RIP Brother

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phillipsted
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RIP Brother

#1

Post by phillipsted »

I just returned from a long trip to my home town. In early December, my younger brother was diagnosed with liver failure and unfortunately, he passed away on December 30 at the age of 55. I was with him when he died and he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

It was a tough time for all of us.

After the funeral, we started closing down his businesses and sorting his personal effects. It was exhausting work, so to get away from things for a while every evening, I headed to his shop, which in many ways, was his sanctuary. I cleaned and sharpened all his tools and hung them back on their pegs. I sorted his turning blanks and stacked them above the lathe. I swept the floor and carried out the remaining trash. As I was going through the drawers in his tool chest, I opened a drawer that stopped me in my tracks.

I stood staring at my Brother's knife collection - built over 40+ years. He was a haphazard collector - he had ancient trusty Case knives, some older Buck folders, a few newer Gerbers, Boker, Benchmades, and Cold Steel models, as well as an assortment of "user" knives. He also found switchblade knives irresistible - he had some nice Microtech models, some nice quality Italian stilletos, and some German lever-action models. He also had a soft spot for cheapo flea-market chinese switchblades in all sorts of configurations. Probably sixty total. What a hoot to sort through them.

Then I spotted the Spydercos. He had four of them - lined up in the front of his cabinet. All of them with a patina that you only get with prolonged usage over many years. I had gifted all four of these to him over the past 30 years.

The first one was the original Ecomony/Standard model (C05) in AUS-6 steel. It was infamous for its clip which was punched out of the handle - but which was still revolutionary when it came out. I bought it for a Christmas present to him in 1986.

Next was an original serrated yellow Catcherman (C17) in AUS-8. It served as his primary filet knife for many years. I believe I got this for his birthday in about 1992.

The third Spyderco is the MT06 Mule in CPM-S35VN. I hand crafted some scales for him out of burgundy micarta and made a horizontal belt sheath for it. The Mule survived, but the sheath did not... I gave this to him in late 2010.

The fourth and final Spyderco is the illustrious Paramilitary Sprint in CTS-20CP (C81GGY20CP2) in grey g10. When these originally came out in 2011, I bought two of them. I put burgundy micarta scales on mine, and gave my Brother the other one with its stock grey scales for Christmas. It is possibly my favorite Spyderco of all time. And my Brother's Para proudly shows off its years of loving use. I plan on sharpening it and carrying it for the next few years.

To Sal, Gail, Eric, and the entire Spyderco crew - thank you for sharing your incredible, visionary products with us over these past four decades.

Ted Phillips
13 JAN 2019
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phillipsted
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Re: RIP Brother

#2

Post by phillipsted »

One more shot...
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TkoK83Spy
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Re: RIP Brother

#3

Post by TkoK83Spy »

Very refreshing to see your brother used them as tools! I'm sure for most, that PM2 became an instant safe queen. He clearly put that baby to use!

I'm fairly new to Spyderco, only about a year of experience, I've heard about but have never actually seen a Catcherman..that thing is bad a$$.

Had to be a great feeling to see he must have used these knives that you bought him, quite regularly. Thanks for sharing!
15 :bug-red 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
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Sharp Guy
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Re: RIP Brother

#4

Post by Sharp Guy »

RIP to your brother Ted. Sorry for your loss!
Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most!
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legOFwhat?
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Re: RIP Brother

#5

Post by legOFwhat? »

Sorry for your loss! Sounds like you and your brother had a great relationship.
Last edited by legOFwhat? on Mon Jan 21, 2019 7:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
-Larry
Hebrews 13:6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
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Mr Blonde
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Re: RIP Brother

#6

Post by Mr Blonde »

I'm sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing this story and photo with us.
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razorsharp
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Re: RIP Brother

#7

Post by razorsharp »

My condolences to you and your Family. Dont think the collection could go to anyone better :)
Cycletroll
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Re: RIP Brother

#8

Post by Cycletroll »

Condolences!
Sounds like you had some good times with a special brother.
Peace.
Mom3ntuM
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Re: RIP Brother

#9

Post by Mom3ntuM »

Condolences.
55 years old, that makes me Sad.
I hope it gives you some comfort in knowing he used and probably treasured your gifts.
I can't even apprehend what it's like to loose a sibling and I feel for you..
Take care m8.
Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.
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Jazz
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Re: RIP Brother

#10

Post by Jazz »

Sorry for your loss, bro. Thanks for sharing with us. He was way too young.

Very cool about the knives. :)
- best wishes, Jazz.
The Meat man
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Re: RIP Brother

#11

Post by The Meat man »

My sympathies for your loss Ted.

Sounds like your brother truly appreciated those knives. :)
- Connor

"What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
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Dodge
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Re: RIP Brother

#12

Post by Dodge »

Sorry for your loss, My condolences to you and your family. He had good taste in spydies!!
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Holland
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Re: RIP Brother

#13

Post by Holland »

Sorry for your loss Ted, that is far too young

Thanks for sharing the story about the knives. Those will hold a special place in your collection
-Spencer

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Gayle Bradley 2 | Mantra 1 | Watu | Chaparral 1 | Dragonfly 2 Salt SE
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legOFwhat?
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Re: RIP Brother

#14

Post by legOFwhat? »

.
Last edited by legOFwhat? on Mon Jan 21, 2019 7:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
-Larry
Hebrews 13:6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
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legOFwhat?
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Re: RIP Brother

#15

Post by legOFwhat? »

.
-Larry
Hebrews 13:6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
MNOSD #0049
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