Large Slip J. Preference

D

Dr. Pepper

Joined
Sep 26, 2006
Messages
167
I have been wanting to experiment with a really large slipjoint for outdoor use basically as a fixed blade replacement. This whim is derived from listening to the experienced men in my area wonder at the tools/toys a lot of people use now.

The choice I am trying to make is between the Queen single blade folding hunter and the Queen large toothpick.

I think I like the lines, handle shape, and implied greater strength of the hunter better but feel the narrow blade of the toothpick might win in overall carrying comfort and utility on the more mundane stuff like whittling, meals, and packages. (This is where I need help)


I mean to include any outdoor activity. The other tools I intend to have when out are a hatchet and a peanut.


Assuming you were going to try a large slipjoint as a fixed blade replacement, which of these two patterns would you pick and why?

Thanks,
 
AHHH HAAA a mention of a toothpick! I fancy the slimmer of the two blades. I like working with a slimmer blade for me more control. Although some would argue that the clip point on it is not a desireable attribute for bushcraft. In that case a more drop point or spear point may work better. Although personally I have not found a clip point a hinderance of any kind...most of my knives have clip points.
 
Dr. Pepper, if you are carrying a peanut and hatchet at the same time the issue is probably not all that critical since you'll have tools for a variety of tasks.

If I were to be reduced to only one as a jack of all trades, I'd go with the folding hunter.

Given what you intend to carry, I think you'd be fine with either though I'd probably do more of the whittling with the peanut.
 
Dr. I here what you are saying about pick from these two patterns.But the beauty of slipjoints is that a 2 or three blader takes care of two knives sometimes.There is a pattern,a big Rem. Banana,I think the 1273.It has a big clip,& the smaller pen blade about the size of the main blade on your peanut.
I think you should look at other patterrns,'cause you can get a hunter with the best of both those 2 blades you mentioned wrapped in one,plus an extra blade
-Vince
 
Dr Pepper,If you look around,you can find one like this but with a clip point main blade :
R-1273W.jpg


Here is what that knife I'm describing looks like,but this one,made by Tony Bose :

IMG_0748.jpg
 
Thanks to all,

VCM3, that large banana pattern looks like a winner. However, part of the criteria that got me to these two patterns is the D2 steel. I don't know how to find a Banana pattern with good steel without going custom (not an option due to
increased $ and my lack of patience)
 
Dr. Pepper,I do see your point & dilema.
I'll agree with Elliott then,on the hunter,but my slant on it is for $10 more,get the 2 blade version.
John Howser can make you a big knife like that trapper in D-2,for not as much as you think,and the wait time not as long,either.
It would be way better than the Queen knife,way better.
-Vince
 
Preface: I'm biased. *grin*

Case yellow handle , Barehead Slimline Trapper with CV Blades - 31048.

I go way back with this knife pattern. Mentors & Elders, including ladies, used this knife on farms, ranches, timber country, at the factory, the plant, on the property ...etc., for all sorts of uses.

Folks got a knife and used it, it did not get put up until hunting season, or camping, or whatever.

Instead, it opened feed sacks, cut rope , used in the garden, cut fussy kids apples, and pruned the rose bushes, used in the barns, at the plant, and the same knife cleaned game be it fish, fowl or small game or deer.

Many a fire was started with the spine tossing sparks using a mag starter.
Folks carried a small stone, in a leather slip and kept the blades touched up.

Slimline is not that heavy, easy on the pocket, and being "on" person, is a nice feature.

I've used it for instance in Canada, portaging and canoing for weeks, out in the middle of nowhere.

Small hatchet, or folding saw, still many times I/we did not have these, instead a second knife, a sheath knife or even another folder of some kind.
Weight and Room often played a part in "going light".

The Mini-Trapper I like for the "pocket size" and "weight factor" - nothing wrong with a full size Trapper, just on long treks, weight gets to be figured in.

The Medium Stockman is another one that is proven.
See, where and how I was raised, the same patterns of knives were used and proven.

Trappers (reg and mini), Sodbusters (reg and Jr), Slimline Trapper, Stockman's and Peanuts.

Just a product of my raisin' and I had a tendency to run with the Slimline Trapper crowd...

Tip: Slimline and Sodbuster's can be pinched to open.
Does not sound like a big deal, except as one gets older and getting into nail nicks.

I picked up on this when a kid and had good hands and fingers. It was really wet and cold, and I noticed some folks were having trouble getting ahold of nail nicks on stockmans, and other styles.

Hence the reason most folks, even younger folks, dish out the handles to access nail nicks.
Cold wet hands and getting a knife open...pinch works with gloves still on too.


Something to think about...

Steve
 
My experience with a 31048 slim line is what made me mention in the opening thread that the toothpick might be more useful overall due to the more slender blade shape.

I have alot to think about.
 
Of the two you actually asked about... ;)

The Toothpick will be more versatile for the smaller tasks you mentioned, like food, etc. However, you'll also be well served by the Peanut in those applications.

The Hunter would be better for slightly larger tasks that you might find yourself needing to do in the woods, and fits in well with the line, "I mean to include any outdoor activity."

My Queen D2 Toothpick needed to be completely reprofiled before it was usable. And that took some time on that D2 blade. I have an S&M folding hunter, but not a Queen, so can't really compare there.

-- Sam
 
Thanks all, I will be getting the hunter soon. I decided by simply asking myself which was more unique to my collection. I already have a good 31048 that I feel will do basically all that the toothpick would.
 
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