Looking for a start

Hello and welcome K ktataragasi .
My suggestion would be to start with Case knives or Boker like the barlow suggested above.
Acquiring GECs is a learning curve all its own. Although possible, it may prove frustrating for you and not the route I'd take whilst one is experimenting with traditionals.

Case offers stainless and carbon steel, are priced right, offer a plethora of handle materials and are readily obtainable.
 
Welcome K ktataragasi :)

It so hard recommending knives to folks as there are so many variables, not the least of which is just plain ole personal preference.

But, I'd echo Pinemoon Pinemoon in recommending Case to start. I haven't found a pattern yet I didn't like, just some I like more than others. A Mini Copperlock is an awesome way to dip your toe into traditionals. A Mini Trapper with a single blade or one of the clip/Wharncliffe combos would also be excellent. Canoes are great as well.

Please let us know what you decide!
 
I, too, would recommend Case as a good place to start. Trappers and stockmans are my favorite. The medium stockman is very pocket friendly, with three blades in a very compact package. The canoe and Texas jack might suit your fancy. I think those four are available in carbon (CV) or stainless (SS), although most Case knives come only in stainless. I like both. They are available at many hardware stores or farm and ranch stores if you want to check out fit and finish and the action.
 
I also work in an engineering office, and the most common work-related uses I have for my knife would best be served by a small sheepsfoot or Wharncliffe blade: trimming things like plotter paper and mylar, opening boxes, etc. I think a lamb foot would be good too but I don’t have one. On the other hand, I like to use my knife to cut the apples and pears which have replaced my lunches of late, and that requires a longer and narrower blade. I really like my larger single-blade traditionals, so that is pretty much what I carry every day even though the ones I have are less than perfectly suited to either of those types of tasks.

If your workplace is casual and you can wear jeans, a larger knife is fine. If you have to wear dress pants or khakis, a smaller knife is better.

If you like woodworking and fountain pens, I’m pretty sure you will only be satisfied with carbon steel, aesthetically speaking. If you tell me you prefer RPN calculators, then that seals it - it has to be carbon.

I realize all this doesn’t provide any useful recommendation, but they may be points to consider.
 
ktataragasi said:
Thanks for your input. I suppose I should add that I would prefer for it to be easier to track down. I've looked up many of the knives you all post and they seem difficult to come by. GEC being one of the tough ones.
Click to expand...
There are quite a few dealers that have GEC in stock nearly all the time. Certain models sell out faster than others, but I can usually find some at original cost, no mark up.


Gunstock Jack gunstockknives.com, collectorknives.net, and others have a few pages of different models available and in stock.
 
OLd_gUY said:
Another suggestion for considering a Lambsfoot. I've found the pattern to be very versatile and doesn't take a lot of pocket space. Also, they are available in a variety of scale materials.
Take a look on almost any page of the Guardians thread for pics. Here's as good a place as any to start:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/guardians-of-the-lambsfoot.1406735/page-1117
Also, you might want to take a look at the Lion Steel CK series at Collectors Knives - M390 steel
OG
Click to expand...
Thank you for the link. That will take me some time to read through but I like the look and history of it.

Radisson said:
I understand how you feel about finding it difficult to buy GECs. I had the same feeling less than a year ago, but I quickly found out that buying here, on the exchange, was a great way to go, even if I live in Canada.. I bought many GECs from members here, and I’ve been happy with every single one of them. Collectorknives is also great.

Welcome to the forums!
Click to expand...
I'll have to check out the exchange. I have to admit I've always been weary of things like that but I've seen a lot of people being happy with that on here.

sXePhenomenal said:
Good wood option here and traditional as it gets a Barlow
View attachment 1139014
Click to expand...
Unfortunately not it stock but a great pattern to look into. Thank you for pointing that out.

biomed said:
One of the first knives in my current collection was the Case Sodbuster Jr in yellow delrin and CV steel. The blade quickly aquires a rich patina and the handle resembles old ivory. It is a heck of a knife for little money. I also have a couple of GEC Bullnose knives. I like the black micarta handled one best.
Click to expand...
Between the case and the GEC sodbuster do you have a preference or do they feel the same?

