Help Finding Traditional with Bail ?

Pointshoot777 · Dec 3, 2007

Hello everyone - I've just recently become more interested in traditional style knives (though I fondly remember those used by my Dad and uncles when I was a kid). I'm looking for a good quality medium sized knife with stag or bone handles. I prefer a Congress or stockman pattern in carbon steel. - - Now the hard part is finding such a knife with a bail. Ive lost a few knives that were in my pocket (especially when outdoors) I like the option of attaching a lanyard to the knife. Any suggestions ? I'd like to keep the price to $100 or under, but would considering going as high as $200. The only traditionals with bone or stag (looking) handles & that I've found were Scout knives and a little bigger & heavier than I'd like for around town EDC - especially when wearing slacks. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Best regards, - -

Ed T · Dec 3, 2007

Have you looked at the Scout knives that were made by camillus and others?

Not a stockman or congress, but..

jacknife · Dec 3, 2007

How about a Case Lightning?

PATTERN # 52042 R SSP

Not quite what you're after I know, but it might do the job, if you can find one.

kidwholaughs · Dec 3, 2007

A G Russel has some very knife scouts knives in Stage. Boker also makes one like it too.

jackknife · Dec 3, 2007

I don't ever recall seeing a stockman or congress with a bail. The bail seems to be the thing of scout knives, sak's, TL-29's, and small pen knives in the keychain size.

For a compact pocket knife with a lanyard attachment, the Wenger Patriot is a nice little knife, as is the Victorinox cadet. Not really hard corps traditional, I know.

That Case lightning looks nice, Jacknife!

lambertiana · Dec 3, 2007

If you want to carry a stockman (as I do), why not look at another approach? Scroll down this page and look at the various grades of buckaroo slips. They work very well, and the knife is secure. This way you can stick with your favorite stockman.

http://cuttersandcollectors.com/

You can even get one of each grade for use in different situations - top hand, custom, and ranch hand. I use a custom around town and a ranch hand when I am in the woods. Here is a picture I took on a backpacking trip this summer, you can see how big it is relative to my Queen #9 stockman:

safta · Dec 4, 2007

you could also add your own bail, you can get some NS or stainless pin stock for less than a dollar, just dont drill through the bolster only about 1/8" on each side bend the pinstock to the shape and size you want so that its own tension keeps it in the holes

sunnyd · Dec 4, 2007

Perhaps something like this vintage Kutmaster easy open 2 blade Jack with classic brown jigged bone scales?!. It's 3 3/8 inches in the closed position(same as most medium stockmans) and the price for a good used one should be far less the 100.USD.

And I am a huge fan of the old western "buckaroo" as lambertiana has already mentioned to preform the same task as a lanyard.. The great thing about the buckaroo is it can be used with any of your favorite EDC's and can be worn in any number of ways depending on your attire.

Their is even a Sunday-go-to-meet'n buckaroo on his site these days. Check it out. Ron will treat you right and he is one of the nicest fellows you'll ever meet as well.

smiling-knife · Dec 4, 2007

Excellent knives sunnyd..... especially the vintage cutmaster jack knife. I really like the old bone scales. Thanks.

sunnyd · Dec 4, 2007

smiling-knife said:
Excellent knives sunnyd..... especially the vintage cutmaster jack knife. I really like the old bone scales. Thanks.

Thanks S-K, I actually had to go looking for that one and realized when I located it that I had not handled it for quite a spell.. I agree with you about the bone, I think its pretty too.

I think it could very well be what Pointshot777 could be looking for.

Pointshoot777 · Dec 4, 2007

Thanks everyone for lots of good ideas. I appreciate all your help. All the best, - -

Will Power · Dec 4, 2007

How about a small-lock back with lanyard hole? Something by Parker might do.

Failing this, choose your favourite slipie and get drilling

Quite a few European (esp Spanish or Italian) work-knives come with a bail mostly wooden handles (Juniper, Olive, Ebony) but some in stag or bone.Generally stainless now but not all.