I know absolutely nothing about traditionals.

[K.O.D.]

As the title says, I know nada, but I am wanting to get into them, or at least one or two.

Please edumacate me.

I don't know if it's a sign of aging, but modern folders just don't stimulate me like they used to. For the most part, I like what I have and have what I like.

As the the summer painstakingly slowly approaches the Chi, I find the idea of carrying a traditional more appealing. Thinking about the added weight of the insulin pump being clipped to my waistband, weight savings is important.

Sent via carrier pigeon

 

[screened porch]

5" closed? Traditionally traditional folders are measured in closed lengths and fixed blades are measured in blade lengths.
Maybe a folding hunter of the non-Buck type?
Or a Granddaddy Barlow.

 

[Railsplitter]

5" closed? Traditionally traditional folders are measured in closed lengths and fixed blades are measured in blade lengths.
Maybe a folding hunter of the non-Buck type?
Or a Granddaddy Barlow.

That's very good information for someone new to traditional knives. Probably the first thing someone should know before shopping. I think the Charlie Mike quote was in humor though.

 

[mrknife]

if you want something around 5" closed, please send me your address. I have a fun knife thats almost disposable if youd like. It is brand new. shipping and everything is on me. (this is a gift, no intent to sell)

 

[Ice Tigre]

Gents.
I don't think the 5" quote is part of this post, it's below the line in his Signature area...

 

[ndmiller]

I was new as well in the last year, so I'll give you my perspective as a fellow newbie.

1) I would definitely scan the exchange as each listing shows pictures and details of most of the popular and/or unique models from most of the major manufacturers out there. You can see what you are drawn to from a size, # blades/tools, handle/scale material, etc. to narrow down your first try from everything to a handful of options. Write down the pattern numbers, names and blade shapes.

2) I would scan the Traditional forums on discussions about the choices you've narrowed your search to. You'll see new, old, upcoming, ancient, tips, tricks, carry pouches, lanyards, patina, rust, essentially everything about the # pattern on your list. Ask questions in the threads, generally the Traditional forums members are trying to win, but just enjoy knives, so are very helpful.

3) Search entire BF for the pattern number and then the name(s) associated to review those threads as well.

4) By now you should have your choice for first traditional selected, so hit the exchange, dealers, gunshow to buy your first traditional. Repeat as necessary.

5) If you find a pattern you love, hit the knifemakers tradtional exchange, BEAUTIFUL heirloom stuff to further your addiction.

In my case, I was drawn to the #15 Beer Scout. The size and the opener tool drew me in, while the plaque and blade shape drove me to the Beer scout as opposed to the the other #15 patterns. Upcoming handles (back then) of beer barrel and maroon micarta sealed the deal. Bought both and have been very happy with my choices. Now looking at the #71 Farm & Field Bullnose, which I bought. Haven't been thrilled with as the opening effort is significantly higher, although I'm sending back to GEC for a pull reduction.

 

[mrknife]

Gents.
I don't think the 5" quote is part of this post, it's below the line in his Signature area...

its alright, my offer still stands. I have an entry level grand daddy barlow to giveaway still

 

[kamagong]

Are you asking about slipjoints? Because "traditional" is a broad, encompassing term. It's only on this forum where it is so consistently misused to refer to slipjoints.

These slipjoints are traditional.

As is this navaja.

Balisongs are traditional too.

Bowies and khukuris are traditional as well.

Puukkos are traditional.

And that's just a start. There are friction folders, bolos, lockbacks, and many other designs that fall under the traditional umbrella.

 

[Rookie82]

Some general info to get you started. Every main brand has probably 10-20 current patterns being made, and possibly another 50 past patterns that were made at various times during the last 120 years. Some of these patterns have special names from only 1 brand, and some are more general accepted names that all makers use (such as a Peanut, or a Trapper).

My advice is to look at a lot of knife photos and find a few that catch your eye, and start with that. If possible, go to knife shows where you can see/hold a knife in person before paying for it.

 

[K.O.D.]

Thanks everyone, and yes I meant slipjoints. Chicago is very particular about blade length, and people here lean very much to the sheeple side of things.

Here in the suburbs there isn't really a law about length, but people stare and/or freak out over anything that could possibly be construed as a weapon.

If it weren't for my health and nephews, I'd be in Texas.

The #15 with wharncliffe blade is on my list.

Oh and the 5" length in my signature is a joke.

