A change in views

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Dec 2, 2007
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I have recently done it. I sold my Sebenza, sold off most of my knives, fixed and folders. And I did it because of the fact that I am going off to college and need the money. While many of us, including myself would cringe at that idea, it has opened my eyes. I have realized I am not a big tacticool guy. I instead picked up a Schrade Old Timer 8OT. I am carrying that every day. And I fixed up a few other slippies that I have. Its just...they seem so much more fun to me. They have carbon steel blades which I love. They have amazing handle materials, and there are so many different varieties to choose from. There is nothing wrong with a Benchmade, or Spyderco, but the Traditional slipjoint appeals to me immensely. I don't need a fancy lock or uber thick blade. I need a knife that will be discrete in my pocket and will cut when I need it too.

Now going from there, after having carried a few different patterns, I have decided the one that I like best. It is the stockman. The large stockman. Between 3 7/8 - 4 1/4. That is my ideal knife. I have found it recently in the form of a nice Schrade 8OT. But there was something missing. I find myself extremly attracted to bone or stag handles. Anyway, that is my story. I am a stockman lover who is looking for the one to carry forever.
 
I have realized I am not a big tacticool guy.

Congrats, Corey, on finding the style of knife that appeals to you most. It takes many or most of us a long time to whittle down the choices.

That said, recently some of our members have mentioned both on the forum and privately that they find terms such as tacticool demeaning and non-inclusive.

As one who carried large, one handed opening knives for many years on and off my former job I have never felt defensive about my choices for knife carry but there is no need for us to continue to nurture negative distinctions between us. (Especially now when faced with the prospect of diminishing knife rights.)

Not everyone who carries what is called a "tactical" knife (by some) does so for the effect. For many it is a useful and viable tool.

For me personally, I found that when I didn't need the convenience of one handed opening as much, I was able to return to my first love, which was older slipjoint patterns.

Many of us still love both styles and I say why not?

Anyway, I'm sure your intent is not and was not to offend but this seemed the perfect opportunity to address the kind of sensitivity that was recently raised in the "Case" thread.

Thanks for bearing with me and sorry to sidetrack the discussion temporarily.

Congrats on making an excellent choice imho. :cool::thumbup:
 
I love to hear and see this kind of insight from the younger generation. This kind of refreshing spirit is why traditional knives will never fade away. Thanks for sharing.:thumbup:
 
I think there are quite a few of us who have changed preferences. Not just in knives, but in many things in life.

The stockman is a great pattern and loved by many here, but don't be surprised if you find in time, that you start reaching out to other patterns.

There are so many variations to be had, and with a little looking you will be able to find the stag stockman you are looking for.
 
I like to keep an open mind and respect all genres of knife owning&collecting, but Traditional pocket knives offer an immense wealth of choice in styles sizes and uses. You just don't burn out on them!
 
Life is about changes and adapting to the different stages of life you will go through. As we age, things change. Job's, hobbies, living locations, physical abilities.... Nothing ever stays the same. If it does, then you stagnate. I've had about 5 patterns I thought would be my knife for life, but things change.

Good luck at school.:thumbup:
 
Congrats, Corey, on finding the style of knife that appeals to you most. It takes many or most of us a long time to whittle down the choices.

That said, recently some of our members have mentioned both on the forum and privately that they find terms such as tacticool demeaning and non-inclusive.

As one who carried large, one handed opening knives for many years on and off my former job I have never felt defensive about my choices for knife carry but there is no need for us to continue to nurture negative distinctions between us. (Especially now when faced with the prospect of diminishing knife rights.)

Not everyone who carries what is called a "tactical" knife (by some) does so for the effect. For many it is a useful and viable tool.

For me personally, I found that when I didn't need the convenience of one handed opening as much, I was able to return to my first love, which was older slipjoint patterns.

Many of us still love both styles and I say why not?

Anyway, I'm sure your intent is not and was not to offend but this seemed the perfect opportunity to address the kind of sensitivity that was recently raised in the "Case" thread.

Thanks for bearing with me and sorry to sidetrack the discussion temporarily.

