My favorite pocket knife.

[AreBeeBee]

Carl — wonderful story, and I understand about coming back around to one's early favorite.

For me, it was a scout knife (Imperial, late 50's), and I have to say that's still the everyday knife. I've tried a bunch of different ones, nearly all in the traditional style, and have many that I like to carry for a day or two.

But I keep returning to that old 4-tool pattern. Most times these days, it's a WW 2 Camillus Army engineer's knife, but whenever slim-fitting slacks are needful (like today, as it happens), I swap in an alox SAK Cadet, which is a non-"printing" camper pattern, with enough tools to be close enough.

What did it for me was discovering that I really need only a single blade. But enough other things come along that I need the other tools on a camper/scout pattern. So that's it.

Thanks for the memory tour!

 

[jackknife]

Carl — wonderful story, and I understand about coming back around to one's early favorite.

For me, it was a scout knife (Imperial, late 50's), and I have to say that's still the everyday knife. I've tried a bunch of different ones, nearly all in the traditional style, and have many that I like to carry for a day or two.

But I keep returning to that old 4-tool pattern. Most times these days, it's a WW 2 Camillus Army engineer's knife, but whenever slim-fitting slacks are needful (like today, as it happens), I swap in an alox SAK Cadet, which is a non-"printing" camper pattern, with enough tools to be close enough.

What did it for me was discovering that I really need only a single blade. But enough other things come along that I need the other tools on a camper/scout pattern. So that's it.

Thanks for the memory tour!

I know what you're saying, Robert. Although the stockman was a 25 year carry, a standard scout type knife was always around in the background. Stashed in a field pack, standing by in the glove box, riding in the day pack. My first was the boy scout knife dad gav me, then the army issued me the 'demo' knife by Camillus. Then the Wenger SI bought in Germany.

Even now, with the Northwoods stockman in the jeans pocket, it gets teamed up with the Wenger very often, especially for trips. The 4-blade scout pattern is my default to the stockman.

Maybe I have to do a write up on the default scout pattern that is backup to the stockman?

If I had to settle on just two knives to walk out the door with, these two would be the ones;

 

[silenthunterstudios]

I'm reminded of the 301X, with bone scales, that I traded/sold/moved along. Nice knife. If I see another one, I'm keeping it.

Maybe.

:foot:

 

[AreBeeBee]

I know what you're saying, Robert. Although the stockman was a 25 year carry, a standard scout type knife was always around in the background. Stashed in a field pack, standing by in the glove box, riding in the day pack. My first was the boy scout knife dad gav me, then the army issued me the 'demo' knife by Camillus. Then the Wenger SI bought in Germany....Even now, with the Northwoods stockman in the jeans pocket, it gets teamed up with the Wenger very often, especially for trips. The 4-blade scout pattern is my default to the stockman.

Maybe I have to do a write up on the default scout pattern that is backup to the stockman?

If I had to settle on just two knives to walk out the door with, these two would be the ones;

Good choices, Carl! I'd do the same.

What I find fascinating about the scout/camper pattern is that even its "out of date" tools (the awl for punching holes in leather harnesses, and the can opener) still have lots of utility even when not used for their intended purposes.

For example, the awl, with a sharp point and one edge given a good burr, makes a great scraper, plus a reamer for drilling holes into wood. And the can opener (on my engineer's knife, the old double-prong type) is a useful blunt probe. And any of the can openers — double-prong, "claw," or SAK — makes a good tool for snagging the bail of a camp pot on the stove or fire.

I have to say the alox Wenger SI and the Vic Pioneer have a slight advantage in being slimmer than the typical US scout/camper with its thick scales, so they slip into a pocket more easily and less obtrusively. But that's a detail —

Thanks again for the story —

 

[jackknife]

Good choices, Carl! I'd do the same.

What I find fascinating about the scout/camper pattern is that even its "out of date" tools (the awl for punching holes in leather harnesses, and the can opener) still have lots of utility even when not used for their intended purposes.

For example, the awl, with a sharp point and one edge given a good burr, makes a great scraper, plus a reamer for drilling holes into wood. And the can opener (on my engineer's knife, the old double-prong type) is a useful blunt probe. And any of the can openers — double-prong, "claw," or SAK — makes a good tool for snagging the bail of a camp pot on the stove or fire.

I have to say the alox Wenger SI and the Vic Pioneer have a slight advantage in being slimmer than the typical US scout/camper with its thick scales, so they slip into a pocket more easily and less obtrusively. But that's a detail —

Thanks again for the story —

Moving into the new house in Texas, I found the awl priceless for making starter holes for wood screws. Also cuts plastic cable ties in cramped space very good. The Vic style can opener is a great staple puller for those big copper staples that hold large cardboard boxes shut. Also as a pull tool for yanking out the retaining cotter pin from the tow hitch on the truck after renting a Uhaul trailer.

