Case or other "traditional" knife help find a new EDC

A

Abouna

Joined
Aug 12, 2006
Messages
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I recently bought my wife a nice little Case Peanut 030; side note: it was WAY smaller than I anticipated. Is there a good Case guide other than their terrible website? Too many similar models to know what you are getting?

It reminded me that I'mm due for a new daily carry knife. I currently carry a Boker Trance that I've been using for 9 years! (yikes). What I like about this knife is the thin profile but robust grip and the easy quick open. What I'm not so fond of is the steel, it doesn't hold an edge very long.

I've also been pining for a more traditional look lately having had quite a few modern design knives over the last 20 years (plenty of Spydercos that frankly I never warmed to). I've always loved the look of some of these older looking slip joints but don;t think I really want a slip, I like the security of a locker. I'm also not sure I can get along without a reasonably fast and easy open, thought it's doesn't need to be ridiculous fast, one hand would be good, as I'm using the thing several times per day at work, often one handed.

Any suggestions? I've been looking at the Case RussLock knives (drop points) but they don't seem to get the best reviews and they do look awkward in pictures. My only real requirement is keeping it under 4" closed.
 
I think I'm allowed to VM you a non-member dealer who has a page showing silhouettes of all the patterns to scale. So I will.
 
One-hand opening and locking is going to be a difficult combo to find in a traditional knife. One-handers are generally verboten around here, but there are a few that are allowed - the Russlock being one. Most of the others are friction folders, which are not locking knives. And neither of those will open as easily one-handed as a modern folder. I think you'll open yourself up to much better options if you take away the one-handed stipulation and just look for a good, locking traditional. (I do own a Case Russlock, and am not a big fan. It's not particularly easy to open, feels a bit awkward in hand, and it is a bit goofy looking.)

GEC makes great knives, including some pretty solid lockbacks. This #72 is a good size (3 7/8" closed), solid lockup, and I think makes a good transition knife for someone coming over from modern folders.

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You might also take a look at AG Russel's Medium Lockback Barlow. You get a lot for your money, and with the way the long pull nail nick is cut, you can actually open this with one hand using your thumb like you would a modern folder. It's right at 3 1/2" closed. This one's in Yellow Delrin, but it also comes in Cocobolo and Ebony Rucarta.

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I would definitely recommend taking a look around here, especially in the "What Traditional Knife are ya totin' today?" thread, and keep an open mind. You're guaranteed to see something that piques your interest, and you might just discover the perfect traditional knife for you. :thimbup:
 
Because of the restrictions of discussion for this particular sub-forum, it is going to be difficult to answer your questions since you want a one-hand opener.

Also, if the Boker Trance AUS-8 steel is softer than you like, the steel used in most traditional folders won't be an improvement unless you go to D2 from Queen for example.

You mentioned the Case Russlock. I happen to like the Russlocks, even though they are a bit odd-looking at first. It takes some practice to figure out the opening technique but once mastered you can open them without a glance. I prefer the clip blade over the drop-point. It's actually a good general purpose clip blade with a good point and a nice swedged blade.
 
Case trapperlock is a linerlock with a thumbstud. Collector Knives, a Bladeforums dealer, has at least one in stock.
 
Ok, well lots to consider!

My main frustration is that none of these companies does a very good job with their websites (AG Russel is pretty good though). I'm looking at GEC website, pretty hard to navigate and understand. Ditto Schatt & Morgan which led me to Crisner which looks like the same website with a different URL? Very confusing to figure what is for sale etc.


It's daunting and makes a guy wish there was a show nearby, which there isn't.
 
I agree that the GEC website is sub standard and difficult to navigate. Maybe some GEC people could pass this on to those folks. I love their knives though.
 
