Your Traditional Knife of the Year 2022 (Easy Tiger! Read the rules first! ;) )

Jack Black

Seize the Lambsfoot! Seize the Day!
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Porch members, it's that time of the year again, the annual Your Traditional Knife of the Year thread! :) If you're an old-hand here, you'll know the score, if not, please read the following, quoted from previous years, carefully. If you want to have a look at some of the previous years' threads, there are some links in last year's thread :thumbsup:

In 2022, if you’re lucky, you may have bought, found, or been given, an EXCEPTIONAL knife. Maybe it was a knife you didn’t think was going to be that special, but it has absolutely CHARMED you. Perhaps it was an inexpensive knife, which you picked up somewhere, slipped in your pocket, and then found you couldn’t stop carrying it. It must be a knife you have gotten on or since Christmas Day 2021. If you’ve come across a knife like that, perhaps you’d like to nominate it as YOUR knife of the year.

Now, it could be that you’ve been perfectly happy carrying the knife you bought or were given many years ago, a knife which has served you so well, why would you want to change? If that’s the case, good luck to you my friend, but that knife doesn’t qualify.

It could be that you’ve had lots of knives this year, and liked many of them, but none of them really stood out. Don’t worry, maybe something will come along next year, which will absolutely knock your socks off. You can tell us about that knife next year.

Also, and we always get a couple of these, you may be one of those indecisive folks who just can’t make your mind up. Maybe you have two, or three, or four knives you really like, and can’t decide which you like the best. If that applies to you, feel free to start another thread, because if ONE of those knives doesn’t stand out, it doesn’t deserve to be nominated for this one. By all means mention a number of knives, but in the end, YOU MUST CHOOSE ONE. If you can’t…on yer bike! ;)

It gets worse, there’s no prize for this, and there’s no winner! :D We’re just talking knives, and telling each other which single knife has made all the difference to us this year :) :thumbsup:

So, we're not looking for the fanciest custom you picked up this year, we're looking for a knife that you've CARRIED, that has absolutely hogged your pocket in a way which may have taken you by surprise. Don't worry if you can't choose one, you're not being asked to choose your favourite child, just sit back and read the posts, and maybe you'll find a knife to nominate next year :thumbsup:


It was early in the year when I received this smooth bone #86 from Charlie waynorth waynorth , and I immediately thought, 'This could be my knife of the year!'. It's a beautiful knife, and I get a thrill every time I carry it :cool:

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Who among us hasn't admired the work of our own Eric Albers, and many of us have followed his career with interest, and benefited from his knowledge and experience? Getting hold of one of his folders is far from an easy experience though, particularly those of us in time zones where knife drops take place in the middle of the night! My thoughtful and generous friend Barrett btb01 btb01 scored this beauty for me, and it has been carried in my pocket most Saturdays since I received it :)

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I always wish I had more knowledge of French cutlery, and while I may be far from acquiring that, I was thrilled to receive this French Alpin, as a gift from Âchillepattada Âchillepattada . I'd previously admired the pattern, and this wonderful example is the perfect EDC size for me :cool:

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As a young man, the Buck 110 was probably the first US folder I was aware of, and had I been able to get hold of one here, in the 1970's, I'd have given my eye-teeth for it. Many times, over the years, I've admired examples of the 110 when they have been posted here, and I'm pleased it is still made in the USA. It must be one of the most iconic knives of the 20th century :cool: I was knocked for 6 by the generosity of Mr & Mrs Tyson A Wright, who kindly sent me an extensive California care package, accompanied by a gorgeous Buck 110. This was halfway into the year, but I thought that I would be giving this knife a lot of pocket time (or belt time), and that it could easily be my KOTY :)

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Another knife I was thrilled to be gifted was this GEC H20, one of a pair which came from my friend Reaper AL Reaper AL :cool:

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Compared to folders, I get relatively little opportunity to carry fixed-blade knives here, but I've bought quite a lot this year. I waited for well over 6 months for this forged Seax from local maker Jacek Robotka, and am very satisfied with its quality :thumbsup:

