If it's possible . . .

black mamba

black mamba

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Oct 21, 2009
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If you can possibly come up with an answer (it's a terribly difficult question!), for those of you who have at least a half dozen different brands of traditional knives, not counting customs, which is your singular favorite, and why?

I have quite a few that are in the running, but considering utility, looks, fit & finish, walk & talk, company history, and anything else that may come into the equation, mine is this Schatt & Morgan #063150 large stockman in winterbottom bone from 1993. The 420HC stainless blades take a screaming edge, the snap is gator-like on all three blades, the oh-so-pointy pen is so nice, and its construction is tighter than the proverbial tick.

Please post your'n.

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Has to be the A Wright's Lambsfoot Jack Black Jack Black SFO...
I've beat on this knife, dropped it off ladders on the cement, use it rough and put it away wet... and it keeps on keeping on.
Blade and handle shape make it a delight to ride in the pocket, hold in the hand, or use in my mundane cutting tasks... a perfect tip too.
When it comes to actually carrying and using my knives, "pretty" takes a back seat to a "hard worker" every time.

 
... just glanced through 605 photos of my knives and honestly can't pick a favorite brand. Northwoods stands out for sure but so do some others.
And as for a particular knife ... depends somewhat on the job at hand. Just for carrying around, my favorite today will be different tomorrow.

Here's a picture of a knife, just because ...

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Had you posted this thread three weeks ago Jeff black mamba black mamba , I would have had another choice but in the last two weeks, I've received a Schrade TRT96 Tennessee River Trapper made in house by Schrade in 2003 just as they were closing their doors.

The utility of this knife goes without question, the jigged bone covers are quite nice - sharp and well defined and the fit is tight without gap and the finish is perfect. The walk and talk is firm and snappy on both blades and the company history is historic in the cutlery field. The blades are 420HC stainless and very sharp.

Note that there is no shield on the knife, which is a plus for me. There is nothing to interrupt the direction/flow of the jigging.


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If I was to pick a single brand of knife maker, it would be Case Knives.
They are easy to purchase, carried in many stores, and it's still easy enough to find vintage models in good condition at reasonable prices.
The recent productions may not be perfect in the Fit n Finish department, although they can certainly get it absolutely right at times.
Their price allows me to buy quality American made knives and at reasonable price with lots of patterns and materials to choose from.

A most recent run Trapper...


A vintage Texas Jack... As well-made a knife as I've ever owned.
 
For me it is GEC. This is for a number of reasons. Their knives developed my enthusiasm for traditional slip joint knives. The obvious quality. Additionally, their creativity beyond cover materials makes collecting fun. I also like their use of model names I.e “beer scout” “calf roper” etc go beyond the traditional “sleeve board” “serpentine” etc.
That said I cannot pick a favorite knife, but I do have a favorite pattern seen below.
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For a production knife it would be a medium case stockman. For a custom I’d pick my Dunlap sowbelly. If I have to pick one well the sowbelly for sure. I really like that pattern. I like how it feels in hand and the pocket. I like having more than one blade. I like the size...heck I just like it. It’s built to work and isn’t too big. The clip is a do all and the sheep foot pull cuts like nothing else, and that spey is so razor thin for a slicer. And it’s old school too. I dig that. Here is a top view. Look at the blade thickness range. Really versatile pattern.
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This is not possible with stating only one brand and pattern lol.

I have a S&M two blade barlow that has got to be up there with GEC 15 and 77 in terms of fit/finish, w&t and looks.

And then there is A. Wright and Son mini Lambsfoot basic model that just feels solid and looks awesome.

Man, this is a tough one...

*Edit*
Forgot pictures so here :)

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As a brand its Canal Street. I like the history of the company - rising phoenix like from the ashes of Schrade. Very well made knives in some good patterns. I'm particularly fond of the Pinch lockback. Attempting to narrow it down to one knife as an overall favorite....minutes, perhaps hours pass....the GEC #29 in blood red bone repeatedly comes to mind.
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And of course my avatar knife
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The #29
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