[Okiecruffler]

I've been out of hunting big game for many years, but decided to pick up the habit again. But my trusty Old Timer SharpFinger has long since been given away, so I went to replace it only to find that OldTimers/Shrades are now made in....CHINA!:what::cuss: Just when did this happen and why wasn't I informed?

[Rupestris]

Happened in 2004 when Schrade folded and Taylor bought all the rights.

We didn't tell you because we are trying to gather up all the old USA made Schrades for ourselves :neener: .

BTW, Camillus also went under along with their Western and Becker Knife and Tool lines.

Becker is being picked up by KaBar if I'm not mistaken and should be reintroduced later this year.

Best suggestion is to ebay, flea markets and G&K shows or post a "Wanted" ad over at Bladeforums.com.

HTH
Chris

[Okiecruffler]

I checked Ebite, old worn out pieces going for 3X origianal. Gonna hit a few flea markets this weekend and hope for the best. Should have never gotten rid of the old gut nipper.

[Todd A]

Which model are you looking for? The 152ot Sharpfinger generally goes for $20-$30 in very good shape. $30-$45 range for "new" with box on eBay.

The 156ot "Lit'l finger" generally will go for $40 plus with lots of bidders.

Of course it seems Old Timer models go in spurts,what is hot bidding one week will barely get any bites the next.

Good luck on your search.

[hso]

why wasn't I informed?

Didn't you get the memo?

Long established American knife companies have folded up like card tables over the past few years. Not only is Schrade gone, but Camillus has passed as well. Even a new company like United that was starting to manufacture in the US is gone.

New incarnations under the old trusted names offer knives that may look like the ones you've been carrying for decades, but are now made in China.

[Cougfan2]

Is Case still made in the U.S.?

[Rupestris]

Is Case still made in the U.S.?

Yes it is.

Some Buck knives are still US made as well.

Others that offer classic slipjoints are:
Great Eastern Cutlery
Queen
Northwood
Canal Street
Schatt & Morgan
A.G. Russell
Rigid

[TrapperReady]

Okiecruffler -

Send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll send you a very lightly used USA-made Sharpfinger. For free.

I picked it up for almost nothing a while back when a local hardware store was closing out some display knives. It's a decent knife, but I've got plenty of others. I'd rather give it to you and see it used then let it sit on a shelf around here.

Anyone who works in a PICU deserves a little payback once in a while! :)

[Rupestris]

Darn nice of you Trapper Ready!

The generosity of the gun and knife crowd never ceases to amaze me.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Imperial Shrade products, including the Old Timers, started going down the tube in around 2001. I would not spend much at all on a new Buck, Gerber, or Schrade made since 2000. I wouldn't say junk, but not too far away. Too much pressure from cheap overseas labor-using makers. Even Benchmade had to cave to a certain extent, and offer the black boxes and red boxes, with the black being premium-priced American made, and red boxed Benchmades made in I believe the Philippines. Same knife quality, lower price.

That's one reason I buy Kershaws a lot - my understanding is they're still American made. And well-made at that.

I believe the memo was sent to your house, but you thought it was Ed McMahon saying that you won the sweepstakes, so you trashed it. :)

[ArfinGreebly]

Some Buck knives are still US made as well.

Actually, quite a few Buck designs are made stateside, at their factory in Idaho, about 8 miles from my house.

I go over to the factory every few weeks and browse their little retail outlet to see what's new. There's always stuff there that I haven't seen on the shelves anywhere.

Their old standbys, the 110, 112, 119, 102, 105, 301, and so on are all still made right here. Their newer patterns, like the 297 and 298 (Sirus) are also made here. Their line of kitchen knives . . . right here.

There are import versions of several models. For example, the Stockman and Cadet are made here, but there's a wood-handled import version. Most of their Mayo designs are made here, but some are imports.

They still honor their lifetime warranty. I've actually watched as an older gentleman brought in an old beat-up 112, thinking he would pay to have it serviced. They swapped it out with a smile. Of course he then went next door to the retail shoppe and blew $300 on other product.

Mostly, I buy the USA Bucks, but I have a couple of their imports with which I'm quite pleased.

I will say that, for the most part, the fit and finish of Case is superior to that of Buck, but take a Buck 298 and line it up with its Kershaw equivalent. I think you'll be impressed. And then do what I did: buy both.

Hey, it's easier than trying to choose between them.

[hso]

Premium Sauces,

What makes you think that all Kershaws are made in the US? Only those with the "Made in the USA" caption on their website are made here.

[Fat_46]

Premium Sauces,

From the Kershaw website:
Kershaw products are made in the USA, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Sweden and China as indicated on the product.

[The Tourist]

Send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll send you a very lightly used USA-made Sharpfinger. For free.

That is the spirit of a true gentleman on The High Road.

I'll sharpen it for free.

[TrapperReady]

I just want to make sure that people notice the reason why Okicruffler is missing his in the first place...


But my trusty Old Timer SharpFinger has long since been given away


There are a lot of folks on this board who step up and help each other. I'm just glad that I've got something that might be useful to another member.

BTW, Okiecruffler, from what I've seen, I'd take Tourist up on his offer if I were you. Then again, you might have to rename the knife "Sharpestfinger". ;) It'd be a piece of cake to send it to him first.

[The Tourist]

help each other

Truth be told, one of the reasons I hang around with gun and knife people is this very sense of community.

I don't know how many of you are members of KnifeForums, but there is a section there called "Keeping Sharp." It's the hang-out of most professional "tinkers" as sharpeners are called.

About a month ago, one of our members got caught under a car, and had to use his neck knife to cut himself free. His arm was damaged in the accident, and his custom knife lost.

Not only did the members replace his knife, but they also offered to do his commercial sharpening to bring money in during his recuperation. Knowing the financial situation, our tool distributor shipped him a free box of supplies.

Now get this. Most of us have never met him. He's just a fellow tinker with bills to pay, and we could help.

[sm]

This is what it is all about.

*smile*

Steve

[ArfinGreebly]

Indeed it is.

:D

[Okiecruffler]

Trapper, you are a scholar and a gentleman. I have to pass this story along to those of you who believe in karma, kismit or what have you.

I once knew a young man, he would come over and watch me reload in the garage. A quiet, respectful fellow. Over the months I got to know a great deal about him. His mother was a CNA working in a nursing home, long hours for little pay and even less respect. His father had been military. Died not in battle, but when a drunk hit him head on. Family lived in Washington state. I spoke with his mother, nice lady who wasn't apposed to a little range time for her son. Saftey lesson was taught and we spent a day burning a brick of 22 ammo thru a Marlin mod60. Several more range trips followed. Boy took a liking to my old lever 30-30. Christmas that year the mod 60 became his. By spring he had a plan to mow yards for money so he could buy his own 30-30. Only problem was, he didn't have a lawn mower. I had a mower and a lawn, but not the desire to keep them aquainted with each other. A deal was struck. I got my yard mowed for the summer and a boy got his very own, tho slightly used, 30-30. Mom met another military fella that summer and they hit it off. A bright young man who's family owned a nice farm to deer hunt on. That year the boy was going with him for his first deer hunt, but needed a good knife. I had the gutnipper, and wasn't using it anyway.
I'd like to tell you how he went and got a 12 point buck with that old 30-30. I'd even settle for telling you how he got his first spike. But that would be a magazine ending and reality often falls short. What he did get to do was spend a few days camping in the woods with the man who would become his step-daddy and that may just be better than a 12 point buck.
I tell you this story, because today my wife came home from the market and asked if I knew who she saw at the market. The young man is now a high school graduate, and soon to enter the Army. She gave him our new address and I'm sure he'll drop in. Sometimes God reminds you why you're here. And maybe today I'm here just to share this story. And if you've put up with me for this long of a post, maybe it'll touch you just enough so that you spend a little time with that lonely kid who keeps walking past your garage tomorrow. And then you'll have your story to share. Because in the end, all you'll have left are the stories.

[sm]

Okiecruffler,

Thank you for sharing my friend.

To keep it - give it away.

Steve

[sixgunner455]

Stuff is just stuff. Some of it's nice, but in the end, it's just stuff.

People and memories are all you can keep forever.

[hso]

Okiecruffler,

Nicely done and well said.

[bannockburn]

Okiecruffler

A wonderful story, expertly told. And in the end, all we really have to show for our time here are our memories. Thank you for sharing one of yours.

[eliphalet]

Well told Okiecruffer

I tend to think Okiecruffler and the like get as much out of the deal so to say, as the kid or youngin that gets the item. When I was young it was a rare occasion to "give" something away, but I have a few things that someone "gave" me that are worth to me many times what it would cost to replace them. The older I get the more I "give" a young guy or kid something. I dunno but think that many times I get as much or perhaps more out of the deal as the youngin. I also believe this is a fairly common thing we do as we age.

[Okiecruffler]

I work with kids for a very selfish reason. It's the only thing I do that makes me feel like maybe I'm a little better than I think I am. And besides, if , God forbid, anything ever happened to me, what would I wish for this guy....
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h234/okiecruffler/100_1928.jpg

And besides, most adults just annoy the crap out of me.

Not you guys, you guys are alright.

[CZ.22]

I hpe there is a copy of 20,000 Leauges Under the Sea on that movie shelf.
Every kid should see that movie.
You are a PICU nurse? I respect you, and thank all in your profession. I was recently in PICU, after my heart surgery, and I was taken great care of.

[Okiecruffler]

There's a copy of just about every movie around here somewhere, the wife is addicted.
And unless you're under 18, you were probably in the PCU, where they also give great care. I work in the pediatric intensive care unit. Or did, I'm on sabatical for at least another 6 months. (don't ask why). Currently I work at the JD Mccarty Center. (http://www.jdmccarty.com/) working with CP, autistic and the like. Different kind of stress, but no one dies. Looking to move somewhere that has a top notch children's hospital soon and I'll get back to the PICU. I do miss it so.

[CZ.22]

I was in PICU first- I'm fourteen.

[Okiecruffler]

Then I stand corrected. If it's not too personal, which hospital were you in? I know most of the pediatric cardiac surgeons in the US, worked under 4 of the best from time to time. My skills lie more in trauma and neuro, but I've run more than a few hearts when the need arose.

[The Tourist]

my trusty Old Timer SharpFinger has long since been given away

Then you'll be happy to know that sitting here somewhere amid a case of empty Patron and six cocktail waitresses I don't think I've met (or remember) is the replacement Sharp Finger as promised by TrapperReady.

One of the girls claims to remember I was a knife sharpener at one time, and who am I to dispute someone in LED lit up tassles?

After all, she was right before in informing me I ride a motorcycle. I went to visit the head, and sure enough, there's a black Harley parked in her kitchen. I believe the six townies it is parked upon did not suffer. To my way of thinking their suffering came from being townies...

I will make every attempt possible in finding the motor that is making this cheap apartment spin, and barring any other startling information this nice young woman departs to me, I will find this supposed sharpener and give him your knife, post haste.

Oh, look, another bottle of Patron...mercy, there's a seventh cocktail waitress!

I figure you'll have it by October, December at the lastest unless New Year's is at the end of the month, again. Don't fret one bit.

Arriba, arriba, agave...

[sm]

Okie - hopefully, someday will have a Sharpfinger .

If lucky, this Sharpfinger will not have a Delrin handle sharp enough for a Sushi chef to use and have a chrome plated blade that says:

"Tassel to Live - Live to Tassel."



Plop plop, fizz fizz, oh what a relief it is.[/I] - Alka-Seltzer

*wink*

[The Tourist]

LOL, by now both the giver and the receiver are worried...

[sm]

The rest of us are having a real good time.

Okie needed a knife
Trapper provided one.
Some Biker Dude is supposed to sharpen it.

I mean you can't get heart wrenching, honest to goodness "Pass it Forward" and all with humor like this from TeeVee.

This is great!

All "we" need that are viewing is for Okie to toss out some Orange Push Up Ice cream [the door on the left behind Nurse's Station, adjacent to Drug Med Computer, and Crash Cart] and we would be set!

Okie, check to see if there are any little stuffed Quail animals while you are back there...I lost mine to a cute kid two years old...