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Most of my 2022 fixed-blade knives have come from BPS Knives of Ukraine though. They were mainly purchased as an act of solidarity, but they are great knives, and outstanding value. I have accumulated quite a collection of them, but have probably used the Savage most :thumbsup:

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So, what happened? Unfortunately, I have had a year which has been dominated by ill-health, mainly sciatica, which kept me housebound throughout the entire summer, and unable to go out walking or hiking. Because of that, I've had less reason to carry the big #86 or Buck, let alone the fixed-blades, and much as I adore the other folders, they have not displaced the pocket-hogging Hartshead Barlow, which has dominated my pocket since 2019. So, sadly, deserving of nomination as any of these knives are, I just haven't had the opportunity to bond with them as much as I'm sure I will in the future. Since my main pocket carry in 2022 has been my Hartshead Barlow, I cannot, according to the rules nominate a Knife of the Year :(

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I am looking forward to reading your thoughts on the knives you acquired yourself this year, and interested to see if you think you have a knife which fits the bill as Your Traditional Knife of 2022 :)

Seasons Greetings to you all, and I hope that 2023 is a good year for all of us :thumbsup:
 
I may carry another knife for a day or two, and I have been blessed with knives this past year, but none match the time spent in my pocket (or robe!!) of this lovely little knife!!
A birthday gift from Rhidian Rhidian , and a complete surprise, it continues to be a surprise of how useful it is, but also of how nostalgically inspiring it is!! It reminds me of the inspiration for a bunch of knives I had made called the "Ancients", and is, itself, inspired by a true ancient from the very early 1800s!! I haven't had it for a full year, but it is definitely my Knife Of The Year!!Beak 3.jpg
Compared to its ancestor!!Oates 2.jpg
 
Thanks for starting this thread Jack. I look forward to it every year.

This year is going to be tougher than usual for me. I don't normally buy many knives anymore, being mostly content with my bunch. However, this year I was besotted with French knives, and it seems like I had a parcel crossing the pond every month.

It started with this, the humble Opinel. This one is an older specimen, because knife-nut that I am, I liked the markings better.

51821706910_0fd69bf96f_c.jpg


A couple of weeks later Gary W. Graley Gary W. Graley gifted me this neat friction folder, complete with one of his sheaths.

51886354939_17d62ebe2c_c.jpg


I also got this lovely Sauveterre in snakewood.

52028080027_01d6584367_c.jpg


I fell really hard for the laguiole. The high level of artisan craftsmanship, combined with the French success in battling cheap foreign imports, struck a chord with me. Plus, the laguiole may just be the most beautiful spring knife design ever. This one was a present from Âchillepattada Âchillepattada .

52281134229_85fed358c4_c.jpg


Here's a vintage piece, refurbished with new covers and a reworked spring.

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I'm not usually a fan of filework, but guillochage is part of the charm with these knives.

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And yet, when all is said and done, my knife of the year ended up not being a French knife, but rather an arresoja from Sardinia. Will Power Will Power said it very well --

It provides a new layer of taste in knives...

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- Christian
 
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I had 3 real contenders, each probably older than I am.
Robeson Barlow
Ulster Electrician
Schrade Whittler
20221216_124057.jpg

And my winner for knife of 2022... Schrade 863! I actually got 3 of these with tubes. Keeping the other 2 mint for my 2 sons.

20221026_101726.jpg
 
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Several knives come and go through my hands each year but for this year, I'd have to say that this Schatt & Morgan is my favorite. It was made in 2005 shortly before the final decline of Queen/Schatt & Morgan - just on the cusp of Bill Howard leaving to form his own company Great Eastern Cutlery.

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This would be a tough tough thought inducing decision that would take time to ponder and would likely end up with a lack of reply on my end as I wouldnt be able to make a decision IF time wasnt a factor. That said, I will toss my knife of the year out quickly and without much thought at all because this year I have had one knife that has taken my attention and pocket space up since I first bought it, took it apart and then completed the blade swap on it. Im usually not one for knives this large but now I cant put it down and cant stop finding ways in which to use it. Food prep to opening mail, cutting tags off the kids toys or shirts you name it. I often find myself (nothing new) holding it even when not in use...sort of a nervous tick sorta thing. This knife may not be deserving up against some that have been posted and will follow but personally...I can think of no other more worthy than my carbon blade swapped Rough Rider large work knife. It has made me a believer in the style and I look forward to a future with this knife in my pocket.

