Bulldog Stockman

[Lenny]

Yes, you read correctly. I purchased a slipjoint to use as an EDC. And I couldn't be happier.
I bought the BD-113 from NDS Products about 2 weeks ago. Upon opening the box, I was very impressed. Beautiful stag scales that matched on both sides. Mirror polish on the bolsters, backsprings, spacers and shield. A very favorable first impression. On to the blades. They have the "matchstriker pulls" which seem to be something of a trademark for Bulldog. Personally, I love this style of pull. Adds a bit more class to slipjoints in general. More makers should do this. Additionally, the main blade has a long pull nail nick. Very nice. The main blade, a clip point, has one of the simpler Bulldog etchings, but very detailed and nicely done. I think this is also somewhat of a trademark for Bulldog, with many of their knives having the etchings. The clip point has a great shape, nice point, and enough width and thickness to take on heavier cutting jobs with no flex. It is also perfectly centered between the liners when closed. The sheepsfoot blade is a nice short, stout design. Actually, the shape is more like a "lambsfoot". Someone correct me if this is wrong. The spey blade has the typical shape and length of this style blade. All three blades were not up to my sharpness requirement out of the box. Is there some unwritten rule that "slipjoints shall not be sharpened before shipping"? Maybe all the mfrs think we just collect them and no one uses them. That may very well be true, but still no excuse for dull out of the box sharpness.
No matter, a little time on the Edge Pro got them very sharp.
I believe all 3 blades are Solingen steel. The NDS page lists the spey and sheepsfoot as carbon steel, but says nothing about the clip. I thought this one might be SS, to keep the etching pretty. However, it is starting to discolor, leading me to believe that it too is carbon steel. Anybody know for sure? It sure cuts and sharpens like carbon steel.
In summary, I love this knife. It is the perfect size for EDC pocket carry, yet large enough for the more mundane daily cutting tasks. The scales are wide enough for good purchase, yet not too wide to be bulky in the pocket. Finally, the overall appearance of the knife is gorgeous. I just love taking it out of my pocket to use, or just look at.
I'll also be buying one of the new Queen D2 small Stockman knives in the jigged stag bone when it is released. It'll make a good comparison between the 2.
Comments, corrections are welcome.
Lenny

 

[Buzzbait]

I had that same exact knife... until my wife saw it. It was in my possession for all of fifteen minutes. I don't have a bad thing to say about it, other than the fact that I no longer have one. I was VERY impressed by the fit and finish of the sample I held. It had great "walk and talk", and none of the blades were too hard to open. Everything was quite smooth. Bulldog makes an awesome stockman!!!!

 

[Danbo]

I just picked up a super nice stag handled Bulldog knife last week at our local Knife club meeting. This one has 5 blades; all carbon steel and some of the nicest, matching stag that I have ever seen on a factory pocketknife. I will try to take a good, clear digital pic and post it here. Not sure if I am going to carry and use the knife, but it sure is sweet.

 

[Lenny]

You 2 have great taste.
Hey Buzz, do you use the Bulldog Canoe that you purchased a while back? That also was a sweet looker. I considered buying that exact knife too, just for the looks. But I hate buying a knife that I probably won't use. And I've really grown to love the Sheepsfoot blade on the Stockman.
I think all the other slipjoint makers could take a lesson from Bulldog. Almost every brand I've seen is lower quality, for a higher price. Maybe Mooremaker and Queen/Schatt & Morgan are the exception.
Gotta try one of the German Eye Brand Stockmen though.
BTW Buzz, you're so lucky that you're married to a woman who appreciates fine cutlery!
Lenny