Long pulls revisited

[Doug Add]

In the midst of the thread discussing the development of patina on my Ben Hogan, we began discussing blades with long pulls, and I posted a few pictures of knives I had at the time. I also started another thread just for the long pull discussion.

Since a couple of those knives have been rehandled in bone I thought it would be interesting to do a photo comparison.

The first of three original shots:

An updated version:

The second original:

An updated version:

The third original, posted with the following description: "And this one is included just for pertinux. Joy had to investigate what I was doing. She came close and inspected the knives. Satisfied with their arrangement, she took her customary position."

This morning it was not the cat, but the dog, who had to investigate.

 

[CoffeeCat2112]

You know, when I first got into traditionals, I wasn't a fan of the long pull. I don't really have a good reason why I thought so; that's just the way I was. Now, however, I actually prefer it.

One thing I have noticed about these pulls instead of a nail nick, though, (at least for me), is that I need a slightly different technique to open them, especially on blades with stiff pulls. It seems a nail nick lets the blade rotate around my thumbnail, whereas I find I have to move my thumb along the arc of the blade as it opens on long pull knives, if that makes sense.

Between the pen thread and this one, you've given me a couple photo projects for the weekend...

 

[Doug Add]

I'm not sure I follow you, Blaine, but it may be because I open blades differently than others do. I use the nick or pull just to raise the blade far enough from the frame so I can pinch it with thumb and forefinger.

 

[CoffeeCat2112]

Oh yeah, I see how you do it. I tend to keep my nail in the nick/pull until the blade is about 90 degrees or at the half-stop, if one is present.

If someone would just put something like a hole or a stud on a blade, opening would be so much easier...:stupid:

 

[edbeau]

Imperial Frontier 4135

 

[wagglebee]

You know, when I first got into traditionals, I wasn't a fan of the long pull. I don't really have a good reason why I thought so; that's just the way I was. Now, however, I actually prefer it.

I think the long pull makes the knife look classier. However, there are some blades (like Zulu or wharncliffe) where they just don't work.

 

[Doug Add]

I like the looks of that Frontier. Do you have more pictures of it?

 

[dannyp]

I think the long pull makes the knife look classier. However, there are some blades (like Zulu or wharncliffe) where they just don't work.

I agree. The other downside is that they can't be placed as close to the tip as a nail nick, so there is less leverage for opening. The only type of long pulls that I don't like are those that pass all the way through the tang. Even though it is certainly traditional, it just doesn't look "right" to me.

 

[thawk]

I like the look especially on a jack knife

And on these serpentine pens

Goes good on a cattle knife too

One more jack knife

 

[Bigfattyt]

I love a good long pull.

I agree, the nail nick can be put closer to the tip for more leverage. But I love the fact that you can hook multiple nails in the long pull. You don't have to be as accurate with placement.

While I don't like the look as much, I have a long pull with a nail nick at the front of the blade. It looked odd at first, but is a great feature just from an opening standpoint (all steel GEC Sunfish with a long pull, and the nail nick on the swedge).

This one was my Grandfathers

 

[300Bucks]

The contract era Buck folders, Schrade and Camillus, were both long pulls at first. At the end of 1985 Buck started actually manufactoring their own models 301,303,309 and 305s. The Camillus made models other than those four continued to be made with whatever Camillus designed them with. Most were nail nics. As Camillus contract models faded from the scene, all of Bucks slipjoint production was of the nail nic variety.

I do like a well excuted long pull. Some are not crisp edged or deep enough to suit me. The first contract Buck 301s and 303s, made by Schrade have my favorite blade design of all the 300s. Some models of the smaller folders are made with what I consider too large of a nic. I guess that way they don't have to change machine settings or production lines........ Below is a quick shot of some 301s showing a representation of the change. Both long pulls are Cami's.

300Bucks

When the cherrywood Chairman series was introduced I thought the nics were a little large, at least on the smaller models. But, later I noticed they made them the same size as the others. Middle nic is too large for the perspective of the blade outline. (Trying to sound like a designer)

This Schrade contrat era 303 does not have its long pull struck as deep as the Camillus pulls, it sort of blends with the blade a little more, its not so dark a line. I also like the way the top swedge extends over the nail pull. Always a quick way to ID a Schrade/Buck blade. You can't get a flatter grind than this either......

 

[CoffeeCat2112]

And on these serpentine pens

Nice combo!

 

[Will Power]

Might be a wrong impression, but I feel that GEC has revived interest in/availability of Longpull. Certainly they offer a lot of them ,sometimes too much as in the Wharncliffes with LP. That blade shape looks awkward with it. Certainly, LP can make a heavy sprung knife more tricky to open, people often decry heavy springs but I sometimes wonder if the citing of the nick can be an aspect too. A nail nick struck forward makes leverage better, I suppose. Have a Queen Cutlery Jack with the nick very far forward, it is so easy to open and the spring IS tough.

Anyway, LP can look sublime on many knives, Spear blades in particular are enhanced by them.

Doug, those re-handled knives of yours look really fine. I think I need to get some of mine done too.....

Regards to all, Will

 

[Doug Add]

Doug, those re-handled knives of yours look really fine.

Thank you Will.

 

[edbeau]

Doug, a couple pictures of the Frontier.

 

[edbeau]

The Imperial Frontier 443X series came in 5 colors.

 

[Doug Add]

Thank you, those are all nice, but I really like the wood!

 

[edbeau]

The wood is Mahogany. The knives were made by Camillus.

 

[knarfeng]

The knives were made by Camillus.

To me there is something quintessential about a Camillus stockman. They really nailed that design. I have three stockman knives made by Camillus: An old Buck 303, a Cold Steel Large, and a "Rough Cut". All have long pulls.


Here's the Cold Steel:

Here's the Rough Cut:

 

[recon1s14]

Plus plus on long pulls