Lusting after a pen knife

nmb

nmb

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Sep 1, 2008
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It seems so dead-simple, but I'm getting excited looking for a two-blade pen knife. Jackknife's stories have inspired me to look at the smaller, compact slipjoints. I've already got a Case yellow CV peanut, but that's a little too small in the handle department to be my only daily user. My other traditional slipjoint is a Schrade 8OT which is a little bit hefty for my EDC needs.

So what I'm dreaming of is a 3 inch, single backspring knife...that is, a pen knife. I'm cruising the 'Bay for something used and in my minimal price range ($10-15?) but for now, let's see some pics! (Recommendations and suggestions welcome as well.)

P.S. You guys are awesome at inspiring love of the traditional patterns. The recent stockman and Sheffield threads are paragons of knife pron. If you're trying to recruit, you're doing a good job.
 
If you want to pack a WHOLE lot of utility while keeping the small, ultra thin easy of carry of a pen knife, you might want to try a Vic Cadet. They can be had for under $20, as can a Vic Pocket Pal. If you want something with different handle materials, look for those Case Eisenhowers on the Bay. Those are very cool little knives. I had a similar one, made by Robson, and it was really neat.
 
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nmb said:
So what I'm dreaming of is a 3 inch, single backspring knife...that is, a pen knife. I'm cruising the 'Bay for something used and in my minimal price range ($10-15?) but for now, let's see some pics! (Recommendations and suggestions welcome as well.)
Click to expand...

You're price range is a little limiting, but only a little. There's lots to choose from. Like Voltron said, a Victorinox pocket pal is a great pen knife in every sense of the word.

Also there's the China made Buck version of the 309 companion, and the Buck Solo.

For a bit more money, but worth saving for, is the Case pen knife. It's about 3 1/8th or so, available in yella CV, and your grandpa would recognize it.

Look over the pickins at Smoky Mountain Knifeworks, and they often have clearence sales that are insane. Their regular prices are not bad either, and they have a great selection of Buck and Case slip joints.

Welcome to the cult!

Carl.
 
I myself am so drooling over Buck's yellow comfort series 309 Companion. Two blade, 3" closed. Roughly $31 + Shipping... I think Companion would suit me over the 303 Cadet (medium stockman) though Buck's stockmen have low riding sheepshoof/spey.

I think Pen knife is beautiful in its simplicity. Two blades, thin, light, useful.
 
Hi,

I've been kind of half looking for a Pen myself. Been using a RR Half Whittler as a fill-in. There are a lot of choices to pick from, almost too many.:)

I've been tempted by the Case offerings. Though a vintage Camillus Gran'pa series might be a fitting specimen for this Gran'pa.:D

Dale
 
Ooh, Victorinox pocket pal is a great suggestion. Buck 309 also looks good, but I'd love to find a used one of the old Made in USA models.
 
nmb said:
Ooh, Victorinox pocket pal is a great suggestion. Buck 309 also looks good, but I'd love to find a used one of the old Made in USA models.
Click to expand...

Now I thought Buck 309's (Buck 301-309's I've seen in Online have made in USA stamp and Buck sites have information Made in USA on 309's) are usa made, and like Buck 379's are China made.

But that might just be me. I'll see if I can scrape enough money to see if I can afford order Buck 309 and see myself :D that might take while though... quite while.
 
I have just got a Victorinox Secretary Silver Alox knife (same as Pocket Pal)

It is 3 1/4" single spring with a main pen and small pen
Because it is Alox, it is wafer thin!!!
And it has a ring so it hangs off my keychain!
And $16!!!
 
If you can find a way to pony up a bit more for this Case 32087 CV, (or find one used in your stated price range), I think you'd agree that it's a mighty fine pen knife at 3 3/8" closed:

standard.jpg


(image courtesy of the inimitable "fewpop")
 
Blues said:
If you can find a way to pony up a bit more for this Case 32087 CV, (or find one used in your stated price range), I think you'd agree that it's a mighty fine pen knife at 3 3/8" closed:

standard.jpg


(image courtesy of the inimitable "fewpop")
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's the one!

About the nicest pen knife around.:thumbup::thumbup:
 
neeman said:
I have just got a Victorinox Secretary Silver Alox knife (same as Pocket Pal)

It is 3 1/4" single spring with a main pen and small pen
Because it is Alox, it is wafer thin!!!
And it has a ring so it hangs off my keychain!
And $16!!!
Click to expand...

I think these are thin enough to slip in your wallet!!!
They are nice,too
-Vince
 
That yeller case is a beauty :D Little bity patina on blades during years... it will be a very nice user. I need to get one later... till then I always can drool on pictures :D
 
I'm glad Blues posted that one. I've been looking for something similar as well. Now if they only made it in CV with some sort of bone handles...
 
imho you will not go wrong with any of colts recent offerings. i might get some flak for this, but for being on a budget these knives rival f&f of case and are a better value than bear and sons. my buddy who is an aerospace machinist for northrop grummond tested a colt canoe and told me the blades came in at 57 rc which is perfect for everday use. as for the group of people here in general, you will get more help from these guys and gals than on any forum.
 
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Blues said:
If you can find a way to pony up a bit more for this Case 32087 CV, (or find one used in your stated price range), I think you'd agree that it's a mighty fine pen knife at 3 3/8" closed:

standard.jpg


(image courtesy of the inimitable "fewpop")
Click to expand...

I've had one of these for many years. It's a fine little knife: beautiful classic design, perfect combination of blades, sturdy, comfortable in the hand as well as the pocket. The CV steel requires a little more care than stainless, but it's worth it in terms of edge retention and ease of sharpening.
 
you can still find many single blade peanuts, which is a style i just fell in love with on the bay. good luck with the search. if i think of anymoore i'll post sugestions.
 
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CASE Pen in yellow is one of the best available at the moment for sure. Slim but nicely made, I like these over a Peanut any day....

That Yellow Delrin Buck looks interesting too. Böker do a nice Pen too, stainless mind.

CASE Half Whittler is also a worthy single spring knife but it is a bit dearer than the Pen, various handle options though. I suggest the OP try a used Pen from the Bay.
 
to get back on topic. check out crkt traditional texas toothpick. its a single blade bone handled knife at 3 1/2" long and can be found for under $20 shipped.
 
nmb said:
It seems so dead-simple, but I'm getting excited looking for a two-blade pen knife. Jackknife's stories have inspired me to look at the smaller, compact slipjoints. I've already got a Case yellow CV peanut, but that's a little too small in the handle department to be my only daily user. My other traditional slipjoint is a Schrade 8OT which is a little bit hefty for my EDC needs.

So what I'm dreaming of is a 3 inch, single backspring knife...that is, a pen knife. I'm cruising the 'Bay for something used and in my minimal price range ($10-15?) but for now, let's see some pics! (Recommendations and suggestions welcome as well.)

P.S. You guys are awesome at inspiring love of the traditional patterns. The recent stockman and Sheffield threads are paragons of knife pron. If you're trying to recruit, you're doing a good job.
Click to expand...

purchase a gold membership and ive got a used usa schrade 18ot i'll send you.
 
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