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

[Johnnythefox]

In January I did not have one HJ I certainly didnt have a Waynorth HJ,I had never ever seen a HJ.

The thread on them has had me wanting one for ages,I studied every photo and read all the text.

Now I have a Waynorth HJ, its everything I imagined and more.

It looks darn good,is built like a tank,yet is elegant,the 2 blades are a perfect combination and are well designed,the ebony is the perfect handle material,its not flash.

I love it.

 

[Pàdruig]

Fantastic post Dylan, you're a great wordsmith my friend Unplugging is something I have real difficulty doing I'm afraid, I envy you! Great to hear about your road trip, and while you may have slowed down a little, you have still acquired some wonderful knives. I like dealing with the Finns, but don't shop with them as often as I used to due to Brexit (they weren't shipping knives here for a while too - ended yesterday). However, I did put in a small order a couple of days ago As I'm sure you imagined, I had guessed what your KOTY would be, as soon as I saw your post. I know it is a dream come true for you my friend, and I think Rhidian did a superb job

Thank you, Jack. I haven't done a lot of non-work related wordsmithing lately so it was good to settle down and lay out some of my thoughts for a spell. Hopefully I didn't bore anyone. The company that have the Terävä knives made is fantastic (I'll avoid naming them but they are easily found) - they have all sorts of great stuff and I couldn't recommend them more. I keep wanting to reach out to Rhidian for another potential project but it's hard to figure what can improve upon perfection.

Great read and photos Dylan. Your quote above perfectly sums up my feeling for my KOTY that I posted earlier. Hope your holidays are as pleasant as the ride you just took us on.

Thank you, Alan. Your KOTY is STUNNING, a real beauty. I've always thought the Saddlehorn a lovely pattern but I've never given one a try. I think I'll scoop up one of Case's and give it a whirl.

Great post, and a great knife, Dylan. I always enjoy reading your musings.

Thank you, Ross. I haven't been able to muse much lately but it was good to take a break from life for a wee bit.

 

[joeradza]

Thank you, Alan. Your KOTY is STUNNING, a real beauty. I've always thought the Saddlehorn a lovely pattern but I've never given one a try. I think I'll scoop up one of Case's and give it a whirl.

Definitely a wonderful pattern. Case has small (about 3.5”) and a large, (about 4 1/4” I think). Both single and double blades. Good luck

 

[mitch13]

For me this is a hard 1, haven't bought a lot of traditionals this year. However I have been fortunate to be gifted some great knives & have 3 contenders


A taylors eye witness lambsfoot gifted by Jack Black A pattern I didn't know I needed till I had 1, have 3 now. Nothing fancy but great user.

A Schatt & Morgan whittler gifted by pmek5 a real nice little gentleman knife. My first ever S&M with the thin blades sharpens up like a razor

An A. Wright Senator lambsfoot gifted by Rufus1949 A bit fancier lambsfoot in carbon.


So my favourite of the year is .......


It has been in my pocket more, only just though

 

[mrknife]

well see soon, im tired of waiting and searching, so well see how they look when back from the modder. So far gotta give it to the 86s tho, most desireable for me this year We'll see...

 

[Old Engineer]

It's always a pleasure to see this thread come up, Jack - an honored tradition, for sure.

This year has been an interesting year for me. Work has become more intensive for me (not a bad thing) and my kids are both in high school and they are keeping us rather busy. As such, I've found the need (more often than not) to simply unplug when I get the chance. It's been a positive for me but it has meant less time on the forums and as an unexpected side effect, far less knives. I've also pulled myself out of the "GEC" game and so it has become pretty rare for me to land a new knife. When I do, it's because I've managed to be in the right place at the right time or I am simply taking advantage of far more available offerings.

That all said, it wasn't a knife drought for me, by any means, and I've managed to acquire some quality pieces - quality over quantity, as they say, right?

There is a very clear KOTY for me and I'm sure Jack will not be surprised by my choice. More on that in a bit though - I would be remiss not to showcase some of the runner-ups and possible contenders.


