Trad Gang

Hello, my real name is Danny and I'm a knife-a-holic.

If you are taking the time to read this post, you probably are too. Go ahead admit it. You are among friends here.

I like pocket knives (3 blade Stockmans), lock backs and fixed blades. I have a propensity for nice antler handles but depending on the purpose, am not opposed to any of the man-made materials.

I have knives that remain in the safe because to me, they are just too pretty to take to the field. This always creates a dilemma during hunting season. Which blade to carry? I usually have a fixed blade on my belt, a lock back folder on the belt of my backpack, a skinner in the pack and a folder in my left front pocket. Oh, did I mention the neck knife? And then there is the Leatherman....does it ever end?

Rule #9: Always carry a knife. - Leroy Jethro Gibbs

So, lets hear it. How bad is it and is there any hope for this malady?

Danny

my obsession turned into a full time job of 15+ years  :)

I always refused to believe that I have a thing for knives and guns (and bows, and).  Then I look in my guy space.

But I don't have ANY polka dotted underwear. .  no sir, not a single pair.
ChuckC

Not a collector.  Can't explain why.  But I had a go at trying to be a professional full-time sharpener for awhile. (Mostly salon shears, clipper blades, and planer knives.) Always liked sharpening but really got into it when I took up restoring/using straight razors.  

Don't have very many, but I've very particular about what I do have/get.  Carbon has it's place, and I like certain stainless for certain things/uses.  I think knives are like a lot of other things out there: A lot of lore and hearsay, most of which is smoke.

Don't care the CroMoly steels a lot of production knives are using. Don't care for Buck's 420 (Heresy, I know) even though they take an otherwise worthless knife steel and make an "ok" one out of it.

Current "go-to" hunting knife is the Spyderco Featherweight "Moran" upswept kept on my knife. (VG10 steel)  I've tried neck-knives as daily carrr...don't care for it..maybe just haven't tried the right one.

SOG makes a nice daily carry using AUS8, I love that knife, it's the smaller TWITCH model. I love what SOG does with the steel, though others report not carrying much for it from other makers. Behaves just like carbon for me...minus the corrosion.

Custom Knives are almost as bad as custom bows, you can not have too many. I probably have 20 customs from some well known makers on here, Doug Campbell(8), Kevin Evans (1), Lamey (1), Karl Anderson(6), couple of  John Sevi knives, one from an Aussie maker, tippit (1) plus a few more including a western that belonged to my father.

Well, you can't have too many knives. You can have too many to use at any one time, but that's about creating a choice for yourself. And choices are good.
I have one neck knife, several folders, pocket and belt type, but my preference is fixed blades and I'm a stag handle man, but not to exclusion of any good blade.
But, I'm not admitting to anything...

favorite carry right now is a Solingen eye brand yellow handle lock blade great size, good steel and fits the hand very well. Enjoyed shooting with you at Ft Worth. Bill

I usually pick a dedicated sheath knife for the hunting season, and carry that one through the end of the year....of course this does not include the cleaver and caper in the hunting bag, or the multitool, or the SAK, or other folder I might have on me at any one time...I do have a couple of lookers but most of mine get some use, I keep telling myself I've kinda stopped looking for that next knife...but I do have 2 or 3 on my list that I'd like to buy.....mostly custom makers...one has a two year waiting  list....kinda like some bowmakers...I've yet to get on the knife list though.....lots of good bladesmiths out there!

The knife is the single most important tool mankind has ever produced in my opinion. A finely made knife is work of art to my eyes and inspires in me an ancient, istinctual fascination.

I always carry a knife, from going out to dinner to work, to woods.  Not really a collector, I purchase for more of function, and The Esee knives I have gotten last few years our my favorite I have ever used.

Hey Danny, funny thing, I was just thinking of a thread like this!  I love the classic hunting knives, the Bucks, Western (my Bear Bowhunters Kit is my pride & joy), Schrade and Case.  I have them all.  I may be in the market for a custom soon!

Rule #9 is a smart one!

I am addicted to pocket knives in particular Case Trappers. I have a drawer full and will add more when the whim hits me. I tend to rotate through the ones I carry so they all get a turn.

On my belt when I hunt is normally a Buck 105 or 110, I have a few of those too.

Feel naked without two!  I'll carry SS, but a good carbon steel is something special

Marc B. - The Case Trapper is one of the "special" folders. They are hard to beat.