Many of the A G Russell branded traditional knives are touted to be able to open with a thumb flick, not just the barlow(which I personally think is great), but also the gunstock, large hunter , hawksbill, etc. They(Russell's) do have a number of YouTube videos actually showing these knives in somebody's hands, being opened and closed. It's also nice(and I've said this quite a bit) to be able to see how big they are; simply reading the numbers can be a bit misleading. Queen also had, and are still available here and there, Mountain men and some other styles that were meant to be opened single handed. YMMV. People have been known to flick open sod busters and other larger types of knives that are pinchable, provided they have enough weight to them. Hope this helps. Otherwise, the after market bars and discs and such could be installed on knives, but that would kill them for the traditional forum. Boker also has copperheads and trappers that open one handed , but again , I don't know how traditional they would be considered. A small fixed blade might answer your needs very well, look at Moki for instance. Some of the Japanese makers like G.Sakai have fixed blades under two inches(blade) that might work for ya. Good luck.
Thanks, Neal
 
Abouna said:
Ok, well lots to consider!

My main frustration is that none of these companies does a very good job with their websites (AG Russel is pretty good though). I'm looking at GEC website, pretty hard to navigate and understand. Ditto Schatt & Morgan which led me to Crisner which looks like the same website with a different URL? Very confusing to figure what is for sale etc.


It's daunting and makes a guy wish there was a show nearby, which there isn't.
Click to expand...

frankster said:
I agree that the GEC website is sub standard and difficult to navigate. Maybe some GEC people could pass this on to those folks. I love their knives though.
Click to expand...

It's tough to compare GEC's website with AG Russell's because AGR sells knives (both their own and many other brands), while GEC is just a manufacturer. (I mean, technically you can buy knives directly from GEC, but not through their website.) Personally, I think GEC goes above and beyond when it comes to providing information on what's in production and what's coming up next/soon. They update their site daily showing what just came off the line, in progress photos are updated a couple times a week, and they provide an upcoming production schedule that shows what will be produced over the next few weeks.

The other thing to consider is that the way GEC knives are released/sold/bought is just a bit... different. No pattern is available all the time. Many of their knives sell out within a few weeks of being released, some in just days. The number of patterns (especially popular ones) that stay on distributors shelves for any extended period of time is small. For knives that have been made previously, the "Collect by Pattern" section of their website is useful (though not perfect), and around the beginning of each year they provide very detailed production totals for the previous year, as well. For knives that can be purchased right now, you just have to check the various distributors' inventory (distributors are listed on the website).
 
I don't see what's so problematic about GEC's website? I'm not much interested to technology and if I can navigate it...

It has What's Happening - photos of knives currently in production, list of patterns and numbers, links to dealer websites ALL of whom have excellent photos of the knife you can buy.

As for CASE I agree, those lame inaccurate line drawings in this day and age of fast easy digi photoraphy is beyond understanding.

I'd look at a GEC 73/4 lockback as mentioned, the liner lock version(this has slipjoint backspring AND linerlock so very safe) A GEC 83 a smaller very nice compact lockback or Queen Cutlery's No.6 with D2 and linerlock.

You should also check Moki (Japan) SUPERB lockbacks who set the standard for fit&finish no question.
 
The old USA made Schrade lockbacks are great and you can easily still find them. One place is a big auction site we all love to hate. They can be opened one handed but you will have to learn how. The first link is a video of how to do this the second link is an old thread on this subject and the picture is of my two. The larger one is a 7OT 4.9 inches closed the smaller is a 5OT it is 3 3/8 inch closed. the OT stands for old timer. Good Luck

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...7683F1778F15BE795AA77683F&fsscr=0&FORM=VDMCNL

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...onal-folder-with-one-hand-opening-and-locking


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Maybe a pinch-able traditional would be in order?

The ones with a pronounced cutout can be grasped at the spine and sort of pulled across the leg to open depending on the spring strength. Sort of like a spydie drop but not using gravity.

I usually prefer a one hand knife for quick jobs at work. However, I have gotten into the habit of carryng a work knife AND a traditional for everything else. On the weekend, a little slipjoint with a finely honed edge is all I need.
 
