What Is Your "Holy Grail" Knife

[Jacknifeben]

This 1306 Remington got the etch smeared by a Christmas celluloid in the same box.

[Jacknifeben]

1306.

[Dan In MI]

It was originally designed in 1856 by US Navy Admiral John A. B. Dahlgren.

He also happens to be the namesake of NSWC Dahlgren. And he designed a heckuva knife!

This 1306 Remington got the etch smeared by a Christmas celluloid in the same box.

That's awful. But it looks like you did a good job saving it.

[GSPTOPDOG]

GEC #46 Tidioute Cutlery Whaler Pocket Knife 4.3" Desert Ironwood 462218. I would like to buy one from the factory or (Blade HQ; Our Price: $144.95) and NOT have to pay $450 from somebody on the internet

[Madmarco]

I've always been impressed with those Whaler/Elephant Toe/Sunfish knives Dog, but the high prices have stopped me from buying one. If you can live with a Rough Rider brand knife I've seen them at SMKW for about $30.

[GSPTOPDOG]

I've always been impressed with those Whaler/Elephant Toe/Sunfish knives Dog, but the high prices have stopped me from buying one. If you can live with a Rough Rider brand knife I've seen them at SMKW for about $30.

I have handled them before M.M. and truth be told, they have a pretty good feel to them. I just always wanted US made versions. However ... I might have to pick one up and the up side is when you are carrying it at a $30 cost (and not leaving it locked away with the other safe queens ) and it gets dropped on the trail and skids off the hill side you don't have to take out a 2nd mortage to replace it

[1967redrider]

1306.

Excellent results, Jkb, what's your process? I have recently started using a #2 pencil, seems to work well.

[Madmarco]

I've always been impressed with those Whaler/Elephant Toe/Sunfish knives Dog, but the high prices have stopped me from buying one. If you can live with a Rough Rider brand knife I've seen them at SMKW for about $30.

I have handled them before M.M. and truth be told, they have a pretty good feel to them. I just always wanted US made versions. However ... I might have to pick one up and the up side is when you are carrying it at a $30 cost (and not leaving it locked away with the other safe queens ) and it gets dropped on the trail and skids off the hill side you don't have to take out a 2nd mortage to replace it

Yes, exactly. I've never actually handled or even seen such knives in the flesh so thanks for the details regarding how they feel in-hand. I completely understand your desire to buy American and kudos for trying to support your own country, but I don't think you'd be breaking any rules or betraying anyone should you decide to carry and use an inexpensive foreign knife, specially if the domestic version is outpriced except for the wealthy, but remember that's just the opinion of a Canuck, you gotta do what your heart tells you. If you opt for a less expensive foreign knife at least you'll likely be using it, whereas with an expensive knife it will likely go straight into the safe and rarely see the light of day, and as you said, should you lose it it's not a big deal or expense and easy to replace. Please be sure to show us what you decide on Dog, either way!

[garddogg56]

Buck Ranger
My first 1975 two dot and my latest 50th anniversary
These are my do it alls hunt,fish,work and EDC.

[gsmith7158]

It's always strange when you acquire what you designate as your "Grail Knife". My first was a 1973 Sharktooth with Curly Maple handles. Only about 1500 made. After I had acquired 3 of them, all sold now, I moved on into the uncharted waters of really vintage Case knives. I have a lot of knives that really feel fortunate to own, but of course there always seems to be one that evades your capture. It's really about the journey and the people you meet a long the way because at some point you realize that there is always one more to get.

[treefarmer]

Wow! Some real beauties.
Greg, what is the Case in the 3rd picture you shared?
Treefarmer

[Madmarco]

Some pretty nice "grails" you have there Greg. I like your thinking.

[gsmith7158]

Wow! Some real beauties.
Greg, what is the Case in the 3rd picture you shared?
Treefarmer

TF that is a 6151 Case Bradford With Rogers bone.

[GSPTOPDOG]

Yes, exactly. I've never actually handled or even seen such knives in the flesh so thanks for the details regarding how they feel in-hand. I completely understand your desire to buy American and kudos for trying to support your own country, but I don't think you'd be breaking any rules or betraying anyone should you decide to carry and use an inexpensive foreign knife, s Please be sure to show us what you decide on Dog, either way!

I don't mind buying an inexpensive foreign knife on the secondary market so much, so I will take a look there. Also, I think I am going to take a trip back to Titusville, PA ... if gas ever gets back to $3 a gallon maybe I will have better luck at the GEC factory store to find a GEC Sunfish / Whaler/Elephant Toe... I was there in 2014 and bought several items NOT at ebay rip-off-re-seller prices

[GSPTOPDOG]

It's always strange when you acquire what you designate as your "Grail Knife"...It's really about the journey and the people you meet a long the way because at some point you realize that there is always one more to get.

