Affordable traditional folders

K

Knspar

Joined
Dec 1, 2013
Messages
3
I'm new to this site but I need some help picking out a knife. I'm looking for a traditional folder like a case or queen knife. Money is really tight right now so I have to keep it under $50. I really like barlows, humpback stockmen, and trappers. I only own two traditional knives a case mini trapper and a old imperial that use to belong to my grandfather. Any suggestions are welcome if you know of some other great knife patterns you think I should try or brands I would like to hear them. Thanks
 
If you want to try out a new pattern and you are not really sure if you will like it or not getting a Rough Rider is a inexpensive way to do it. I would recommend you try a Case Sodbuster Jr in the CV steel. They are around 25 bucks and a great all around knife. Also keep your eye one the traditional exchange,lots of good deals and nice knives pop up on there. Also welcome to the forum!
 
^ All good advice IMO :thumbup:

Welcome aboard :)
 
I've not heard much about rough rider knives. Are they good quality? They are definitely affordable. I looked at some of their barlows and I'm tempted to buy one. Can anyone tell me if the handle is real bone or is it plastic?
 
buck slipjoints are very well respected here and they fit your stated needs - cheap, with utilitarian delrin or wood handles and a reasonable steel. Trappers and stockmen are available.
 
Case American Workman series are nice, with jigged Delrin covers, as well as their yellow smooth Delrin knives. As mentioned, Buck slipjoints in black sawcut are a great buy for the money too.

One of my all time favorites is a Case medium jack with smooth black Delrin covers, I think I paid less than $30 for it:


caseblackjack.jpg
 
If you don't mind a used knife I would go that route. Here on the exchange or check out the bay.

You could have two or three different patterns to test out for under $50 particularly if you aren't picky on the handle material.
 
I would also go for a Buck 300 series knife. Maybe they're not as fancy as others, but they're great knives that will make you happy.
Oh, and since you're at it...take a look at the dedicated sales subforum here on BF: you might be lucky. And throw a few dollars on an Opinel when you get the chance: it might turn out to be the best purchase of your knife loving life.

Fausto
:cool:
 
Here are two RR knives on the trade forum. Not sure if they're still available. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1130499-Opies-and-Rough-Riders-plus-more!-FS
The RR barlow is a good choice, they also make a sweet small barlow. The only RR I would stay away from are the small congress and the swell centre whittler, the back springs are too thin. Like others have said the Case sod buster jr in carbon is a great cheap carry knife.

Best regards

Robin
 
I have a Buck 371, made in China and it's great.
Really exceeded my expectations. Nice f+f, no flaws and very sharp.

I was so happy with the #371 [about 4"] stockman that I got a #373 Buck stockman, 3,1/4" closed.
Again well made and reasonable $.
All the suggestions are great. There are so many options. Good luck.
 
All great suggestions. I will throw the Opinels the Douk Douks, and some of the smaller SAK's out as suggestions also.
 
Welcome aboard.
I agree that Rough Riders are good gateway knives for someone new to Traditional patterns and unsure of what they might find appealing. You can easily get four for $50 and if you don't care for a particular pattern, you can give it to someone who might find it suits their needs perfectly That way, you won't be out much money and you'll be spreading the charms of Traditional cutlery.
A yellow delrin Case Slimline Trapper in CV steel can be had for under $30 and would be my suggestion for a first Traditional buy, if you like the look of it.
Jump in and get your feet wet!
 
There are plenty of yellow-handled Case CV knives priced under $50. Also, you owe it to yourself to try an Opinel. I have a no. 6 stainless and a no. 8 with their fantastic carbon steel. The each cost less than $15.

Also, if you don't mind buying on that big auction site, you can find some great deals on gently used, U.S.-made Schrade Old Timers. Avoid the stainless ones currently being made in China by whoever bought the Schrade name after the company closed down. They're not the same as the old carbon steel ones.

Good luck, and let us know what you end up with.

-- Mark
 
Lot's of good advice already in this thread. I'll second the Case Sodbuster Jr. recommendations and Peach Seed jigged bone model in particular. You should be able to find one in the $30 - $40 price range if you search online. Best of luck and welcome.
 
lots of good knives under fifty dollars. dont guess i have much to add to what has already been said. except maybe the mercator k55k. i can second opinel, douk douk, some buck models and rough rider. i find rough rider to be good serviceable knives in a wide array of handle material. not always flawless but ive not had one that was flawed in any way that would impair its ability to cut stuff.
also keep an eye on the exchange here; sometimes really sweet deals will turn up.
 
When I was building up, okay, addicted to buying for, my collection of traditionals I used ebay a lot. I would find new knives that appealed to me, research them and find what they usually went for, set the price I was willing to pay, and work it. I ended up with a good number of Case, some Queen, Boker (German ones) and even a S&M or two and rarely went over $50. Usually between $20 and $35.

Granted that was a few years ago, BUT, last night I got the bug again. I had set $50 as my absolute top end (big money for a po boy) I ended up winning a brand new Case smooth chestnut Canoe to go with the smooth chestnut mini-trapper I carry as my EDC. The vendor was a non BF dealer and on their actual website the knife goes for $49. I got it from them at auction for $30.05 with $5.95 shipping for a grand total of $36. Just takes research and patience and you can build up a nice collection at below average retail prices.

This is the pic from the auction:



I'm happy. You can be too. :D
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I collect Buck 300s. I like lots of the other knives folks mentioned here, some are quality and bargins. I like buying from a individual or shops that make their living selling knives and knife stuff only when possible. But, this time of year since you need a deal, check out some of the big box or major stores for Buck Christmas tins gift sets. Give yourself a gift, then haunt this forum and read the info to select your next knife that seems interesting. You will need at least a dozen different ones to really get a feel for traditionals. Or was that a thousand, I forget...... 300
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top