Your Traditional Knife of 2017

[Wurrwulf]

Just as last year's KotY was a no-brainer for me, this year is the same. This year, my wife left her full time job, to start her own business from home. This allowed her to be home with our daughter as well as fulfill an entrepreneurial goal. She has done very well for her first year, but as such, "fun money" has been nearly non-existent. I've sold a lot of knives this year to help cover costs of living, and I knew that knife purchases would be slim-to-none. I was really bummed when the fantastic BladeForum's TC came about because I knew that I wouldn't be able to swing for one. I made a comment in passing about it, and one of our very best sent a private message shortly after. Out of the blue, Randy sent a message saying that he was fortunate enough to grab two of them and would be sending one to me as a gift. This incredible act of generosity from Randy is a surprise to no one, but it is incredibly meaningful to me. I have used and carried this knife with immense pride. It is not only a symbol for the wonderful people here on The Porch but also a symbol for the friendship I have made with Randy over the past year or so. Thank you, @r redden. I will never forget your friendship or your generosity.

It's in my pocket today, as it has many days since I received it.

 

[Will Power]

Good to see it in use Shawn, that's best for a knife!

Thanks, Will

 

[JD Bear]

I'm going with a Buck 501. I got one just because it was in the budget for the month and I didn't have one. I'm not sure what it is, but it's one of the only knives that I fell in love with as soon as I took it out of the box. It's not fancy or rare or even that good looking, but I absolutely love it. I've had my basic 501 on me almost every day for the better part of the past year, and when the holidays are over I'll be looking towards upgraded versions. It's a knife that just works for me....

 

[btb01]

I look forward to this thread every year, Jack! I never would have guessed your own choice this year...

I didn't buy nearly as many knives in 2017 as I have the previous few years, but I still ended up with a few special ones. I'll start with the runners-up.

First is this GEC #13 Whittler in Muslin Micarta. This one sort of snuck up on me; I didn't expect to like it nearly as much as I do. I love the satin finished shield and bolsters, and the Micarta has a wonderful texture.

My next runner-up is the 2017 Guardians Lambsfoot. These really are something special. That super-duper buffalo horn, the hand-filed bolsters, the excellent swedge, the "Real Lambs Foot" etch -- everything about this knife is awesome. Thanks, Jack, for all the hard work that went into making these happen!

Those are both great knives, but as the rules state, though, there can only be one, so my pick for the knife of 2017 is this #25 Barlow in Unicorn Ivory Acrylic.

The spearpoint #25 is one of my favorite GEC patterns, so I was excited to learn earlier this year that GEC was doing a run of spearpoint #25 Barlows. I picked up with a few variations, but I think this unique Unicorn Ivory Acrylic is my favorite. One thing that makes this one a little extra special is that, despite their limited availability, I was able to get ahold of three of them, and got to share the extras with a couple of generous and deserving BF friends.

 

[marsturm]

The #48 Improved trapper and #35 Churchills are very close to my grail knife. I purchased two of each this year.

 

[willard0341]

I started carrying this knife in January, dad went in for a check up February 1 for what we thought was the beginning of Alzheimer’s. Fast moving lymphoma took his life in 43 days. He was somewhat coherent for the first couple of weeks while in stl. Unfortunately he had to have his arms restrained. During times of clarity he would say “son I know you’ve got a knife on you, cut me loose!” I had this Barlow in my pocket throughout the duration and at the end. His passion and hobby for my entire life was guns and knives.

The last clear thing he said to me was what rifles shot the tightest groups and which ones had good rifling left in the barrel haha and not to give any away!!!

 

[Jack Black]

I look forward to this thread every year, Jack! I never would have guessed your own choice this year...

I didn't buy nearly as many knives in 2017 as I have the previous few years, but I still ended up with a few special ones. I'll start with the runners-up.

First is this GEC #13 Whittler in Muslin Micarta. This one sort of snuck up on me; I didn't expect to like it nearly as much as I do. I love the satin finished shield and bolsters, and the Micarta has a wonderful texture.

