Col. Coon
"LoL! OK...I know this is a mascot for the Col. Coon knives, but I draw the line at uplosading mascots! Yes, uploading your books inspired me, but this?
Nicely done sir, nice added feature."
iKnife Collector
The online community of knife collectors, A Knife Family Forged in Steel
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Lars Ray
- Mckinney, TX
- United States
- User/Collector
- Blog Posts (8)
- Discussions (332)
- Events
- Groups (22)
- Photos (447)
- Photo Albums (11)
- Videos
Lars Ray's Groups
Lars Ray's Discussions
A Wonderful Christmas Conspiracy
Started this discussion. Last reply by Lars Ray Jan 9, 2024. 5 Replies 4 Likes
If you have spent any time browsing iKC over the last two years, you will have come across the work of member Kevin Drummond at one point or another. He’s that guy who seems to find really neat old…Continue
Mossberg MSG9899 General Purpose Hunter and Skinning Knife
Started this discussion. Last reply by Lars Ray Apr 24, 2015. 6 Replies 6 Likes
Not too long ago I uploaded some photos of my Mossberg MSG9899 Skinning knife into my Gun Maker’s Knives Photo Album. To my surprise, I received several comments – well questions actually – about its…Continue
iKC Member in Need Request #14 - Western W35 Bowie
Started this discussion. Last reply by Shlomo ben Maved May 20, 2015. 17 Replies 4 Likes
The NeedSimilar to my first request, please take a look at this and the other postings I have similar to this one and share with me what you know about it. My goal is to use the information you…Continue
iKC Member in Need Request #13 - Colonial Executive
Started this discussion. Last reply by Lars Ray Apr 9, 2015. 2 Replies 1 Like
The NeedSimilar to my first request, please take a look at this and the other postings I have similar to this one and share with me what you know about it. My goal is to use the information you…Continue
Lars Ray's Page
Lars Ray's Photos
If all knives are tools, and they are the oldest tools known to man, then why not own one with some style. I am always on the hunt for an "ideal" knife.
After all - the best knife in the world is the one you carry!
Profile Information
- Profile
- User/Collector
- How did you hear about iKnifeCollector?
- I found iKC while researching my Imperial Kamp King knife.
- Do you currently subscribe to any knife publication (offline)
- No
- How long have you collected knives?
- 46 to 50 years
- Favorite Kind of Knives
- Sharp ones! While I am always on the look out for the ideal knife, I specialize in fixed blades - Bowies, Daggers, and Combat knives primarily, but I've been known to pick up a folder or two when they capture my imagination. In the broadest sense, I am a collector of edged pieces - Swords, Knives, Bayonets, Ethnographic / Aboriginal, and Historical.
- About Me
- I am passionate about all edged pieces...Knives, Bayonets, and Swords. Always looking for the ideal knife, I collect knives when I cannot afford a Bayonet. I collect Bayonets when I cannot afford a Sword. When I can afford a Sword, I look to see how many knives I can buy for the same money. And so it goes.
I am also a firm believer that a sword is just an over sized knife, and equally worthy of collecting!
Joined February 23, 2015. Never been sorry.
My dedicated email to all things edged: Szabla.collector@gmail.com (Szabla = Polish for Sabre)
- Interests
- Edged weapons, wood working (treen ware), back country exploration, music, Polish cuisine.
I love using the hunting knives I collect in preparing the food I make and enjoy.
- Other Hobbies
- Hot Wheels, cycling - road touring, Polish BBQ, Former member of the Bayonet Collectors Network - a global community of passionate bayonet enthusiasts (shut down in 2015)
Latest Activity
Ferguson White Bible Front Cover
"What a gret set of books you have here Mike. Thanks for posting them, and their descriptions. I also enjoyed reading how you used them to broaden both your collection knowledge and wisdom, but to broaden your awareness of the knives…"
American Knives
"I too haven't seen this book. Did a quick search and it's available on line for under $25 at a couple of places. Got to look into it. Thanks"
Reference Library
"Hey - tell your "friend" that I appreciate the feedback...all fixed!
And yes, that fabulous suite of Military Daggers is in production as we speak. Always nice to have a fan!
Thanks dude - "
Refernce Library
"Just an off-topic tidbit...
Does your 'e' key have trouble sticking or something? Just checking... for a friend... ;)"
Refernce Library
"Very cool!
I heard a rumour you may have had a set of books by Kurt Glemser - Guide to Military Dress Daggers Vol. I - IV...
Knowing how you like your daggers, I am inclined to accept the validity of the rumour. Just need your verification…"
Casexxx 2025 HandBook.
"I think I will start a photo album showing what books I have in my library. If nothing else it will possibly start some conversations or even a research request. If I'm going to have them, then I might as well use them! Not a new idea,…"
"Epilogue - The Klein Tools 44037
Dear reader - Since my first purchase of the 5-inch folding hunter, the story of my relationship with the Klein 44037 takes another twist some 30 years later. I noticed one day some time ago that Home Depot…"
Casexxx 2025 HandBook.
