Classy Slipjoints (Stockmans, Trappers, etc) Question

Right now I'm kinda leaning towards a stockman or whittler (medium sized)... Why? Good question! I'll let you know when i figure it out :D **Probably has to do with the silliness in my head of "well i might as well have a SAK then!" Three blades - most SAKs don't have that! =P**

I've decided not to care about the bone handle thing, I'll get used to it if it did bother me when i first get the knife. The problem of now finding an attractive handle that has CV blades - most of the ones that seem to tickle my fancy have SS :\
 
(plan on ordering from either knifeworks (surname etched on blade mayhaps) or knifecenter) and they seem to be the most extensive selection.
Click to expand...
Shepherd Hills Cutlery is where I generally buy my Case knives from. Fantastic customer service, good prices, and stores you can visit in person.

Knifeworks is a very reliable dealer too that I sometimes do business with.

No experience with KnifeCenter.

Check out Smoky Mountain Knife Works too - they have some nice exclusives, free shipping deals, and competitive prices.

The problem of now finding an attractive handle that has CV blades - most of the ones that seem to tickle my fancy have SS :\
Click to expand...
That's long been an 'issue' at Case knives, most of the knives are stainless-only. They are improving though, and have an entire new line of CV pocketknives this year, "Chestnut Bone."

---------------

I don't know how you feel about buying on eBay, but have you considered a vintage Old Timer knife? Look for the Imperial-Schrade originals, identifiable by the "USA" tang stamps. Schrade had Old Timer stockman knives in multiple sizes and multiple blade configurations. Handles, since you prefer to not have bone, were usually "Sawcut Delrin", a virtually-indestructible plastic. The 34OT is a "Middleman" or midsize stockman - it was the most popular Old Timer of all time. They're common on eBay and definitely in your price range.

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/newOT/index.htm
 
I had slipjoints as a kid. One I remember was a scout knife with black composite handles. I still love black jigged handles and a variety of bone, or even yellow composite handles. One of my favorite and most used pocketknives was a red alox SAK Pioneer. I still have it, the handles are worn and the blades scratched up. Maybe I'm not spending enough money, but any Case, Boker, Queen, etc., I've purchased, all seem to have issues. Gaps in between the springs and liners, blades that scratch when opening and closing, or mediocre walk and talk.

In my search for the perfect EDC, my favorite that I carry to work is a SAK Cadet II. I think it cost $14 + shipping. Slim, 2 blades and 2 driver blades with excellent open and close. It's been a discreet and handy tool that works well for me. Also, it carries well with dressier pants.

I also have a Scibeer custom SAK, a climber with Alox scales. It's like a Soldier, but with scissors. I have many slipjoints and modern, one handed, locking knives, but I seem to put one of these in my pocket the most. YMMV.
 
Alrighty! Good heavens, I finally decided! =P Case Medium Stockman Amber, with CV :D http://www.knifeworks.com/casemediumstockmanamberbone1.aspx

... But I can't let any one of my threads end with such a nice conclusion, another question! =P Which blade should I have my last name etched onto? :P I'd go with the clip as it is the master blade (See! I read the links!), but I'm not sure that with the nail nick there if it would leave enough room... Maybe the sheep or pen would be better?

And a big thanks to everyone with their input and help - really do appreciate it :)
 
I'd like to re-state what others have emphasized: The RANGE of Traditional non locking knives is still astounding: a vast spectrum of blades, sizes,types and numbers,handle materials make them VERY appealing.Plus,craftsmanship and skill in making them gives pride of ownership most certainly. They are very individual and slice superbly when well sharpened additionally, they are very beautiful not just to look at but to handle.As time passes they get better too,age and patina/mellowing in colour augment the appeal.

As for stainless v carbon, I frankly like both. Carbon get's patina but does need a bit of attention,stainless works better in my view for food prep as it imparts no taste. I do understand your hesitation about bone, to modern knife owners it might seem bizarre,barbaric and possibly un hygenic....but the cattle were eaten for food and the shin bones re-cycled as something beautiful and useful.The animals were not hunted to death for their bones (same with stag hopefully as they shed antlers naturally,they are good meat providers too!) I have reservations about using tusks,teeth or bones from rare or endangered species,hunting them down just to make artefacts is out of the question and should be stopped.