My next runner-up is the 2017 Guardians Lambsfoot. These really are something special. That super-duper buffalo horn, the hand-filed bolsters, the excellent swedge, the "Real Lambs Foot" etch -- everything about this knife is awesome. Thanks, Jack, for all the hard work that went into making these happen!

Those are both great knives, but as the rules state, though, there can only be one, so my pick for the knife of 2017 is this #25 Barlow in Unicorn Ivory Acrylic.

The spearpoint #25 is one of my favorite GEC patterns, so I was excited to learn earlier this year that GEC was doing a run of spearpoint #25 Barlows. I picked up with a few variations, but I think this unique Unicorn Ivory Acrylic is my favorite. One thing that makes this one a little extra special is that, despite their limited availability, I was able to get ahold of three of them, and got to share the extras with a couple of generous and deserving BF friends.

Thanks Barrett, yes, a bit predictable I know I am very proud to be the owner of one of those three knives my friend

View attachment 808668 View attachment 808669 I started carrying this knife in January, dad went in for a check up February 1 for what we thought was the beginning of Alzheimer’s. Fast moving lymphoma took his life in 43 days. He was somewhat coherent for the first couple of weeks while in stl. Unfortunately he had to have his arms restrained. During times of clarity he would say “son I know you’ve got a knife on you, cut me loose!” I had this Barlow in my pocket throughout the duration and at the end. His passion and hobby for my entire life was guns and knives.

The last clear thing he said to me was what rifles shot the tightest groups and which ones had good rifling left in the barrel haha and not to give any away!!!

Sorry for your loss A tragic tale, a special knife

 

[Pàdruig]

I had heard of Jack's "Knife of the Year" threads and wondered when this year's edition might arrive. It looks like I will wonder no more and I would love to participate, hopefully I won't be too long-winded...

At the start of this year, I had a grand total of 3 traditional folders. An Old Timer that was my very first pocket knife as a wee lad, an old Imperial peanut-like knife that belonged to my father, and my very first GEC, a #53 gifted to me by a very fine member here. Having come from many years of using modern knives, I was very much ignorant of what I would actually like/dislike when it came to Traditional cutlery so I could do nothing more than dive in, head first, so to speak.

I still consider my collection rather modest, but it is approaching close to 30 pieces now, all traditional slip joints, from brands that span GEC, Queen, Case, A Wright, and others. I've tried patterns that didn't hold much sway for me, I've tried some that have undoubtedly stuck to me worse than a tick, I've let some go, but most I've decided to hold close.

Because I have spent a year experiencing a considerable variety of knives and patterns, I feel it worth taking a page out of Barrett's book and listing some runner-ups to what I have ultimately decided is my 2017 Knife of the Year.

The first runner up has to be my GEC #35 Churchill. This was a pattern that I looked at with no small amount of skepticism. With its lackluster cover options and rather unenthusiastic reception, I didn't think I would care for it. However, the more I thought about, the more I liked the idea of the pattern and since I am already a big fan of Ebony, I soon become a big fan long before I got one in hand. Once it arrived, it exceeded my somewhat modest expectations and it has been a fairly consistent companion since. GEC did an exceptional job on these and I hope to see them do more with this pattern in the future.

My second runner up is an exceptionally special knife to me, one that will never leave my collection unless nature or some deity deem it otherwise. Jack's efforts in regards to providing us Lambsfoot fans with a SFO knife proved to produce an exceptionally unique and gorgeous knife that you almost have to see and handle to believe. The horn covers and ground bolsters are exquisite and the etch is reminiscent of many of the older examples that can be seen in the Guardians thread. This knife is a knockout beauty and my only regret is that it remains so darned pretty that I don't find myself wanting to really use it as much as I know I would like to.

If this thread was about picking a "pattern" of the year (which it is not), it would, for me, undoubtedly be the Lambsfoot. I have not hardly been a day without one close at hand since initially being introduced and the selection continues to grow.

