"The Day of the Smokejumper"

It sounds like a feature film, but it is not. It is merely an expression of my anticipation for the arrival of the Ruana "10 B" (aka, Smokejumper) that is scheduled to be delivered today.

When I was living and working in McCall, Idaho in the mid-1970's, there was a large USFS Smokejumper training facility and permanent job center there. Most all of the Smokejumpers that I knew owned and wore the Ruana 10-B Smokejumper knife. One reason was that it was a very functional blade, light, and a real workhorse. In the winter the permanent Smokejumper staff worked on the sewing crew that made all of the needed duffles, vests, packs, etc., and they all used their 10-B's to cut nylon cord, trim, and whatever. I'm sure the popularity of the 10-B as a Smokejumper knife started in Missoula at the Regional Smokjumper Headquarters there, but spread to other Smokjumper locations located throughout the western states. From there, alot of USFS Foresters found the 10-B also to be quite handy and it's popularity as a tough little knife continues today.

Ken, the Smokejumper is a real dandy trout fishing knife and hope you get to use it.
Pap

Many thanks, Mike, for those historical details.

If you want a really interesting read on the subject, I reccomend the following book.

http://www.jumpingfire.com/book.html

Before Murry retired, he was the oldest active smoke jumper in the service.... He was one bad ass.

Another good one is "Young Men and Fire".


http://www.amazon.com/Young-Men-Fire-Nor...6036&sr=1-1

The Smokejumper is here.

Well..........

Here are a couple shots of her:

Very nice. I also like the full-flap sheath with rivets they make.

Pap

Doesn't look like this forum is very active. I'll chime in and see what happens. A close friend was active in the firefighting scene in W. Montana, McCall, Idaho, etc. in early 1970's and he introduced me to Whites and Ruanas. I have both today and we are now in our 60's. He lost his Ruana at a gutpile, but told my son how nice they were. My boy bought an M stamp sticker at a pawn shop for $15 and immediately left it at a gut pile. hahaha. I have 3, a big Vic Hangas skinner and a smaller one, and a M stamp sticker. I didn't get them for $15 though. As great as Rudy's old knives were, they can't hold a candle to Vic's. I am hoping to visit the shop one day; I am 500 miles SE of there.

Welcome to the forum tongueriver

Two items:
This forum requests that you sign your posts with your real name. It would be greatly appreciated.

Second, I had a really great Ruana with Rudy's bullwhip signature that I have always regretted letting get away. I loved that Ruana but you say Rudy's knives don't hold a candle to Vics. Please elaborate. I can't imagine a knife much better than that old Ruana.

White's boots and Ruana's just seem to go together. You must live close to me, Idaho perhaps?

Pap

I am in Sheridan, Wyoming, and my name is Cal Pruett. There is nothing wrong with the old knives. I haven't seen but three in my life in person. The new ones out of Vic's shop are just more exact in fit and finish. I am sure he avails himself of some modern equipment that Rudy did not have.

Cal-

You don't slip down to Buffalo and eat a bite at Winchester's do ya??

Pap

I have, and I will, but to tell the truth, I prefer the Virginian, downtown. You want to buy my M stamp? OOps, that's probably against the rules.

It's called a PM-personal message, just click on my email address and send it to me.

Pap

Glad you came back Cal. For a minute there I thought Pappy had scared you away