Best sources to learn all about traditional pocket knives

G GusSharp68
I would venture to say you've found one of the best resources if not THE best, i.e.BladeForums. Although I don't go into allot of other sub forums there's allot of information here about ANYTHING with a sharp edge. If traditionals now have your attention this particular sub forum is a treasure trove imho. Generally everyone on the "Porch" is very friendly and we have many very knowledgeable members. Never be afraid to ask questions, even if you think its a silly thing to ask. No regular member of the Porch will ridicule a earnest question, and in fact be happy to help. I wasn't very knowledgeable about traditional knives when I came,but everyone has always answered my questions with enthusiasm! But fair warning! When I joined I had 3-4 traditional knives, within a year almost a hundred, now I'm over 200 and I bought almost none in the last year (my fiance spent most of the year in the hospital so I took a hiatus from my hobbies) While knowledgeable and helpful, we are a bunch of enablers, not only will we post pictures of knives to drool over, we will actively encourage you to collect more!
 
G GusSharp68
I would venture to say you've found one of the best resources if not THE best, i.e.BladeForums. Although I don't go into allot of other sub forums there's allot of information here about ANYTHING with a sharp edge. If traditionals now have your attention this particular sub forum is a treasure trove imho. Generally everyone on the "Porch" is very friendly and we have many very knowledgeable members. Never be afraid to ask questions, even if you think its a silly thing to ask. No regular member of the Porch will ridicule an earnest question, and in fact be happy to help. I wasn't very knowledgeable about traditional knives when I came,but everyone has always answered my questions with enthusiasm! But fair warning! When I joined I had 3-4 traditional knives, within a year almost a hundred, now I'm over 200 and I bought almost none in the last year (my fiance spent most of the year in the hospital so I took a hiatus from my hobbies) While knowledgeable and helpful, we are a bunch of enablers, not only will we post pictures of knives to drool over, we will actively encourage you to collect more!
Definitely, this forum has been for the most part a great source of information and knowledge. I’ve found out a lot of things from here which I really appreciate.

My Lanny’s Clip arrived today…

View attachment 2049901View attachment 2049902
 
G GusSharp68
I would venture to say you've found one of the best resources if not THE best, i.e.BladeForums. Although I don't go into allot of other sub forums there's allot of information here about ANYTHING with a sharp edge. If traditionals now have your attention this particular sub forum is a treasure trove imho. Generally everyone on the "Porch" is very friendly and we have many very knowledgeable members. Never be afraid to ask questions, even if you think its a silly thing to ask. No regular member of the Porch will ridicule a earnest question, and in fact be happy to help. I wasn't very knowledgeable about traditional knives when I came,but everyone has always answered my questions with enthusiasm! But fair warning! When I joined I had 3-4 traditional knives, within a year almost a hundred, now I'm over 200 and I bought almost none in the last year (my fiance spent most of the year in the hospital so I took a hiatus from my hobbies) While knowledgeable and helpful, we are a bunch of enablers, not only will we post pictures of knives to drool over, we will actively encourage you to collect more!
I absolutely agree with the above 100%.

The folks here are not just hugely knowledgeable, but also you can see some knives and collections unavailable anywhere else.
There are other traditional based knife forums but thanks to years of excellent moderating, BF has a particularly easy going, friendly group of collectors and enthusiasts that are hugely generous with their time and knowledge.

I can tell you that there is nothing in the knife world as addictive as traditional knives.........but I guess it's too late to tell you that!🤣
 
Old catalogs are a good place to find info. Some just show model numbers, but some have ad copy with names and descriptions. You will find that the names are sometimes inconsistent. I also noticed they stopped describing bolsters as being made of “German silver” around the time of WW1…


https://archive.org/details/BiddleHardwareCoCatalog1910/page/n949/mode/2up

https://archive.org/details/SearsRoebuckAndCoHardwareCatalog1919/page/n81/mode/2up

https://archive.org/details/catalog1918sear_201901/page/n1353/mode/2up
 
Last edited:
I have Levines Guide 5th edition....always wondered why the 4th is the Connery to its Lazenby.
Good point. Id just like to get ANY edition but the eye watering prices I've encountered make for manic depression (sorry to use the non PC word...not) :eek:

I think it has to do with official sanction, BRL may not have approved the 5th ed ?
 
Good point. Id just like to get ANY edition but the eye watering prices I've encountered make for manic depression (sorry to use the non PC word...not) :eek:

I think it has to do with official sanction, BRL may not have approved the 5th ed ?
I concur with you Will. I just read short article from knife-expert.com. BRL denies having anything to do with 5th edition and disapproves of many aspects of said edition.
 
JoKr JoKr Yes, I suspected that was the issue.

I'd just like to get hold of ANY edition (the price guide is obviously outmoded but listings and descriptions would be useful) Maybe some fickle type will get bored with their knife collection & send me their copy...Hope Springs Eternal :D😻
 
Back
Top