I get attached to just about anything I make or modify myself, but true sentimentality usually requires more history or stronger association with other people.
This thread made me dig into my knife box and realize a few things.
My dad has given me a number of folding knives over the years. He's not exactly a knife nut, but he used to do a lot of hiking and whatnot. Usually he'd bring a knife back from France after a trip to Europe. We have a bunch of Opinels etc.
I don't exactly have usage history with any of these, but I've had them for a number of years. They don't get carried or used a lot, but they came from my dad and I'll never part with them for that reason alone. After digging them out for this post, they all went on the stone and got a waxy-rag wipedown. About as much attention as they've had in 10 years.
From Right to Left:
1st: Yes, that's a leather-handled Kabar. This was my dad's boyscout knife. He grew up in NYC, so he probably never cut anything with it! In fact, I've never been able to get a useable edge on the damn thing. But since y'all made me dig it up, I sno-sealed the sheath and handle to keep it from drying out any more than it has. It's not very useful, but there it is. Probably a collectible.
2nd: Victorinox folder with a bottle opener I can't open without a pocket prybar.
This one takes a pretty good edge and I carried it occasionally years ago. It's a nice classy knife. A bit big.
3rd: a genuine Inox Laguiole: my only true gentleman's folder. Holy crap, this thing is beautiful. Look at the brass inlay on the handle and the filework on the spine and bee spring. The cork puller is also really hard to open! This is a slim, but big knife. The open blade is about 4" and all the brass makes it heavy. My cousin has a similar one that she carries everywhere in her purse (it required a little personal attention with the sharpening steel this summer....).
It occurs to me that I've never given my dad a knife. After all, these have always traveled one direction. But now after a year of making you've made me realize it's time to return the favor. (yeah, I'm slow.) It should be in the spirit of the established pattern and something he can use for years. I'm thinking the Cherry A2 Day Hiker below - one of the best knives I've made yet. I made it for myself, but have been carrying another one instead. Maybe I just figured out why. Hopefully one day (let's say 30 years, knock on wood!) it will come back to me, and then it will be truly meaningful.
Is this my dad's knife? I think it is.:
-Daizee