Your Traditional Knife of 2017

[Jack Black]

The winner is again the forum knife 2015. A good cutter and slicer for edc.

Quoting (below) from my original post

It must be a knife you have gotten since the start of the year.

 

[johnny twoshoes]

No doubt in my mind in this one.

I’m extremely blessed to have owned some amazing knives, anything from custom made to vintage knives from a bygone era and often times a bygone company, but few knives seem to stick around anymore, partly because money becomes really tight and I need some breathing room and partly because I’ve started to carry the same thing day in and day out.

My go to knife is my stag #72 which has been a constant companion, accompanying me on more then a few dates when I became single (thank the Lord), the same knife I used for trout, squirrel, deer, for making campfires and cutting my steak at the dinner table, it’s seen a lot. It’s most special memory is being my only knife on the day I married my beautiful wife. Without a doubt it’s stained blade and faded stag are full of many good memories.... but, based on the rules it is not my 2017 knife.

After my wife and I got married we chose to honeymoon up north in our camp, a place I’ve always cherished and now a place we both cherish. The cool thing about camp is that Great Eastern Cutlery resides in a sleepy little town about 30 minutes down the river. My wife and I traveled all around the area seeing all the local sites, from the Kinzua outlook to the fire towers, the time was amazing, but our trip to visit the fine folks at Great Easter was my highlight.

Christine at GEC is the sweetest person you could ever meet and she welcomed my wife into the knife world with the same hug she gives me every chance I get to see her. Mr. Howard shook my hand in congratulations and instructed miss Christine to have us pick out a knife as a wedding present, Christine shot Bill a look that said “what do you think I’m doing” and the next thing I knew I was holding onto one of the best knives in my collection.



The little #66 has already gone on many adventures and is starting to gain some great character.



My wife calls it the “wedding knife”, or “our knife”. I’m happy to share it with her! The knife already has a special mission...

We are expecting a child next year and my gut tells me it’s a boy, but either way this knife will be their first knife! I want it to have some character and memories with me before it leaves my pocket and it won’t go until I know it’s not going to get lost!!!

 

[Jack Black]

No doubt in my mind in this one.

I’m extremely blessed to have owned some amazing knives, anything from custom made to vintage knives from a bygone era and often times a bygone company, but few knives seem to stick around anymore, partly because money becomes really tight and I need some breathing room and partly because I’ve started to carry the same thing day in and day out.

My go to knife is my stag #72 which has been a constant companion, accompanying me on more then a few dates when I became single (thank the Lord), the same knife I used for trout, squirrel, deer, for making campfires and cutting my steak at the dinner table, it’s seen a lot. It’s most special memory is being my only knife on the day I married my beautiful wife. Without a doubt it’s stained blade and faded stag are full of many good memories.... but, based on the rules it is not my 2017 knife.

After my wife and I got married we chose to honeymoon up north in our camp, a place I’ve always cherished and now a place we both cherish. The cool thing about camp is that Great Eastern Cutlery resides in a sleepy little town about 30 minutes down the river. My wife and I traveled all around the area seeing all the local sites, from the Kinzua outlook to the fire towers, the time was amazing, but our trip to visit the fine folks at Great Easter was my highlight.

Christine at GEC is the sweetest person you could ever meet and she welcomed my wife into the knife world with the same hug she gives me every chance I get to see her. Mr. Howard shook my hand in congratulations and instructed miss Christine to have us pick out a knife as a wedding present, Christine shot Bill a look that said “what do you think I’m doing” and the next thing I knew I was holding onto one of the best knives in my collection.
View attachment 809295
View attachment 809296

The little #66 has already gone on many adventures and is starting to gain some great character.
View attachment 809298
View attachment 809299
View attachment 809297
My wife calls it the “wedding knife”, or “our knife”. I’m happy to share it with her! The knife already has a special mission...

