Love My Two Tidioute #15 Hucks, But...

The Burgh

The Burgh

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Jan 22, 2015
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... I'd like to try a few other traditionals.

New to traditionals. The Huckleberries (ebony and rust red bone) struck my fancy for size, clip point and pen blades and reputation for high quality construction. But, new to the traditional category, would like to try other brands and models.

Any suggestions for diversifying? Now that I'm "spoiled" by one of the GEC lines, am I setting myself up for disappointment?

Thanks for your kind and generous suggestions (for this traditional newbie)!
 
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Welcome to traditionals!
When you buy quality, you are seldom disappointed. The two knives you have purchased are from a very good producer. But only you can decide what you want in a knife, IMO!
Go slowly into older, antique knives, but the recent production knives are good, or at least, most are warranted.
 
New makers:
Canal Street, Queen, and GEC all make fine knives - worthy of each other as competitors. Each also makes knives for other marques (JBF Champlin, Northwoods, Schatt & Morgan, etc.).

For the most part, you will not be disappointed with their offerings.

I put Case below them (though sometimes not far), and below them Hen & Rooster, Boker, and a handful of others.

Vintage:
A whole other ball of wax, with lots of variables. Do a lot of research (lots of excellent resources here). But generally reliable brands to start researching might include Schrade (especially the older you get), Primble, New York Knife Co/Hammer Brand

Just my $.02
 
liamstrain said:
New makers:
Canal Street, Queen, and GEC all make fine knives - worthy of each other as competitors. Each also makes knives for other marques (JBF Champlin, Northwoods, Schatt & Morgan, etc.).

For the most part, you will not be disappointed with their offerings.

I put Case below them (though sometimes not far), and below them Hen & Rooster, Boker, and a handful of others.

Vintage:
A whole other ball of wax, with lots of variables. Do a lot of research (lots of excellent resources here). But generally reliable brands to start researching might include Schrade (especially the older you get), Primble, New York Knife Co/Hammer Brand

Just my $.02
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I agree, I'm a little crazier when it comes to vintage blades. I won't buy anything without researching it and putting my hands on it, but thats just me.
 
there are so many, i was just like you, only 48s single blades at first. then i bought like 5 15s, and a beer scout. then the ben hogan. my 77 bladeforum 2014 knife is on the way. very easy to get addicted. now im thinking of the babylon hill special.
 
Read the GEC ads on the exchange and scour this forum carefully. It seems GEC gets a pass in a lot of cases for questionable quality, i.e. folks don't seem to mind some play in their lockbacks. Grinds are all over the place. They sometimes don't arrive sharp. I suppose it comes down to the target market. Some won't care. Some will. I do care. I however, have been extremely lucky. I do have an 83 that needs to not sit proud. It catches my pocket and my finger. Can i fix it? Sure can. Should I have to for a $100 price to play? Well now, that answer is quite subjective, isn't it... Read carefully is the best advice I can give you.
 
I'd look for a GEC Bullnose. The 71 is a classic pattern and legitametely old as dirt. It's traditional, legitimately.
 
im typically dissapointed when I stray from GEC, the exception is some vintage knives, Queen whittlers, and rough riders. The USA made Schrades may be a good way to start if you are interested in vintage as they are very affordable and have the best quality to price ratio available in a pocket knife IMO.
 
The Burgh said:
... I'd like to try a few other traditionals.

New to traditionals. The Huckleberries (ebony and rust red bone) struck my fancy for size, clip point and pen blades and reputation for high quality construction. But, new to the traditional category, would like to try other brands and models.

Any suggestions for diversifying? Now that I'm "spoiled" by one of the GEC lines, am setting mysef up for disappointment?

Thanks for your kind and generious suggestions (for this traditional newbie)!
Click to expand...

You're in for a wild ride my friend! :D Once you start to look you, and your wallet, will be swept up and before you know it you'll be studying the history of brands and patterns. That history will deepen your appreciation and thus, create a desire to try every traditional pattern out there. Go for it's fun.

I would start by reading and asking what you want, a knife to use (and if so what pattern is the right tool), or a knife to admire and collect, or even a hybrid of both. Then I would try the rough rider brand to test them out. Work your way up to the higher ends if you want after that.

Just beware of the SFO bug. Once bitten there is no cure. Only a shaking till the next. I kid but those are addictive. :D

In all seriousness, buy what you like and have fun.

Welcome to the porch. :thumbup:
 
Rough Rider is an inexpensive way to try out new patterns.
They may not have the fit/finish of a GEC, Queen, or other limited production knifes, but of the 20 odd Rough Riders I have in various patterns, I can honestly say that spring/liner gaps are rare, maybe two of mine have a very minor (can't really see it unless your looking for it, with a light) gap, the fit of scale to bolster and liner is flawless, the blades have all been razor sharp out of the box, and centered.

Check out the ROUGH RIDER AND RELATED thread. I am not the only one impressed with their quality for the dollar.
 
mazman said:
Read the GEC ads on the exchange and scour this forum carefully. It seems GEC gets a pass in a lot of cases for questionable quality, i.e. folks don't seem to mind some play in their lockbacks. Grinds are all over the place. They sometimes don't arrive sharp. I suppose it comes down to the target market. Some won't care. Some will. I do care. I however, have been extremely lucky. I do have an 83 that needs to not sit proud. It catches my pocket and my finger. Can i fix it? Sure can. Should I have to for a $100 price to play? Well now, that answer is quite subjective, isn't it... Read carefully is the best advice I can give you.
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Grinds are all over the place? Not in my world.
My experience with them is the polar opposite.
Mark
 
This is just one guys opinion but i think everybody who is into traditional pocket knives should have at least one Case Trapper. Preferably with carbon steel blades.

Jim
 
Grateful said:
This is just one guys opinion but i think everybody who is into traditional pocket knives should have at least one Case Trapper. Preferably with carbon steel blades.

Jim
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the slimline single blades or what? i was thinking about the cv, but i by mistake ordered the ss ones in black twice
 
mrknife said:
the slimline single blades or what? i was thinking about the cv, but i by mistake ordered the ss ones in black twice
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The slimline trappers are nice as are the mini's but i was really referring to the full sized two blade '54s. 3254 for yellow delrin, 6254 chestnut, amber and dark red bone are all made in cv. There is also some called the rancher series i think, might be others.

Jim
 
Grateful said:
The slimline trappers are nice as are the mini's but i was really referring to the full sized two blade '54s. 3254 for yellow delrin, 6254 chestnut, amber and dark red bone are all made in cv. There is also some called the rancher series i think, might be others.

Jim
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ah yes, i managed to score a used one, an EO, its off center but still very nice. shame its not in cv tho.
 
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