Your Traditional Knife of the Year 2023 (Easy Tiger, read the rules please! ;))

[Jack Black]

I have received a number of new knives this year for my meager collection . Some of them are patterns that I wanted and some of them are brands that I wanted in my collection and 1 of them was a rare pattern . I carried every one of them at one time or the other but none of them could be seen as a contender for my KOTY . My actual KOTY is one that I received a few years ago and there was not even a #2 for me . But that being said , I still enjoy reviewing this KOTY thread every year . That you for doing it again Jack Black . Maybe in 2024 I will be able to get one to qualify for entry .

Harry

I know how you feel Harry, thanks for the kind words my friend

This one is easy this year. The Bunny came late for me (after Christmas 22). I echo everything @afishhunter said earlier. Never carried a knife as much as this one in a year. It just has a strong nostalgic draw for me. Plus being Ebony & jack knife.
Perfect in every way. A pleasure to carry.

A perfect Knife of the Year Tim

I’ll add to the growing 2022 BF Bunny list as well.

I’ve said it before, but when this one was announced, like most I grabbed one because, well, Forum knife. When I ordered it, I had no idea I would like and carry it as much as I do. It has definitely been my most-carried traditional over the last year, and I don’t see that changing in the foreseeable future. For me, it’s just ticks a lot of the right boxes, so it gets picked most of the time.

View attachment 2412687

That's the one

Well, I only acquired one knife in the date range to qualify, which was the 2023 forum knife, so I guess that's gonna have to be the winner for my best, worst, favorite, least favorite, heaviest, lightest, largest, smallest, most expensive, and cheapest categories of the year.

So - the 2023 Bladeforums GEC Humpback Congress is my Knife of the Year. I did not see in the rules where I have to post a photo of it, which is good, because I didn't take any photos during its brief inspection before returning to its nice warm little tube.

You're not making it sound very special John!

This was the year of GEC 86’s for me. This is a perfect pattern for me. I love the size and the feel in hand. I love the walk and talk. The action is just right and the snap is authoritative. I was able to make a day trip to the factory in July and was able to pickup a marrow bone 86. With the help of two friends I was then able to get a white bone Harness Jack Charlie Campagna 86. I thought that was it, but then a Cocobolo M&G was available. So I was able to get a spear point, clip point, and sheepfoot 86 all in one year. I feel each one of these is perfect in every way.

However, my selection for KOTY has to go to this David Valdivieso mammoth clip point 86. It actually came out exactly how we pictured it. This was the first knife I have ever held with mammoth handles. The mammoth is highly polished and more luxurious than anything I was familiar with. Thank you David, you do excellent work.

Got to agree with you on the #86's buddy Those are all stunning knives, but WOW! Some amazing work there, congratulations

 

[Jack Black]

2023...there's the forum knife ...always a strong contender...this year being no different.
Very strong in the field CC Rider HJs...black and white plain Janes or simple, understated beauty matched only by solid capabilty.Classics. definitely worth considering.
Top weight favourite for mine...a seasoned campaigner...been in the pocket most of the year...glad to be out of the stable....patinering nicely...your friend and mine... View attachment 2412768
Ol' Pondy.

Looking good Jon

It’s been a strong year for me, with a lot of great additions to the collection. However, this late-year acquisition in leaves zero doubt that it is my 2023 TKOTY.

The ebony is darker than night. The fit and finish is impeccable. It feels great in use and it disappears in my pocket. AND I’ve been super into three-blade knives lately.

This 2009 Canal Street Stockman is definitely my best pickup of the year!

That looks superb That forum has some great knives!

I've slowed down a bit from previous years, but have still bought "a few" really nice knives this year. There isn't a bad one in the bunch, but the one that stands out is this dumb thing. And it cost $16.
View attachment 2412811

Yep, that's how it works!

I didn’t buy too many traditionals this year, but my favorite, by far, was this elderberry 54:
View attachment 2412904
View attachment 2412905
Love those handles!

And lovely it is

 

[Just Tom.]

I may be bending the rules a little here, as my KOTY has seen exactly zero pocket time (outside of the house and yard, anyway), but this beast of a folder has seen lots of use and has become my go-to for any little project I dream up that involves carving wood. It excels at stripping bark and gross material removal - just be careful, or you will cut way deeper than you hoped…

Here it is with the paddle I carved out of a 2x8:

I had a credit with the big online retailer, so I shelled out exactly $4.04 additional dollars for the carbon Opinel No. 10. The Zieg deserves credit for inspiring the purchase.

