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

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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.









Im kicking myself that I didn’t pick one of these up. Great knife.
 
My knife of the year. The stock is definitely a little thicker than what I typically like but I’ve gotten used to it. The walk and talk is excellent, if I could make every GEC made knife have action like this I would. Here’s hoping next year’s Northwoods knife is just as good as the ones produced this year.
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Probably leaves it unlocked just to be safe. 😁
Do you know, he probably does Barrett! 🤣 Over the past couple of years, he's complained a lot about not being able to get a discount at the car park, because not having a smart phone, he doesn't have the app. Yesterday, he made a big announcement that he will finally be getting one, (his daughter is giving him her old one). It transpired that he's going to pay for a contract on this phone, and carry it around, just for the app, but continue to use his old phone! :rolleyes:😣😖🤣:thumbsup:
My knife of the year. The stock is definitely a little thicker than what I typically like but I’ve gotten used to it. The walk and talk is excellent, if I could make every GEC made knife have action like this I would. Here’s hoping next year’s Northwoods knife is just as good as the ones produced this year.
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Very nice indeed :) :thumbsup:
A gift from jlauffer jlauffer . It’s definitely my traditional knife of the year. It’s loved, appreciated, carried, and used every day. It does not look all shiny and new like this photo anymore. I’ll have to take a current picture tomorrow.

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That's a very kind gift :) :thumbsup:
Good point. I was thinking it was interesting how many lambs (Eric's and others) were showing up in this thread. I think we are past the days when the lambsfoot was an obscure and barely remembered pattern.
I had also noticed Tyson :) Yes, the Lambsfoot is hopefully here to stay :) :thumbsup:
 
I had an absolutely wonderful knife year in 2023. I made several new friends and gained depth in others. Here are some of the new additions that I treasure.

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One of the fun aspects of the year was developing patina on my favorite slip that was made for me by Jeremy sbh06 sbh06 . Thanks again buddy! The pile of knives above were all gifts from great friends. The porch is a wonderful place!

But as I have to boil it down to a KOTY that has captivated my wonder, it has to be the K’roo that I received from Bob Rufus1949 Rufus1949 .

I love the brass bolsters, the gunstock frame, and the uniqueness of the blade shape. It is an impeccably built knife and very satisfying to own. Thanks again my friend!

Wonderful thread as always Jack Jack Black Jack Black !

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I had an absolutely wonderful knife year in 2023. I made several new friends and gained depth in others. Here are some of the new additions that I treasure.

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One of the fun aspects of the year was developing patina on my favorite slip that was made for me by Jeremy sbh06 sbh06 . Thanks again buddy! The pile of knives above were all gifts from great friends. The porch is a wonderful place!

But as I have to boil it down to a KOTY that has captivated my wonder, it has to be the K’roo that I received from Bob Rufus1949 Rufus1949 .

I love the brass bolsters, the gunstock frame, and the uniqueness of the blade shape. It is an impeccably built knife and very satisfying to own. Thanks again my friend!

Wonderful thread as always Jack Jack Black Jack Black !

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It's been great to see how that slip has changed with age and use, very nice group of knives and fine choice for your KOTY!
 
I've tried a lot of new knives this year since joining the forum. There are only two that stand out as contenders for knife of the year.

Runner up is the 4" soup bone lambsfoot by A Wright. This spent more time in my side pocket than any other knife. I even made an easy pull out slip for it to make it easier to remove from the pocket, lol. This is a great knife and it could be a one and only if I was a normal person.

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But.... No knife compares to the Primble half Congress by Boker. It's 3 5/8" of pure awesomeness. So the most carried knife this year goes to the most excellent Boker. The long pull and swedge, the combination of sheepsfoot and pen blades, the nice jigging and those bolsters.... It's as good looking as it is functional. I got it on the exchange here, just to check out the pattern, and it quickly took over my front pocket.

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I had an absolutely wonderful knife year in 2023. I made several new friends and gained depth in others. Here are some of the new additions that I treasure.

View attachment 2416584

One of the fun aspects of the year was developing patina on my favorite slip that was made for me by Jeremy sbh06 sbh06 . Thanks again buddy! The pile of knives above were all gifts from great friends. The porch is a wonderful place!

But as I have to boil it down to a KOTY that has captivated my wonder, it has to be the K’roo that I received from Bob Rufus1949 Rufus1949 .

I love the brass bolsters, the gunstock frame, and the uniqueness of the blade shape. It is an impeccably built knife and very satisfying to own. Thanks again my friend!

