A tale of two mountain men - Queen Mountain Men, that is

knarfeng

knarfeng

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Queen makes both lockback and a slipjoint versions of its Mountain Man design. The question of which mountain man model to buy comes up every now and again. And of course the Forum answer is, "Buy both." I did.

A few weeks ago I had occasion to buy a Queen Mountain Man. D2 blade and Birdseye maple cover. I decided to try the lockback and was pleased with the knife.

100_3249_zpsbd79fc23.jpg


Pleased as I was with the lockback, I then decided to try the slipjoint version.

100_3256_zps4a30dd71.jpg



Well now. Here are two knives, like as two peas in a pod, except for the lock, right?

100_3259_zps94466674.jpg


Nope. Try this view:

100_3258_zps79a24744.jpg


Notice the difference in blade thickness? That is not my poor photography. The difference is real.

Some measurements:
[TABLE="width: 500"]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD]Lockback[/TD]
[TD]slip joint[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]tang[/TD]
[TD]0.136"[/TD]
[TD]0.112[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]handle[/TD]
[TD]0.53"[/TD]
[TD]0.5[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]spring[/TD]
[TD]0.151[/TD]
[TD]0.115[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]right above bevel[/TD]
[TD]~0.027[/TD]
[TD]~0.027[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Everything about the lockback is thicker, except the thickness of the blade right above the bevel. (That's a hard measurement to make, even with a dial caliper, but I think they were about the same.)

So, comments about using them? Both cut with D2 goodness. Both are comfortable in the hand. That large lockback blade is nice to have. The slip joint opens with authority, but without undue effort.

However, the larger size of the lockback has been noticeable to me in the pocket. When I carried the lockback, I found that I really wanted to carry it in a sheath (which I purchased.) But, I've been carrying the slipjoint version in my jeans for a few days now and I consider it large, but not really bothersome. I don't feel that I need to carry it in a sheath.

Both are nice knives. But I thought it worth noting that there is more than a difference in lock vs. slipjoint between them.
 
Thanks for the info and pictures Frank. It is interesting how subtleties like than can change the feel of a knife. Great post!! Thank you.

Ed J
 
I agree. Thank you for taking the time to post this. I would not have known about this if it wasn't for this post. The Mountain Man lockback is still on my radar one day. I actually would like a thicker lockback. Thanks again
 
Thanks for sharing your observations and insights on these two. The Mountain Man is on my hit list. And I may just go for the slip joint version now. Both of yours are beautiful, but I like the coloration of you slippie better, I know it is luck of the draw as to what you get when ordering.
After going back and looking again, there appears to be a slight difference in the nicks as well, how is the feel of the slip joints nick through the opening rotation?
 
After going back and looking again, there appears to be a slight difference in the nicks as well, how is the feel of the slip joints nick through the opening rotation?
Click to expand...

It works fine. The blade is large enough to provide leverage. I can keep my nail in the nick through the entire rotation. However, I have been using the nail nick to get it part way open, then pinching it to get it the rest of the way.
 
Thanks Frank, I have found that some knives with narrower nicks can bind on the nail creating discomfort. Especially the ones with strong springs.
I think I am sold on the slip joint version.
 
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Anyone know how thick is the Queen MM lockback to the GEC 72 lockback? I've actually handled one of those and liked the thickness.

thanks
 
Thanks for the write-up, Frank. I've always touted the MM as a top-notch tool, but I've only tried the locking version (mine's the ACSB). Nice to see the differences between the two.

For everyone else: the Mountain Man definitely should be at the top of your list. It's the best current production version of the old Remington Bullet lockbacks that I have seen.
In my case, I was looking for a traditional locker that was about the same size and capability as a Buck 110, but without the bulk and weight (I know, I should have asked Duane to do a 'melted' 110 for me...). I usually carry mine in a belt sheath, but have toted it plenty in my pocket (usually back pocket, with a bandana). It's about perfect, for me, and I don't see myself needing to buy another traditional lockback. Blasphemy! I know, but how could I have known that Queen would hit one so far out of the park that I forgot about the scoreboard?? ;)

As I said, mine's the ACSB (Amber Carved Stag Bone) variety, and is quite nice... but I kinda wish I'd snapped one up in Cocobolo while they lasted. Queen's coco-handled knives came out so nice; I really hope they do another run some time soon.

And a couple pics, for good measure.
 

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A 'Mountain Man' has been on my wish list for a while as well, so this info is really useful. I'd probably tend toward the lockback version, and given how much I like my Queen straight jack in the amber jigged bone, I'd probably go for the same again. Queen did a beautiful job with this series, imo.
 
KYenglish said:
Anyone know how thick is the Queen MM lockback to the GEC 72 lockback? I've actually handled one of those and liked the thickness.

thanks
Click to expand...

The Queen MM is the same size as the GEC #42 Missouri Trader, and 3/8" longer than the GEC #72.
 
Good lookin' knives, Frank! I have a Queen Mini Trapper #51T and I especially like the Bird's Eye Maple covers... :thumbup::cool:

What's the weight difference between the #3 and #3L?

-Brett
 
Unfortunately, I don't have immediate access to a scale of sufficient resolution (Which is engineering-speak for, "I only have a bathroom scale at home and it does not show the difference." Oddly enough, it was the first phrase that immediately came to mind. I had to think about the second one. No wonder my wife thinks I'm a nut case.)

I can tell the difference when carrying in my pocket, for sure. I can also distinguish them by weight in my hand if I concentrate on it, but the difference is not noticeable in use.
 
I recently sold a swag of HO scale 1960s vintage model trains on ebuy. Money for old rope as they were given to me for nothing. So I'm a couple of hundred bux happier.
I looked at a very nice 07 Brimstone 23 pioneer but then I saw the Queen MM ACSB for $40 less with D2. It looks similar.
My question-
Is "stag bone" the bone of a stag or is it cattle bone carved to resemble antler?
 
This thread's got me thinking about my Grandpa's Mountain Man, I can't remember for the life of me if it was a lockback, or slipjoint. Either way it left a favorable impression on me, as a viable alternative to the Buck 110, and Case Hammerhead, that are all so common here. Yours look grand, Queen's D2, when thinned down a bit can take, and hold an exceptional edge, their Bird's Eye Maple is a thing of beauty. All in all they have a good thing going.
 
I will say this. CSB is pretty nice stuff. Deeply grooved. I have one of the earlier CSB (not amber) and assuming you like the color I think you will be pleased with the material.
 
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