Earlier in the year, I was at the Oregon Knife Show and was able to meet up with some folks I hadn't seen in a couple of years like Charlie and Neil. I also got to meet Rhidian and had some great chats with Joan Mae from GEC. It was a grand time and though I didn't get to meet up with everyone I was hoping to see, it was still memorable all the same.

I scooped up a Case Loom Fixer off of Charlie's table and a #59 in Stag from GEC's table (the latter being the last bit of Stag I've gotten from GEC). Both fine knives, especially that Case, and instantly cherished pieces in my collection. Still, they are knives that haven't seen any use or carry from me quite yet so they are simply honorable mentions.

Sometime in late spring, I decided to check out a line of fixed blades that are made in Finland, Terävä's Skrama and Jääkäripuukko in a couple of different sizes. These knives offer a tremendous value and the company was a real treat to deal with. I set the Skrama to some blackberry vines almost as soon as I got it and I used the larger version last month at a winter camp, making hearth boards for a bow drill fire making workshop.

Fantastic knives and if I were outside all day, every day, I'd likely be carrying one or more of these rather consistently. Alas! I work at a desk so I have to create my own opportunities so they collectively remain distant runner-ups in my quest for KOTY.

In the summer, I travelled back east to where my story began and I road tripped back with my biological dad - we essentially drove from Portland, Maine to Portland Oregon. On the way, we stopped in Bradford, Pennsylvania to check out the Case/Zippo museum. My dad, a lifelong Zippo user and Case carrier, was thrilled to death and I must say, it was a very fun experience. Such excellent Americana to enjoy there. We followed that up by stopping in Titusville to visit the GEC factory. I was less enthused by that visit and I'd say my experience was rather neutral.

Regardless, I did get souvenir knives from both locations - an H20 and a Paring Knife. I haven't used the GEC yet since the edge is almost nonexistent and I haven't taken the time to reprofile yet. The Case however, is a quite a treat in the kitchen and has seen an enormous amount of use since I brought it home. I would say it is a rather pleasant surprise and it qualifies as a solid second runner up for me.

As @Travman mentioned, it is a terrific #86 year for GEC. I think it can be argued that any year that GEC produces on this frame is a great year though. It's such an excellent pattern and pretty much any knife made on it is an instant classic. I was mostly intrigued by the Harness Jack variants. Though I have a couple of knives with punches, none of them are jacks so it was nice to be able to land a few of these 86s. Barring the forum knife this year, these 86s are the last GECs I have been able to acquire.

I was able to get one of Charlie's Easy Riders and if I hadn't been able to scoop up one of the variants with the Sheepfoot main, I think I would have given it a lot of use and time. I've become so accustomed to having a straight edged blade for my everyday cutting needs though, that when I was able to score one of the regular runs in the red micarta, I was pretty thrilled. As such, I have carried it and used it a bunch. Micarta is not my favorite material on slipjoints, especially the overly plastic-like linen stuff that GEC uses, so when I learned of M&G's offerings in more traditional materials, I had to grab one of those too.

The Harness Jack in micarta though is the one I can toss in the pocket and never fear. It's robust and tough, and it gets the job done. It is easily my first runner up and would have been my KOTY if it weren't for the next entry.

I mentioned earlier that I had met Rhidian at the Oregon Knife Show. Those of you who are familiar with his work know that it is absolutely exquisite. We had talked some before the show about a project that I had in mind. He was amenable to it and I was able to finalize things at the show. This would be the first time that I had worked with a custom slipjoint maker and I could not be more pleased with the results.

I was inspired by an old Lambsfoot that I found some time ago. It isn't in great shape but I was struck by the unusual blade/handle configuration - a lambsfoot blade on a "coke bottle" handle. Some folks here know my penchant for both coke bottle handles and lambsfoot blades so finding both in one knife was literally a fantasy brought to life. Rhidian saw the knife in question at the show and he agreed to reproduce it for me.

Jack is familiar with the concept of finding that "one" knife. The knife that seems to melt away any need for others to even be considered for your everyday needs. Well, I can safely say that this Rhidian Lambsfoot is that "one" for me. I have never had a knife so diminish my desire to acquire other knives like this one. The craftmanship, the materials used, the design all simply "click" for me and I am never left wanting when I carry this knife.

