Babby's filrst slipjoint

M

malkkis

Joined
Dec 27, 2010
Messages
5
So, I am young man with one or two problems.

First, I want to find nice, solid slipjoint. Something classy, with maybe stag handles and something that would outlast me. I also want it to be something that I carry pretty much everywhere, so I'd guess ideal size would be something along the lines of 3" to 4" closed. Number of the blades is also quite irrelevant to me, as I don't need three of four blades to get through my day.

Second issue is that I know absolutely nothing about slipjoints. I know nothing about the brands of slipjoints and I have absolutely zero idea how to even take care of slipjoint once acquired. So could someone perhaps recommend me a nice slipjoint and point me to some resources how to keep it running? I'd say that the limit for the purchase is about 70 USD.
 
Your best bet would be cruising through the manufacturers web sites, with what you have asked there will be a huge variety.
Check out G.E.C, Queen and Case, there are many more to go from here as well..but this will be a good start.
You may want to add just a few bucks...you are wanting a knife that out-lasts you? between $70.00 to just over $100.00 should get you a nice knife, but then its how you look after that knife will be telling tale of its survival..this is a good place to ask, these guys here are a great bunch.
Also look back as this question has been asked many times...so scout through the older threads...there already a great deal of information waiting there, ok...I have just looked back for you...look at this past thread...

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=678068&highlight=recommendation+for+slipjoint

Let us know of your choice, and when you get it...throw us some photos!
Good luck
 
One thing you might also want to decide before jumping in is if you want stainless or not. A lot of folks like carbon steel (1095 or such) but it requires a little bit of attention. If you're looking for something to last a lifetime and don't want to worry about rust, then you'd be leaning toward stainless.

GEC's 66xxx Jack in 1095 is a great all-a-rounder. In fact, I think I'm gonna go get mine and carry it for a bit! Another way to go is with a Queen in D-2 - a nice tough steel that is fairly stain/rust resistant. You can find a nice amber bone Queen within your budget.

Have fun conducting your search!
 
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Take your time, don't get in a hurry, read, read, read the threads on this forum. You are in the right place! And welcome to traditional slipjoints!

I would start with an inexpensive, cheapie or used knife and learn to sharpen as well as care for the knife. You will get to know what you like and don't like about the knife and will be better informed before your big purchase.

Lots of people here can't have just one. But if you are going to have one for life, make it a good one!

Again, Welcome!
 
malkkis said:
So, I am young man with one or two problems.

First, I want to find nice, solid slipjoint. Something classy, with maybe stag handles and something that would outlast me. I also want it to be something that I carry pretty much everywhere, so I'd guess ideal size would be something along the lines of 3" to 4" closed. Number of the blades is also quite irrelevant to me, as I don't need three of four blades to get through my day.

Second issue is that I know absolutely nothing about slipjoints. I know nothing about the brands of slipjoints and I have absolutely zero idea how to even take care of slipjoint once acquired. So could someone perhaps recommend me a nice slipjoint and point me to some resources how to keep it running? I'd say that the limit for the purchase is about 70 USD.
Click to expand...

Good advise about not jumping in too quick. Take your time and look at some traditional patterns. But there are somwe things that will make a difference.

1. Where are you?

2. What kind of work environment are you in?

3. What kind of clothing do you wear most often?

It will make a difference. A barlow will not carry in dress pants as well as a more compactly built knife. On the other hand, a Peanut may be too small if you're in a blue collar outdoors job like construction. An office environment may be more restrictive for some reasons from H.R. than a warehouse job.

Some locations may be more restrictive than ohters. A 4 inch closed kife may be too big to carry in the U.K., while the same knife may not make people blink in a rural U.S. location.

It all makes a difference.

Carl.
 
I recently received a GEC Northfield #72 from a friend and I love it. I had no previous experience with these knives but I am now a big fan. The fit and finish is probably equal or above any of the other production brands. The pull is light and effortless. overall an excellent choice.
 
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You know what I think would be a great first knife?...a full sized, Carbon Steel Case Soddie for Mallkis.
 
If you are really set on stag scales the first ones that come to mind are an Eye Brand Canoe or a Boker Barlow. With most other brands genuine stag will be more expensive than your limit.

As far as maintenance goes, there isn't much of a difference between slipjoints and other folding knives. You need to add a drop or two of oil to the joints from time to time and clean out any pocket lint. If it has a carbon steel blade you just have to make sure to wipe it down after it gets wet or if you use it on food to avoid rust. There is plenty of info on sharpening in the Maintenance, Tinkering, & Embellishment forum.
 
Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I've been reading about slipjoints and I think I now have better idea what to look for. I also decided to throw in some more money for good measure, as I'd like to get something that's good quality. And boy, those stag handles sure look classy... ;)

Also, I am pretty familiar with my areas carry laws like Carl mentioned and keep them in mind when choosing my first slipjoint.(I have couple carbon steel fixed blades and some in stainless; I've also carried linerlocks and other folders for couple of years, and I am familiar with sharpening said knives). I am also working in environment where nobody will care if you have a knife in your pocket, so that eases up things a little. :)

Bottomline: thanks for everyone's comments, this is something I wouldn't rush either. I can cut things couple weeks later as well as today. Some GEC knives look actually pretty nice to me. And yes, I will provide photos when I get my slipjoint.
 
Maybe a GEC Dogleg- Northfield version in Burnt Stag would suit?

Check their website Great Eastern Cutlery for dealer links with actual photos of knives-many are very good photos too.

It's both compact and sturdy, 2 carbon blades to choose from and GEC turn out some well decent stag. Their bone is fine too.
 
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