Favorite Patterns

Jakeywax31

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I am sure this has been done a million times. I have been loving my early introduction to the traditional knife world. I have a long ways to go to provide any real history or input about the subject until I put in the time to research and have first hand knowledge about the subject. Im curious to see what some of you favorite patterns, # of blades, brands, models. Basically everything. Pictures are highly encouraged.

I myself have a humble collection of about 10 traditional knives. At the moment my two favorite are a single blade trapper made by Schatt and morgan and the very popular GEC 71. I dont know if its because I'm new coming over from modern folders, but i am pulled to liking single blade knives. Couple of the next on my list knives are GEC 85, GEC 15, GEC14 and Case Copperlock. Thanks for your input.

Paul

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I like lots of patterns, but this one is my favorite:

Specifically, I like one spring with a spear and pen blade. This is in the pen knife category, I believe it would be called a senator. (?)
I have several of these by different makers, I think New York Knife Co made this particular one. The blades are carbon steel and the handles are aluminum.
 
I like lots of patterns, but this one is my favorite:

Specifically, I like one spring with a spear and pen blade. This is in the pen knife category, I believe it would be called a senator. (?)
I have several of these by different makers, I think New York Knife Co made this particular one. The blades are carbon steel and the handles are aluminum.
Very interesting. Pen knife category as in the size of knife or blade shape. That seems like an old one. Any idea on age?
 
Based on the number of knives of each pattern I own, carry, and use, the Stockman wins hands down. The 4 blade scout/camp knife, Barlow, and Canoe are neck n' neck for second place, followed closely by the (full size/large) moose pattern, but good way's behind the Stockman.
 
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I can tell that the stockman pattern is incredibly popular. My dad has carried the same one forever. Im still in the single blade phase of my collecting. Im sure I will venture down that path soon enough. Thanks for sharing.
 
I have though on several occasions that I have found "the" pattern, but I just change my mind afterwards....

I seem to like lighter knives and generally carry (in traditionals) single bladed models like Sodbusters, Old Bear (like opinel) Higonokami, friction folders styled knives, all light and sometimes the odd penknife
 
I have carried a little case texas toothpick for years in conjunction with a modern folder for years at work. It was my only traditional knife before catching the slipjoint bug about 2 months ago.

Now the pendulum is shifting the other way and carrying a larger albeit managable traditional knife. Still carry a modern folder but can definitely see that getting narrower in the future.
 
The mini toothpick is a fantastic tool, light, sharp and good looking
 
I love muskrats- all the joy of a single blade with an extra right there in the frame😉

Interestingly enough, I began with single blades too, but quickly moved on to moose patterns, then to muskrats. Now I usually stick to two blades unless it’s a really compact 3 blade.

Mostly my favorite slipjoints tend to be small pen knives, something about a miniature frame with multiple blades perfectly fitted just pleases me.
 
I like lots of patterns, but this one is my favorite:

Specifically, I like one spring with a spear and pen blade. This is in the pen knife category, I believe it would be called a senator. (?)
I have several of these by different makers, I think New York Knife Co made this particular one. The blades are carbon steel and the handles are aluminum.
Nice equal end/cigar pen knife.
Aluminum covers in the late 1800's to 1920's period when your knife was probably made, would have been an expensive "luxury" knife handle. Aluminum was considered a "rare precious metal", same as gold and silver!
(Just imagine how shocked (and upset?) those who spent big bucks for aluminum jewelery back then would be to learn that aluminum would one day be used for beverage cans and tossed out the car windows when empty with impunity until the states put a return deposit (artificial value) on the cans to combat littering in the mid 1970's, just as they had glass soda and beer bottles decades earlier.)

I'm pretty sure the "Senator pattern" is another name for the "Congress" pattern, which according to ancient popular lore got its name because early Congressmen were whittling the arms of the wooden chairs in the chambers while bored out of their gourd by long-winded colleagues who could drone on for hours to say "it's raining out." (or nothing at all.)
 
I've carried the Barlow & stockman patterns for well over 60 years, and they're still the favorites, but the Eureka Jack & Churchill are right behind.
IMG_0889-X4.jpg

Ah, I see we're still doing the X's. Lets see if it shows up now.
IMG_0889-X4.jpg
 
I’ve been hardly without my GEC Angus Jack. Might be my favorite user pattern. Just so much utility in a perfectly (for me) sized pattern. Works great in the office or in the field.
 
Nice equal end/cigar pen knife.
Aluminum covers in the late 1800's to 1920's period when your knife was probably made, would have been an expensive "luxury" knife handle. Aluminum was considered a "rare precious metal", same as gold and silver!
(Just imagine how shocked (and upset?) those who spent big bucks for aluminum jewelery back then would be to learn that aluminum would one day be used for beverage cans and tossed out the car windows when empty with impunity until the states put a return deposit (artificial value) on the cans to combat littering in the mid 1970's, just as they had glass soda and beer bottles decades earlier.)

I'm pretty sure the "Senator pattern" is another name for the "Congress" pattern, which according to ancient popular lore got its name because early Congressmen were whittling the arms of the wooden chairs in the chambers while bored out of their gourd by long-winded colleagues who could drone on for hours to say "it's raining out." (or nothing at all.)
Very interesting. Thank you for the lesson. Always look forward to your input sir.

I've carried the Barlow & stockman patterns for well over 60 years, and they're still the favorites, but the Eureka Jack & Churchill are right behind.
IMG_0889-X4.jpg

Ah, I see we're still doing the X's. Lets see if it shows up now.
View attachment 1872904
Barlow is definitely a pattern that I am starting to develop an itch for 😆 🤣.

My top three patterns...

#1 a Lambsfoot
View attachment 1872956

#2 a Single Blade Trapper
View attachment 1872958

#3 a two blade Jack Knife
View attachment 1872959
We have very similar taste I believe. Those 3 look great.

I’ve been hardly without my GEC Angus Jack. Might be my favorite user pattern. Just so much utility in a perfectly (for me) sized pattern. Works great in the office or in the field.
Im in search for that goldilocks gec. Just traded for a #15 spearpoint. Seems like a perfect size for just about everything.
 
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