.

I thought for sure my very first Waynorth lambsfoot would be the one.

But in the end, a lucky GEC raffle win ended up being my knife of the year: the 38 Christmas Farmer’s Jack. The rarest knife of my current collection and the icing on the cake of 2025.

Wow, what a year!

I have been envious of the old black box Winchester knives for some time. Fortune would have it I was able to get a like new sowbelly Stockman this year for a great price. Easily my 2025 traditional knife of the year. Great build quality on this one too.

View attachment 3056565

They are great knives aren't they?

Didn't buy that many knives in 2025. I guess my Huntsman Knife Co. LLC. Bowie has impressed me most. Phenomenal design, materials and execution.

That is one heck of a knife!