JohnDF said:
Sheepsfoot, micarta, and 3-1/2"... may be tough to find right now.
I'm betting the next GEC #15 will fit the bill but it may be a long wait.
In the meantime there are other 3-1/2" single blades out there to try out.
My personal favorites are the Case Wharncliffe Mini Trapper and any GEC #15 single blade.

Click to expand...
That scout looks amazing and is something I am certain to hunt for eventually. I also have seen some 15s that were nice but they all had the bale and chain I think it was.

Pinemoon said:
Hello and welcome K ktataragasi .
My suggestion would be to start with Case knives or Boker like the barlow suggested above.
Acquiring GECs is a learning curve all its own. Although possible, it may prove frustrating for you and not the route I'd take whilst one is experimenting with traditionals.

Case offers stainless and carbon steel, are priced right, offer a plethora of handle materials and are readily obtainable.
Click to expand...
This sounds like sage advice. I think this is a good path.

Eli Chaps said:
Welcome K ktataragasi :)

It so hard recommending knives to folks as there are so many variables, not the least of which is just plain ole personal preference.

But, I'd echo Pinemoon Pinemoon in recommending Case to start. I haven't found a pattern yet I didn't like, just some I like more than others. A Mini Copperlock is an awesome way to dip your toe into traditionals. A Mini Trapper with a single blade or one of the clip/Wharncliffe combos would also be excellent. Canoes are great as well.

Please let us know what you decide!
Click to expand...
Of the case knives you suggested do you have one you tend to reach for more?

Prester John said:
I, too, would recommend Case as a good place to start. Trappers and stockmans are my favorite. The medium stockman is very pocket friendly, with three blades in a very compact package. The canoe and Texas jack might suit your fancy. I think those four are available in carbon (CV) or stainless (SS), although most Case knives come only in stainless. I like both. They are available at many hardware stores or farm and ranch stores if you want to check out fit and finish and the action.
Click to expand...
I'll look into all those. Thank you.

Just Tom. said:
I also work in an engineering office, and the most common work-related uses I have for my knife would best be served by a small sheepsfoot or Wharncliffe blade: trimming things like plotter paper and mylar, opening boxes, etc. I think a lamb foot would be good too but I don’t have one. On the other hand, I like to use my knife to cut the apples and pears which have replaced my lunches of late, and that requires a longer and narrower blade. I really like my larger single-blade traditionals, so that is pretty much what I carry every day even though the ones I have are less than perfectly suited to either of those types of tasks.

If your workplace is casual and you can wear jeans, a larger knife is fine. If you have to wear dress pants or khakis, a smaller knife is better.

If you like woodworking and fountain pens, I’m pretty sure you will only be satisfied with carbon steel, aesthetically speaking. If you tell me you prefer RPN calculators, then that seals it - it has to be carbon.

I realize all this doesn’t provide any useful recommendation, but they may be points to consider.
Click to expand...
That pretty much sums it up. My wife is pregnant and craving fruit so I pretty much jump on the opportunity to cut her fruit up with my Opinel to have it patina. I do have to dress in slacks for my office so a large knife may be a bit much.

Thank you to everyone who has commented and left a suggestion. This does seem like a great community. You have all given me much to think about.
 
You could buy a rough rider in a certain pattern, carry it for a week or two and if it doesnt suit you give it away to a coworker or a young man with no stiff hairs on his chin.
When you do find a pattern you can start trying different brands ie case boker, hen and rooster or go straight to custom
Congratulations on your wife being pregnant
 
ktataragasi said:
...

Of the case knives you suggested do you have one you tend to reach for more?

...
Click to expand...

Man, that's a tough one. And a question I grapple with myself. I keep trying to pin down my current favorite in hopes of buying multiples in different handle materials. The trouble is, when I have the Mini Copperlock in hand, it is absolutely my favorite. But then I pick up the canoe and it's my favorite. But then I grab the Mini Trapper and...well...