We are expecting a child next year and my gut tells me it’s a boy, but either way this knife will be their first knife! I want it to have some character and memories with me before it leaves my pocket and it won’t go until I know it’s not going to get lost!!!

Wow! THAT's a special knife AND a great post Congratulations

 

[AShearer]

I have mostly been a stockman guy for the last 4-5 years or so, with two-blade jacks coming in a distant second. But for some reason, this year was the year of the single blade for me, as I snagged quite a few really good ones. There are several contenders, but it really came down to two: a Queen and a GEC made Bulldog USA.

Runner Up: Queen #3L Mountain Man lockback trapper in curly zebrawood

And the Winner: Bulldog USA #73 Montana Trail Lock linerlock trapper in ram's horn

I've been looking for one of these for years, and they either were outrageous money, or the horn was funky. This one came at a reasonable price, new in the box, and I immediately put it to work. As you can see, it already has a decent patina growing, and ! will only get better with more use.

Wow! That Bulldog is a beauty!

 

[AShearer]

Wow! Jack, my friend. You don't mess around when you start a new thread
I am still able to check in a few times a week, but due to a very intense project I am working on have not posted much at all. I love this thread though! So, I am taking a break to add to it.

2017 was a very acquisitive year for me. I felt lucky to snag one of the 30 Guardians, Lambsfoot with special treatment.

Although I love that one and been carrying its cousin, the Midnight Special,

Still, they are not the 2017 Knife. I acquired my third Davison this year and carried and used it a lot.

But; the knife I bought in 2017 and the one that really just flips all my switches is this Joe Allen which I bought almost spur of the moment. Whenever I bring this one out (in a leather slip of course). This is just a beautiful, perfectly made knife. This is definitely my favorite of 2017.

 

[black mamba]

Thanks, Alan, I think we each got a very special one this year!

 

[Old Engineer]

Wow! Jack, my friend. You don't mess around when you start a new thread
I am still able to check in a few times a week, but due to a very intense project I am working on have not posted much at all. I love this thread though! So, I am taking a break to add to it.

2017 was a very acquisitive year for me. I felt lucky to snag one of the 30 Guardians, Lambsfoot with special treatment.

Although I love that one and been carrying its cousin, the Midnight Special,

Still, they are not the 2017 Knife. I acquired my third Davison this year and carried and used it a lot.

But; the knife I bought in 2017 and the one that really just flips all my switches is this Joe Allen which I bought almost spur of the moment. Whenever I bring this one out (in a leather slip of course). This is just a beautiful, perfectly made knife. This is definitely my favorite of 2017.

Those are some very nice ones to choose from Alan . Any one of them would be a good choice IMO .
Good to see you back around again even if only for a little while .

Harry

 

[Peregrin]

No doubt in my mind in this one.

I’m extremely blessed to have owned some amazing knives, anything from custom made to vintage knives from a bygone era and often times a bygone company, but few knives seem to stick around anymore, partly because money becomes really tight and I need some breathing room and partly because I’ve started to carry the same thing day in and day out.

My go to knife is my stag #72 which has been a constant companion, accompanying me on more then a few dates when I became single (thank the Lord), the same knife I used for trout, squirrel, deer, for making campfires and cutting my steak at the dinner table, it’s seen a lot. It’s most special memory is being my only knife on the day I married my beautiful wife. Without a doubt it’s stained blade and faded stag are full of many good memories.... but, based on the rules it is not my 2017 knife.

After my wife and I got married we chose to honeymoon up north in our camp, a place I’ve always cherished and now a place we both cherish. The cool thing about camp is that Great Eastern Cutlery resides in a sleepy little town about 30 minutes down the river. My wife and I traveled all around the area seeing all the local sites, from the Kinzua outlook to the fire towers, the time was amazing, but our trip to visit the fine folks at Great Easter was my highlight.

