Inexpensive but high quality slipjoints

Slider817

Slider817

Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
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Hi, I have been getting really into the traditional slippys recently. Like case, queen cutlery, canal street.
But with so many patterns out there like Barlow, daddy Barlow, grandaddy Barlow, great uncle two times removed Barlow it's been getting pretty expensive trying out all these patters.
So, I have been buying up a bunch lower priced knives likenRough Rider knives in all sorts of designs and patters and have been satisfied with them.
But I am looking for some other options in the lower priced lets say sub $20 range. I have seen Kissing Krane, schrade, boker all have knives at just around or above RR.
Would you all recommend these brands above Rough Rider? And, are there any other brands that offer very high value traditional slippys that I didn't mention.
I'm not really concerned about them holding their resale value, just good fit and finnish, well made knives to use.
Thanks

Just to add- I own a bunch of higher end slippys. A couple of GECs, Case, Queen, Schat Morgan. So I know what a quality slippy is
 
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Slider817 said:
Hi, I have been getting really into the traditional slippys recently. Like case, queen cutlery, canal street.
But with so many patterns out there like Barlow, daddy Barlow, grandaddy Barlow, great uncle two times removed Barlow it's been getting pretty expensive trying out all these patters.
So, I have been buying up a bunch of Rough Rider knives of all sorts of designs and have been satisfied with them.
But I am looking for some other options. I have seen Kissing Krane, schrade, boker all have knives at just around or above RR.
Would you all recommend these brands above Rough Rider? And, are there any other brands that offer very high value traditional slippys that I didn't mention.
Thanks
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You must become familiar with what the price guide says, what the public is willing to pay for said knives, and generally know a little bit before you pay too much. But, even though there can be some gems among some of the Taylor brands and others, you would probably have more fun searching for older slipjoints. I've started scavenging farmers/flea markets for knives. Some can be overpriced, like I later found out about an older Parker single blade slipjoint made in Japan, some can be finds like a Mohawk Valley knife (kit or custom?) I found. One Cattaraugus whittler that I hemmed and hawed on, and when I went back to get it, it was gone. Saw an old Remington two blade jack, in deplorable condition, but it is a piece of history, I'll probably go after it sometime after the holidays. I've found all kinds of different patterns, for a good price. If you don't mind used knives, the hunt can be fun, and is always educational.
 
If you are buying knives to build up a collection do not buy Rough Riders or any knives made in China. These knives, although good, cheap users, will never have any collector value.
Knives made in the USA or Germany, and some made in Japan are the way to go. Be aware that all new Schrades and some Bokers and Kissing Kranes are made in China. I would go with Queen, Schatt and Morgan (made bt Queen), Moore Maker, Bear and Son or USA made Schrades. Carl Schleiper (Eye Brand) and Henckles are nice knives made in Germany.
Here is a link to who makes what of most pupular traditional knives. http://allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=12109
 
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When you say high value, do you mean higher quality that one would expect for the money paid or do you mean a knife that will increase in value over time?
 
popedandy said:
When you say high value, do you mean higher quality that one would expect for the money paid or do you mean a knife that will increase in value over time?
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I really mean a knife well under $20, that performs great and I dont really care if my knife collection holds it's value, I don't plan on selling any.
I just want a high value knife in terms or fit and finnish and performance
Thanks, I was a bit unclear
 
IMO Rough Riders will do the trick for you. You can get 10 knives for the price of one and try out many different patterns, they come razor sharp and do hard work. Their large micarta work knife with a liner lock is bullet proof.

Regards

Robin
 
Slider817 said:
I really mean a knife well under $20, that performs great and I dont really care if my knife collection holds it's value, I don't plan on selling any.
I just want a high value knife in terms or fit and finnish and performance
Thanks, I was a bit unclear
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I doubt you'll find a better value under $20 than Rough Rider knives. Probably a few equals but not much better. I really think you'd be rewarded if you step up into the $40-$90 range if you want high fit, finish and performance.
Think about it. You can blow almost $20 in one visit to McDonalds for a family of 4.
Isn't it worth it to spend $80 on a quality tool that may last a lifetime and give many years of use and enjoyment.
Don't get me wrong, I have a few Rough Riders that I'm very happy with but I don't expect the same F&F and performance as I would out of a Queen or Spyderco.
 
Thread title changed to make it clearer what OP was trying to get at...
 
Colt and Steel Warrior might be worth looking into.

I have a Colt Railsplitter and a Steel Warrior Tiny Toothpick.

