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Comment by Tobias Gibson on May 31, 2017 at 10:08

Thanks J.J. Unfortunately I have a weakness for bent frame (powder horn) folding knives.

Comment by J.J. Smith III on May 31, 2017 at 9:11

Not too shabby, Toby.

Interesting piece.

Comment by Tobias Gibson on May 31, 2017 at 7:25

I had a lapse in judgement the other day and bought one of those cheap Pakistani Damascus knives.  Turns out it really wasn't that bad, at least for the $35 I paid for it.  This is a Trophy Stag  (Jim Frost)  "Navaja" Hunter.  Well the box says Navaja but it really is closer to a traditional Italian Fiorentina folder; at least in profile.   However, this knife has no locking mechanism.

Anyway, the Damascus looks better than I thought it would.  The blade is quite thick.  It came less than sharp but was easy enough to sharpens and has been cutting decently for a week or so.

The fit and finish is better than expected for a Pakistani knife but not as good as similarly priced knives out of China.  I've drooped it, accidentally on the rug and nothing broke.  The only major problem with it is when the blade closes part of the cutting edge comes in contact with back spring.  That, in my opinion is a serious design flaw.  Unfortunately I see this in a lot of powder horn designs.   It seems like some knife makers don't grasp the concept of a kick.

Despite its flaws, I'm kind of happy with it. The handles is white smooth bone and buffalo horn.  The bolsters are supposedly Nickel silver but they look very brassy. The liners are brass.  Spacers are some weird red stuff and brass.  The file work is simplistic but probably is by hand using a jig as it is uneven.  Pretty sure the photos catch most of the flaws but also its unexpected rugged beauty.  It is a solid knife. The sheath sucked. Last few photos are comparing it to my Rough Rider 5" toothpick that I EDC.

Comment by Tobias Gibson on May 30, 2017 at 13:03

I just bought my first Case 3" Texas Toothpick. Its the Carhartt with Molasses bones and Satin blades and bolsters. I got it at $34 shipped. It was lowest priced new toothpick with bone handles I could find. This price is three times that of my most expensive Rough Rider 3" Toothpick and the RRs are pretty dang nice!

For some reason I don't see many Case 3" Toothpicks in my future unless this thing totally knock my socks off. We shall see.

Comment by Richard Schuchman on May 24, 2017 at 6:28

Hey Tobias, just watched both your toothpick videos. Very nice. I've been collecting toothpicks for a few years now (selling a few now, actually) and there's something about that slim pattern I've always enjoyed. It's interesting how much the blade can vary, even within the same brand. I have two 5" Case knives and one has a fantastic sabre grind and the other more modern Case XX has a really exaggerated clip flat grind. A question...do you know anything about candy stripe toothpicks? I was looking to get one back when I collected more often and it seems they were very popular for a while, so much so they had sort of a do-it-yourself kit to make them. I've seen a couple at flea markets and the celluloid scales always seem to be falling off or gassing out, so I decided against getting one (no particular brand). Just wondering if you had any history or insight on them.

Comment by Tobias Gibson on May 24, 2017 at 5:56

An updated video on the 5 inch Large Toothpick:

Comment by Jan Carter on May 16, 2017 at 9:43

Tobias,
I too really like the handle material. It does not look smooth but has that worn look which I find normally feels well in hand. I am also very happy to hear that you have been pleased with all the Bear & Son toothpicks. I have not recently ordered any of their product but the quality comments I have been hearing are all positive.

Comment by Billy Oneale on May 16, 2017 at 7:41

Nice toothpick, Tobias. I like that color.

Comment by Tobias Gibson on May 15, 2017 at 21:37

And the latest addition to my ever growing collection is yet another  5" Toothpick.  My latest is another Bear & Son; this time it is from their Kodiak line.  The knife features Autumn Feather Jigged Bone scales.  Essentially that is burnt orange bone with sort of a pocket work texture to the jigging.   I managed to get it for around $25 shipped!   (I was willing to go quite a bit higher.)  I've yet to be disappointed with a Bear & Son toothpick.

Comment by Tobias Gibson on May 7, 2017 at 18:47

My latest video discuss the difference between a Toothpick and Fish-Knife.   I know many people will argue that they are the same but for me the Toothpick is a distinct knife pattern.  The fish-knife has at least one key difference to the standard Toothpick.  Essentially it is a battle between form vs. function.

Even if you disagree with me, I hope you like the video.

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