Great photos! in #2 photo, looks like a pre 1920s Case stamp, was it called a Sunfish back then?

[gsmith7158]

It's always strange when you acquire what you designate as your "Grail Knife"...It's really about the journey and the people you meet a long the way because at some point you realize that there is always one more to get.

Great photos! in #2 photo, looks like a pre 1920s Case stamp, was it called a Sunfish back then?

I believe they referred to them as rope knives back then. That is a Case and Sons so somewhere between 1905 and 1914.

[Madmarco]

I don't mind buying an inexpensive foreign knife on the secondary market so much, so I will take a look there. Also, I think I am going to take a trip back to Titusville, PA ... if gas ever gets back to $3 a gallon maybe I will have better luck at the GEC factory store to find a GEC Sunfish / Whaler/Elephant Toe... I was there in 2014 and bought several items NOT at ebay rip-off-re-seller prices

Sounds like the factory store is the way to go Dog, good luck!

[GSPTOPDOG]

[/quote]
Sounds like the factory store is the way to go Dog, good luck!
[/quote]

Thanks M&M!

[GSPTOPDOG]

[
Great photos! in #2 photo, looks like a pre 1920s Case stamp, was it called a Sunfish back then?

I believe they referred to them as rope knives back then. That is a Case and Sons so somewhere between 1905 and 1914.

Thanks, that is a beautiful piece

[Wannadotoo]

My HOLY GRAIL knife.....100 % a high art/Risque/naked lady LG STOCKMAN.
I am in the process of getting everything together to make my own.
DOES ANYBODY KNOW IF ANY MANUFACTURER EVER PRODUCED ONE?

[QTCut5]

Firstly, I wholeheartedly agree with what Greg said. I feel I have acquired every HG knife I have wanted (so far) with the exception of one. This photo was taken by Dave "knowtracks" and the knife depicted is one of the Titisville stamped S&Ms in his amazing collection. I tried to tempt Dave into selling/swapping for it, but, not surprisingly (and wisely, I might add), he kindly yet firmly said "No can do, Q!" Of course I totally understand why, but it means the probability of me ever finding another one, especially one is such good condition, is highly unlikely at best, and a fool's errand at worst. But, I never claimed I was no fool, and like Greg says:

It's really about the journey and the people you meet a long the way because at some point you realize that there is always one more to get.

Truer words were never spoken. So, my journey/hunt continues for this one (as well as all the HG knives that are sure to follow!)

[TwoFlowersLuggage]

I'm not sure I believe in the entire concept of a "holy grail" knife. I've rarely seen a knife I wouldn't want to own. I suppose it demonstrates my lack of collecting discipline - I have never created "goals" for my collection and I do not have a "want" list. I prefer to use a "targets of opportunity" strategy, also known as the "Knife!" method...

[1967redrider]

I think I'm still I.S.O. a sweet Catt King O' the Woods lockback, maybe the one with the compass.

[Madmarco]

Firstly, I wholeheartedly agree with what Greg said. I feel I have acquired every HG knife I have wanted (so far) with the exception of one. This photo was taken by Dave "knowtracks" and the knife depicted is one of the Titisville stamped S&Ms in his amazing collection. I tried to tempt Dave into selling/swapping for it, but, not surprisingly (and wisely, I might add), he kindly yet firmly said "No can do, Q!" Of course I totally understand why, but it means the probability of me ever finding another one, especially one is such good condition, is highly unlikely at best, and a fool's errand at worst. But, I never claimed I was no fool, and like Greg says:

It's really about the journey and the people you meet a long the way because at some point you realize that there is always one more to get.

Truer words were never spoken. So, my journey/hunt continues for this one (as well as all the HG knives that are sure to follow!)

This knife totally surprises me ~Q~, I'd have thought it would have a Warnie blade on it! LOL!

[QTCut5]

This knife totally surprises me ~Q~, I'd have thought it would have a Warnie blade on it! LOL!

Apparently you know me too well, Marco . But, in truth, I think pretty much ANY pocket knife with a single Wharnie blade would probably qualify as a Holy Grail to me!

That old Schatt & Morgan with the stamped blade is the one rare bird that keeps me on the hunt. Although, now that you mention it, there is this other one that I've been searching for for quite a while because it's the final piece I need in order to complete my Case _107W collection. (I had the chance to buy one when they were first released but foolishly passed on it because I didn't like the color and at the time I wasn't thinking about completing a subset of my Wharncliffe collection.) For some reason, this 2014 Bubba Gum Lady Case 6107W doesn't show up in any of the places I generally find my knives, but I know there are plenty of them floating around out there, so if anyone has one or sees one for sale, I would be very interested in buying it.