[Okiecruffler]

Okay, that's one of the funniest things I've ever read.:D

Just checked, no push-up back there, just those little cups of vanilla ice cream. But if you stick one of those little cups of P-Nut butter in the micro wave and pour it over the ice cream...Oh yeah:D.

But to be truthful, I'm not really being given a knife. I'm being entrusted with it until the young prince is old enough to need it. On that day he will be gifted this knife and this story so that he may know 2 things.
1. There was a day when the US made steel and it was good.
but more importantly
2. No matter what action you perform, it always comes back to you, good or bad. But if you surround yourself with fine folk, the good may come around alittle quicker and alittle more substancial.

Can't thank you guys enough, not just for the knife, but for another story, and reinforcement in my belief that there are still good folks out there, even on the web.:D

[sm]

Daddy?? What is a tassel?


You know, there are some questions a kid asks a dad, and they cannot reply:
"Go ask your mom".

[sixgunner455]

Hopefully, the biker dude won't get too distracted by the cocktail waitresses to remember to sharpen the knife.

Life is full of burdens. Show your character, Tourist!! Don't forget to take the knife when you go home!!!


:D

[The Tourist]

the biker dude won't get too distracted

Have no fear. Dinner is over, dishes are done, the mutts are dozing. The house is quiet and it's time to start sharpening.

Pictures to follow...

[TrapperReady]

the mutts are dozing


Lucky you! Ours are out in the backyard, uneating the things they ate off the coffee table while we were out at dinner. Ahh... the wonders of hydrogen peroxide. :scrutiny::banghead:

In your honor, I am now posting under the influence of margaritas. :)

[CZ.22]

Jaggers at Duke, to answer your question.

[sm]

The Tourist,
Sir..

Old Timer is 1095 Carbon, and I am curious how you approach not only this steel, also the blade shape in sharpening.

I am not sure some know what that blade shape actually is.

I know how I did/do these, still this is such a neat thread, I look forward to learning how you do sharpen this, and suggest maintaining it.

Okie can make a copy of this thread and share with his son all about this knife someday.

"Dad! You sure knew some weird folks on teh Intrawebz. "

[The Tourist]

I promised pictures. I tried my best to show the mirror finish. BTW, it's quite "toasty.":D

Edit: Tinkers' polish removed all of the patina.

sm, for you, the perfect edge...

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb231/TheTourist_bucket/DSC00274.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb231/TheTourist_bucket/DSC00272.jpg

[sm]

The Tourist,

Please call me Steve.

Very Nice!!

[Okiecruffler]

Dr. James Jaggers, one of the youngun's in the game, reflectively speaking. Never met him, but know of his reputation. I've read a few of his papers, mostly on aortic switch. Quite the transplantist as well from what I've heard. Duke has a great program that I've always wanted to visit.

[Okiecruffler]

WOW, what a blade. I may just use that to shave with. The blade shape is a bit different. Dad hated the things, he was the one who called mine the gut nipper. Said you couldn't gut anything with it and not nip a gut. He may be right, but tradition is tradition.

[The Tourist]

Old Timer is 1095 Carbon, and I am curious how you approach not only this steel, also the blade shape in sharpening.

To best answer your question I need to define where I am in the world of cutlery.

A "sharpener" does simply that. Big ugly rock rubbed on a knife.

A "polisher" is a usually a trained Japanese craftsman who does historic appraisals and documentations, repairs and 'polishes' what we would consider the edged weapons of the samurai. In this pursuit, he uses traditional Japanese style polishing stones, historic and stylized training and methods.

I am a "tinker." Yes, the bulk of my day is "sharpening." But in providing that service, I also repair and salvage knives, tools, pots and jewelry clasps. I have chosen to provide the best service I can by studying and duplicating as many of the polishing procedures I can in a Japanese understanding.

To accomplish this, I seek out tools and systems which are simply a modern rendition of the Japanese idea. I might use a stone from Edge Pro, and a paste from Hand American. I might polish with a .5 micron paper from 3M, using an application of pastes and oils secured to a thick piece of glaziers' glass. I also utilize real horsehide strops, primarily in repair. I have no recognized formal training.

(If I worked in front of a 12th century polisher, even though we did not speak the same language, he would simply sort through my supplies and polish a sword.)

Having said that as a back story, I would take your knife and appraise it. I could learn quite a bit by my historical study, a small library, experience and marks on the ricasso. (Polishers removed handles and studied marks and caligraphy.)

Unless you specify a need, like reprofiling a thicker edge for caping, I would repair and blend out chips, re-form the tip, remove patina (unless it damaged historic value) make the bevel as uniform side to side and front to back as possible, sharpen, and then polish to the most brilliant finish the alloy will hold.

In short, imagine if you took your modern pocketknife, climbed into a time machine set for Edo in 1150 AD, found a polisher and secured his services.

Now imagine holding that pocketknife upon completion.

That's what I would do to your knife...

[sm]

The Tourist,

You and I are on the same page.
In private, you and I would get along just fine.

Oh I did not study Japanese swords and methods, still I do know the difference in sharpening, repairing, and polishing.

One of the neatest "toys" I played with, were old surgical scalpels.
I wish I still had some, but for fun and certain folks, repair and freehand sharpen and polish, where they could be, and were used for surgery.
These are well liked by taxidermists.

Gen Ivory takes an interesting edge as well.
I fixed a letter opener, and was asked if could make it so it would cut an apple if need.
It did.

I had a powder from Germany used dry, or "just moist", that would really brighten things up.
A neat stone I used was a Scottish Tablet.
Just fun stuff, that I like messing with for a mental change from real tasks.

Now-a-days, I don't get into all this.
I have though...


Sharpfinger is a neat design, and many do not appreciate the ergos or how to use it.
There was a "push" to drop point and other shapes, and knives in general.

These Old Timers were not that expensive, and the sheaths were pretty good.
Everybody that ever got rid of one, lost one , or for whatever reason does not have one, wants one today.
Many folks ran as fast as they could for every new and fangled that came out on the market.
With time, comes maturity...
Sharpfinger is that good of a knife, just many did not know what they had until is was gone.

Life is that way...

[The Tourist]

You and I are on the same page.

Steve, from our past posts and PMs, I knew we would agree on the cutlery portion of the sport. Now, I don't want to mislead you--I'm not a snob about having a nice knife. I guess I could find a 3,000 dollar Loveless if I wanted. Today I carried a 50 buck Spyderco D'Allara (with a Japanese edge:D)

Here's the set up I used to repair and sharpen a Japanese laminate deba used by a local caterer. As you can see, I threw the whole kitchensink of cutlery history at the little knife.

Below that is my favorite reference book.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb231/TheTourist_bucket/testedge.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb231/TheTourist_bucket/learn.jpg

[sm]

Steve, from our past posts and PMs, I knew we would agree on the cutlery portion of the sport.

Oh yeah, "cutlery sport"...

The wind never stops blowing in OK, I mean in OK if the wind "ain't so bad today", this means your ice cream won't get blown out of its ice cream cone .

So you stand outside the hotel room on a little baloney, so you can smoke, since the powers that be, got gummit money about folks not smoking inside.

You stand up there and free hand sharpen a Sharpfinger, on a dry Norton Stone, trying to not get blown off the darn balconey.
Bikers are doing a fund raiser for kids, as planned, you have a bag of stuffed animals.

Sport is (a) getting enough lead with the wind, dropping the bag to the Biker Babes down below and (b) remembering where you were when you pick up the knife again.


Ask me about "sport" and sharpening a Buck 110 in OK with some ticked off Bulls sometime.
FWIW, them old Ford Courrier trucks, really small, that a ranch with bulls and oil has for use...
Will tump over if'n a bull is really ticked and decides to come after you.
It was bad enough getting "scooted", getting tumped, is really something.
This is the part you do some broken field running and climb atop a shed - and wait.
Might as sharpen a knife, the bulls ain't leaving, the wind ain't gonna stop blowing, and the others ain't showed up - yet.

Don't know about Japanese Stone, I do know Cherokees will laugh them selves silly though.

[The Tourist]

Don't know about Japanese Stone

That's why I included the picture.

If you just to the right of the Edge Pro, you will see a 3x9 inch Japanese stone of 12,000 grit. Most often, they are now used to sharpen barbers' razors. A tinker uses it to sharpen (polish) the obverse side of a laminate knife.

At the bottom right of the picture you will see a strap on a chain. That's real horse hide.

To the left you will notice a flat iron device with grooves cut into it. That's a flattening iron used to keep waterstones in shape.

To the mid right are some modern pastes and oils which duplicate the pumice a polisher might use.

To the left of the Edge Pro is a typical Japanese laminated deba. It's a heavy knife, thick spine, weighted like a meat cleaver. Don't be fooled. When I finished, it would shave blonde baby hair from your arm. (A good sharp knife might shave the dark, coarse hair, but a really sharp knife toasts those tiny blonde ones.)

And just for fun, in the top left of the picture is a banzai tree.

Sorry about the word "sport." I use the word as I would use the word "discipline." Like "the sport of motorcycling." Or perhaps the "discipline of target shooting." Being retired and sharpening/polishing when I choose I do not find the word "work" to be proper.

And I do not know of a singular word which translates into "sleeps late, hits the gym to look at girls, smears Pig Snot onto a Harley, takes a nap, fixes a few knives, finishes off the latte' if some is left, does some laundry and plays with the mutts until the wife comes home for dinner."

I condense it down to "sport.":D

[sm]

When you get good...
You can take dirt, and put it on a bare spot on a log, and strop and polish.

*grin*

Okie and others know what The Tourist and I are doing.
Mutual respect for experiences , some derived from years of apprenticeship.

This thread is about what I and others, and THRs Mission Statement is all about.
Okie's handsome son, is being raised with these values.

This is for Okie's boy, and one can learn from others, if they pay attention.
Okie's son does not know right now he is passing forward, he has not idea what a Sharpfinger really is, nor a Japanese Water Stone, or a Norton stone.

Okie's son is passing forward, though he does not know it, and about what life is about, and what it means to be truly rich.

TrapperReady, will be explained is a user name, used on Internet, not some toy at the store.
The lessons of how like kind, helping others, just like his daddy's does at work.

The Tourist is another user name, and just like daddy, he "apprenticed" and learned what he does.
Books and going to school only teaches so much, actually having to do, and be mentored along the way, even after getting out of school is the key.
It just takes time, and doing, to be proficient at anything.

Skill sets earned, allows Okie to use a Sharpfinger.
Skill sets earned, allows Okie to use a 311 shotgun as he can and does.

Okie's son will learn about this, and how one cannot just out and buy a fancy knife, and fancy gun, and be a expert with it.

He will also learn, it is about the people one meets along Life's Journey.
Sharpfinger's used to sell for $15 new back in the day.
There are too many Sharpfingers, like this one, one cannot put a dollar value on.
One cannot buy a $300 even $1000 custom knife, bring it home and it have the value this Sharpfinger has, and Okie has not received it yet.

Eventually, maybe these more expensive knives might, many will not.

Already we have Trapper and The Tourist, that are a part of this knife.
Trapper will share some things about that knife with Okie.

"Semi-Worthless-Dawg" spilt all his dawg food when he tumped that sack over after I opened that sack, with that Sharpfinger one night..." Trapper might share with Okie.
SWD is a respectful nickname for Trapper's Dawg.

"I cut some cheese and summer sausage for me and boy one afternoon" - he might share.
Trapper, has a handsome son too.

The Tourist might share how that Stone, was a gift from a Mentor, and stories about this mentor.
Maybe some know chef that needs to stay private, but that stone was used to do up a knife.

Neat stuff for Okie, and neat for a kid!

This Sharpfinger is not some dumb old antiquated knife made from antiquated steel.
It is a proven knife.
It keeps on proving itself.
It keeps passing forward .

*neat*

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

And I do not know of a singular word which translates into "sleeps late, hits the gym to look at girls, smears Pig Snot onto a Harley, takes a nap, fixes a few knives, finishes off the latte' if some is left, does some laundry and plays with the mutts until the wife comes home for dinner."

I condense it down to "sport."