That being said, there can only be ONE! I am pretty sure that line is from a movie...

And considering the amount of pocket time and adventures that have been shared, the knife that introduced me to a specific pattern, the seductive charm she holds over me to this day, I cannot name any other knife without feeling guilty, so THE one has to be the one and only Rosie! An exceptional, sturdy, reliable, beautiful knife that was also a very generous gift from a great friend of the Porch.

One of the very first pictures taken of Rosie:

We have drunk many a pint together:

We have played sweet music together:

And we've hunted together:

Here's to many more adventures with a superb knife that is a wonderful representation of a most excellent pattern. Merry Christmas, everyone!

 

[Rookie82]

So many amazing looking knives in this thread so far! Here is my favorite that I found for 2017. Nice big stag cotton sampler, GEC made in 2012, 1 of 25.

 

[knarfeng]

I started carrying this knife in January, dad went in for a check up February 1 for what we thought was the beginning of Alzheimer’s. Fast moving lymphoma took his life in 43 days.

I know it's belated, but I'm sorry you lost your father this year.

 

[gonebad395]

Have to say my knife of 2017 is the Guardians I was lucky to be included in. Since I recived it i can’t stop using it. With the leather slip made for it and the craftsmanship it fits the bill for everything I need to cut. I can’t wait for next years for sure.

 

[Jack Black]

I had heard of Jack's "Knife of the Year" threads and wondered when this year's edition might arrive. It looks like I will wonder no more and I would love to participate, hopefully I won't be too long-winded...

At the start of this year, I had a grand total of 3 traditional folders. An Old Timer that was my very first pocket knife as a wee lad, an old Imperial peanut-like knife that belonged to my father, and my very first GEC, a #53 gifted to me by a very fine member here. Having come from many years of using modern knives, I was very much ignorant of what I would actually like/dislike when it came to Traditional cutlery so I could do nothing more than dive in, head first, so to speak.

I still consider my collection rather modest, but it is approaching close to 30 pieces now, all traditional slip joints, from brands that span GEC, Queen, Case, A Wright, and others. I've tried patterns that didn't hold much sway for me, I've tried some that have undoubtedly stuck to me worse than a tick, I've let some go, but most I've decided to hold close.

Because I have spent a year experiencing a considerable variety of knives and patterns, I feel it worth taking a page out of Barrett's book and listing some runner-ups to what I have ultimately decided is my 2017 Knife of the Year.

The first runner up has to be my GEC #35 Churchill. This was a pattern that I looked at with no small amount of skepticism. With its lackluster cover options and rather unenthusiastic reception, I didn't think I would care for it. However, the more I thought about, the more I liked the idea of the pattern and since I am already a big fan of Ebony, I soon become a big fan long before I got one in hand. Once it arrived, it exceeded my somewhat modest expectations and it has been a fairly consistent companion since. GEC did an exceptional job on these and I hope to see them do more with this pattern in the future.

My second runner up is an exceptionally special knife to me, one that will never leave my collection unless nature or some deity deem it otherwise. Jack's efforts in regards to providing us Lambsfoot fans with a SFO knife proved to produce an exceptionally unique and gorgeous knife that you almost have to see and handle to believe. The horn covers and ground bolsters are exquisite and the etch is reminiscent of many of the older examples that can be seen in the Guardians thread. This knife is a knockout beauty and my only regret is that it remains so darned pretty that I don't find myself wanting to really use it as much as I know I would like to.

If this thread was about picking a "pattern" of the year (which it is not), it would, for me, undoubtedly be the Lambsfoot. I have not hardly been a day without one close at hand since initially being introduced and the selection continues to grow.

That being said, there can only be ONE! I am pretty sure that line is from a movie...

And considering the amount of pocket time and adventures that have been shared, the knife that introduced me to a specific pattern, the seductive charm she holds over me to this day, I cannot name any other knife without feeling guilty, so THE one has to be the one and only Rosie! An exceptional, sturdy, reliable, beautiful knife that was also a very generous gift from a great friend of the Porch.

