Been switching out traditionals for tactical

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
Joined
Feb 2, 2005
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Been trying to carry my traditionals instead of my tacticals, even left my trusted Benchmade 710 at home a couple times. I'm comfortable with my larger traditionals, but can't get by with the smaller ones. For instance, my big Camillus Rough Cuts stockman, my Queen Gunstock, my Queen trapper, they are fine for pocket carry. My 34OT, my Ducks Unltd small stockman, my Queen small stockman, too small for EDC carry. Is this a holdover from my tacticool brainwashing? Or a valid concern?
 
If you need and use a bigger knife...you need and use a bigger knife!

That's cool. If a small stockman doesn't fit your hand, or you find it difficult to use, there is no reason to force yourself.

I say relax and enjoy your big ol' EDC slippie. I think the "relax" part is what the appeal of traditional slipjoints is anyway.
 
You need a 5" Texas Toothpick. Case has a great one for less than 50.
 
silenthunterstudios said:
Been trying to carry my traditionals instead of my tacticals, even left my trusted Benchmade 710 at home a couple times. I'm comfortable with my larger traditionals, but can't get by with the smaller ones. For instance, my big Camillus Rough Cuts stockman, my Queen Gunstock, my Queen trapper, they are fine for pocket carry. My 34OT, my Ducks Unltd small stockman, my Queen small stockman, too small for EDC carry. Is this a holdover from my tacticool brainwashing? Or a valid concern?
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You could always try a number 12 Opinel!

Just kidding.

You have to go with what feels comfortable for you. Just out of curiousity, what kind of cutting chores are you finding the small stockmen too small for?

Have you tried the large yellow sodbusters by Eye-Brand or Case? Lots of knife in a light-for-its-size package. Wide thin blades with great slicing geometry.
 
I carry a mini-trapper most days. For the last few I've been toting my little Case, CV, peanut. However, there are times in jeans when I just really enjoy carrying and using a Daddy Barlow.

It may be that right now you've been used to the tacticals, so the larger slippies feel better to you. Maybe later smaller ones will feel more comfortable and usable for you. Maybe never. What feels right for you is what is right for you.
 
Nothing wrong with a big knife. I usually carry a large stockman. I have smaller knives, but the bigger ones are just so much fun.
 
For me, I find that the knife has to fit my hand. That is, it has to feel comfortable and easy to control. Obviously it has to be big enough to accomplish the task at hand, but I think the appropriate size is more dependent on how it feels in your mitt. Teenincey little pistols are really nice to carry, but I have a devil of a time actually using one effectively because I just barely can hold on to some of them. I find the same thing is true with pocket knives. But, hey, that's just me. Pick your poison. :D
 
I like my "main" pocket knives on the large side. Like GEC's Pioneer, a Case trapper or something like that. When I carry smaller knives they usually have a very specific job (for instance my small stockman for whittling).

I work outdoors a lot, and spend a lot of time outside in my free time as well. My slippies see quite a bit of use around food, and the long blades on a trapper are more comfortable for that sort of cutting job (it's easier to keep food from getting into the knife).
 
The S&M F&W "English Jack" is an excellent large knife. Instead of a spey, the second blade is a spear point. I really like it as an EDC.

It is the two-bladed one in this photo. Length is 4+":

smfw.jpg


Rick
 
I don't mind a small blade, but personally, I prefer the handle to fit my hand better than most small knives. I like a little pen-knife as a second, but not as a primary or only. Sometimes, I'll carry a pen-knife alone in dress clothes, but not usually.
 
I also like a relatively large knife in my pocket, and for a number of reasons like a traditional knife. One main reason is that I like multiblades.

They may not be for everyone, but two of the big multiblades that I like are the Queen Real Cattle Knife, with BG-42 blades, and the Northwoods 2-bladed Scagel repro. The one has BG-42 blades (one of my favorite steels) and has the added advantage of being designed by Dan Burke, one of my favorite makers.

The other is, well, a Scagel repro--how cool is that?

Both are pretty dang folksy.:D
 
Cornelis Böhms;4771709 said:
How about a laguiole, the French traditional.
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Yep, been using mine (de L'Artisan, 13cm) a lot lately. With 12C27 steel, Amourette wood handles, and brass bolsters it's quite nice. Though it's not a one handed opener, and it doesn't lock. However, with the spring this thing has, it doesn't need a lock!

I go back and forth. Often I carry a small knife because I work in an office. Since I bought a SAK Cadet SD Alox I always have that with me, and also carry a larger knife just to have with me. Today it's a Case Copperlock with Wharncliff, just 'cause I love the blade.

If you get a Case Folding Hunter you'll have a one hand opening liner lock with a decent stainless blade that has traditional looks. What else do you need? Don't forget the Russlock, either.

-- Sam
 
silenthunterstudios said:
Been trying to carry my traditionals instead of my tacticals, even left my trusted Benchmade 710 at home a couple times. I'm comfortable with my larger traditionals, but can't get by with the smaller ones. For instance, my big Camillus Rough Cuts stockman, my Queen Gunstock, my Queen trapper, they are fine for pocket carry. My 34OT, my Ducks Unltd small stockman, my Queen small stockman, too small for EDC carry. Is this a holdover from my tacticool brainwashing? Or a valid concern?
Click to expand...

in started to carry more Tacs. 5 to 7 years ago.

In the last 2 years I started to carry a folder with the tac.

1 i missed the folder for the different blades.

2 it's just not cool to flick that tac in public.
 
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