Looking for classy/traditional folders. Any suggestions?

Check out the GEC ben hogan if you want a longer blade, they are 4.5 inches closed, long and thin very classy looking if you ask me.
 
GEC tops my list! So far, not a dud in the bunch (8) all tight fit, great pulls, no gaps, and most importantly........NO BLADE PLAY!

At that price range, you could get two! or get a great model with pricier handle scale configuration.

They would be great users too.

I have two Queens (a Pardue/Queen collab in stag, and large Burke/Queen colab in orange bone.....mmmmm so nice and warm looking/feeling). The Queen Barlow is a bit gappy, but no blade wiggle. A nice solid user. The Pardue is beautiful as well, You can see just a hint of light through the springs, but nothing horrible, and it is decent, and very pretty knife. Both would make great users. In fact, you could get both in your price range.

I have one S&M File and Wire. It is the large two bladed It is a show stopper for the looks, but when you get closer, it came quite gappy, and ............shedding a tear here.......it has blade play in the small pen/clip. It was too pretty to send back, so I gave the bolster a squeeze in a leather padded vice, and it tightened up very nicely. NO blade play at all. I just need to sand down the tiny bit of pin that is protruding, then polish the bolsters back up, and it is one of my favorites (sloppy gaps and all!!!!!!! If that tells you anything.......it really is a looker).

On a side note, I have held two other S&M and they were not loose at all. (though a tiny bit of gap).

If I had a local dealer to inspect them, I would be there in a heart beat to check out more. Some of the nicest looking traditionals at a reasonable price (but the spotty fit and finish, probably means I won't order another site unseen).

The Case/Bose collabs are excellent for fit and finish. They are more expensive than the GEC. But the ones I have held have all been stellar! I would not hesitate to order one, or buy one second hand.

Hope that helps. (look for one of my recent threads for pics of some of the new ones I ordered listed above, I don't wan to spam this thread with all my old-hat-already-posted-pics).
 
Bigfattyt said:
GEC tops my list! So far, not a dud in the bunch (8) all tight fit, great pulls, no gaps, and most importantly........NO BLADE PLAY!

At that price range, you could get two! or get a great model with pricier handle scale configuration.

They would be great users too.

I have two Queens (a Pardue/Queen collab in stag, and large Burke/Queen colab in orange bone.....mmmmm so nice and warm looking/feeling). The Queen Barlow is a bit gappy, but no blade wiggle. A nice solid user. The Pardue is beautiful as well, You can see just a hint of light through the springs, but nothing horrible, and it is decent, and very pretty knife. Both would make great users. In fact, you could get both in your price range.

I have one S&M File and Wire. It is the large two bladed It is a show stopper for the looks, but when you get closer, it came quite gappy, and ............shedding a tear here.......it has blade play in the small pen/clip. It was too pretty to send back, so I gave the bolster a squeeze in a leather padded vice, and it tightened up very nicely. NO blade play at all. I just need to sand down the tiny bit of pin that is protruding, then polish the bolsters back up, and it is one of my favorites (sloppy gaps and all!!!!!!! If that tells you anything.......it really is a looker).

On a side note, I have held two other S&M and they were not loose at all. (though a tiny bit of gap).

If I had a local dealer to inspect them, I would be there in a heart beat to check out more. Some of the nicest looking traditionals at a reasonable price (but the spotty fit and finish, probably means I won't order another site unseen).

The Case/Bose collabs are excellent for fit and finish. They are more expensive than the GEC. But the ones I have held have all been stellar! I would not hesitate to order one, or buy one second hand.

Hope that helps. (look for one of my recent threads for pics of some of the new ones I ordered listed above, I don't wan to spam this thread with all my old-hat-already-posted-pics).
Click to expand...

Sent a PM. Don't want to go off topic.
 
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I suggest the GEC pattern #61 half congress, with the sheepfoot main and pen secondary.
There are still several available with different types of stag, at around $100. This one is elk stag.

HalfCongress2.jpg
 
Take a look at the Schatt and Morgan Heritage series, I really like those. Picked up a single spearpoint blade jack with a long pull and rosewood scales, and a two blade jack with very striking bone scales and a nice shield. You might be able to find some used pieces out there, but the Case Tony Bose 154CM/ATS34 collaborations, or the SS/CV collaborations. It's fun to hunt for older makes/patterns at flea markets and junk malls. Great Eastern is a great brand.

I would learn as much as you can, and ask some questions in here.
 
Actually, if you expand your price bracket by about $50 you could get really nice customs by Bret Dowell or Rick Menefee. No fancy handle materials of course. Hiroaki Ohta also makes friction folders for around $200. Although they don't lock, the pivot is secure and I've read good reviews about them as EDCs. Plus, they come in a stunning arizona desert ironwood. I'm sure there are a few other makers that produce excellent knives for around this price range as well.

Nonetheless, if you prefer to keep your budget low, GECs are indeed great choices. I've hardly heard a bad word about then, my first should be arriving this week :) There are quite a few models, but I'm personally inclined towards a #73 or #12.
 
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black mamba said:
I suggest the GEC pattern #61 half congress, with the sheepfoot main and pen secondary.
There are still several available with different types of stag, at around $100. This one is elk stag.

HalfCongress2.jpg
Click to expand...

That's a beautiful knife Jeff!!! i like that alot...

Paul
 
Fight'n Rooster is a classy knife.
Link and deal spotting reference removed. Please review the Sticky "Vendor Links, Referrals & Endorsements" if you have questions.
 
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GEC #33 Conductor

Buck 309 companion

Case Peanut

Buck 305 Lancer

Buck Gent's lockback

Case Sway Back Jack
 
Here's a suggestion. I just put my name on his list for one. Delivery about two months out. Single blade canoe by Jeff Mutz. It's in your price range.

LCAN004.jpg


He makes some other stuff too. He has a website.

Ed J
 
Ok...can I suggest that you forget buying a new one ( even though it's too late... why not make your next buy something like this ) ....
, if your budget is $200 or less..you can get one absolute smashing Antique or Vintage Peachseed Boned Walden Cattle knife, or something like that....what about a Ulster like this beautiful ol' gal....
myknives006-19.jpg

You just cannot go past a lovely old knife that was built by THE people who knew just how to build a knife
Or a HJ?
 
Canal Street Half Moon Trapper

A 3 3/4" single blade with an excellent steel
Very slim in the pocket with a selection of handles
 
Everyone I have shown my Case SBJ in damascus and stag has thought it a beautiful knife. In your price range and everything about it is right. I also have that exact executive whittler pictured above, nice knife but quite long - about an inch longer than the SBJ. Classy choice as well, the second cut stag has lots of character with many subtle colourations throughout.
 
richstag said:
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.
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I have both the oiled bone and rams horn and they are very fine knives. I like the Ben Hogan #65 really well, too.

I also like the Canal Street Cutlery half moon trappers as well as the pinch lock back. CSC has the latter in a couple of different shades of abalone and they are spectacular.

I also like the Mcustas in cocobolo and ebony as well as their SS models.

These knives, to me at least, lack that tactical looks that scares civilians.
 
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