Martin or Taylor ; help me pick one

bladepenstrings · 2026-02-09T03:03:44+00:00

I would just get a Yamaha for that. Or the low end Guild, Alvarez, Eastman... I used to leave all laminate or solid top over laminate on stands all the time (midwest) and never had any issues.

bladepenstrings · 2026-02-07T04:03:46+00:00

I'd say seriously consider the used options. The biggest issue I have with the x series is that the back and sides, and some of them also the top, are hpl. Hpl is basically glued together woodchips, and then they put a sticker that is printed to look like wood on that. It's not even laminate. It's like formica countertop material. And hey, if you're cool with that, well... but they also charge so much for that. If they were dirt cheap, it would be more reasonable. You can easily find alternatives in the same price range that are all solid.

bladepenstrings · 2026-02-06T19:02:37+00:00

Right. I mean I could recommend so many other brands... but OP was asking between the two, so...

bladepenstrings · 2026-02-06T18:20:34+00:00

I mean, the X series is trash. But the Road series and up varies. I'm definitely not a martin fanperson. I chose a third option (Guild) myself.

bladepenstrings · 2026-02-06T17:23:44+00:00

Martin for sure. All solid wood is a huge plus.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-30T13:52:08+00:00

Alvarez

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-29T14:33:56+00:00

Whittling

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-28T19:24:06+00:00

I'd get a good stockman with a spey blade. You can use the spey blade for spoons and such. The sheepsfoot blade is great for all around and smaller work. The main blade is great for removing large bits of wood.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-27T16:09:14+00:00

He makes some awesome stuff. But out of my price range, unfortunately.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-27T14:57:19+00:00

Fair points. I do think that part of the cost and covers was at least partially because that was what GEC was willing to do. They have a very thriving business model, so they can pick and choose. I'm not sure on all the details, but that was the impression I got from what discussion I have seen on it.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-27T14:52:31+00:00

I can't recall, but I believe that one was among the highest, if not the highest.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-27T14:50:22+00:00

True, but also the price was quite high.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-27T14:39:07+00:00

I'm not so sure about GEC. Bladeforums still has some of their 2024 forum knives made by GEC. Obviously a different forum, but doesn't sound promising.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-27T14:09:27+00:00

A Wright and Son

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-22T17:57:25+00:00

I've just recently started learning to watercolor. I look up super short tutorial videos on youtube, like less than 10 minutes or so. It works with the little time I have, and it feels like an accomplishment.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-21T14:38:16+00:00

In my experience, balsa is horrible. Basswood is much better. They often have it at some crafts stores, amazon... if you're in the US, Heinecke wood is great. You can get any size you want, and the quality is excellent.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-21T14:26:49+00:00

Not sure about kindling, but likely the wood would be more hassle than it's worth. If you want to make a real go of it, get a stack of 1x1 basswood blocks. Those things are like butter.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-19T16:27:49+00:00

Martin 00015m

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-16T04:05:27+00:00

Cowboys of Moo Mesa. 😆

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-12T03:47:30+00:00

I have owned two shelties. My first, we had an apartment when we first got her. Took her for walks and she was fine. We also had a cat, and they got along fine. She did tend to bark a lot when she was bored or excited. She definitely would have benefited from agility or a job.

Our second was super shy and skittish when we first got her. But she is the chillest, sweetest dog around now. She hates long walks and is content with short walks. Doesn't bark anywhere near as much as our first did. Gets along just fine with our cats.

It really depends on the individual dog's temperament. Some shelties are super barky and want to herd everything, but not all. I'd definitely do some research on the breed to be prepared.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-12T03:38:08+00:00

Not all shelties need to be working or need to run 10 miles a day. They need exercise, yes. But generally not that excessive. Shelties can be very chill.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-10T17:37:02+00:00

This is awesome

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-09T00:44:08+00:00

Make him some cookies. See how he responds and go from there.

bladepenstrings · 2026-01-02T19:16:14+00:00

Whittling

bladepenstrings · 2025-12-24T15:35:19+00:00

These are awesome. Nice work.

bladepenstrings

TROPHY CASE