Just curious because I've not been on the porch for long, what is the forum knife supposed to represent in your view?
as far back as last year's offering, for example, there were many in-depth discussions about the pattern options.
Click this link for a list of topic.
http://www.bladeforums.com/search/103028/?q=2016+forum+knife&o=date&c[title_only]=1&c[node]=773
To summarize the 2016 process:
The prevailing popular opinion was to try for a 4 blade medium scout pattern following the popularity of the large 98's. So GEC was consulted and they said a 2 spring 4 blade scout pattern could not be an option because of production schedule and the difficulty of producing a large quantity of 2 spring 4 blade pattern, and we learned from GEC that if we wanted a knife it had to be on a pattern they already had on the planned production schedule. So Charley suggested a 2 blade opposite end half-scout pattern. GEC said they could do it on the new 3 3/4" Equal ender GEC was planning on producing -or- we could do it on a #15 pattern. Everyone wanted the new equal ender (which became #35 pattern). Charley suggested to the community a large main blade and punch secondary. Then there began a hunt to find a punch shape that was unique to the GEC line, and based on community feedback for a very sharp pointy punch, a punch on an older non-GEC knife was found that pretty much fit the bill. Attention turned to the main blade. A poll was created to determine Spear or Clip point and Spear won out approx 2 to 1 (it should be noted here that Charley campaigned for the Clip point blade, but popular vote was implemented and we went with Spear point). Last but not least, the discussion of handle material was focused around worm grooved jigged bone as GEC was never happy with their old method but said they had figured out a better way to do it and it barely added any cost. So at this point the options were figured out. GEC's mockup was produced and away it went.
Previous years were similar in process with other manufacturers thrown in the mix.
Here we are today discussing the 2017 knife which is basically a clone of another GEC Pattern that is going to get a Bladeforums tang stamp. Whether we all agree or not how the pattern identified was chosen, and whether we all agree or not how the blade shape identified was chosen, and whether we agree or not on how the handle material identified was chosen, at least we get to choose the handle color. This is what
oldtymer
is conveying in his post. It has been done very different this year than in past years as shown above. Is there anything wrong with that? Honestly, no. The current sentiment is the annual forum knife would not continue another year without the current guys doing it so let's all stay out of their way. Truthfully it seems GEC is the only brand willing to work with us, so we're beholden to their allowances and restrictions. But at the same time, nobody external to the process is learning how to take it over in future years, perhaps because nobody has the patience and motivation to deal with goofballs like us demanding all sorts of polls and responses to our never ending stream of ideas. But at this point in time, what is the difference between the 2017 bladeforum knife and any other GEC TC Barlow? Awesome Natural Micarta and a beauty sheepfoot main with nail nick. Oh and a BF tang stamp.
(yes i'm talking out of both sides of my mouth on purpose)
Here's a much more simpler way of looking at it: I want one of these no doubt beautiful knives, but not because it's the 2017 BF Traditional Forum knife. Hmm.
!
Next time Charlie, next time! 
