I'm looking for a new pocket knife

B

bigzee

Joined
Jul 25, 2011
Messages
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Not quite sure where to post this so I will start here and mods feel free to move it if necessary.

I am looking for a old timey or slip joint style knife but really have no idea where to start. I own several CRK knives and LOVE them but am looking for something that just rides in my pocket and has that classic look and feel. Price is not a huge concern but value is. Something with a blade <3.5" as I live in CO and as far I know that's what is legally allowed. I am open to all suggestions so let em rip. Thanks.
 
Case, Queen, Buck, and Great Eastern Cutlery are good places to start. If you can't find anything you like from those brands you probably never will. There are literally hundreds of patterns to choose from among those brands and even more handle scale options.

Keep in mind when looking at Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC) that they produce the Northfield and Titioute brands as well. All top quality knives.
 
Thanks, I have been looking at all the above and they are great, just trying to get some more suggestions because there are so many options. I do like the case offerings for sure.
 
Schatt & Morgan
Moore Maker
Canal Street Cutlery
Scagel
A.G. Russell
German Eye Brand
Boker
Victorinox
Northwoods
 
Case Peanut in CV, Buck 301, and sometimes the Schrade 34OT (old version) are the knives I have searched far and wide for and have found to be my favorites.

Hover in the traditionals forum for a few weeks and you get some ideas. If you want to try patterns out buy Rough Riders. They're like $7 and quite decent from what i've seen (only have handled one, it felt solid).
 
I've had a couple of Northfields and they were outstanding in every way. Not as hard to open as a Queen, great blade steel (IMAO), very sharp right outta the tube, and comfortable to use. There are also a whole lot of excellent makers on the forums here that can make a slipjoint just for you.
 
I'd suggest you look through the 'what tradtional are you totin' today' thread over on Traditional Folders and Fixed Blades (that'll keep you busy for a while;)). Then I tend to Google the model I'm interested in with the word 'forum' after the make. This'll bring up threads about the knife (you can also do the same search on Images and Video's:)

Sam
 
I'll make a couple basic suggestions:

1. Remember the knife will be at least 1/2" longer than the longest blade (3.5" blade means >4" knife). That adds up.
2. Get something with a couple different blades; not just in shape, but in size. You'll be suprised to see how often you use a blade that's less than 2". I'll bet if you get a larger knife (like a clip point back pocket model) you'll soon want one that's slightly smaller. A 3 blade "Whittler" or "Congress" or "Stockman" may be what you need.
3. Go hold a couple knives. The reason there's so many styles of different handles is that everyones hands are different. What works for me may not be best for you.
4. Get something pretty. The more you like the way it looks, the more you'll keep it close.

One good resource to figure out the patterns (since you mentioned Case) is the Shepard of the Hills Outlet in MO. Check out their website. It shows all the patterns and then what different knives are around.
 
Deadwood Knives also has a great web site that will allow you to search by manufacture, style and handle material.
I've picked up few Bokers from them.
 
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OzarkCreekWalker said:
Hover in the traditionals forum for a few weeks and you get some ideas. If you want to try patterns out buy Rough Riders. They're like $7 and quite decent from what i've seen (only have handled one, it felt solid).
Click to expand...

This is good advice. There are many different traditional patterns and it can be difficult to find one that suits you. Browse the traditional forum, find something that catches your eye, then buy a less expensive version of that pattern and try it out. I'm still in the trial phase and don't have any 'high-end' traditionals... yet. :o

I think that the Buck 55 is a nice little 'gateway' folder. It has modern design elements but maintains a traditional flavour, imo...

5501.jpg
 
Keep your eye out for some of the older US made Schrades and other lines. The new ones are produced overseas but the US made ones are still out there for not much more.
 
I would suggest a Case Slimline Trapper in CV steel. I have been caring one for a couple of months. It's perfect for food and /or utility! I love it. You can find vintage ones also. I picked mine up at Gander Mount. It's a Case yellow delrin with CV steel. That's the key IMO. Look it up.
 
I picked up a Queen medium stockman in D2 last year and I have not been disappointed.
 
If you're a Chris Reeve guy and appreciate excellent consistant quality I'd recomend GEC they make a wide array of patterns my favorite for EDC happens to be the #56 dogleg jack.
 
Case "Peanut" with the CV steel. You get two blade designs in a pocket friendly size. It will fit in a watch pocket of your levis and the steel is first rate. A great starter that will last a long time and you may find the shorter blades do everyday tasks quite well, I did.
 
I am so happy with everyone's suggestions, I am looking into all of them. Very fun and useful, so once again thanks to all of you. Be certain when I decide on one I will post it here!
 
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