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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
As a modern knife guy what traditional folder as my first
- Thread starter mjpgolf1
- Start date
One of the things that attracts me to traditional's is multi bladed knives. I am a trapper fan.
I use a full size Case trapper nearly every day. I like stainless, & steer away from carbon steels.
I like that I can use one blade for food, & the other for dirtier work. It sits in my desk at work, & doesn't see hard use.
Here is a different trapper, that shows the blades better. This is not a Case.
The Case Trapperlock's have already been mentioned, not a traditional but looks like one. Except for the pocket clip. Here is mine.
I only own a few Case knives, but they all seem well made.
As I mentioned, I much prefer stainless blades. Unless you go custom, modern SS in a traditional is a rarity.
I use a full size Case trapper nearly every day. I like stainless, & steer away from carbon steels.
I like that I can use one blade for food, & the other for dirtier work. It sits in my desk at work, & doesn't see hard use.
Here is a different trapper, that shows the blades better. This is not a Case.
The Case Trapperlock's have already been mentioned, not a traditional but looks like one. Except for the pocket clip. Here is mine.
I only own a few Case knives, but they all seem well made.
As I mentioned, I much prefer stainless blades. Unless you go custom, modern SS in a traditional is a rarity.
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They may look plain but not much will out cut an opinel.
Edit, good to see you mtangent, some real beuts there mate.
Edit, good to see you mtangent, some real beuts there mate.
Just to rave on some more, the Boker copperhead is a nice knife, a little smaller than the Case trapper. I think the Solingen Bokers use 440c rather than 420hc, & it is noticeable. Be careful buying a Boker, they make knives all over the world, & some are better than others. Sorry for the bad pic.
A word or two about quality.
There's a wonderful book that reflects on the word "quality" by considering the difference between an old beater Honda motorcycle and a new BMW. That book is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Summarizing, quality is that which gives you peace of mind.
Modern knives and more importantly, modern materials are like that BMW. They can give you a type of pride of ownership that comes from having chosen something with superior materials, often justified by the promise of better performance.
But there are other ways to look at it. Traditional patterns have deep histories and strong cultural ties.
Traditional patterns that have survived generally do so out of design excellence, as the design simply earns its keep from one generation to the next.
Traditional materials have a warmth and character and connection to creation that modern synthetics don't have.
Traditional steels beg for frequent sharpening which out of necessity leads to pride in the skill to sharpen a blade.
If you want to understand the Opinel, volunteer for potatoe cutting duty in the kitchen and do one potatoe with your favorite modern and the next with the Opinel and so on. On the next yard work day, take your favorite modern and an Opinel and bury them both in dirt or sand, then dig them out, open and close them a few times to test the joint and the start cutting back branches and sapling with each knife.
Like many other long in the tooth traditional designs, the Opinel persists due to excellence in design, not excellence in materials. The slight clip is incredibly versatile giving a good balance of piercing ability and belly. The thin convex grind out cuts and out slices pretty much everything. The joint is nearly impervious to failure due to sand and dirt. I'm away on vacation and spending my days on a beach and my Opinel and fixed blade are my choice while other knives foul. The shape of the handle is well suited to long carving sessions and for the brave, can be modified to suit your tastes.
Out of the box, you hate the Opinel. The joint is finicky and it demands both break in and a good deal of tuning from the owner. For some, the learned knowledge and skill is a source of peace of mind which gives a $15 Opinel a quality that $300 modern can never achieve.
Another issue with traditionals is the huge variations in patterns. With moderns there is comparatively little to no variation. You have single blade lockers and more single blade lockers.
In traditionals, I prefer single blade knives and prefer locking ones so I agree with the advice to start there. The Sodbuster, GEC 72 and the Buck 110/112 or 500 series are good staring points. I hear you on the 110 but suggest you look at the Buck 500 Duke. FYI, the birch Dymondwood they currently use is very similar to Micarta and will be gone soon since the factory that produced it burned. Buck is working off of old stock and has begun transitioning some models to natural wood.
I would also recommend, as others have buying a bunch of different patterns to find a pattern that fits your hand, pocket and lifestyle. Traditionals offer way more variety and you won't know till you sample them.
There's a wonderful book that reflects on the word "quality" by considering the difference between an old beater Honda motorcycle and a new BMW. That book is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Summarizing, quality is that which gives you peace of mind.
