Edgar, it is to bad you had to mail your knife in. I was able to bring mine to the Mother store. My initial request was to have it repaired as yours was, but was told that they could not do that. I was lucky that I was able to decline the swap and keep my original knife, which like your Great Grandfathers knife, mine means a lot to me.

A good lesson here: never turn loose of an item that’s important to you before you know for sure what you’re getting in return.

Does this apply to women?

I have not much use for Buck knives. I had one some 50 years ago and it had the poorest quality steel I have ever seen in a blade, back when they first came out with a lockback. I've seen Imperials with better steel.

I carry and use knives daily. EVERY day. I am a Benchmade man. Their quality and warranty is impeccable.

Couldn’t tell you Andy. I found mine 60 years ago and never let go, and I thank the fates every day that she didn’t let go either.

Back in the 60's DuPont invented a very strong polymer called Vespel (still made today) One of its uses is as the foundation for grinding wheels, holding the grinding material. I have a Vespel Steel (guess it should be called a Vespel) which has a zillion very small diamonds trapped in the Vespel. There is no better steel. It puts an edge on darned near anything. I believe the one I have was a one-off, and was never put in production. If you want a knife sharpened, bring it to my cabin near Grayling Michigan and we will perform miracles

I have a Puma Game Warden with one knife blade and one saw blade. i used it for 50yrs. gutted many deer and elk. Best knife i ever had. easy to sharpen and held the edge. Go Puma!!!!

I have a weakness for what I perceive to be good knives. Unfortunately I do not still have my grandfather’s knife or a good story like Edgar.

I’m biased, most of my knives were made in Bradford, Pa, a few in NY, Montana, and a few from elsewhere. Oh yes, 1 Randall knife and I would like to find a hunting model with Burle wood.

I just recently came across this pictured knife by a fellow here in Pa, never heard of him before. The Damascus took my fancy. I’m curious how well this maker is known, does anyone care to guess who he is?

I have no idea Stan but I like it very much.

I stated earlier that Puma knives are some of the easiest to sharpen and they hold an edge really well. As Mr. Hillis observed Buck knives are difficult to sharpen but for most guys that's enough. I find their bird knife does a pretty good job of holding an edge.