Christine at GEC is the sweetest person you could ever meet and she welcomed my wife into the knife world with the same hug she gives me every chance I get to see her. Mr. Howard shook my hand in congratulations and instructed miss Christine to have us pick out a knife as a wedding present, Christine shot Bill a look that said “what do you think I’m doing” and the next thing I knew I was holding onto one of the best knives in my collection.
View attachment 809295
View attachment 809296

The little #66 has already gone on many adventures and is starting to gain some great character.
View attachment 809298
View attachment 809299
View attachment 809297
My wife calls it the “wedding knife”, or “our knife”. I’m happy to share it with her! The knife already has a special mission...

We are expecting a child next year and my gut tells me it’s a boy, but either way this knife will be their first knife! I want it to have some character and memories with me before it leaves my pocket and it won’t go until I know it’s not going to get lost!!!

Great post, Johnny! Congrats on your wonderful knife and wife!

 

[flatblackcapo]

My 2017 knife? That is easy ( this time.. ) This one will always be a very special knife to me. I really appreciate all the effort that was put into this from everyone involved Jack Black , @Pàdruig and all the folks at A Wright & Son...

 

[r8shell]

Jack, you are a hard taskmaster. Making me choose just one. Oh well, it's not like I have to throw away all but "The Knife Of The Year"
My first instinct is, of course, to pick my Guardian's Lambfoot. A wonderful example of current Sheffield cutlery from A.Wright & Sons, made to the exacting specifications of Jack Black! Carrying it makes me feel part of a team, an exclusive club, a Noble Order, if you will.


I know I'll carry it often, and I look forward to seeing it gradually show signs of age over years of service...

But...

2017, being the year we lost Bob (BigBiscuit) started with a surprise he sent me in January. (it just occurred to me that I don't know where he got my mailing address... I call shenanigans!) A vintage Russell Jack. I feel I must name it My Traditional Knife of 2017.

 

[joeradza]

Wow! Jack, my friend. You don't mess around when you start a new thread
I am still able to check in a few times a week, but due to a very intense project I am working on have not posted much at all. I love this thread though! So, I am taking a break to add to it.

2017 was a very acquisitive year for me. I felt lucky to snag one of the 30 Guardians, Lambsfoot with special treatment.

Although I love that one and been carrying its cousin, the Midnight Special,

Still, they are not the 2017 Knife. I acquired my third Davison this year and carried and used it a lot.

But; the knife I bought in 2017 and the one that really just flips all my switches is this Joe Allen which I bought almost spur of the moment. Whenever I bring this one out (in a leather slip of course). This is just a beautiful, perfectly made knife. This is definitely my favorite of 2017.

There was never a doubt.

 

[cobbgoblin]

No doubt, without question, 100 percent my favorite knife of the year, the Lionsteel CK01 Roundhead Barlow. I brushed this one off in the CK early reserves, but managed to pick this one up on the exchange, and I'm smitten. I know it's not for everyone, but for me I couldn't be more thrilled to own and use one.

 

[Ratbert]

But; the knife I bought in 2017 and the one that really just flips all my switches is this Joe Allen which I bought almost spur of the moment. Whenever I bring this one out (in a leather slip of course). This is just a beautiful, perfectly made knife.

What a gorgeous knife!

 

[WhittlinAway]

Oh, how I love this thread! It's with only a touch of exaggeration that I say that I've been looking forward to this one since New Year's Day. Thank you Jack for hosting and everyone for sharing your 2017 KotY selections and the stories behind them.

The story of my 2017 KotY contenders starts with a photo of a lambsfoot and a puukko that I posted in the Totin' thread last week. In typical insightful fashion, @5K Qs pointed out that the way I'd arranged them on a section of log had the makings of a coat of arms. At the time I replied that by adding a Camillus 72, it would indeed capture my knife tastes quite well.