 

[rishma]

I had forgotten about this annual tradition! I am more of an admirer than an acquirer (unlike most of my fellow porch dwellers) so my post will be short and sweet. My knife of the year is as a birthday gift from my son. I specifically asked for it because I have a new job that requires extended travel to far off places and I need a knife that would meet some basic needs and not raise the attention of even the most rigorous customs/immigration agents. I also knew I needed something easily replaced…just in case. To this end, the victorinox classic SD is my knife of the year. It has been extremely useful and a wonderful daily companion while I am abroad. I like smaller knives but I do look forward to carrying a bit more blade when I am home.

 

[Jack Black]

I may be bending the rules a little here, as my KOTY has seen exactly zero pocket time (outside of the house and yard, anyway), but this beast of a folder has seen lots of use and has become my go-to for any little project I dream up that involves carving wood. It excels at stripping bark and gross material removal - just be careful, or you will cut way deeper than you hoped…

Here it is with the paddle I carved out of a 2x8:

I had a credit with the big online retailer, so I shelled out exactly $4.04 additional dollars for the carbon Opinel No. 10. The Zieg deserves credit for inspiring the purchase.

Sounds good to me Tom You got a good price on that Nice work on the paddle

I had forgotten about this annual tradition! I am more of an admirer than an acquirer (unlike most of my fellow porch dwellers) so my post will be short and sweet. My knife of the year is as a birthday gift from my son. I specifically asked for it because I have a new job that requires extended travel to far off places and I need a knife that would meet some basic needs and not raise the attention of even the most rigorous customs/immigration agents. I also knew I needed something easily replaced…just in case. To this end, the victorinox classic SD is my knife of the year. It has been extremely useful and a wonderful daily companion while I am abroad. I like smaller knives but I do look forward to carrying a bit more blade when I am home.
View attachment 2412945

That ticks all the boxes my friend Especially nice that your son bought it for you Safe travels

 

[Hoffmajo89]

That looks superb That forum has some great knives!

Thank you, Jack! Loved reading through your post and have to agree with your summary of why the Albers Lambfoot is such a special one. In fact, I never really paid much attention to Canal Street until after I became familiar with Eric’s solo venture.

Anyways, I won’t get this thread off on a discussion of my own! Love seeing everyone’s pics and explanations.

 

[Jack Black]

Thank you, Jack! Loved reading through your post and have to agree with your summary of why the Albers Lambfoot is such a special one. In fact, I never really paid much attention to Canal Street until after I became familiar with Eric’s solo venture.

Anyways, I won’t get this thread off on a discussion of my own! Love seeing everyone’s pics and explanations.

Thank you, I'll have to go back and read it myself! I was the same with Canal Street, but I was sad when they were no more. I'm sure glad things have worked out for Eric, much like they did for Stan Shaw when he had to hang up his own shingle

 

[SteveC]

You have rounded up some lovely old vintage Lambs this year Steve, but your IXL is a work of art. A worthy winner

Thanks Jack !

 

[Rufus1949]

This is my first year to participate on this great thread.
The knives are as diverse as the personalities. I enjoy the intriguing reasons for each person's selection.
Mine was easy, this knife was a gift from Paul@ Jakeywax31. I know it meant alot to him, yet he sent the knife to me. What a well designed and crafted piece of cutlery

 

[5K Qs]

I acquired quite a few knives in 2023 and happened to post photos of them in the "Totin' Today" thread last week. But my KOTY wasn't shown, since it was technically a Christmas or birthday present I received in 2022. (Because of when my daughter was able to visit last Christmas season, we celebrated my birthday and Christmas on the same day. And, although I selected, ordered, paid for, and wrapped the knife, I put a tag on it that said it was to me from my wife, so it was a gift! )

The knife is an oak-handled 3.75" tonneau, or barrel, knife from Coutellerie au Sabot. It has carbon steel bolsters, each with 5 lines at the base and one line at the tip. The XC75 carbon steel sheepsfoot blade is just under 3" long. I've had a strong interest in inexpensive work knives from around the world ("peasant knives"?) ever since I started acquiring pocket knives, and the history of the French tonneau pattern presented at the dealer's website indicates that this is another example of that kind of knife. Although this knife hasn't officially become part of my "literal EDC" group, it has rarely been out of my pocket this calendar year.