20221216_130051.jpg

This is a fun thread and I look forward to seeing what others have been captivated by enough to name it knife of their year!

Matt
 
My BPS HK6 SSH has surprised me with how good it feels and looks (I was expecting it to cut, and it does), and it challenges my Schrade H-15s for the title of perfect sheath knife.
My OKC anniversary fb knives were joyous discoveries. One or two of the three might be contenders for perfect sheath knife, too.
But the Bayou Ace trapper Modoc ed sent me has got to be my knife of the year. It has taken over my pocket despite my being a life-long stockman guy, and despite my having a couple of similar knives that never quite won me over.
tGjKPGM.jpg

uXBU8J7.jpg

That Utica Kutmaster is a one-of-a-kind lunchbox knife, as far as I know, which has affected my willingness to use it, but it's also shorter and broader in both blades.
 
I may carry another knife for a day or two, and I have been blessed with knives this past year, but none match the time spent in my pocket (or robe!!) of this lovely little knife!!
A birthday gift from Rhidian Rhidian , and a complete surprise, it continues to be a surprise of how useful it is, but also of how nostalgically inspiring it is!! It reminds me of the inspiration for a bunch of knives I had made called the "Ancients", and is, itself, inspired by a true ancient from the very early 1800s!! I haven't had it for a full year, but it is definitely my Knife Of The Year!!View attachment 2018002
Compared to its ancestor!!View attachment 2018007
A very worthy choice Charlie :) In 2015, your Scratted Bone Ancient was my TKOTY, despite some very stiff competition, including my Davidson :) :thumbsup:
Thanks for starting this thread Jack. I look forward to it every year.

This year is going to be tougher than usual for me. I don't normally buy many knives anymore, being mostly content with my bunch. However, this year I was besotted with French knives, and it seems like I had a parcel crossing the pond every month.

It started with this, the humble Opinel. This one is an older specimen, because knife-nut that I am, I liked the markings better.

51821706910_0fd69bf96f_c.jpg


A couple of weeks later Gary W. Graley Gary W. Graley gifted me this neat friction folder, complete with one of his sheaths.

51886354939_17d62ebe2c_c.jpg


I also got this lovely Sauveterre in snakewood.

52028080027_01d6584367_c.jpg


I fell really hard for the laguiole. The high level of artisan craftsmanship, combined with the French success in battling cheap foreign imports, struck a chord with me. Plus, the laguiole may just be the most beautiful spring knife design ever. This one was a present from Âchillepattada Âchillepattada .

52281134229_85fed358c4_c.jpg


Here's a vintage piece, refurbished with new covers and a reworked spring.

52303380777_379961c61c_c.jpg


I'm not usually a fan of filework, but guillochage is part of the charm with these knives.

52459331433_9bef39b95c_c.jpg


And yet, when all is said and done, my knife of the year ended up not being a French knife, but rather an arresoja from Sardinia. Will Power Will Power said it very well --



52545886464_2c63d7543f_c.jpg


52525974938_1f1e8ea031_b.jpg


- Christian
Thank you Christian, I have been busy, and am going away next week, so I thought I'd better get this thread posted :) You have really collected some beauties this year, interesting to see, as I know you don't usually buy too many knives :cool: And yet, the Sardinian stepped in, and stole your pocket. Wonderful :) :thumbsup:
I had 3 real contenders, each probably older than I am.
Robeson Barlow
Ulster Electrician
Schrade Whittler
View attachment 2018100

And my winner for knife of 2022... Schrade 863! I actually got 3 of these with tubes. Keeping the other 2 mint for my 2 sons.

View attachment 2018101
Nice choice :) :thumbsup:
Several knives come and go through my hands each year but for this year, I'd have to say that this Schatt & Morgan is my favorite. It was made in 2005 shortly before the final decline of Queen/Schatt & Morgan - just on the cusp of Bill Howard leaving to form his own company Great Eastern Cutlery.

