Best traditional for a beginner?

I'd just start right up with GEC brands (Northfield, Great Eastern Cuttlery, and Tideoute).

More than Case money wise, but great quality.
 
If I were you I would pick up a couple different Rough Rider patterns and see what you used and liked most.
Maybe you will gravitate towards single blades or maybe multiple blades.

Once you got a baseline preference then start looking at Case or GEC.
If you get that far you are done for.
 
Workingsloth777 said:
Thx for the feedback everyone, it's very helpful. So where would you go once you get out of that beginner stage?
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Go to a knife show if possible, check out everything and buy whatever piques your interest! Your interests will change over the years, happy hunting
 
Workingsloth777 said:
Thx again everyone, I decided on a case mini copper lock with stag handles, but I also have my eyes on some GEC's.
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Great choice and what I was going to recommend. It's also the first one I bought to delve back into this world and that is after many years of modern offerings. The reason I think it is a great starter for someone who has been using modern folders is it is a nice bridge. You get traditional styling and materials but retain the lock that can be hard at first to let go of.

That said, I have come to believe that the Case Mini Copperlock is one of my all time favorite knife designs. It really is fantastic.

One of the great things about Case is that you can experiment with different patterns without sinking a ton of money into any one choice. I've tried six different patterns so far and aside form the Mini Copperlock, the canoe and the Mini Trapper keep rising to the top. The canoe may be inching out the Mini Trapper. But this will definitely be personal preference, use desires, etc.

Also, as mentioned, do not overlook Victorinox. Great knives at excellent prices. If you do not already have one, I cannot encourage you strongly enough to buy a Classic or, in my opinion the superior, Rambler. No matter if you stick with traditionals or not, once you have one of these little gems in your life you will never not want to have one with you again. Toss it in your watch (coin) pocket and then whatever else you want to carry. I don't even think of it as a knife, just a tool. I never use the blade. But I'm always using the scissors, toothpick and nail file. Like all the time.

And of course, never hesitate to ask these great folks questions. The people who hang out here are super friendly and very knowledgeable. They've helped me a bunch! :)
 
Workingsloth777 said:
Thx again everyone, I decided on a case mini copper lock with stag handles, but I also have my eyes on some GEC's.
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Excellent choice! I give mini copper locks as gifts and they are always well received.
I would advise not to go into it with blinders on, buy what appeals to you (for whatever reason, because reason has nothing to do with it) and what you can afford.... the rest will sort itself out.
 
willc said:
If I were you I would pick up a couple different Rough Rider patterns and see what you used and liked most.
Maybe you will gravitate towards single blades or maybe multiple blades.

Once you got a baseline preference then start looking at Case or GEC.
If you get that far you are done for.
Click to expand...
Single blades defidentlty are more my speed, and If collecting traditionals is like collecting any of my other more modern knives I'm for sure done for ;)
 
Good choice on the mini copperlock, one of the best knives Case makes. A good transition to traditionals too. A SAK is a good thing to have around as well. I like the Camper model. The delrin Cases are really great too, if you like the look of delrin.
 
Anything in a GEC #15 Frame. Beer Scout is one of my favorite #15's Great Eastern makes.
 
No matter where you start, part of the fun of traditionals is the variety of patterns. I can't tell you how many times I've decided, "This is my favorite pattern now." Then I try a new one and it becomes my favorite. Same with blade shapes: "Gotta have a clip." "Well, this Warncliffe is pretty neat!" Etc.
 
The hunt is part of the fun. Check out pawn shops,garage sales,flea markets etc. and find some of the old traditionals. I've found some beauts at the bottom of old toolboxes. They may need a cleanup but you can occasionally find some jewels without spending a bunch of money and learn a lot about old knives at the same time. Be sure and post your finds here!--KV
 
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