- GT

 

[Jack Black]

This is my first year to participate on this great thread.
The knives are as diverse as the personalities. I enjoy the intriguing reasons for each person's selection.
Mine was easy, this knife was a gift from Paul@ Jakeywax31. I know it meant alot to him, yet he sent the knife to me. What a well designed and crafted knife.View attachment 2413023

Always the most special knives Bob (did a whole thread about that once) Great choice for your first KOTY

I acquired quite a few knives in 2023 and happened to post photos of them in the "Totin' Today" thread last week. But my KOTY wasn't shown, since it was technically a Christmas or birthday present I received in 2022. (Because of when my daughter was able to visit last Christmas season, we celebrated my birthday and Christmas on the same day. And, although I selected, ordered, paid for, and wrapped the knife, I put a tag on it that said it was to me from my wife, so it was a gift! )

The knife is an oak-handled 3.75" tonneau, or barrel, knife from Coutellerie au Sabot. It has carbon steel bolsters, each with 5 lines at the base and one line at the tip. The XC75 carbon steel sheepsfoot blade is just under 3" long. I've had a strong interest in inexpensive work knives from around the world ("peasant knives"?) ever since I started acquiring pocket knives, and the history of the French tonneau pattern presented at the dealer's website indicates that this is another example of that kind of knife. Although this knife hasn't officially become part of my "literal EDC" group, it has rarely been out of my pocket this calendar year.
View attachment 2413062
View attachment 2413060

- GT

Really cool design Gary

 

[Ellis Wyatt]

A year in review, and what a year it has been.

I started the year carrying knives that don't qualify for this thread, so I will skip to February when i received a Case Texas Jack that I carried for a little over the month, following it's selection by porch members in a poll thread.





Some time in March, I received a knife that I had been searching for for a while, and consider it one of the best slipjoints I own. The 2019 Bladeforums 86. A top contender for Knife of the Year.


And shown here with another favorite from this year, a Maher and Grosh.


The middle of the year another Case dominated my pocket time. This Case Bose stockman. Fantastic knife with great blades. I really enjoyed carrying this one.






Later in the year we were lucky and got to see another run of 86s! There were some great options, but the one that grabbed the most pocket time from me was the ebony CC Ryder. Absolutely fantastic knife that I was very excited to use. A top contender for knife of the year.



Late this year I received a model 12 that took me by surprise. It was in natural stag and the action of the main blade is absolutely perfect. This knife just does it for me. Beautiful stag, very nice heft to the knife. It is just great. A top 3 KOTY pick.





So yes. It has been one heck of a year. But in the end, there is one knife that really earned a spot in my pocket and collection. I was finally able to track down one of the Waynorth Texas Camp Knives, and it has pretty much stayed in my pocket since it arrived. Though it is large and heavy, it has a combination of tools that I use every day. Instead of carrying a combination of a small traditional, large modern folder and a fixed blade, I find myself carrying the Camp Knife and one other blade most often now. It is starting to show some good signs of use and continues to take over my pocket spot.





And so, after a review of this year my personal selection for Knife of the Year is:

The 981416 Texas Camp knife. It is in my pocket again today, and will likely stay for a while longer. Thank you to all the porch members who have made this another memorable year.

 

[Jack Black]

A year in review, and what a year it has been.

I started the year carrying knives that don't qualify for this thread, so I will skip to February when i received a Case Texas Jack that I carried for a little over the month, following it's selection by porch members in a poll thread.
View attachment 2413077


View attachment 2413080

Some time in March, I received a knife that I had been searching for for a while, and consider it one of the best slipjoints I own. The 2019 Bladeforums 86. A top contender for Knife of the Year.
View attachment 2413079

And shown here with another favorite from this year, a Maher and Grosh.
View attachment 2413081

The middle of the year another Case dominated my pocket time. This Case Bose stockman. Fantastic knife with great blades. I really enjoyed carrying this one.

View attachment 2413085


View attachment 2413086

Later in the year we were lucky and got to see another run of 86s! There were some great options, but the one that grabbed the most pocket time from me was the ebony CC Ryder. Absolutely fantastic knife that I was very excited to use. A top contender for knife of the year.

View attachment 2413088

Late this year I received a model 12 that took me by surprise. It was in natural stag and the action of the main blade is absolutely perfect. This knife just does it for me. Beautiful stag, very nice heft to the knife. It is just great. A top 3 KOTY pick.


View attachment 2413090


So yes. It has been one heck of a year. But in the end, there is one knife that really earned a spot in my pocket and collection. I was finally able to track down one of the Waynorth Texas Camp Knives, and it has pretty much stayed in my pocket since it arrived. Though it is large and heavy, it has a combination of tools that I use every day. Instead of carrying a combination of a small traditional, large modern folder and a fixed blade, I find myself carrying the Camp Knife and one other blade most often now. It is starting to show some good signs of use and continues to take over my pocket spot.


