Recommendation? Large locking traditionals with thin blades?

S

Steel_Drake

Joined
May 5, 2014
Messages
181
I've been getting interested in traditional lately and have been doing my research into traditional folding knives that meet this description, but I wanted to ask if there were any makers or reasonably priced custom makers I should be looking at that I'm not already aware of. I'm looking for locking traditionals with 3" or more blade length with relatively thin blades (0.110" or less) and ideally run closer to 60 HRC than 55 HRC.

Right now I'm mainly looking at waiting to try and get my hands on a Mudbug and/or a used GEC #23 liner lock and already have a Moki Large Fish Owl on the way. As I understand it, the Queen Large Lockback probably won't suit my needs as apparently they run their blades fairly soft, yes? I'm aware Opinels meet most of these requirements but I really don't like the ring lock on them and would really prefer a backlock or liner lock. I'd be open to customs as well, but wouldn't really want to spend much over $250.

Edited to add: I've also already got a Mercator k55k in carbon steel.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
 
Last edited:
Case Tribal lock has the advantage of being stainless and it can be purchased at a reasonable price. The TRU Sharp steel might not make it into your criteria.

,,,Mike in Canada
 
The Buck 110 is .12” which is very close to your cutoff. I also believe the GEC #42 is a relatively large LB, although I do not know it’s thickness off hand. Seems to be thinner than the 110 though.
 
How about the large Moki Kronos? VG-10 steel, 3.1” blade length and just .105” thickness. From what I understand these are beautifully made and that amber stag is jaw dropping. I plan on picking one up myself.
 
The Queen #06L is a teardrop linerlock with excellent D2 tool steel @ 59 HRc. Comes in a variety of covers, and has a 3" spear main. this one is in my pocket right now, in curly zebrawood. The lockbar tab falls right between the first and second fingers in a natural grip, very ergonomic.

gjOpMom.jpg
 
Fire Beard said:
How about the large Moki Kronos? VG-10 steel, 3.1” blade length and just .105” thickness. From what I understand these are beautifully made and that amber stag is jaw dropping. I plan on picking one up myself.
Click to expand...

I agree these are very nice and well made you can see one HERE Knife Center is a dealer supported member.
NOT MY PICTURE!



433anz.jpg
 
Last edited:
Yes, Drake, their D2 is really good steel. Here is the #3 Mountain Man in the same curly zebrawood. Mine is a lockback, but they also make this pattern in a slipjoint. Again, they have made them in a variety of wood and bone handles. This one is 4.59" closed, with a 3.63" blade.

s9lfF0r.jpg
 
Jeff-nice Mountain Man! The envy is real. They are getting harder to find. There is , sigh(wanted it myself but, can’t buy them all), a beautiful Robeson up on the ‘bay, brown-red scales, “Tool Steel “ marked(D2), only they spelled Robeson with 2 S’s-Robesson Tool Steel-Pocketeze Large LockBack Bone Handles Knife w/box. Not trying to deal spot here, but if you can, I’d jump on that like a bird on a worm.
Thanks, Neal
 
Without knowing the nature of your objection to the Opinel lock ring, I don’t know if this will help, but the Antonini Old Bear Knives use a lock ring that runs inside the bolster. The Antonini is on the left in both photos. Then there are the MAM liner locks, a couple of which are also shown.

These knives are all pretty inexpensive, so there is little risk in trying one to see if you like it.

775DA586-C0B1-4A21-A11F-76FEDADEE814.jpeg 9E84979E-CD41-4E83-A07E-FAE5D447E91B.jpeg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top