The Steel Warrior's quality is on par with RR and the Colt is even better.
 
There are also certain models from other manufacturers that are inexpensive and high value such as Case Sodbusters and peanuts, Queen country cousins, etc. Searching them out is half the fun.
 
hoopster said:
There are also certain models from other manufacturers that are inexpensive and high value such as Case Sodbusters and peanuts, Queen country cousins, etc. Searching them out is half the fun.
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I own the Queen Sodbuster. But was pretty disappointed with the factory edge. It was thick and dull. I thined it out with the diamond rods on my sharpmaker and got it into great shape. Now I'm pretty happy with it.
Good suggestion with the sodbuster
 
Slider, I think the RRs are a great way to get started. And for some, he with the most knives win! You could buy a shoe box of RRs for what you would pay for a premium knife. Nothing wrong at all with a good valued knife.

However, that day will probably come when those knives aren't enough. Exploring the patterns as you are intending, undoubtedly one pattern (probably three!) will hit your sweet spot.

If you don't want to let go of the cash yourself, put your newly found favorite pattern from a better manufacturer on your Birthday list, your Anniversary gift list, Christmas list, or any other list you can when someone asks you what you want for for that occasion.

This Christmas, the love of my life is buying me a couple of more knives that I will pick out, order and hand to her for wrapping after inspection. She is happy because she is getting me something I really want, instead of something I don't want or need.

It makes her happy to see me pull a previously gifted knife out and tell her "this is one of the knives you bought me".

It's a knife collecting strategy. :thumbup:

Regardless of whether you consider yourself a collector or not, if you really enjoy this you will have quite a few in a short amount of time.

If you start to feel addicted when you see how many you own, don't worry, we'll be here to support you. :eek: :D

Robert
 
Ebay shows a big array of imports with different brandings, like "Troublesome Creek", etc., etc.
Just for interest i've tried an example or 2 of most of these. Without doubt the best and most consistent are the Rough Riders. The Colts are just as good but a bit more expensive.
and as stated above, the Steel Warriors are very good but a slight notch below the RRs overall. (there are a few S.W. patterns are that are exceptionally good).
The Wrangler and Kissing Crane and Ocoee River knives are also on par with the RRs and S.W.
All the rest i've found to be sub par, including the offshore Bokers.
The post 2004 "Schrades" were terrible when they first appeared but lately the quality is much improved, as if from a different manufacturer.
One of my RRs, a tactical style folder, is also marked "Hanwei", which is a company that does custom level high end work.
roland
 
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rough rider:thumbup: while not perfect they are an excellent value, i didnt have much luck a few years ago with kissing crane... (weird steel i still cant get sharp:confused: and the shield popped off when i opened the box...)
An excellent way to try out a pattern without dropping alot of money...
A little more money will get you Bucks import line which has a few classic patterns...
My son has a handful RR patterns and all have been pretty consistant in F&F, all came shave sharp too
nice knives
regards
gene
 
Slider817,

Too bad I can't send you a PM.

I could send some info that would keep you busy for hours.
 
PM still not available but I did attempt to send you an email. Hope it went through.
 
I've posted this previously but think it bears repeating for those new to "offshore" knives. Nearly all of these brands have improved in quality and quality control over the last 3 1/2 years that i have been buying them.
If you bought a particular brand say even 2 years ago or less, and found it of poor quality, the same may not apply today.
The difficulty arises in determining if a seller's "New in Box" knife is of current or older production.
roland
 
Rough Rider offers few surprises of an unpleasant kind, and I agree with roland that perceived and actual quality continue to climb. So it's hard to find a rival that can match it from other non US sources. One pattern in particular is an example where RR seems to have few if any rivals: the Half Whittler. I've bought 3 of them recently as I really like the pattern. 3 5/8th" single spring, Spear with matchstrike longpull and Pen secondary. Fans of a softer spring need not apply as these are toughly sprung and the knife is not perfect but it's more than good, moreover, I can't find any other current producer offering anything similar be they American, Asian or European. Just wish they'd put their minds into a Norfolk or Half Congress:D They might:thumbup:
 
Well under 20 dollars really limits you to the off shore knives already mentioned.
I don't own any, but those that do, seem very happy with them...

If you could spend just a little bit more, I would suggest looking for an original U.S made Schrade. They can still be found very easily if you do a little lookin, and you can pick one up without the box, that has maybe been used a few times, but is still basically new, for just a little more than 20 bucks.

They are very well made, and they used 1095 for the blades, which hold up very well and takes a great edge
 
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