Well I'm really liking some of the GEC stuff, but I still think the website is extremely confusing, and this is coming from a web designer! I'm having a real hard time figuring out what is what, finding lockers, deciphering between the different family brands, etc. I might just call them. A catalog showing everything would be nice I guess. I'm especially interesting in the carbon blade steel series.

I also like the look of the Schatt & Morgan and Crisner stuff but those websites too are strange, if a bit less confusing. Are they the same company? No idea.

I'm especially keen on anything that has that old world look like these and some of the German and English folders I've stumbled on.
 
The GEC site is a manufacturers site not for sales. In that case it's one of the best. There is no catalog because there is no product inventory. They make a minimum number of models per year which are distributed and sold through a small number of dealers. Every model they've made is listed, with photos and description on the page. Everything you need to know is easily accessible through the banner headlines. The site is updated constantly. In all honesty, this has got to be the silliest complaint I've seen directed at them. If you're looking for something, ask. Anyone here will be glad to help.
 
A true traditional won't give you a modern fast one hand open. But, they will give you a just fine one hand open if you buy right and are willing to practice.

Many single blade traditional can be one hand opened by pinching the blade with thumb and forefinger, pressing the frame open a bit with the other fingers and then hooking the butt end of the frame on your leg. It's easier than it sounds with some practice.

If your coming off of a modern knife, I would look at the Buck 500 Duke. The GEC 72!is another safe bet.
 
Well my biggest problem with the GEC site is simply a lack of understanding. From what I've gleaned in this thread is it safe to assume then that the 2016/17 releases are what is most likely available now? That was my biggest stumbler, I kept looking at all these years assuming everything was in production.

I assure you, I'm not trying to be a pain (as one of the owners of a decent size small manufacturing website, I'm all too familiar with people asking dumb website questions).

Can someone comment on the Schatt & Morgan and Crisner stuff? I've gathered that the GEC stuff seems well respected but not found much on these other two.
 
Truthfully Abouna your guess is as good as any. Until GEC posts what's in production on the site no one knows. As a small company their production is limited to a limited of number of each model in each run. And, at the moment demand appears to outstrip supply. The only way to determine what's available is by checking out the websites of GEC's distributors, plus the secondary market.
 
GEC is a relatively small operation. They have become very popular in the past couple of years, to the point where the demand for their products usually exceeds the supply. They don't have a standard product catalog - what you see on their web site is pretty much the "history of the knives we've made" and not some regular production rotation.

There may be some pattern you like that they will never make again. Or some blade and handle material combination that will never come around again, or it may be several years.

You basically need to learn who their biggest dealers are and figure out how to get on their early reserve / pre-order / release notification system and get in line to buy whatever the next new thing is that comes out.

It's not hard - several of their dealers and some of the people who place SFOs (special factory order runs) are members here and are good people to deal with. You just have to learn the secret handshakes and be really quick on the reply when you get a notice that some new release is available for pre-order / reservation.

A few years ago you could browse dealer web sites and sort of pick and choose from a broad range of patterns but those days are over.


Schatt & Morgan is a brand named owned and produced by Queen Cutlery.

Crisner is a knife vendor and unless they are a paying member dealer here (and they aren't), we can't really discuss them.
 
Schatt & Morgan knives are made by Queen Cutlery and Clarence Risner was a well known Queen dealer. Unfortunately, Clarence passed away last June. I don't know if anybody took over his business or not.

I have a few Schatt & Morgan knives, mostly Railsplitters, and the quality is generally good. Like most any knife maker, lemons can slip through the Quality Control Department from time to time. The S&M knives typically are finished to a higher level of polish than the regular Queen line. Most have 420HC blade steel but some, like the File & Wire series have upgraded steels. If you get your hands on a good S&M knife you will almost certainly be pleased with it.

Personally, I'm a little torn between the S&M and regular Queen line. I like the higher level of finish on S&M knives but I just love the D2 steel on the regular Queen line.
 
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