Tee Hee....Sounds to me like life / sport is gooooooood. :D You geez.... ummm, old-timers are crazy!!! :)

[sm]

I've always been crazy - keeps me from going insane. -Waylon Jennings

[The Tourist]

Steve, actually this is part of THR that I love the best. It's getting to the point that the niggling and arguing are just bringing me low. I want to feel good about the life that I live.

I believe that if you dug out the old "mission statement" about THR you'd find a parallel idea.

(I just asked the mod of another forum to "ban" me for thirty days as a silent protest against some strident childish behavior I could no longer tolerate.)

You are dead right about time and stories and lineage. That SharpFinger will be handed down with a tale about guys, who have never met, and how in the end values are really the best thing.

Okie can buy a knife if needed, Trapper find a hunting or caping knife at any distributor, I can sharpen in my sleep--that's not the point.

Several years ago a violent tornado hit a local town called Stoughton. There was a traffic problem that required the services of the local PD and The dane County Sheriff.

Not gawkers or looters, but common citizens bringing in water, food, clothing, chainsaws and sweat equity to remove trash. I got there mid morning of the day after, and found my friend's home leveled to the foundation. He was gone to a hospital to stitch up a bad head wound.

But as I got out of my truck with a pallet of bottled water, several neighbors from the home's foundation came to take a break and a drink. They had been there since daybreak, I was the one who was late.

Later in the week, a farmer in Waukeshaw--a community about 60 miles from the tornado's path--called to say he had found their daughter's wedding dress in the drycleaner's bag. At his own expense he traced the return address and ate the return shipping.

I enjoy the life of a rough, tough biker, I truly do. But truth be told, there's not enough chrome in the world that balances out the feeling of doing right, of being a good citizen.

I was proud to sharpen Okie and Trapper's knife. It was a privilege.

[Okiecruffler]

Why can't there be more threads like this instead of "Who's more tackycool than who" and "what gun for giant zombie grizzlies riding armor plated spiders"?
I remember a time when I would spend an hour a day going over every thread on this board. Now I only hit the shotgun board daily, the general handgun board occasionally. Seems everytime someone post about a new gun they bought there's a line of people waiting to tell them what a POS they fell for.
I think the internet is causing great harm to this world. It's become to easy to be rude and insulting. I'm not too old (my bones disagree with me on this) but I was raised by my elders. And I learned that a man didn't insult another lightly. Insults were often answered swiftly and with great malice. I remember when my grandfather was teaching me grace and manners and I would ask why I should do something, his answer was always the same. "Because that's what a man is." And society didn't ask you to ask forgiveness for being a man. You gentlemen are men, and it's good to know you.

[sm]

Why can't there be more threads like this instead of "Who's more tackycool than who" and "what gun for giant zombie grizzlies riding armor plated spiders"?

Because:

-Society has allowed itself to be dumbed down.
-Parents do not parent, and folks do not mentor.
-Kids are not being raised right, instead indoctrinated with lies and tyranny.


-Folks want so bad to be matriculated into a community, any community, be it firearms, motorcycles, knives, or cooking or...anything.

-Gurus need Groupies , and Groupies need Gurus.

-So they play each other, and parrot information in hopes of being part of a community.

They did not have someone to show them how to use a knife, shoot a .22 single shot, let them sit on a motorcycle or let them cook.

Gubmint said, they knew how to raise a kid better, and the selfish piece of feces called parents, let the Gubmint raise the kids.

Besides, the Parents , Mentors, have their own "ME-ME" disease, and have to play Groupie to some folks.
Slip the kids a Twenty, send their butts to the mall and get out of their hair!

So we have a person, raised old school, parented, mentored and knows about guns, knives, manners, respect and they are talked down to, get nasty PMs and everything.

WE got a gal or guy on teh Intrawebz , that only knew come here from sic 'em about guns 3 years ago.
They use correct grammar, spelling, and their feces don't stink as they are better than everyone else.
They got Gurus, and certificates to prove it too!

They ain't seen the gates of hell or smelled the brimstone.
Membership is free, initiation is a sumbitch!

When this person shares, they are passing on invaluable information from life experiences.
They pass forward, as it is not about them, instead you!

When the Guru or groupie shares, it is about them, not you, them.

Okie's son will ask : Daddy, how come a 311 side by side shotgun?
Okie: Because your eyes are like "OO" and not stacked one atop the other like "8".
There will be a "oh daddy!" and some ribbing, then the serious part of gun fit, straight stocks, driven birds, pattern boards and all.

Son: Daddy, how come a Sharpfinger?
Okie: Shares the blade steel , blade design and tool for task.

Trapper and The Tourist may meet Okie's son one day.

Son: Nice to meet you sir!
Trapper / The Tourist : "You don't have to call me sir"
Son: Yes sir
Trapper / The Tourist : I said you don't have to call me sir.
Son: Yes sir, yes, err...oh phooey! Just how I was raised sir...oh darn, I did it again...


How raised- what you do. Mentors

[The Tourist]

LOL. But ya' know, I'll bet there are guys right here how for the life of them cannot figure out all of the fun we're having.

Some mornings I literally drag getting up. But not this morning! I had errands to run! I had dogs to feed! I had to check the 'net! Fire up the Harley! I had to get to the UPS store! I was part of something bigger than just me!

Okay, so the earth ain't spinning faster than before, makes no difference.

But I do understand why some of these celebrities keep a level head while some just drown themselves in liquor.

Pitt and Connick are spending part of their fortunes, and never to recoup the loss, to live for something. The direction or even the cause might mean very little. But it sure is nice to look forward for a change.

I hope we start a little fire. I know Okie, Trapper and I won't forget this. I know that sm has some knives and ideas--and a head of steam. I know I haven't had a cross word in a forum in a few days.

Remember how this started, "Chaps my behind." Now everyone is goofy.

Imagine next week, when the package is delivered...

[Dave McCracken]

Threads like this are a nice antidote to those that show pics of a brand new looking shotgun with plenty of bling and no wear marks.

Or when I'm explaining for the jillionth time why a shotgun sans real stock and not fired from the shoulder is a problem, not a solution.

Or the ones where folks dump on other's choices big time.

Thanks.....

[sixgunner455]

As Steve and I discussed the other day, threads like this, the people who make them, are the reason I still come here. The reason.

[sm]

Okies's original post, expresses the feelings of countless others.

Knives were tools proven, and the consumer dictated what manufactures made.
These knives had character and soul from the fact the mfg listened to what wanted.
More character and soul was added by the people, memories, and dawgs attached to that knife.

Old Timer made Sharpfingers, Gunboat Trappers...here in the USA.
Zebco was originally Zero Bomb Corporation, and out of Tulsa, OK.

MBAs and Marketing folks, have no idea today, as they were not a itch in their daddy's britches , when a parent, or mentor took kids out with Old Timers, Zebco fishing reels and rods and some old Vet spoke of bombing raids and Zero Bomb sights is what he used in his job, to preserve Freedom.


This would be like some child in Switzerland getting a "Swiss Army Knife" and it being made in another country...
That child in Germany getting a Boker, or Hen & Rooster made in another country...

No.
That child has a right to have what his parents come up with, and be passed forward to, with those knives, make in country of origin.

Manufactures are about them, not the consumer.
They are going to make a knife and you are going to buy it!

The steel they use, is easier on their equipment, and they get a better price on it.
Marketing does a little razzle-dazzle and folks not raised right, as their parents and mentors did not raise them correctly, as they fell for the dumbing down and all themselves...
Are prey as John Ruskin shared:

There is hardly anything some man cannot make cheaper and sell for less; and those whom purchase based on price alone, are this man's prey.

Creative Marketing.

Shotguns...
Okie runs a 311.
I had my kind serve in Vietnam run 311s
They also carried Ithaca 37s, Model 97, 870, USGI 1911, BHPS...
Old Timer, Camillus, Case , Hen&Rooster, Boker knives as well.

Some were some real deal serious "we were never there" types.
They traveled light, ran hard , ran fast.
One close bud, and his, carried BHPs, and cut away holsters to make them lighter.
He carried and used 311s and 37s.

Screw the gawd damn wannabes!
Charlie had some folks in a pit, with a wood /bamboo lattice "cell door".
He and his went in...
You don't understand, they were going in before these Soldiers were moved.
Support was going to have run and hard to catch up...

13 y/o kid tossed the first glass bottle with a lit rag and fuel...
My bud was not the only southern boy that could shoot a shotgun.
He shot that firebomb before it could land into that pit with POWs.
His next shot killed the kid, break gun, insert two , and repeat...
His bud was running a Ithaca 37, and it was shotgun against folks tossing firebombs going into that pit with POWs.
The tossers were hidden, all one saw was the firebomb being lobbed.

Reality does not have a buzzer that says "go".
Nor does one get to yell "pull"

No do overs, no class rankings, ...instead survive or death.


BHPs, were running and gunning...

My buddy was carrying a Barehead Slimline Trapper , his bud with the 37 a Camillus Stockman.
With these they cut the rope to get that cell door open.

No hi-tech shotguns, no fuzzy dice, curb feelers...
No hi-tech steel blades, no marketing just folks that knew a tool and how to use them.
Zippo..."The GI's Friend" was used to light that smoke for the folks captive, now free.

You cannot put a value on a Old Timer, Camillus, Case, 311, 37, BHP...
It is damn disrespectful to market some tools today as they are.

Honor, Integrity and Respect is earned.
You cannot promote, or market these, you gotta earn it.

Maybe that explains why Okie is chapped.
Why Dave gets chapped about shotgun owners.

Chaps me, and others around here as well.

That is why TrapperReady and The Tourist did what they did.

[Todd A]

No hi-tech shotguns, no fuzzy dice, curb feelers...
No hi-tech steel blades, no marketing just folks that knew a tool and how to use them.

Hmmm....my Mossberg is black with a couple hi-tech doo-dads. (with wear marks :) )

But my user knives are slip-joints.

I'm so confused...:confused:

[sm]

Todd A

Nothing wrong with a user with skill sets, and having investigated and verified what works for them and in their environment.

Having a need for a light, or two shot mag extension, even a syn stock, has its place.
So does someone in a saltwater setting needing a knife less prone to the effects of salt water.

-Knife companies replicate a classic, only for profit, not for consumer real use, and not for memories.
-Gun companies do the same.


I set up some catfish farmers in MS with 870 Marine shotguns a few decades ago.
While they prefer CV and 1095 blades, running Rapelas worked best for some tasks.

Catfish Farming is tough, and tough on equip.
I was asked to check all this out and make suggestions, so I did.

Don't look at me, I am one using a single shot shotgun, Case Peanut.
Lady pard a Sharpfinger and Model 12.
Farmers ..."Hey, these Marine 870s don't float even though they say Marine on them"

"Yeah, I told you I found that out years ago" - I replied

"These Rapelas are sharp!". - Farmers

Ya know, catfish farmers are a fun bunch!

You ain't lived until predators try to invade catfish farms...*hehehe*

[hso]

Before we drift too far OT into, heaven forfend, guns :uhoh:, let's try to get back to admiring knives, enjoying the comradeship of knife folks and wondering why the tackycool crowd are more tacky than cool.

BTW - LED lit up tassles Ahem, I actually built a set of those at ORNL once (way back when LEDs were new). I also had to build a little circuit so mine would blink, the tassles, not my ... oh never mind.

