I'm new to this, can you help me pick a knife?

sogflash

sogflash

Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
1,600
Recently I've been wanting a nice traditional looking folding knife. I don't know about many brands or models, so I seek your help now.

I don't know what is good and what is bad, nor what kind of price is fair.

I'll list some thing's I'm looking for, and some I don't like. I hope this will help you help me.


-Preferably one blade, with decent to high quality steel. I like warncliffe blades.
-Steel or brass bolsters will make it look nice.
-Wooden scales, maybe bone if it's smooth, NOT jigged. It's a bonus if it has one of those steel inserts in the scale.
-I would like a knife that's locks into place. Maybe a lockback, or linerlock. As long as it's a well made slip joint I can get used to it.

I'm not sure if this will help you recommend me anything. I'm open to what's out there.


This looks like something I could enjoy. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ot-are-ya-totin-today?p=11548299#post11548299

I know carbon fiber isn't traditional, but this looks really good! http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ot-are-ya-totin-today?p=11546665#post11546665

Northwoods Knives: Indian River Jack. I like that one too.
 
lol i been looking for that first one you linked to for awhile now
only so many were made (300? i believe) they seem to be going for around $90-$100

if you want to search for it, check under 2011 Schatt and Morgan Heritage single blade jack

the second link you posted is a custom, you would have to contact the maker (although I am sure Elliot can get you in contact with him) and speak to him yourself. since it is a custom i have no idea what it would run you.


Personally i suggest a case swayback gent
single wharncliff blade...several sale option
doesnt lock though, but a great knife to check out
 
GEC #72 wharncliffe lockback. They made some in ebony wood. Might be hard to find though. And only in 1095 steel (not stainless).
 
Single blade wharncliffe lockblade traditionals are definitely hard to find. I don't think Case or GEC is currently producing such a knife. That GEC Model 72 is really nice, but they haven't made many of them. I have a wharncliffe Case Copperlock. They've made them a few times, but not in production now. Occasionally you can find them on the auction site.

My example (in jigged cranberry bone):

knives071410001.jpg


Ed J
 
I think the heritage knives are still available on A.G Russell's website, it says "in stock" and "available" at least. I just bought one from a forum member here, it's a nice knife that's for sure. If I'm right there were 350 made of each version, spear blade in rosewood, spear blade in ebony, clip blade in rosewood, clip blade in ebony. (all in CV steel-so it patinas but is very good)

I'm not sure I can post sales links here but if yous each for the name "Schatt and Morgan Heritage single blade jack" and Ag Russell, you'll get the page.

Edit: it's interesting because I'm very new to traditional's and that's one of the first ones that caught my eye as well :)
 
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I know you said one blade, but the Kershaw Double Cross is worth a look as a tradition looking folder with a warncliff blade. I can attest that it is a good and durable knife as a former rancher. It was also tested by a large western ranch a while back and they loved it.
 
sogflash said:
-Preferably one blade, with decent to high quality steel. I like warncliffe blades.
-Steel or brass bolsters will make it look nice.
-Wooden scales, maybe bone if it's smooth, NOT jigged. It's a bonus if it has one of those steel inserts in the scale.
-I would like a knife that's locks into place. Maybe a lockback, or linerlock. As long as it's a well made slip joint I can get used to it.
Click to expand...


Check out the A.G. Russell Curved Regular Jack Wharncliffe Blade Smooth White Bone (RUS-CJ13SWB). Might be just the ticket.

-- Mark
 
It doesn't have to be a warncliffe blade if they are rare. Blades like the one pictured in the first link also look good.
 
there are different blade styles for different applications.

before we can tell you what knife fits you best, we have to know what you plan to use it for.

or do you just want to have it and look at it? then pick the one, which looks best.

otherwise, TELL US the intended use of the knife AND your budget!!!!
you won't be happy using a combat knife for daily applications or a weak utility knife for survival ...
 
I'm going to cut stuff that needs cutting during the day, nothing specific.

200$ is the most I'm willing to pay, but it doesn't have to be close to that.
 
Sogflash, if it will help you sleep better at night knowing that you spent more on a pocket knife than your neighbors, feel free to spend as much as you like. The $200 range is going to put you squarely in the custom range and the world is your oyster.

Two things to consider....

First, traditional knives are traditionally oriented toward workers and have a tradition of being relatively affordable with (compared to modern hard to sharpen super steels) blade steels that can be sharpened in the field with just a stone. You can get an incredibly good performing traditional knife for EDC use for $15 with the Opinel #8 and you can get great slip joints from estabilished makers like Case and Buck in the $50-$70 range. Just above that and you get into smaller top shelf brands like GEC.

Second, read through the "what are you carrying today" thread and think hard about the "today" aspect and notice how hte same people tend to report switching among different knives. Pretty hard to settle on just one for all time for many of us. Before you drop $200 on a knife, you might want to buy a few cheaper knives to get a feel for things.
 
well said!

pinnah said:
Sogflash, if it will help you sleep better at night knowing that you spent more on a pocket knife than your neighbors, feel free to spend as much as you like. The $200 range is going to put you squarely in the custom range and the world is your oyster.

Two things to consider....

First, traditional knives are traditionally oriented toward workers and have a tradition of being relatively affordable with (compared to modern hard to sharpen super steels) blade steels that can be sharpened in the field with just a stone. You can get an incredibly good performing traditional knife for EDC use for $15 with the Opinel #8 and you can get great slip joints from estabilished makers like Case and Buck in the $50-$70 range. Just above that and you get into smaller top shelf brands like GEC.

Second, read through the "what are you carrying today" thread and think hard about the "today" aspect and notice how hte same people tend to report switching among different knives. Pretty hard to settle on just one for all time for many of us. Before you drop $200 on a knife, you might want to buy a few cheaper knives to get a feel for things.
Click to expand...
 
A GEC 73 in Coco or Bocote might well suit you, Ebony too.

The liner lock version of this pattern is in my experience, far better in terms of fit than the lockback. A really solid handsome knife.
 
You can try the "Anchor Knife". You can google and find them online. They are made by Otter Messer in Germany. Good single blade sheepsfoot.

Another option is the swayback jack from Case. This has a wharncliff and pen. It is a small and can be had in CV steel.
 
mnblade said:
Check out the A.G. Russell Curved Regular Jack Wharncliffe Blade Smooth White Bone (RUS-CJ13SWB). Might be just the ticket.

-- Mark
Click to expand...

That would be my recommendation:

RUS-CJ23-13ajb-swb.jpg
 
Maybe a stockman? A nice sheepsfoot blade in addition to the clip and spear blade. If you want a nice sheepsfoot or wharncliffe, look at GEC's #25s. I am currently in the market for one, and they offer numerous options in both sheepsfoot and wharncliffe main blade configurations.

Welcome aboard,
Connor
 
I think the search is over.

A GEC hound tooth with wooden scales and a warncliffe blade! I just got it and it seems just about perfect for me.
 
sogflash said:
I think the search is over.

A GEC hound tooth with wooden scales and a warncliffe blade! I just got it and it seems just about perfect for me.
Click to expand...

CONGRATS!
you gonna have to let us know how it works out for you after edc'ing it for a bit
 
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