I'm looking for my first traditional...

[arjung]

As the title states I'm looking for my first traditional folder. I've been collecting knives for about a year exactly, and until now have collected primarily modern locking folders and SAK's. I feel like I've collected most of what I really wanted in those fields (for now) and traditional folders have really been appealing to me.

However like anything that's been around for so long the selection has me confused. I'm looking for a edc sized knife (single or double bladed) that has a clip point as the primary. For price range I've been looking at some GEC's. This one has caught my eye.

Any other suggestions? Keep in mind this is going to be a blade I carry. My normal carry blades usually rotate between a small sebenza 21, Spyderco Sage 1, Vic Pioneer and Strider SnG.

 

[Blues]

Welcome arjung...you'll get lots of good suggestions here.

However, please have a look at our forum guidelines posted in a couple of "stickys" at the top of the page.

We don't post commercial vendor links in this forum. Feel free however to post images and descriptions of the knives you are interested in discussing.
(I have substituted an image of the knife in place of the vendor link to save you the trouble.)

Welcome and enjoy your time here.

P.S.: I have the Northfield version of the knife you are interested in and it's a good one. Easy to carry, a good size and takes a great edge.

 

[arjung]

My apologies. I'll keep that in mind.

So If I'm not mistaken the the Northfield brand is the higher end brand from GEC right?

 

[Blues]

My apologies. I'll keep that in mind.

So If I'm not mistaken the the Northfield brand is the higher end brand from GEC right?

No worries.

I'll let the GEC experts fill you in on all the subtleties and nuances. The Northfield knives are 1095 carbon like the Tidioute but usually have nice swedges and grinds.

The Great Eastern versions are 440C (stainless) which is an excellent stainless if that appeals to you.

The way I see it, pick the one that appeals to you most.

 

[dalee100]

Hi,

While I'm not a fan of the toohpick pattern, that one is a real looker! I have the Tidioute Scout on my wish list. Since I prefer multi-blade patterns. Though the new 3 1/2" Jack is really, really pretty. And is the size knife I normally like to carry.

Like Blues' said, I don't think you can go wrong with any GEC. They all seem to be top shelf.

Dale

 

[sappyg]

The way I see it, pick the one that appeals to you most.

that's the best advise you'll likely get arjung. seriously... i've found that i wanted to like a traditional pattern because it was popular. in the end it comes down to what you like.... not what others like.
slipjoint patterns are very diverse and what suites one person will be found wanting by another. i think a tidioute or northfield by GEC would satisfy the quality you have come to expect in personal cutlery. i'm a fan of GEC but TBH few of there patterns interest me. the toothpicks transends brand name. it's a classic though it does nothing for me.
i'm sure this was no help at all

 

[arjung]

I'm definitely the type to go with what I like. I was just fielding for other clip bladed slipjoints since I'm still trying to narrow down what I like.

Surprisingly I was never a toothpick guy before, but that one is very snazzy. Looks like my Sage 2 is going up on sale soon.

 

[Blues]

Surprisingly I was never a toothpick guy before, but that one is very snazzy.

I ordinarily don't go for toothpicks either and it's my only GEC knife...but I must say it gets a lot of pocket time and I'm happy to have it. The blood red scales are killer as well.

 

[arjung]

Does it have a half stop?

 

[Blues]

Does it have a half stop?

No half stop.

 

[arjung]

No half stop.

okay. That's not really that important to me anyway

Also what are some thoughts on

I'm liking the clip profile on this one. So many options...

 

[Noddy]

If you are looking for a trad, GEC and Queen are indeed grand - but also check out Bulldog (though it maybe that GEC actually make them now) and see if you can't grab a Fight'n Rooster – maybe a nice trapper or a stockman. It always surprises me how well they are made - I prefer the plainer ones – and there's still some out there to get

 

[black mamba]

The Queen #51T mini-trapper is also a good one, but a half inch shorter than the 4" GEC toothpicks, plus they have D2 tool steel instead of 1095 or 440C in the GECs.
Queen also makes a #51 jack, with a pen blade instead of the spey, also at 3-1/2" closed.

 

[DITCH]

I have two GEC knives, both top quality. In the Exchange forums, you might find mention of reputable vendors who carry them.

 

[knifeswapper]

One or two blade with a clip main - pocketable.....

Do you prefer stainless, carbon, mostly stainless?
Size up to 3.5"; 3.5-4"; over 4"?

Mike Latham

 

[.41Dude]

One or two blade with a clip main - pocketable.....

Do you prefer stainless, carbon, mostly stainless?
Size up to 3.5"; 3.5-4"; over 4"?

I have a Tidioute Burnt Orange Congress My first GEC.
I do not have a picture handy. I had to laugh the first time I read Mike's comment about the Congress. "Folks these are sweet."
He is right. It might be smaller than what you have in mind but it is one well made knife.

 

[arjung]

One or two blade with a clip main - pocketable.....

Do you prefer stainless, carbon, mostly stainless?
Size up to 3.5"; 3.5-4"; over 4"?

Mike Latham

Well that's a beaut! Care to embellish?

As for carbon or stainless I'm fine with either one presuming the HT is good. Tool steels are a nice balance in between.

Does Queen HT their D2 well? as for size 3.5 -4 is what I was aiming for.

 

[Blues]

Queen's D2 blades are done by Peters' Heat Treat. (They are stamped PH on the tang)
The Schlieper "Eye Brand" knives (like the one in the image you referenced) are available in carbon (1095) or stainless depending on model and availability.
(I'm not sure what stainless they use. The carbon steel is quite good.)

 

[dannyp]

That Eye Brand from Mike's post is a Copperhead. The nice thing about that pattern is that the bolster on the pivot end curves up and covers the end of the tang when the blades are closed. In my experience Queen's D2 is very good. It seems to be pretty common for it to come dull though. Once you get it sharp the edge will last for a long time. If you want a main clip and a smaller secondary pen blade a Case small Texas Jack or a Barlow might work. For two full size blades on the same end the Trapper pattern is a good choice. Then there's the always the Moose or Muskrat patterns for blades on opposing ends.

I don't think you can go wrong picking up anything from GEC, Queen/Schatt & Morgan, or Case. If there is a problem they will more than likely make it right. Good luck trying to decide on just one.