Folder/slipjoint handle material choices

on_the_edge

on_the_edge

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Jan 31, 2006
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I am contemplating purchasing a high-end custom pocketknife that will be a user and am considering bone, stag, or MOP handle material. The issue I am having is that I don't know how these materials "hold up" over time floating around in a pocket.

I don't really want there to be a lot of surface scratches that might mar an otherwise beautiful material. Also, as a personal preference, I am definitely leaning towards MOP or stag -- bone just doesn't really move me that much, but maybe there are other advantages I need to consider with bone.

Any practical considerations that you folks can offer to an ignoramus such as myself would be greatly appreciated. I have read a lot about each of these materials, but am now looking to see how they are in actual everyday use. And if you have any input on users, the folks I seem to be leaning towards are Shadley, Chamblin, Ruple, Richard Rogers, and one or two others.

Thanks,
Chris
 
I would lean towards Stag if it really fit the knife. I've seen too many folders where the Stag choice just did not fit, size wise. Large figure in a small area.

Bone is certainly a well used material for slip joints and can't see how that could be a poor choice. Pearl is a favorite of mine but I just dont see it being used on a knife that's carried and used daily.

You're certainly on track with the makers you've selected. you might want to include Kawamura or Hiro Ohta, two of the best from Japan.

Good luck,
Win
 
Well I love the look of ivory, but being in Arizona, I think I would just be asking for trouble. And yes, Tony Bose is definitely a top choice too.
 
From what you describe Stag would be great choice but nice bone can be beautiful
pearl is gorgeous and lasting but be careful not to drop her..word of advice ask for a light satin finish on the bolsters instead of a mirror polish.. it just wears better
any of those makers will make a piece that will last and serve you well
I'd add to the list Tom Overeynder,The Boses,Kawamura(awesome stag on his knives) and Don Hansons slim trapper is a perfect edc
 
Of the scale materials you mentioned, stag will hold up the best. Carrying it in a little pouch to prevent scratching is a must.

I don't know if you are planning on purchasing directly from the maker; if so, wait times should be investigated. As far as I know, Richard Rogers isn't taking direct orders, and the wait time for a Bose is looooong (but worth it). Chamblin and Ruple both have shorter wait times, if I am not mistaken. Of course, if you are looking at purveyor options, then this doesn't matter so much.

Another couple of slipjoint makers who are up there with all of the aforementioned worthies (and in the same price range) are Dan Burke and Bailey Bradshaw.
 
I'd Give up a kidney and Lung for this knife

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=460675

if you do carry her go ahead just drop her in your pocket and enjoy her! These are pocket knives..once the initial terror of putting a carry piece at risk of scratches or scuffs is gone..it will be replaced with years of dutiful service and enjoyment
 
I have carried pearl knives frequently in my pocket without a case for years. I have dropped them on concrete sidewalks (not on purpose) and they have been no worse for the wear.

For a daily user, any of the materials should be just fine. I agree, stag needs to be scaled correctly to the piece. Pearl should not have occlusions. Common jigged bone is too cheap and ugly, IMO. Only the very fine jigging with multiple subtle colors like Shadley uses seems worthwhile. I don't have much of an affinity for bone on an expensive knife that the ones you are considering.
 
Stag is always a premium handle and bone, done right is the choice for many years. Don Morrow is one of the best makers around and I think Ray Cover is just out of sight with his folders.
 
I would go with jigged bone for any slipjoint that I would actually carry. Slipjoints and jigged bone go together. Bone matures and develops sheen and character when carried...Stag in my experience will sometimes turn to a less favorable condition (and color) as well as lose it's original lustre when carried a lot. Other materials are either not as durable and practical for carry or are out of place on a slipjoint in my opinion.
 
Stag holds no appeal for me. MOP and Abalone are too fragile for a user and ivory has too many care issues for my tastes.

Just bone it!
 
I really like properly fitted stag on slipjoints and traditional lockbacks, and they are the only knives that I like jigged bone on. However, I do not like bright coloured jigged bone. It looks cheap and gaudy to me. On fancy slipjoints, I like MOP.
 
If you plan on using it I'd say Stag as it just gets classier with normal wear and age.

My second would be a dark brown bone with a tight jigging pattern, then a nice honey-amber bone. Again, I like the way nice bone ages.

Lastly MOP or Black Lip, but it really depends on the style of the knife. Sometimes MOP/BL just works with the knife style and could be my #1 choice.

On_the_edge, email sent...
 
Kohai999 said:
He also uses nickel silver for his liners and bolsters, which is a BIG no no for custom slipjoints- the gold standard is stainless steel.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...
This is point on which I guess we will have to disagree on. I have several customs of each type (S/S and Nickle Silver). Both types look great and have their advantages in my opinion (which does not mean it is the same as anyone elses). I actually prefer the N/S most of the time. I am not sure how one determines that a "Gold Standard" is universal. If you look at blade steels trying to say one is the "Gold Standard" is just as tough. I think that preference and past experience dictate what is the "Gold Standard" to any one person. Steven
 
Here's another take on handle material, polished Sheephorn! This one is by Jerry Halfrich, a friend sent me the photo and told me the workmanship is really good. I'm ordering one today! Jerry has a website but does not have any slipjoints posted.


http://www.halfrichknives.com/

Win


standard.jpg
 
I have purchased a knife by Jerry and his work is first rate. I really believe we are going to be hearing a lot of good things about this maker as more people find out about the quality of his work. Stay tuned for more.
 
RAN said:
Nice looking knife Win..
Click to expand...

I'll second that. Just out of curiousity, what are his wait times? Also, do you know the dimensions of that knife?

One thing I am finding as I look around is that some of the knives seem diminutive to me. I have medium to large hands and, while I am not looking for something huge, a slipjoint with a small handle and/or a small blade is not really what I am looking for. In terms of size, Bill Ruple, as an example, seems to make knives a little more to my liking.
 
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