I have holes in my front pants pockets because of the knife I always carry. Can't get my bride to patch them up so now I'm carrying a CRKT Crawford Kasper (liner lock) with a clip so it hangs on/in my pocket and I don't worry about the hole.     :thumbsup:    

Bill - enjoyed the Ft. Worth Shoot also.

I have beautiful knives and working knives, in all but one case, I prefer the working variety

Every day carry is a Swiss Army knife in my left front pocket, the model with the scissors, and a Case trapper in my right front pocket. When I'm hunting I also have my hand forged Skinner on my belt

  (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/LaClair_Skinner1.JPG)

Love knives (and hawks) as much if not more than trad bows!

Those of you who know me know how many trad bows I have, so what does that say about knives?     :knothead:      :biglaugh:      Have 2 more production knives on order currently, and commissions on two customs in the works as we speak.

May catch me without a bow, or, lord forbid, a handgun - but it's been gonna be a cold day somewhere really HOT before you don't catch me with at least two sharp knives with me.

I use the Sir Edmond Hilary philosophy when my wife asks why I have so many knives - "Because I can!"     ;)    !!

I've got a small folder I carry with me everywhere, but for hunting, I'll carry two; the Havalon Piranta, and a traditional metsa (forest) knife from Finland.  Both are high carbon, not stainless.  

I've got a bunch of other knives laying about, but the metsa is my go-to knife for forest work; I love it!

I've had a pocket knife in my pocket continually since I got my first one in Cub Scouts in the late 60's. The current resident is an Old Timer I bought in the 1980's to replace the one I lost that Dad gave me.

I was following Rule #9 long ago...
I always carry my beat up Swiss Army knife, with corkscrew  ;)   , and also a lock back. When hunting just add one of my assortment of fixed blades and we are good to go.

QuoteI always carry my beat up Swiss Army knife, with corkscrew     ;)      

The one with 2 blades, bottle opener/screwdriver,can opener/phillips, scissors, leather punch, toothpick and tweezers? I couldn't get through the day without mine..    

Then when I need a big knife for those situations that only a big knife can handle...the "Defender" Bowie.

  (http://www.shrewbows.com/2012_images/TheDefender.JPG)

I can't understand anyone who goes without a knife of some sort. I normally carry two, a Bench made in the left Pocket and a Mike Franklin hog's tooth neck knife. Then I add as the need arises. Answer to your first question no there is no cure, but a new knife does alleviate the symptoms for a while.

I carry a little gerber liner lock (no pocket clip) that goes in the 5th pocket of my levi's...and an older lockback made by schrade in my back pocket...always.  In the field I carry different knives for different applications, but my Gerber Big Rock is one of my favorite "go to's"

Paul/KS,

I'm confused    :confused:   .  What would you need a corkscrew for    :thumbsup:

I have an older Benchmade Ernie Emerson SpecWar tanto folder that rides perfectly in the small of the back. Like a good friend, its company just comforts the soul.
For the field I have found Kukri style blades are very handy, they can do a good job skinning and for survival they cant be beat.

Always carry a knife, I have a few for there intended purposes.

Side clip kershaw blur for work
Vintage leatherman for fishing and bow shooting
Have two MLKnives on order neck nife and skinner

Also have a few others, I just love Knives!

I have way to many bows.......I have twice as many knives. I started a small collection back in the early 80's just because I liked old style, fixed bladed hunting knives...like Dad carried. Buck, Schrade, Western, Camillus, Kinfolk, Case, K-Bar and a bunch made in Germany. Still love them, still carry them and now and then get to use them. Pocket knives.....don't get me started.........   :biglaugh:   When stuff comes up on the classifieds I have to look away, I want them all!

Custom Damascus Trapper in pocket.
Hunting  My Dad's old Kinfolk goes with me.

Then I like to go through alot of knives like I go through alot of bows.  I try and support new knife makers by buying their goods. Damascus is my weakness along with character in the Handles.

I see I've found a second home on tradgang. All my college friends find me weird because of my obsession, even though I don't own many.
I have a Leatherman Skeletool CX, a Spyderco Endura 4 and a Kershaw Shallot DLC. The shallot is my EDC knife and the skeletool is when go out skating, just as a precaution against nasty branches stuck between the wheels.

I almost bought a Rick Hinderer XM-18 3" for US$520 a month ago. But decided not to get it because of money issues. But recently I chanced upon Will Moon Custom Knives. I've decided to jump a full custom for US$830 by next year.
So, do you think I've caught the knife bug?

