Help me pick out a new knife

sXePhenomenal

sXePhenomenal

Joined
Mar 8, 2018
Messages
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Hello guys thanks for the help last time so let's try again and seeing other threads like this and ppl chiming in is pretty fun so I thought I'd give it a go. All advice and recommendations are welcome. Have had a pretty bad traditional itch lately that I'm looking to scratch again.

So far looking at a medium Case bonestag SS (wish it was CV :() stockman that I can hand select from my local tractor supply. Also looking at other CV case models but nothing specific. The new GEC Oregon trapper idk which model they are all nice.
But any other recommendations I'll look in to! preferably under a $100 though and I prefer carbon steel but it's a give and take. Looking forward to the input! Thanks :D
 
How much do you care about stainless vs. carbon? What size do you prefer? Single blade or multiple blades? Do cover materials matter to you?
 
Is there any particular reason you prefer carbon steel over ss? because when it comes to pros vs cons, some would say both steels have their differences. One person I know in particular hates 1095 because it messes with the taste of food for example.
 
JTB_5 said:
How much do you care about stainless vs. carbon? What size do you prefer? Single blade or multiple blades? Do cover materials matter to you?
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SS vs carbon is interesting for sure but just bc most traditional companies stainless is not up to the standards I prefer and carbon takes a nice patina look. Size I like all sizes. Most of what I have is multiple but some of the single bladed knives like the #43 are interesting and good point forgot about covers anything except plastics/delrin
 
mrknife said:
Is there any particular reason you prefer carbon steel over ss? because when it comes to pros vs cons, some would say both steels have their differences. One person I know in particular hates 1095 because it messes with the taste of food for example.
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Because a lot of SS in traditionals isn't that great and carbon looks better over time and just ya know "traditional". Not too pick on case too bad but I don't really like either of their steels the CV has a low HRC and their SS is alright I guess.
 
You are in a lucky position if you can examine the knives yourself, always better than buying unseen.

Take a look at CASE's Large Stockman in Amber Bone/CV a wonderful big knife and well within your budget ceiling. There is a thread about them here so you can get further ideas.
 
My Tractor Supply carries the yellow Case punch stockman in CV. It's a hell of a knife. The punch is a really nice option over the spey blade that's usually included on a stockman. Super-handy, and the punch is extremely well implemented. Very stout. It may be my favorite Case knife, and was probably the cheapest.

Note: The punch is stainless, even on the CV blade model.

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There are so many good recommendations that could fit within your parameters, which may be a good thing or a bad thing. Just speaking from my own experience (relatively new to traditionals), I'd recommend you buy a GEC and one that a lot of folks have spoken highly of and are still available---a 35 churchill or 78 jack. Both of these are good sizes, easy to pocket, and the 78 have single or multiple blade options. The fit and finish on them are excellent, and they won't leave you dissatisfied with having scratched your itch (though they may increase the itching!).
 
Will Power said:
You are in a lucky position if you can examine the knives yourself, always better than buying unseen.

Take a look at CASE's Large Stockman in Amber Bone/CV a wonderful big knife and well within your budget ceiling. There is a thread about them here so you can get further ideas.
Click to expand...
Hmm it would match my amber bone mini trapper. That's why I'm looking at some of the Case knives from tractor supply especially the bonestag it looks very good and I can pick through them all and get the best one
 
Buzzbait said:
My Tractor Supply carries the yellow Case punch stockman in CV. It's a hell of a knife. The punch is a really nice option over the spey blade that's usually included on a stockman. Super-handy, and the punch is extremely well implemented. Very stout. It may be my favorite Case knife, and was probably the cheapest.

Note: The punch is stainless, even on the CV blade model.

S4ErKjdh.jpg

0hatRmVh.jpg
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Idk if the one I usually go to has this model but I've never seen this before it's pretty sweet but their is like 4 TSC in my general area might have to go check them out
 
JTB_5 said:
There are so many good recommendations that could fit within your parameters, which may be a good thing or a bad thing. Just speaking from my own experience (relatively new to traditionals), I'd recommend you buy a GEC and one that a lot of folks have spoken highly of and are still available---a 35 churchill or 78 jack. Both of these are good sizes, easy to pocket, and the 78 have single or multiple blade options. The fit and finish on them are excellent, and they won't leave you dissatisfied with having scratched your itch (though they may increase the itching!).
Click to expand...
thanks for the recommendations a good search for the 78 jack turned up this guy
and man it's nice
 

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GEC 78 American Jack in elderberry jig bone
GEC 35 Churchill in maroon micarta
GEC 43 Oregon Trapper in micarta or rust red jig bone
GEC 66 Calf Roper in black or green micarta

All in 1095 steel and are currently available at certain GEC authorized dealers (and BF.com sponsors). Choose the style that speaks to you the most. And no need to worry about hand picking the best one (like needed with a Case purchase), since GEC's F&F is typically fantastic.

Good luck with your choice.
 
Mingecutter said:
GEC 78 American Jack in elderberry jig bone
GEC 35 Churchill in maroon micarta
GEC 43 Oregon Trapper in micarta or rust red jig bone
GEC 66 Calf Roper in black or green micarta

All in 1095 steel and are currently available at certain GEC authorized dealers (and BF.com sponsors). Choose the style that speaks to you the most. And no need to worry about hand picking the best one (like needed with a Case purchase), since GEC's F&F is typically fantastic.

Good luck with your choice.
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The 78 jack is looking pretty popular and the Oregon Trapper is appealing as well. Oh I know I won't buy cases without picking but gecs are excellent ordered a queen sowbelly and it was perfect
 
sXePhenomenal said:
Looks like I will have to buy more than 1 but oh well :)
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Yeah ... Traditionals can be a wee bit habit forming ... or is "addictive" a better terminology?

I'm more a fan of the stockman pattern, so my suggestion is a probably a bit biased.
I'd go with the Case Stockman the supply store has in stock, or maybe see if the can get in some of the larger Case Stockmans.
The Buck 301 might be another option, if you like the large Stockman, or a 303, if you prefer a medium, but they are only made with stainless steel blades. The Bucks do hold their edge better than a Case, though.
 
afishhunter said:
Yeah ... Traditionals can be a wee bit habit forming ... or is "addictive" a better terminology?

I'm more a fan of the stockman pattern, so my suggestion is a probably a bit biased.
I'd go with the Case Stockman the supply store has in stock, or maybe see if the can get in some of the larger Case Stockmans.
The Buck 301 might be another option, if you like the large Stockman, or a 303, if you prefer a medium, but they are only made with stainless steel blades. The Bucks do hold their edge better than a Case, though.
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The 6.5 bonestag is really nice think I'll stop after work they have a good selection of cases and the tractor supply exclusive large stockman is pretty nice. I do love Bucks stockmans their 420hc is the best you can can on traditionals and their sharpness/grinds is the best too imo but that's a easy one to win
 
Ok you guys have me wanting another GEC bc this is the only one I currently have and it's great except it's not sharp at all and I'm just an orc with a worksharp that too afraid to try and sharpen it bc I think i'll mess it up (mostly bc I'm not that good with it yet) so what we thinking the Oregon trapper (any handle material) and the elderberry 78 jack. Think I'll still drop by TSC and pick me out a case bc they're pretty and are at a good price point
 

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Here's the Churchill 35 from GEC. Bottom knife.

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Then there's this very nice CASE Medium Stockman in Chestnut Bone and cv. This has a Pen blade rather than the usual Spey.

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