I've tried a few knives of recent design that really impress me. Out of the many traditionals I have handled over the years, or downright owned and used the heck out of, there are a few that really stand out in my experience as modern classics: knives that embody the spirit of historical knives and just get everything right. They have the right design and execution of that design.
For me, these are:
Case Swayback Jack--comfortable for draw cuts, really thin, useable Wharnecliffe main blade, and different enough to be unique. Pen is long enough to be useful.
Case-Bose Norfolk--amazingly comfortable pattern, excels at draw cuts, big enough handle to grip easily, yet hides in my pocket with its thin single-spring design. The handling balance and look are just right.
GEC Pemberton--great take on a classic (but usually larger) Coke-bottle design. Lots of knife and blade in a really small package. This will be around for a long time--has much more blade steel than a Case Peanut (though I don't imagine ever sharpening my Peanut completely out).
GEC Boy's Knife/TC Barlow--I have the single-bladed Boy's knife. This might be the one I'd keep if ever limited to one (excepting sentimental knives, of course). Lots of blade, great steel, in a very thin, hides-in-your pocket design. This knife could double as a Gent's knife or a hard worker. It's really versatile and GEC got the dimensions just right.
I'd mention any sodbuster, Case Peanut and any Opinel--they are just fantastic for what they were designed to do--but they have been around for a long time. Maybe the Queen micarta sodbuster is different enough if it is a liner-less design--I don't know.
What knives designed in the past decade or two are on your "modern classics" list?
For me, these are:
Case Swayback Jack--comfortable for draw cuts, really thin, useable Wharnecliffe main blade, and different enough to be unique. Pen is long enough to be useful.
Case-Bose Norfolk--amazingly comfortable pattern, excels at draw cuts, big enough handle to grip easily, yet hides in my pocket with its thin single-spring design. The handling balance and look are just right.
GEC Pemberton--great take on a classic (but usually larger) Coke-bottle design. Lots of knife and blade in a really small package. This will be around for a long time--has much more blade steel than a Case Peanut (though I don't imagine ever sharpening my Peanut completely out).
GEC Boy's Knife/TC Barlow--I have the single-bladed Boy's knife. This might be the one I'd keep if ever limited to one (excepting sentimental knives, of course). Lots of blade, great steel, in a very thin, hides-in-your pocket design. This knife could double as a Gent's knife or a hard worker. It's really versatile and GEC got the dimensions just right.
I'd mention any sodbuster, Case Peanut and any Opinel--they are just fantastic for what they were designed to do--but they have been around for a long time. Maybe the Queen micarta sodbuster is different enough if it is a liner-less design--I don't know.
What knives designed in the past decade or two are on your "modern classics" list?