Thinking about it more, I realized that, despite strong competition, my three favorite patterns that I discovered during 2016 remain my three favorite patterns today: the Carpenter's/Whittler's knife, the Lambsfoot, and the Puukko. I was fortunate to acquire fine examples of each during 2017 and it's fitting that they are also my contenders for 2017 KotY. Here they are in an updated "coat-of-arms" arrangement:

My second runner up is my Guardians Lambsfoot:

As many have already said, these knives are spectacular and I'm thrilled with mine. Jack made an amazing thing happen with these. If I weren't so tightly bonded with my standard A. Wright Buffalo Lambsfoot—my 2016 KotY—this one would be in my pocket almost daily.

My first runner up is this Craftsman 9494:

I'm fortunate to own a few Camillus 72s and a Schrade 863, but this Craftsman is the one I invariably reach for when I want to carry something from that family of knives. I can't explain it, but there's something about this particular one that makes me happy. If I have a three-bladed knife in my pocket, chances are good that it's this one.

Finally, as you have probably figured out, this Pasi Hurttila Puukko is my 2017 Knife of the Year:

I like everything about this knife: its stunning hand forged blade, its stacked birch bark handle, and its simple and snug sheath make a fabulous complete package.

I've been into spoon carving lately and have spent hours working green wood with this knife. It remains comfortable in hand during long carving sessions. The blade is incredible. It is super sharp, carves extremely well, and fiercely holds its edge over long carving sessions. Even after putting in quite a bit of work, it returns to shaving sharp with just a few passes on the strop.

This knife, more than any other that I've owned or handled, has shown me how good a knife can be and was an easy choice as my 2017 Knife of the Year.

Thanks again to everyone who contributes to this thread. I'm looking forward to reading the posts yet to come.

 

[Planterz]

Only one knife? No doubt it's my first custom, a Jim Dunlap gent's trapper in silver lightning strike carbon fiber.

Well, since everybody else is bending the rules with "runners up", I'll voice mine as well. My Dunlap was kind of a re-revelation as to the difference between a really nice production slipjoint and a custom. First revelation was years back with a Kerry Hampton back pocket that was a passaround. My Dunlap reacquainted me with that level of quality and refinement.

1st runner up would be the Moki small Blakiston's Fish Owl. Not as perfect or as nice as my Dunlap, but pretty close, and only about $70. The large one is nice too, of course, but gets much less pocket time than my small. If they offered a 3 5/8" version, my head would probably explode.

2nd runner up is the humble Opinel. Specifically the No. 6 Carbone. Of course, this revelation is nothing new to the millions that have used the Opinel before me, but it surprised me how much I like this simple thing. It's a joy to cut with, a joy to watch patina, and even a joy to sharpen. And it weighs next to nothing, so it's no burden to carry along with other knives. The traditional knife I choose to carry varies day to day, but I usually also have the No. 6 every day regardless. Plus it was only $10, so if I ever lose, break, or give it away, I can easily enjoy a new one and enjoy the adventure all over again.

Of course, my GECs are nice, but I'm only including them to say that I'm not including them.

 

[Jack Black]

Wow! Jack, my friend. You don't mess around when you start a new thread
I am still able to check in a few times a week, but due to a very intense project I am working on have not posted much at all. I love this thread though! So, I am taking a break to add to it.

2017 was a very acquisitive year for me. I felt lucky to snag one of the 30 Guardians, Lambsfoot with special treatment.

Although I love that one and been carrying its cousin, the Midnight Special,

Still, they are not the 2017 Knife. I acquired my third Davison this year and carried and used it a lot.

But; the knife I bought in 2017 and the one that really just flips all my switches is this Joe Allen which I bought almost spur of the moment. Whenever I bring this one out (in a leather slip of course). This is just a beautiful, perfectly made knife. This is definitely my favorite of 2017.

Good to see you Alan, hope work eases soon my friend, lovely Joe Allen

My 2017 knife? That is easy ( this time.. ) This one will always be a very special knife to me. I really appreciate all the effort that was put into this from everyone involved Jack Black , @Pàdruig and all the folks at A Wright & Son...

