Woodlore knife info

[Albus Culter]

Right, this is a dangerous thread to post but here goes.

I recently bought a SWC Iroko Woodlore from the forum (thanks Tannith) and have been comparing it to my Alan Wood Woodlore. They are very similar but there are a few subtle differences.

The SWC knife I know its history as I asked.

The Alan Wood however was a purchase from eBay many moons ago just as the ban came in. I bought a 'Woodlore Sheath' nudge nudge, wink wink. This was a used but not abused knife and a good many years old when it came to me (I recall the nice fella who sold it was getting a new one as his name had come to the top of the list and was selling this to help fund it. Woodlore were even good enough to confirm the chap was on their list and was indeed getting a new knife).
I notice this does not have a taper tang, however the SWC one does. Woodlores site lists very little info on the Alan Wood version but examples I've seen do have a taper tang.

So what does the forum know about the timeline of these knives and can anyone shed light on where mine fits in?
Pics to help

The neck sheath is the one that came with the Alan Wood but I bought a left handed belt sheath for it too

Other quick question, can the makers mark be darkened in any way?

Right the fine print. Yes I am sad and like knives. Yes I like Mears, personal choice. Yes they are very expensive knives and I know that I can get one commissioned for far less. Etc, etc, etc
I love this forum and the breadth of knowledge is outstanding. And I do love the personal opinions we all have too. Its just funny at times too

 

[Stew]

If you want to know about your Alan Wood knife, why not head over to British Blades and you can send Alan a message asking him all your questions.

 

[Albus Culter]

Never been on there. Alan on there, hmmm, there's an idea. Thanks for that

If you want to know about your Alan Wood knife, why not head over to British Blades and you can send Alan a message asking him all your questions.

 

[robevs73]

I'm sure the early Alan Wood knife didn't have a taperd tang, I have a woodlore from 2003 and that has a taper but my mate has an older one that dosent. Jonathan D may know.

 

[Silverback 1]

I'm sure the early Alan Wood knife didn't have a taperd tang, I have a woodlore from 2003 and that has a taper but my mate has an older one that dosent. Jonathan D may know.

I have a Woodlore dated 2007 with a tapered tang and a thicker handle, will try and get some pics up later.

 

[JonathanD]

The tapered tang only appeared in about 2002/3. That knife is shown is definitely a pre 2002 model with slimmer profile handle.

 

[Albus Culter]

Cheers all. Starting to build a picture of its age. It was well used when I got it and has been a great knife for the years I've had it.
I did read somewhere that the very early ones did not have a fire steel loop on sheath, so I guessed it was not a very first one.

 

[Niels]

That swc has such a large ricasso compared to the AW. Wonder what that's good for. Real nice knives nonetheless.

I can imagine it being fun to own something that special.

 

[swotty]

As far as I know these knives vary enormously, I have a Wiilkinson Sword one I bought about 10yrs ago and have been lucky enough to compare it to several others...handle profile and blade profile vary a hell of a lot.

 

[Silverback 1]

Here's mine, letter from Woodlore to original owner (i am the 2nd) is dated 2007

 

[Albus Culter]

Had to google 'ricasso'
Very true. Makes the handle slabs shorter on the SWC which is also true at the pommel. Pommel also does not swell as much either.
I've had the Alan Wood a good few years. I've tried to not be too precious with it, but am careful as I know I could never replace it. The SWC was something I should never have been able to have, but I just could not resist or see it go elsewhere, soppy but I have a 'feeling' for certain knives. Well made, well shaped shiny things are one of my weaknesses. Thankfully my finances stop this from being over the top.

That swc has such a large ricasso compared to the AW. Wonder what that's good for. Real nice knives nonetheless.

I can imagine it being fun to own something that special.

 

[Albus Culter]

That is a much larger grip width it would appear. Very nice.

Here's mine, letter from Woodlore to original owner (i am the 2nd) is dated 2007

 

[eraaij]

Cheers all. Starting to build a picture of its age. It was well used when I got it and has been a great knife for the years I've had it.
I did read somewhere that the very early ones did not have a fire steel loop on sheath, so I guessed it was not a very first one.

I have a similar model bought cheap from first (US) owner who took one course at Woodlore and decided that diving was a better hobby

It has the same pattern and same slimmer handle configuration. I believe it is from around 1998-1999. The hollow grind on mine has been flattened nicely over time. Well used by me, but I retired the knife to the collection due to better fitting models. I also have the original sheath where the belt loop has been riveted, it has no firesteel loop. Hope that helps a bit. Cracking knives -they look even better when used

-Emile

 

[MartinK9]

Here was my collection:

 

[Albus Culter]

I've seen your pics before but that's the one that makes me think.

Ps god that was a collection. Not jealous at all, honest, no really,

bugger it, I want

My guess is the two centre ones are of the same spec as mine. Full tang and slim scale profile.
The two towards the left are later models I guess. Is the very left one an Alan Wood with the darker stain?
I assume too that the two on the right are SWC models and the profile is similar to early models.
I do covet a WS micarta. I am a weak, weak man.
My holly grail is one of those JP limited editions. Never happening, but I can dream

Here was my collection:

Thanks for that. Could well be 98-99. The hollow grind is still present but it does not get hard use so does not get sharpened that often. I read Alan Woods reason for the grind which was interesting and kind of makes some sense.

Ps what you using now?

I have a similar model bought cheap from first (US) owner who took one course at Woodlore and decided that diving was a better hobby

It has the same pattern and same slimmer handle configuration. I believe it is from around 1998-1999. The hollow grind on mine has been flattened nicely over time. Well used by me, but I retired the knife to the collection due to better fitting models. I also have the original sheath where the belt loop has been riveted, it has no firesteel loop. Hope that helps a bit. Cracking knives -they look even better when used

-Emile

 

[MartinK9]

I've seen your pics before but that's the one that makes me think.

Ps god that was a collection. Not jealous at all, honest, no really,

First 4 AW/RM Woodlores

Next 4 Wilkinson Sword Woodlores

2 Alan Wood Knives

2 JP Woodlores

2 SWC Woodlores

I now only have these 2:

 

[Albus Culter]

So the middle two are WS models. Ah - was wrong there
First one looks closest to mine, but has the darker stain.

So you kept two stunners. Very nosey and say bog off, but what did the JPs go for 'ish'. Feel free to PM or not answer, but intrigued how far out of my league they ever were

First 4 AW/RM Woodlores

Next 4 Wilkinson Sword Woodlores

2 Alan Wood Knives

2 JP Woodlores

2 SWC Woodlores

I now only have these 2:

 

[MartinK9]

Very nosey and say bog off, but what did the JPs go for 'ish'.

PM sent to protect buyer's nads from potential prying partners

 

[Sapper75]

Excuse my ignorance, but of the two you have kept the top one is the Instructor Woodlore, but what is the bottom one, is that an SWC knife in antler scales?

Thanks,

Joe

 

[Man of Tanith]

I do love that collection pic of yours Martin.