I will say I have two Mini Copperlocks and right now only one of the other two patterns.

All three feel great in use with the Mini Trapper and Canoe bringing two-blade versatility to the show. But the Mini Copperlock being so sleek, carries really, really well, especially in a crowded pocket.

I have a single Wharncliffe-bladed Mini Trapper on the way to me as we speak and I'm really looking forward to trying it out.

Of the three originally mentioned though, I reckon the Mini Copperlcok would just barely nose them out. But that's very specific to me. My knife pocket is indeed crowded. I'm also an engineer though so sometimes having a non-food blade to cut something can be handy. It's a tough one. What I can say with confidence is, the odds of you just buying a single pattern are slim, so just pick one and then get the others later. :)

Speaking of patterns, there's some good discussion in this thread: Your Top Three Patterns
 
Lot of good suggestions. For days when I'm wearing slacks/suit pants I often carry a Mini CopperLock. Great little knife, and unobtrusive. The other knife that I'm carrying more and more is a Case Tribal. A little less traditional than some of the other suggestions, but man I like that knife. Bigger than the Mini CopperLock but it's slim and rides really easily in your pocket. The Tribal is a Tony Bose collaboration and the quality is really good on those knives. Mine is Pocket Worn Whiskey Bone with CV blade. Believe they also make a CV knife with black composite scales.
 
A lot of good recommendations in this thread. My GEC's are more robust than my Case knives, but Case availability is far more widespread than GEC. My favorite Case pattern is the Mini Copperlock. Will work with pants/slacks, and it will also fit in the watch pocket of my jeans. I'm personally more of a single blade, rather than a multi bladed knife person though. That being said, I have a few Case Peanuts, a Mini Trapper with a clip point blade and cap lifter, and a Stockman that doesn't get any pocket time at all.
hovzc7T.jpg



The sales forum is a great place to start also, I've had MANY good transactions on the exchange, both as a buyer and seller.
In any case let us know what you decide on. Good luck!
 
My advise for people buying hiking or ski boots is to try on as many different brands and styles as you can before you commit big money.

My advise about traditional knives is similar.

I find different patterns and sizes to be vastly different in their feel and how they fit into my life. It can take a year of use before I "know" a knife and even then, it may take longer.

I would recommend you spend your $100 on 4 $25 knives of different sizes and patterns. Carry them and rotate among them for a bit.

I personally like a big traditional folder in my right rear pocket (Buck 110 or Opinel 9) but what works for ME doesn't tell you what works for YOU, any more than our preferences in boots.
 
ktataragasi said:
I do have to dress in slacks for my office so a large knife may be a bit much.
Click to expand...

I don't wear dress slacks but wear Dickies work pants most days, which aren't entirely dissimilar.

I sew a 2.5-3" seam up from the bottom of my right rear pocket, about 1.5" in from the side. This creates a knife pocket on the outer half of my right pocket. I regularly carry a Buck 110 or an Opinel 9 there with no printing, great comfort when sitting and very easy access to the knife.

I'm not advocating a big traditional to you. Just noting that you can carry just about anything you want from a small peanut to a large 110.

I should also add that I've found that medium sized flat single blades like the Buck 500 carry better in my front pocket than a "normal" multiple spring slip joint. The longer length and flatter aspect print less in my pocket. My 500 is typical go-to-a-wedding knife.
 
Eli Chaps said:
Man, that's a tough one. And a question I grapple with myself. I keep trying to pin down my current favorite in hopes of buying multiples in different handle materials. The trouble is, when I have the Mini Copperlock in hand, it is absolutely my favorite. But then I pick up the canoe and it's my favorite. But then I grab the Mini Trapper and...well...

I will say I have two Mini Copperlocks and right now only one of the other two patterns.

All three feel great in use with the Mini Trapper and Canoe bringing two-blade versatility to the show. But the Mini Copperlock being so sleek, carries really, really well, especially in a crowded pocket.

I have a single Wharncliffe-bladed Mini Trapper on the way to me as we speak and I'm really looking forward to trying it out.