Wonderful thread as always Jack Jack Black Jack Black !

View attachment 2416587
Thanks Jon, fabulous line-up there my friend, and a superb pic of your KOTY :) :thumbsup:
I've tried a lot of new knives this year since joining the forum. There are only two that stand out as contenders for knife of the year.

Runner up is the 4" soup bone lambsfoot by A Wright. This spent more time in my side pocket than any other knife. I even made an easy pull out slip for it to make it easier to remove from the pocket, lol. This is a great knife and it could be a one and only if I was a normal person.

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But.... No knife compares to the Primble half Congress by Boker. It's 3 5/8" of pure awesomeness. So the most carried knife this year goes to the most excellent Boker. The long pull and swedge, the combination of sheepsfoot and pen blades, the nice jigging and those bolsters.... It's as good looking as it is functional. I got it on the exchange here, just to check out the pattern, and it quickly took over my front pocket.

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Beautiful Congress Rick :cool: :thumbsup:
 
Glad to hear it's serving you well my friend :thumbsup:
Sure is! I appreciate it so much, brother.

A gift from jlauffer jlauffer . It’s definitely my traditional knife of the year. It’s loved, appreciated, carried, and used every day. It does not look all shiny and new like this photo anymore. I’ll have to take a current picture tomorrow.

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Here she is today. Getting a nice patina, kept sharp, oiled, and in the pocket ready to go.

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KOTY, probably the thread I look forward to most all year.

The 2023 KOTY was a two-horse contest for me. It was essentially a match race, other knives need not apply.

2nd place went to a knife that would have been a winner any other year. As CelloDan CelloDan reminded me, I've been looking for this knife for over 15 years. A custom made Argentine puñal, this is everything I wanted in a gaucho knife, including the very traditional rawhide sheath.

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My 2023 KOTY is a continuation of a mild obsession I picked up last year, French knives with particular attention paid to the laguiole. What makes this knife special is that it was a Father's Day present from my wife and daughter. Earlier this year I lost my longtime primary carry, a stag covered GEC #73 that I actually EDC'd for several years. Coincidentally, that knife was also a Father's Day present from my then little girl. To say I was bothered by its disappearance is an understatement, I was very attached to that knife.

Noticing my sense of loss my daughter offered to get me another. I told her thanks, that I appreciated the gesture, but that old knife was special and irreplaceable. Refusing to take no for an answer, she sensibly told me that it was just a knife, and that I could make more memories with another.

🥲

This is what she got me, an older carbon steel bladed laguiole with full stag covers. My daughter and my wife even threw in a Belgian Blue Whetstone for good measure.

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I've picked up a few laguioles over the past year, but this is the one that's lived in my pocket. It's become my new EDC, my daily companion ever since June.

I'll make sure to hold on to this one.
 
I will admit that this year has been very good in many ways. I found a few knives that went beyond my expectations but have to admit that none stole my pocket in a manner worthy of a KOTY nomination.

What I want to share are some knives that came and went to some amazing people I have come to call friends, having met them here on the Porch.

Jack thanks for posting this thread! I really enjoy the stories it brings forward. 😎👍🏻👍🏻

This blue bone 54 was just spot on in every way. I bought it to carry when the Dallas Cowboys were playing football. Once the season started I realized there was another Cowboys fan here that may enjoy it more than I, so it is now with him. Hope it brings us some luck, Paul!

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This Summer the wife and I went for a road trip and we made a stop in to see Dwight, his wife and their puppies. We had a fantastic visit and enjoyed their company and conversation very much. He very generously gifted me this gorgeous lambfoot. Thank you my friend, I will cherish it!
Fodderwing Fodderwing

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When the 86 run was in production, I was communicating with a friend about them since we both really enjoy the pattern. After the Northwoods were released, he very kindly offered this Heritage Jack at cost. Thank you Jeremy, that was very thoughtful!
sbh06 sbh06

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Here is another knife that really speaks to me and I want to thank Dave for patiently working through my request. This one is elk, with jasper spacer and stainless steel. “Sonora”. Thank you Dave!
Horsewright Horsewright

Edit*** I should mention that I’ve been belt carrying this Sonora constantly when not at work! Perfect size at 7” OAL and it is a joy. You forget it’s there with the sheath. Perfect retention.


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KOTY, probably the thread I look forward to most all year.