Leatherman always with me ! When hunting have about 25 to choose from !!!!!!!!!!

I love making knives and am NEVER (unless passing through security at the airport) without at least a small folder in my change pocket.

I wear a scar on the index finger of my left hand that I picked up in 4th grade art class while carving a bear from a piece of soap stone. The school nurse doused it in iodine, put a tight bandage on it and I was back carving again. 'Course that was back in the early 50's when everyone had a knife in his pocket in school. Today, it would have a half-dozen stitches and I'd be taken from the class in handcuffs.

I just finished this one as a donation to a local club.

 (http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm312/bladepeek/Ron%20Peek%20Knives/FRCC%202013%20Mbrshp%20knife/DSC_0025.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/bladepeek/media/Ron%20Peek%20Knives/FRCC%202013%20Mbrshp%20knife/DSC_0025.jpg.html)

Here is a Ben Tendick I just received last week. I hope to put it to the test this fall.  (http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/img_30372_zps1bcfda70.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/img_30372_zps1bcfda70.jpg.html)

And a Randall 25-5
 (http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/Randall25-5.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/Randall25-5.jpg.html)

Here are a couple of Keith Murr knives. The bottom one has been with me since 1988 and as you can see from the ATS-34 blade, it has seen its share critters. I've had the top Murr about a year, bought it from Keith at the Dallas Show. It is still safe bound.
 (http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_1702.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/IMG_1702.jpg.html)

And this is a nice Masson that in a moment of weakness, I let get away from me. Wonder where it is now?
 (http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/ebonyrosewoodresizedjpgw560h420.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/ebonyrosewoodresizedjpgw560h420.jpg.html)

I was surprised how many great knives that I accumulated over 48 years of hunting. I gave several knives to my sons but I think that they lost them over the years. I would never sell the knives that I have and I usually carry several knies when hunting. Each has a different purpose. I guess that you could say that I am addicted to my toys (Longbows. Recurve bows, guns and knives as well as fishing equipment.)

Oh this is a topic that needs to be limited or it will turn into the HH Bug thread.  I am a knife guy, had one in my pocket since I was 5yr. I can't think of a day that I haven't had one in my pocket. I use to get my knew knife fix every other year when I got ready for deployment... always took 4-5... or 7. I would pick out a new one to try out every tour.  Now I have been home for the longest time in a while, so I haven't picked up anything new in a while.
 Like others, I am not tied to one make or another... they are all so amazing.
 Right now in uniform I carry a Leatherman Skeletool on my left and rotate between a Benchmade Griptilian, SpyderCo Native (that they sent me for free while I was deployed), and CRKT early model M4. Most of the time I keep either a CRKT Stiff Kiss, Custom White steel Japanese 3.5" Fixed blade, or a Cold Steel SRK in my KIT bag...
 There is a Sod Buster Jr. that makes its rotation with my pocket changes between Uniform and jeans. That little bugger rides well in the 5th pocket of my Levis. Every now and then she is traded out for a Case Muskrat, or one of the KaBar stag handled Trapper/Muskrat patters I have become addicted to.  I have another Griptilian, a SOG Flash and a larger Endura that rotate into my pockets there.

I also maintain a couple dressier SpyderCo Clip-its for Church on Sunday.

The ones that get me in trouble are in a box in the safe... they have paid their dues, and not been lost after a year or two in the desert or three or seasons in the field.  It's a nice oak box, that houses so many memories.... every time I go digging through it I get caught and have to explain why I can no longer carry these anymore at the risk of losing memories.

...and it is onto the new memories. I have been digging for the the next partner in crime, a 4" fix blade.  Right now I am completely torn: EESE 4, the LaClair Skinner, BHK, Bark River... they are all so amazing. I have actually been trying to talk myself into the Spyderco Bushcraft knife, just to pay them back for being awesome and sending me a free knife.
  All that and I am eventually going to have to find a new tactical Folder.
... and then a large Fixie to replace the SRK...and a Hawk (cause I need one)... and a Skinner(cause I really want one of those Canadian Bird and Trout knives.... oh the list doesn't stop

I guess I better though.

This is a real nice knife I picked up at one of the blanket sales, it's so pretty that I just sold it, because I knew I would never take it into the woods and use it, and I will miss it.

Made by a guy with the name of BIL on it.