Mr. Knife, thank you for your offer, that is too kind.


Sent via carrier pigeon

 

[screened porch]

I think I get it.
2.5" blade in Chi itself, I believe. You'd be safe with a standard Barlow or a smaller sak. I like the Case xx18 medium stockman a lot myself.

 

[btb01]

The #15 with wharncliffe blade is on my list.

I assume you're talking about GEC's #15 pattern? It's a wonderful pattern, lots of great options (though not all are easy to get ahold of), but I'm pretty sure GEC has never done a #15 with a wharncliffe.

This is my favorite GEC single-blade wharncliffe, the #47 Viper.

In addition to keeping an eye on the exchange, I'd watch the What "Traditional Knife" are ya totin' today thread. Plenty of knives posted there daily, and a good variety. Might help give you an idea of what's out there, what you like and don't like the look of, etc.

 

[thegeneftw]

I'm fairly new as well to the slip joint arena, but boy do I love them. I always have one with me, even at night when I'm just walking around in gym shorts. Anyway, as far as advice goes, for light and functional blades the GEC 71 and 13 are turning out to be my favorite patterns for their size and all around slicing abilities. I'd also say you came to the right place! The people on this side of the forum are very knowledgeable, helpful, and genuinely good people.

 

[Jolipapa]

5" closed? Traditionally traditional folders are measured in closed lengths and fixed blades are measured in blade lengths.
Maybe a folding hunter of the non-Buck type?
Or a Granddaddy Barlow.

Do you think a 13 Opinel would be too large?

 

[Will Power]

I know a bit But do you know? I'm still learning and I like it :thumbup:

Traditionals are very broad in scope and time and patterns, can be baffling but just ease yourself in to it. You see what you fancy, then try it out, if it doesn't work then sell it or trade it, give it away and your learning process is enhanced.

We all need beauty in our lives and Traditionals have it in abundance.

Regards, Will

 

[Petunia D. Feeble]

As the title says, I know nada, but I am wanting to get into them, or at least one or two.

Please edumacate me.

I don't know if it's a sign of aging, but modern folders just don't stimulate me like they used to. For the most part, I like what I have and have what I like.

As the the summer painstakingly slowly approaches the Chi, I find the idea of carrying a traditional more appealing. Thinking about the added weight of the insulin pump being clipped to my waistband, weight savings is important.

Sent via carrier pigeon

I thought about typing out a response with examplrs of the various blade types, patterns, etc. and I still may, but really the best advice is to just hang out on the Porch for a bit. You'll pick it all up as time goes by. Buy what you like aesthetically and try them out. You can start with Rough Riders to limit your initial investment and test different sizes and patterns. Cheap as they are, they're great knives.

Hell, even if you're not into traditionals I'd recommend hanging out on the Porch. The people here can't be beat.

 

[TheChunk91]

Case makes several different options of a swayback wharncliffe, it's called a swayback gent (single blade) and swayback jack (two blade). Those would be worth checking out, they are a dandy size and available.

 

[cchu518]

These are my most EDC'd knives. The wharnie is pretty darn affordable and my most favorite knife out of any category.

There is also a "Le Thiers" in there which is a European slipjoint. They don't get as much love as the USA made traditionals, but it's a rather awesome odd duck that I've come to love. I sold my first one and gave it a second try and now love it. I'm carrying it as we speak. Ironically I lost my first Case mini trapper in wharncliffe. I normally move on when that happens, but I realized I had to get another one.

Can't say enough about any of those knives including the copperlock that hasn't been mentioned until now.

 

[mrknife]

Thanks everyone, and yes I meant slipjoints. Chicago is very particular about blade length, and people here lean very much to the sheeple side of things.

Here in the suburbs there isn't really a law about length, but people stare and/or freak out over anything that could possibly be construed as a weapon.

If it weren't for my health and nephews, I'd be in Texas.

The #15 with wharncliffe blade is on my list.

Oh and the 5" length in my signature is a joke.

Mr. Knife, thank you for your offer, that is too kind.


Sent via carrier pigeon

you are very welcome, if interested, pm away

 

[Ice Tigre]

If a highly restrictive metro is involved, I'd say the marvelous Peanut(the usually recamended brand is Case) is a good choice. Countless users here, myself included can attest that they cut and work like knives 3 times their size. Yet they are small(2-7/8" closed), non threatening, child and sheep friendly, and carry easy. Can even be had in stainless, or carbon as you prefer.

-G.