Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on March 14, 2015 at 12:11

Maybe what I should've added was once we get 60 members in Knife Patterns, I'm going to arrange a contest for a free knife give away!   Not sure how the contest will run or what type of knife, but it will be a free knife to someone!

So drop by, join Knife Patterns,  tell us your favorite Pattern and stick around for the fun!

http://iknifecollector.com/group/knifepatterns

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Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on April 6, 2015 at 8:56

I've got 55!!  Can I hear 60??!!   We're looking for 60!!    Can I get 60!!??

We need five more members then someone is going to win a knife!

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Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on April 7, 2015 at 19:57

Hey Tobias, just wanted to further urge you on about Russlock as a separate pattern; Case lists it as a separate pattern on their website, as do some of their dealers. Perhaps it's unique enough to warrant it's own place on your list?

BTW: entered the contest, can't wait to hear who wins!

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Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on April 7, 2015 at 21:34

Syd, it is a pattern for Case and as I said I do consider it unique type of knife.  My comments earlier were only to say, I've seen other knives that share some of its attributes. 

Case Pattern #953 Russlock   -- and unlike JJ, I prefer the long clip "Woody Woodpecker" style of blade!

Oh and my list of 50 above was anything but all inclusive!

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Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on April 7, 2015 at 22:01

Thanks Tobias, I just like my Russlocks, so I'm just being a bit eager. Inclusive or not, that is quite a list, there are patterns listed I have never heard of, let alone seen, so I commend you for compiling it.

I'm still getting used to the format of this site too, so forgive if I over step the established bounds in my eagerness and clumsiness. I find this site SO MUCH more welcoming to discussions about the knives themselves, regardless of their manufacturing origins. There are forums out there where mentioning the words "Frost Cutlery" or anything associated with foreign manufacturing is akin to saying the "F" word in church. I appreciate the fact that this site seems to be populated with people who just like knives for what they are, and not hung up so much on where they come from. After all, quality IS quality, no matter where it came from. Glad to be part of an open-minded group of enthusiasts.

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Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on April 7, 2015 at 22:26

The "F" word is dropped all the time at my church.  Both of them actually "Forgive" and "Father"   And as far as I can tell no bounds have been over-stepped.  Part of the idea of discussion groups is to discuss!  When it comes to knife patterns I think there is quite a bit to discuss!  I'm actually hoping to see some lively discussions not only about the traditional more established patterns but also about new modern less established patterns.  I mean what makes a Tactical a Tactical?  And when is a knife a Search & Rescue Knife?  When does a knife become a Bushcraft?  Does it need to be able to baton or not?

Knife patterns I think developed out of need, sort of form following function.  Perhaps many folks who are stuck in the ways of Traditional Patterns don't quite grasp the function of modern folders and thus don't understand their form.  The fact that so many are lumped under generic names makes it even harder for some folks to leave tried and true patterns and embrace the new fangled knives.  The fact that ebay and flea markets are flooded with cheap knock-offs of top end modern folders also does little to enhance one to try the new styles!

I suppose I'm digressing now.  Anyway, Syd, the cool thing is you stated an opinion and the stimulated thought and a response.  This is what a discussion group is all about.  Were not here to shout, belittle, or flame but to share opinions and expand our knife knowledge and horizons.  Welcome aboard!  I'm glad you posted and please keep it up!

Any way, if you're looking to discuss knife patterns, then come join us. at a href="http://iknifecollector.com/group/knifepatterns" target="_self">http://iknifecollector.com/group/knifepatterns > The contest just started and it is not too late to join and enter!

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Permalink Reply by Sue OldsWidow on April 8, 2015 at 19:57

melon tester

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Permalink Reply by Sue OldsWidow on April 8, 2015 at 19:59

congress

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Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on April 9, 2015 at 2:02

I don't see Muskrats shown off much, but I have one to show, so let's talk about Muskrats. This one isn't necessarily something special, but it's been with me a long time, and I can't imagine being without it. I bought the knife during the summer of 1971 as a high school graduation present to myself because I planned to do a lot of hunting that summer, and it has been with me every day since. It resided in my fanny pack for most of those years, but most recently I carry it in a sheath on my belt. According to Buck and their dating system it was made between 1967 and 1971, and according to a post I read on Blade Forums this knife was an "earlier" version due to it's having two nail cutouts in the handle, (one on either side), whereas later versions supposedly only had a nail cutout on one side. Doesn't really matter I guess, but I bought the knife in a small town sporting goods store, so I can believe it sat on their shelf for a couple of years before I came in and bought it in '71. I also seem to remember something about this knife, (Buck 313), actually being named by Buck the "Wolverine" as opposed to Muskrat to differentiate it from the same-named knives of their competitors. Unfortunately I don't have the original paperwork, and I can't find a reference about that anywhere. It's just something I seem to remember, but just can't pin it down. Perhaps one of you have heard something similar and can comment. Every one I've seen for sale was sold as a Muskrat, so maybe I'm remembering wrong, but that's the problem with getting old(er), the memory goes, so maybe one of you will know if that is true or not. Anyway, this is the second most treasured knife in my life, (the first being my dad's 1926 Kinfolks Skinner), so plain as it may be, it has been a good friend and a good dependable tool. This is the only representative of this pattern that I own, but I've been eyeing a yellow comp Muskrat from Rough Rider recently, so I may just have to give this old man a new Asian companion. Show 'em if ya got 'em!

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Permalink Reply by Jerryd6818 on April 13, 2015 at 8:57

Syd, I'm going to post an opinion for your consideration. I can see why Buck might have named the knife  ""Wolverine" as opposed to Muskrat", because in my opinion, it's not a Muskrat. Some would take exception to this but to me it looks more like a "Moose" pattern. The "Muskrat" has an identical "muskrat" clip blade at each end and this knife has a "muskrat" clip blade at one end and a long "spay" blade at the other as does the "Moose" pattern (usually). Since there are no absolutes in the knife world, I apologize if I've gotten too persnickety. The way I understand it, pattern names are a modern invention (second half of the 20th Century or so) so it doesn't really matter anyway. Good looking knife and if you enjoy it who cares what it's called.

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Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on April 13, 2015 at 10:05

Jerry and Syd, the knife is patterned after the Hawbaker Muskrat or Hawbaker Special which was designed for Schrade by famed trapper S. Stanley Hawbaker.  From what I understand, Hawbaker also developed the improved muskrat, also sold through Schrade.  I think the primary difference between the Buck and Hawbaker's model is  the Hawbaker has a full liner between the blades and features a sheepfoot instead of a spay. 

Jerry is correct, the typical Moose will have a clip and and spay. The moose can also be built on other frames than the typical one used for a muskrat.   I've sometimes seem the these called "Moosk-rats"  a cross between a moose and muskrat!    Of course none of that means Buck didn't call the knife a Wolverine back in the day.  We've got some Buck fans on the list.  Hopefully someone can help with the name!

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Permalink Reply by Jerryd6818 on April 13, 2015 at 10:48

All the Hawbakers I've seen have a clip at one end and a long sheepfoot blade at the other end (some unauthorized have a Wharncliffe). I've been told that only Case and one other company were licensed to make a Hawbaker and call it a Hawbaker. (I think that's the way that story goes.)

Click here for Hawbaker Examples

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