I'd like to get into traditionals

Status
Not open for further replies.
David Mary

David Mary

pass the mustard - after you cut it
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jul 23, 2015
Messages
17,088
I have not really gotten into traditionals yet, not because I don't think there is value there, but because I simply have not gotten around to it. I think I am spoiled with the modern options available, like Spyderco, who happened to be my first few folding knife purchases. I think I'm addicted to the ease of deployment and one handed opening and closing offered by pocket clips and modern locking mechanisms.

That being said, the first folding knife I owned was gifted to me by my friend @Dave_dutchman was a simple Laguiole folder with a corkscrew on one end. I wouldn't have cried if it didn't have that... Anyway, it had ivory (colored) scales, and some kind of nickel bolsters, if I recall, though it could have been brass. That knife was so sharp. Very thin behind the edge, and easy to sharpen, even when I barely had a clue what I was doing.

I foolishly gave it away to the father of a girl I knew, even after he said "are you sure, I'll just put it in a drawer and forget it"... what a dummy I was on that one. :(

Does a Laguiole count as a traditional within the common definition around here? I really loved that knife (despite the nail nick, which I never really liked), and would be all over something similar, once I have the cashflow to justify a new knife purchase, that is.

And what else is out there that I might like if I liked my Laguiole? Are there any traditionals that fit the bill for one handed opening as well (go easy on me!)?

Prester John Prester John you made me think of this with your message on the other site, so I figured I'd ask here, but I definitely would love to hear your thoughts as well.
 
Last edited:
Lagioles definitely qualify here. A few guys carry French knives.
If that was one you liked, start there. Get another and see where that path takes you.
Take a stroll through the “what are ya totin today” thread and see what catches your eye and desire.
Don’t worry, it’s perfectly acceptable to carry both a modern and a traditional. Many of us do. But we don’t share our moderns here except for one thread and one thread only. So don’t be offended if you post and it’s frowned upon.
You won’t meet a nicer bunch of people than those on the porch here.
 
David Mary said:
I have not really gotten into traditionals yet, not because I don't think there is value there, but because I simply have not gotten around to it. I think I am spoiled with the modern options available, like Spyderco, who happened to be my first few folding knife purchases. I think I'm addicted to the ease of deployment and one handed opening and closing offered by pocket clips and modern locking mechanisms.

That being said, the first folding knife I owned was gifted to me by my friend @Dave_dutchman was a simple Laguiole folder with a corkscrew on one end. I wouldn't have cried if it didn't have that... Anyway, it had ivory (colored) scales, and some kind of nickel bolsters, if I recall, though it could have been brass. That knife was so sharp. Very thin behind the edge, and easy to sharpen, even when I barely had a clue what I was doing.

I foolishly gave it away to the father of a girl I knew, even after he said "are you sure, I'll just put it in a drawer and forget it"... what a dummy I was on that one. :(

Does a Laguiole count as a traditional within the common definition around here? I really loved that knife (despite the nail nick, which I never really liked), and would be all over something similar, once I have the cashflow to justify a new knife purchase, that is.

And what else is out there that I might like if I liked my Laguiole? Are there any traditionals that fit the bill for one handed opening as well (go easy on me!)?

Prester John Prester John you made me think of this with your message on the other site, so I figured I'd ask here, but I definitely would love to hear your thoughts as well. And maybe you'd be interested in a low level trade, or temporary trade? I have a few liner locking Spydercos that I have modded to the gills and I think if you were down for trying one of them out you might really like it. Those who know me probably already know which Spyderco model I'm referring to...
Click to expand...
Hello, David. Well, where to start? Laguioles are considered traditional, and you will see some posted here. The nickname for the traditional forum is "the Porch." (By the way, buying, selling, and trading talk is not allowed here, but we can communicate via PM.) There are many styles that are considered traditional, and you should review the post on the first page that discusses what is allowed. No thumbstuds or pocket clips, for example. But you will find many knives with modern steels.
One of the most popular brands is Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC), and you will see many here. Case is another favorite. And Buck, and Victorinox. And there are cutlery companies that are no longer around (Schrade USA, Camillus, Queen, Schatt & Morgan, etc.). But many of their knives are to be found.
I think the best thing is to browse the different threads in the traditional forum. You can learn a lot here.
And Welcome! :)

My Laguiole:
5fdAs86.jpg


Some Case knives:
zpjNoc0.jpg


My Schrade stockman (1982):
i9d919o.jpg


A lambsfoot from Sheffield:
XVxIYWD.jpg
 
Last edited:
Laguioles are quintessential traditional knives, originating in France. There are TONS of makers of Laguioles today as well, though not all of them are of high quality. If you like the Laguioles you might also like the large Texas Toothpick, which Case makes as well as GEC; their #12 is a toothpick pattern.
 
Two Words:
"Rough Rider" (or "Rough Ryder", they recently changed the spelling.)
Good knives that will let you try a lot of different patterns, without bankrupting the bank.