View attachment 2018108
That looks like a really well-made knife Ed :cool: :thumbsup:
This would be a tough tough thought inducing decision that would take time to ponder and would likely end up with a lack of reply on my end as I wouldnt be able to make a decision IF time wasnt a factor. That said, I will toss my knife of the year out quickly and without much thought at all because this year I have had one knife that has taken my attention and pocket space up since I first bought it, took it apart and then completed the blade swap on it. Im usually not one for knives this large but now I cant put it down and cant stop finding ways in which to use it. Food prep to opening mail, cutting tags off the kids toys or shirts you name it. I often find myself (nothing new) holding it even when not in use...sort of a nervous tick sorta thing. This knife may not be deserving up against some that have been posted and will follow but personally...I can think of no other more worthy than my carbon blade swapped Rough Rider large work knife. It has made me a believer in the style and I look forward to a future with this knife in my pocket.

View attachment 2018109

This is a fun thread and I look forward to seeing what others have been captivated by enough to name it knife of their year!

Matt
THAT'S a Knife of the Year Matt! :cool: :thumbsup:
My BPS HK6 SSH has surprised me with how good it feels and looks (I was expecting it to cut, and it does), and it challenges my Schrade H-15s for the title of perfect sheath knife.
My OKC anniversary fb knives were joyous discoveries. One or two of the three might be contenders for perfect sheath knife, too.
But the Bayou Ace trapper Modoc ed sent me has got to be my knife of the year. It has taken over my pocket despite my being a life-long stockman guy, and despite my having a couple of similar knives that never quite won me over.
tGjKPGM.jpg

uXBU8J7.jpg

That Utica Kutmaster is a one-of-a-kind lunchbox knife, as far as I know, which has affected my willingness to use it, but it's also shorter and broader in both blades.
Interesting choice Jer :cool: :) :thumbsup:
My favorite thread of the year Jack Jack Black Jack Black . Give me a day or so and I'll think about it, although I have a good idea already.
Thanks Alan, take your time buddy :) :thumbsup:
 
Jack it can only be the 🩸 lamb. Received in April and with special significance.

View attachment 2018190
Definitely mate, you have been glued to the Blood Lamb :cool: :thumbsup:
Look forward to this thread, enjoy following along with everyone's knives.

I cannot nominate one for this year, the one that still gets the most pocket time is the Boker Barlow Expedition from last year.
It's nice that we can sit back and watch the others Gordon :) :thumbsup:
 
I may carry another knife for a day or two, and I have been blessed with knives this past year, but none match the time spent in my pocket (or robe!!) of this lovely little knife!!
A birthday gift from Rhidian Rhidian , and a complete surprise, it continues to be a surprise of how useful it is, but also of how nostalgically inspiring it is!! It reminds me of the inspiration for a bunch of knives I had made called the "Ancients", and is, itself, inspired by a true ancient from the very early 1800s!! I haven't had it for a full year, but it is definitely my Knife Of The Year!!View attachment 2018002
Compared to its ancestor!!View attachment 2018007

Love that hatched bone. :cool:
 
Thank you Jack Black Jack Black for this yearly thread and for allowing us the opportunity to reflect. I purchased much less knives this year than last but the clear knife of the year for me is the Spade 88 ♠️

It’s a knife I had no expectations whatsoever of being knife of the year for me. It’s the first two blade to stay in my collection and it has reigned supreme in my pocket all year long. The moment I took this knife out of the tube I fell in love with it. It is aesthetically pleasing and a great workhorse and that spade shield with the black linen Micarta tie in so well together. Both blades are great and very enjoyable to use and it is surprisingly comfortable in-hand once I figured out how to hold it in the correct manner. Just a great great knife. I had two of them at one point and planned on keeping one as a safe Queen but I ended up selling the safe Queen to help fund a grail 85 smooth rotten banana bone purchase that I’ve been after for three years. As much as I love my 85 rotten banana bone the Spade 88 is my 2022 knife of the year!!

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