Memorial Knife

[bratch]

I recently lost my father and want to buy a knife in memorial, after I lost my grandfather I bought a 1911. There is no direct tie but I can look at it and remember when and why I got it.

The only knife I remember my dad using was a small Gerber Gator folder so there isn’t a favorite model or something close to pick up. He was a rodeo cowboy, race horse trainer and then leathersmith later in life.

I’m thinking a fixed blade something practical that a cowboy would use probably nice wood and a good leather sheath. Maybe something with a turquoise inlay. Bark River and LT Wright come to mind.

Any recommendations, no direct tie to him so something you would look at and think a cowboy would carry that?

 

[redneck]

No personal experience with these guys but I think they sell some neat looking stuff and might fit the bill.
http://www.eaglebrandcowboytack.com/knives.html

 

[Mk-211]

Bark River Bushcrafter 2.



BR Boone knife.



You can usually find either one for around $250. Either would be nice to own as a memory of your dad.

 

[bratch]

Other option I’m thinking of is a nice filet knife.

 

[jmr40]

I just worked a local rodeo the last 2 nights. I noted that a lot of the cowboys were carrying small fixed blades (about 3" blades or less) on their belts. They were all worn at about 5 o'clock with a 45* cant toward the front. Out of the way, yet not hard to reach around and access.

I'm assuming these were all custom knives. I didn't see anything I recognized. But I did like the concept. There were several very similar examples in the link provided above by redneck

 

[JShirley]

One of the knives in the link redneck posted made me think of the "Kumar Karda". A karda is a tiny knife that comes with traditional kukris. Kumar was a kami, a Nepalese knifemaker employed by Himalayan Imports (HI).

Kumar made a larger karda that had a comfortable handle and a blade that was almost arrow-head shaped. It's big enough to do maybe 95% of the things you might want a knife to do on a regular basis, but small enough to be convenient as an EDC.

Andy Roy is one of several of us who used to hang out in the HI forum at KnifeForums and then BladeForums, who have gone on to do things in the knife industry. Operating as Fiddleback Forge, Andy perfected his craft, and then went on to mentor several apprentices who would assist him at his shop, and then assume their very own brand names when they were ready- almost like the manufacturing model HI used years ago.

Andy made a version of the karda that has always sold well. Andy doesn't have any Kardas listed, but one of the other makers on his site has a somewhat similar, well priced and beautiful knife available.

Andy is a beautiful human being, and I am certain any knife displayed on his site will be of impeccable quality. 8670 is a tough, easily sharpened steel that is not stainless. Something to consider.

John

 

[Armored farmer]

Buck 110 auto is a good edc. Something to remind you daily.

 

[lemaymiami]

Not a cowboy (maybe in another life - but not this one... ) - every knife shown by these various makers is simply outstanding to my eye... We're so fortunate to live where the knife-making art is so well established - and with such high standards...

One more reason I try to visit this site daily when possible... Many thanks to those that contribute...

 

[redneck]

National Ropers Supply has some cool stuff as well. Some custom knives mixed in but also some production stuff and working cowboy style sheaths. I remember there being some nicer choices in the last paper catalogue I got from them but there is some decent stuff mixed in on the website.
https://nrsworld.com/collections/knives

 

[lemaymiami]

Thanks for the heads up about NRSWORLD... never heard of them and I liked it enough to save the site for future needs..

 

[Barnfixer]

If you can find one, the bark river huntsman is a handy size. Not sure if cowboy fits with the style. Maybe do a search of texas knife makers, should be the home of a cowboy knife. A while back someone was posting pictures of the style you looking for with the horizontal sheath, real nice stuff! Someone else might remember the knife maker. This is the huntsman.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Dave Ferry (Horsewright) makes a lot you might like. He is definitely a cowboy knife kind of guy.

 

[redneck]

Thanks for the heads up about NRSWORLD... never heard of them and I liked it enough to save the site for future needs..

They have a lot of stuff. I have ordered rowels and parts for making spurs from them several times and have always been happy with the service.

 

[Barnfixer]

Dave Ferry (Horsewright) makes a lot you might like. He is definitely a cowboy knife kind of guy.

That’s the Guy!

 

[Madcap_Magician]

I recently lost my father and want to buy a knife in memorial, after I lost my grandfather I bought a 1911. There is no direct tie but I can look at it and remember when and why I got it.

The only knife I remember my dad using was a small Gerber Gator folder so there isn’t a favorite model or something close to pick up. He was a rodeo cowboy, race horse trainer and then leathersmith later in life.

I’m thinking a fixed blade something practical that a cowboy would use probably nice wood and a good leather sheath. Maybe something with a turquoise inlay. Bark River and LT Wright come to mind.

Any recommendations, no direct tie to him so something you would look at and think a cowboy would carry that?

Dave Ferry knife and sheath combo that's probably pretty much just what you want. Dave is a legit rancher who makes saddlery and other ranch leather as well, so I really think he's probably perfect for you. Very reasonable prices as well.

 

[bratch]

Thanks guys.

I ordered a pair of Leech Lake knives, had never heard of them before but they ended up having a lot of indirect ties to him and I was even able to order the handles in his racing colors.

I’ll keep an eye or Horeswright/Dave his stuff looks really nice and I have another maker through PM to follow up with.

The lake knives will see regular use in the kitchen and then if I order something nicer I’ll put it back with some of his photos or something.