It has been a couple of years since I have been able to dub a Lambsfoot as my KOTY so I am enthusiastically naming my Rhidian Lambsfoot as my 2023 KOTY. 2024 has its work cut out for it but it's doubtful that anything that can be conjured up can compete with such a lofty bar.

You had some great knives to choose from but I think you made the right choice in the end . Great looking knife my friend and I am glad to see you around again .

Harry

 

[btb01]

I sold my soul to Carbon Steel a long time ago. Nothing logical about it, whatsoever, but I have rarely wanted to carry a stainless knife, and I think I have some nice ones for sure. Two knives I received this year, both received as gifts, are so special to me though, that their stainless blades simply add to their beauty, rather than detracting from it. I would change nothing about them, least of all, the pattern, of course. They both have Lambsfoot blades

The first is one of Eric Albers beauties. I have been so pleased to see Eric take to the Lambsfoot pattern, and was thrilled to actually have one to examine. It is perfect

I received the second Lambsfoot a few months later, from Bob Rufus1949 , and his generosity absolutely blew my socks off - in fact it Waboomed them off! The knife is made by a well-known, and extremely talented, South African maker, who is very familiar with the Lambsfoot pattern, and it sure has all the bells and whistles of a custom knife, with absolutely immaculate workmanship. Like Eric's knife, I have carried the K'roo Lamb a great deal

Either of these knives could be my Knife of the Year, so I have thought long and hard about my choice, searching my heart, as well as my head, seeking any great preference of one over the other. Both are a joy to carry, but of course, 'There can only be one!'

I have carried the Albers Lamb a little more, but it was my head, not my heart, which made the final choice. The K'roo Waboom Lambsfoot is a stunning custom knife, but while they certainly aren't easy to get hold of, I think Eric's Lambsfoot knives have a significance that transcends their beauty and function, they are historic - like Eric! Eric was trained as a factory cutler, he is one of our last links to a great world of American cutlery manufacture, which imported skills and ideas from the old world of Europe, and of Sheffield in particular. Eric certainly wasn't trained to make Lambsfoot knives, because there were no US-made Lambsfoot knives, but like Charlie @waynorth, he could see the character of the pattern, it's usefulness, it's versatility, its function, and its possibilities. I am thrilled that he has added it to his stable of patterns, and is producing so many wonderful examples. These knives are beautiful, but they are also good, honest working knives, their attractive covers do not detract from their function at all, and I think Eric has done a great job with the pattern. So, with respect to my lovely K'roo Lambsfoot, as good-looking and well-made a knife as you'll find, my 2023 Knife of the Year is my Eric Albers Lambsfoot. I hope that Eric makes many more

A great showdown between two excellent Lambs, Jack, and some other great new additions as well. I like your choice for your Knife of the Year, and hey, I’m mostly just glad you were finally able to participate in your own thread again!

No, my Knife of the Year (no surprise if you've been monitoring the G.O.A.T thread) is this 2022 Remington 'Silver Bullet' Granddaddy Barlow which, if you recall, was not actually released for sale until early 2023. It's interesting to me that My greatest traditional knife of the year may have also been my first traditional knife purchase of the year. First try! I wonder if there'll be a 2023 Remington Bullet released in 2024 ... I can only hope!

It really does the majority of what I need a knife to do extremely well - cuts vittles, opens letters and boxes, helps in the yard, cleans under fingernails, dispatches loose strings, etc - and, if I do say so myself, looks darn good doing it!

Those big Remington/GEC Granddaddy Barlows really are cool. I passed on them initially, but eventually ended up getting one, and I’m really glad I did. GEC did a fantastic job with them.

I mentioned earlier that I had met Rhidian at the Oregon Knife Show. Those of you who are familiar with his work know that it is absolutely exquisite. We had talked some before the show about a project that I had in mind. He was amenable to it and I was able to finalize things at the show. This would be the first time that I had worked with a custom slipjoint maker and I could not be more pleased with the results.

I was inspired by an old Lambsfoot that I found some time ago. It isn't in great shape but I was struck by the unusual blade/handle configuration - a lambsfoot blade on a "coke bottle" handle. Some folks here know my penchant for both coke bottle handles and lambsfoot blades so finding both in one knife was literally a fantasy brought to life. Rhidian saw the knife in question at the show and he agreed to reproduce it for me.