[Okiecruffler]

Now I have to be honest, my daily carry knife is either an M16 or a Mirage made by Columbia RIver Knife and Tool in a factory that's a damned site removed from the Columbia River. I like them, they're strong, hold an edge for a long time and not terribly pricey. But they're just tools. I feel nothing when I carry them.
Hunting is more than a sport to me, it is catharsis. I don't hunt to kill other things, I hunt to reawaken things inside of me. I was caught once by a game ranger, out of season, flushing quail with a 311 at my shoulder. Not a round of ammo on me except the 2 blue snap caps. He just rolled his eyes and got back in his truck. If it were about body count I would have given up long ago.
For small game I carry an Old Timer Stockman, the middle blade (Sheeps foot?) was snapped off before I was born by my grandfather who thought it looked enough like a screwdriver that it should work. Now I ain't rich, but I've made it so me and mine don't want for much. I could afford a nice little small game knife. But same as I can afford to buy a new fangled shotgun with all the bells and whistles to replace my 311's, it ain't happening. Truth be known, just about any knife will field dress a bunny, but how many of them trigger the memory of my grandfather teaching me how to sharpen a knife (and not to use it as a screwdriver).
Same with the Sharpfinger and deer hunting. I couldn't imagine myself without one. In 1982 I used mine on my first deer, taken not 10 yards from camp when I was laid up with a scorpion sting. I used it on my last deer back in 1992 and all those in between. Rifle, shotgun, arrow, the only thing that remained the same was that old gut nipper.
In my tackle box lies one of those old Rapela fillet knives. Belonged to my dad's step dad once upon a time. Passed away when I was but 8. My memories are few. Vague shadowy things of a tall grey leathered man, who smelt of tobacco and burbon. Teaching me to cast a spinning reel once. Letting me "help" tie a fly. That knife and a fly rod and reel were left to me by that shadow when I was 8, dad was wise and put them away for a few years. I've heard the stories, he was a hard drinker, that's what took him. But he had reason. There have been times and places in this world where men saw and even did things that aren't spoken of in the light of day. They weigh on a man's very being and they cope in whatever way they can. One of my favorite sayings came from a letter he wrote back home. It said, "For the things I've done I deserve nothing but hell, for the things I do I deserve nothing but heaven." Wish I'd have known him better, perhaps my youth wouldn't have been so destructive.

How's that for getting long winded? You folks take care.

[sm]

My EDC is a Case Peanut, yellow handle, with chrome vanadium blades.

When I came home from being born in 1955, in my dresser drawer crib, my maternal grandma, had placed a bone handled, Case Peanut, with chrome vanadium blades.
There were other items in that crib too, like a .22 revolver...
I arrived earlier than expected, and was small, so amongst the items in that crib, was me.

Somewhere amongst knife, gun, holster, ammo, boxing gloves signed by a known boxer, silver dollars and ...and all, was a wee little boy with a wet diaper, or hungry , or both.

Case used CV for blades and in various patterns.
I get chapped because now, Case has limited the CV blades, to only a few handle materials.

That Peanut, was a very special knife, and it was handled only with grandma, or a mentor.
It was that special.
Hen & Rooster was another very special brand knife for me and mine, and these had a carbon steel blade.
Boker, the same deal.

These were my very special good knives.

I had some Imperials, Shrade-Walden, Shrade Old Timers and Advertising knives.
These I took out all by myself.

Imperial had this itty bitty key ring knife with carbon steel blades.
Just neat as could be.
I was something else the first time one was fastened around my little blue jean belt loop.
Oh the knife was sharp!
Big People used them all the time!

Advertising knives were also carbon steel, and really sharp!
Pretty neat to get these for free!

Grandma and I had gone to the big city and even got to take trolley part way.
Back then, they had grates in the sidewalk, and street, where the utilites were underground.
You could look down sometimes and see the folks working down there...
They also built Plywood sidewalks and had boards up with holes, when a building was being built.

Pretty neat, look through that really short hole, to see folks working.
Holes in the wood wall at different heights.

I was so proud of my itty bitty Imperial knife on my blue jean loop.
We had to walk over a long grate area in the sidewalk, and some mean old man, in such a hurry , knocked me down.

My knife got caught on the grate, and I did not know what to do.
Grandma knelt down, another nice lady knelt down and I got bumped again and my little knife fell all the way down that hole.

You could have heard a pin drop on that sidewalk.
A little boy in jeans, tennis shoes, with his grandma, got knocked down and folks concerned he got hurt, but...

"My knife!" is what I kept saying...

"Honey remember we talked about life and ..." grandma said
I was trying to be a brave kid, and understand, but I was only about 3 years old.

My wittle knife, I had others , but that one was my EDC.
I had not had it a long time, another Mentor got that for me.
It had sharpened pencils, crayons, cut a page out of a coloring book and I got to use a real clip board to color on, and done all sorts of things with special people in my life.

Beat Cop showed up, grandma knew him and we went into a coffee shop in a office building.
Norman Rockwell Scene.
I wanted to sit at the counter on them stools.
Just them stools swivel, and I cannot really reach the counter...

Beat Cop sat down on a stool, picked me up and his knee, this lunch counter bit worked.
Just you have to tell the Cop to swivel from time to time.
Grandma is sitting next to me, and we get Lemonade.
They had a neat glass just my size , like the bigger glasses.

About 4 folks come up, to see the Beat Cop, I was put on Grandma's knee.
Beat Cop had his back to me, the folks were saying something and ...

"Young man, was your knife like this one?" - a lady asked
"Yes ma'am" - I replied.
"Well this one is yours now" - she said

The other folks nodded and said the same.
I wanted down...
I got down and reached into my little jeans pocket to get coins.
I only had some pennies and one nickel.

Beat Cop knelt down, seeing my face, looking at grandma, my coins, the people.
I did not know what to do.

Grandma and Mentors said to give a coin whenever you got a knife, you were supposed so the freindship would never dull.

I had never had 4 people give me a knife before!

I dunno, but somehow in the figuring, all four folks got a penny.
I did not know these folks, they just saw me get knocked down, and lose my knife.
The lady that knelt down, was one.
These folks just went and bought me a wittle knife in the store we had all entered.

My first one was special, this second one was special.
Grandma and mentors wanted to know why I put that one up, and wanted to wear a auto parts store free advertising knife.
I shared how those four ladies giving me that knife was special.

These 4 came to grandma's funeral

I get bigger, and these folks I would run into again and get to know.
I still had that knife.

Chapped is...
Case does not make CV knives in the patterns they used to.
Hen & Rooster does not either...
Old Timer and Imperial are gone...
Advertising knives are gone...
Itty bitty Imperials are gone...

Nobody wants a kid to have a knife, and would care less if a kid lost a knife today down a grate.

It is about the people, these knives are about people, and all sorts of life stuff.

Dawgs would wear the free advertising knives Purina gave out on dawg collars...
Other advertising knives too...

I mean even your dawg was not dressed without a knife on their collar when I was a kid...

Upsets me, 'cause folks just don't know stuff like they are supposed to ...


I thought the hog killing knife was pretty neat, my grandpa had made some, and mentors had some.
So I asked to hold my hand a certain way with this carpenters pencil in it.
With a grease pencil a line was made.
I was asked to hold that pencil as a mentor did, holding a hog killing knife, so I did.

For me, this was all normal.
Mentors did a a lot of stuff I did not understand at the time, but I learned to wait, and reasons would be revealed.

Three years old and I had my very own hog killing knife , just my size , that fit my hands.
It was made from a sawmill blade, just like theirs was, and had a wood handle just like theirs.

[ArfinGreebly]

Old Timer is 1095 Carbon, and I am curious how you approach not only this steel, also the blade shape in sharpening.

I am not sure some know what that blade shape actually is.
You know, I was wondering about that, and then I remembered a large-ish butcher knife with a similar profile.

I believe the shape was termed "trailing point" when I heard it discussed.

Would one of you with more expertise care to confirm or clarify?

Thanx.

[Gewehr98]

Mr. Tourist, I live in a Madison suburb, and I have a custom knife that has been ravaged by none other than Taco Bell Hot Sauce, courtesy of my now ex-wife. I'd love to get an estimate on what it would take to get it looking nice again, especially since it was a present from a knifesmith who has since had to close his doors for good. :o

[sixgunner455]

Arfin--

If I had to categorize the Sharpfinger's blade shape, I would call it a trailing point skinner.

25 and 30 years ago, I remember watching and "helping" my dad design and make skinning knives for guys that wanted trailing point skinners, and the more belly and point, the better. These were hunters, or at least folks that wanted a custom knife on their belts when they went to hunting camp. :D

Then they started wanting Bowie knives, and he did those, too. Some wanted more rustic looking, some wanted longer blades, whatever. Mountain men re-enactors, folks that saw "Iron Mistress", and others were making those orders.

Anyway, that's what I'd call it.

Steve, I can relate to that lost knife. I remember the day I lost my first "good" knife. And it was such a good one, too. Oh, I regret that day.

My sister's high school graduation, and my grandparents drove 1000 miles to come. I put on my little pin-striped Sunday suit, first one I ever had, I think I was twelve or so. Just wore slacks and tie before that.

My dad got me a Boker Whittler the year before for my birthday. It had delrin handles, sure, but they looked like real stag. More important was the angle the little blades were at, making whittling and such easier than with the cheap Ranger medium stockman I had before that. Still had it for a good while after -- rough duty knife vs. my "good" knife.

Put this little Boker Whittler in my right front pocket, where I always carried a knife. Couldn't carry that old Ranger in my suit! I had a good knife to carry, and I was going to a graduation and dinner after with my grandparents.

Knife always has been pocket jewelry for me, I guess.

Anyway, when I got out of the car at the restaurant after the graduation, I stuck my hands in my pockets and -- my knife was gone. Oh, I was upset. Well, everybody started getting back into the car to go back and look for that knife when my grandma asked me what pocket I had it in, and where we were sitting, and we started thinking about the folks that were sitting around us at the graduation, and, "I'm sorry, honey, but that knife is long gone." We went on into dinner, and my pocket was empty.

I was one sad boy. Wasn't three, but -- that was my good knife! First time in my life I had more than one.

My dad slipped an identical knife into my hand on my birthday the next week. I was tough, I didn't cry. In front of anybody. :D

Couple of months ago, my little boy was out riding his bike with his big sister, and he's had this little Buck knife for 9 months, and it fell out of his pocket. He noticed maybe half an hour or an hour after, and he and his sister went all over our neighborhood, wherever they were riding, looking for his knife. He was upset! He picked that knife out months before his birthday, and I bought it right then and stuck it in with my knives.

Now it's gone, and he was so proud of it.

Me, I've got more knives than I could wear out in my life right now. I'm blessed, or dumb enough to keep buying them when they catch my eye. Anyway, I pulled out a Swiss Army knife I bought when I was just out of Basic training and had him show that he could open and close all the tools on it safely, and then handed him a Recruit -- similar to mine, but just a bit smaller and better for his hand size. Last summer, he helped me and my brother fix a door on the house my brother rented when he came out from Japan to visit, and the tools we used were the ones on my SAK. Both of them thought that knife was so cool! Gave my little bro an SAK to take home with him, and when his very cute little Japanese wife mentioned that his new knife made two that they owned (and I knew the other one, because my dad gave it to him when he was fifteen), I pulled another one out and gave it to her so she'd have her own.

We put a 550 cord lanyard on my little boy's SAK, and he loops it to his belt or belt loop and puts it in his pocket every day when he gets home from school, and all day on the weekends. Not gonna lose another one! Sleeps with it -- under his pillow, he says, but I've walked into his room and seen him holding it in his sleep.

[The Tourist]

Mr. Tourist, I live in a Madison suburb

Hmmm. Let's see, you should be able to find the Harley shop. Big sign on a spindle off of the Interstate just past the split. You might be able to find me...:D

For the things I've done I deserve nothing but hell

That's why I'm a tinker. I have lived my life in two halves. I don't think you would have cared that much for my "first half."

One day I went home, told my wife that things had to change. I quit a long career because it was eating me up, quit lying, got baptized, and wondered what the next big surprise was going to be. And in the nature of all of the intelligent, smooth and workable things I usually do, I picked a winner of a career choice. I had a breakdown.

Several years ago I saw an old tear-jerker called "The Electric Horseman." Despite the hype on Jane Fonda, the main crux of the movie was about a guy who made a lifetime of poor choices. At the time, I didn't get the ending. Robert Redford throws away a life of ease, starts hitchhiking with the line, "I'm going to do something simple--something hard--but something simple."

If you've ever watched a polisher, soaking wet, hands stained with swarf, refurbishing a sword and lost in thought, then that explains the "hard and simple task."

I should have started life that way, not used it as an ending. But, who knows, perhaps I appreciate it more now. However, I think I'm better company now that I've been kicked a bit.

Edit: Note to sm, delivered with a knowing smile. "Crazy keeps you from going insane."

No, it doesn't...

