Recommendation? Modern slipjoint options?

[ktataragasi]

I'm still waiting for the Fox Recoil to be released...
I had several Lionsteel Barlows, but ended up selling all of them.
They were good knives but left me a little cold, so I never really carried them.
I think it was the screwed-on bolsters I didn't like. I think I prefer the adjustable pivot that Fox and Viper offer.
Also, the huge exposed tang (when closed) is something I didn't care for either. Like i said, great knife, just not for me.

The exposed tang doesn't bother me but I probably don't know enough for it to be an issue haha. Also I think I like the slim versions more since they go away from the added bolster look. Much simpler and elegant in my opinion. I appreciate the feedback. It's nice hearing multiple opinions.

I would say that the action is a bit snappier and both of my examples definitely have a stronger pull than my Lionsteel did. The Lionsteel had a weaker pull and felt a bit less precise at the half stop point.

For my taste, the Vipers just seem to have a nicer action but the Lionsteel certainly wasn’t bad. If you prefer a slightly weaker pull though, I’d pick the Lionsteel.

Thanks for the feedback. I don't really mind a weaker pull or really have a preference for that matter. The swayback is super nice though and it does make me pause my decision a bit.

 

[knifeswapper]

The exposed tang doesn't bother me but I probably don't know enough for it to be an issue haha.

If the goal is to be true to the traditional lines of a barlow, I can't imaging contemplating such a major design change.

 

[gdwtvb]

I've been carrying the Viper Sowbelly in stag for about a month now. I can't say enough good things about it. I pretty much only carried Spyderco folders for the last decade or more, I still feel a bit like I am cheating on them. I discovered what many people already knew, my life doesn't depend on saving a few seconds in deploying a knife. It looks like a knife my grandad would have carried yet has the blade steel that provides the performance I have grown accustomed to. It won't be my last 'modern traditional.'

Grizz

 

[ktataragasi]

If the goal is to be true to the traditional lines of a barlow, I can't imaging contemplating such a major design change.

Thanks for chiming in! And I agree about sticking to the lines and it's part of the reasons I'm so drawn to the pattern I guess. And I know I haven't been around long but thanks for what you have done for this side of things!

I've been carrying the Viper Sowbelly in stag for about a month now. I can't say enough good things about it. I pretty much only carried Spyderco folders for the last decade or more, I still feel a bit like I am cheating on them. I discovered what many people already knew, my life doesn't depend on saving a few seconds in deploying a knife. It looks like a knife my grandad would have carried yet has the blade steel that provides the performance I have grown accustomed to. It won't be my last 'modern traditional.'

Grizz

I went from Spyderco being a brand that I wouldn't touch to being one of the only brands I look at now. They just offer so many steels that it's hard for me to go away from. I wish some of these new modern traditionals would start to use some of the new tool steels so we could still get that patina but also crazy edge retention!

And yes for me that extra time to take out a traditional doesn't bother me and becomes more natural the more I do it.

 

[Pomsbz]

I put myself down for notify on the Jack, was pretty happy I didn't go sure when the caplifter Barlow showed up. But thinking about how long we've been waiting on the Jack makes me sad to think about how long I'll be waiting on that Barlow. I wonder if Lionsteel's overall production ground to a halt, or if they're just not working on these models for some reason.

I prefer the lines of the Jack personally and I want the corkscrew.

 

[jku]

I prefer the lines of the Jack personally and I want the corkscrew.

Can’t beat a Barlow for me. I do like the Jack, but something about the pivot screw turns me off. I think I’d ultimately prefer a clip point on the Barlow, but I’m not put off by the spear.

As for the corkscrew, I’m waiting for a Victorinox Compact to arrive along with a set of Taschenmesser micarta scales. Pretty excited for it.

 

[barleywino]

Does this qualify? Also available in micarta etc

 

[lambertiana]

I have two flavors of the Viper Swayback and one Lionsteel Shuffler, I can wholeheartedly recommend either:

 

[Railsplitter]

I had a couple of Roundheads from the first and second release. If I remember correctly, Mike's "Euro Barlow" is the pattern that started this fascinating trend towards modern traditional knives. My Roundheads have found new homes because they weren't my cup of tea but nevertheless, I still hold them in high regard for the aforementioned reason.

I can't imagine the Slim Barlows being anything but exceptional. All of the modern traditional knives coming out of Maniago, Italy that I've owned have been impressive. I'm gonna get a Viper Sowbelly one of these days and like I mentioned a few posts back, the upcoming Fox Recoil is a no brainer for me.

Lion Steel Best Mans. My favorite among them. The pattern might arguably lack character but it's the best user slip joint that I've ever encountered. If I had to get rid of all my knives except one, the only thing keeping me from choosing one of these is that I have sentimental knives that I would choose first. If it weren't for those, this would be the pattern I'd keep.


Lion Steel Otnat


Viper Swayback.

 

[Ajack60]

More eye candy to consider, Lionsteel Thrill in green. Second pic

 

[Pomsbz]

As for the corkscrew, I’m waiting for a Victorinox Compact to arrive along with a set of Taschenmesser micarta scales. Pretty excited for it.

