Are Acrylics Traditional?

[AFAustin]

Thanks, gents, for all the information, history, and opinions so far. All great stuff!

Andrew

 

[Dr. Scott]

This one may be of interest in that I've heard the material of it's scales described as Lucite, which, as I understand, is an early form of plastic. Now I estimate that this knifes could be something like sixty years old though I'm not certain, but it must be seen as a predecessor of the more modern celluloid, nylon and acrylic handled knives that we recognise today. So if a knife, it's construction, materials and, or design have a lineage that can be traced back to historical precedents, and their are many older examples than mine, then it must be seen as traditional to a greater or lesser degree. This would surely depend on the modernity of it's other elements and not simply the materials of which it is made. :fatigue:

Untitled by Mark Saunders, on Flickr

I believe Lucite is simply acrylic by another name. Is it not? Perhaps it is a type or brand of acrylic.

 

[waynorth]

Lucite is the same as plexiglas. My experience says it is a bit more brittle than acrylic - but I am no expert!

 

[knarfeng]

Lucite is the same as plexiglas. My experience says it is a bit more brittle than acrylic - but I am no expert!

Lucite is an acrylic polymer.

As with "Nylon", the term "acrylic" covers an entire family of polymers. Different members of the family have different properties. "Lucite" is a member of the family.

 

[rma100]

Lucite was first produced around 1923. Celluloid was first produced in the 1870's. Sourced from Wikipedia. At any rate, I think it is well established that colorful, synthetic handle materials are quite traditional.

 

[Blake the Blade]

Lucite was first produced around 1923. Celluloid was first produced in the 1870's. Sourced from Wikipedia. At any rate, I think it is well established that colorful, synthetic handle materials are quite traditional.

All really interesting, I'm learning a lot. But a plastic handle does not a traditional knife make. I think there is more to it.:thumbup:

 

[rma100]

All really interesting, I'm learning a lot. But a plastic handle does not a traditional knife make. I think there is more to it.:thumbup:

There is a LOT more to it. But the Title of this thread, and the question put by the OP, is "Are Acrylic Handles Traditional". All my comments have specifically addressed that topic. Including knife content:

 

[Blake the Blade]

There is a LOT more to it. But the Title of this thread, and the question put by the OP, is "Are Acrylic Handles Traditional". All my comments have specifically addressed that topic. Including knife content:

Never said they didn't. Mine address Andrews last point in particular..."...or is there something else to it ?" Also the question is "Are acrylics traditional" not "Are Acrylic Handles traditional", which I take to mean: are knives that incorporate acrylic in their handles still seen as traditional. For me this is the crucial point.

 

[Blake the Blade]

I should just say that when Andrew talks about acrylics in his opening, I am taking him to mean knives that use acrylic for their handles and not acrylics per say. He does go on to mention that GEC have produced a couple of nice ones. If I have misunderstood that then so be it, but I don't think I have. I myself have argued that acrylic and other similar materials are traditional in themselves, though my facts regarding the chronological history of these materials are, admittedly, probably a bit messed up. My point is to do with when that material is incorporated into a knife can it still be considered traditional or not ? I thought that was the question posed, and for me that is more to do with the overall design of the knife rather than the material used for it's handle. A stockman with a synthetic handle, for example, is still a traditional design. A one handed opener or a leatherman type of folder is modern whether it uses acrylic or mammoth ivory. But even considering the design of a knife depends on where you are prepared to draw the line as to when something has been around long enough to be considered traditional or not. For me fifty years would be a reasonable benchmark, but it's all subjective so who knows.

 

[Peregrin]

I should just say that when Andrew talks about acrylics in his opening, I am taking him to mean knives that use acrylic for their handles and not acrylics per say. He does go on to mention that GEC have produced a couple of nice ones. If I have misunderstood that then so be it, but I don't think I have. I myself have argued that acrylic and other similar materials are traditional in themselves, though my facts are probably a bit messed up. My point is to do with when that material is incorporated into a knife, can it still be considered traditional or not ? I thought that was the question posed, and for me that is more a question of design.

The pattern and construction are what is considered in the "is/is not traditional question", as far as this forum goes. Traditionals from other countries, although they may not appear as such to us Americans, are also welcome. Pretty much any steel and handle material is ok. We try and keep it pretty open so most folks can post and be part of the discussions. Sometimes there's a grey area and Frank and I have to make the call and have the last say.

What others think is traditional is cool, but we had to draw the line somewhere. If you stick to the forum title Traditional Folders and Fixed Blades
Discussion of classic Hunters, Trappers, Lockbacks, Slipjoints, Skinners and other classic designs, you're pretty safe.