Mountain Man question

bh49

bh49

Joined
Dec 27, 2005
Messages
3,817
Good morning everybody.
I am new to this Forum. And I need some help. I am on completely unknown territory for me.
I used to EDC SAK for many years, but in 2005 I switched to locking one-hand-openers. Shortly after that I found BF, than Spyderco and currently most of my knives are Spyderco. Also I have a love for scales made from natural materials.
Lately I found myself craving about a knife with bone handle and about 3" blade. Naturally I started to look at traditional knives. But considering that I prefer US made knife and I am not fan of multi-blades, many of the blade shapes, carbon steel or slippes my choices was very narrowed. Finally I found a knife which I like and thinking about getting it. This is 3LACSB Maintain Man by Queen Cutlery. One lovely shape blade. Backlock. I absolutely love the bone. Pattern and color.
http://www.queencutlery.com/honeyambers.htm
Still have some questions and concerns. How is quality of this brand? F&F? How ergos of these knives?
I never used D2 and know it is kind of semi-stainless. Should I keep blade oiled to prevent rust or I will be OK with dry blade?
This knife is a little bigger than my my original intend was. But considering my restrictions (lock, no carbon steel, one blade) I am happy that I found, what I was lookig for. The blade about 3.5". How capable these knives? Can I break cardboard boxes down?
There is possibility that I will buy not a new knife. So I am wondering if scales were the same within last few years and if Queen Cutlery had any quality issues in the past.
Any help will be appreciated
 
Good to see you here, Roman. I've been carrying a non-locking Queen Mountain Man for several months now, and I really like it. The D2 steel is not quite stainless, but is pretty darn close. Mine has not had any rust form in spite of being carried in my back pocket while I work in our 100+ summer temperatures. I'd be lying if I told you it came sharp, though. I had to spend some quality time on a coarse DMT diamond hone to cut a whole new edge bevel before it qualified as usable by my standards. The blade is ground thinner than you're used to, and it would probably be adequate for breaking down boxes and such even with the factory edge. Queen is not without QC issues, but by and large they are pretty good.
 
I've got my Queen 3LACSB (same exact one you're thinking of) in my back pocket right now, and just about every day. I also work outdoors in this 100-degree heat, and mine hasn't rusted no matter how much I sweat through my pockets. :D
Jack's right, you'll probably have to spend a little while getting the edge to where you like it, when you get the knife. But once you get it there, Queen's D2 is just awesome. IMO, it's unmatched as far as current traditional knife makers' steel is concerned (factory production, that is).
I love mine, and can't recommend it enough. It's a strong, hefty knife, that will serve you for years.
 

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The Mountain Man is a beautiful knife. I have a couple myself. Scales are fantastic. The D-2 once it's sharpened is a joy. The problem with the knives is sometimes they have a wobble when opened. You need to really hold one and open it to check it out. If you get a good one keep it!
 
I have one in Amber Bone, it's a beautiful knife. Mine was perfect out of the box and I don't find the D2 hard to touch-up.
No issues with corrosion either , I just wipe it down with oil before I store it.

QUEEN2.jpg


You might want to take a look at the Case Back Pocket too. Roughly the same size , but thinner and lighter. ( but no lock)

CASE1.jpg
 
GEC has a 440c #72 lockback in their August production schedule. Don't know what bone it is yet though. It'll be smaller than the Mountain Man I believe.
#721112 GEC
Jigged Bone
Here are examples of other 440c clip blade #72s GEC released.
IMG_1925.jpg
 
gents,
thank you very much for feedback.
2Dead said:
Jigged Bone
Here are examples of other 440c clip blade #72s GEC released.
IMG_1925.jpg
Click to expand...
Sounds interesting. I like the first on the left a lot. I will check it out.
 
I believe that Queen makes a version for the Schatt and Morgan line too, 1095 and 420HC? I thought all of their bone handled versions were 1095, but if they are D2, I need to get another one. One of my favorite designs from Queen. Great choice.
 
Let me see if I can help..... Queen did have a run made in burnt stag in 2009? and those were in 1095 and of course every thing they made for Moore Maker is in 1095..though Schatt & Morgan has been in 420C with the exception of the two that were made for the File & Wire Series a Lock Back and a Trapper and those are in ATS34....and I haven't mentioned yet the one's built for Northwoods, Queen City and Robeson
 
bh49 said:
gents,
thank you very much for feedback.

Sounds interesting. I like the first on the left a lot. I will check it out.
Click to expand...

The one on the left will be hard to find... only 23 of those made with Burnt Stag. The two on the right are the bone models. The second most to the right is Red Wine Jig Bone and there are about 73 of those out there in total. Only 5 of the Burnt Grizzly Cut Bone on the right were made.
 
Wouldn't be complete without the Queen/Winchesters in a Single blade and Trapper


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Almost forgot these...but no assistance from me , just pictures.................


DSC_0970_edited-1-10.jpg


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It is a matter of personal taste of course but for me, the Queen Mountain Man (and the GEC 72) represent the most elegant of lockback designs. I reviewed one here a while back in Zebra wood and I still use and admire that knife. Some of the quality issues associated with Queen are covered in above posts - I think things have improved. One thing to watch out for is that some MMs are prone to excessive blade play. The one I have now is fine but be aware of it if you find one that you want to buy. The amber bone offering is very nice.
 
I have two Mountain Man knives - one in 1095 and the other in D2. The D2 was a little dull when I got it, but I was able to sharpen it up. I like this knife a lot - it is just a little smaller than a Buck 110:

QMMandB1103Medium.jpg
 
2Dead said:
The one on the left will be hard to find... only 23 of those made with Burnt Stag. The two on the right are the bone models. The second most to the right is Red Wine Jig Bone and there are about 73 of those out there in total. Only 5 of the Burnt Grizzly Cut Bone on the right were made.
Click to expand...
Looks like out of reach, but you said that new one is coming in August. Considering my Spyderco plans, it looks like will be expensive month. How many will be made this time?
 
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