Received my Gene Ingram Bird & Trout knife. Am beyond delighted and it handily moved into first place,within my working knife collection.
It is a perfect blend of all attributes and as I'm a fan of modest blades to begin with,there is nothing this blade couldn't do well on Game.
For those straddling the fence and contemplating something from Gene,I posed my two copies of his wares,with more mainstream offerings for comparison. See attachment. Should someone wish a better view at something,I'd happily try to accomodate those wishes.
Top left is a Knives of Alaska Cub Bear,a knife I find great favor with. Below it,is a Buck model # 476,another I can like much. (Disregard the goo on both)
Top right is Gene's #4 drop point with cocobola scales in D2 at 61RC. Below it,the Bird & Trout with linen micarta scales in 440C at 58RC.
Will tote the Bird & Trout as my main blade from now on and eagerly anticipate the arrival of the second one I ordered,in the same pattern. Hell,I might go kill a Buck tomorrow,just to see if it works(grin).
All in all a splendid design,done very tastefully and I'm again grateful to Steelhead for pointing me in the right direction.
You guys are crazy not to get a piece of this..................
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
I can't get the light quite right,in order to do them justice but this should grant a general idea.
Am now outta hair on my left arm,as they is SHARP...................(grin)
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
I was just looking at his site the other day. The # 4 caught my eye right off,and I'v been back to look at the #7,more times than is likely to be healthy for my bank account. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Jeff
Another question. Is that the polished micarta on the trout knife? Any thoughts on how that will work in the field. Only thing I was worried about was it becoming slippery when wet.
I believe Gene smells my weakness. He sent me this image,this morning. See attachment.
Thoughts?......................
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Initially entertained a handle with more gripple,but after seeing the knife in this state in a picture,I wanted it pronto.
Couldn't say with a straight face,that this version is as positive in defeating slime,as say the jigged/beaded variant. Can say that I've lotsa time on handles constructed of similar materials that were smoothly polished(various Buck patterns in particular) and have no real issues concerning those aspects.
Would say that the aesthetic appeal outweighs the loss of traction(for me),though a blade of that size is very easy to control in any situation.
Gonna give him a shout here directly and see if I can get a #4 drop point in a like handle configuration,wearing cocobola. I prefer the ergonomics of the Bird & Trout handle's shape,to that of my #4. The smooth radius turns me on more than the slight finger grooves. Subtle differences,but if a guy can have his cake and eat it too,he may as well do her up.
I'm sooooooooo pleased.........................
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
You are quite welcome. He also knows my weakness now. I am trying to come up with a new "nitch" for a knife to see what he can come up with next. I will keep you posted.
Also that G10 on the knife I showed earlier is pretty good in the slime, it appears slick, and maybe slightly, but once you get it a little wet or bloody it sticks well to your hand.
Happiness is a good blade,submerged in something slickery.(grin)
I've a couple notions myself,for svelte blades and am anxious to hear how receptive he is. My guess is,I'll be mailing a coupla more checks.....................(grin)
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
What details did he give you on the knife pictured in the attachment. Me likey.
Our thoughts on the polished micarta run the same way. Might not be the most practical but it just looks so damn good. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
It was designated X3(experimental 3?) in D2 tool steel and wearing cowbone scales,at 7-1/4" overall length.
Are you a closet Knife Slut?..................(grin)
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Are you a closet Knife Slut?..................(grin)
More like a horny knife virgin. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Which ever blade I order from Gene will be my first custom knife. At my camp I could count the knives that you can't buy at Wal-Mart on one hand. Trying to shake that habit and am taking my time to make sure whatever I pick up will make me grin.
Suprisingly few things more personal,than tastes in blades.
When crunch time comes,give Gene a shout and pick his brain. If he can hold my hand and not buckle,you will certainly be a breeze.
Great guy,with an honest interest in doing his customers right. Both refreshing.................