[sm]

Edit: Note to sm, delivered with a knowing smile. "Crazy keeps you from going insane."

No, it doesn't...

I have my various coping mechanisms.
Not that they actually work, but I have them.

One of my kind had a contract to fill, nice deal for him, and of course a deadline.
I was some 4 hours away when I got the call, his wife and kid had been in a car wreck.
I made a few calls, and I had been up for 18 hours when I got the call. I arrived, in less time that it normally took, some folks I knew had arrived faster being nearer.

I was up for nearly 65 hours, except for closing my eyes to rest them, and some power naps, for maybe 15 min.
I took point when I arrived, as I had skill sets others did not.
My buddy needed to be with family, and that was where he was.

We got that contract filled, and beat the deadline, getting a bonus for doing so.

Crazy is about hour 36, insanity hits at about hour 48.
Orange and bananas to keep from getting hand and finger cramps.

This is where having had to learn the correct basics, having do by hand, before being able to use a doo-dad, or powered equipment coming up, and under apprentice pays off.
All the years of doing something, experience earned, then it all comes down to getting it done, top notch quality, but real damn fast!

I can relate to assisting others in storms...
I grew up doing this as well...
Freehand sharpen a Buck 110, rain, another tornado coming in 10 mins or so, but knives need to be sharp for the next wave, and you can do so under flashlight, rain, wind and real damn fast.

Oh the blade gets scratches, nothing dry to strop on, but the knife will cut, it is sharp.
It does cut...
It was dulled getting folks extracted, and to safety.

Crazy, insane, just words.
You do what you gotta do, bend rules that will bend, break those in the way...one cannot put a dollar value on some things.


Later the Buck 110 is cleaned up, make to look good again, and sharpened better...
Now while all hell is breaking loose, again.

[Okiecruffler]

I don't think you would have cared that much for my "first half."

I'd bet you dollars to donuts that your first half and my first half would have either been best buds or trying to do away with each other. But we all have our demons and I'm starting to think my debts have been paid.

You folks stay up late

Coping skills? How's this one. Sitting beside a 5 year olds bed and feeling the gratitude and horror as the last of her organs finds a new home. You go from writing the last entry in her medical chart to writing your letter of resignation. Oh yeah, my debts, they've been paid sevenfold.

[Rupestris]

As Steve and I discussed the other day, threads like this, the people who make them, are the reason I still come here. The reason.

Same here. Thanks for keepin this one going folks.

Now I only hit the shotgun board daily, the general handgun board occasionally.

I hit the Shotgun board but just to read anymore. Can't remember the last time I visited General Gun Discussion. I check in on the handgun boards once in a while as well.

This one seems to get most of my attention at THR now. Its the folksy slipjoint threads that actually get me to post here at all. Otherwise I try to keep my mouth shut and ears open.

Speaking of catfish...

I'm takin' my old Browning SiliFlex rod (yes, it has plenty of wear marks :p) down to the local pond for some panfish and maybe a cat or two. Not sure what knife to take so I think I'll carry two today. My old, worn smooth Old Timer 34OT and Grandpa's Case Half Whittler.

I usualy don't carry Gramps knife for fear of losing it but today I will. If anything happens to it, I can always blame Steve :D

Thanks again,
Chris

[Rupestris]

Coping skills? How's this one. Sitting beside a 5 year olds bed and feeling the gratitude and horror as the last of her organs finds a new home. You go from writing the last entry in her medical chart to writing your letter of resignation. Oh yeah, my debts, they've been paid sevenfold.

God bless you John. I wish I had that much heart.

[meef]

Weird title for a thread. I was wondering what the OP was thinking when posting it.

Chaps (IPA: /ʃæps/, tʃæps) are sturdy coverings for the legs, usually of leather, consisting of leggings and a belt. They are buckled on over trousers with the chaps' integrated belt, but unlike trousers they have no seat and are not joined at the crotch. They are designed to provide protection for the legs and are usually made of leather or a leather-like material.So we see that cowboys wear them to protect their legs. And the OP was needing to protect.......


:)

[The Tourist]

Ya' know what dawned on me as I read these posts?

Just like in any crisis, there will always be the selfish in nature, and there will always be the kind who see a disaster and try to figure out how to help.

There have been lots of times I could easily 'give,' because the act didn't cost me anything. I was giving from my increase.

That's the great thing about doing "pro bono" work. You cannot just toss a dollar at a cause, you actually have to work. It tests what you think.

At the end of the day, I simply feel better. Perhaps a bit selfish, but boy oh boy, it sure is fun. My wife is once again out of town to take care of my MIL as she comes home after surgery. The house has been quiet, and the only real sounds are from the waterstones.

I can see why Australians go on a "walk about" when there is confusion in their lives. My wife is doing what she must. And the 'quiet' came as a blessing for the job I must do here at THR.

[sixgunner455]

Coping skills? How's this one. Sitting beside a 5 year olds bed and feeling the gratitude and horror as the last of her organs finds a new home. You go from writing the last entry in her medical chart to writing your letter of resignation. Oh yeah, my debts, they've been paid sevenfold.

I could not do that. Literally, could not. It was hard enough dealing with adults, but going down to the childrens' ward...I would have quit if they'd made me work there every night.

Bless those who can do it.

[Todd A]

Okiecruffler,first your career choice has my upmost respect. As a volunteer Firefighter the worst thing I ever had to do was see kids hurt or worse. I can not even imagine doing your job for even one day,I'd never be able to handle it.

Second

Now I have to be honest, my daily carry knife is either an M16 or a Mirage made by Columbia RIver Knife and Tool in a factory that's a damned site removed from the Columbia River.

I still have a few of those type..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/todda/tacticals.jpg

All Walmart buys....only one has any meaning to me.And only the bottom two still see use.

The last one is a USA EZ-Out my current better half keeps it in her car.It was my first Tactical and I carried it for many years.

Second from bottom is my most valuable knife. A cheap Buck Juno from Walmart. A couple of years ago my kids came for our weekend,father's day weekend. My ex had promised to take them shopping before but had "forgot to". My kids were sad they didn't have anything for me so my better half snuck them off for a quick trip to Walmart and let them pick out stuff for me.

That Buck is a gift from my son,it has a place of honor as my truck knife...were my truck is I am ,so it is "always" with me.And it gets used.

The others are boxed up...I have more than a few slip-joints for normal EDC.

[JShirley]

I'm a big fan of the Sharpfinger. HI makes a version (http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v45/216/117/69403225/n69403225_30214896_1345.jpg)now, at my request.

John

[Poor East Texan]

What an EXCELLENT thread!

I'd NEVER be able to handle Okie's job!

In that knife picture up there, the Spiderco Native (third from top) is VERY well thought of on another forum I visit. I've never "taken" to Buck knives myself.

Anyhow some of what is posted in this thread makes me laugh, some of it almost makes me cry!

[Todd A]

The S30V Native is a GREAT knife...just my taste has changed.

These are my current users...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/todda/users1.jpg

Most are USA Schrades with one Case,a Utica ,and two Kabars thrown in. Plus I won a couple more Old Timers on Ebay this weekend :) and a Imperial Boy Scout for my son.

[Okiecruffler]

Now that is a nice looking collection.

AFWIW, Okie can't do Okie's job anymore, that's why I'm on sabatical. Been working in a house full of CP and Autistic kids for the past few months. In about 6 months I'll go back to the PICU, just not sure if it'll be here or somewhere else. I have a yearning to try my skills at a top notch hospital (not that this one is any podunk hospital, some of the best thorasic guys in the US hang out here), St Jude, Shriners, Hopkins. I'd like to find out if I'm as good as I pretend to be.:D

Strange I never really paid attention to this forum. I do so love sharp pointy things. Seems like this one has somehow ducked most of the bravado that's taken over the other forums.

Just realized that I should have used the correct word, chafes. It's the Okie in me. You'd never guess I had a degree in English.

[TrapperReady]

Okie - Jobs like yours take a toll, to be certain. "Healing the healer" is something that is sorely lacking in our current system, and I'm glad to hear that you're taking care of yourself.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate this thread and the folks involved. It reinforces the sense of community and selflessness that is lacking in so much of the Internet experience. I am of reading Internet bravado about SHTF, TEOTWAWKI and other tin-foil-hattery. So often, the premise is "I'm prepared. Screw everyone else. Check out the cool ghost-ring sights and tac-light on my gun."

Most of the people I know and choose to hang out with are the ones who will grab what they've got and go to help out in a SHTF scenarion. Due to their profession, their upbringing, or more typically both, they will be working tirelessly (although that's one of the stupidest expressions ever) to help others. Yeah, I know the concept of "taking care of myself and my family". I also know that my family includes more than just kin.

Frankly, when I originally offered John the knife, my inclination was to do so entirely via PM. However, I decided to do this on the public thread to try to set an example and show others that this is what we do for one another. Tourist already knew that and jumped right in. Steve and Okie and Dave and others have built on that with their comments and stories. In this whole thread, the least important thing is the knife.

[hso]

HI makes a version now, at my request.


Waitaminute! HI makes a version of the Sharpfinger? I wonder what a group buy would run?

[sm]

Originally Posted by John Shirley
HI makes a version now, at my request.

What steel is being used?

[CZ.22]

Himaylayan Imports?
I guessing carbon or tool steel. How much?

[The Tourist]

Now get this. I might be meeting one of the THR guys here pretty soon. I got a PM from a member (I'll respect his privacy) who said he had a knife and lived "in a Madison suburb." Well, yikes, that's over a dozen little burgs.

Anyhoo, in private, he names the town, and it's my town! Due to the size of the inkspot on which I dwell, he can be no more than one mile away from me!

Originally I invited him/her down to the Harley shop, thinking a public setting might make the first meeting more comfortable for them. Now the guy could be doing my dishes or vacuuming my rugs whilst I put a lick of polish on his knife.

The wife is still out of town, having the house cleaned at this point might be more valuable than money, but I digress.

I'm actually looking forward to the idea of THR members practicing what we write.

[JShirley]

I don't think I could work in a PICU- it'd just break my heart. Kudos to those who have both the love and the strength to do it.

Guys, to those who expressed interest in a HI version, I would need to know if y'all wanted wood or "white metal" handles*. HI knives are almost always made from salvaged springs from Mercedes trucks, which I understand is probably 5160. I would also need to know about how many people would be interested. If there seems to be enough interest, let's start another thread, so we won't hijack this one too much.

*(Personally, though I like how the all metal handles look, I believe wood is probably better for actual use.)

[sm]

The Tourist,

The gentleman you are keeping private about, is a true gentleman.
I have not met him in person, just communicated with him privately.
He has passed forward to me, and assisted me with things I needed for others.

He has more knowledge and real world experience in his little finger, than I will ever learn in a lifetime.


John,
Good steel that 5160.
Wood would be my preference, though the metal is good looking!
Agree on another thread for further discussion.

[The Tourist]

is a true gentleman

I have given him info to contact me and I'm looking forward to meeting him.

If he watches me sharpen his knife perhaps he can report in on how a waterstone system (replete with tools and pastes) differs from traditional stones and belts.

And I always like to show off Black Betty...

[sm]

And I always like to show off Black Betty...

I recommend you find your sound track of Top Gun, so you can listen to it while this guy fires up Black Betty and takes off with her down the road.

*grin*

[The Tourist]

fires up Black Betty and takes off with her

I'd give him my wife first.

Of course, that's a threat I also give to muggers when I want to inflict true pain.

I wish your buddy would call. I haven't sharpened anything in two days because of the slow-down for the holiday.

[Okiecruffler]

so we won't hijack this one too much.

I think we've hijacked it a few times already and the OP hasn't minded. Heck, he's the one doing the most hijacking.:D

Hope you all are having a good Memorial Day, and remembering that it means more than a nice weekend at the lake. I doubt anyone in this thread ever forgets.