Of the three originally mentioned though, I reckon the Mini Copperlcok would just barely nose them out. But that's very specific to me. My knife pocket is indeed crowded. I'm also an engineer though so sometimes having a non-food blade to cut something can be handy. It's a tough one. What I can say with confidence is, the odds of you just buying a single pattern are slim, so just pick one and then get the others later. :)

Speaking of patterns, there's some good discussion in this thread: Your Top Three Patterns
Click to expand...
That was a good read. Thank you. You have me leaning toward the mini copperlock now in smooth bone....

stevekolt said:
A lot of good recommendations in this thread. My GEC's are more robust than my Case knives, but Case availability is far more widespread than GEC. My favorite Case pattern is the Mini Copperlock. Will work with pants/slacks, and it will also fit in the watch pocket of my jeans. I'm personally more of a single blade, rather than a multi bladed knife person though. That being said, I have a few Case Peanuts, a Mini Trapper with a clip point blade and cap lifter, and a Stockman that doesn't get any pocket time at all.
hovzc7T.jpg



The sales forum is a great place to start also, I've had MANY good transactions on the exchange, both as a buyer and seller.
In any case let us know what you decide on. Good luck!
Click to expand...
That is quite the collection and I am leaving towards the mini copperlock at this point. It seems to have a nice clip blade and great look in general. What makes this your favorite case pattern? Also what keeps the stockman out of your pocket?
 
ktataragasi said:
That was a good read. Thank you. You have me leaning toward the mini copperlock now in smooth bone....
That is quite the collection and I am leaving towards the mini copperlock at this point. It seems to have a nice clip blade and great look in general. What makes this your favorite case pattern? Also what keeps the stockman out of your pocket?
Click to expand...

I love the clip point blade, and I much prefer single bladed knives to multi-bladed. Thin and unobtrusive. I keep the Mini Trapper with cap lifter for parties/BBQ's. I bought a Sodbuster Jr. for yard work/gardening, of course the Mini Copperlock could do the work, but this way I can rationalize another knife purchase ;) The stockman is much thicker in hand and in the pocket, and as I said before, I'm not really a fan of multi bladed knives.
All my GEC knives are single bladed, and 3 out of 5 are clip points.
But I must admit to being awfully fond of Case Peanuts also, after all their main blade is a clip point too, and SMKW now have a single bladed Peanut available :thumbsup:
There are other knives I like and have in my collection, everything for modern frame locks, flippers, and Lambsfoot knives from A.Wright & Son.
But for Case, the Mini Copperlock, and Peanut are the ones that "speak to me".
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
BTW check out the "Clan of the Copperlock & Mini Copperlock" thread for that final push :D
 
Last edited:
I'm partial to GEC 15s and there are some models still available retail. They might not be the most desirable of GEC's 15s (e.g., TCs, Beer Scouts) but they are very fine knives nonetheless and should suit your needs PLUS they will hold value better than most...if you decide traditionals aren't your thing, hold on to and sell in a year.
 
ktataragasi said:
1) I would like to keep it under $100.
2) Single blade but I've not carried a multi blade since my old SAK.
3) 3.5 - 4 inches
4) I like the look of a sheepsfoot but just want a single knife I can use as long as possible for as long as possible.
5) I like how micarta ages but I've never had a knife with it. So that or wood are preferred.

Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Case 11031SH if you can find one on the secondary market. Single sheepsfoot blade with walnut covers.
If you can stand a pen secondary, the Rough Rider "Half Hawk" has a Sheepsfoot main blade.
Bone with various jigging patterns or yellow delrin(?) are your choices for handle materials on the Rough Rider. I don't know if they have a G10 option, I'm 98% sure they don't offer Micarta.
 
ktataragasi said:
Hello everyone. I just wanted to say thank you for all of your input and advice. Yesterday I ordered a Case Mini Copperlock Cv in dark red bone.

Again thanks for taking the time to help me out.
Click to expand...

Please come back and let us know how you like it. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top