Classical Tactical?

J

jamesbeat

Joined
Jul 26, 2009
Messages
314
I've recently fallen in love with classic slipjoint knives.
It all started when I was going through a box o' stuff in a closet and rediscovered a Magnum Bonsai canoe I bought years ago.
One thing led to another, and now I have three more slippies of better quality on order :D

I love these knives for their old world charm and timelless design.
I hate the look and feel of modern tacticak knives, but their utility can't be argued with.

I'd like to carry a classicly styled knife as my EDC, but I'm so used to the reassuring feel of my Kershaw RAM in my pocket that I can't exclusively carry a knife that I couldn't use for self defense.

I know such a situation is very unlikely to arise, but it's nice to know it's there if I need it.
A home invasion is also very unlikely to happen, but it happened to me a few years ago, so I don't like to be complacent about these things.

I'd like a knife that looks nice, but could also be pressed into service as a self defense weapon in a pinch.
I must be the only person in the world who strongly dislikes the look of the Buck 110 and similar looking folding hunters, so that style is out.

I've been looking at the Case Trapperlock, but I though I'd ask here for other ideas before pulling the trigger.

Here's a list of preferences:
NOT a clip point blade (I just don't like the look)
NOT a 110 style folding hunter.
MUST have a locking mechanism.
MUST have bolsters (no sodbusters)
MUST have bone scales.
MUST have one hand opening, but I am prepared to fit my own thumb stud if all other requirements are met.

As you can see, this is quite a tall order!

The closest I've found is the Trapperlock, and a locking canoe by Rough Rider.
The locking canoe is particularly interesting, as it has a hollow ground blade with a flat spine, so adding a thumb stud should be simple.

Any knives I've missed?
 
Great Eastern makes some gorgeous lockbacks you could fit a thumbstud onto. Same with the Queen mountain man.

-- Mark
 
I am probably wrong, but it seems that a thumb stud would have a lot of force from the backspring to overcome. Most folders with studs have a detent to keep them closed. That is, unless you have very muscular thumbs. :D
 
gruntmedik said:
I am probably wrong, but it seems that a thumb stud would have a lot of force from the backspring to overcome. Most folders with studs have a detent to keep them closed. That is, unless you have very muscular thumbs. :D
Click to expand...

The GEC lockbacks that I've seen would open pretty easily with a thumb stud.
 
like other said, you should look #72 from Gec. There are bigger #23 trappers with Liner locks and #73's with liner locking... but they're not tactical as they usually are very tough, near nail breakers. One hand opening doesn't really suit traditionals. only real locking and one hand traditionals are trapperlock and Russlock from case. #72 GEC is smooth opener and they should release spear point version of that. If you get one of those thumbstuds that can be attached to blades it might work.
 
If it matters to you, the 72 isn't going to be a great knife to stab with. The handle would draw your fingers right onto the blade's edge.:eek:
 
Have a look at the CRKT Natural.
3.25 inch blade model comes in jigged bone, white bone or black micarta handles.
3.88 inch blade model has white bone and black G10 handles.
They are not classic slipjoints, but as you are carrying a Kershaw RAM you seem to appreciate both the old classics and modern designs.
The Natural is a blend of both worlds.
Every Cowboy should have one! (Says he living in an apartment in the UK!)
I have the large Natural and its a beauty!
 
Guys, this discussion has mutated beyond the parameters of both traditional knives and into areas (self defense, stabbing etc) that are outside of the realm of this sub-forum.

For that reason, I am going to move this to General Knife Discussion (rather than prac tac) with a link left behind here for those wishing to participate further.
 
Get one of the Chris Reeve annual limited addition Sebenzas with Mammoth Bark inlays. Amazing blend of classy and tactical. "Clactical" TM.
 
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