Jack is familiar with the concept of finding that "one" knife. The knife that seems to melt away any need for others to even be considered for your everyday needs. Well, I can safely say that this Rhidian Lambsfoot is that "one" for me. I have never had a knife so diminish my desire to acquire other knives like this one. The craftmanship, the materials used, the design all simply "click" for me and I am never left wanting when I carry this knife.

It has been a couple of years since I have been able to dub a Lambsfoot as my KOTY so I am enthusiastically naming my Rhidian Lambsfoot as my 2023 KOTY. 2024 has its work cut out for it but it's doubtful that anything that can be conjured up can compete with such a lofty bar.

A lot of great knives in your post, Dylan, but that Rhidian is just on another level.

I think my knife of the year has to be my SFO that I had created to honor my family's history with making maple syrup. I had wanted to give a knife to family who have helped over the years with the labor of love. I ended up getting 25 knives made through Titusville Cutlery, partly because we live not far from Titusville, PA, and it was neat to have that stamp on a knife for relatives. I also had a custom tang stamp made with my name, again honoring our history of maple syrup production. I'm the 5th generation in my family to produce syrup, and I'm hoping my daughter carries that on for another generation.

The knife has red dyed birdseye maple handles, and was called the "Syrup Maker Special", and I had the blades serialized on the back. My wife designed the artwork for the tube, tag, and CoA. All around it was group effort, and I couldn't be more happy with the end result. I gave away 12 to my dad, uncles, cousins, and brothers who have helped make syrup over the years. I kept 1 new in tube (#1), and another to be used which has been in my pocket every day since (#11). The rest I sold to help offset some of the expense.

I'd always wanted something extra special to carry, and I don't think any knife will ever have more sentimental attachment than this one for me.
View attachment 2414133View attachment 2414134View attachment 2414136

I mean, it couldn’t be anything else, could it? Such a good project, Carl.

I think that kind of thing is pretty common Carl, and can think of numerous occassions where I've given knives to people, and they've done just that. My friend Tool Man is a case in point, he keeps all the knives I've given him in a safe, 'in case he loses them'! Paul @Jakeywax31 very generously sent him a Reminton Bullet Jack a few months back, and he planned to do just the same. I told him there was nothing sadder than an unused knife, and this somehow penetrated his thick skull, and he started to carry it. It has made a big change in his life. I mean, he's still a great big greedy stupid lump, but at least he has a nice knife in his pocket! It is definitely his KOTY

Wow, even Tool Man had a KOTY this year! That’s great!

 

[cudgee]

A Schatt & Morgan whittler gifted by pmek5 a real nice little gentleman knife. My first ever S&M with the thin blades sharpens up like a razor

A nice looking pocket knife. The thin blades sharpening to razors edge makes it a great little carry.

 

[cudgee]

My only purchase for the year, but it is a Lamb.

 

[Rhidian]

It's always a pleasure to see this thread come up, Jack - an honored tradition, for sure.

This year has been an interesting year for me. Work has become more intensive for me (not a bad thing) and my kids are both in high school and they are keeping us rather busy. As such, I've found the need (more often than not) to simply unplug when I get the chance. It's been a positive for me but it has meant less time on the forums and as an unexpected side effect, far less knives. I've also pulled myself out of the "GEC" game and so it has become pretty rare for me to land a new knife. When I do, it's because I've managed to be in the right place at the right time or I am simply taking advantage of far more available offerings.

That all said, it wasn't a knife drought for me, by any means, and I've managed to acquire some quality pieces - quality over quantity, as they say, right?

There is a very clear KOTY for me and I'm sure Jack will not be surprised by my choice. More on that in a bit though - I would be remiss not to showcase some of the runner-ups and possible contenders.


Earlier in the year, I was at the Oregon Knife Show and was able to meet up with some folks I hadn't seen in a couple of years like Charlie and Neil. I also got to meet Rhidian and had some great chats with Joan Mae from GEC. It was a grand time and though I didn't get to meet up with everyone I was hoping to see, it was still memorable all the same.

