Horned Crook Knife.

 

 

While cleaning up my office this past week I stumbled on to a crook knife I bought myself about 3 years ago. I had it wrapped in a rag tucked in a box with random junk. I bought it at a rummage sale for no more that $5, the fellow had about 3 of them all in rough shape. This one was the only one usable, handle firmly fixed, and blade somewhat sharp. It looks to be handmade from a possible broken kitchen knife, as the marks are from Sheffield, England, as popular as bushcraft is I don't think that they were commercial crook knifes with cattle horn handles from the turn of the century!

The makers mark is reads "J (or) I.Wilson, Sycamore St. Sheffield England", then their trademark peppercorn and diamond stamp. Doing a quick google search of the stamp, The company was started by Thomas Wilson as a general cutlery maker in 1750. After Thomas' death, his son John took over until his death in 1851. Apparently by the 19th century the peppercorn and diamond trademark was one of the most popular and well known trademarks of the cutlery industry. While searching I came across this image of a auction of a 6 pack of skinning knives. On the package you can clearly see the peppercorn mark and a bit of history of the company

The horn handle is very comfortable and the crook is not to deep, no spoon making with this one. Even without a sharpen, it whisks wood quite easy, and the very old rivets that connect blade and handle hold strong.

I need to get my butt in gear and sharpen this knife up and take it for a spin, maybe hammer out a paddle finally. Any readers dabbled with crook knives? And tips or ticks you can share?

"Jack Black: The Lumberjack".

Working the woods is a hard, hard life,

and the days are long and cold.

They shave your pay day to day,

and a young man quickly grows old.

You come to town to have some fun,

you wind up flat on the floor.

Sure a man must be blind to make up his mind,

to go back to the woods once more.

When I came down to Bangor town,

I was looking for some fun.

I spent a year and a half in the woods,

and the river drive was done.

And as I walked up Hancock Street,

the fair Miss I did see.

And I said "I'm Jack Black The Lumberjack,

will you come along with me."

Oh, we wined and dined and all was fine,

and the evening quickly sped.

We went down to the depot house,

upstairs to go to bed.

Said she "Jack Black you lumberjack,

I've taken a fancy to you".

"You can stay and play till the break of day,

I will be your sweetheart true."

When I awoke next morning,

I was all alone in bed.

My watch was new and my money was too,'

and with them both she fled.

And as I walked back Hancock Street,

the taps they all did roar.

"There goes Jack Black the poor lumberjack,

headed back to the woods once more."

As I went down Exchange Street,

I met with Captain Brown.

I asked him if he'd take me on,

and he looked at me with a frown.

Said He last time that you was paid off,

with me you jogged no skol.

But I'll take a chance and here's your advance,

and it's back to the woods once more.

We went up to the Chamberlain Lake,

where icy breezes blow.

You work in the cold, you work in the snow,

and its twenty-six below.

The camps unclean, the boss is mean,

and the lonely night goes roar.

Oh t'was then that I said, that I wish I was dead,

and back in the woods no more.

This song is from "In The Blood" By Sumner Mckane. It is quite a beautiful story telling folk song from Loggers during the turn of the century. I wonder if it was a common song that crews would hum while out in the field?  I have grabbed the audio and put it to images, so you can sing along with the actual tune.

Happy New Years.

A dictionary definition of a "Hot Mess"

May your stomach be settled and your morning be headache free. May you awake ready to take on new adventures and hobbies.

Megafaun - "Real Slow"

This tune has been on repeat this whole Christmas season, possible the only thing making it bearable. Having the flu over the holidays is not going in my book of "Awesome Things To Do Over Christmas".

Christmas Sign Off.

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas, and Fantastic New Year. May your year ahead be full of laughs, love, and great memories! Till the New Year my friends.

P.S. Got to love the Yule log on Father Christmas' back. Looking at it, it should burn the full 12 days! 

Robertson's Candy.

Nova Scotia’s largest family owned hard candy factory was established Truro, Nova Scotia in 1928 by William C. Robertson. Now William’s son, Roy Robertson, runs this producer of fine quality hard candy. Specializing In traditional sweets, you will not see the likes of Sour keys, or jube-jubes in this factory. One of their iconic treats, and claim to fame is Barley Toys. Dating back to 1880, Barley Toys, also known as Toy Candy, Clear Toys, or Animal Candy have been a staple of Maritime Christmas’ since Robertson Candy started producing them when they originally opened.  Today Robertson’s has one of the largest collections of Barley Toy moulds in the world.

Along with Historical “toys”, they also produce a whack of other traditional candies.

Like Chicken Bones, Humbugs, Rum and Butter, Maple Kisses, Natural flavoured candies made with Maltose (not as sweet, perfectly balanced), and one of my favourite flavours, Clove. Their packaging is top notch, and durable, and the candies are large and flavorful. You can order online, and have these nuggets of joy delivered right to your door.

Robertson Candy Website.