View attachment 2413096


And so, after a review of this year my personal selection for Knife of the Year is:

The 981416 Texas Camp knife. It is in my pocket again today, and will likely stay for a while longer. Thank you to all the porch members who have made this another memorable year.

View attachment 2413118

Wow, you really had a great knife year! Thank you for presenting them so beautifully I doubt many will be surprised by your final choice, and it has been nice to see you bond with that exceptional knife, and to see it begin to gently age

 

[Ellis Wyatt]

Wow, you really had a great knife year! Thank you for presenting them so beautifully I doubt many will be surprised by your final choice, and it has been nice to see you bond with that exceptional knife, and to see it begin to gently age

Thank you. I enjoyed looking back to see how the year unfolded. It was incredibly busy this year, and looking back through my pictures brought back memories of a lot of trips I had forgotten about. Lots of fantastic knives traveled the country with me this year, with a few more upcoming trips to close out the year.

 

[echoscout]

Like a lot of folks on the porch I've been blessed to get a lot of good knives this year. Two have come to the front to contend for KOTY. First the runner up.



The Albers Cut Co Lambsfoot. I love this knife. Kat is a pocket hawg. It's an excellent example of the cutlers art. I consider Eric to be one of the last if not the last Cutler from the Walden area which is famous in American Cutlery history. He is the walking embodiment of that history. Walden was once known as "Sheffield of America". Eric also gets what a Lambsfoot is suppose to be. It's the subtle refinements that make the Lambsfoot the great knife it is. Eric put all that in his knife's design and it manifest into a great working knife.
The cowboy in my heart prevailed and my KOTY is the Horsewright Cowboy Toothpick.



I been watching Horsewright knives from a distance for a number of years. This summer I finally decided to bite the bullet and get one. After I got this knife in my hand I wondered why I waited so long. Even tho it's a small knife it fits my hand good. It's super sharp and easy to maintain that edge. Love the gnarly ram horn covers. Most the time I put it in it's sheath and drop in my right front pocket.

 

[Prester John]

Like a lot of folks on the porch I've been blessed to get a lot of good knives this year. Two have come to the front to contend for KOTY. First the runner up.

View attachment 2413144

The Albers Cot Co Lambsfoot. I love this knife. Kat is a pocket hawg. It's an excellent example of the cutlers art. I consider Eric to be one of the last if not the last Cutler from the Walden area which is famous in American Cutlery history. He is the walking embodiment of that history. Walden was once known as "Sheffield of America". Eric also gets what a Lambsfoot is suppose to be. It's the subtle refinements that make the Lambsfoot the great knife it is. Eric put all that in his knife's design and it manifest into a great working knife.
The cowboy in my heart prevailed and my KOTY is the Horsewright Cowboy Toothpick.

View attachment 2413163

I been watching Horsewright knives from a distance for a number of years. This summer I finally decided to bite the bullet and get one. After I got this knife in my hand I wondered why I waited so long. Even tho it's a small knife it fits my hand good. It's super sharp and easy to maintain that edge. Love the gnarly ram horn covers. Most the time I put it in it's sheath and drop in my right front pocket.

That Horsewright knife is a real looker, David. Might have to get me one of those myself.

 

[Prester John]

Always love this annual thread, Jack. No entry from me this year--the only possible contender would have been a knife I have on order (a verijero like CelloDan has); I have not received it yet. The traditional knives I have carried the most this year (Opinel No.8, 2019 Baldeforums knife, and a Case wharncliffe mini trapper--gift from JohnDF ),were all acquired in previous years. But I enjoy perusing the entries. Maybe next year!

 

[echoscout]

That Horsewright knife is a real looker, David. Might have to get me one of those myself.

Thanks buddy! I think you'd like it a lot.

 

[eisman]

I bought a few knives this year, but fewer than normal due to a major move and change in lifestyle. But three of this years best were Bob Loveless patterns, which I really like. This is the one I reach for to take a walk. One of my co-workers says it's fancy salami slicer, and he's right. I'd carry it more often, but I dislike the sheath. Working on that...

 

[Peregrin]

Thanks for continuing the tradition, Jack! I've not added many traditional knives this year. I have added too many others that don't belong here.

My traditional knife for 2023 is the Scarperia Zuava I picked up in Florence, Italy this past October. It brings with it some very fond memories of the time we spent with family from all over the USA, in the homeland of our ancestors. It also reminds me of how my wife, I and our oldest son came home with COVID. I find the Zuava to be a very useful pattern, and I'm carrying it fairly often.