One of the very first pictures taken of Rosie:

We have drunk many a pint together:

We have played sweet music together:

And we've hunted together:

Here's to many more adventures with a superb knife that is a wonderful representation of a most excellent pattern. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Wow, what a great post to read with my morning tea and toast Dylan You have a great many talents my friend, not least as a photographer

Have to say my knife of 2017 is the Guardians I was lucky to be included in. Since I recived it i can’t stop using it. With the leather slip made for it and the craftsmanship it fits the bill for everything I need to cut. I can’t wait for next years for sure.

It's been great having you on board Keith

 

[pmek5]

Well for me it would have to be the 2016 Blade Forums #35.
When this knife was finally released & for sale, I thought "Meh". I am not excited by equal end cigar patterns. I did like the jigging, and the color of scales, but still wasn't sure about it. So I waited till the last moment to buy one. My only thought was "Hey I don't have a BF knife".
Got it, and thought it was not too bad, but stuck it in the drawer. After a while I began to carry it here & there. I began to really appreciate the size, thinness, jigging, and simplicity. The more I carried it, the more really I liked it. I liked the fact that it had an awl. But I also realized that useful awl also had a fairly sharp edge which made a great scraper. So after a whole year, I now consider this knife one of my favorites & a pleasure to carry. I guess that's what this thread is all about.

 

[SadSappySucker]

This year I really slowed down on knife purchases, and I couldn’t be happier. I did purchase a couple though, and each one of those knives were great buys. The knife not pictured but worth mentioning is the 13 clerk. It was my first stag knife. It is a great knife and could have easily found a place in this thread, but it was just too dang pretty to use hard.
So that leaves me with the case peanut and the FF patch knife.
The peanut’s pen blade was modified into a wharnecliffe after I saw R8shel’s peanut and I couldn’t be happier with the change. It really bumped the knife up a few notches. It is the knife I most often grab on the rare occasion I leave the 77 barlow at home.
But THE knife of the year would have to be the Fiddleback. It was the ultimate splurge when I decided to scale way back on my knife purchases. It’s a brand I’ve lusted after since I started browsing this forum years ago, and they are made an hour away from where I live. This knife is on my belt pretty much 7 days a week.
(I hope the Fiddleback is traditional enough)
The peanut just so happened to be in my pocket today.

 

[Peregrin]

(I hope the Fiddleback is traditional enough)

I don't think anyone will question that, I won't. Nice looking knife and a great photo!

 

[Norcaldude]

This.

 

[pmek5]

This.

No explanation needed

 

[Will Power]

Very good choice that 38, nice Stag (in the days they still dared their skill to put on shields) and the pattern is very attractive in all configurations.

Mine all arrived before this year except for the single-blade, otherwise I would've nominated one of these too.

Thanks, Will

 

[Norcaldude]

Very good choice that 38, nice Stag (in the days they still dared their skill to put on shields) and the pattern is very attractive in all configurations.

Mine all arrived before this year except for the single-blade, otherwise I would've nominated one of these too.

I got this one almost accidentally this year. I got super lucky and happened to go to an online retailer's site just as they posted one of those GEC made Schrade autos that they had been using as a 'sampler' at shows. I put that in my cart and somehow I ended up getting it for $200.
Living in California it wasn't something that I could carry but I have wanted to check one out since I heard of them.
About the same time somebody posted a picture of that 38 in a FB group and I asked him what it would take to get it from him and he said that GEC auto.
I liked the auto but I love the stag on that 38 and I had sold the 38 whittler I had before to finance vet bills and was missing it so I traded the auto for the 38.

 

[Jolipapa]

Well, well, well, my "knife of the year" is the one I don't have, a Little Canadian 3V Light in burgundy micarta . In fact this year could have been a no-new-knife, but...

The winner is again the forum knife 2015. A good cutter and slicer for edc.
But, it would be unfair to forget the 13, the 25, the 57 and the AW lambsfoot, all gifts that I did not expect and use regularly, with a soft spot for the 25.