I'd like to get into traditionals

Status
Not open for further replies.
I've been showing off these on a few posts recently but they work in this thread too. Sorry to those who have seen these too often this week but here for the benefit of David Mary David Mary .

One hand opening - not so much. One hand closing - with a bit of practice. All depends on your hand dexterity.
A few of these are locking blades. The Opinels are ridiculously inexpensive and available in a broad range of lengths and handle materials along with a few very fine slim patterns.

Here a Laguiole, a custom classic French pattern called L'Aurillac by Pierre Yves Joyeux and a Le Thiers - Pocket

French-trio.jpg

HERE 3 Opinels # 8s

Opinels.jpg
 
My thoughts..... one good way is to plunge in with something that you believe appeals to your inner knife self.

I notice you seem to be drawn to slim knives and perhaps a modern cross between a true traditional and a modern knife might be a good way to go for you.

Then give the knife an honest try in your world. :D
 
RayseM said:
I've been showing off these on a few posts recently but they work in this thread too. Sorry to those who have seen these too often this week but here for the benefit of David Mary David Mary .

One hand opening - not so much. One hand closing - with a bit of practice. All depends on your hand dexterity.
A few of these are locking blades. The Opinels are ridiculously inexpensive and available in a broad range of lengths and handle materials along with a few very fine slim patterns.

Here a Laguiole, a custom classic French pattern called L'Aurillac by Pierre Yves Joyeux and a Le Thiers - Pocket

View attachment 1399323

HERE 3 Opinels # 8s

View attachment 1399333
Click to expand...
Nice collection, Ray.
 
RayseM said:
I've been showing off these on a few posts recently but they work in this thread too. Sorry to those who have seen these too often this week but here for the benefit of David Mary David Mary .

One hand opening - not so much. One hand closing - with a bit of practice. All depends on your hand dexterity.
A few of these are locking blades. The Opinels are ridiculously inexpensive and available in a broad range of lengths and handle materials along with a few very fine slim patterns.

Here a Laguiole, a custom classic French pattern called L'Aurillac by Pierre Yves Joyeux and a Le Thiers - Pocket

View attachment 1399323

HERE 3 Opinels # 8s

View attachment 1399333
Click to expand...

Lol, you might be in the wrong place if your saying, “oh no I’ve seen too many knives”. Really like the le theirs and you just can’t go wrong with the opinal for the price...and somehow I don’t have one right now. Added to the list.
 
David Mary said:
Ray, the middle one in your top pic looks phenomenal! No wonder Pierre is so joyful!
Click to expand...

That L'Aurillac is a traditional model available from a few French knife vendors. I'm not 100% certain on this but I think Monsieur Joyeux makes these for other companies in addition to his own Atelier la Clefs des Champs.

This one in particular is a beauty. Thank you.
 
Prester John said:
Nice collection, Ray.
Click to expand...

Thanks Vince - I just wish I could use them all more regularly - including my Artesania Herreros knives. My work knife, which is really my only EDC, is a one hand opener. Has to be. I need to retire to do these others more respectful use.
 
Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC) makes the best traditional production knives on the market hands down. They have great quality control that insures the fit and finish is exceptional across the board. If you want a beautiful, quality product handmade in America for a great value, you cant beat GEC. GECs hold their value. If you don't like it (unlikely) or you just want to try something new you can usually sell or trade GECs quite easily without losing value. There are tons of patterns and countess variations which make GECs fun to collect. GECs are expensive but they are more than worth it. It's hard to recommend anything else.
If you want a similar pattern to the French traditionals, try GECs 12 pattern. There are many variations, my favorite is the Northwoods Coolidge Jack because it has a beautiful, beefy clip point. The 48 pattern is another long, curvy handled knife. I recommend whittlers and stockmans too, at first I didn't care much for multi blade knives, but I think a good multi bladed traditional offers more slicy steel in a small package and I've come to appreciate that. It's one of the advantages of a traditional that sets them apart from moderns.
In my experience Case sells poor quality knives. If you can find some Case dealers and make your selection in person, you may be able to get a gem. But their quality control is unacceptable in my opinion and I'm not interested in supporting a company that ships a low quality product for a premium price. It's sad because they have potential and I hope one day they improve.
 
RayseM said:
That L'Aurillac is a traditional model available from a few French knife vendors. I'm not 100% certain on this but I think Monsieur Joyeux makes these for other companies in addition to his own Atelier la Clefs des Champs.

This one in particular is a beauty. Thank you.
Click to expand...

How big is that Horn knife please? Compared with the other two it looks about 11cm or more? Fine looker :cool:

Thanks, Will
 
I would not say that CASE sells poor-quality knives at a premium price, no. My experiences of them, and I live in Europe so sending stuff back can be a nightmare , is generally very good indeed. They have a very varied range of patterns too.

I concur about GEC's quality in general, but they have turned their back on stainless for some seasons now and this is a severe drawback, man cannot cut by carbon alone ;)
 
You may like a slimline trapper pattern (Case makes a good one for a great price, or GEC makes a good one for a....price lol) or a toothpick pattern. Rough rider would be good if you want a cheap way to test out the pattern, but theyre great in their own right too.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top