   (http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h477/njloco/IMG_1732_zps6ac8aa8b.jpg) (http://s1111.photobucket.com/user/njloco/media/IMG_1732_zps6ac8aa8b.jpg.html)

This is what replaced it, a real workhorse !

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.brothersofbushcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bob01_add5.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.brothersofbushcraft.com/the-fieldcraft-knife/&   h=535&w=800&sz=307&tbnid=01TSmzudcGNLMM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=135&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dfieldcraft%2Bknife%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=fieldcraft+knife&usg=__OkX_2qjh5vDo0_nxfQKqCKx7mLI=&   docid=JfVpBt-eRrXU2M&sa=X&ei=iCK5UcrnHIi70gGPooGwBg&ved=0CFAQ9QEwBQ&dur=271 (http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.brothersofbushcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bob01_add5.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.brothersofbushcraft.com/the-fieldcraft-knife/&h=535&w=800&sz=307&tbnid=01TSmzudcGNLMM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=135&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dfieldcraft%2Bknife%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=fieldcraft+knife&usg=__OkX_2qjh5vDo0_nxfQKqCKx7mLI=&docid=JfVpBt-eRrXU2M&sa=X&ei=iCK5UcrnHIi70gGPooGwBg&ved=0CFAQ9QEwBQ&dur=271)

I always wanted a Randall......just never could bring myself to spend the money. Once in a while I forget to throw one on my belt or in my pocket when I go out.....when that happens, I feel naked! Great Post, can't wait to hear more!!

Here are 3 Autumn Hunters with extra fancy Honduran Rosewood scales that I recently completed for a customer.

  (http://fototime.com/45B37CA649D376A/standard.jpg)

It truly is a naked feeling.  I  think it grows on people.  I gave my wife a Ken Onion Kershaw when we were dating... she has gone through three of them now, but will not leave home without it.

There are extra knives in every car, just in case... in various sizes from pen knife to Kabar.

Those are some beautiful knives all... too many options

QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
 

QuoteI always carry my beat up Swiss Army knife, with corkscrew      ;)      

The one with 2 blades, bottle opener/screwdriver,can opener/phillips, scissors, leather punch, toothpick and tweezers? I couldn't get through the day without mine..      

Then when I need a big knife for those situations that only a big knife can handle...the "Defender" Bowie.

   (http://www.shrewbows.com/2012_images/TheDefender.JPG) [/b]

Still waiting to buy that gorgeous Randall Model 19 off you Ron!!!

I love that knife.

QuoteOriginally posted by rbcorbitt:
Paul/KS,

I'm confused     :confused:    .  What would you need a corkscrew for     :thumbsup:  

The corkscrew got me invited to an assortment of on board parties when I was an Engineer on a research vessel back in the 80's. Nothing worse than being out at sea with bottles of wine and no corkscrew...  :D  
It still comes in handy lo these many years later. Heck, I used that handy dandy leather punch/awl yesterday on a quiver that I was making.

And I agree with carrying more than one knife too.  :thumbsup:  That Defender looks awesome..!

Otto, that Defender is beautiful! I'm also addicted to just about any knife. I also have a gaggle of them in my safe and rotate my EDC weekly. I always carry at least two on me at all times. I bought a book and am going to try and teach myself how to make knives. I made my first handle 2 weeks ago and it turned out ok. I used 1/4 inch bolts for rivits. Probably a little unorthadox but it worked. Just a little tougher to sand flat I suppose. You guys posted a lot of beautiful knives. Thanks for the pictures. Don

The gift of a knife is the gift of life.  Survival classes start with how to pick a good blade

Yep, a junkie here

I've also always wanted a Randall but couldn't deal with a 4 year wait. Are there dealers where you can bypass the wait?

QuoteStill waiting to buy that gorgeous Randall Model 19 off you Ron!!!

I love that knife.
 

Steve, I can't sell that knife because I had the custom LH rawhide sheath made for it. I still have the original sheath also. That Model 19 is a great knife, it also has a compass in the butt of the handle and it's spot on.

  (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Randal%202.JPG)  

  (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Randal%201.JPG)

  (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Randal%203.JPG)

A small sample of some of my knives

  (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/knives.jpg)

QuoteOriginally posted by Bladepeek:
I love making knives and am NEVER (unless passing through security at the airport) without at least a small folder in my change pocket.

I wear a scar on the index finger of my left hand that I picked up in 4th grade art class while carving a bear from a piece of soap stone. The school nurse doused it in iodine, put a tight bandage on it and I was back carving again. 'Course that was back in the early 50's when everyone had a knife in his pocket in school. Today, it would have a half-dozen stitches and I'd be taken from the class in handcuffs.