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
I don't think it matters a whole lot ... ain't much coming from Gene's shop that ain't gonna make you smile! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
You're right about that. Unless Gene has something to say that would change my mind (very possible since I know next to nothing about knives) I'll be ordering a #7 drop point. Planned on placing an order this week but I need to let my credit card get over the shock of paying for those Sugar Bowl tickets. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
You order now and pay when completed. Fact is,he's not currently setup for plastic,as I couldn't even use my checking debit card. I cut him a check and mailed it,upon notification of completion.
So I guess you'd best make an order................(grin)
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Interesting. The wife usually scans the credit card statement if she gets to it before me but she never see's the checkbook. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Oh, Mr Ingram.....
Same deal here, he doesn't ask for funds until the knife is ready to ship. That #7 seems to be a good choice, I have the #6 and really like it lots, but I think it may be just a scoash too long, not enough to bother me a whole lot. Gotta luv his guarantee ... don't like it ... send it back.
I believe Gene smells my weakness. He sent me this image,this morning. See attachment.
Thoughts?......................
Thats a beaut! Looks like its got the shorter blade you favor. What kind of handle material is that? Its colored about like the appaloosa bone(thats the one I'm liking),but has some "grain" to it. Whats been his average turn around time? Maybe I should order now?
Jeff
Never mind,I must have have missed first time, around the post that said it was cowbone. Was only halfway thru the coffee pot. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Awaiting Big Momma to return from getting her Flu shot.
I'm chomping at the bit.................
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
I dig the appaloosa bone. Probably not the toughest handle material, but sure looks SWEET! I like the knife shown, but the 'Skinner' is really calling my name. For some reason I dig blades with that sweep to 'em for skinning, which is probably due to the fact the first knife I ever bought for myself is of that nature. Too bad I put a goodly sized nick in the blade this year, guess I'll have to have Mr. Ingram make me a replacement! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
So Stick, are you going to enlighten the ignorant among us as to how we might contact Gene Ingram or are you and the Bayou Bengal going to hog all of his production for yourselves? RS
Figured there'd been enough discussion of his wares on various threads,that folks was tuned into his Site. It's Here.
Shop 'til you drop. It's very good stuff IMHO..............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
I'm curious how much business Gene has gotten from the pictures and reviews posted here. He might have to start paying Steelhead a commision soon. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
The goo on the Alaska Cub Bear and the Buck knives are why I also prefer slick knives such as your new Ingram. Sometimes my grippy knives have goo plastered on them for days before I can wash them properly. A slick knife just gets wiped off. I have a Buck skinner with a porous rubber handle that has perma-tallow imbedded in it.
I don't ever really horse a knife and need lots of traction, I just cut with it.
Forgive me my nonsense, as I also forgive the nonsense of those that think they talk sense. Robert Frost
As mentioned prior,I've managed much happy mileage outta numerous "slickery" handle types and have yet to have negative issues.
In the example of my recent Bird & Trout,I believe it to be the highest order of form meets function. That leaves me with nothing to be desired and that is a nice place to be......................
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
I ordered a number 1 with the green micarta handle and am debating the polished vs the beaded. I think the polished is the choice. I hate scrubing the fat and goo off the handles. I have a number 7 with the ivory handles. All I can say is he produces one fine knife. Nice to deal with. People like that are hard to come by.
Can you guys that use Genes knives tell us how hard are they to put an edge back on? And on average how long they hold an edge? Thanks ,Ackleyfan <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
ATS-34 - 154-CPM A very "high-end" stainless steel. 154-CM is the original American version. ATS-34 is a Hitachi product that is very, very similar to 154-CPM, both are premium high quality stainless. Normally hardened to around 60 Rc, it holds an edge very well and is tough even at that high hardness. Not quite as rust resistant as the 400 series above. Many custom makers use ATS-34, and Spyderco (in their high-end knives) and Benchmade are among the production companies that use it.
O-1 This is a steel very popular with forgers. It is an excellent steel, that takes and holds an edge superbly, and is very tough. It rusts easily, however. Randall Knives uses O-1, so does Mad Dog.