A pleasure Kevin

Jack, you are a hard taskmaster. Making me choose just one. Oh well, it's not like I have to throw away all but "The Knife Of The Year"
My first instinct is, of course, to pick my Guardian's Lambfoot. A wonderful example of current Sheffield cutlery from A.Wright & Sons, made to the exacting specifications of Jack Black! Carrying it makes me feel part of a team, an exclusive club, a Noble Order, if you will.
View attachment 809420

I know I'll carry it often, and I look forward to seeing it gradually show signs of age over years of service...

But...

2017, being the year we lost Bob (BigBiscuit) started with a surprise he sent me in January. (it just occurred to me that I don't know where he got my mailing address... I call shenanigans!) A vintage Russell Jack. I feel I must name it My Traditional Knife of 2017.
View attachment 809416

Nice choice r8shell

Oh, how I love this thread! It's with only a touch of exaggeration that I say that I've been looking forward to this one since New Year's Day. Thank you Jack for hosting and everyone for sharing your 2017 KotY selections and the stories behind them.

The story of my 2017 KotY contenders starts with a photo of a lambsfoot and a puukko that I posted in the Totin' thread last week. In typical insightful fashion, @5K Qs pointed out that the way I'd arranged them on a section of log had the makings of a coat of arms. At the time I replied that by adding a Camillus 72, it would indeed capture my knife tastes quite well.

Thinking about it more, I realized that, despite strong competition, my three favorite patterns that I discovered during 2016 remain my three favorite patterns today: the Carpenter's/Whittler's knife, the Lambsfoot, and the Puukko. I was fortunate to acquire fine examples of each during 2017 and it's fitting that they are also my contenders for 2017 KotY. Here they are in an updated "coat-of-arms" arrangement:

My second runner up is my Guardians Lambsfoot:

As many have already said, these knives are spectacular and I'm thrilled with mine. Jack made an amazing thing happen with these. If I weren't so tightly bonded with my standard A. Wright Buffalo Lambsfoot—my 2016 KotY—this one would be in my pocket almost daily.

My first runner up is this Craftsman 9494:

I'm fortunate to own a few Camillus 72s and a Schrade 863, but this Craftsman is the one I invariably reach for when I want to carry something from that family of knives. I can't explain it, but there's something about this particular one that makes me happy. If I have a three-bladed knife in my pocket, chances are good that it's this one.

Finally, as you have probably figured out, this Pasi Hurttila Puukko is my 2017 Knife of the Year:

I like everything about this knife: its stunning hand forged blade, its stacked birch bark handle, and its simple and snug sheath make a fabulous complete package.

I've been into spoon carving lately and have spent hours working green wood with this knife. It remains comfortable in hand during long carving sessions. The blade is incredible. It is super sharp, carves extremely well, and fiercely holds its edge over long carving sessions. Even after putting in quite a bit of work, it returns to shaving sharp with just a few passes on the strop.

This knife, more than any other that I've owned or handled, has shown me how good a knife can be and was an easy choice as my 2017 Knife of the Year.

Thanks again to everyone who contributes to this thread. I'm looking forward to reading the posts yet to come.

Excellent post Greg, your Puukko is an outstanding knife my friend

Well, since everybody else is bending the rules with "runners up", I'll voice mine as well. My Dunlap was kind of a re-revelation as to the difference between a really nice production slipjoint and a custom. First revelation was years back with a Kerry Hampton back pocket that was a passaround. My Dunlap reacquainted me with that level of quality and refinement.

1st runner up would be the Moki small Blakiston's Fish Owl. Not as perfect or as nice as my Dunlap, but pretty close, and only about $70. The large one is nice too, of course, but gets much less pocket time than my small. If they offered a 3 5/8" version, my head would probably explode.

