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="" />