$200 trational recommendation

[Codyh9258]

I want a nice traditional knife to carry with my sng. I would probably just use it for food prep and small task that aren't suited for my sng.

 

[CJZ]

First traditional and you want to automatically two hundred big ones?
More power to ya!
But seriously, try something cheap first.
Opinel in Inox, maybe?
I hear Opinels are excellent for food prep, plus Inox means stainless steel so no worries.

And then buy about nineteen more Opinels, I want one
(theyre cheap)

 

[kamagong]

Take a look at GEC patterns #15 and #73. Some of the finest slipjoints currently being made.

- Christian

 

[Sonnemann]

If you're committed to maxing out that budget you can look at the higher-end offerings from GEC and other manufacturers with premium materials and very good F&F. With a little sleuthing, $200 might snag you some of the more basic customs from John Lloyd, Gene Wiseman, Rick Menefee, and others, especially some of their older work if you can find it. The 'sweetspot' at that price point is probably going to be the Case/Bose collaborations--sort of like a mid-tech, to use a more modern analogy.

If you're not sure about dropping that much on your first traditional, I will second the call for an Opinel. But be careful, when you have a sweet little traditional scalpel riding shotgun to that SNG, you may begin to notice that the Strider seems more like dead weight...

 

[zippin44]

How many blades? What blade shape? What closed length did you have in mind? Food prep, so what scale material? Wood, bone, micarta? Do you want carbon or stainless? Shadow or bolster(s)? American made or don't care? Finally, new, used?

 

[Will Power]

Food prep? I'd go stainless for that myself. Check the French Regional knives thread, quality all over from Fontenille-Pataud or Chambriard Le Thiers. Many, many handle options as well.

A much cheaper America option is the Slimline Trapper or GEC 48 pattern in stainless, these make a good outdoor food knife for sure.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

I used to have three of the company's folders. I actually liked the ergos. However, the edges were too thick for my tastes. After you spend some time with a Case Bose or custom, the ability these knives have as slicers will make you sell or trade the SNG for some custom slipjoints.

I like the company's folders, but the beauty and utility of a slipjoint just can't be beat!

 

[mike Berkovitch]

This year forum knife and you will get change, but you need to wait till Sept.
Mike

 

[ddml]

If I were straddling the tactical/traditional fence, I'd look at the carbon fiber Case sodbuster jr.

The sodbuster jr works great for food prep. The stainless won't affect the taste of your food. And the ease of sharpening may sour you on super steels.

I think something like a case medium stockman would add versatility but it isn't going to cut a hoagie in half very well.

I wouldn't jump to a $200 slipjoint until you figure out what patterns work for you. Why not get two, or three, more affordable options?

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

I just ordered (waiting for the mailman) my very first traditional: a Schatt & Morgan File and Wire Mountain Man. File and Wire means the test they used to do to the blades (which were ATS-34 I believe). It is made with D2 steel and is a lock back. A single blade that is a bit over 3". $119.00. M&S is the premium brand of Queen Cutlery. I can't review it yet, but it looks pretty.

 

[ptradeco]

.....With a little sleuthing, $200 might snag you some of the more basic customs from John Lloyd, Gene Wiseman, Rick Menefee, and others, especially some of their older work if you can find it.......

This^^^

 

[SubSpace]

Two GEC 15s. One clip, one spear!

 

[Daniel Dorn]

A. G. Russell sells a Peanut and Dog-Leg trapper that are right in your range, and are excellent pieces.

 

[richstag]

Stag Scagel Fruitport

I say jump in on a 200$ one.

An opinel is great but its not an american style traditional if that's what your looking for.

Kevin

 

[burnside]

If you get into Great Eastern Cutlery (Tidioute and Northfield), be prepared to become addicted. That being said, for $200 dollars you can't go wrong with 2 or 3 GECs.

 

[expwmbat]

Stag Scagel Fruitport

I say jump in on a 200$ one.

An opinel is great but its not an american style traditional if that's what your looking for.

Kevin

This is a super suggestion--those are fantastic knives. I lust over them every time a picture is posted.

DJK