Here's another hijack for you. Had one of my aids ask me last night, "Why does everyone have so many flags out this weekend?" We had a long talk, but I'm not sure how much she understood, being so busy texting her friends and all.:rolleyes:

[Gewehr98]

Save for it's Memorial Day, a family day as it were, and I respect other people's holidays too much to bug them about a neglected custom knife. ;)

I will give you a call later though - neighbor of mine! I'll warn you though, I'm not real good at rugs, but I can wash dishes like nobody's business. :D

BTW, the knife? Here it is, a Richard Bancroft "Mrs. Doubtfire Kitchen Fighter" in 154CM and micarta, Serial No. 1, posed with a 1918 DWM Luger to show the size of the blade:


http://mauser98.com/lugerdoubtfire.jpg

[meef]

Had one of my aids ask me last night, "Why does everyone have so many flags out this weekend?":scrutiny:

You have aids?

My condolences.







:)

[The Tourist]

I'm not real good at rugs, but I can wash dishes like nobody's business

Close enough, I'll take what I can get.

I sent you a PM. I'm doing nothing. Well, that's not accurate. I'm sitting back with Pinkie and The Brain plotting the downfall of Fitchburg.

Nice knife.

[The Tourist]

I just wanted to report in on my first meeting with fellow forum member, and now new client, Gewehr98.

As you can imagine when too old Harley boys get together, the truth was a tad stretched from time to time. Well, I suppose it is possible (with enough tequila) to "push start" a stalled B-52, but hey...

We went through his little knife case and hammered, repaired, and polished every cutting device we could find. I tinkered until I was tuckered.

Then I showed him the infamous Black Betty. We did a brief tour of my gunroom. It was a fun first meeting. Even my dogs liked him.

I encourage other members to get to know each other. There are probably some near you, and it's nice to just be yourself among friends.

[Gewehr98]

The blades are so sharp after Herr Tourist did his magic, one bleeds just looking at them...

I've got one in front of me right now, and I'm bouncing a green 532nm half-watt DPSS laser off of the newly restored edge, watching the diffraction pattern reflected onto a sheet of paper. It's mirror-smooth.

He has a client for life, even if he didn't just iron out my custom blades. He will also tutor me on the fine points of casting boolits for my big Sharps - he just doesn't know it yet!

Oh, and Black Betty is a gorgeous girl, I might add. She has it in spades over my non-pedigreed Milwaukee mutts. ;)

I agree, get to know your fellow THR members. They might just be around the corner from you!

[sm]

Knife folks are good folks...*yep*

[TrapperReady]

I just received the knife back from Tourist. I was going to have him just send it on directly, but was too curious and wanted to see what he did with the edge.

I have to say that it's flat-out amazing. To call it a mirror-finish really doesn't do it justice. I'm going to try to set up a light-box and take some pictures of it this evening, and then send it out to Okie in the morning.

Nice job, Tourist!!

[sm]

Maybe The Tourist could do a little polish on Semi-Worthless Dawg?

*grin*

[TrapperReady]

Steve - Just for you... a pic of my buddy. I'll just post a link, since the pic itself is of gargantuan proportions and I don't have time to rescale it just now. Warning: If you are on dialup or a slow internet connection, don't bother clicking on the link.

Semi-Useless-Dog (http://www.fototime.com/%7BCD931C20-8070-4F8D-9110-39057673EB07%7D/picture.JPG)

[sm]

Trapper,
Thanks.
I am even on dial-up and it was worth it.
SWD reminds me of quite a few faithful companions.

Folks,
Trapper and I razz about his dawg, still if you do a search under his name, in shotguns, you will see one of his son pheasant hunting.

My point is, we have some good folks, passing forward in so many way around here.

Talk about a non-firearm weapon against tyranny!
WE have some of the best folks on THR fighting the good fight.

Steve

[The Tourist]

I'm glad everyone is happy and that the work met expectations. I've had fun this week meeting and mixing with the guys here, and it's clear that the folks are dedicated to the things we love.

Of course, now we have to please Okie.

[sm]

Okie who?


*snicker*

[Poor East Texan]

Doesn't LOOK like a worthless mutt... I only need to go to the front of the house to see several!!!

Great thing going on here!!!

[Okiecruffler]

Of course, now we have to please Okie.

To be honst, Okie is already pleased just by the stories shared on this thread. I have to admit, I had just about given up on this whole board. I see alot of rudeness and downright hatefulness everywhere on what used to be a pretty tight group of friends. Maybe THR has gotten too big, it happens, I'm watching it happen on a smaller board I love that focuses on specialty pistols. So now I can hang out in NFW and shotguns, pretty much ignore the rest of the board. Sad but true.

[TrapperReady]

Okie - I understand completely. It's a big reason why I kind of disappeared for a while around here. I got tired of the routine threads, the tin-foil hat crowd and such. Although, I'm sure you understand the concept of "recharging your batteries" way more than I do.

In any case, back to the knife...

The work Tourist did is amazing. Any self-respecting mirror would be ashamed to be compared to such flawless shine. The edge seems to simply seperate the molecules, if not individual atoms.

Just to make sure that it worked as well as it looks, I took it out into the garage and cut up a couple cardboard boxes. It was like butter. Then, I went on to some old carpet scraps and nylon webbing. It wasn't until at least a couple hundred cuts that it began to drag a little. By this time, it was still cutting and looking decent, so I tried slicing up some old steel-belt radials I had lying around. It cut the rubber beautifully, but I did have to saw back and forth a little to get through the belts. Even so, the finish looked good. It didn't really stop shining until the kids got through using it to pick the mortar from the bricks around the patio.

I'll send it out to you first thing tomorrow morning. ;):D

[JShirley]

Okie,

We want this place to stay friendly and polite. It's a sad fact that boards are harder to keep a handle on as they grow- a victim of their own success, as it were. All of y'all can help by being conspicuously good members and leading by example. You can also notify us if someone is straying far off the path.

I will say I'm proud that you've found this forum a good place to be. :)

John

[sm]

It didn't really stop shining until the kids got through using it to pick the mortar from the bricks around the patio.

ROFL

[Gewehr98]

It was neat watching the laser's diffraction pattern on the mirror edge Herr Tourist put on my blades.

I'm happy to report that the newly-sharpened Mrs. Doubtfire Kitchen Fighter went through my tomatoes like there was no tomorrow, perfect slices as easy as you please, and it made my BLTs tonight that much better.

Tomorrow, it minces fresh basil from my garden for Chicken Parmesan.

Damn they're sharp! Maybe I should take them to the hospital, and give them to my surgeon when they slice me open next month? :D :o

[Okiecruffler]

Well, it sounds like you put it thru most of the test, but you forgot about the most important. How does it work as a screwdriver? Surely you have a few rusted in screws somewhere you can give it try on. I like to use the tip on phillips, but the edge on regular screws. Heck the tip will even work on allen heads if you kinda smack it in there. (somewhere in Wisconsin there's an old biker going...:what:) :D

I remember this board for what it was, and it can't be that anymore. Ain't nobodies fault really, just the nature of the internet. I've met some real fine folks on here, folks who are always welcome at Casa Monroe. I've also seen some folks that I wouldn't wizz on if they were on fire. The internet allows those with no social skills to kick back and be themselves without fear of, as my pappy put it, "a good ole fashion ass whuppin'". Pick any 3 threads in the general pistol area that gets past the first page, I'll bet you dollars to donuts that it's degraded into a "my way or the stupid way" arguement. Just human nature I guess. I must say I saw the one handled here that was done quite tastefully. Impressive.

But enough of the negative. Been playing with my digcam lately, can't wait to take lot's of pics of that blade.:D

[sm]

Okie,

The real test of that polished blade is yet to come.
Oklahoma wind that never stops blowing...
Red Clay...
Having change for the toll booths...
Skinning a Oklahoma Jack-a-lope...

Ok-lopes differ from Tex-lopes.

[Okiecruffler]

You know Steve, I've been trying to nail one of those jack-a lopes for many years. But they flush far and run quick in this neck of the woods. Just as well, I hear they taste like dung.
I hear tell the state is gonna get rid of all those toll roads, just put toll gates at the end of everyone's driveway.

[hso]

Well, it sounds like you put it thru most of the test, but you forgot about the most important. How does it work as a screwdriver? Surely you have a few rusted in screws somewhere you can give it try on. I like to use the tip on phillips, but the edge on regular screws. Heck the tip will even work on allen heads if you kinda smack it in there. (somewhere in Wisconsin there's an old biker going...)

Okie,

If not there's a little red headed round moderator doing this :banghead:

;)

[The Tourist]

TrapperReady,

Steel belted radials? Brick mortar? ...oh, boy...

I'm glad you boys like the results of Japanese waterstones. Hopefully, it's not going to be a lost art. I wish I could take better pictures to properly show the edges.

As you might know from the "Keeping Sharp" section of KF, we tinkers have a theory about three-is-the-charm when it comes to sharpening. For some reason--and there are many thoughts on this--a knife gets spooky, toasty and dangerously sharp on the third polishing. The cosmetic look increases, as well.

Right now I'm holding a Spyderco Native that came to me directly from the factory with several problems. In beating it to death and deliberately dulling it from a fishing trip and several Coca Cola 24-pack cartons, that same knife is now so sharp that it's not a good idea to fondle the edge. Tinkers call that "tickling the dragon," and on this orphan, the name applies.

I will say I'm proud that you've found this forum a good place to be.

Oh, it's worth it. In my travels in locating a decent knife forum, I've had to search out the very few adult ones that exist. The biggest disappointment is a "frat house" where it seems that typing "F" is more fun than the knives themselves.

If I want to learn anything, I stick close to KF or Sword Forum International. (I know the sword facet might seem odd, but the guys are pros.)

I know we joke about "old bike clubs," but the one good they do is qualify their members before they attain full status. (And yes, I watched the Mongols raids on cable.)

And being an adult I also know that passions can run high in debates. But as discussions have gelled among sm, hso, myself and others, we all found that we can love different knives, a wide spectrum of knife manufacture and out-and-out disagreement and still be viable THR members.

Here's a tragic commentary. I still like to kibitz and party among good friends. Among the tinker/collector sub-set of acquaintances I have, we opined on a meeting to put names to faces.

At this moment, amid the tens of thousands of forum members, we'd like to see a continued relationship with less than a dozen.

So you see, JShirley, it's not your forum, it's just the people who use it, and the character they bring with them.

[Gewehr98]

And I'll not forget the lessons learned via Herr Tourist.

1. His hands don't look like they've been sliced and diced too much. That means he has a healthy respect for all things sharp and shiny.

2. Keep the black swarf off of the white tile floor. This is important.

3. Japanese waterstones like to be kept well-hydrated - with Holy Water, no less.

4. If you think you have a knife collection worthy of mention, you probably don't. My Randalls, Bancrofts, Benchmades, Spydercos and the like pale in comparison, and I should've learned I was in for a humbling treat.

I'm toying with the macro settings on my digicam, seeing if I can get decent images of the edges Herr Tourist put onto my blades. They are indeed a thing of beauty.

[TrapperReady]

Okie - The big brown truck just left with your knife. Please let us know when it arrives, and enjoy!

[Rupestris]

Since UPS only delivers good stuff, we refer to it as the BBTOJ, or Big Brown Truck Of Joy.

Tourist,

To get a good pic of the edge, see if your camera has a Macro setting. On the selector it'll have a picture of a flower in most cases. Take the knife outside into bright, natural sunlight and fire away.

This is one of my Macro shots and its been downsized quite a bit so the clarity is compromised. 7mp Panasonic FX10 compact camera.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/539/RRPE.jpg

[The Tourist]

Rupestris, I just checked my camera and found nothing. Of course, it's an older East German model from The Cold War.

There's a little button marked "Ich befehle Sie zu funktionieren," which turns the camera on, and a little trap door for the coal, where you insert a little hot ember.

After you take 32 pictures, you have to take a little brush and swab out the chimney.

I don't see anything marked Macro.

[Rupestris]

There's a little button marked "Ich befehle Sie zu funktionieren," which turns the camera on, and a little trap door for the coal, where you insert a little hot ember.

After you take 32 pictures, you have to take a little brush and swab out the chimney.

L :D L!!!

[Okiecruffler]

Well, I perfer pepper spray to OC. A quick spirtz into your chili and it's just right.

NO worries, when it get here you will all be subject to my amaturish picture taking skills.

