I have been lurking on here for a couple of months now. In that time I have been narrowing down what traditionals I think I would carry. But I have hit a snag with the Queen Mountain Man in that I can't decide between the slippie or locking version. I like them both! I did decide to get a Queen Swinguard too. Part of the problem is that I have thought if I get the lockback I could put a one handed opening attachment on it. But we aren't going there because I will probably won't. Anyway, if you guys have one or the other (or both) let me know which one you like.
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Gah! I can't decide! Slipjoint or lockback Queen Mountain Man?
- Thread starter Squashfan
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I have both...
Interestingly enough, not only are they different as to spring vs. lock, the blades are not the same thickness. The lockback has a noticeably thicker blade. Personally, I think they slice about the same, but that's just an opinion.
My lockback has a small amount of vertical play, none in the horizontal direction. If vertical play is a deal breaker for you, I'd shy away from the lockback. A bit of vertical play seems to be common, as it is in many lockbacks.
The lockback is very robust. If you have a thing for steel as I do, you would like it.
The spring action on the slipjoint is about a 5 on mine. Not hard to open, but definitely stays open or closed. No half stop, which is just fine by me.
Fit and finish on both of mine is good.
And I'm sorry, but I don't have a favorite between them.
Interestingly enough, not only are they different as to spring vs. lock, the blades are not the same thickness. The lockback has a noticeably thicker blade. Personally, I think they slice about the same, but that's just an opinion.
My lockback has a small amount of vertical play, none in the horizontal direction. If vertical play is a deal breaker for you, I'd shy away from the lockback. A bit of vertical play seems to be common, as it is in many lockbacks.
The lockback is very robust. If you have a thing for steel as I do, you would like it.
The spring action on the slipjoint is about a 5 on mine. Not hard to open, but definitely stays open or closed. No half stop, which is just fine by me.
Fit and finish on both of mine is good.
And I'm sorry, but I don't have a favorite between them.
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Sounds like a win win to me, great comparison post knarfeng :thumbup:
If ever there were a case where it would be completely justifiable to buy both, this is it!
That being said, being a fan of traditional lockbacks, it was an easy decision for me. I absolutely love mine. Great size, and super easy to pinch open. Yes, mine has a small amount of blade play, but it's not enough to detract from the overall greatness of the knife.
That being said, being a fan of traditional lockbacks, it was an easy decision for me. I absolutely love mine. Great size, and super easy to pinch open. Yes, mine has a small amount of blade play, but it's not enough to detract from the overall greatness of the knife.
silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
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- Feb 2, 2005
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Both is always best. For me, the slipjoint I have was an improvement over the lockback I had. Of course, the slipjoint is the best example of Queens craft I have. The lockback was loose and dull.
dannyp
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- Nov 25, 2007
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I used to have the slipjoint version and liked it very much. I like that it's easier to close and the lockback requires you to reposition the knife in your hand to operate the lock. I also personally prefer the look of the slipjoint without the lock cutout in the back of the handle.
Dan, I am excited about the Bullnose!
Knarfeng, I have seen those pictures and your info on the knives before. In fact, I see a lot of pictures of your Mountain Men (MM) on this board and am grateful for said pictures. Not grateful for you furthering my habit, though.
Also, when you say spring action is that the same as the pull? What ever the pull is. So I have a reference, where does the MM's five rate against a Queen's Country Cousin?Hmmm, IDK about both, I usually prefer to vary my collection. BUT, that might be the best option. I like the strength of the lockback, but a slippie will always have this class a lock back lacks, to me that is. I don't really NEED the knife to lock but I am transitioning to carrying traditionals from carrying modern folders so it would be nice for my peace of mind. Never had a problem with any of my current traditionals, though.
I've never owned a Queen MM, but I handled a lockback MM, today in fact, and was put off by the amount of play in the blade. I've seen others, with the same sorta fit. I like Queen, but am not too enthused about the lockback Mountain Man. I think I'd go slipjoint But I'm not real sure just how important play is, but I'm not found of it.
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Yes. "spring action" = "pull".
I have a Country Cousin and I would say the pull is a bit easier on the Mountain Man because of the longer blade. Longer fulcrum = lighter pull. I find the Mountain Man to be smoother, as well.
I do like the Mountain Man knives very much. I ended up buying a sheath though, because I find either one of mine a bit much to carry in the pocket.
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You need to consider the overall size relative to your perceived uses and how you will carry it. As far as the slip joint vs lock back, I have the lock back and like it. As a single blade knife, I can pocket carry it, but it is a tad large for me. I went with the GEC #42 Missouri Trapper, but even it is more comfortable in a pocket sheath. Plus I don't want to bang it up too much with change or keys. Consider the handle material when choosing as the bone handles are more resistant to scuffs and so forth versus woods.
If you truly can't decide, I would pick one and give it a try. The difference between the two knives may not matter after you start using one of them. You can always buy the other later.
If you truly can't decide, I would pick one and give it a try. The difference between the two knives may not matter after you start using one of them. You can always buy the other later.
silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
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If you are not using it to cut food try Militec to remove gunk.
FLymon
Gold Member
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- Aug 23, 2006
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Lockback vs Slipjoint?
In a knife this size I definitely prefer the lockback. The Mountain Man is a working knife (or should be) and the added security of a locking blade is a plus to me on a knife like this.
Now if you just want it to admire and maybe cut your steak at dinner, the slipjoint will work just fine.
In a knife this size I definitely prefer the lockback. The Mountain Man is a working knife (or should be) and the added security of a locking blade is a plus to me on a knife like this.
Now if you just want it to admire and maybe cut your steak at dinner, the slipjoint will work just fine.
Which kind of Militec?
shaving sharp
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I have two of them both lockbacks. I prefer a lock in a knife this size because it is likely to see some heavy cutting chores.
FLymon
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This is the reason I don't own the lockback version. Mine is up to any task that a large lockback (of which I own several, with no vertical play, from other makers) can be expected to perform. I don't see any difference in actual use.