Worthwhile ,companies include CASE(much improved in the last few years) Queen Cutlery, Schatt&Morgan,Great Eastern(some good liner locks there) Böker, Hen&Rooster.

If you want to test the waters with slipjoints and don't want to whack out a lot of cash on patterns you may not like then I suggest trying some Rough Rider knives first. Users they are. They are cheap to buy and not at all bad in quality,yes they are Chinese made and yes they ARE surprisingly good and I am not making political points here one way or many others so, potential flamethrowers please keep cool . Not a bad way to experiment before buying costlier authentic cutlery.

I tell you this, once you buy a couple of Traditionals,you won't abandon the genre, you'll be back for more!
 
My initial hesitation about the bone handles wasn't about barbarism or hygiene (non-issues because I assumed hopefully the animals weren't just killed to make the knife and that proper steps are taken to make sure the bones are okay to handle), it was struck me as a bit irksome to hold a knife (or anything for that matter) which was a part of the innards of something that was living.
 
willgoy said:
As for stainless v carbon, I frankly like both. Carbon get's patina but does need a bit of attention,stainless works better in my view for food prep as it imparts no taste.
Click to expand...

Just reread this and no idea how I missed / neglected to recognize it - high carbon blades leave a taste on things it cuts? Or is this due to the oils used to maintain the blades? Now this has me wondering if I should go with stainless =\
 
It can leave a slightly metallic taste on moderately acidic food (read: fruit) which is why in the days before stainless fruit-knives sometimes had blades made of silver.

Personally I think it's just an acquired taste. :D
 
Eating metal... Mmmm yummy :D How much is slightly, just a itsy bitsy teeny weeny bit? Or more like liking an apple flavored doorknob?
Whenever I think I have it all figured out, something has to get thrown into the works and muck it all up :confused: Now I'm questioning whether to get the CV or SS. Bah! :P
 
A stockman is a good choice for a first slip joint. The three blades will give you a good idea of what you will use and what you won't on a regular basis. That way when you end up buying more (it is very easy to get hooked on these knives), you will have a better idea of what will work best for you. Willgoy makes a great point. It may be an idea to try a few less expensive ones, before you shell out a bunch fo coin. Rough Rider are a good choice, as well as Frost Family series or the Steel Warrior line (again they do not cost much, but are available in alot of patterns and are good value). I own ALOT of knives and carry a slip joint quite often. Nostalga certainly plays a part, but they are very handy to use and easy to live with. Good Luck!! Barley:thumbup:
 
Lock1454 said:
Alrighty! Good heavens, I finally decided! =P Case Medium Stockman Amber, with CV :D http://www.knifeworks.com/casemediumstockmanamberbone1.aspx

... But I can't let any one of my threads end with such a nice conclusion, another question! =P Which blade should I have my last name etched onto? :P I'd go with the clip as it is the master blade (See! I read the links!), but I'm not sure that with the nail nick there if it would leave enough room... Maybe the sheep or pen would be better?

And a big thanks to everyone with their input and help - really do appreciate it :)
Click to expand...

I have that same model. It's one of the best EDC's you can get.
 
barley said:
A stockman is a good choice for a first slip joint. The three blades will give you a good idea of what you will use and what you won't on a regular basis. That way when you end up buying more (it is very easy to get hooked on these knives), you will have a better idea of what will work best for you. Willgoy makes a great point. It may be an idea to try a few less expensive ones, before you shell out a bunch fo coin. Rough Rider are a good choice, as well as Frost Family series or the Steel Warrior line (again they do not cost much, but are available in alot of patterns and are good value). I own ALOT of knives and carry a slip joint quite often. Nostalga certainly plays a part, but they are very handy to use and easy to live with. Good Luck!! Barley:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Oh I definitely understand the idea of getting some cheaper models first to wet my feet so to speak, but I kind of feel like like going with the mid range to start with will at least give me an idea as to whether I will actually enjoy these types of knives or not. Having a cheapy may not impart the real enjoyment that these knives could offer. Rather than getting the two lesser items to introduce myself, I'd rather combine the costs to get a better quality one o I can get the proper feeling for them. I don't really know anyone who's into knives, nor are there any decent B&M shops near me, so I have to put down the money to even check things out; I just figure this is the better way to go about it :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top