Future of traditionals?

[akadave2]

Had the OP's question been asked a 100 years ago the correct answer would have been - Bleak! Compare the number of knife makers then to now. Had the question been asked 50 years ago the correct answer would have been - Bleaker! Same reason. I think the correct answer today would be the same. Producers have to follow the trends of the day and the traditional pocketknife just doesn't occupy the same place in society as it once did. Will the traditional knife survive another 10 years, sure, but probably in a lesser form than today. Another 100 years, that may well depend on us, and how well we support our custom makers.

I believe the future of the traditional folder lies with the fine craftsmen who continue to make traditional knives on a custom basis. And while there will always be a place for the finely crafted renditions of the Sheffield era such as made by Ken Erickson or the incredible tools that come out of Wilfred Works there are many other talented makers that will require our support to survive. The important thing is for us to support these craftsmen so they can make a decent living, support their families, and pass on their talents to the next generation. If we ultimately lose these folks then traditional knives will undoubtably fade away into history.

Now I am not suggesting that anyone stop buying from Case, GEC, Queen etc. but maybe give some thought to skipping a couple of those purchases and saving for a custom. If you have never worked directly with a maker you have cheated yourself out of what can be a very rewarding experience.

While I do love a good custom knife. I dont, and never have thought that todays custom knives represent the traditions of the old makers (mass manufacturing through lots of hand labor) of the past. You are right their were once quite a few companies putting out a huge number of models. They were made well but not to the degree and precision that a current custom maker would do. Then again they were made as tools to be used and not safe queens, which is where most customs seem to end up. I think that the market is much smaller, and has a tendency toward "trends" but as long as there are groups of people that hold onto the past and pass it on, there will be a market for traditional knives made to use that mere mortals can afford buy.

 

[VANCE]

to echo jackknife's post.....i work in a gun store & i keep a spare knife onhand for folks coming to pick up transfers so they can be the first to open their packages & dont carry a knife...im not about to hand them my GEC or FIDDLEBACK FORGE


i t is suprising & quite sad the amount of folks that dont even carry a pocket knife anymore

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

While I do love a good custom knife. I dont, and never have thought that todays custom knives represent the traditions of the old makers (mass manufacturing through lots of hand labor) of the past. You are right their were once quite a few companies putting out a huge number of models. They were made well but not to the degree and precision that a current custom maker would do. Then again they were made as tools to be used and not safe queens, which is where most customs seem to end up. I think that the market is much smaller, and has a tendency toward "trends" but as long as there are groups of people that hold onto the past and pass it one, there will be a market for traditional knives made to use that mere mortals can afford buy.

I totally agree with you on this, Mr. Akadave2

 

[WRGreen]

Responsibility and a slightly heightened level of safety awareness is required when using traditional slip-joint (& even other 'two-handed knives). Many members of the instant gratification crowd can't be bothered taking the time to learn simple safety techniques that every Cub Scout knew even a couple decades ago. That aside, I still think there will always be a few knife guys in each generation that will grow bored of the newest whiz-bang wundermesserzombiekillerz, and drift back to styles and products that have stood the test of time. I hope there will be at least a few 'brick&mortars' so one can handle the knives. It is kind of a double-edged scenario: on one hand we have, through the internet, enormous availability, an explosion of custom and import makers, and virtual next-day service; on the other hand, that same availability kills mom & pop stores that would have a display case full of items one can handle. With 'retro' style cycles, who knows? There may be a stockman fad ahead!

 

[Aglifter]

I carried a stockman in high school, and for awhile in college, as it was pretty, and not as likely to cause a fuss as the BM Leopard I bought when working in a warehouse. (And still have - great knife.)

Now, I buy my employees BM Griptillians. They're tough, hold an edge, and have a full-size grip, and can be worked w. one-hand.

I have various traditionals, and some SAKs, as they seem more "appropriate" to me, now that my work mostly involves opening envelopes, etc…

 

[Ernie1980]

I have a varied collection. I have some modern folders, but appreciate a high quality traditional. They are also more office friendly and the simplicity is tough to beat. I usually carry a traditional even when carrying a modern folder too.

 

[IVANKERLEY]

Yes, but the internet is a great leveling tool for the small manufacturers. The only reason I learned about and/or obtained many of my knives was through the internet. I’m sure I’m not the only one.

I would never have seen or bought a: GEC, Queen, Svord, Opinel, Alox Victorinox, Terrio, Mora, Lloyd, TA Davidson……

The choices in Case, Buck, Victorinox, Boker would have been very limited.

The internet is probably more of a help than a hindrance to the popularity of the Traditional.

This sums up my feeling, ive never seen a new traditional knife in person that wasnt a Case or Buck, without the internet and places like blade forums i wouldnt have known about GEC, canal Street, Queen etc.
Gene

 

[James Y]

I don't think the prevalence of modern folders these days is anything to be lamented. It is true that many choose knives of this type with self-defense in mind. So what? As you all know knives are very versatile tools, and SD is an entirely legitimate use. Then again people like different things. The ones around here are predisposed to natural materials. Others prefer carbon fiber, G-10, and titanium and various locking mechanisms. No one is right, no one is wrong. As the old saw goes there is no accounting for tastes.

The important thing is not what type of knife a person is carrying, but that he is carrying a knife at all. I'd rather see a person use a "tactical" folder to open a box instead of his keys.

Besides the whole idea of what constitutes traditional is a very difficult question to answer. Traditional when? Where? In what context? My own grandfather ended up carrying a SAK in his later years despite the fact that it looked nothing like the knives he carried for the first seventy years or so of his life. I never asked him why he switched or how he could give up his balisong. Knowing him he probably would have just said that the specific knife doesn't matter, a good knife is a good knife whether or not it's traditional. The only thing that is truly traditional is that you are carrying one.

- Christian

^This.^

All too often on these forums, there seems to be an 'us vs. them' mentality between traditional and modern-style knife carriers. That fact that someone is carrying *and properly using* a knife at all these days is a great thing, and should be seen as such. Even if we combined all the traditional and modern-style carriers, it's still pretty obvious we'd be greatly outnumbered by those who don't carry any knife, and think those who do are crazy.

Jim