2019 Bladeforums Traditional Forum Knife Poll

Which manufacturer would you prefer make the 2019 Forum Knife?

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I voted Lionsteel in this totally unofficial poll. I love GEC, but also I like the idea of spreading the love around and Lionsteel's barlows have pushed the technological envelope while still maintaining a traditional character. But GEC probably gives us the same level of quality and more flexibility for a better price point.
 
I think as Mike keeps working with Lionsteel, Viper, & Maserin the possibility of a BF knife from one of them gets better and I would love to see that. Right now they don't have a lot of options to offer us and tooling up for a whole new model would add time and cost that would make the project more unrealistic I think.
 
PirateSeulb said:
I think as Mike keeps working with Lionsteel, Viper, & Maserin the possibility of a BF knife from one of them gets better and I would love to see that. Right now they don't have a lot of options to offer us and tooling up for a whole new model would add time and cost that would make the project more unrealistic I think.
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I agree, a unique Lionsteel modern traditional would be a nice forum knife, but like you and Mike said, probably not realistic right now. And I would hate for the forum knife to be just some random model we can pick up at (almost) any time. I think it needs to be unique in some way.
 
Everytime I see Lionsteel mentioned as a ‘modern traditional’ I wonder what exactly that term refers to, and indeed why they are regarded as a traditional knife at all? It should just be ‘modern knife’ imo. Given there are so many traditional knife makers using traditional techniques and patterns, I would greatly prefer one of them to be chosen.
 
To me modern traditional means screwed vs pinned construction, more modern materials, and traditional design. Lionsteel Roundhead and variants are a Barlow made with titanium bolsters and modern steel blade w/ handle options ranging from classic natural choices to newer modern options like CF. The Viper EZ Open has probably the biggest step away due to its lack of a backspring instead using a detent system for keeping the blade in position. Maserin Plow v1 was not even a modern traditional but the v2 with the screwed construction has a more modern feel to it.

Screwed construction isn't really a new means but the traditional knives we know have most commonly been pinned and the companies making them today continue to use pinned construction. This has made screwed construction a modern design aspect to most of us. In regards to materials you could upgrade the steel in most any traditional knife and visually not notice a difference. Changes to handle and bolster material would be more drastic but look at Delrin it isn't that old of a material really and some material such as celluloid aren't used and have been replaced with modern equivalents. Why would we through the Lionsteel Barlow in with modern knives instead of traditional? The term modern traditional is a happy medium it recognizes the issues purest have with them while being honest that these knives are very much traditional knives. You could certainly make more of a case to dismiss some such as Viper's EZ Open into the modern group but that is 1 of 3 current examples. If we really want to continue such a discussion we should move it to it's own thread but you can see why I certainly won't be letting go of the term easily.
 
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I struggle to fully understand the desire for something traditional yet completely new and unique every year..On one hand it sorts the wheat from the chaff and we get top quality ...on the other it limits and constricts the choices we have to narrow it down to the one . There are several patterns that havent been used but whats wrong with using the same pattern twice...eg the Barlow.?but with signature/unique scales.
A pattern that has never been made before isnt really traditional no matter how its dressed....doesnt make it less worthy and where does a tradition begin anyway....
Im zo konfyoozed...
 
I agree with all that Meako

I will park my thought on ‘modern’ ‘traditional’ knives for another day and thread.

I think your concern about a new and unique knife can be resolved because there are enough traditional patterns to keep us busy for a few years yet. And there are some great examples of successful BF patterns which have been produced on other occasions.

I really like the mini-trapper idea. Its going to happen sooner or later, so lets do it
 
Camillus said:
Everytime I see Lionsteel mentioned as a ‘modern traditional’ I wonder what exactly that term refers to, and indeed why they are regarded as a traditional knife at all? It should just be ‘modern knife’ imo. Given there are so many traditional knife makers using traditional techniques and patterns, I would greatly prefer one of them to be chosen.
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Agreed 100%! Those torx screws turn me off completely... apart from the deliberate similarities with the shape, there is nothing traditional about it.
 
Well, Lionsteel offers very high calibre build quality, they combine modern steels and techniques with natural materials. That captures both my respect and attention. I fail to see how any of that disqualifies them from being in the 'Traditional' frame? Screw construction of slabs has been used for a very long time.
 
Lionsteel Barlow... They must be traditional, I see them posted in the "Totin'" thread almost daily :D

Torx screws? Removable bolsters? Access a set screw? Don't get me wrong, I like 'em a lot. But to me, they are the epitome of a "modern traditional". A traditional styled knife with modern construction and materials. Not sure where all the confusion comes from?

I wouldn't mind seeing one as the forum knife as long as they could be made unique in some way, other than just a tang stamp.
 
JohnDF said:
Lionsteel Barlow... They must be traditional, I see them posted in the "Totin'" thread almost daily :D

Torx screws? Removable bolsters? Access a set screw? Don't get me wrong, I like 'em a lot. But to me, they are the epitome of a "modern traditional". A traditional styled knife with modern construction and materials. Not sure where all the confusion comes from?

I wouldn't mind seeing one as the forum knife as long as they could be made unique in some way, other than just a tang stamp.
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A current CK Lionsteel could be made unique as a forum knife if offered as a lockback.
But the price point would be up there. It'd be a killer knife; I'd be the first to plop down the Benjamins :cool:
 
I'll not propose any of my exclusive traditional styles made with modern components; existing or planned. I get aggravated enough at the contention as it is.

Matter of fact I will ensure none of my proposals have any steel or component not already in the marketplace for 30 years already ;)
 
knifeswapper said:
I'll not propose any of my exclusive traditional styles made with modern components; existing or planned. I get aggravated enough at the contention as it is.

Matter of fact I will ensure none of my proposals have any steel or component not already in the marketplace for 30 years already ;)
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Disappointing....
Another reason perhaps of the need for a "Modern Traditional" category here.
 
I have a few of Mike's exclusive LionSteel slipjoints. I can understand why some folks would be put off by the appearance of titanium and torx screws but in all reality, it feels like a traditional knife, it operates like a traditional knife, and it sure can cut like one.

Besides, I thought the concept of whether or not they qualified as a traditional knife was already put to rest? Hence why they are openly displayed over here.

I am a fan of traditional cutlery but there is something rather comforting in the carefree way I am able to toss a Euro Barlow in my pocket, knowing that the rugged construction is going to hold up to anything and the stainless M390 is simply going to cut for days and days. There is a place in the traditional market for these knives and I hope Mike continues with these collaborations.
 
I don’t wish to vex Mike, but my Lionsteel traditionals are the joys of my collection.
Pàdruig said:
I have a few of Mike's exclusive LionSteel slipjoints. I can understand why some folks would be put off by the appearance of titanium and torx screws but in all reality, it feels like a traditional knife, it operates like a traditional knife, and it sure can cut like one.

Besides, I thought the concept of whether or not they qualified as a traditional knife was already put to rest? Hence why they are openly displayed over here.

I am a fan of traditional cutlery but there is something rather comforting in the carefree way I am able to toss a Euro Barlow in my pocket, knowing that the rugged construction is going to hold up to anything and the stainless M390 is simply going to cut for days and days. There is a place in the traditional market for these knives and I hope Mike continues with these collaborations.
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Exactly.
 
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