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

OK so I'm still (yes believe it or not) a bit mystified by the GEC stuff. I've been looking at some #72s and can't find why some are Northfield and some are Tidioute and what is the difference?
 
Abouna said:
OK so I'm still (yes believe it or not) a bit mystified by the GEC stuff. I've been looking at some #72s and can't find why some are Northfield and some are Tidioute and what is the difference?
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When GEC does a run of a particular pattern (which they do one at a time, over the period of a couple weeks), they'll usually produce both Tidioute and Northfield versions. To simplify/summarize the differences explained in the link posted by Railsplitter, Tidioute is their more standard product, basic jigged bone, wood and Micarta handles, satin finished blades, plain bolsters, etc., while Northfield is their premium line, with higher end finishes (high polished blades, lined or pinched bolsters, etc.) and handle materials (more intricate jigging patterns on the bone, more exotic woods, stag, mammoth ivory, etc.).

The steel on knives under both of these brands is 1095 carbon steel. Occasionally they will also produce Great Eastern Cutlery branded knives, which are stainless.

Here's an example showing some of the differences. The top knife is Northfield, the bottom Tidioute. Both are jigged bone, but you can see the jigging on the Northfield is more intricate and random, while the jigging on the Tidioute is simpler and more uniform. The Northfield blade has a high polish with an etch on the blade, while the Tidioute had satin finish and is plain. There's also a nice swedge on the Northfield's blade, which the Tidioute doesn't have. Finally, there are the lined bolsters. Both of these knives were produced at the same time.

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Hope that helps. Feel free to ask any more questions you may have.
 
Abouna said:
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.
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I have a Russlock Drop Point, quite a sweet little knife.

Honestly though, we don't do much of the one handed opener thing. I kinda like taking my time opening a traditional knife and enjoying it. Slower pace kinda thing.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
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.
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Canoe or Sod Buster are pretty pinchable.
 
I've never been able to open my Russlocks one handed. However, I do find it easy to open them by pressing/rolling the tail against my leg.
 
OK, got it now. If it were my company I'd probably give those a different series number but I'm not a knife maker!

OK, Northfield it is then. I like the looks of the bolsters.

I'd also like to look at some Sheffield or German brands in this same range. Any suggestions?
 
Boker and Weidmanshiel(think I spelled that right) come to mind. You might try going to one of the paid dealers and start poking around. Knifecenter has lots of stuff. Also check out the GEC dealers page, many of those folks will have other "good" brands. (Good in quotes cause it's subjective) A. Wright and sons would be a jumping off point for U.K. dealers. Some of our members are in England, they might chime in. Don't neglect France, they have some incroyable boutique and factory knives. Think Opinel and Laguiole.
Thanks, Neal
Ps the W maker has 2 m's
 
joeradza said:
I've never been able to open my Russlocks one handed. However, I do find it easy to open them by pressing/rolling the tail against my leg.
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I did a sequence of pics showing the technique that works for me. It is unlike the procedure for most one-handed openers. Think of the lever as a a lock of hair sticking up and you are going to slick it down over the end of the handle with your thumb. So it's a back-and-around move, while you hold the knife in your curled fingers.

Step 1:


Step 2: - the spine of the blade sweeps past the base of your thumb.


Step 3: - just a slight roll of the handle in your fingers and your thumb ends up on the flat part of the spine.
 
I always just used my leg, when I had one. It's just finding what works for you.
Thanks, Neal
 
Ended up ordering a GEC 72 Cody Scout in African Blackwood and Case 2864 Blue Bone Mini Copperlock for comparison.

Thanks everyone. We'll see how it goes.
 
Abouna said:
Ended up ordering a GEC 72 Cody Scout in African Blackwood and Case 2864 Blue Bone Mini Copperlock for comparison.

Thanks everyone. We'll see how it goes.
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Two great choices. Don't forget pictures.
 
Great choices. See pic of my Cody scout attached. Excuse the pajamas lol

The gec will be much better quality, but being 1095 steel will require a bit more care. Both are very capable knives. Good choices.

 
Keeping the GEC. It was a gift for my brother, he's on the fence because he's used to a knife witha clip on it, but I think the quality will win him over, plus the carbon. Our business meshes well with the aesthetic so I think he'll love it.
 
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