2nd runner up is the humble Opinel. Specifically the No. 6 Carbone. Of course, this revelation is nothing new to the millions that have used the Opinel before me, but it surprised me how much I like this simple thing. It's a joy to cut with, a joy to watch patina, and even a joy to sharpen. And it weighs next to nothing, so it's no burden to carry along with other knives. The traditional knife I choose to carry varies day to day, but I usually also have the No. 6 every day regardless. Plus it was only $10, so if I ever lose, break, or give it away, I can easily enjoy a new one and enjoy the adventure all over again.

Of course, my GECs are nice, but I'm only including them to say that I'm not including them.

'Runners up' are fine, as long as there's a Gold Medallist in the end!

 

[Jolipapa]

Quoting (below) from my original post

Sorry , I read too quickly! So that would be the 25.

 

[Ramrodmb]

No doubt in my mind in this one.

I’m extremely blessed to have owned some amazing knives, anything from custom made to vintage knives from a bygone era and often times a bygone company, but few knives seem to stick around anymore, partly because money becomes really tight and I need some breathing room and partly because I’ve started to carry the same thing day in and day out.

My go to knife is my stag #72 which has been a constant companion, accompanying me on more then a few dates when I became single (thank the Lord), the same knife I used for trout, squirrel, deer, for making campfires and cutting my steak at the dinner table, it’s seen a lot. It’s most special memory is being my only knife on the day I married my beautiful wife. Without a doubt it’s stained blade and faded stag are full of many good memories.... but, based on the rules it is not my 2017 knife.

After my wife and I got married we chose to honeymoon up north in our camp, a place I’ve always cherished and now a place we both cherish. The cool thing about camp is that Great Eastern Cutlery resides in a sleepy little town about 30 minutes down the river. My wife and I traveled all around the area seeing all the local sites, from the Kinzua outlook to the fire towers, the time was amazing, but our trip to visit the fine folks at Great Easter was my highlight.

Christine at GEC is the sweetest person you could ever meet and she welcomed my wife into the knife world with the same hug she gives me every chance I get to see her. Mr. Howard shook my hand in congratulations and instructed miss Christine to have us pick out a knife as a wedding present, Christine shot Bill a look that said “what do you think I’m doing” and the next thing I knew I was holding onto one of the best knives in my collection.
View attachment 809295
View attachment 809296

The little #66 has already gone on many adventures and is starting to gain some great character.
View attachment 809298
View attachment 809299
View attachment 809297
My wife calls it the “wedding knife”, or “our knife”. I’m happy to share it with her! The knife already has a special mission...

We are expecting a child next year and my gut tells me it’s a boy, but either way this knife will be their first knife! I want it to have some character and memories with me before it leaves my pocket and it won’t go until I know it’s not going to get lost!!!

Awesome stag on that very special 66!! Nice ring, too! It would be a cool pic with both rings.

 

[Will Power]

No doubt, without question, 100 percent my favorite knife of the year, the Lionsteel CK01 Roundhead Barlow. I brushed this one off in the CK early reserves, but managed to pick this one up on the exchange, and I'm smitten. I know it's not for everyone, but for me I couldn't be more thrilled to own and use one.

Got to confess, didn't like these at first but really changed my mind after seeing pictures. That Ram's Horn looks superb on this modern interpretation.

Thanks, Will

 

[FLymon]

I haven't really acquired many knives in 2017. The forum knife this year has (surprisingly to me) really become one of my favorite knives, but my knife for 2017 has to be one I had been hoping to land for several years. Northfield White Owl, Autumn Jigged Bone, Clip Blade, w/bail (if said correctly you should hear singing angels holding a high note while you say it).

I really need to do a photo shoot with this one . For now I only have a cell phone on mouse pad in office immediately after un-boxing pic, and another cell phone pic of holding in bright towel in direct sunlight at the warehouse door to show the jigging a little better.

Since then I put it up in my knife drawer and can't decide if I need to carry it or preserve it.