Good overall tough EDC/whittler with solid walk and talk??

[beestokk]

Hey all, i'm pretty much a traditional novice (have some but nothing of real good quality), but been looking to pick up a slipjoint to embrace the traditional history. Mostly would be used for EDC when I don't feel like carrying a single-blade, locking, pocket-clipped folder, as well as some whittling around the house/woods (my grandfather was excellent with woodwork and did a lot of whittling...trying to get into it myself and keep on his legacy...that being said I have a box full of his old whittling knives, chisels, etc. so I wouldn't have to depend on this knife soley but it would be nice to have one to use and carry when I'm without his tools). ***When I say whittler in the title I don't mean that pattern necessarily, just a knife that would be good for whittling (I realize that may sound ridiculous haha).***

Anyways, I've been looking mostly at stockman, whittler, and barlow patterns. I'm thinking something with 2 or 3 blades different blades (not a fan of having any repeat blade(s) just in a different size), preferably carbon so as to develop a nice patina over the years, but I'd consider SS. probably would be willing to spend up to $75 for the right knife, but would prefer less than $50. Brands I've looked at most are Boker, Buck, Case, and GEC ( as of recentyl, particularly the #25 Barlow), with Boker being in the lead on materials and designs.

I just last night went to handle some Bucks and Cases and was surprised at the lack of "pop" or I guess "talk" when opening and closing the blades. I'd like something that inspires a bit more confidence when opened/closed. The blades felt almost too easy to open, like I'd prefer it to be a bit tighter with more pull required. Was it possible that these were display models that had loosened over time? I also will say I did prefer the thicker blades of the stockman models to the thinner blades of the whittlers.

Any thoughts on any or all of the above and/or recommendations are greatly appreciated. Sorry for the long and somewhat scatter-brained post! Thanks!

 

[Will Power]

Really look into recent Böker Germany Whittlers, I've found them to be not only very good value but really decent knives too.

Useful size at 3.5" serpentine shape, Clip,Pen and Cope blades-carbon.
Very decent springs on recent Bökers, no weak uns here, nice and firm. No gaps or blade play either. Ends of the bolsters not always smoothly rounded off in places but nothing that detracts from holding or using. Very well made and I got mine under 35USD plus some shipping. Green Washboard Bone and Apaloosa Bone are the ones I have but there are other choices too. I'm sure you won't be disappointed, a very fine EDC.

 

[beestokk]

Will do willgoy (that's kind of funny haha). When you say Boker Germany, do you mean the Tree Brand series, i.e. those actully made in Germany? Have you handled their whittler vs Boker stockmen or Boker barlows? My hesitancy with the whittler as of recently is that the blades are thinner than other patterns. I understand that can be a plus for whittling but my concern is that it may be a detriment in other EDC tasks.

Any other input?

 

[jujigatame]

If you are looking at this to be carried solo then there is some level of compromise to accept that the blades might not be suited for all occasions. What's an example of something in terms of use that the small blades won't be good for that couldn't be covered by the main blade?


-- Nate

 

[DennisStrickland]

jujigatame makes a good point. you ca'nt always have your cake & eat it too. i second the german bokers in carbon. if you really want the best in the field [however expensive] the exec whitt by great eastern is the baby. also the earlier yellow handled queens with the great tapered backsprings certainly is a contender.
dennis

 

[Will Power]

beestokk, the German made Bökers are Tree Brand, at least that's what's etched on the blade. As regards the Whittlers, the secondary blades are naturally thin-3 blades in two thin springs-but they are not feeble the Pen blade is nice and strong and the Cope doesn't flex either.But, they are not big blades it's a 3.5" knife after all! Their 4" Stockman offers bigger and different blades and being round bolster it's easy on the pocket too. Low sunk joints make for an easy carry. The Russell Barlows by Böker are an excellent small sturdy knife, with Clip or Spear blades and Pen(which is rather small).

Check the Bay, I know of an excellent seller of Böker there, so contact me privately if you need more info.

 

[Peter Parker]

The more traditional whittler purist don't usually care for this one due to it not being a split back(too thick for some as well), but I'm crazy about mine! Good walk and talk and the blades sharpen almost too easy! I am much enjoying my new like affair with Case CV!!

 

[beestokk]

Nate - I absolutely agree with the compromise, that's part of life day in and day out for the most part IMO. And your point about the main blade covering something the smaller blade couldn't is well taken, although I'm not quite sure that I was implying otherwise...nonetheless it seems to me that our perspective is the same. Just looking for input/recommendations from those more experienced with traditionals as to what might best fit my "ideal" criteria.

willgoy - thanks for the response, much appreciated.

thanks to all others who have responded so far as well.

looks like the bokers will likely continue to be the forerunner given reviews i've read and members input. combine that with price and it seems like the way to go. still considering GEC's but not sure i'm ready for the price jump being a novice and all. also starting to look at some rough riders to try other patterns, etc.