Modern knives and more importantly, modern materials are like that BMW. They can give you a type of pride of ownership that comes from having chosen something with superior materials, often justified by the promise of better performance.
But there are other ways to look at it. Traditional patterns have deep histories and strong cultural ties.
Traditional patterns that have survived generally do so out of design excellence, as the design simply earns its keep from one generation to the next.
Traditional materials have a warmth and character and connection to creation that modern synthetics don't have.
Traditional steels beg for frequent sharpening which out of necessity leads to pride in the skill to sharpen a blade.
If you want to understand the Opinel, volunteer for potatoe cutting duty in the kitchen and do one potatoe with your favorite modern and the next with the Opinel and so on. On the next yard work day, take your favorite modern and an Opinel and bury them both in dirt or sand, then dig them out, open and close them a few times to test the joint and the start cutting back branches and sapling with each knife.
Like many other long in the tooth traditional designs, the Opinel persists due to excellence in design, not excellence in materials. The slight clip is incredibly versatile giving a good balance of piercing ability and belly. The thin convex grind out cuts and out slices pretty much everything. The joint is nearly impervious to failure due to sand and dirt. I'm away on vacation and spending my days on a beach and my Opinel and fixed blade are my choice while other knives foul. The shape of the handle is well suited to long carving sessions and for the brave, can be modified to suit your tastes.
Out of the box, you hate the Opinel. The joint is finicky and it demands both break in and a good deal of tuning from the owner. For some, the learned knowledge and skill is a source of peace of mind which gives a $15 Opinel a quality that $300 modern can never achieve.
Another issue with traditionals is the huge variations in patterns. With moderns there is comparatively little to no variation. You have single blade lockers and more single blade lockers.
In traditionals, I prefer single blade knives and prefer locking ones so I agree with the advice to start there. The Sodbuster, GEC 72 and the Buck 110/112 or 500 series are good staring points. I hear you on the 110 but suggest you look at the Buck 500 Duke. FYI, the birch Dymondwood they currently use is very similar to Micarta and will be gone soon since the factory that produced it burned. Buck is working off of old stock and has begun transitioning some models to natural wood.
I would also recommend, as others have buying a bunch of different patterns to find a pattern that fits your hand, pocket and lifestyle. Traditionals offer way more variety and you won't know till you sample them.
:thumbup:GaiusJulius
Gold Member
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No need to wait and "research." The beauty of Traditionals is that they are knives. Tools. Darn good implements to cut stuff. Almost any of them can make you happy. You can spend a month browsing the Internet for 6 hours every day, and still not know all there is to know about every maker, every pattern, every blade combination. Buy something for less than $75 and use it. Drop it in your pocket, with your keys, and cut stuff every chance you get.
The pride of ownership that comes from a Traditional isn't about having the slickest flip, or the most intricate machining, it comes from having a knife that's always there, riding in your pocket, ready for anything, and better at doing what a knife is supposed to do. Buy a case, or a GEC, or a Rough Rider, and start using the thing. Only then can you really figure out what kind of handle shape you like, etc. And don't worry about blade steel. The Rough Rider 440A, the Case tru-sharp, the Case CV or GEC 1095, all are excellent. You will find that with a traditional knife, even an "inferior" steel, like soft 420hc, will still outperform modern "super steels" due to the thinner blade geometry of traditional knives. Connoisseurs say the GEC 1095 is delightful, (and it is) but even the Case stainless is very passable.
Personally, I recommend a GEC viper if you want something "similar" to a modern knife. It's a big hand-filling single blade, with a beautiful wharncliffe. Very versatile.
Alternatively, it's hard to go wrong with a stockman, and Case makes some beauties. This gets you three blades, and you will probably find that the extra versatility of different shapes is a nice thing.
The pride of ownership that comes from a Traditional isn't about having the slickest flip, or the most intricate machining, it comes from having a knife that's always there, riding in your pocket, ready for anything, and better at doing what a knife is supposed to do. Buy a case, or a GEC, or a Rough Rider, and start using the thing. Only then can you really figure out what kind of handle shape you like, etc. And don't worry about blade steel. The Rough Rider 440A, the Case tru-sharp, the Case CV or GEC 1095, all are excellent. You will find that with a traditional knife, even an "inferior" steel, like soft 420hc, will still outperform modern "super steels" due to the thinner blade geometry of traditional knives. Connoisseurs say the GEC 1095 is delightful, (and it is) but even the Case stainless is very passable.
