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Lars Ray
  • Mckinney, TX
  • United States
  • User/Collector
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Lars Ray's Discussions

A Wonderful Christmas Conspiracy

Started this discussion. Last reply by Lars Ray Jan 9, 2024. 5 Replies

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

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

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

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

 

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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.
Website
http://www.renesanswoodcrafts.etsy.com
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)

Comment Wall (58 comments)

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At 1:15 on June 14, 2025, Christian Lemasson said…

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.

At 7:06 on September 15, 2024, Michael Perkins said…

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. 

At 7:03 on September 15, 2024, Michael Perkins said…

Thank you.  That's great info. I failed at finding out much

At 8:27 on August 29, 2024, Alan Vetter said…

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.

At 18:07 on May 2, 2024, Rocky Howard said…

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.

At 9:01 on February 20, 2023, Marc-Olivier Sylvain said…

Hello Lars! thanks for your input i am new in the knife collection i am very interested to exchange with you guys !

Cheers.

At 22:15 on February 17, 2023, Charles Early said…

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.

At 20:56 on February 17, 2023, Charles Early said…

Thanks, Lars Ray. I will have lots of questions..  

I noticed you reside in my old hometown.

At 20:47 on January 29, 2023, Derek said…

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?

At 14:32 on October 31, 2022, Kenneth Levin said…

Lars, apologies for the poor communication, had a lot going on lately.

Let's try and get together for a coffee soon.  Cheers,

Ken

Latest Activity

Lars Ray commented on Jack's photo
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"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…"
5 hours ago
Lars Ray commented on Jack's photo
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"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)."
5 hours ago
Lars Ray commented on Jack's photo
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"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…"
5 hours ago
Lars Ray commented on Jack's photo
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"Hello Jack - good looking bayonet - thanks for posting it! After reviewing all of your photos, it appears to be an Austrian M1873 Werndl-Holub bayonet. First introduced in 1867, several models were produced, with this one you have being the M1873.…"
5 hours ago
Kevin D commented on Lars Ray's blog post The 5-inch Folding Hunter – In a Class All Its Own
"It has been mentioned that I failed to post pictures of my 110s...  I intentionally did not post photos, because they had already been posted in the Buck Knives Group under the the discussion "My newest Buck".  If one should…"
yesterday
Lars Ray commented on Lars Ray's blog post The 5-inch Folding Hunter – In a Class All Its Own
"Oh cool - thanks Kevin for your comments. And and thanks for adding your story too. The advise your dad gave you about buying the best you can afford...man that rings true. I think it's in the DNA of fatherhood, or maybe just dad's who…"
yesterday
Kevin D commented on Lars Ray's blog post The 5-inch Folding Hunter – In a Class All Its Own
"Who would have thunk it?  Seeing a side by side comparison of these knives is awesome!  While I knew that other companies made their version of this knife, I never realized, and appreciated the differences in them until reading this…"
yesterday
Lars Ray posted blog posts
Sunday
Lars Ray posted photos
Saturday
Lars Ray posted photos
Saturday
Lars Ray replied to dead_left_knife_guy's discussion Knife Center FREE SHIPPING 6/20-6/22, 2025!
"Thanks DLKG - good info, as always.  I think it's funny you also make mention of the Knife Center videos. I too just posted a blog whereby I reference a KC video - specifically the one detailing the influnce the Buck 110 has had on past,…"
Saturday
Lars Ray commented on Mike Bryant's photo
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Queen Burbt Stag Barlow

"oooohh....super purdy! That's a nice total package too, well done!"
Friday
Lars Ray replied to Lars Ray's discussion Ulu Knives in the group BOX FULL OF KNIVES
"Marbles MR452 Mini Ulu Here's a sweet little number I picked up some time ago from Marbles. For it's size it does pretty well, although it's more of a novelty than a serious tool for me. However, I would not hesitate bringing this on…"
Thursday
Lars Ray posted photos
Thursday
Lars Ray replied to Lars Ray's discussion Steak and Knife - Knife Adventures with Food! in the group Forgotten past times
"Marinated Mushrooms - Polish Style Well it's been a while since the last posting. I've got some time here - how about we make us a snack? Marinated mushrooms are always a tasty treat. I’ll be using a somewhat new knife for activity…"
Thursday
Dennis Hibar commented on Lars Ray's blog post Sentimental Attachment
"Amen!   "
Jun 16

Lars Ray's Blog

The 5-inch Folding Hunter – In a Class All Its Own

Posted on June 20, 2025 at 20:30 3 Comments

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…

Continue

Sentimental Attachment

Posted on June 13, 2025 at 20:03 3 Comments

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…

Continue

Fun Summer Project for My Granddaughter

Posted on July 24, 2022 at 17:49 8 Comments

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…

Continue

Sheaths, Scabbards, Frogs, and Throgs

Posted on October 24, 2021 at 11:47 1 Comment

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?"…

Continue
 
 
 

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