MooreMaker traditional pocketknives???

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Is anyone familiar with the MooreMaker line of traditional knives? Their website shows a variety of patterns, and states that the shields are pinned, the bolsters are nickel silver, and that the blades are "Cutlery-grade high-carbon steel blades tempered to 56 Rockwell hardness." Does anyone know which steel they use? How is the quality? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

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Kelly
My Custom Knife Collection
AKTI Member #A000289

Deo Vindice
 
There was a recent posting on one of the “other forums” about Moore Maker knives, and someone asked the same question about the steel used in these knives. The manufacturer (?) replied that they used “1095 high carbon hardened to 57 +/- 1 Rockwell hardness.” Since I’ve been fascinated with traditional blade styles for a while, I was pleased to find another source for some of these older patterns in good ol’ carbon steel. Last Saturday I visited their website and ordered a large Stockman…they’ve got a really nice selection and a pretty nifty ordering system set up. The Stockman just arrived the other day and I’ve been pretty pleased so far. The fit and finish on this knife is excellent…far superior to similar blades from many “major” manufacturers. There is no discernible play in any of the three blades, and the action is relatively smooth (if somewhat stiff due to the strength of the springs). The blades are mirror polished (not my favorite finish, but well done). The knife was not “razor sharp” when I received it, but a few minutes with the SharpMaker remedied that situation (the original edge was quite serviceable for most uses, though). The only minor beef I have with the knife is the color of the standard yellow cattle bone handles…they’re just a little bit too reminiscent of the yellow plastic handles seen on cheaper knives (just my opinion). I should probably note that Moore Maker offers a variety of other handle materials including brown jigged bone and stag…I just wanted to try one of their “basic” knives first. These are not “fancy” knives; just well constructed working blades with decent materials. All in all, I’ve been very favorably impressed with my Moore Maker knife…they’re definitely worth looking into if you like traditional folders.

One more brief note: you might want to do a web search for dealers that carry these knives…some of them offer substantially discounted prices. However, the manufacturer offers extremely prompt service and access to the entire product line.

Jim
 
That's great to hear. I've been looking for a "production-class" manufacturer that made a quality knife AND uses carbon steel. The stainless steels being offered by the major traditional knife companies, well, stink. Impossible (for me at least) to get a decent edge on them, and they dull quickly. Sounds like I'll have to give them a try. Thanks for the info, Jim.

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Kelly
My Custom Knife Collection
AKTI Member #A000289

Deo Vindice
 
UglyJim, You've had your Moore Maker for a few months now. Still happy with it? (I'm looking to pick up a carbon steel folder and had been considering a Case bone-handled stockman in cv but maybe I'll pony up a few extra bucks for the MM.)
 
Well, I’m still pretty happy with my Moore Maker Stockman. It’s been my primary “daily carry” at the office (where carrying some of my more “tactical” folders is verboten
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) for a couple of months, and it has performed quite admirably. The carbon steel (1095?) blades have good edge retention and are relatively easy to sharpen. The knife doesn’t have the same level of “fit and finish” that one would expect in a custom knife of similar configuration, but it is easily as good or better than other production knives of this type that I have handled (mostly Case, Schrade and Puma). There are some minor problems with the knife (almost-undetectable gaps between the liners and the spring, excessively strong springs, etc.) , but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives, IMO…it’s a pretty nice overall package. I wanted an old-fashioned pocketknife made with traditional materials and construction…it was refreshing to find Moore Maker’s combination of carbon steel blades, pinned shields and organic (if brightly colored) scales. I still find myself cringing inwardly when I have to use two hands to open and close a knife, but it sure beats going without one (besides, I’ve really developed a liking for these classic styles).
 
For me it was, but I may not be the best person to ask for advice regarding Case products...I've had some bad luck (quality-wise) with Case knives over the years. I know that they're the "world's most collectible brand" and that a lot of serious knife folks love them, but I've had several problems with the Case knives I've owned (mis-aligned blades, blade play, shields and scales coming loose). My experiences with Case may be atypical and I haven't handled enough Moore Maker knives to make any sweeping generalizations of their products, but my own (admittedly limited) experience would lead me to chose Moore Maker over Case. As always, YMMV
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Thanks for the info Jim. Sounds like I need to try one of those. The only decent trad. folders in carbon steel I have enjoyed have been the Case Classics (most and I mean 90%) were made with high carbon steel. They will rust and spot in a hearbeat if they are not cared for, but I have found them to be the best users as far as traditional patterns that have been out in the last 30 years or more. Fit and finish on the Classics is far superior to the regular (non Bose) patterns Case has been putting out.

The Schatt and Morgans (which I feel are some of the finest traditionals to come along in a while) as well as the Queens that are in ATS 34 are a possibility. I have not used any of mine yet. Gonna have to order one of the Moore Maker's to compare.
 
Moore makers are made by Quen.
Actually they are queen knives in carbon with different shields.

Camillus makes carbon slipjoints (abalone, tortoise celluloid) and some others i think too.
 
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