Personally, I recommend a GEC viper if you want something "similar" to a modern knife. It's a big hand-filling single blade, with a beautiful wharncliffe. Very versatile.
Alternatively, it's hard to go wrong with a stockman, and Case makes some beauties. This gets you three blades, and you will probably find that the extra versatility of different shapes is a nice thing.
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Some great comments and insight here. I guess I should've given a bit more info on myself and how I use a knife because that obviously plays a big part in what people would suggest. I have over the last few years really become excited and into EDC gear (every day carry). I don't know what the fascination is, but something about having a CCW pistol, knife, flashlight, multi tool, and other useful items just gives me peace of mind. So now everyday as I walk out the door I pick a knife, a light, and a multi tool from my small but nice collection. To be honest I even take it a step further and match my knife up with my light with my watch and with my dress atire for that day. I know that's not what a lot of people care about, but I like gear so I like to have a nice variety of different items that I can use if need be.
Now, that said I'm not a hard user when it comes to knives. The most used edc tool on my person everyday is my light. My knives come out of my pocket every few days to open a package, or to cut a hanging string from a shirt. But like any gear head I like nice, high quality items, within reason of my personal finances. I'm self employed and I'm by no means wealthy, but I work hard and someday down the road "I'm 38 now" I hope it will all pay off and I will be able to enjoy a nice long and healthy retirement. So in the meantime I try to buy nicer stuff and just have fewer pieces. For example instead of buying 10 $50 knives, I would rather buy a couple of nicer quality knives. It takes a little longer for me to put the disposable income together, but I know when I buy something it's quality "in my eyes" and should last me a lifetime.
So I'm really a very light knife user. I do however appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into a well made knife just as much as the hard use guy that reaps the benefits of those high quality materials in his daily hard cutting tasks. I take pride in the stuff I work hard to buy so just because I don't need super high quality for cutting, I like to have super high quality just because of the craftsmanship that goes into it. So that's my story and that may or may not change some of your suggestions. I don't need to have the best of the best customs, I simply can't afford them anyway at this point, but I do prefer the nicer production brands that are known for quality and craftsmanship.
I thank you all for the suggestions so far and hopefully knowing how I use a knife and what I like to own will help narrow this down a bit. My head is spinning at this point as there are so many different traditionals out there. I can't remember being this overwhelmed when I got into modern locking knives. Lol.
Now, that said I'm not a hard user when it comes to knives. The most used edc tool on my person everyday is my light. My knives come out of my pocket every few days to open a package, or to cut a hanging string from a shirt. But like any gear head I like nice, high quality items, within reason of my personal finances. I'm self employed and I'm by no means wealthy, but I work hard and someday down the road "I'm 38 now" I hope it will all pay off and I will be able to enjoy a nice long and healthy retirement. So in the meantime I try to buy nicer stuff and just have fewer pieces. For example instead of buying 10 $50 knives, I would rather buy a couple of nicer quality knives. It takes a little longer for me to put the disposable income together, but I know when I buy something it's quality "in my eyes" and should last me a lifetime.
So I'm really a very light knife user. I do however appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into a well made knife just as much as the hard use guy that reaps the benefits of those high quality materials in his daily hard cutting tasks. I take pride in the stuff I work hard to buy so just because I don't need super high quality for cutting, I like to have super high quality just because of the craftsmanship that goes into it. So that's my story and that may or may not change some of your suggestions. I don't need to have the best of the best customs, I simply can't afford them anyway at this point, but I do prefer the nicer production brands that are known for quality and craftsmanship.
I thank you all for the suggestions so far and hopefully knowing how I use a knife and what I like to own will help narrow this down a bit. My head is spinning at this point as there are so many different traditionals out there. I can't remember being this overwhelmed when I got into modern locking knives. Lol.
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(I'm in basically the same position as mjpgolf1. Watching with interest. Love my Opinel No. 8, Love my Douk Douk, but tentatively eyeing more traditionals. Without pulling the trigger on many. Oy.)
For you guys who like the expensive stuff (and that is legitimate), the only warning here is that traditional patterns vary a lot more in design than moderns do. Recommend figuring out your preferred patterns on less expensive brands before dropping big bucks on customs.
