Looking to expand from Moderns to Traditionals

bpeezer

bpeezer

Joined
Jan 27, 2013
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I'm looking to get a traditional, but I'm really used to modern knives. Here's what I'm thinking:

Under $150, preferably under $100
Smooth or lightly textured handle, preferably G10/Micarta/Wood (NO jigged bone, natural horn, etc.)
Single blade
I prefer the straight nail slots over normal nail nicks, but either one will work
Blade length under 3.5", preferably under 3.25"
Stainless steel or stain resistant tool steel (154CM is one of my favorites)

So far I've considered:
Queen #41 in curly zebra hardwood
GEC #72 in ebony
Case mini copperlock in smooth chestnut bone
Canal Street half moon trapper in chestnut

Any other suggestions, or thoughts on my current considerations?

EDIT: Should have mentioned use. This will be light to medium EDC use, mostly just packages or thin rope.
 
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Try looking at the Schatt & Morgan File and Wire series. Those are in ATS-34, the Japanese version of 154CM. (Schatt & Morgan is made by Queen.)

Also, Canal Street has some models with 14-4CrMo blades. 14-4CrMo has the same composition as 154CM, but is made by Latrobe Steel.

You might also look at the Queen Country Cousin. There is one with Micarta. The others have Delrin covers. All have D2 blades.
 
The GEC #72 would be a nice choice among those on your list so far. They can be had in 440C and I think GEC does well with that steel.

I would also suggest, if possible, to go to a local gun or knife show to see what kinds of different patterns you can handle in person.
 
jujigatame said:
The GEC #72 would be a nice choice among those on your list so far. They can be had in 440C and I think GEC does well with that steel.
Click to expand...

Yes, GEC does do 440C exceptionally well. And their blade geometry is excellent. GEC 440C blades will outperform most blades in 154CM.
 
I haven't been able to find the GEC in 440C, would it be as worthwhile to try one in 1095? I have one other blade in high carbon with no corrosion problems so I know I can take care of it. I just don't have much experience with high carbon steels.
 
bpeezer said:
I haven't been able to find the GEC in 440C, would it be as worthwhile to try one in 1095? I have one other blade in high carbon with no corrosion problems so I know I can take care of it. I just don't have much experience with high carbon steels.
Click to expand...

It would be absolutely worthwhile.
 
The Slim Jack (D2) and Indian River Jack (ATS-34) from Northwoods would also be worth a look.
 
Canal street and GEC use 440c. Queen uses D2. Schatt and Morgan uses ATS-34. Take a look at collectorknives.net.
 
Case makes a Peanut, mini trapper and a host of others in G10. They all look pretty good!
 
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