First Traditional folder

mbjannusch

mbjannusch

Joined
Apr 1, 2010
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I'm looking to get a traditional folder other than the many Buck slippies that I have. I'm not a Case fan, I like Camillus and Schrades and need Ideas on what to get. I prefer old Stockmans, Trappers and Barlows but I'm open to Ideas.
 
Ray Cover Jr. semiskinner

(I am only joking a bit :D)

or a Northfields Scout
 
While Camillus made a great knife, I prefer the Schrade knives. Especially the older Schrade Waldens. Most had jigged Delrin scales, but IMHO they did the best job with Delrin out of any of the makers. There are a few that were available with bone scales, but they are a little scarce...
Schrade used 1095 steel on their older knives, and they are great. The grind is nice, and they take a terrific edge.

Heres a few of my old Schrade Waldens

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Here is an old Schrade Walden Uncle Henry 881. These old ones are hard to come by, especially in this condition

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IIRC, you like the Buck yellow knives. Schrade made some yellow knives too. Heres an 881Y

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Check GEC's offering in cuban frame. Those stockmen look so great! Though GEC is new maker, they have very good selection and great quality. Many trappers, like #73 scout trapper, its big brother #23 trapper or #48 dogleg trappers.
 
Take a look at Queen for new knives.They make lots of trad. patterns and the quality is real good with occasional easily resolvable issues.Case is much better than they were 10 to 15 years ago imo.If you take a new look you might change your mind.Check out the Tony Bose designed stuff.
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I'd look toward getting a NOS or lightly used OLD old timer. Although, I've been carrying a Camillus TL-29 as I am about to give it away in a few weeks. I forgot how much I love that style. And there are lots of good ones available that are almost new for like $15-20.
 
It's hard to beat the pure utility of a stockman. Three blades of different shapes, all packed in a ~ 4" package. Check out German Eye Brand. Flat ground, carbon steel blades and stag handles make for a beautiful, and eminently useful knife.

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- Christian
 
The stockman pattern is hard to get away from isn't it? I have that same exact problem.

I believe older Sears Craftsman knives were made by Camillus. By "older", I'm talking 80's and before. My old wood scaled 4 inch stockman came with stainless steel (not sure what exactly), but it takes a nice edge. Now, they came in all types of patterns and scale material and pop-up regularly on a popular auction site.

Or an older Camillus electrician's knife, mine has carbon steel blades and back springs. They make a really nice, practical user too. These also show up regularly on a well known on line auction site.

Mike
 
I prefer stockmans. Lately it's been this Queen stock #9 at 4 inches. I change it up a bit on my other favorite, a Queen made Moore Maker #5300 at 3 1/4 inches.

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Matt,

If you like the looks of the Queen Dan Burke small barlow you might try that as it has gotten a whole lotta play here on the Trad forum . You get one and see how it is and I might get one too.....Some of the pics of the scales were great.

Most folks have really tooted the Canal Street horn also.

OR, get something with a Warcliff blade since we don't get to have a single example in the Buck world....I've been wishin' for one of those also. The metal scaled, Alox, Swiss Army knives are tanks, after the asteroid hits, it will be cockroaches, bedbugs, a few Buck Stockmen and a bunch of SAKs.
300/ch
 
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If you are looking for a wharncliffe blade, how about a GEC Furtaker Trapper. Here is my Tractor Green bone with 1095 and my new Antique Amber bone in 440C.
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The Furtaker is 4 1/8" with 3" blades. Some comparison shots with a Vic Farmer.
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Just curious, what closed length, or length range, you would say is the sweet spot you're looking for? Are you carrying it in your pocket or the watch pocket of your jeans? I like 3 5/8" for my watch pocket and top out at about 4" for my front pocket; larger for my back pocket, but they don't seem to get the same amount of carry time.
 
Thank you all for your suggestions, they were helpful.I have my eye on a Schrade Walden #861, its smaller than what I am use to but it is in great condition.
 
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