I scooped up a Case Loom Fixer off of Charlie's table and a #59 in Stag from GEC's table (the latter being the last bit of Stag I've gotten from GEC). Both fine knives, especially that Case, and instantly cherished pieces in my collection. Still, they are knives that haven't seen any use or carry from me quite yet so they are simply honorable mentions.

Sometime in late spring, I decided to check out a line of fixed blades that are made in Finland, Terävä's Skrama and Jääkäripuukko in a couple of different sizes. These knives offer a tremendous value and the company was a real treat to deal with. I set the Skrama to some blackberry vines almost as soon as I got it and I used the larger version last month at a winter camp, making hearth boards for a bow drill fire making workshop.

Fantastic knives and if I were outside all day, every day, I'd likely be carrying one or more of these rather consistently. Alas! I work at a desk so I have to create my own opportunities so they collectively remain distant runner-ups in my quest for KOTY.

In the summer, I travelled back east to where my story began and I road tripped back with my biological dad - we essentially drove from Portland, Maine to Portland Oregon. On the way, we stopped in Bradford, Pennsylvania to check out the Case/Zippo museum. My dad, a lifelong Zippo user and Case carrier, was thrilled to death and I must say, it was a very fun experience. Such excellent Americana to enjoy there. We followed that up by stopping in Titusville to visit the GEC factory. I was less enthused by that visit and I'd say my experience was rather neutral.

Regardless, I did get souvenir knives from both locations - an H20 and a Paring Knife. I haven't used the GEC yet since the edge is almost nonexistent and I haven't taken the time to reprofile yet. The Case however, is a quite a treat in the kitchen and has seen an enormous amount of use since I brought it home. I would say it is a rather pleasant surprise and it qualifies as a solid second runner up for me.

As @Travman mentioned, it is a terrific #86 year for GEC. I think it can be argued that any year that GEC produces on this frame is a great year though. It's such an excellent pattern and pretty much any knife made on it is an instant classic. I was mostly intrigued by the Harness Jack variants. Though I have a couple of knives with punches, none of them are jacks so it was nice to be able to land a few of these 86s. Barring the forum knife this year, these 86s are the last GECs I have been able to acquire.

I was able to get one of Charlie's Easy Riders and if I hadn't been able to scoop up one of the variants with the Sheepfoot main, I think I would have given it a lot of use and time. I've become so accustomed to having a straight edged blade for my everyday cutting needs though, that when I was able to score one of the regular runs in the red micarta, I was pretty thrilled. As such, I have carried it and used it a bunch. Micarta is not my favorite material on slipjoints, especially the overly plastic-like linen stuff that GEC uses, so when I learned of M&G's offerings in more traditional materials, I had to grab one of those too.

The Harness Jack in micarta though is the one I can toss in the pocket and never fear. It's robust and tough, and it gets the job done. It is easily my first runner up and would have been my KOTY if it weren't for the next entry.

I mentioned earlier that I had met Rhidian at the Oregon Knife Show. Those of you who are familiar with his work know that it is absolutely exquisite. We had talked some before the show about a project that I had in mind. He was amenable to it and I was able to finalize things at the show. This would be the first time that I had worked with a custom slipjoint maker and I could not be more pleased with the results.

I was inspired by an old Lambsfoot that I found some time ago. It isn't in great shape but I was struck by the unusual blade/handle configuration - a lambsfoot blade on a "coke bottle" handle. Some folks here know my penchant for both coke bottle handles and lambsfoot blades so finding both in one knife was literally a fantasy brought to life. Rhidian saw the knife in question at the show and he agreed to reproduce it for me.

Jack is familiar with the concept of finding that "one" knife. The knife that seems to melt away any need for others to even be considered for your everyday needs. Well, I can safely say that this Rhidian Lambsfoot is that "one" for me. I have never had a knife so diminish my desire to acquire other knives like this one. The craftmanship, the materials used, the design all simply "click" for me and I am never left wanting when I carry this knife.

It has been a couple of years since I have been able to dub a Lambsfoot as my KOTY so I am enthusiastically naming my Rhidian Lambsfoot as my 2023 KOTY. 2024 has its work cut out for it but it's doubtful that anything that can be conjured up can compete with such a lofty bar.

