Looking for a small traditional slip joint.

[popedandy]

While they do... and I own several it does not satisfy my traditional needs.



As far as steel I am not picky, anything will do. I think one blade will be my best bet as my role for this knife will be nothing crazy. Throw it in the pocket and have it there for those little cutting jobs during the day. I do like MOP and some other fancy inlays but I am not dead set on those. Bolsters are nice but again, not a necessity. And for size, small... Nothing larger than what a watch pocket will comfortably hold.

Thank you for the replies so far!

The Case Peanut is probably as small as you'll want to go. If you want a fancy one, you can find them with fancy handles and damascus blades if you look around a bit. The medium jack is a bit larger and is more to my tastes. The Swayback Jack (two blades) or Swayback Gent (one blade) that folks have posted is an excellent choice and was designed to fit in a watch pocket. If you want to spend a bit more money, you can get a custom Swayback Jack from one of the makers that posts stuff for sale here. For customized factory knives, I e-mailed you the website of a gentleman whose work I quite admire.

 

[Railsplitter]

I picked up this German Eye Half Congress a little while back. At 2 5/8 inches closed it makes a nice alternative to the Peanut pattern.

 

[dannyp]

My suggestion is that you take some time and read some threads in the Traditional subforum, starting with the "What traditional knife are you totin' today?" thread. You will sure find what you are searching for.

This is some good advice.:thumbup: In short order you will find something that appeals to you. I would definitely recommend anything from GEC or a Case Swayback as they get the most consistently positive reviews from members here, myself included. Queen probably has the best value for the price considering they use D2 on their knives. They make a small Jack knife that is 3 3/8" closed. If you're willing to stretch the budget to include custom knives, Mike Alsdorf makes a few different patterns similar in size to what you're looking for.

One thing to be aware of when first getting into traditional knives is that the size normally listed is the closed length of the knife and not the blade length. It's a little strange at first, but now I actually prefer it that way. Knowing how it will carry in the pocket and how much handle there will be to hold on to are more important to me than the length of the blade.

I will also add that you shouldn't discount multiple blade knives either without trying one first. You may be surprised to find how useful it is to have them. Some people like to reserve one for rough, dirty jobs to keep the main blade from getting dull. Others like to keep a small secondary blade scary sharp for precision cutting. In certain patterns the extra thickness can even make the knife more comfortable in hand.

 

[TLARbb]

I have to suggest my favorite pocket knife to you - a Case mini copperhead. IMO it is a subspecies of pen knife, but it is very friendly in the pocket. Just a tiny bit bigger than the peanut and a tiny bit smaller than the sway back jack.

The Case swayback jack in chestnut bone and CV steel is the best value I ever got in a pocket knife, but the mini copperhead remains my favorite to carry. I can't really explain it; it is what it is.

Be careful stepping over into traditional territory. You already have a pile of money invested in modern designs. Get ready to spend another pile for traditionals. It is the same affliction, just a different strain. There is no vaccine and the cure will kill you.

Ed J

 

[jackknife]

Maybe you need to check out a Case peanut. Aside from the wide variety of handle materials, CV, stainless steels, you can get some models in the Thomas damascus, which is great stuff. It's got a thin flat ground blade that gets a wicked edge. I've been carrying a Devon Thomas damascus with amber bone scales for the past several months, and it's become one of my very favorite pocket knives.

I live in the Northern suburbs of Washington D.C., and I go 'downtown a lot. The little peanut is my low profile city knife for going through the checks at museums, art galleries and federal buildings. In spite of it's too small appearance, it's actually quite a capable slicer, doing 98% od any cutting job you will have in the city. At many check points, mine has never gotten any bad attention, in fact quite the opposite. It's got a cute factor that lets it go anywhere outside of an airline or court house.

Just be for warned; you can't have just one!

Carl.

 

[dalefuller]

I lean more toward the Trapper patterns in traditionals because of the spey blade, but they're available from Case, Great Eastern, Tidioute, Northfield, and many others, as well as custom slipjoint makers here on BF. I like the CV steel that Case uses and the 1095 in the Northfields. I also had a couple of Queens in D2 and they were nice as well.

 

[markpmc]

Just to add to the confusion. I've carried the same Medium Case Stockman nearly everyday for 10 years. Fits nicely in the watch pocket of Levi's jeans. Other jeans brands it's a bit too large and ends up in my front pocket. The three blades are very useful.
Clip - food.
Sheepsfoot - utility cutting/everything. most used blade.
Spey - sharpest blade on knife, rarely used. I'd save this for cigars if I smoked.

Let us know what you choose.

Mark

 

[Groove]

Here's another Peanut and Swayback for size comparison. Very pocket friendly and deceptively useful.

 

[harlycarly]

I've got a Buck Solitaire #302 with yellow scales. Single blade, 2 7/8 inches long. It feels like a "worn" vintage knife I've carried for years. Not scary at all, but sized enough to be useful for many tasks. I'm assuming you're looking for single blade only. Shop around, they can be had at good prices, USA made if that is a consideration.

 

[popedandy]

Moki makes some nice small knives. I don't know if they would necessarily count as traditional, but they look good and are very well made.

 

[cb4life_30]

I just recently bought a Boker beer barrel wood whittler. I picked it because I want a carbon steel blade. The handles scales were a little rough at first but have since smoothed out. Here is a picture... By the way the top knife was an early Christmas gift from my brother.

 

[Cosmo7809]

Guys, thank you for all of the suggestions!

You surely gave me some nice ideas and I am excited to make a purchase after the Holidays!


Thanks, Chris