half stops

Sorry - but the exhibition knife and the Newton above *are* barrel knives -- that's what these types of knives have been called a long time. Yes, I know about the other type of "barrel" knife - a far more recent arrival on the scene than the Sheffield barrel knives. As reference, I point to "Sheffield Exhibition Knives" pages 71, 205, and 238-239, as well as "Exhibition Knives - Joseph Rodgers & Sons - The Samuel Setian Collection" pages 226-227 -- all knives of this type are called "barrel knives" in these books. While he's a great reference, it's sometimes harmful to treat whatever BRL says as unquestionable Word of God -- while I don't know what the original Sheffield cutlers called this style of knife, I feel quite certain that they never called them "quadrangular pen knives" - that's a BRL-ism.

"The Sheffield Directory and Guide,
Containing a History of the Town…"

Printed and Published by James Blackwell, Iris Office, High Street, 1828.

List of Names Page 23.

Crawshaw James, pen, pocket, silver dessert and fruit knives, and razor manufacturer; dressing case instruments, inventor of the improved pen knife, long or patent tang lobster and quadrangular knives, &c. 39 Solly Street.

Google Books

They were called quandrangle knives at least as far back as 1828, likely before Bernard Levine was born, though I don't know that for a fact ;).
 
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I agree with zerogee in that it makes the knife a little easier to clean, other wise they don't make any difference since I'm not going to get in a hurry closing my knife!
 
"The Sheffield Directory and Guide,
Containing a History of the Town…"

Printed and Published by James Blackwell, Iris Office, High Street, 1828.

List of Names Page 23.

Crawshaw James, pen, pocket, silver dessert and fruit knives, and razor manufacturer; dressing case instruments, inventor of the improved pen knife, long or patent tang lobster and quadrangular knives, &c. 39 Solly Street.

They were called quandrangle knives at least as far back as 1828, likely before Bernard Levine was born, though I don't know that for a fact ;).

Huh, ok, I learned something there -- I still think it's a horribly awkward and unlikely common name for a pattern, but this was never exactly a common everyday pattern. "Barrel knife" does seem to be the common name for them these days, but I don't know how long this terminology has been used.
 
Looks like a nice little weekend project but please, I won't be taking any orders for that pattern ;):p:D

I wonder if someone could convince Tony Bose to whip one of those up. And if so, how much it would set one back. :D Prolly just a couple of bucks.

I could be wrong, but I remember reading somewhere that that type of knife was called an "exhibition year knife"- because it took a master cutler a year to make. We're talking Faberge' egg- level craftsmanship :eek:

Not trying to derail this thread, I must insist that my exhibition year knife have crisp half stops on all of the blades. :cool:
 
I like them if the spring stays flush in all three positions, doesn't always happen though, sigh!
 
have to say im with ag russell on this. i love an otherwise well constructed and finished slipjoint that does not have the stops. i would be curious to hear his reasons but for me when i open my blade the half stop feels frustrating, like an interuption or hinderance. i love the feeling and sound of a nice clear click at the end of the opening that a good slipjoint without stops will make
 
I don't have to have half stops, but I have noticed two nice things about them:

1. It 'seems' knifes with half stops tend to snap open/close a bit better.

2. For display purposes (not very many at all as I'm more of an accumulater/user) I think they are nice as it takes tension of the spring and allows the blade to be open. I'm really not sure this really makes a big difference as I've bought knives that I know have been on display for years and still walk and talk very well.
 
have to say im with ag russell on this. i love an otherwise well constructed and finished slipjoint that does not have the stops. i would be curious to hear his reasons but for me when i open my blade the half stop feels frustrating, like an interuption or hinderance. i love the feeling and sound of a nice clear click at the end of the opening that a good slipjoint without stops will make

All of my knives with half stops make a nice click when fully opened. I agree that the stop does interrupt the flow of opening the knife. Maybe that is why they are called "half stops." :D
 
I think the half stop or no half stop question depends solely upon the pattern. Some patterns call for half stops and others simply do not.....a matter of tradition I think.
 
John L, I'm curious to know which patterns you think need half-stops and which do not?
 
Both AGR in his catalog as well as a previous post used the term "walk and talk" referring to the blade opening process. Forgive my ignorance, but what does that refer to?
 
Both AGR in his catalog as well as a previous post used the term "walk and talk" referring to the blade opening process. Forgive my ignorance, but what does that refer to?

Strong spring action with a nice audible snap when they open or close.

I like half stops.
 
i finally got the chance to play around with one and can now see the difference..it almost feels as tho its an extra "feature" of the knife and youd have to pay more for it..i know thats not the case now and still dont have an opinion either way on them, not enough to chase one down anyway
 
Walk and Talk...as you open and/or close the slipjoint you can feel the smoothness of the blade rubbing against the spring. Feel for any irregularity, minute flats instedas of smooth flowing and gentle sweeps....no sandy feeling, no gritty feeling. That is the walk. Talk is the snapping sound when the blade opens, comes to half stop and when snaps closed. This sound is like music. A dull sound is not wanted but clear and crisp. I think it important tha the knige sanp at half stop as well as open and closed. It is a bit more difficult for the maker to do this..but important.
 
Thank you for the clear, concise explainations of "walk & talk". Traditional knives appear to breed traditional courtesy; or is it vice versa.
 
For those wondering which knives traditionally have half stops and which knives have cam ends, here is a simple(and GENERAL) rule of thumb: Round-ended knives have cam ends ie., Whittlers, stockmen, toothpicks, toenails, knives with sunk joints, etc. Square ended knives (some of which may have a radiused end but are NOT CONSIDERED ROUND ENDS) have half stops, ie Trappers, jacks, hunters, etc.

Keep in mind, with slip joints, there are exceptions that defy generalizations BUT this generalization works most of the time. You can find knives that have both half stop and cam end blades in them. I like those because they have something for everyone. ;)

your mileage may vary/void where prohibited by law/do not remove this label under penalty of death/no smoking/brush your teeth after every meal/blahblahblahyakityschmakity
 
For those wondering which knives traditionally have half stops and which knives have cam ends, here is a simple(and GENERAL) rule of thumb: Round-ended knives have cam ends ie., Whittlers, stockmen, toothpicks, toenails, knives with sunk joints, etc. Square ended knives (some of which may have a radiused end but are NOT CONSIDERED ROUND ENDS) have half stops, ie Trappers, jacks, hunters, etc.

Keep in mind, with slip joints, there are exceptions that defy generalizations BUT this generalization works most of the time. You can find knives that have both half stop and cam end blades in them. I like those because they have something for everyone. ;)

your mileage may vary/void where prohibited by law/do not remove this label under penalty of death/no smoking/brush your teeth after every meal/blahblahblahyakityschmakity

You're pretty smart for a guy with knives stuck in his head :D
Where did you learn that?
 
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