I have those micarta scales on my Victorinox Spartan. They're nice! The idea of the LS Jack for me is a 'suit' version of a SAK.

 

[mbkr]

More eye candy to consider, Lionsteel Thrill in green. Second pic
View attachment 1531137


View attachment 1531136

Thanks for that top pic. Even though I've looked at the specs I didn't realize that the sowbelly was so much larger than the Bestman and the Barlow. If you get a chance can you take a pic jus like the top one, but with the Thrill included?

 

[jku]

I had a couple of Roundheads from the first and second release. If I remember correctly, Mike's "Euro Barlow" is the pattern that started this fascinating trend towards modern traditional knives. My Roundheads have found new homes because they weren't my cup of tea but nevertheless, I still hold them in high regard for the aforementioned reason.

I can't imagine the Slim Barlows being anything but exceptional. All of the modern traditional knives coming out of Maniago, Italy that I've owned have been impressive. I'm gonna get a Viper Sowbelly one of these days and like I mentioned a few posts back, the upcoming Fox Recoil is a no brainer for me.

Lion Steel Best Mans. My favorite among them. The pattern might arguably lack character but it's the best user slip joint that I've ever encountered. If I had to get rid of all my knives except one, the only thing keeping me from choosing one of these is that I have sentimental knives that I would choose first. If it weren't for those, this would be the pattern I'd keep.
View attachment 1531109

Lion Steel Otnat
View attachment 1531110

Viper Swayback.
View attachment 1531116

The scales on that Swayback are fantastic!

I have those micarta scales on my Victorinox Spartan. They're nice! The idea of the LS Jack for me is a 'suit' version of a SAK.

I hear that. I tell myself that I have a similar reason for the caplifter Barlow, a little more utility in a nice package. Truth is that I just think it's really nifty and even though I ordered it well before the secondary was announced for the 85 run, I'm a little sore about missing all the crown lifters. Whenever Lionsteel gets around to releasing these, it'll soothe my wounds significantly.

 

[Railsplitter]

The scales on that Swayback are fantastic!

Thank you. Here's a picture of the other side for posterity.

 

[Ajack60]

Thanks for that top pic. Even though I've looked at the specs I didn't realize that the sowbelly was so much larger than the Bestman and the Barlow. If you get a chance can you take a pic jus like the top one, but with the Thrill included?

Here ya go.

 

[mbkr]

Here ya go.

Thanks.

 

[ktataragasi]

I had a couple of Roundheads from the first and second release. If I remember correctly, Mike's "Euro Barlow" is the pattern that started this fascinating trend towards modern traditional knives. My Roundheads have found new homes because they weren't my cup of tea but nevertheless, I still hold them in high regard for the aforementioned reason.

I can't imagine the Slim Barlows being anything but exceptional. All of the modern traditional knives coming out of Maniago, Italy that I've owned have been impressive. I'm gonna get a Viper Sowbelly one of these days and like I mentioned a few posts back, the upcoming Fox Recoil is a no brainer for me.

Lion Steel Best Mans. My favorite among them. The pattern might arguably lack character but it's the best user slip joint that I've ever encountered. If I had to get rid of all my knives except one, the only thing keeping me from choosing one of these is that I have sentimental knives that I would choose first. If it weren't for those, this would be the pattern I'd keep.
View attachment 1531109

Lion Steel Otnat
View attachment 1531110

Viper Swayback.
View attachment 1531116

Thank you for the details and the pictures. All of the info does make it more difficult to make a decision. Analysis paralysis is what I call this stage....

More eye candy to consider, Lionsteel Thrill in green. Second pic
View attachment 1531137


View attachment 1531136

Thanks for the photos!

Here ya go.

Man the thrill is so intriguing also!! So hard to decide!

 

[Ajack60]

Thank you for the details and the pictures. All of the info does make it more difficult to make a decision. Analysis paralysis is what I call this stage....

Thanks for the photos!



Man the thrill is so intriguing also!! So hard to decide!

The Thrill is my favorite. Love the blade shape, the frame is one piece. I really don't use the pocket clip, IMO, it can be improved, but it's nice to have that option. For the price, I think it's a good buy.
The Sowbelly fits naturally in my hand, who doesn't like a good clip point ? The Bestman is just a classy looking knife that works well.
Hope this helps.

 

[wickettedge]

I’ve enjoyed the lionsteel dom and would recommend to just about anyone.

 

[mbkr]

I can wait! I'm leaning heavily towards the micarta Dom as well so it will be good to get your initial impressions.

Here's some pics of my newly arrived micarta Slim Shuffler. The knife has good snap and zero play. Its extremely light and thin. I don't know how long it will stay tight or how it will hold up over time, but really if you're looking for a hard user, get the one with bolsters and liners. The handle does have some flex if you squeeze it in the middle, but who does that? I did it once out of curiosity. It will have no effect on usage. I like the contours in the handle. Definitely gives a better grip than the micarta on my Bolus.

I like this knife a lot. No buyers remorse. Service from CK was stellar as always.

Traditional lines or not, I'd still like it better with a sunken joint

I'm already thinking I may need a titanium one

If ya got any questions, ask.

Unboxing




An Italian trio. Bolus, Shuffler, Swayback.



With a single blade Case Barlow.