Getting into Traditionals

B

bcknives

Joined
Jun 22, 2012
Messages
337
Hey guys,

So, I have a sudden urge to buy a new "traditional" folder. I have somewhat of a large collection of modern EDC folders, larger fixed blades, Japanese Kitchen knives, and "tactical" knives. I think it's time to expand my traditional knife collection, I do own a Case Sodbuster, and I love it. My dad gave me his old Camillius Boy Scouts pocket knife, and I have to say that traditionals have a lot of coolness to them (for me at least).
The question is where do I buy these traditional folders, I'd really like to get some vintage ones. I'm going to guess a good place to look would be antique stores, and ebay. If you have any good advice, I'd love to know!

Thanks in advance,

~Ben

I'd also like to add that I am interested in Barlows.. But really anything traditional!
 
A good place to start would be right here on the exchange. Scroll up to the top of the page and click on the exchange link. Look for "For Sale Traditional, Slipjoint, Old Timey".
 
The exchange here is a pretty good place to start, as are antique stores, flea markets and the like. Ebay can be good, but can be pretty risky as well. I was fortunate enough to identify a couple of "vintage antique knives" in "mint" condition as actually being reworked knives cobbled together from who knows what. Thankfully, I was able to return them, and the seller claimed to be unaware that they were forgeries. It's entirely possible that the seller's story was true, as they were very pleasant about the whole thing, and the two knives I purchased were the only ones I could find under their listings on eBay. Ebay does have good deals from time to time, but caution would be a good thing to exercise while shopping there.

As an alternative, there are other places to find older knives as well. I've left you a vm that I hope may be useful; if nothing else, it's fun to window-shop.

With a little persistence you'll find something to suit you soon enough. When you do, I'd love to see it and hear the details. Happy hunting!
 
Although we all know about the "evil bay" we try not to reference it in the discussion forums.

It's kind of a deal spotting thing. This post is not aimed at anyone in particular, it just seemed like a good opportunity to introduce and/or reinforce the guidelines, which you can find stickied at the top of the forum page.

Thanks. Carry On!
 
bonky said:
The exchange here is a pretty good place to start, as are antique stores, flea markets and the like. Ebay can be good, but can be pretty risky as well. I was fortunate enough to identify a couple of "vintage antique knives" in "mint" condition as actually being reworked knives cobbled together from who knows what. Thankfully, I was able to return them, and the seller claimed to be unaware that they were forgeries. It's entirely possible that the seller's story was true, as they were very pleasant about the whole thing, and the two knives I purchased were the only ones I could find under their listings on eBay. Ebay does have good deals from time to time, but caution would be a good thing to exercise while shopping there.

As an alternative, there are other places to find older knives as well. I've left you a vm that I hope may be useful; if nothing else, it's fun to window-shop.

With a little persistence you'll find something to suit you soon enough. When you do, I'd love to see it and hear the details. Happy hunting!
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot, I got your message! I'll steer clear of ebay, for the time being.
 
Happy to help, if it turns out that I did. Hopefully you'll find a nice one soon.
 
Traditional knives are different from modern in many ways, but one of the most obvious is the absolute plethora of patterns. I know, I know, there are different patterns in modern knives too, but trads seem to me to have an amazing variety.

It's good, but it's also a two edged sword when first getting into traditionals.

My suggestions are three fold. You can pick one or all of them.

1. Go to a bf supporting dealer and click on case, then pick one at random. Good ones to try are the sod buster jr, the Texas jack, any of the stockman patterns, and of course the peanut. If you Google latest case dealer, that will also bring up a good place to buy from.

2. Search for an Imperial Barlow on somewhere evil. It won't be super high quality, but it will be serviceable, and you can tell if you like the pattern. Alternatively, buy a new made rough rider brand Barlow from the Big place in the mountains with a blue roof out many other places online. About $10 and decent steel.

3. Buy a GEC Barlow, often called Charlow here on the forum due to being an SFO from Charlie/Waynorth. Never buy Smith knife as long as you love because they are that awesome.

20131006_084618.jpg


Any questions at all, feel free to email me any time.
 
medicevans said:
Traditional knives are different from modern in many ways, but one of the most obvious is the absolute plethora of patterns. I know, I know, there are different patterns in modern knives too, but trads seem to me to have an amazing variety.

It's good, but it's also a two edged sword when first getting into traditionals.

My suggestions are three fold. You can pick one or all of them.

1. Go to a bf supporting dealer and click on case, then pick one at random. Good ones to try are the sod buster jr, the Texas jack, any of the stockman patterns, and of course the peanut. If you Google latest case dealer, that will also bring up a good place to buy from.

2. Search for an Imperial Barlow on somewhere evil. It won't be super high quality, but it will be serviceable, and you can tell if you like the pattern. Alternatively, buy a new made rough rider brand Barlow from the Big place in the mountains with a blue roof out many other places online. About $10 and decent steel.

3. Buy a GEC Barlow, often called Charlow here on the forum due to being an SFO from Charlie/Waynorth. Never buy Smith knife as long as you love because they are that awesome.

Any questions at all, feel free to email me any time.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help! I have the Case Sodbuster, and it's been in my EDC rotation for a few months now. I'd really like to get a barlow sometime though. I'll go ahead and look into some different Case patterns.
 
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