- Joined
- May 17, 2002
- Messages
- 5,757
Just noticed that this was a quadruple post. 
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Most influential folders
- Thread starter tarsier
- Start date
You pick a pretty good group to start with. One model that seems to be missing is:
Spyderco Bob T., the C-15 with aluminum scales, was the first production liner lock knife. Also, this knife was made in conjunction with Pacific Cutlery (IIRC). I would say that was pretty influential.
I would like to add that an extrememly influential event in folding knives was the collapse of the Soviet Union. Without that event, titanium would be too expensive to be as widely utilized at it is in folding knives today (my opinion, don't ask me for a thesis on the subject).
Spyderco Bob T., the C-15 with aluminum scales, was the first production liner lock knife. Also, this knife was made in conjunction with Pacific Cutlery (IIRC). I would say that was pretty influential.
I would like to add that an extrememly influential event in folding knives was the collapse of the Soviet Union. Without that event, titanium would be too expensive to be as widely utilized at it is in folding knives today (my opinion, don't ask me for a thesis on the subject).
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2002
- Messages
- 1,356
Wow, lot of food for thought so far.
I forgot about custom knives. The knife industry seems like most technology industries - there is usually the person who invents something, then the company that first successfully markets or mass-produces it. Usually the inventor is not as well known to the public and doesn't get the credit that they deserve.
Some tactical knives being mentioned also. I don't follow developments there much, since I use other defensive tools. So, they weren't on my mind, but clearly are of great importance.
Also, a lot of knives brought up based on a unique opening or locking mechanism. I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the traditional slipjoint patterns like trapper or stockman.
BurkStar, information like yours is the reason why I want to find a book. If anyone has suggestions for reading material, I would like to hear.
I forgot about custom knives. The knife industry seems like most technology industries - there is usually the person who invents something, then the company that first successfully markets or mass-produces it. Usually the inventor is not as well known to the public and doesn't get the credit that they deserve.
Some tactical knives being mentioned also. I don't follow developments there much, since I use other defensive tools. So, they weren't on my mind, but clearly are of great importance.
Also, a lot of knives brought up based on a unique opening or locking mechanism. I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the traditional slipjoint patterns like trapper or stockman.
BurkStar, information like yours is the reason why I want to find a book. If anyone has suggestions for reading material, I would like to hear.
And you can't leave out the Russel Barlow. It was that knife and the ensuing Barlow collector's club that first started the collecting addiction that is prevelent today and that a good percentage of us are addicted to. As far as books go there are some good reference books, but as for a book to read that gives a good, in-depth, interesting history, I'm not really sure. As a matter of fact if you find one let me know as I'd really like to read it myself.