"Oh sweet deal! Many a reference book are as valuable and pricy as the knife itself - so this too is a great investment.
So...what are your 2025 "look this up for me please" rates? (Tee Hee). That's how you get your ROI on your…"
20250409_154801
"Oh, good eye there Kevin...I did not understand what those letters were.
So based on some vague dialoge on one of the Great War foruims, "Lst. B." likely stands for Landsturm Battalion, but the markings are usually also…"
20250409_154801
"I was looking at some examples last night in some private collections. Where theirs had markings on the forward quillon, they referred to them as Regimental marks as well - but gave no specifics. So while my original comments were a educated guess…"
20250409_154801
"I have no idea on these marks..these will require a lot more reasearch. The 1751 - while it may represent a date, it's not for its manufacture. Could be regimental markings, or a sector within the Habsberg Empire. I can't tell for sure in…"
20250409_154713 (1)
"Previous patterns incorporated the leaf spring or strap spring release mechanism, whereas the M1873 whas the first to incorporate the coil spring release stud (that knob on the end)."
20250409_154722
"Nice gutta percha grips. Too often these are seen with lots of wear across the checkering. As best I can tell, the mark looks to be "OW". If it is, it would mean its from the Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft - the Austrian…"
Lars Ray's Blog
The 5-inch Folding Hunter – In a Class All Its Own
Posted on June 20, 2025 at 20:30 4 Comments 2 Likes
It has been said that you never forget your first…whether it was your first kiss, first car, first job…. fill in the blank. Here at iKC, stories abound about our first knife – those gems we received either for our birthday as a youth, from Grandpa while fishing, or that long awaited first purchase.
This is a story about my first folding hunter and what turned out to be my love affair with that class of knife – regardless of brand. And to be more specific, my love affair with a…
ContinueSentimental Attachment
Posted on June 13, 2025 at 20:03 3 Comments 4 Likes
I’m not sure exactly when I first started my obsession for all things sharp and pointy, but I was sharpening popsicle sticks on the sidewalk long before I received my first Imperial Kamp King pocket knife as a Cub Scout. What started as a passion to own my own knife soon expanded into a passion for all bladed weapons – knives of all kinds, bayonets, swords, spears, arrow heads – you name it. If it has an edge, I want one.
That describes many collectors, so I don’t think I’m alone…
ContinueFun Summer Project for My Granddaughter
Posted on July 24, 2022 at 17:49 8 Comments 7 Likes
My 10 year old granddaughter has been into photography for several years now, growing her skills with her dad's "hand-me-down" digital cameras. This last Christmas, she got all rigged out with new tripod, new camera bag, memory cards, and a bunch of other great camera gear. Earlier this summer she was showing me some of her photos...lots of them...and I was actually surprised! I mean I have to like them all....she's my granddaughter. But I was impressed with her eye and her skills of working…
ContinueSheaths, Scabbards, Frogs, and Throgs
Posted on October 24, 2021 at 11:47 1 Comment 5 Likes
I was wandering around some of the older discussions recently and I came across one that grabbed my interest. Eight years ago, iKC member Robert Burris started a discussion called “Knife Carry?” and asked the question “What is the difference between a "Sheath"...." Scabbard"... or "Frog?"…
ContinueWhite River Knives
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Hello Lars,
I started to write in La Passion des Couteaux later, about 15 years ago, in every issue.
The owner of La Passion des couteaux has changed 5 years ago. A lady, former museographer, is now in charge and loves knives and knivesmakers. It is a pleasure to write for her.
Chris.
Thank you for the information. I've already replied a couple of times but I'm trying to figure out how to navigate this site.
Thank you. That's great info. I failed at finding out much
Thanks Lars. Will post some pics of the knife in question as I am a newbie to all of this. While I do know 2 knife makers (Ron Lake and Mike Walker who's here in NM), my knowledge is minimal. But I do enjoy seeing the passion you guys have for the craft.
Thanks for the welcome Lars. I have collected,traded,bought and sold knives for as long as I can remember. But I never was a student of the history of all the makes and brands. I will certainly be tapping into the knowledge of the forum members. I have divested 99% of my "last" collection to my two son-in-laws and my three grandsons. But collecting is a hard habit to break.
Hello Lars! thanks for your input i am new in the knife collection i am very interested to exchange with you guys !
Cheers.
We moved there in 1999 from TN for work. I retired, and we moved back to TN to be close to family. My wife and loved McKinney too, although I think it was getting a little too big for me.
Thanks, Lars Ray. I will have lots of questions..
I noticed you reside in my old hometown.
Thank you, those cutlass' are for one of my customers on the USS Bataan. The chiefs mess gives these out for transfer gifts. Where are you located at? I'm in Chesapeake VA. If you sent me some knives to work on what would you want put on them?
Lars, apologies for the poor communication, had a lot going on lately.
Let's try and get together for a coffee soon. Cheers,
Ken
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