Wow! Thanks Dylan, I’m honoured

 

[btb01]

Jack, I’ve been looking forward to this thread for months now! Although it isn’t explicitly holiday related, I feel like it really has become a Porch holiday tradition. It’s like the Die Hard of Porch threads!

My choice for Knife of the Year was an easy one this year, but I’ll still go ahead and name a few honorable mentions, as the act of looking back on the year’s knives is part of what makes this thread fun.

Early this year I got my first Wenger SAK, which was exciting for me. I’ve had Swiss Army Knives all my life, but for whatever reason they’ve always Victorinox.

In March I got to go over to Wisconsin for the Badger Knife Club Show. This was my second year going, and it’s a great time. The show itself is fantastic, but the best part is getting to meet up in person with some of the friends I’ve made here on the Porch.

I came away from the show with some nice finds (including another Wenger):

The highlight of the knives I picked up was this big Keen Kutter Granddaddy Barlow. It never really stood a chance for KOTY, as I didn’t buy it with the intent of actually carrying or using it, but as one of the coolest new additions to my knife collection this year, it had to be mentioned.

GEC have had some excellent runs this year, such as the #86s that have been mentioned frequently so far in this thread. I like the #86 alright (even named the #86 Angus Jack as my KOTY a couple years ago). I added a few from this year’s run, but they haven’t seen much pocket time, so they won’t be my KOTY.

My Knife of the Year this year was one that really blew me away when I got it, and has definitely seen more pocket time this year than any other knife. It’s my Albers Lambsfoot in Afzelia Burl.

I think these have to be the most beautiful covers of any knife that I own. They’re so good looking that I’ve taken to regularly carrying the knife in a pocket slip, and I basically never used pocket slips before.

Eric ea42 does a fantastic job on his knives. I have a few of his clip point jacks, and those are great, but for me his Lambsfoot pattern really shines. It’s the perfect size, the proportions are just right. Everything about it is just excellent.

In addition to (and as a result of) being the knife I had in my pocket the most, the Albers was by far the knife I photographed the most this year. So to finish this post off, here are some pics of my KOTY taken throughout the year.

I will add one final runner up, which I didn’t mention before because it sort of piggybacks off my actual KOTY. I picked up another Albers Lamb, with Curly Katalox covers, off the exchange a few months back, and while I haven’t had it as long, it has split pocket time with the burl about 50/50 since it arrived. The covers are obviously more subtle than the Afzelia Burl, but I think beautiful in their own way. It’s a solid, no-nonsense Lambsfoot that contrasts nicely with its flashier counterpart.

Jack, thanks again for this great annual Porch tradition! I’m looking forward to seeing more KsOTY.

 

[Jack Black]

My knife purchases have tapered off and for the future will be quite limited due to budgetary consideration. I only acquired a couple traditional knives this year. The standout for me is the Case 6318 with 20CV blades. No QC issues, very nice walk and talk, spring strength just about perfect, and good blade/edge grinds. This one is a winner, and has been a steady companion since I got it.

A confident choice

In January I did not have one HJ I certainly didnt have a Waynorth HJ,I had never ever seen a HJ.

The thread on them has had me wanting one for ages,I studied every photo and read all the text.

Now I have a Waynorth HJ, its everything I imagined and more.

It looks darn good,is built like a tank,yet is elegant,the 2 blades are a perfect combination and are well designed,the ebony is the perfect handle material,its not flash.

I love it.

Great choice

Thank you, Jack. I haven't done a lot of non-work related wordsmithing lately so it was good to settle down and lay out some of my thoughts for a spell. Hopefully I didn't bore anyone. The company that have the Terävä knives made is fantastic (I'll avoid naming them but they are easily found) - they have all sorts of great stuff and I couldn't recommend them more. I keep wanting to reach out to Rhidian for another potential project but it's hard to figure what can improve upon perfection.

Yeah, I've been using them for quite a few years now Dylan, they're a funny bunch! I've had some odd and unusual things from them I have the wee Mini Skrama too, and it's a handy little knife Your KOTY would certainly take some beating my friend

For me this is a hard 1, haven't bought a lot of traditionals this year. However I have been fortunate to be gifted some great knives & have 3 contenders
View attachment 2414872

A taylors eye witness lambsfoot gifted by Jack Black A pattern I didn't know I needed till I had 1, have 3 now. Nothing fancy but great user.

