Difference Between Northfield & Tidioute

[fairhaven]

Is there any difference, other than perhaps blade etching, between the Northfield and Tidioute?

 

[addylo]

As far as overall design and build-quality there is little or no difference. The rest depends on the pattern. Northfield often uses premium handle materials (i.e. stag, mammoth, etc) whereas Tidioute usually comes in bone, wood, etc. Also Northfield sometimes gives you grooved or slanted bolsters, pinched bolsters, long pulls, etc. Most (if not all) Tidioute comes with plain bolsters and nail nicks.

Again, what you get between the two depends on the pattern.

 

[jc57]

Is there any difference, other than perhaps blade etching, between the Northfield and Tidioute?

Northfield is the higher trim line. Fancier bolsters, long pulls, swedged blades, mirror polished blades, higher end handle materials. Tidioute will have plain bolsters, nail nicks, more of a satin blade finish.

Mainly cosmetic differences. Most of the time I prefer the appearance of the Northfield versions but in some cases the Tidioute styling looks better to me with a particular pattern.

http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/about/about-our-brands/

Supposedly Northfield are the "collectors" and Tidioute are the "users"

 

[Pipeman]

Here are three 85s the one on the left is a Northfield, it has long pulls and pinched and lined bolsters as well as a cut swedge.

Best regards

Robin

 

[meako]

Importantly I think the quality is the same right across the range.