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Big Blades
We were talking knives in the office the other day and I was gushing about some of my favorite knives—in particular, my favorite big knives, of which I have many. (Yes, I know this is a gun blog. But I don’t know of any gun guys who also don’t like knives.)
So I decided to bring in some of my most cherished big-ass blades to show them off to my co-workers and one thing led to another and before I knew it we had a photo shoot going with a couple of our more lovely looking staffers. Here is the photo gallery of that shoot.
I’ve been collecting big knives since I was a little kid and always get excited when a new blade comes along. One of my good friends happens to work at SOG Knives and he knows my affinity for oversized cutlery so when the company introduced the Tigershark 2.0 he sent one along and made my month. It is a jaw-dropping example of a wickedly cool blade.
I also recently got one of Surefire’s new knives, the Delta Fixed-Blade Combat Knife. This is on the small end of what I consider a big blade but it is a hell of a knife. I’ve taken to wearing it concealed under my shirt—particularly in places where I can’t wear a sidearm—and it is surprisingly comfortable on my hip.
I don’t know if I’ll ever need the built in wire cutter (which was designed with LE and military folks in mind to help them remove flex-cuffs) but it is completely unobtrusive as is the integral harness/seatbelt cutter.
We’re looking for pictures of your big-ass blades, too. Send them to us at [email protected].
—John Snow
A little varity is OK, but come on, this was like a cross between The Poor Man's James Bond and Playboy. Please stick to the gun genre.
Posted by: deepwoods | August 07, 2008 at 08:17 AM
The pics are ok, both the young ladies and the knifes. C'mon lighten up and laugh a little. I think all involved had some fun.You want real racy photos watch the tv and cable/sat channels. They have plenty.
Posted by: firedog | August 07, 2008 at 09:53 AM
I also am a nut for big, or little knives for that matter.
Posted by: cj | August 07, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Are those gals really office babes? How do you get work done? I like the knives too they are an essential part of hunting but I would never choose something so large in the field.
Posted by: Jim in Mo. | August 07, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Yes, Jim, those women are both Outdoor Life staffers. And they are more than just a pair of pretty faces too. One is an NRA-certified firearms instructor and the other is a capable and talented outdoorswoman who has traveled in the bush everywhere from the Amazon to Africa.
I'd sooner jump into a polar bear exhibit in my seal suit than mess with either of them.
Posted by: John Snow | August 07, 2008 at 11:49 AM
John,
Great photos and story on the various knives. I think the topic was a nice change of pace. I like your first knife from WWII best. What did you pay for it at this time?? Also, working at ODL, I figured the staffers were more than just pretty faces.
Posted by: Scott in Ohio | August 07, 2008 at 08:51 PM
I remember going up and down the aisles of the flea market when I came I across the table with that knife on it. I was transfixed. I had exactly $25 in my pocket--every cent I owned. The price of the dagger was $50 or so. I was heartbroken. The guy behind the table could plainly tell that I was dizzy with lust for that blade--I don't think my 10-year-old face hid much. Anyway, he took pity on me and parted with the knife for $25--a lot less than what it was worth. As much as I cherish the blade--and still do--I'm still grateful for the generosity that man exhibited to me that day.
Posted by: John Snow | August 08, 2008 at 07:50 AM
John,
I have just a couple of knives, some from my childhood (cheap whittlers like an fake pearl handled Imperial), a few that I've bought myself (several from Kershaw, a Buck 110, and a Dunn Big Game knife) and two that I inherited from my grandfather. Your flea market story reminded me that I was at a waterfowl festival swap meet in Michigan two years ago looking at various vender's wares when I saw "his knife" on a table. I was quite surprised when I looked at the price tag ($500!). It turns out it is a low production Marbles folding knife. Granddad used his knife regularly and it shows (certainly not the collectible status of the one on the table) but it's cool to know that he had good taste.
Posted by: Scott in Ohio | August 08, 2008 at 10:55 PM
I just bought one of the new, bargain basement spyderco tenacious folders. So far I like it a lot. Its better than those el cheapo Byrd folders they sell and they arent as heavy.
This one really reminds me of a spyderco paramilitary in frame design and blade style, if you are familiar with that model.
Posted by: Chuin, Master of Sinanju | August 31, 2008 at 12:59 PM