A Schatt & Morgan whittler gifted by pmek5 a real nice little gentleman knife. My first ever S&M with the thin blades sharpens up like a razor

An A. Wright Senator lambsfoot gifted by Rufus1949 A bit fancier lambsfoot in carbon.


So my favourite of the year is .......
View attachment 2414833
View attachment 2414876
It has been in my pocket more, only just though

Nice choice Mitch

A great showdown between two excellent Lambs, Jack, and some other great new additions as well. I like your choice for your Knife of the Year, and hey, I’m mostly just glad you were finally able to participate in your own thread again!

Thanks a lot Barrett Great knives are like buses, it seems, you wait ages for one, and then two come along at once!

Wow, even Tool Man had a KOTY this year! That’s great!

It's far too good for him!

My only purchase for the year, but it is a Lamb.

Very handsome Leon

Wow! Thanks Dylan, I’m honoured

You did an incredible job

 

[Jack Black]

Jack, I’ve been looking forward to this thread for months now! Although it isn’t explicitly holiday related, I feel like it really has become a Porch holiday tradition. It’s like the Die Hard of Porch threads!

My choice for Knife of the Year was an easy one this year, but I’ll still go ahead and name a few honorable mentions, as the act of looking back on the year’s knives is part of what makes this thread fun.

Early this year I got my first Wenger SAK, which was exciting for me. I’ve had Swiss Army Knives all my life, but for whatever reason they’ve always Victorinox.

In March I got to go over to Wisconsin for the Badger Knife Club Show. This was my second year going, and it’s a great time. The show itself is fantastic, but the best part is getting to meet up in person with some of the friends I’ve made here on the Porch.

I came away from the show with some nice finds (including another Wenger):

The highlight of the knives I picked up was this big Keen Kutter Granddaddy Barlow. It never really stood a chance for KOTY, as I didn’t buy it with the intent of actually carrying or using it, but as one of the coolest new additions to my knife collection this year, it had to be mentioned.

GEC have had some excellent runs this year, such as the #86s that have been mentioned frequently so far in this thread. I like the #86 alright (even named the #86 Angus Jack as my KOTY a couple years ago). I added a few from this year’s run, but they haven’t seen much pocket time, so they won’t be my KOTY.

My Knife of the Year this year was one that really blew me away when I got it, and has definitely seen more pocket time this year than any other knife. It’s my Albers Lambsfoot in Afzelia Burl.

I think these have to be the most beautiful covers of any knife that I own. They’re so good looking that I’ve taken to regularly carrying the knife in a pocket slip, and I basically never used pocket slips before.

Eric ea42 does a fantastic job on his knives. I have a few of his clip point jacks, and those are great, but for me his Lambsfoot pattern really shines. It’s the perfect size, the proportions are just right. Everything about it is just excellent.

In addition to (and as a result of) being the knife I had in my pocket the most, the Albers was by far the knife I photographed the most this year. So to finish this post off, here are some pics of my KOTY taken throughout the year.

I will add one final runner up, which I didn’t mention before because it sort of piggybacks off my actual KOTY. I picked up another Albers Lamb, with Curly Katalox covers, off the exchange a few months back, and while I haven’t had it as long, it has split pocket time with the burl about 50/50 since it arrived. The covers are obviously more subtle than the Afzelia Burl, but I think beautiful in their own way. It’s a solid, no-nonsense Lambsfoot that contrasts nicely with its flashier counterpart.

Jack, thanks again for this great annual Porch tradition! I’m looking forward to seeing more KsOTY.

Thank you my friend, some fabulous 'honourable mentions' there, and a wonderful concluding choice You have taken some great photos, I could look at that burl forever

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[screened porch]

he keeps all the knives I've given him in a safe, 'in case he loses them'!

What if he loses the combination to the safe?

 

[Jack Black]

What if he loses the combination to the safe?

That is a real possibility Jer

 

[afishhunter]

What if he loses the combination to the safe?

