Looking for classy/traditional folders. Any suggestions?

J

Jesse_A

Joined
Jan 8, 2012
Messages
18
I've been purchasing a lot of modern style utility and tactical folders lately, (Spyderco military, Benchmade 710) but I want a blade that would not freak people out if I whipped it out in public. I want something that looks classy, but at the same time could be used for light utility. I don't know a whole lot about slip-joint knives :confused:, and in fact the only two companies I know that make them are Victorinox and Case ( Spyderco UK pen knives). If you could point me in the right direction of cool class gentlemens folders then that would be excellent :cool:. My price range is only around $210 so I probably would not be able to afford a custom.
 
Welcome Jesse. In your price range I would go for any Great Eastern Cutlery pattern. Maybe a Cuban Castro...Northfield Toothpick....White Owl Cigar ....Pioneer Trapper Linerlock....Northfield Deluxe Half-Congress.....Tidioute Pioneer Trapper....Tidioute Congress....GEC Gepetto Whittler....
 
What length closed? How many blades? Steel preferences?

I like GEC.

There is a really classy knife I have my eye on made by GEC under the Scagel name. Its called the Fruitport Clip and it has Ivory scales. IMO its a very classy knife. It has 1095, and the blade is reprofiled to a convex by BRKT. I don't have one yet but I have heard great things.

For SS I hear a lot of good about the Case/Bose knives. They sure look classy to me.
 
There is a huge variety to choose from when it comes to traditional-styled knives. The best way to start is probably to narrow down your choices by deciding what criteria fits your needs best (size, number of blades, locking or slip joint, etc.). Take a look around in here - especially in this thread - to kind of get an idea of what patterns appeal to you and go from there. $210 can get you a lot of knife (or 2 or 3 really nice knives if you want to try out a few different patterns to see what works for you). Good luck!
 
I have seen a few customs in the classifieds selling for $90 - $200 on secondary market so I would check out whats in the traditional for sale area first for stuff that might interest you.
 
Dang for your price range you have all kinds of options, my "classy knife" is a case sway back jack very beautiful knife but I find that people comment on my tiny case peanut more the the sway back jack. The Peanut have a 2 inch blade but I have found NOTHING that it has trouble cutting.
But if you are talkin super fanceh you might want something with mother of pearl handles.
 
Thanks guys, you've all been quite helpful. The blade size I would be looking for would be around 3" - 3.5" because I get nasty looks when non knife people see my Endura 4. I'll be sure to check out the companies and blades y'all recommended .
 
I would say a Sway Back Gent or Sway Back Jack. And a nice little GEC or Case Stockman... And you´re ready for the drug and its addiction which haunts this subforum... :D

Which steel do you prefer, which handle material? There are many things you should tell us, to give really helpful answers...

Kind regards
Andi
 
How about a #56 Dogleg Jack?
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It's a classy knife and yet a real worker. I have two and I really use the one and it preforms without fail. With your price range you could get two. :thumbup:

Or, the #73, it's a really classy knife that won't back down either. It can probably handle more tasks than the #56, but it's bigger too.
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I'll second johnny with the GEC #56 being very classy...although mine has developed a very nice (to me anyways) patina I still think it's a looker---I just love the Stag!!!

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Paul
 
I don't know a whole lot about slip-joint knives either, I'm kind of rediscovering them, which is really fun. Like you I wanted something that looked a bit classy and wouldn't be frowned upon if used in public. So to reintroduce myself I went with the Swell Center Jack with India Stag from Canal Street Cutlery and I love it!!!
 
You can buy a nice knife for a reasonable amount of money. The problem is buying just one. The choices and options are endless.

I think you'll find the size and number of the blades a lot more important for use than anything else. Think smaller than the "tactical" set, and no more than 2 blades. That keeps the knife slim and easy to carry. I find the ones I carry most of the time (when not working) are approximately 3.5" closed. That's small enough to fit in the watch pocket of your jeans or to be totally un-noticable in dress slacks.
 
The "classic" knife i love most, is my Boker Optima. A great knife with changable blades.

Kind regards,


Andre
 
I think I will purchase the GEC #33 Conductor in burnt sienna. It looks classy and seems like it will suit me well. Thanks for all the suggestions guys. :)
 
Jesse--
I just received my GEC conductor on Saturday. I think you will really fall in love with this knife. It's one of the most pocket friendly knives I've ever owned, and it looks "too nice to carry." But I am carrying it. Because life is too short not to.
 
Hi Jesse, and welcome to the coolest section of BF :)
Maybe I throw in my two cents too late, since you already decided for the Conductor...but, if you are saving the rest of the money for another slipjoint (maybe your Conductor will convince you that slipjoints aren't that bad after all :rolleyes: ) I strongly suggest that you spend some time browsing the "What traditional knife are ya totin' today?" thread in this section. You will have the chance to see a huge lot of beautiful traditionals with a variety of brands, patterns, handles and so on...
Enjoy your GEC by the way :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
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