Complete Noob Question- First Traditional?

T

Tripwire895

Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Messages
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So being the complete newbie collector I am, I have been getting this itch to get myself a traditional and have no idea which one to get. I've been looking at a friend's Camillius Scout Knife and I love the simplicity and look, just not a huge fan of the blade shape. So here's where you come in, dear traditional toting forumites. I need a recommendation. Here's what I'd like (in order of descending preference)...

1. Under $60
2. Longest blade around 3 inches
3. Tops of 3 blades
4. Natural handle material (I'm not a huge fan of plastic, but if need-be to fit the budget I won't lose any sleep over it)

Thanks in advance!
Jason
 
Tripwire welcome to the traditional side of things. From your description I think a Case 75 pattern stockman would fit the bill nicely. It can be had in bone with either CV (carbon) or Tru Sharp (stainless) for, in most cases, under $60. I hope this helps.


Have a great day,
Jeff
 
As a fan of single blade knives, I'm going to suggest the GEC #15 boys knife, with clip point blade and ebony covers. Just a nice knife all around, though it is $5 over your budget.

- Christian
 
You can find Great Eastern knives for around sixty bucks if you look a bit. They pop up on the forum frequently... I think they're fantastic knives for the money. The quality is the same whether you're paying 175.00 or fifty bucks. GEC gets my vote!
 
Agreed on GEC - esp. if you can find one within your price range, jump on it!

If not, I would also look at German-made Bokers ("Tree Brand"). Very good knives for the money, and you should find a variety of options for < $60.
 
Case 63032 stockman, or Case wharncliffe mini trapper.
 
Both Case and GEC are prolific in their variations, however, Case builds and sells many more knives than GEC. GEC has better quality overall than Case but their price generally reflects that. If you are in to stockman knives, both companies have them in a few different patterns and sizes. Make that several. Anyway, just look and find one you like and you will be off and running. Personally I like one and two blade models such as jack knives. Go to the big long thread here called "What are you totin...." and you can see pretty much everything from the least expensive to high dollar customs.

I would recommend something in the Texas jack, mini copperhead and mini trapper ranges in Case and the model 15, 33, 68, 85, 56, and 66 ranges in the GEC brands. You have a lot to choose from and it could be kind of bewildering. If you live close to a large Case dealer, I would recommend you go there and look at the knives in person and pick one that is of high workmanship. I say this because not every knife is made as well as the best ones and there are enough Case dealers around that this could be viable for you. Not quite so with the GECs as they don't have the large distributer base that Case has. I buy 95% of my knives from internet stores and have had pretty decent luck with my purchases. Just find something that strikes your fancy and you will be off and running. There is no real danger of picking a bad pattern; if they were bad they would have been dropped years ago.

Welcome to the world of traditional folders and fixed blades.

Ed J
 
kamagong said:
As a fan of single blade knives, I'm going to suggest the GEC #15 boys knife, with clip point blade and ebony covers. Just a nice knife all around, though it is $5 over your budget.

- Christian
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I was thinking.
Spectacular knife for the money and the ebony is gorgeous on these.
If you can swing just a little more $, the 2 blade version is an outstanding knife, one of my favorite offerings from GEC
 
IMO and I am assuming you would like more than one blade as you mention up to three, i think it will be difficult to reconcile your want list with GEC's offerings. I would look hard at Case and perhaps select something like their Texas Jack to get you started. Good luck in your search, that's half the fun. :D
 
Jason I read this one and wanted to think for a while about what I would recommend for someone in your circumstance. I guess I will throw out an idea with the caveat that you have the equipment to properly sharpen some tough steel.

If so I honestly believe you could do one heck of a lot worse than to check out Queen's D2 offerings of curly zebra, amber honey bone, etc. Queen makes a rock solid knife and uses some very high quality steel in them. I have always been a big Queen fan and have brought more than one newbie into the traditional fold with a new Queen knife that they ended up loving.

Look around and take a look at them if you like. The price for Queen D2 knives varies wildly but I think you can find something in your price range if you look around.

Good luck,
Will
 
Sowbelly270 said:
Tripwire welcome to the traditional side of things. From your description I think a Case 75 pattern stockman would fit the bill nicely. It can be had in bone with either CV (carbon) or Tru Sharp (stainless) for, in most cases, under $60. I hope this helps.


Have a great day,
Jeff
Click to expand...

I'd like to second this one as well - main blade just under 3", it's a solid workhorse of a knife, and feels good in hand. I really like the amber bone/CV combo
 
First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has commented. I've taken a look at the different suggestions and compared and contrasted different options. I really like the look of that Case 75 Pattern Stockman. I may just have to pick one up here pretty soon. Thanks again!

Jason
 
That's a great choice! I have the yellow/CV and the Amber bone/CV and both are great knives! Really enjoy using them both :thumbup:
 
get an opinel and a swiss army knife. both together with shipping will be less than your limit and you will be equipped for dang near anything.
 
You really can't beat Boker for traditional pocketknife quality in the $50 price range. Choice of steel, many traditional patterns, and a wide range of beautiful natural handle materials.

I have quite a few Case knives too, and my favorite pattern from them is the Medium Stockman with rounded bolsters. But with their reputation for hit-or-miss quality, I only buy Case when I can pick them out in person. I see you're in Missouri, and that just happens to be where I buy Case knives from. Can't advertise their name on BladeForums, but it's the world's largest Case dealer - I'm sure you know the place.
 
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