Recommendation? Looking for a classic quintessential 2 blade pen

Hickory n steel

Hickory n steel

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Feb 11, 2016
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I've been interested in a classic shadow pattern pen with a spear main and pen secondary.
I don't have the budget for a GEC if they make one, and finding a decent condition example on the bay that can be had at a reasonable price hasn't happened yet for me.

My only real requirements are that it not be made in China, and that it has jigged bone or even jigged delrin would be okay.


The only thing I can think of produced today is the Victorinox excelsior, but it's really not enough different than the pocket pal I've already got. If it had the checkered alox I might go for it.
The pocket pal is just about perfect and I love it, but the plain look of the cellidor is leaving me wanting a bit more.

I didn't see anything from boker, case, Bear & son, or Utica.

I'd love some suggestions if you got 'em
 
Ooops sorry didn't take in the Shadow pattern requirement...
( I guess it was hidden in the shadows )
:)

G2
 
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The shadow part will make this a tough find! If you are good with a quality vintage knife you can find them on the bay but they will usually be smaller (around 3” closed) and bone is not as common as stag or composite covers. If you decide that bolsters will be ok there are dozens of examples we can give:)
 
Ernie1980 said:
The shadow part will make this a tough find! If you are good with a quality vintage knife you can find them on the bay but they will usually be smaller (around 3” closed) and bone is not as common as stag or composite covers. If you decide that bolsters will be ok there are dozens of examples we can give:)
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3" is fine, I find that size quite pleasant to carry.
Stag is fine too, I just figured anything new would probably be in jigged bone.

Something else I've thought about is the potential to have some different scales made for my Vic pocket pal, but I don't know if it's possible or economic.
I know Victorinox offers wood scales on knives which are otherwise standard, but I don't know how they're getting the wood attached.
 
TheChunk91 said:
Your best bet is a vintage knife. There are so many out there in a shadow with cell, pearl and so on.
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I've seen many beautiful vintage examples that sparked my interest in the pattern and I knew I definitely wanted one, I've just gotten discouraged with regards to obtaining one.

I guess I'll just keep looking , it may be worth it when the right one comes along.
 
Have you considered a canoe style? Not to far off from a two bladed pen. Rough Rider and Case make those in various handle materials and sizes. Just a thought. Also look for a half congress pattern - it's close.
Rich
 
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The Victorinox “Popular” might be what you’re looking for. This model was discontinued some years ago, but they’re readily available on the used market. Furthermore, they are typically found in excellent condition, and they’re cheap. I think this one cost me $25, shipped.

DB35D7C8-7DA4-49C9-9E10-62A3942FC95D.jpeg
 
Rich S said:
Have you considered a canoe style? Not to far off from a two bladed pen. Rough Rider and Case make those in various handle materials and sizes. Just a thought. Also look for a half congress pattern - it's close.
Rich
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I have thought about maybe trying out a case butterbean at some point, but I'm currently looking for a classic pen for no reason other than I find them an iconic classy pattern that I want an example of.
As far as a two blade congress goes, it's one of the patterns I find ugly.
 
Frailer said:
The Victorinox “Popular” might be what you’re looking for. This model was discontinued some years ago, but they’re readily available on the used market. Furthermore, they are typically found in excellent condition, and they’re cheap. I think this one cost me $25, shipped.

View attachment 1088326
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In silver I could definitely see myself with one of these in my pocket, thanks for the heads up.

Edit : on the bay sellers currently want an arm and a leg for this model, I'll keep an eye out for a deal on one if possible though.
 
I can't think of much produced in recent history.

However if you are willing to dig through the bay, plenty of examples available. I'd pay attention to old Sheffield makers...I have several 2.5-3" pen knives in French ivory in a shadow pattern.

If you are a fan of Victorinox, keep an eye out for an accountant. Came in pearl, 75mm, and had two blades on one side and a nail file on the other (I guess it's more of a lobster).
 
The popular is a nice looking knife! Getting new covers put on the pocket pal is a possibility too, since you are looking for a shadow pattern it would be easier to do and probably cheaper too.
I also agree with Justin about getting a Sheffield off the bay!
 
redsparrow said:
Have you considered and "Office knife"?
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A classic 2 blade office knife fits the description of what I picture when I think of the quintessential pen knife for sure,My Vic pocket pal pretty much Is an office knife and I love it but the stainless blades and bland synthetic scales dont really scratch the itch for a classic pen.

As long as it's got either carbon blades or some less bland scales to set it apart from my Vic pocket pal , then I'll be Happy.
Both would be best but I'll take one or the other.
 
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Looks like my search has come to an end as of 5 minutes ago:)


This will be my first Camillus made / branded knife ( I've got a Camillus made imperial lockback expected Monday ) and it's in decent shape too so hopefully it's got a W&T to match.

At $19.99 shipped it's essentially free since I found a $20 at work today:D
 
Ever bid on something when it's about to end expecting not to win, then completely forget about it ?

Well that happened to me with a winning bid of $10.50, now I'll have two classic pens when I had Zero before :D
This knife is a Cornwall knife .co NY City, Levine's says manufactured 1900-1920's so that's pretty cool.


It seems to be in pretty good condition for it's age.
The covers appear a bit yellow-ish in the pictures so I'm assuming they're probably celluloid but I'm certainly no expert.

If they are celluloid they haven't started decomposing yet which is good, but of course I'll have to keep it away from my other knives.
 
Nice pen knife - Monroe Hardware Co. has been a major distributor of hardware products out of the Charlotte NC area for many years. OH
Ps I like Pen Knives for dress wear and as a secondary when carrying a big knife as my primary (i.e., Buck 110). Check out the Case 6279 Senator, plenty still around, mine is jigged Delrin, but jigged bone are also out there.
Case-6279-Senator-1976.jpg
 
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