That is a real possibility Jer

He could have a locksmith change the combination to something he will "never" forget ...
His birthdate and his age when he was 60, perhaps ... or if appliable his service number or the serial number/first or last part of the serial number of the issued Enfield SMLE he had while in the military?

(recruits were required to memorize their service number, and the sn of the small arms they were issued when I tried to join. I'm guessing that was not a new requirement.
I've yet to meet a vet who does not remember the sn (plural if issued a rifle and a sidearm) of his issued small arms, even 40 or 50 years or more after getting out.)

 

[Jack Black]

He could have a locksmith change the combination to something he will "never" forget ...
His birthdate and his age when he was 60, perhaps ... or if appliable his service number or the serial number/first or last part of the serial number of the issued Enfield SMLE he had while in the military?

(recruits were required to memorize their service number, and the sn of the small arms they were issued when I tried to join. I'm guessing that was not a new requirement.
I've yet to meet a vet who does not remember the sn (plural if issued a rifle and a sidearm) of his issued small arms, even 40 or 50 years or more after getting out.)

All very sensible suggestions, though nothing is Tool Man Proof! If I remember correctly though, I think he has an old safe, which actually takes a key, or keys. He has a bit of a penchant for old safes, and has had quite a few over the years, he's told me. He once had a small one on his market stall, though it wasn't very interesting I didn't think. That one took 2 keys

 

[Pàdruig]

Jack, I’ve been looking forward to this thread for months now! Although it isn’t explicitly holiday related, I feel like it really has become a Porch holiday tradition. It’s like the Die Hard of Porch threads!

My choice for Knife of the Year was an easy one this year, but I’ll still go ahead and name a few honorable mentions, as the act of looking back on the year’s knives is part of what makes this thread fun.

Early this year I got my first Wenger SAK, which was exciting for me. I’ve had Swiss Army Knives all my life, but for whatever reason they’ve always Victorinox.

In March I got to go over to Wisconsin for the Badger Knife Club Show. This was my second year going, and it’s a great time. The show itself is fantastic, but the best part is getting to meet up in person with some of the friends I’ve made here on the Porch.

I came away from the show with some nice finds (including another Wenger):

The highlight of the knives I picked up was this big Keen Kutter Granddaddy Barlow. It never really stood a chance for KOTY, as I didn’t buy it with the intent of actually carrying or using it, but as one of the coolest new additions to my knife collection this year, it had to be mentioned.

GEC have had some excellent runs this year, such as the #86s that have been mentioned frequently so far in this thread. I like the #86 alright (even named the #86 Angus Jack as my KOTY a couple years ago). I added a few from this year’s run, but they haven’t seen much pocket time, so they won’t be my KOTY.

My Knife of the Year this year was one that really blew me away when I got it, and has definitely seen more pocket time this year than any other knife. It’s my Albers Lambsfoot in Afzelia Burl.

I think these have to be the most beautiful covers of any knife that I own. They’re so good looking that I’ve taken to regularly carrying the knife in a pocket slip, and I basically never used pocket slips before.

Eric ea42 does a fantastic job on his knives. I have a few of his clip point jacks, and those are great, but for me his Lambsfoot pattern really shines. It’s the perfect size, the proportions are just right. Everything about it is just excellent.

In addition to (and as a result of) being the knife I had in my pocket the most, the Albers was by far the knife I photographed the most this year. So to finish this post off, here are some pics of my KOTY taken throughout the year.

I will add one final runner up, which I didn’t mention before because it sort of piggybacks off my actual KOTY. I picked up another Albers Lamb, with Curly Katalox covers, off the exchange a few months back, and while I haven’t had it as long, it has split pocket time with the burl about 50/50 since it arrived. The covers are obviously more subtle than the Afzelia Burl, but I think beautiful in their own way. It’s a solid, no-nonsense Lambsfoot that contrasts nicely with its flashier counterpart.

Jack, thanks again for this great annual Porch tradition! I’m looking forward to seeing more KsOTY.

It's nice to see Eric's lambs getting so many mentions in this thread.

 

[btb01]

What if he loses the combination to the safe?

That is a real possibility Jer

Probably leaves it unlocked just to be safe.