Looking for first great all around EDC traditional

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Xdm9mili

Joined
Mar 7, 2014
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I've been a huge Chris Reeve fan. Only carry a CRK daily. I want a small traditional to throw in my pocket as a back up; a more customer/people friendly knife. I currently carry a Sebenza 25 and 21 small. Been looking at three makers; Northwood, Queen, and GEC. Any suggestions? Looking for something under 4" closed, and also in 1095 carbon steel. I really like the way it patinas. Seriously thinking about the Northwood Norfolk.
 
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I really like the Northfield White Owl in clip point. It is 3.5" and single spring with two blades. Nice small package that is fairly light and makes for a great dress EDC. The 73 pattern has become my main EDC for the past two weeks. I have the single blade version in Burnt stag. It is very light for it's size, but fills the hand well (I have large hands). It comes in at 3.75" and appears larger in most pictures.

1095 from GEC is great stuff. I tend to take mine up to 2,500 grit then strop it with mother's mag polish on leather. It push cuts thin paper very well.

I agree with you about the patina. I really enjoy watching the steel change colors as they get used.
 
GEC #15 with spear blade is my favorite. The 3.5" size and spear point blade has proven to be the perfect edc for my needs, I've since moved to a custom of similar configuration, but it was the #15 that first got me hooked on this setup.
 
One of two GEC's Is In my pocket every day: the #6 (Pemberton) or #15 (SFO Diamond Radio Jack, or Boy's Radio/ Crown Lifter).
 
I also agree with the GEC 15. It comes in a variety of blade and scale options, and is a great size. Talking about the Norfolk, I think Northwoods is fantastic, and their quality is impeccable. Many of the new ones are made by GEC. I bought and returned a Norfolk becuase I personally didn't like the weak snap it had. Granted, it was the only one I have handled, but a few others seemed to say the springs were on the weak side. That might not be a deal-breaker for you since you say you are just now getting into it. But I think the Norfolk is a really unique knife. I'm still not over her. Lol
 
I also second the #6 Pemberton if you like your traditional to be on the small size. It is a great knife that is stout for its size.
 
Another vote for the Pemberton if you want GEC. A great little knife and either one or two blades. If you haven't looked at Case the Peanut is pretty hard to beat and less than half the price. I'm thoroughly impressed with the Peanut. I have a Pemby and love it also. A larger model? There are so many in GEC's line, just pick the blade and combo you like, they're all outstanding in their own right.
 
The GEC Pemberton is great but I after handling them both I actually prefer the new GEC 22 Magnum. Either of them would be ideal for putting in your watch pocket of your jeans as a back up knife or to use around people in an office.
 
I'll suggest a GEC 71 bullnose. Fits the hand great and is a workhorse. Looks very harmless and is more knife than most people need each day. Plus, there's are some really great cover options available.
 
I just pulled the trigger on the Pemberton in snake wood. Figure this model is small enough to throw in my pocket as a secondary EDC. Anyone have a pic of their used Pemberton?
 
Here she is. Awesome little knife. Touched her up with my Lansky turn box. Now paper cutting sharp.
 
Xdm9mili said:
Here she is. Awesome little knife. Touched her up with my Lansky turn box. Now paper cutting sharp.
Click to expand...

Great wee knife. Call me a boring old fart but I think patina should be earned, tiger stripes just don't look right to me. I think that #06 will make a fine pocket pal though ;)
 
Nice knife, carried my Ebony Pemberton for quite a while & it always accomplished what I needed. Love my clip bladed Radio Jack, but my current love is a #92 Eureka Jack in Ebony.
 
Congrats on your Pemberton. Great choice for your first traditional. You know, of course, that it won't be your last. These things are more addictive than modern folders.

Now you need a GEC #15 and a Northwoods Madison. The 15 is a great little EDC to pair with your CRK. And the Madison is simply a thing of beauty by itself. I still carry a modern but always pair it with one of these. The only difficulty is choosing which one to carry.

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#48 in jack, trapper, improved trapper, or single blade form :)





But really, a #33 would be all you need in conjunction with the Sebenza (it'll probably do just fine on its own too). Its the same length as the #68 White Owl but with a narrower swell center frame. This one was a SFO with coping blade secondary.

 
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