I'd like to buy my first traditional folder, need some tips

K

kriller1217

Joined
Sep 25, 2011
Messages
81
Hi everyone. First post in this subforum. Need some assistance.

For the past few years I have been a big Kershaw/zero tolerance fan. I currently EDC a ZT 0566 or a SAK depending on the day, but I have had the itch for a traditional for a long time. However I am having difficulty figuring out where to start. Currently with modern knives I look at things like blade steel, locking mechanism , deployment, size, and handle material before I make a purchase. It seems with the traditional knives there are very different aspects to look at before buying.

I would like to spend about $50 or less on my first one, then go from there. Anyone have any brands or tips for finding my first one?

Some things I've considered:
I like things made in the USA, would like to try out a carbon blade, and something that is not too large.

I know I have not narrowed it down much, but for less than $50 maybe someone can point me in the right direction?

Thanks!!!
 
For your requirements, in a new knife you are looking at a Case knife in CV steel (carbon steel with added chromium and vanadium).

A good starting point would be a Small Texas Jack in Amber Bone CV or a Mini Trapper in Chestnut Bone CV. There are other options but with only the information you've provided, those are my suggestions.
 
ack! jc beat me to it
was just going to say case small texas jack too
oh and mini trapper is a good one also!
 
Great Eastern bull nose farm and field tool. A little bit extra, but in the general neighborhood. Case sodbuster in cv. Carbon or tool steel will be your best bet, except that GEC and canal street both use 440c.
 
If you don't mind buying used, keep an eye on the Exchange Forum here. You can occasionally pick up a lightly used GEC (Great Eastern Cutlery) knife at your $50 price point, particularly some of the model #15 Boys Knife varieties. They are a notch above Case and are made with 1095 carbon steel.
 
The Mercator K55K Blackcat is a nice, carbon steel, locking folder with a ton of traditional flair. You'd have enough left over to get maybe a second knife, like an Opinel, or Case Sodbuster.
 
I'd say go for a Case trapper, sodbuster, stockman, or if you are looking for something small, a peanut.
 
Here is a link to the WR Case web site to just the six handle material "families" that use the CV carbon steel. Browse through some of the pics of those to get some ideas.

http://www.wrcase.com/knives/by_steel/cv/

Keep in mind that modern knives are usually listed by blade lengths, while traditional knives are listed by closed lengths. Length of the main blade is usually 1" to 3/4" shorter than the closed length, depending on the pattern.
 
The Case large Stockman in Amber bone satisfied my itch for something traditional.
 
Case swayback jack or a small copper lock is in your price range, both carry light in the pocket and are reasonably priced
 
Case Mini Trapper in CV Chestnut:




Nice knife. I carry it sometimes. I find the full sized trapper to be a bit large for daily carry, but the Mini Trapper is ideal. Your lifestyle and mine are likely to be totally different so too big for me may be just right for you.
 
Case mini trapper is a great suggestion, since you are coming from the world of tactical one hand openers, I would suggest anything in carbon steel with multiple blades, a Alox SAK might be a great place too start, the Farmer model gets has several fans around here but I like the electrician model really well, another decent place too start may be too order several different patterns made by Rough Rider that catch your eye and then pick the pattern that you like the best and step up too a "better" quality knife.
 
Rsmith_77 said:
ack! jc beat me to it
was just going to say case small texas jack too
oh and mini trapper is a good one also!
Click to expand...

Ditto! Lol, me too. Go with a Case in CV steel and pick whatever handle material suits you. I like my folders in the 3.5" +\- range (when closed). Something with 2 blades so it's not too bulky in the pocket, such as a Mini Trapper, etc
 
jc57 said:
Case Mini Trapper in CV Chestnut:




Nice knife. I carry it sometimes. I find the full sized trapper to be a bit large for daily carry, but the Mini Trapper is ideal. Your lifestyle and mine are likely to be totally different so too big for me may be just right for you.
Click to expand...

Wow!! That's beautiful! Is it recent/new Mini Trapper or an older one? Is that the Pocket Worn version. I love it!
 
arizonaranchman said:
Wow!! That's beautiful! Is it recent/new Mini Trapper or an older one? Is that the Pocket Worn version. I love it!
Click to expand...
That's a Chestnut Bone CV 2013 production model bought sight unseen over the Internet. I was amazed at the fit and finish on it. It's certainly not a scientific sampling but of all my Case knives it seems like they get the Chestnut Bone CV knives right most of the time. Of the seven Chestnut CV Case knives I have owned, all have been great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top