So many uses from such few tools!

 

[deltaboy]

I Love a good Scout Knife.

 

[lonestar1979]

Jackknife,I have Buck stockman that I got few years ago,and it is good knife but made in China.Blade steel is little soft,but fit and finish is good.Is buck making Stockmans in Usa now or theyre still China made?Btw I started carrying Case peanut with black delrin scales and in SS,and its extremely useful non threatening knife,made to be used.

 

[jackknife]

Jackknife,I have Buck stockman that I got few years ago,and it is good knife but made in China.Blade steel is little soft,but fit and finish is good.Is buck making Stockmans in Usa now or theyre still China made?Btw I started carrying Case peanut with black delrin scales and in SS,and its extremely useful non threatening knife,made to be used.

The 301, 303, 309, and 305 have always been made in the U.S.A.. Still are. The 'other' 300 series are made in some far east place. Seek, and ye shall find an American made Buck stockman!:thumbup:

 

[T. Erdelyi]

Carl, you know what I learned in 40 some years of work and usin' knives?

That I still can't commit to one knife only, I do have favorites and over the years traditional patterns have been in my pockets more consistently than any other style, I tend to favor multiple blades but I can appreciate a well executed single blade Jack like the BFC Stag Jack from 2014.

So what have I learned, I love all knives and given the time and opportunity I'd carry them all. BTW, I am partial to Simple Pen Knives, Medium Stockman's and I've rediscovered what I like about Barlows with one of my only ones, I have an Imperial Ireland given to me by a member her at BFC and my Chinese Remington Advertising knife that someone got for me from Frost or BudK.

The Quality of the BFC '09 Barlow just blows me away till this day and is one of my most carried Forum knives next to the Northwoods Medium Stockman.

Know what? I'm still learnin' and decidin' which my favorite is, I'll have to let you know when I figure it out.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

Carl I could be happy with those 2 all day, just add a woodsaw to the Pioneer, (well than it would be a Farmer ) and I'd be happy. I often take out the Northwoods Stockman and the Farmer together.

 

[McFeeli]

I was really amazed with Buck's quality, especially on their 301. Last year I couldn't decide on what to get my Dad for Christmas, I knew I wanted to get him a stockman but I couldn't decide on what manufacturer to go with. I was set on getting him a Bokër, but after I learned that particular knife was more Chinese than German I started looking at Bucks.

I ordered a 301 in Rosewood and when it showed up I couldn't help myself. I opened it up and checked it out, making sure everything was OK. It was a perfect example of a 301. The pull was extremely smooth, not a nail breaker, and the grinds were twice as good as I was expecting.

My dad likes knives, he just doesn't carry them as much as a he used to. That 301 changed that. I was talking to him the other day and he was telling me how that Buck hasn't left his pocket since I got it for him. I'm actually considering buying a 303 for myself, I was that impressed. I'm not a traditional carrier at all, but I could definitely see a 301 riding in my pocket as I get older.

 

[lonestar1979]

Jackknife,how do you like Case stainless steel?How does it compare to Bucks 420hc?Chinese version Bucks have really soft steel that gets dull fast.Was using Buck slipjoint made in China for past month ,really small traditional,do not know the model,single blade about peanut size and had to sharpen it almost every day.I am getting small Case toothpick in cv too,really handy knife that can be carried and used with no worries that someone will freak out!Thanx to your posts I carry only traditionals and Victorinox Saks,and find them to perform way better for my uses than any tactical folder.Of course,victorinox paring knives and opinels are in rotation too!

 

[lonestar1979]

ps.I will soon get barlow model from GEC,Jackknife,how do you like those?

 

[jackknife]

Jackknife,how do you like Case stainless steel?How does it compare to Bucks 420hc?Chinese version Bucks have really soft steel that gets dull fast.Was using Buck slipjoint made in China for past month ,really small traditional,do not know the model,single blade about peanut size and had to sharpen it almost every day.I am getting small Case toothpick in cv too,really handy knife that can be carried and used with no worries that someone will freak out!Thanx to your posts I carry only traditionals and Victorinox Saks,and find them to perform way better for my uses than any tactical folder.Of course,victorinox paring knives and opinels are in rotation too!