Also, don't discount the usefulness and versatility of the multi-blade traditionals. Many are no thicker than a single blade.

Any slipjoint (or friction folder) is "one hand closing". Just apply pressure to the blade spine with your leg or arm, or whatever. Be sure to keep your fingers out of the way/path of the closing blade though.
There are ways to open a pinchable blade one handed, but personally, I've never seen any advantage. Even when working on a miserable ... nasty ... shaky ... ladder, (I am not fond of ladders or heights) I've never had a problem opening my knife with two hands.
There are also the "One Armed" knives (first introduced during the 1860's for those who lost a hand or arm during the Civil War) that can be opened one handed, by hooking the blade on a pocket, waist band, belt loop/belt, boot ...

Welcome to the Traditional World. :)
 
Not really a traditional but maybe we could call it a good “transition knife” would be a Chris Reeves Mnandi with the old nail nick because it’s a one handed open (and expensive). I’m new so hopefully I didn’t just get myself kicked off the porch there.
 
JTB_5 said:
If you like the Laguioles you might also like the large Texas Toothpick
Click to expand...

I just took a look, and why yes I do!

BDubbs said:
Not really a traditional but maybe we could call it a good “transition knife” would be a Chris Reeves Mnandi with the old nail nick because it’s a one handed open (and expensive). I’m new so hopefully I didn’t just get myself kicked off the porch there.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't know but it'd get me kicked out of my apartment once it was time to pay the rent! ;)
 
David Mary said:
I have not really gotten into traditionals yet, not because I don't think there is value there, but because I simply have not gotten around to it. I think I am spoiled with the modern options available, like Spyderco, who happened to be my first few folding knife purchases. I think I'm addicted to the ease of deployment and one handed opening and closing offered by pocket clips and modern locking mechanisms.

That being said, the first folding knife I owned was gifted to me by my friend @Dave_dutchman was a simple Laguiole folder with a corkscrew on one end. I wouldn't have cried if it didn't have that... Anyway, it had ivory (colored) scales, and some kind of nickel bolsters, if I recall, though it could have been brass. That knife was so sharp. Very thin behind the edge, and easy to sharpen, even when I barely had a clue what I was doing.

I foolishly gave it away to the father of a girl I knew, even after he said "are you sure, I'll just put it in a drawer and forget it"... what a dummy I was on that one. :(

Does a Laguiole count as a traditional within the common definition around here? I really loved that knife (despite the nail nick, which I never really liked), and would be all over something similar, once I have the cashflow to justify a new knife purchase, that is.

And what else is out there that I might like if I liked my Laguiole? Are there any traditionals that fit the bill for one handed opening as well (go easy on me!)?

Prester John Prester John you made me think of this with your message on the other site, so I figured I'd ask here, but I definitely would love to hear your thoughts as well.
Click to expand...
I thought for a second you were gonna make a traditional folder. I got excited
 
It won't take you long to get used to using two hands to open the blade. With that in mind, your desire for one hand opening traditional knives reminds me of some of the A.G. Russell offerings.

Many of his models have a nail nick designed for one hand opening. Here are 3 of them. All can be opened with one hand but I find that the Gunstock in the last picture is the easiest.

Medium Barlow Lockback
IMG_4704.JPG

Wharncliffe Lockback
IMG_4418.JPG

3 5/8 inch Gunstock Lockback
IMG_4039.JPG
 
Last edited:
I like laguioles, as well, but the best feeling knife of that general shape that I've found is the GEC #12 toothpick. They fit my hand better than any of the others I've handled.... and you can still find them on several dealers' shelves.

This one is Che chen rosewood.... and the price is very "wallet friendly".... the other pic is the last lag that I bought. It's larger than I like to carry, but it's nicely made, with horn handles.... I have a more moderate sized one in yellow acrylic that I carry some...

jnw7Y9.jpg
ia2c53.jpg
 
The lionSTEEL Gitano is a nice bridge between modern and traditional. It has a clip but is two-hand open. It might help ease you in.

https://www.collectorknives.net/product-category/lion-steel-knives/lionsteel-gitano/

The Case Mini Copperlock or Buck's 501, 3, or 5 are also nice bridges.


And since you like laguioles, lock up your wallet, clear some time, and enjoy all of what Herr Schmalhaus offers:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCppuObQHn8alCHGGVESilhA


In terms of moderns and traditionals, I don't abandon one to enjoy the other. I still enjoy both but modern knives, for me, have always been about function and not so much form. I'm a big Spyderco fan but I'm always looking at modern knives with a strong performance-oriented eye.

But with traditionals I'm much more beauty focused. In no way is that meant to say they aren't functional, but in this realm I allow myself to indulge. I'm developing a real affinity for wood scales and since I know I'm not going to be hard-using these guys (me personally), I don't mind spending a little extra on something just because it looks nice. They just make me feel good.

Heck, I'll even drop a traditional in my pocket if I have an important meeting. It perks me up. :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top