[TrapperReady]

There's a little button marked "Ich befehle Sie zu funktionieren," which turns the camera on, and a little trap door for the coal, where you insert a little hot ember.

After you take 32 pictures, you have to take a little brush and swab out the chimney.


For some reason, I think that may be the funniest thing I've ever read on the internet... except for Smoke's stories about naked dove hunting.

[sm]

There's a little button marked "Ich befehle Sie zu funktionieren," which turns the camera on, and a little trap door for the coal, where you insert a little hot ember.

After you take 32 pictures, you have to take a little brush and swab out the chimney.

*LOL*

Classic!!


Staff,
If that quote does not make it into THR library , I am going to remove all Shiner Bock, and Wassabe Peas from Staff break room and hide them until it is.

[JShirley]

You best leave my Wasabi Peas alone, Steve.





Or you'll never be safe drinking another RC in here again.

[soccergod04]

This thread is awesome. It's also interestingly timed, as I was just perusing the net for a Sharpfinger.

[Gewehr98]

There's a little button marked "Ich befehle Sie zu funktionieren," which turns the camera on, and a little trap door for the coal, where you insert a little hot ember.

After you take 32 pictures, you have to take a little brush and swab out the chimney.

Wohlgemacht! :D

[sm]

You best leave my Wasabi Peas alone, Steve.

John,
I was picking on Justin...
Now I know you like those as well.

Lemmee see, to keep this thread non-firearm related ...

I eat my peas with honey
I've done it all my life
It makes the peas taste funny
But it keeps them on the knife. -


I forgot whom wrote that poem, so if you know , please post the author.

I learned that poem in the 1st grade....(yes they had poems that far back).

[Okiecruffler]

I learned that poem in the 1st grade....(yes they had poems that far back).
Sure, but you could only read them in the day time, seeing how fire hadn't come along yet.:neener:

[Okiecruffler]

This has become my favorite thread ever, and not because I'm getting a blade in the deal. The thread has been allowed to have a life of its own, it's gone off topic, run around the tree and come back. And no one has posted that their brother's friend who's a knifeshop worker won't sell sharpfingers because they're POS's, no one has suggested I need a Randell, no one has suggested I need a Glock. Just good folks sharing stories like we were sitting a round a fire. Heck, one fella even brought his dawg. Thanks guys.

[TrapperReady]

OK, some background on the dog. Some years back, a neighbor of mine took me and my wife out trap shooting. We became instant addicts of all things shotgun, including bird hunting. The problem was that our two dogs were lazy housepets, and about 6 years old.

The neghbor, who had a good gun dog, relocated for work and had the nerve to take his dog with him... leaving me twitching like a junkie with no fix. So, I start eyeing the resident mongrels and decide that one of 'em has just enough lab in him that he might work out.

To make a long story short, he loves to hunt, but has to trip over a pheasant to realize it's there. He's got the heart and the attitude, but his nose isn't much better than mine. So, I spent several years following him around (except when the cover would get thick -- at which point he'd fall in behind me and let me break trail). When I'd take him duck hunting, he'd mostly sleep. If it started raining, he'd just crawl up underneath me to stay dry. If I shot a bird and it fell in the water, I'd have to fetch it.

However, he was (and is) great company. He also likely saved my life one cold, wet morning and for that he gets all the treats he wants. He's now 13 years old, moves slowly and has some trouble getting down the stairs. But he's still great company and one of the best animals I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

[seeker_two]

OC: My brother's friend who works at the knifeshop (that is, if I had a brother and he was the type to have friends who would do a decent day's work) says (or would say....if he existed) that if you don't have a Glock .45 Super Mag with a Randall laser sight/spotlight/bayonet on the light attachment, you might as well shoot yourself before the goblins get to you.....

(....well, no one had said it so far.... :D )

sm: Wasn't there an old song about "eating goober peas," too?....

[Brian Dale]

So, I spent several years following him around (except when the cover would get thick -- at which point he'd fall in behind me and let me break trail)...(etc.)Sounds like a smart dog. ;)

[Okiecruffler]

Well, as long as we're talking dogs on a knife thread (told you I liked this thread). Here's mine....
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h234/okiecruffler/100_2505_edited.jpg
She's about 13, give or take, we're not really sure, doesn't hunt anything unless you count her rather strange hatred of box turtles (gotta be a story there somewhere). But I'm not sure I could reload with out her underfoot. She's getting old and slow and sometimes she leaves little dog droppings behind when she gets up now. However, the young prince can crawl all over her, pull her ears, bite her tail and she won't so much as look at him crosseyed. And yet let someone unknown come near the house and she's right there. Not barking, just watchfull, scary quiet. One fella tried to cut thru our yard one day and she had him half up a tree PDQ. A better dog has never lived and I should know, I've had a bunch of good dogs. Don't know how much more time I have with her, I hope awhile. I've always believed that one of God's cruelest tricks was allowing humans to outlive their dogs.

[Rupestris]

I've always believed that one of God's cruelest tricks was allowing humans to outlive their dogs.

You said it John!

I had to put down my Rotweiller a few years ago. Never thought I'd find a dog as good as that one again. My wife (Ellie May Clampett Jr. as I affectionately call her) can't say no to a pet in need of attention.

Last year my Nephew's daughter was diagnosed with leukemia so they had to get rid of their dog. A year-and-a-half old Yellow Lab named Daisy. Well, guess where she ended up...

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg135/Rupestris/3-1-08006.jpg

Yep. In my house. Not only my house, but she thinks she belongs in my bed.

Just as good as my ol' Rotweiler but on a whole diferent level. Not the guard dog type but a bundle of energy and very bright.

Of course I have to tell everyone that she is named after the BB gun that was once made in the town of Plymouth, MI where I work now ;).

She's still a young'n but I already dread the day I have to say good bye.

Chris

[Rupestris]

Oops.
Almost forgot this was a knife thread.

This is the Bark River Woodland I had on me the day I snapped that pic of Daisy
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg135/Rupestris/3-1-08007.jpg

Enjoy,

Chirs

[The Tourist]

Hey, guys, I hate to interrupt, but as you know much of this thread has dealt with Schrade Sharpfingers. To that regard, it's the discussion of the original Sharpfinger to any Chinese replacements.

Here's my question.

To any of the hunters here who have seen, used or hunted with the Chinese model, is it really that bad?

Would a substantial reduction in price be worth it to substitute the Chinese version?

[TrapperReady]

Hey, guys, I hate to interrupt, but as you know much of this thread has dealt with Schrade Sharpfingers.



To any of the hunters here who have seen, used or hunted with the Chinese model, is it really that bad?


Due to an unfortunate translation, the Chinese version was being sold under the name "DigitPricker" and they had to be pulled from shelves.

[Rupestris]

Tourist,

You're right. Getting back to the original post...

Just from what I've read I can add the following:
Taylor Brands has left a bad taste in the mouths of some knife folks.

That said, I've also read that Taylor is looking to put a facility in TN or KY (can't recall which right now) to start production of Schrade knives in the US on a limited basis. Probably custom versions of existing models.

Enough about Taylor and the current situation with Old Timer knives for a second.

There are a few Chinese offerings out right now that are getting rave reviews among the classic slip joint knife crowd. Two of them being Steel Warrior and Rough Rider brands. Some feel that Marbles chinese offerings are up to par as well.

I have fixed blade knives made by Buck in China and Taiwan. They were on clearance at Cabelas and I ended up paying $5 each for them so I couldn't pass them up. To my surprise they are VERY well crafted knives. In fact, they have cleaner, more even grinds than the Bark River knife that I posted above that cost me $80.

I've never bought one of the Chinese Old Timers but I can't imagine them being complete crap. Especially for the price. My biggest complaint is that they are now stainless steel as opposed to the original carbon steel versions. Otherwise, I might buy one.

If I were going to buy one today, knowing I'd have to settle for 420 or 420HC, I'd buy the Rigid version that is still available for around $25 and made in USA.

USA made Rigid Sharpfinger on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/RIGID-USA-Black-Foot-Hunter-Sharpfinger-Knife-Sheath_W0QQitemZ200211734109QQcmdZViewItem)

Would a substantial reduction in price be worth it to substitute the Chinese version?

If the heat treat is done right - yes. without a doubt. Even with a chinese production stainles steel as proven by my chinese Buck brand knives in 420HC.

HTH,
Chris

[sm]

Yes, the Chinese clones of the Sharpfinger are that bad; as is the rest of the Old Timer line.

Setting aside it is an abomination to have the Old Timer name prostituted to make sales.
Ditto for Winchester and other Classic USA knife mfgs names that are also being prostituted as well.

My Experiences:
New versions of Sharpfinger, feels lighter , and do not have the heft and balance of original.

Heat Treat seems to only be right at the edge, for if sharpened "past" that edge, one has nothing.
This defines "differential heat treat" to an whole new level.

A 1965 all steel Falstaff beer can is better steel and has better heat treat.

Piss poor quality is piss poor quality even if the mfg pays one to use the damn thing.


Just my review of the new Sharpfinger ...

Steve

[Rupestris]

Heat Treat seems to only be right at the edge, for if sharpened "past" that edge, one has nothing.
This defines "differential heat treat" to an whole new level.

That must be the difference between the OT's and the Bucks.

My Buck offerings from the far east are through hardened. To the point that there is NO flex in the blade. Even the US made Buck fixed blades will snap clean before flexing as much as some quality differentially heat treated knives.

This shouldn't be an issue (with Buck brand at least) if you use a knife as a knife and not a sharpened pry bar.

[sm]

Lest us not forget, Old Timers USA were 1095 carbon steel
Carbon steel is easier to heat treat, and many custom makers that use 1095, can and do heat treat Carbon Steels themselves, thus having quality control of the "whole" knife, including heat treat.

In later years, Shrade quality slipped, the heat treat was not the same, many felt this was the signal Shrade was having some serious problems, as were other USA mfgs.

Stainless heat treats different, and the Taylor made Sharpfingers are a stainless steel.
All the Old Timers are a stainless steel now.
In the old days, folks bought Old Timers for 1095 carbon and the Uncle Henry line, for the stainless blades.

So a person that makes knives, and uses 1060, 1075, 1095 Carbon steels, even 01 tool steel, can heat treat their knife.

Stainless they send out to be heat treated, Paul Bos being the most well known, though other folks are quality "heat treaters" as well.

Heat treat can make a bull chip work, but you gotta know how to heat treat a bull chip.

New Sharpfingers "feel" like 420J2 , to me. I only freehand sharpen...so they feel like this to me.
J2 I understand was never meant to be used for knives per se' but it is now, by quite a few folks such as Buck, Kershaw and others.

Buck, can control the heat treat, and it my understanding set this up, to meet standards, Bos inspects on the ferrin' jobbies.


Imperial, if memory serves me right, Imperial used 1075 in their knives, including fixed.
Well phooey! 1060, 1075, and 1095 is what was and is still used for bayonets, machetes, and other uses, hard uses.
Opinels are 1075, and they too are hard used knives.

So, what we have is, heat treat on old Old Timers, Imperials, and Opinels, that are carbon steels that are proven.
Heat treats are "easier" for lack of better way of stating it, where stainless "has" to be done more "so-so" for that particular batch of stainless.

New Sharpfinger is a "stainless steel" of who-knows-what quality heat treat.

Honestly, one is better off buying a Opinel for $10 or less, than a new Sharpfinger which sells for more now.

The bottom line: What are you getting for monies spent?

You ain't getting spit with a new Sharpfinger, IMO.

[Navy joe]

A 1965 all steel Falstaff beer can is better steel and has better heat treat.

Well tell us how you really feel! :D

Speaking of Schrade;
Anybody got a sheath for a Schrade Old-timer they'd care to sell me? Youthful indiscretion, aided and abetted by turtle blood made a mess of the knife. I rescued it, it's beautiful and I use it in the kitchen daily. I'd like to tell you the sheath made it too, but it suffered many other abuses of a 10 year old boy. My dad gave me the knife, he was happy to see it still serving on in vegetable prep duty.

[ArfinGreebly]

I was knife shopping today.