Congrats on making an excellent choice imho. :cool::thumbup:

Hey Blues I understand what you are saying completely. I just have heard the term so much that I guess it stuck:confused: Anyway, you are right. There is nothing wrong with them. I still have a few Kershaws, they just don't see nearly as much pocket time. And it was a perfect time to bring the subject up. I'm glad you all agree with my choice here in the Traditional Forum :D
 
crbauhs - in my book, your character one to be admired. Not many folks in your situation would have the foresight to think about even the [seemingly] small priority of what knife to use for this period in your life. And what you decided on, the U.S. Schrade 8OT, is a great choice too. :thumbup: My favorite pattern is the Stockman, for sentimental and practical reasons, and the 8OT is at the top of my list as well. Like you, I'm moving away from the tactical types and going back to the more traditional patterns almost exclusively, like the Stockman.

I love my 'tacticals', as they're what got me back into knives, but my traditionals go with me more often now; I haven't carried a 'tactical' knife in weeks. When I need a larger cutting tool, I go with my Buck 110 or one of several old Schrade lockbacks.

Good luck with school. You've got some great years ahead of you. :)

thx - cpr

ps: Elliott - very well said.
 
Thanks alot for the support orca8589. Foresight is something I have been working on. I need to make sure that I have things I need for when I need them. The knife, well it fits right into my plans. And I with you on loving tacticals. They got me into knives big time. And from there I have found what I like, which is my Schrade 8OT. I do still have 3 kershaws. They are just great knives that can stay with me :) And thanks for the good luck wishes. I really hope I am doing the right thing. I'm hoping it will be all I've imagined it to be.
 
It is not that you are no longer a Tacti-cool kind of bloke.....you are just growing up!
 
I recently feel in love with Case Russlocks. I never thought in my days I would carry an " Old Fashion " knife. But I carry her daily and she's been a great friend. The beauty I carry daily I got off a wonderful person here on the forums. His name is SunnyD. There is my little story.
 
It is not that you are no longer a Tacti-cool kind of bloke.....you are just growing up!

Let's see if we can avoid using that term in this forum for the reasons alluded to above. Thanks.




PS: Chris, thanks. :cool:
 
Amended for politically correct acceptance...

There remains a remote possibility that you may no longer be a Gentleman of a technical persuasion........maturity may be just around the corner for you.



Uhh...are you sure that we are still allowed to have sharp pointy thingys.
 
Amended for politically correct acceptance...

There remains a remote possibility that you may no longer be a Gentleman of a technical persuasion........maturity may be just around the corner for you.



Uhh...are you sure that we are still allowed to have sharp pointy thingys.

Not so sure after reading the Case thread. :p

(PS: If you knew me you'd know I'm far from politically correct...but since I get to wear the moderator cap I have to take the feedback I get from our members to heart. Some have expressed distaste for having been branded and pigeon holed just because their tastes in knives extend beyond our favorites in this forum. They have a valid point and Gus and I try to keep this forum relaxed and comfortable for all to participate within without feeling ostracized (whether real or imagined). So if for no other reason we'll try to keep it that way for the foreseeable future. Hopefully you won't feel that we have restricted your ability to express yourself inordinately.)
 
...Hopefully you won't feel that we have restricted your ability to express yourself inordinately.


No mate, I am Australian....most of our profanity, crudeness, lewdness and innuendo does not get picked up by your Yankie spell-checkers anyway.

Regards. :D


Ps, and since this is the forum devoted to non-contemporary incision devices, then perhaps those who have not yet reached their majority would not be inclined to peruse these voluminous pages and might there-by fail to inadvertently stumble upon such incendiary utterances.....besides, last I looked the ability to read English is sadly lacking in the youth of today (Heaven forbid that a grown-up would be attracted to such crass mechanisms).
 
...and now let's return this thread and subsequent discussion to crbauhs and his original intent for posting it...
 
I was in the same situation before college. Almost the exact same. I sold off all of my tactical knives except for a Benchmade 940 and a Spyderco Salt. I found traditionals to suit my needs better, especially as a student but even as a farm worker. I haven't carried a tactical knife for maybe around a year! It's funny that the stockman is/was one of my favorite patterns as well. You will find other patterns as well that you will be fond of.
 
Great choice of EDC. Love the 8OT as well. Currently waiting in breathless anticipation for a new Case Stockman in carbon. (Now, where the heck is that mailman....:grumpy:)
 
I have a question....which 8ot did you end up with, contempory (Chinese), 90's (square), 80's (sleek, plain long pull) or 70's (sleek, long pull with match striker and spring that extends to top of bolster ?

Any chance of a pic.
 
I am also one who has developed a great appreciation for the simple elegance of a slip joint. I have my one handed openers on me too, but I ALWAYS have a slippie on me. (It is a Mike Alsdorf.) I feel naked with out it.
 
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