Mechanics of Traditional Folders ?

[Brasso]

I'm not overwhelmingly happy with a Case stockman I just purchased. It's nice enough for "dressy" occasions, but it just doesn't do it for casual wear. I have a BM that I carry for work and so forth, but I wanted something more traditional for EDC. The traditional folders just look so much nicer. I was looking at the Henckels line of knives and can't decide between the 3 blade and 4 blade stockmans. They both have carbon steel blades and can be had for about $40. What I don't understand is the difference in how the two operate. I know the 3 blade stockman works like most others with two blades on one end, each on their own strut, and one at the other end sharing a strut with the other blade. But on the 4 blade version, there are 3 blades on one end and just one on the other. Do two of the blades share the same strut on the same end? And if so, how does this affect the operation (such as spring strength, snap, opening/closing, etc.)? Anyone with any experience? I hope I asked this without being too confusing. Thanks.

 

[allenC]

I don't really have the answer to your question but, I would recommend that you check out a Buck stockman like the 303 model. Unlike most stockmans the blades are not bent at the tang to fold beside one another. Each blade has its own backspring and is straight. The 303 stockman I have is very stout for its size.

Good luck,
Allen.

 

[Buzzbait]

I’ll put in another vote for the Buck. Buck slip joints are on their own level of quality; far above the other production companies. You can get nicer looking knives than the Buck, but not one that cuts better. Buck pays much closer attention to blade geometry on their slip joints than other companies. You can tell the difference just by looking at one up close. The blades have a deep hollow grind that chews through everything in sight. What’s even better is that Buck slip joints actually come sharp, which most others don’t.

Buck’s steel is also excellent. I spent a total of about 10 hours whittling wood this weekend, with my Buck Cadet. The knife was still pretty sharp after all that use. I gave each side of the blades 10 passes on my SharpMaker anyways, which restored the blades back to shaving sharp.

I posted a little test last night of different classic pocketknives, in the Knife Reviews and Testing. It might make for an interesting read. Here’s the link.

Slip Joint Contest