I just finished this one as a donation to a local club.

  (http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm312/bladepeek/Ron%20Peek%20Knives/FRCC%202013%20Mbrshp%20knife/DSC_0025.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/bladepeek/media/Ron%20Peek%20Knives/FRCC%202013%20Mbrshp%20knife/DSC_0025.jpg.html)  

I have a very similar experience as well, and everyone in my school had pocket knives on them at all times. This knife you made is incredible. I want one haha

I have several smaller knives that I carry, including a couple of customs, an Opinel with Carbon steel, a Douk Douk, and some others.

I recently made myself a Bowie for camp and woods use. It has a 5160 Carbon steel blade, iron hammer forged fittings (used to be RR spikes), and Mahogany stag. The sheath is covered in rawhide.
 (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/8691095892_64af9b8710_c.jpg)

Lin, those Opinel knives are as handy as they come....real work horses for what they are. Take a great edge also.

QuoteOriginally posted by Lin Rhea:
I have several smaller knives that I carry, including a couple of customs, an Opinel with Carbon steel, a Douk Douk, and some others.

I recently made myself a Bowie for camp and woods use. It has a 5160 Carbon steel blade, iron hammer forged fittings (used to be RR spikes), and Mahogany stag. The sheath is covered in rawhide.
   (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/8691095892_64af9b8710_c.jpg)

Another beauty here. I think I am going to have to look into purchasing one of these works of art

Yes, Ron, I had another custom knife maker turn me on to them and since then I have bought and given several to family members. I'm really interested in the different traditional ethnic type knives that are out there and the French knives are pretty cool.

A Spanish Trade knife with buffalo horn and a French style with stained bone.

  (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Knives_a%20pair.JPG)

These beauties make me break out in a cold sweat and a fever at the same time. Beautiful stuff here.

Danny

I like them so much that I began making them.  Now, I get an idea and forge the knife, make a sheath and then think I have too many knives so I start giving away the last ones I had made.  Any way, you can never have too many blades in my opinion!
  (http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p314/longbowman_bucket/P1000147.jpg) (http://s131.photobucket.com/user/longbowman_bucket/media/P1000147.jpg.html)

Here's a matching neck knife and hunter I just forged with Sassafrass grips.

Also a neck knife can be a handy thing to have

  (http://shrewbows.com/2010_Images/LilShavers%202.JPG)

Neck knives are mandatory wear for trad folk, arent they?    :goldtooth:    Have bought three of these - one for me, one for one of my top producing employees, and one for my largest customer.  $$ well invested!!

Mr. Lin,

One of these days, my friend!  One of these days!!!  (Hopefully soon    :thumbsup:    :goldtooth: )!

Stop it! Stop it!!! I can't take anymore knife porn. Anymore and I'll have to go buy some more. Gary

QuoteOriginally posted by sagebrush:
Stop it! Stop it!!! I can't take anymore knife porn. Anymore and I'll have to go buy some more. Gary

:biglaugh:   I know how you feel.....I just grabbed a big Buck Hunter of the Classifieds.....

QuoteOriginally posted by ron w:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by sagebrush:
Stop it! Stop it!!! I can't take anymore knife porn. Anymore and I'll have to go buy some more. Gary

:biglaugh:    I know how you feel.....I just grabbed a big Buck Hunter off the Classifieds..... [/b]

QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
 

QuoteStill waiting to buy that gorgeous Randall Model 19 off you Ron!!!

I love that knife.
 

Steve, I can't sell that knife because I had the custom LH rawhide sheath made for it. I still have the original sheath also. That Model 19 is a great knife, it also has a compass in the butt of the handle and it's spot on.

   (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Randal%202.JPG)  

   (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Randal%201.JPG)

   (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Randal%203.JPG) [/b]

Heh heh....can't blame a guy for trying though can you???!!!

I love knives & love forging 'em  :bigsmyl:  I always have a Kershaw flipper clipped in my pocket or a Campbell Damascus folder for dress up.  This Tippit Bare Bone no frills caper lives in my hunting fanny pack...tippit

 (http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp734%3A8%3Enu%3D38%3B%3A%3E56%3B%3E55%3A%3E29%3A%3B56%3B64%3B23%3Bot1lsi)

Beautiful simplicity, Jeff!!!