GaiusJulius
Gold Member
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I definitely get where you are coming from, OP. I don't tend to carry an EDC loadout, but I do like the idea. (I think it has something to do with working 3 blocks from my home, and having armed guards at work. Just don't feel like I need to be that prepped on a daily basis, since in any real SHTF I'm either already screwed or I have plenty of tools at home or work to deal with any eventuality.
That said, Traditionals aren't very beloved by the EDC guys mainly because they lack self-defense versatility. If we're emphasizing multi-use, and have to carry other gear, then the Traditional knife will look inferior, because it's not quick-deploying, generally requires two hands, and most are not lockbacks, which obviously disqualifies them from anything except the most last-ditch of self defense. So if guys can only carry one knife and are thinking self-defense with it might ever be necessary, they'll usually opt for something modern.
But the slipjoint traditionals are the best at two things. Looking and feeling elegant, and cutting. So they excel for the purpose for which they are intended.
In your case, you have to decide how much space you have, if you want to carry multiple knives, or how comfortable you are having a knife that's great for cutting string and opening packages (or also capable of cutting rope, skinning a critter, etc.) but not so great for self defense. Personally I find my realistic cutting needs to be about the same as yours, but the knife makes an appearance almost every day, either to cut string, tags, open a box or letter, etc. Or just to be admired as a piece of fine craftsmanship. Any piece of sharp metal can do the cutting I need, but I enjoy the elegance of a traditional pocketknife, and I also appreciate that it fits who I am: I'm more of a gentleman than a special-forces operator. And if I must draw a weapon in self-defense it is more likely to be my PPK than my Glock.
Look into the Case Peanut in chestnut bone CV steel. Low price, high elegance, and a small package that disappears in a pocket. Alternatively, Queen has done some lovely Senator pattern knives in abalone or mother-of-pearl that might be up your alley. The smaller Traditionals cut just as well as the bigger ones, but take up less real estate in your pocket
That said, Traditionals aren't very beloved by the EDC guys mainly because they lack self-defense versatility. If we're emphasizing multi-use, and have to carry other gear, then the Traditional knife will look inferior, because it's not quick-deploying, generally requires two hands, and most are not lockbacks, which obviously disqualifies them from anything except the most last-ditch of self defense. So if guys can only carry one knife and are thinking self-defense with it might ever be necessary, they'll usually opt for something modern.
But the slipjoint traditionals are the best at two things. Looking and feeling elegant, and cutting. So they excel for the purpose for which they are intended.
In your case, you have to decide how much space you have, if you want to carry multiple knives, or how comfortable you are having a knife that's great for cutting string and opening packages (or also capable of cutting rope, skinning a critter, etc.) but not so great for self defense. Personally I find my realistic cutting needs to be about the same as yours, but the knife makes an appearance almost every day, either to cut string, tags, open a box or letter, etc. Or just to be admired as a piece of fine craftsmanship. Any piece of sharp metal can do the cutting I need, but I enjoy the elegance of a traditional pocketknife, and I also appreciate that it fits who I am: I'm more of a gentleman than a special-forces operator. And if I must draw a weapon in self-defense it is more likely to be my PPK than my Glock.
Look into the Case Peanut in chestnut bone CV steel. Low price, high elegance, and a small package that disappears in a pocket. Alternatively, Queen has done some lovely Senator pattern knives in abalone or mother-of-pearl that might be up your alley. The smaller Traditionals cut just as well as the bigger ones, but take up less real estate in your pocket
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I am similar gear usage and EDC preferences. My usage goes flashlight, pen, then lighter and knife. I am a fan of single bladed barlows, because I carry the other items the extra thickness of a pen blade is unwanted. I started with a Queen Cutlery #69 barlow in D2 to break myself into the traditional knife world as they are cheaper and easier to find the GEC options. The fit and finish of Queen made blades are not close to GEC, but you can get knives with modern steels and lower prices.
The Tom's Choice barlow is extremely popular, so the #77 might also be a good choice as they can be found cheaper. The #77 below is currently my most carried knife.
I favor copper, brass, and/or bronze edc items, so I also appreciate the patina that develops or forced on GEC 1095 (in this case a GEC produced Northwoods Esky Zulu)
There are an abundance of excellent options, the problem is finding them and not getting too addicted to them
silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
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Single blade GEC 73. Great transition knife from modern knives.
