- Joined
- Oct 20, 2009
- Messages
- 980
Hello, Eric.
I'm someone who was in the same boat as you about a year and a half ago, coming from buying modern folders almost exclusively. Today, I buy many more traditional splijoints than modern folders. This is what I learned:
1- Production slipjoints usually have poorer fit and finish than a good comparably priced modern folder. Say, comparing a $100 GEC to a $100 Spyderco, invariably you'll find higher quality of materials and construction in the latter. Therefore, lower you expectations in this regard.
2- Buying without being able to inspect a production slipjoint is a roll of the dice. My record so far is that I had to send back for repair or adjustment 2 out of 3 slipjoints bought like that. Mostly, it's because of off-centered blades rubbing the liners, especially in multiblade knives. I had good experience with Case repairs, but very poor with GEC repairs. Your best bet is to buy knives good from the onset.
3- The only exception I found so far regarding the two points above comes from A.G. Russel. Well made knives all around with a price/quality ratio comparable to what you are probably used to expect.
4- If you want quality slipjoints, you have to go custom or to Case/Bose collab knives. That means paying > $200 for a quality slipjoint with a modern steel. ATS-34 is the standard used by many (possibly most) makers, but you can find 154CM and even S30V is starting to appear.
5- It's all a matter of personal preference and there are many differing opinions. In the end, even after reading so much here in this forum (which is a great place to learn), I found that only experimentation got me to a point where I feel comfortable with my purchases. But I have had quite a share of disappointment and learning the hard way. On retrospect, I still don't know of a better way to reach the point where I'm at.
I hope the points above help you in your quest. Like others have said, you're now in a slippery slope of obsessive addiction. Take it easy
I'm someone who was in the same boat as you about a year and a half ago, coming from buying modern folders almost exclusively. Today, I buy many more traditional splijoints than modern folders. This is what I learned:
1- Production slipjoints usually have poorer fit and finish than a good comparably priced modern folder. Say, comparing a $100 GEC to a $100 Spyderco, invariably you'll find higher quality of materials and construction in the latter. Therefore, lower you expectations in this regard.
2- Buying without being able to inspect a production slipjoint is a roll of the dice. My record so far is that I had to send back for repair or adjustment 2 out of 3 slipjoints bought like that. Mostly, it's because of off-centered blades rubbing the liners, especially in multiblade knives. I had good experience with Case repairs, but very poor with GEC repairs. Your best bet is to buy knives good from the onset.
3- The only exception I found so far regarding the two points above comes from A.G. Russel. Well made knives all around with a price/quality ratio comparable to what you are probably used to expect.
4- If you want quality slipjoints, you have to go custom or to Case/Bose collab knives. That means paying > $200 for a quality slipjoint with a modern steel. ATS-34 is the standard used by many (possibly most) makers, but you can find 154CM and even S30V is starting to appear.
5- It's all a matter of personal preference and there are many differing opinions. In the end, even after reading so much here in this forum (which is a great place to learn), I found that only experimentation got me to a point where I feel comfortable with my purchases. But I have had quite a share of disappointment and learning the hard way. On retrospect, I still don't know of a better way to reach the point where I'm at.
I hope the points above help you in your quest. Like others have said, you're now in a slippery slope of obsessive addiction. Take it easy
