I want a new slipjoint. Requirements inside. Thanks

R

Relayer

Joined
Feb 21, 2002
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424
I seek your suggestions for a new slipjoint. The only decent one I have now (though recently misplace) is a 35 year old Buck Stockman. I am not a heavy duty user, mostly routine small jobs around the office (example: yesterday the most beautiful woman in my office was in the break room struggling with a taped package when I came to her rescue ;) )

But for this knife, I want something that will be carried, but I will not use it for anything remotely difficult. It's mostly for sheer enjoyment of having it, holding it, playing with it, etc. That sounds silly, I know, but, am I ridiculous? I want to maintain it in almost pristine condition. I have other folders (Camillus EDC, Kershaw OD-1) for real use. I don't plan on showing it off, really, except to myself (and maybe you fellers, here)

* I am limited in budget, and I know that will limit my choices and compromise my requirements, somewhat*

So, with that said, here are my requirements, in order of importance:

1. $75 or under
2. American made
2a. The very highest quality construction, fit/finish feasible
3. Top quality materials (prefer bone scales, unsure on choice of steel)
4. 3"-3.5", closed
5. Minimum 2 blades
6. Highly polished blades
7. History of the manufacturer

I want this knife to be gorgeous (again, as much as possible with my limited budget) in form, fit, finish... everything. I know that is very subjective, but y'all have good taste. I have no plans (or ability) to become a collector so this one example is all that I will buy for quite a long time, most likely.

If you can post a pic, that would be nice. Thanks for any suggestions you can make.
 
The length you're looking for sounds like it'd fit into the category of mini-trapper or barlow.
 
Great Eastern Cutlery makes some model #25's with two blades and a bunch of different blade styles and handle slab configurations. Those should fit almost all of your listed requirments.
 
Here are two you can't go wrong with. I carry them both often and love 'em. Now the CV blades on the Case will darken over time as you use the knife, unless you use a polish to keep them shiny before they turn, but that is a desireable trait to most folks here I think. Case offers several Sway Backs in stainless if you prefer that.
Top = Queen Mini Trapper Amber Bone with D2 blades.
Bottom = Case Chestnut Bone Sway Back with CV blades.

3354863346_82afd164df_b.jpg
 
There are quite a few patterns available - small stockman, mini trapper, pocket hunter, peanut, canoe...

The manufacturers I'd recommend have already been mentioned:

Great Eastern Cutlery (also makes Tidioute and Northfield)
Queen Cutlery
Case

And I'll add Canal Street Cutlery; their small stockman is a real nice knife

Also, for about $75.00 or so, you might be able to find a Schatt & Morgan (made by Queen). Exceptional fit & finish on S&M knives.

Just about all of these knives use 420HC stainless blade steel which is decent and fine for everyday tasks.
Northfield and Tidioute use 1095, which is excellent non stainless high carbon steel.
Queen uses D2, also an excellent tool steel which is "nearly" stainless.
(Schatt & Morgan uses a very high grade stainless, ATS-34, in some of its knives -
their "File & Wire" Series - but those tend to be priced higher than $75.00 or so.)


As for dealers, there are a some really good ones around.
A few I can highly recommend are www.soonerstateknives.com , www.knivesshipfree.com ,
www.cumberlandknifeworks.com , and www.collectorknives.net .

For Case, also take a look at www.casexx.com which is Shepherd Hills Cutlery.

Hope you find this information useful.
 
Last edited:
FLymon said:
Case Chestnut Bone Sway Back with CV blades.
Click to expand...

I have been hit hard by these. I really love the look of them. I think it is the curvature of the handle with the straightness of the edge of the blade. It just really appeals to me. If I were you I would be looking into one of these :D

Good luck and let us know what you decide on!
 
What you NEED is a CASE small Texas Jack. Amber bone,carbon steel and real authenticity that's a pleasure to carry and use.My favourite garden knife at the moment.

Gunstock or Saddlehorn could be neglected patterns to consider but they are a lot bulkier, the Texas Jack is an excellent medium knife.
 
^^^ What these guys said. :p
You really can't go wrong with anything from Case, from Queen (or one of the companies for whom Queen produces knives: Queen City, Robeson, Schatt & Morgan), from Great Eastern, or from Canal Street.
Now that you know what brands to look at, it's up to you to select an appropriate pattern.
 
Relayer,

I like chipped bone also, light brown to reddish. Since you said you had a Buck, here are the new Buck Stockmen USA, I am very partial to the grey wood over the dark. FYI
300Bucks

NewBucks2.jpg
 
Relayer said:
I want something that will be carried, but I will not use it for anything remotely difficult. It's mostly for sheer enjoyment of having it, holding it, playing with it, etc. ... I have other folders (Camillus EDC, Kershaw OD-1) for real use.
Click to expand...

The slippies I keep here on my desk at work were mighty offended by your insinuation that they're not up to "real use." :grumpy:

Don't worry, though, I got 'em settled down. Sort of. :p
 
mnblade said:
The slippies I keep here on my desk at work were mighty offended by your insinuation that they're not up to "real use." :grumpy:

Don't worry, though, I got 'em settled down. Sort of. :p
Click to expand...

Thanks, everybody for all the great recommendations and pics! Wow. Lots of possibilities. Really appreciated.

mnblade,

Tell your slippies to simma down. :)

No insinuation was made that they are not "up to" real use, it's just not to be the assigned duty of this one that I'm after. (At least, that's my initial plan)
 
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