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This is err, my exact "loadout" that I carry everyday in my work laptop bag. Exactly one pen light, pen and a traditional in my pocket. Covers most daily superman moments in the big city, lol. Especially the pen or a roll of tape at the post office which other customers often forget to bring. I usually have the tape, if I'm at the po, I'm probably shipping out a knife!I am similar gear usage and EDC preferences. My usage goes flashlight, pen, then lighter and knife. I am a fan of single bladed barlows, because I carry the other items the extra thickness of a pen blade is unwanted. I started with a Queen Cutlery #69 barlow in D2 to break myself into the traditional knife world as they are cheaper and easier to find the GEC options. The fit and finish of Queen made blades are not close to GEC, but you can get knives with modern steels and lower prices.The Tom's Choice barlow is extremely popular, so the #77 might also be a good choice as they can be found cheaper. The #77 below is currently my most carried knife.I favor copper, brass, and/or bronze edc items, so I also appreciate the patina that develops or forced on GEC 1095 (in this case a GEC produced Northwoods Esky Zulu)There are an abundance of excellent options, the problem is finding them and not getting too addicted to them
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I carry something very similar myself.
the case peanut it's a great knife for dress pants because it weights almost nothing. That little Fenix has been with me for five years now and the space pen is the second one because I lost the first one.
Maybe you know it already but don't forget to check gadgets&gear on the community forums section
Regards
Mateo
the case peanut it's a great knife for dress pants because it weights almost nothing. That little Fenix has been with me for five years now and the space pen is the second one because I lost the first one.
Maybe you know it already but don't forget to check gadgets&gear on the community forums section
Regards
Mateo
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Philosophy aside there are practical and objective reasons for choosing a traditional over a modern folder. The size. The lack of bulk. The pocket-ability. The lack of un-ergonomic clip. The blade made for slicing through stuff rather then bludgeoning them apart. Multiple blades! The people friendliness of the overall package. Last and for me perhaps the most important of all, the older world aesthetics in a world (over?) saturated with the 'look' of sleek metallic shapes and bauhaus design.
The resurgence of the traditional in the modern world has a lot to do with nostalgia, embarrassingly something to do with hipsterism but most of all I honestly believe that for so very many, the package as a whole is the correct choice for their pockets and needs. A hard working, good looking, small and light pocket knife with huge versatility for its size and no wasted utility (massive blades, over wide blades, funky grinds, 'tactical' styling, etc) which have no necessity for urban carry and just becomes unnecessary bulk in the pocket for no practical gain.
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Here's a pocket or edc gear dump for me.
I like modern knives too. And the most important point for me in terms of looking at a first traditional is to say hey what am I looking for in a first traditional. If you need a stouter knife you can get a lockback or if you need discreet carry that doesn't weight you down and won't be frowned on by society any number of traditional patterns will do the trick!
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I like modern knives too. And the most important point for me in terms of looking at a first traditional is to say hey what am I looking for in a first traditional. If you need a stouter knife you can get a lockback or if you need discreet carry that doesn't weight you down and won't be frowned on by society any number of traditional patterns will do the trick!
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Some very nice gear you guys are toting there. I always love checking out what others are carrying. As for my choices in my modern folders I stick with smaller knives. I purged my collection over the last 5 months of anything bigger than about 7" open. I just have no use for a bigger blade. I carry a pocket knife to use for small cutting tasks and not at all for self defense. That's why I carry a concealed pistol. So the traditional knife idea is obviously a good fit for someone like me. I will still carry a locking modern folder, just because I like to have one on me and I'm a gear head. However I have been carrying a Victorinox Alox Cadet in the bottom of my pocket to use in situations where a locking knife may not be appropriate. The traditional knives are obviously much less aggressive looking so they have a use in my everyday life. Also let's face it, they have some beautiful designs that will be fun to collect over time.
Thanks again for all the responses here. Every little bit helps so keep the ideas and comments coming. Also I always enjoy a good pocket dump photo so those are obviously welcome as well. For good measure here is my pocket dump for today's carry items.
Thanks again for all the responses here. Every little bit helps so keep the ideas and comments coming. Also I always enjoy a good pocket dump photo so those are obviously welcome as well. For good measure here is my pocket dump for today's carry items.
