Help a noob build his traditional folder collection.

J

joepa150

Joined
Mar 15, 2010
Messages
350
I got that bug and want to expand my traditional knife collection. I don't want to spend a whole lot (less than $80).

Here is what I own:
-3 SAKs
-GEC Charlow
-Hopefully getting Improved trapper #48 GEC for birthday next week
- 2 Rough Riders. A Trapper and a small congress
-Vintage Case Canoe
-Vintage Case Medium Stockman
-Buck 110
-Opinel #6

Any ideas?
Any must haves that I don't have?

I like variety so I am looking to buy from a different manufacturer or/and a different style or model than what I have.
 
You need a sod buster. You can find the older case models in the carbon steel. $40-$50 tops.
 
You can find a nice Queen in that price range. If you search the big auction site you can find 2 or 3 nice U.S. made Schrade Old Timers too. Every collector has to get at least one Old Timer they really are great knives.
 
You need an Otter Messer Sailor's knife, or, "Ankermesser". :)
 
your collection looks pretty good to me and i would be happy with what you have. do you use all your knives or is it more a collection thing?
 
Definitely get the Opinel 10, and 8 and 7 slim are ones I have and love. You can get three sizes.

You already have a Charlow, so you are off to a solid start.
 
I believe it was a knife produced by George Schrade. There are several variations: open frame, closed frame, spear point blade, a hawk bill blade, fork/spoon blade, blade with a bottle opener on it.

It's a neat knife. The "wire" refers to the fact that the entire shape of the frame is one solid piece of metal. Alot of times you will find them with advertisements on the blade. One that I have reads "Earl Ferris Nursery"

You can pick them up for $25-$30
 
I am assuming that you will continue to explore.

I agree with Bigfattyt (as I often do) that the Charlow is a good start. I also agree with all of the suggestions above.

Opinel #10 and all Opinels are great value.

USA made Schrades are still excellent and great value.

I would definitely get at least one Vic Alox.

TB stamped Case are among my favorite Case knives: TB SBJ;TB Sowbelly; TB Back Pocket and any TB Stamped Case are great values with excellent F&F.

There is a minor preference above for Sheepsfoot, with which I agree (Wire Jack, other Schrades and the Case TB Sowbelly and TB SBJ and the "Ankermesser").

For me, the Charlows are among the better made and designed GECs. Nothing wrong with any GEC or any AG Russell.

Enjoy the journey,

Mike H.
 
M.FREEZE said:
I believe it was a knife produced by George Schrade. There are several variations: open frame, closed frame, spear point blade, a hawk bill blade, fork/spoon blade, blade with a bottle opener on it.

It's a neat knife. The "wire" refers to the fact that the entire shape of the frame is one solid piece of metal. Alot of times you will find them with advertisements on the blade. One that I have reads "Earl Ferris Nursery"

You can pick them up for $25-$30
Click to expand...

Well I know what I'll be searching for the next few days.... :)
 
jkulysses said:
You can find a nice Queen in that price range. If you search the big auction site you can find 2 or 3 nice U.S. made Schrade Old Timers too. Every collector has to get at least one Old Timer they really are great knives.
Click to expand...

I will second this whole sentiment. I don't currently have an OT, but I do think that one would serve you well. Also, a sodbuster should be on your list, and an Opinel, either a 6 or an 8.
 
Get a subscription to Knife World, Backwoodsman and check local used bookstores and library sales for knife books. Read as much as you can here. If there are any flea markets or junk shops in your area, go just to look. Leave $ in the car, do some research on your smart phone before you get a prospective knife. Most places will hold a knife overnight for you.
 
A very nice selection you have there already.

A Queen is needed in that lot and 2nd hand might yield a great bargain. Some of their D2 knives in Bone or Wood such as Utility Knife (single blade) or Whittler may be got within your price bracket.

Also, A Yellow D knife from CASE such as Slimline Trapper, Pen, or Peanut would be a great addition, classic handle option.
 
Consider a Svord Peasant or two. Very simple friction folders. Good steel (I have heard they use L6), easy to maintain, fun to reprofile and mod (if that is your thing) and as cheap as it gets. Cant go wrong.
 
cards94 said:
your collection looks pretty good to me and i would be happy with what you have. do you use all your knives or is it more a collection thing?
Click to expand...

I try and use most of them. The vintage case knives are from my father and I believe are about 30 years old so I try to baby them and not use them much.
I try to buy knives that I plan on using and not just to collect them.
 
You owe it to yourself to find an original USA-made Old Timer. The 34OT was the most popular and most common model, but there is wide variety of other models too. Fixed blades, lockbacks, trappers... Just look for "USA" on the tang stamp to ensure you're getting an original.

34OTtangstamps.jpg
 
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