Decent Traditional Slip Joint?

N

Nephron44

Joined
Aug 20, 2015
Messages
979
Hey everyone!
I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a nice traditional slip joint for EDC to compliment my main larger blade. Right now I have a Victorinox Cadet and a Buck Solo. I want something more traditional than the Cadet, but a little larger and more durable than the solo. Please help! Thanks!
 
Do a little browsing on the Traditionals sub forum under General. That will give you some ideas. Also there is a separate Exchange forum dedicated to traditional knives. There are 1,000's of patterns and configurations to choose from.

Brands to look at. Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC), Northwoods, Queen, Case
 
BladeCommander said:
Do a little browsing on the Traditionals sub forum under General. That will give you some ideas. Also there is a separate Exchange forum dedicated to traditional knives. There are 1,000's of patterns and configurations to choose from.

Brands to look at. Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC), Northwoods, Queen, Case
Click to expand...

This

+1
 
Case is good if you want a little cheaper knife that is easy to find, and easy to beat on, and if you want something that is stainless in most of the same patterns as something that is carbon.

GEC has higher overall quality, but can be very hard to find the exact knife you're looking for some of the time, only come in carbon steel (generally), and is more expensive.

Northwoods are more collectible because they're always done in limited runs, but they are made by one of several companies, so they can sometimes have QC issues (though Derrick from KSF will always take care of you if needed). They are a little more expensive on average than GEC, but they have a wider variety of patterns that can actually be found relatively easily most of the time, and KSF is a great place to find anything you need.

Overall, if you want something inexpensive that you can use without worrying, and that will still hold up to anything you can ever want a slipjoint to hold up to, get a Case Sodbuster, or a GEC #71 Bullnose. If you want a Northwoods, get the Madison Barlow, though if you want one of the single-blade versions, hurry, because they just restocked and they'll be out of them again soon, I'm sure. I'm trying to save up to buy one myself before they're out ;)
If you want something a little more specific, then you might have to wander around and see what you like.
 
Oh, and if you want to get something on the MUCH higher-end side, you could always watch the Knifemaker's market here in the folders category. T.A. Davison regularly posts new knives for sale there that are full customs. Much more expensive (usually in the $500-600 range), but you won't find a better traditional knife out there for less in my opinion, at least not without a wait that's several months :D
 
Are you looking for a traditional with the same tools as the Cadet, or just a single blade? Traditional knives come in a wide range of patterns and sizes. Here are just a couple of suggestions that are nearly the same size as a Cadet. I prefer single blade slip joints so keep that in mind with my suggestions.

Case Swayback Gent
Case Sodbuster Jr in Chestnut Bone
GEC #15 - many, many different flavors on this pattern. Varying blade shapes, tool sets, cover options, etc....
Northwoods Indian River Jack or Burnside Jack - can be hard to find but come up for sale in the Traditional Exchange once in a while.

This is just a start, there are many, many more. If you tell us more of what you like or don't like we can help narrow it down further.
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Canal Street Cutlery. They also make a fine product and, unlike some, usually use upgraded steels.
008.jpg
 
GronK said:
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Canal Street Cutlery. They also make a fine product and, unlike some, usually use upgraded steels.
Click to expand...

100% agree, unfortunately they are going out of business. :( They do make a fine product, and I agree on their use of higher end stainless steels.
 
This is something of a noveau golden age for traditional slipjoint knives. If you have $75-$150, Great Eastern is the way to go.
 
eschwebach said:
100% agree, unfortunately they are going out of business. :( They do make a fine product, and I agree on their use of higher end stainless steels.
Click to expand...

I heard that. Some still are available, probably will go away when existing stock is sold. I'll be keeping my 5.
 
How about a Fallkniven LTC? Variety of colors, very nice steel, legal almost everywhere and for not too much more than $50.
 
eschwebach said:
100% agree, unfortunately they are going out of business. :( They do make a fine product, and I agree on their use of higher end stainless steels.
Click to expand...

Very sad news, indeed! :(

I really like CSC and highly recommend a Canal Street Pinch Lockback. Snap one up before they're gone forever!

cscpinch01_zps4rhevvka.jpg


Of course, there are many, many different patterns that might suit your needs/style better. Browse the Traditional Forum and have a peek! :)

Good luck, OP!

-Brett
 
I'm carrying my BFC CSC forum knife today and would agree with the others. Start with them unless you want carbon steel. They won't be around much longer.
Of course GEC is always a safe bet.

47aH1f6.jpg
 
For on the dime, Rough Rider/Colt/Timber Wolf makes acceptable cheap traditionals that are nice for the price.

Case, Böker Tree brand, and Buck, make good ones in the mid range, even Bear & Sons (though reports are their qc can be spotty.)

The GEC/(Northfield/Tidiouete) and Canal Street Cutlery make some nice upper end stuff. Also Schatt & Morgan is worth a look. Queen too, but they too repotedly can have some spotty qc issues.
 
BladeCommander said:
Do a little browsing on the Traditionals sub forum under General. That will give you some ideas. Also there is a separate Exchange forum dedicated to traditional knives. There are 1,000's of patterns and configurations to choose from.
Click to expand...

This +2
 
If you like the Buck Solo, You might like the Buck Solitaire, which is a scaled up Solo.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top