Looking for my first traditional folder.

K

kaozer

Joined
Apr 22, 2016
Messages
386
Ive been thinking about getting a traditional (i owe myself atleast one in my collection right?) And i was wondering what were the good ones so i came to this place. Now ive been looking at the GEC beer scout, i like the maroon micarta handles and the styling but i have no use for the bottle opener. I was looking for something similar around 100$ with 1095 steel or better (would like something like s30v but i have no idea if those steels are used for traditionals) with a single blade. What are your recommendations?
 
No super steels in traditionals. Queen does some D2. AG Russell does VG-10 now and then. Case does a few in 154CM or ATS-34 every once in a while. Mostly you're going to find 1095, Case CV, 440C, 420HC, some 440A in imports.
 
The GEC Beer Scout is built on the #15 frame. If I remember correctly, the #15 started out as a single blade called the Huckleberry Boy's Knife. I believe there were some single blade #15's with a Sheepsfoot blade. Just like the Beer Scout that you're looking at minus the bottle opener and bail.

Those might be kind of hard to find but you could try a search. I don't remember one being made with Maroon Micarta covers but I can't say for sure without looking it up.
 
What shape would you like the single blade to be: clip point, spear point, sheepsfoot, drop point, lambsfoot, skinner, one-arm?
Are you sure about the maroon micarta covers, or would you be open to some kind of wood, bone, stag, acrylic, metal?
What closed length do you have in mind?
You might get more suggestions once people know more about your tastes. Or do you want to have recommendations about what each of us likes?

- GT
 
5K Qs said:
What shape would you like the single blade to be: clip point, spear point, sheepsfoot, drop point, lambsfoot, skinner, one-arm?
Are you sure about the maroon micarta covers, or would you be open to some kind of wood, bone, stag, acrylic, metal?
What closed length do you have in mind?
You might get more suggestions once people know more about your tastes. Or do you want to have recommendations about what each of us likes?

- GT
Click to expand...

I am looking for a blade shape in sheepfoot clip point drop point or spear point. Ill take anything for handle material except bone and stag (just personal preference, not my thing). As for closed lenght, well anything really i carry stuff like a paramilitary 2 daily so i dont think that is something that would bother me.

I wouldnt mind also knowing what you guys like, im just trying to get a good one.
 
For a Single blade knife around $100 I would go for a GEC 71. It is a sodbuster pattern with 1095 steel. I can't get pictures to load for some reason right now or I would post one! If the sodbuster pattern appeals to you (just to a quick image search) you could save some money and dip into the traditional knife world on the cheap and get a Case version:thumbup:
 
Enjoy a 1095 steel for a month and like me you won't have any desire to go back to modern super-steels. I've carried some of the nicest high-end modern folders available. They're all gone now and only humble traditional's get any pocket time these days.

A GEC 71, 72, or 73 may suit you well.

Welcome to the porch. Set down and stay a while.
 
I'll rell you waht my normal EDC is, since you want to know what we like.
I have a Buck 110 or Old Timer OT6 or OT7 on my belt.
In the right front pocket I have a 4 blade scout/camp knife, with a spear point main, screwdriver/cap lifter, can opener, and awl/punch.
Sharing pocket space with the scout knife is a Buck 301 stockman, or large (4 1/4 inch closed) Rough Rider stockman. Both have a clip point main, with sheepsfoot and Spey blade secondaries.
I have also been known to toss a 2 blade Barlow or Canoe in with them.
Occasionally, a Rough Rider half hawk with sheepsfoot main and pen secondary will take the place of the Barlow or Canoe for a few days.
For the last couple months, a SAK Huntsman has displaced the scout knife. I like the added scissors and saw blade.

Since no one blade is "perfect" for every task, I like to have a choice of blades for the task at hand.

I will suggest you check out the Rough Ride knives. You can try out different patterns without bankrupting the bank.
Check out the Rough Rider and Related Slipjoints thread. Well worth starting at page 1 and going to the last.

Oh, and welcome to the traditional addiction. :)
 
Welcome to the porch! You can find some traditionals with a higher end steel but many go over the $100 price point. As previously mentioned AG Russell would be a good place to check, his VG-10 is quite nice. Big fan of Queen's D2. If you can find a Canal Street Cutlery Half-Moon Pie for the price , they were usually made with a steel similar to cpm-154. Even their other offerings had some great steels,and they made traditionals for Ka-Bar and Rigid that are very nice. Check out the GEC dealers page and you may find some who carry other brands with newer, quality steels. Molina might also be an option. Good luck in your search, it's half(or more) the fun.
Thanks, Neal
Ps-oh yeah , Opinels in stainless use 12c27, a quite respectable stainless steel
 
If you're not keen on Bone or Stag (Traditional mainstays) it could be a bit more tricky...

GEC's 73 pattern with Drop Point is their iconic knife, I'd suggest looking on the Exchange for a wood handled one: Ebony, Blackwood, Coco, or Osage come to mind.Some of their models such as 15 come in micarta or synthetics, then the Farm&Field range are also with synthetic or micarta handles, a new Mudbug in Natural Micarta is being launched too.
 
Will-do you know when the mud bugs will be released?
Thanks, Neal
Ps-never mind sir! Looks like the end(ish) of January
 
Last edited:
jc57 said:
No super steels in traditionals. Queen does some D2. AG Russell does VG-10 now and then. Case does a few in 154CM or ATS-34 every once in a while. Mostly you're going to find 1095, Case CV, 440C, 420HC, some 440A in imports.
Click to expand...
What is offered in traditionals are all quite good for EDC! I'm a fan of pretty much most of the regular traditional steels from. CPM 154 to a good heat treated 440a.
 
Well i have found what i want, but it is out of stock everywhere :(
20151025_145312_zps42tz1olk.jpg
 
That is a great knife though. Watch the exchange. They will be closer to 2 Franklins. Those knives were all nickel silver if I recall. NS bolster, liners (very unique) and pins.
 
Rockon75 said:
That is a great knife though. Watch the exchange. They will be closer to 2 Franklins. Those knives were all nickel silver if I recall. NS bolster, liners (very unique) and pins.
Click to expand...

I actually wouldnt mind having the basic version with the short non stylish bolster its just out of stock everywhere sadly. And being in canada makes the matter worse
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top