The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is $300 $250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
If I could carry a "sheath knife" with me at all times, I would... but the simple fact of the matter is that I cannot; therefore, I carry a folder. I carry a slipjoint just about every day...but the truth is that my work clothes don't hold it securely enough for my taste - no sense losing knives on a regular basis - so I carry a clipped "modern" folder.
Left to my own devices, I carry all three. Overkill? Most definitely. It's true. In my day to day life, I rarely need to carry a bladed tool on my person. Seriously...I can get through most days without cutting things. But, if I don't have one, and I do need it, where will I get it. RULES make it unlikely that my coworkers will have one. Nor will a passerby, if I'm out and about.
I've carried a knife since I was 8 yrs old. Not carrying one just doesn't make sense to me. The struggle now is that more and more often knives are not welcome. Can't fly with them, can't go to many entertainment venues with them, can't carry them in many workplaces due to "weapons" policies.
I suspect accidents happen with prying and twisting a knife under stress. Sometimes we do cut ourselves because we weren't paying attention.I don't understand what people could possibly be doing to have so many knife-closing accidents, especially with locks. I mean, the blade only cuts in one direction. What are they doing that puts that much force against the spine that it overcomes the lock?
Following that logic just use scissors to cut things its the safest option, as well as use a box cutter instead of a knife to open boxes, and a letter opener to open letters. You actually don''t need a knife at all if you really think about it, at least for everyday living.
I think it depends on the choice of fixed blade same as a folder. But there are always people who might get alarmed if they see or hear a knife. The age factor is important as well as your body language that most of us don't even realize we are putting out vibes.J jackknife - I think most of us already agree with you and use fixed blades when possible. FWIW, the reason people don't get scared of you walking around with a sheath blade is you're 70+ = D
If you looked younger I bet you'd get more negative reactions. I don't blame them either; an old guy with a fixed blade, even if it's a foot long blade is not something to worry about ... think of your old age like urban camo ; ) (it's a bonus)
I think it depends on the choice of fixed blade same as a folder. But there are always people who might get alarmed if they see or hear a knife. The age factor is important as well as your body language that most of us don't even realize we are putting out vibes.
Again, most people aren't very observant and likely never even notice a fixed blade on the belt unless it was big. But I understand your point. I have similar feelings about open carry of firearms. In a fast food environment, I definitely am "watchful".In this age of Wacko's, Even I would keep an eye on someone sporting a fixed blade in a non rural setting. Freak out-no, but watchful -yes
I cant speak for the custom market and waiting lists. Thatll never be my cup of tea. But I'm fairly certain most knife guys understand that a half decent fixed blade will do every task any of us need a knife for. People just like new and exciting things. I could carry my Super Tinker everyday and very rarely run into a problem it couldn't solve.My points make perfect sense. $400-$1500 flippers / folders TO ME, do not.
I get that they're "nicer" and have smooth action.... And craftsmanship and materials are higher end... But come on... there's literally only a single pivot and a single lock. It's not like a Swiss watch with 200-400+ precision made, moving parts.
By all means, if you like it, buy it... especially if it's the dream / grail piece that you'll use and carry daily...
But a collection of dozens (or hundreds) of $400+ knives, that don't get much use or you are afraid of using them and scratching them up, seems odd.
My point was that a $400 folder will be nice materials, nice action, and should be pretty flawless. For $150, you can get a custom made fixed blade, steel of your choice and handle material of your choice and a nice sheath, or for slightly less, a great, proven production model. The fixed blade would be stronger and you would be more likely to use it, as it isn't as dear to replace.
Moras are great - I have a bunch... And so should most people... And you can have any colour or length, as long as it has a plastic handle and a scandi grind.
If they also had a 3mm thick FFG option, they'd cover so many additional end-user applications!
I get specialty blades, patterns or uses (like a dressy knife for more formal occasions), but having dozens of general, EDC shaped $400-$1500 isn't being done for utility or as tools. Those are a collection of pocket candy.
I'm just much more utilitarian and don't get impressed with ball-bearing pivots or ornate locks. Also, most pockets accumulate lint to fill these spaces / gaps / voids.
But you can tell that based on what I carry... BK14, Spyderco Salt 2, SAK ALOX Electrician, etc.
Different strokes for different folks. Some urbanites can't carry (or conceal) a fixed blade.... But many more ppl could daily carry a 2.5"-3.5" fixed blade that just don't and never have.
They don't know what they're missing, because all you see pushed is the new unobtanium bladed, vaneer scale'd folder du jour.
Compared to strong, robust, fast fixed blades, folders kind of feel like toys or a bit gimmicky. I also don't have the compulsion to fiddle with my knife, so that's another factor.
I'm not an old guy, but those ol' timers have a bit of wisdom. Take advantage of their learnings and combine them with modern technological innovations. Best of both worlds.
Get a little bird and trout or other small fixed blade. Stop playing with snicky, snappy, waiting list folders.
A folder is like a transformer knife.![]()
There is no question that people are buying customs only because they think they cut better. It is part of the hobby and a pride thing. Most of us could very easily carry a Vic SAK and never need another knife unless they loose it. Knives last a long time, even cheaper ones that are fairly well made. There is a preference aspect going on as some would not have a knife that they can't open one handed as they see it as a convenience and why not take advantage of modern designs?......But that's irrelevant. People aren't buying customs because they cut better, it's just a part of their hobby. What's the point of having a $150 fixed blade when you could just buy like 8 or 9 kershaw filters and run through them over the years. Most of this is entirely subjective and doesnt actually matter, but theres no need to be sort of passive aggressive about expensive folders.
Agreed that Buck's back lock and iconic 110 and 112 DEFINED the modern folding category.
They kind of solved the problem and then everyone else started to make changes.
For 1-handed use, a back / mid-lock with a spyderhole / thumb stud solves the issue of one handed opening, closing and strength.
Other locking or opening systems are pretty much prioritizing speed of opening over lock strength.
The Emerson Wave was another significant innovation that allows for faster, 1-hand opening, without compromising lock strength.
The BladeHQ series on lock type strengths was pretty eye opening. But a lot of ppl obviously haven't seen them, as liner locks and other weaker lock designs are still big sellers.
The other thing that creeps me out is the # of ppl that have had a folder open up in their pocket / waist band.![]()
....If a small slip joint won't handle it, its time for a sheath knife or other tool. a small fixed blade is a far better knife than an over engineered lock blade.