Lol...
That really is a beauty!I picked up quite a few nice traditionals this year, but if I could only keep one, it'd be this large Texas Jack that I picked up from the classifieds here. It's quickly become a favourite.
What a great Case knife. You have a keeper right there.
This one is exceptional (I have to admit the whole "bringing it back" thing adds to my fondness of it)
Great choice. I should start carrying mine more often.
Gorgeous knife! I love lockbacks.It was a good year for knives!
I'm enjoying everyone's posts. Some real beauties
The lambsfoots are well represented. Very interesting... Some beautiful covers on them.
I acquired many blades this year; I also sold a few. I'd say this year found me experimenting with many different patterns and features. From Spain to Montana, I tried knives from all over.
Taking the Bronze medal this year is a neat little fixed blade from custom BF maker @lessismore , aka Redmeadow Knives. The Serrano found its way to 8 lucky knife knuts. I like the blade profile and sheath. John is as skilled in leatherwork as he is with steel.
Serrano Day! by D P, on Flickr
Serrano Sheath by D P, on Flickr
Taking the Silver is a lockback sodbuster.
The A.G. Russell Rancher in white bone.
I like the ergonomics, size and action. This is one that surprised me; it's one that is true to the spirit of this thread, where actually carrying it led to a wonderful discovery. I can absolutely recommend one.
AG Rancher by D P, on Flickr
(It comes with a pocket clip that I removed, drilling out the screw and threading a lanyard in it's place).
The Gold for 2019 goes to this:
The A.G. Russell 4" Sunfish Lockback
AG Sunfish by D P, on Flickr
AG Russell Sunfish by D P, on Flickr
What a knife!
It's built like a tank, an absolute beast of a piece. What makes it my gold selection is the sheer beauty, uniqueness, action and ergonomics. A.G. Russell is hitting it out of the park lately.
Oh yeah, and it's a lockback-- my newfound love after a very busy year of experimenting.
Thanks!Gorgeous knife! I love lockbacks.
Built by the stalwart and loyal Bill at GEC, during a pretty low point in my life in a hospital, this knife was the culmination of a dream of great cutleryness!!! Inspired by an old JR knife and the dedication to the pattern of the Chief Guardian (we all know who he is!!), I cannot but cherish this knife, and use it constantly!!
Certainly my knife of the year 2019!!
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Well done
I have been very impressed with the practicality of the #14's. I think I have three which is unusual for me. I got a two blade (with clip) earlier this year and like it. Been carrying smaller knives but I still love a #42.It’s a funny thing. You don’t always bond with a knife until later. For pure carry time, my 14 burlap is hands down the winner. I wouldn’t have picked it last year though, and this year it doesn’t “qualify.” But I sure have bonded with it.
That "Toole" is stunningIt’s a funny thing. You don’t always bond with a knife until later. For pure carry time, my 14 burlap is hands down the winner. I wouldn’t have picked it last year though, and this year it doesn’t “qualify.” But I sure have bonded with it.
My Waynorths are by far some of my favorites. But they almost felt too nice to carry, so sadly I can’t say they took top place for actual pocket time.
That really only leaves one for me. Many other beauties found their way into my possession, but this 2019 acquisition from Mr. Toole got the most carry. I was and still am drawn to the wood grain and smooth lines. And as much as I prefer carbon steel, I have to say it’s nice to have a stainless option on rainy days.
Excellent post, Dylan. And great choice.Jack, I've been looking forward to this thread, it always ends up being somewhat thought provoking to me.
This year saw me buy a great many knives and since I am still in the habit of acquiring far more than I manage to sell or give away, I've had quite a selection to ponder.
I've had several knives this year that impacted me and so, borrowing from the format I've used in the past years, I will mention my runner-ups and honorable mentions. Bearing in mind, of course, that there can only be one (queue Highlander...).
This was a terrific year for Jack as he was able to (through no small amount of consternation and effort) bring us Guardians a stellar selection of very fine cutlery. Each one of them is a fantastic gem and I cherish them greatly, they will never leave my collection (although I did gift one of the Ironwoods to my son).
As fine as they are though, it was very difficult to knock my AC Lambsfoot from its lofty perch, as it was my 2018 Knife of the Year. That said, any one of these would serve as a suitable runner-up.
Aside from a good Lambsfoot, there isn't much that pleases me more than a swell end 2-bladed Jack. I was able to acquire a couple of extraordinary examples. One of them was a kind gift from Charlie himself and the 86 is an exceptional SFO from Barry. The Shapleigh itself warms the heart and I find it to be a very special knife.
The biggest surprise for me in terms of a knife that I didn't think I would take to but ended up falling for is the GEC #29. I didn't secure any reserves on the pattern and only happened to scoop one up when I saw some Stag that caught my eye. I was supremely surprised at how well I took to the pattern, being not only quite comfortable but also incredibly versatile. I bought it to keep in the case mostly but it has gotten a fair amount of pocket time. It serves as my final runner-up.
An honorable mention goes out to this Anniversary Edition GEC #15 in Red Soup Bone. It is a knife that I've admired from afar for quite some time and was finally able to take advantage of good timing and opportunity with the help of a good friend (Thanks again, Duncan!).
Well, as it is said - "There can only be one!". I didn't have to think long and hard about my choice in this regard as it pertains to the one knife that has likely been in my pocket the most. It is with me when I am at my desk, it is my go to when leaving home, and it proves to suit my needs in such a superb fashion day after day.
From the first moment that I heard that Charlie was finally able to see a vision come true, I knew that it was going to be a very special knife. As soon as it arrived (with it's Ebony clad brother soon after), I knew that I would be hard pressed to find a better knife. Charlie's Waynorth Lambfoot knives are the epitome of cutlery perfection. Not only did Charlie provide an impeccable design for GEC to follow but GEC's execution of all of the details - from the graceful sway, the long nimble blade, the superb classic touches like the stamps, etches, and bolsters, and the perfect action - it is an absolutely superb example of traditional cutlery.
I had a difficult time choosing between the Ebony and the Jigged Bone at first when choosing one to carry/use regularly but I eventually settled on the Bone version. It quickly became a fast favorite and continues to age rather gracefully as the steel bolsters dull and the blade darkens. A quick strop here and there keeps the edge keen and I suspect that the bone is starting to smooth a bit more with carry. I am intrigued with the idea of how it will look years from now.
This is the third year running where a Lambsfoot knife has been my knife of the year. It makes me curious what next year might bring...