Yes, I know, what a shock.
(For what, you may ask . . . 79182 . . . indeed.)
I was mulling over some Case XX knives and spied a Schrade (Taylor) Walden (USA) for $130 on the same shelf. Red bone scales.

I asked to have a look at it.

Damn.

Superb fit & finish. Numbered series. Two blades: clip point and broad spey. Sharp. Very sharp. Blade & edge finish top quality. Very positive half stop. The snap is 4.0 on the Richter scale.

The guy stopped to wipe the blades when I was done. I asked why he wiped those when he wasn't doing the other knives we were examining. "These have carbon steel blades. They'll stain if I leave the finger prints on them."

Now, my sensibilities tell me the knife is probably more realistically worth $75-$80 or so, but even at $130 I have to say I am starting to think about it.

The other Schrades I wouldn't give to anyone I cared about, but this Walden . . . that's something else again.

[Okiecruffler]

Well, I don't have any Chinese knives, but I carry a CRKT M16 that's Taiwanian. The wife carries a rollerlock that I think is tai as well. My mirage, I'm not sure. I like them, decent enough steel for a guy like me who don't know no better. My M16 has been used for some rather interesting chores and it's never failed.

But there's just something about the way those old Old Timers cut. Maybe it's the carbon steel, I'm not smart enough to know. I just know they cut like a light saber when their sharp and it don't take a lot of work to put a working edge on one. And then there's the fact that I've become a stubborn old cuss and there ain't no way I'm dressing a deer with a furun knife. Wouldn't taste right.

[Rupestris]

I was mulling over some Case XX knives and spied a Schrade (Taylor) Walden (USA) for $130 on the same shelf. Red bone scales.

Superb fit & finish. Numbered series. Two blades: clip point and broad spey. Sharp. Very sharp. Blade & edge finish top quality. Very positive half stop. The snap is 4.0 on the Richter scale.

Now, my sensibilities tell me the knife is probably more realistically worth $75-$80 or so, but even at $130 I have to say I am starting to think about it.


Take a look on ebay. You can find those new Schrade Walden USA knives for around $40 - $50 NIB.

I'm seriously considering one of the Green Bone Stockman knives.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Due to an unfortunate translation, the Chinese version was being sold under the name "DigitPricker" and they had to be pulled from shelves.

Now THAT's funny! :D

www.engrish.com

Nice looking dogs, Okie and Rupestris!

[The Tourist]

The reason I asked the original question on Chinese knives is that like it or not, they might become a very real aspect of our entire spectrum of cutlery very soon. If not already.

Now, let's be far. I'm a guy who likes quality, and won't defend a "brand" by simple loyalty. For example, nearly every biker I meet says that GoldWings are the standard for quality in heavy touring bikes. Well, I put an armature right through the back of a 1980 GoldWing engine and blew the entire rear of the motor right off of the mounts, at 1,400 total miles. It was such a rare occurance that Honda flew in a customer service team from California.

Now get this, during their investigation, the CBX Honda they gave me crapped. One of the carburetors was defective. To the contrary, I've only had one Harley that left me standing--in over 30 years. By this experience, Harleys are better. Follow me on that idea.

I don't mind paying upwards of one to two hundred dollars for a good knife. This is a situation for me as a singular client. Obviously my list of clients does not reflect that. Sure, I have collectors and some users who daily carry top end Striders and Emersons. But we all know that's just a few guys.

I asked you to follow me, and here's the pay out. There will be many clients who simply like the feel and use of Schrade products. The fact that the American plant is closed and the production is now from China might mean nothing. After all, CRKT cleaned up the Taiwanese idea of quality.

The OP here lamented the loss of the original series of SharpFinger knives, and most of us agree. But the entire customer base is not going to give up on the knife itself just because the new ones are Chinese.

I had a Mustang built in Canada, and I believe my GEO Tracker (a Suzuki product) was built in Illinois.

[Brian Dale]

I had a Toyota pickup built in the Bay Area of California. It ran as well as one built by tabi-wearing, natto-munching guys from Nagoya. That was fine; Toyota made sure that I could rely on their brand name.

The key is this: who's running the show at the company, and can we depend on them to maintain the characteristics of a brand that we have been able to rely on in the past?

You guys are telling me that, with the Schrade company, we can't.

[The Tourist]

with the Schrade company, we can't

Like with any brand, you buy selectively. I like Mustangs, I'd love to drive these newer models with superchargers. I would not buy a used Ford Pinto.

I love my Dyna, but I'm not a fan of the V-Rod.

Several months ago during deer season, my company had a promo going. Buy a new knife, get a Schrade Old Timer for free. I even sold some flat out.

I sharpened them, buffed the brass to a mirror finish and went through eight cases of them!

Now, no one turned down a Strider to own one of these Old Timers. The clients bought them knowing full well they had a knife they could abuse at deer camp, field dress +/-six to eight deer, and then get it resharpened. Or they could throw it away.

In fact, I carried one for a while as a test mule. All of mine were made in China. And I would still sell you one with a clear conscience. But like any vender, I would Q/C the sample I sold to you, and yes, I returned some as substandard.

I've had some great luck with Spyderco knives. If you are a member of KF, you know I'm having trouble with a current Native.

There will always be anecdotal problems with individual products.

[p35]

SMKW was selling kits to make a Sharpfinger as part of the Camillus factory cleanout- ie Camillus made Sharpfingers. Might be worth a look if they have any left- asking about $10 IIRC.

[Okiecruffler]

Back in the days of my teens, when serious hunting got done, you couldn't tell one of us yahoos from the other. We all carried 30-30 lever actions (Okay, I carried a 444, but I was compensating for soemthing:o ) over our shoulder and a sharpfinger on our hip. Dad hated them (the sharpfingers, not the levers, although his had more style as a 300 savage 99). Said we always nicked a gut with them. He was probably right but to be fair, a teenage boy who just shot a deer could probably nick a gut with a butterknife. Dad carried one of the biggest bowies I've ever seen on his hip. I remember him making it from a kit when I was a little bitty Okie. Thing was just wicked sharp. He spent hours sharpening the false edge until it wasn't false anymore, used that edge for dressing and the forward edge for utility camp chores. He's a strange bird, does all his bird hunting, including waterfowl, with a .410 bolt action. But he was trained by the best.

BTW Chris, that is one beautiful lab.

[Todd A]

The OP here lamented the loss of the original series of SharpFinger knives, and most of us agree. But the entire customer base is not going to give up on the knife itself just because the new ones are Chinese.



Sorry I for one will never own a Taylor Chinese Schrade, never ever. Don't care if it is free,I won't own one.

Only one knife I own is not made in the USA. It is a Taiwan Gerber. I am not going to get into the politics,and yes I own many things made in China.

I happen to be able to choose where my knives are made, something not usually possible with our everyday products. So I choose USA made knives.

Oh and my '86 Dodge Ram 150 was made here too.:) (177,342 miles on a original 318cu,never been rebuilt :D)

[sixgunner455]

Todd A, I kind of feel the same way. I have a few Chinese knives. I wanted an example butterfly knife, but didn't want to spend the money for a Benchmade, so I picked through the Chinese ones and gave 20 bucks for it. The one I really like and bought deliberately is a Choi Do (chinese kitchen knife, looks like a cleaver but it's a slicer). I probably have a couple of others kicking around here in stealth mode.

Last knife I bought was an older Schrade with 1095 blade, single blade trapper. I had forgotten how truly easy those knives are to sharpen. Much easier than the stainless.

I prefer to buy domestic when I can, but I'm not hyper about it. My wife's car is a Toyota Avalon (US made, though!), for example, but my truck is an F150.

[Todd A]

Todd A, I kind of feel the same way

You guys can drop the "A". My name is Todd.

It is not only the made in China part.I have a problem with Taylor LLC.They can use the name,after all they paid for it.But the are making money off the reputation earned by Imperial Schrade Corp on a sub-standard product.

Compare a Taylor Schrade Old Timer side by side with a US one,I have, and you will see. I did a side by side with the 34ot "Middleman" stockman and a 194ot gunstock trapper with the China copies at my local Tractor Supply Store and was far from impressed.

[TrapperReady]

Okie - I just checked the UPS tracking for the knife, and it's in your area marked "OUT FOR DELIVERY". :)

[The Tourist]

Trapper, I was just about to ask you on the progress. On another matter, did you get any decent pictures?

[sm]

Wittle brown twuck is out and about.
Sometime today Okie the Cruffler will shout.

Chapped behinds are not all cured by Vaseline
Instead a Sharpfinger with a edge so keen.

Just some guys on a Internet Forum
With common interests shared with decorum.

Okie will have a knife to skin a hawg
Given to him by owner of Semi-Worthless Dawg

Or Okie can make son a Peanut Butter and Jelly
With said knife sharpened by a guy that rides Black Betty

Wittle brown twuck will arrive sometime today
With a Sharpfinger of old made by Shrade.

[TrapperReady]

Tourist - I didn't end up taking any. I've got some plans for a lightbox and thought this would have been a good opportunity to try it out. However, I ran out of time with some other projects and just wanted to get it shipped out.

[The Tourist]

Tourist - I didn't end up taking any.

No prob. I just wanted to get some idea on how to render good photos when using mirror edges. I've tried just about every idea given to me, and I think it's simply the poor camera I use.

Oh, and Steve, my aunt Clara used to say to my freeloading cousin Bobbie, "Un pescatore fa le candele difficili."

Basically, a Sicilian idiom for, "Keep your day job."

[Spinner]

Literally that means something like "a fisherman makes candles with difficulty" I think (though my Italian is still not very good).

Man I have so much to learn about Italian.

Spinner

[Eleven Mike]

OkieCruffler, I don't understand why you are so worried about this sharpfinger thing. Why don't you just buy one of those Smith & Wesson Supertactical folding knives? Everyone else is doing it. :p

[The Tourist]

Spinner, I think it means something like, "A fisherman is not a candle maker." Meaning, he should keep working at what he is trained to do.

Steve wrote some poor--yet funny--poetry about me, and while I laughed, I did have to wince.

He might be good with knives, but he is no candle-maker.

[JShirley]

Aw! I missed a couple dawg pictures!

Beautiful.

I've wanted a Black Lab for 25 years, now. One day.

John

[Okiecruffler]

Now I'm not familiar with the work of a master tinker. And it's been awhile since I handled a Sharpfinger so maybe I'm remembering them differently. BUt anyhow, I recieved the knife today and here's the pic I promised...

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h234/okiecruffler/100_2703.jpg

Not exactly what I was expecting, but I guess it'll do in a pinch.

[The Tourist]

Please tell me you're kidding...

[TrapperReady]

Okie - Well played, sir! :D

[The Tourist]

...'scuse me whilst I catch my breath...

[TrapperReady]

Tourist - Your East German camera comment was funny. Okie's picture is more of a masterpiece. Please rest assured that the knife you sent back to me was the one sent on to Okie.

[The Tourist]

Actually, I figured it the other way.

I thought that you, Trapper, had switched the labels by accident on two boxes destined for different clients.

Okie, do you like the SharpFinger?

[Okiecruffler]

Okay, I can't let that joke go on too far. Cool knife tho', looks like it jumped right out of a movie. Here's the real deal...

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h234/okiecruffler/100_2704.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h234/okiecruffler/100_2705.jpg

Now I'll be the first to say that my pics don't do this steel justice. I don't know how well you fish or make candles, but your skill with steel is impressive indeed. I don't mind bragging a bit, I can put a pretty nice edge on a blade, I'm the family sharpener. I find the process relaxing. But the edge on this knife is just wicked. It's sharp enough that it scares me alittle. I have a couple of scaples on my desk for giggles, they have nothing on this knife. It shaves right down the skin. I'm resisting the urge to run around the house cutting things up with it. Have to run to work now, but I'm gonna try to get some better pics tomorrow.

I can't thank you guys enough. You've shown the spirit that this board was founded under and reminded me why I keep checking to see what's going on.

[Brian Dale]

I love happy endings. Thanks for setting an impressive example, guys.

[The Tourist]

Okie, I was proud to become a part of this, and honored to be trusted.

[JShirley]

Guys, on that note, let's close this one. We can start a new thread for Okie to post his pics on. :)

John