Modern folder fans, experiences giving slipjoints a try?

I think it comes down to keeping an open mind, and being honest and practical about the kinds of use you put a knife to daily. If you don't like the look or design of a slip joint, use a modern knife. Nobody really cares. People like what they like. I choose both myself.
 
I've not found much advantage to locking blades in actual use. I do appreciate one hand openability. And perhaps oddly, I kind of like the ease of closing that comes with non locking blades. As a result, traditionals are something I don't shy away from. And I've been quite pleased with the modern one hand opening non lock blades that have popped up in the last ten or so years. Many of which offer one hand opening. It's not unusual for me to carry a GEC or Case, SAK, and/or friction folder, no locks in sight. And I have no actual dislike for locks either. I still carry them sometimes. It's just that I think non locking knives offer advantages that some folks never consider.

Regarding cost, it seems to me that nice US made traditional can be had quite reasonably, especially considering the labor intensive procedures involved in their production.
 
Depending on where you are sometimes, a non-locking, 2-handed opener is what's legal. I got a GEC Viper & a Northwoods Hawthorne because of that, and because I like wharncliffe blades.
 
Yeah chickenfried…I agree with all your points about edge retention; one handed deployment; corrosion. It would seem if that were the criterion being compared and judged, it would be the modern folder winning out hands down. But there is a seductive allure about the Traditional knife that draws one in…a magnetism.

Personally I have many nice modern folders, but got too close to the Traditionals where I’m now being pulled in that direction. Simplistic functional beauty.
I read nearly all the threads in the Traditional subforum just trying to get up to speed with this segment of our hobby. The “old timers” with years of experience; thousands of post; seemingly knowing everyone in that world is where so much information can be gleaned. It’s like they are kicking back in their rockers on their front porches chatting with their buddies and I sorta feel like a "city boy" intruder. So I mostly listen as I get more comfortable and gain much needed knowledge.

I always carry a modern mainly because it can be deployed quickly. But now I also carry a traditional.
Peel an apple; whittle a stick; relax, no hurry. Best of both worlds.
 
The slipjoints can be so beautifull and don't have to cost arm and leg to be practical at the same time. Like (in my opinion) my Laquoile R.David. There are lots of finer examples of the pattern but I am happy with this one.

WP_20140823_004.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top