The 2023 KOTY was a two-horse contest for me. It was essentially a match race, other knives need not apply.

2nd place went to a knife that would have been a winner any other year. As CelloDan CelloDan reminded me, I've been looking for this knife for over 15 years. A custom made Argentine puñal, this is everything I wanted in a gaucho knife, including the very traditional rawhide sheath.

52975405424_4eced17ed6_c.jpg


My 2023 KOTY is a continuation of a mild obsession I picked up last year, French knives with particular attention paid to the laguiole. What makes this knife special is that it was a Father's Day present from my wife and daughter. Earlier this year I lost my longtime primary carry, a stag covered GEC #73 that I actually EDC'd for several years. Coincidentally, that knife was also a Father's Day present from my then little girl. To say I was bothered by its disappearance is an understatement, I was very attached to that knife.

Noticing my sense of loss my daughter offered to get me another. I told her thanks, that I appreciated the gesture, but that old knife was special and irreplaceable. Refusing to take no for an answer, she sensibly told me that it was just a knife, and that I could make more memories with another.

🥲

This is what she got me, an older carbon steel bladed laguiole with full stag covers. My daughter and my wife even threw in a Belgian Blue Whetstone for good measure.

52954171970_ef636dcb05_c.jpg


I've picked up a few laguioles over the past year, but this is the one that's lived in my pocket. It's become my new EDC, my daily companion ever since June.

I'll make sure to hold on to this one.
I'm very sorry to hear about you losing your #73 Christian, I remember you getting it, and I know it had a special place in your heart. Your daughter has wisdom beyond her years though, and clearly shares great taste with her parents :) That's a beautiful Laguiole, and I'm sure it's going to age nicely my friend :) I remember reading you ordered a punal, and thinking that is SO Christian! :D It looks fantastic :) :thumbsup:
My KOTY 😍
A “Verijero” criollo knife by maxipescie maxipescie
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Of course Dan! :) You have really made that one your own :) Beautiful photos, as always my friend :) :thumbsup:
I will admit that this year has been very good in many ways. I found a few knives that went beyond my expectations but have to admit that none stole my pocket in a manner worthy of a KOTY nomination.

What I want to share are some knives that came and went to some amazing people I have come to call friends, having met them here on the Porch.

Jack thanks for posting this thread! I really enjoy the stories it brings forward. 😎👍🏻👍🏻

This blue bone 54 was just spot on in every way. I bought it to carry when the Dallas Cowboys were playing football. Once the season started I realized there was another Cowboys fan here that may enjoy it more than I, so it is now with him. Hope it brings us some luck, Paul!

View attachment 2419576

This Summer the wife and I went for a road trip and we made a stop in to see Dwight, his wife and their puppies. We had a fantastic visit and enjoyed their company and conversation very much. He very generously gifted me this gorgeous lambfoot. Thank you my friend, I will cherish it!
Fodderwing Fodderwing

View attachment 2419580

When the 86 run was in production, I was communicating with a friend about them since we both really enjoy the pattern. After the Northwoods were released, he very kindly offered this Heritage Jack at cost. Thank you Jeremy, that was very thoughtful!
sbh06 sbh06

View attachment 2419581

Here is another knife that really speaks to me and I want to thank Dave for patiently working through my request. This one is elk, with jasper spacer and stainless steel. “Sonora”. Thank you Dave!
Horsewright Horsewright

Edit*** I should mention that I’ve been belt carrying this Sonora constantly when not at work! Perfect size at 7” OAL and it is a joy. You forget it’s there with the sheath. Perfect retention.


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A great read Pete :) What a great place The Porch is :) :thumbsup:
 

This one will be my knife of the year for me. It's a Cowboy model made by Dave Horsewright Horsewright . It's such a beautiful knife to me and it's the perfect size for EDC plus it disappears on the belt. I have been using it for everything lately and it doesn't disappoint.
Dave's knives are both beautiful and functional :cool: :) :thumbsup:
 
I can see why you picked it Christian. It’s got a special look. It could be the knife of any year.

I think so too. 👍🏼

I'm very sorry to hear about you losing your #73 Christian, I remember you getting it, and I know it had a special place in your heart. Your daughter has wisdom beyond her years though, and clearly shares great taste with her parents :) That's a beautiful Laguiole, and I'm sure it's going to age nicely my friend :) I remember reading you ordered a punal, and thinking that is SO Christian! :D It looks fantastic :) :thumbsup:

I have eclectic tastes. 😉
 
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