D-2 is sometimes called a "semi-stainless". It has a fairly high chrome content (12%), but not high enough to classify it as stainless. It is more stain resistant than the carbon steels mentioned above, however. It has excellent edge holding, but may be a little less tough than some of the steels mentioned above. Bob Dozier uses D-2.
I just ordered (after much flip-flopping) a #30 drop point,appie bone handle. Gene says he's going to start using S30V next year and may eventually replace the 154CM with it. It will add $15 more to the price of the knife if you want it, but it sounds like incredible stuff. Heres some info about it. Told him if he's got it...use it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Everything is about heat treatment and the kind of steel. I have been using Gene's knives for 2 years, mostly D2 which holds an edge for a long time, but I can still manage to put one back on. The key is to not wait until a knife needs to be sharpened to sharpen it.
His knives are first class, and you can always mail it back to him and he will sharpen it for free.
Hey guys,just ordered a #7 in D2 with appaloosa bone ,looking forward to trying it out!! LSU fan, it's your turn! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Later,ackleyfan
When do I get a turn?! Been checking out Gene's site (thanks Stick) and it comes down to a #4 or a #5. Either one will use 154CM and probably green Micarta. Mostly used on whitetails. I'm a long-time fan of smaller knives in this application. Anybody got any strong feelings for one over the other? RS
Hey guys,just ordered a #7 in D2 with appaloosa bone ,looking forward to trying it out!! LSU fan, it's your turn! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Later,ackleyfan
Crap. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Works been so busy I haven't had time to place my order. How long did he predict it would take to build?
He said the 4 month wait is running true to form. He told me april 9th on mine possibly a week early. If you guys would just leave him alone,he's got work to do! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Myself I like the #5 ,just because I prefer a 3-3 1/2 in blade. I'm eyeing the #1 and the X3 also. Steelhead and Stick should be getting a commission on these. I pick up more expensive nasty habits off the internet than I ever did on the streets! Jeff
Last time I talked to him he was giving April 4th ship dates, but also said he hopes to continue to ship 2 weeks earlier than his quoted date, I think mine was almost 3 weeks early. The #4 looks mighty nice!
The goods were better than anticipated,Gene is a treat to do business with and his prices rate a steal IMHO. I also like the ability to tweak things how I wish/crave.
That don't leave much,to not be tickled about. I'm thinking the Bird & Trout with Kydex is gonna be a mainstay in these parts. It is a great design and most practical in every facet.
Several pards are hooked too,as good stuff simply do sell itself................
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Hey guys, Gene said my knife would be ready around April 16th, also to clear up a question or two the bolstered knife with cow bone handle that Big stick refered to as the x3 experimental ? Gene told me he calls it the 9B, and a very tempting model I might add <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Maybe, Big Stick should Experiment with 9B and let us know how it works out <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Later, Ackleyfan
Did he give you any specifics on the 9B? Wondering what the blade length is. I like the looks of the knife but I'm thinking the blade is longer than what I want.
LSU fan, heres the particulars and I quote, The bolstered knife is a new model named the 9B. That was the first and it went to a client in Taiwan. That particular one is 7 1/4" overall with a 3" blade in 1/8" D2. The handles are mitered 416 stainless bolsters with cow bone, black liners, and stainless bolts. The front of the bolsters are radiused. The pouch is 8-9 ounce leather with a hot dip in neatsfoot and beeswax. The package is $185 delivered in the USA. The same package in S30V stainless is $200. The bone that I have ranges in color from light as this knife to dark as pictured on my site. I will select and use whichever you prefer. later ,ackleyfan
Very interesting. I'll have to find out how much one with a more conventional handle would cost. This choice is getting tougher. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
To confustigate things more <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> heres some handle materials he's used/uses. I don't know if he's still has these available other than the Blackwood. And I think the correct term for cow bone is "Texas Ivory". <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
African Blackwood
Buffalo Horn, purty but,probably too rich for me.
And my favorite,Bocote,a Mexican rosewood. Gotta have one. It kind of looks like oak,but warmer.
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
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