From my own experience, (YMMV) the Case stainless does not quite come up to the level of the Buck 420hc. The Buck will hold an edge better, and it's a little easier to sharpen, as the Buck does not seem quite as 'gummy' when it comes to the burr. The Case stainless can be a bit sticky, for lack of a better way to describe the stuff. To me, again YMMV, the case seems very much like the Victorinox steel; good for general pocket knife use, and strops up easy on a coffee mug bottom. Both are good, and I use both and like both. But if we're talking edge holding alone, the Buck has the edge to make a bad pun!

 

[jackknife]

I was really amazed with Buck's quality, especially on their 301. Last year I couldn't decide on what to get my Dad for Christmas, I knew I wanted to get him a stockman but I couldn't decide on what manufacturer to go with. I was set on getting him a Bokër, but after I learned that particular knife was more Chinese than German I started looking at Bucks.

I ordered a 301 in Rosewood and when it showed up I couldn't help myself. I opened it up and checked it out, making sure everything was OK. It was a perfect example of a 301. The pull was extremely smooth, not a nail breaker, and the grinds were twice as good as I was expecting.

My dad likes knives, he just doesn't carry them as much as a he used to. That 301 changed that. I was talking to him the other day and he was telling me how that Buck hasn't left his pocket since I got it for him. I'm actually considering buying a 303 for myself, I was that impressed. I'm not a traditional carrier at all, but I could definitely see a 301 riding in my pocket as I get older.

McFeeli, the Buck 303 is one heck of a pocket knife, and I can't see how you would ever be disappointed in it. Compact, fairly light, and three blades to choose form, it's darn hard to go wrong. The Buck stockman is maybe the best built stockman on the mart with the integral liners and bolsters of stainless steel. Buck has evolved in the design and construction of these U.S. built 300's to make what is in effect, a Sherman tank of pocket knives.

The last line of your post is what I really want to resound to. As we age, we got through stages, and what is important to us now, won't mean jack in 20 years. Our values change, our wants and needs change, and very often we become different people in our later years than we are now. Sometimes I look back on what I was into in my 30's, or even my 40's, and I ask myself "what the h--l was I thinking?"

We evolve as we age, and thats okay. We're supposed to get a bit smarter as we age. Sometimes. We'll make different choices in our 50's than when we were in our 30's. We'll make different choices in our 60's than when we were in our 40's. That's normal. Enjoy it! :thumbup:

 

[lonestar1979]

Yes,case ss seems little gummy,but I got razor edge on it,Victorinox steel is excellent,and easiest to sharpen.For the tasks I use knife for,Case ss and Victorinox steel is more than enough.Soon will get one of Queen cutlery or GEC Barlow or large toothpick patterns,depends what I find .I am new to traditionals.Thanx to jackknife ,my tactical knives havent been used for more than a year,and will probably be sold,as I have more than 100 of them and find traditionals like Opinel,Victorinox,Buck,Mercator way more useful.

 

[black mamba]

Is it possible for 420HC to "work harden" after multiple sharpenings? The Case Tru-sharp does seem gummy at first, but after you get a good edge on and remove the wire, it doesn't seem to come back. A few passes on the stone feel less gummy, and it is easy to keep that razor edge. It doesn't last real long, but it comes back quickly and easily.

 

[jackknife]

Is it possible for 420HC to "work harden" after multiple sharpenings? The Case Tru-sharp does seem gummy at first, but after you get a good edge on and remove the wire, it doesn't seem to come back. A few passes on the stone feel less gummy, and it is easy to keep that razor edge. It doesn't last real long, but it comes back quickly and easily.

No, I don't think it will work harden, but I'll tyell what I do think. I think that when these blades get a final sharpening and buffing, a worker may get a little gung ho and not keep the blade as cool as it should be. The heat right down on the thin edge can get a little of the temper messed up in a small way. That same knife, sharpened a few times may get ground that tiny little bit back into the good steel that didn't get hot right down on the edge. As the old factory edge gets ground away, you have moved back past where a little over heating may have happened.

Just this old farts opinion though.

I knew a lot of the old guys when I was a kid, that when they got a new knife, they right off sharpened it to get rid go the factory edge, no matter how sharp it had been out of the box.

 

[McFeeli]

I agree wholeheartedly with you. Maybe I shouldn't buy that 303, for it may turn me into a staunch traditionalist and all my Spydercos and Benchmades won't see any pocket time, haha.

What really impressed me was how much value was packed into that 301. It's nothing to see a $500 knife sell nowadays, even from a production company. When Buck can produce such a great knife for around $50, it kind of makes you reconsider things. I know for me, I need to know I can rely on the knife that's in my pocket, and I know having a 303 would be more than enough to keep my mind at ease.

I enjoyed your post very much, you can really tell you're talking from experience and you can never too much of that. Thanks you for sharing it.

 

[black mamba]

Makes perfect sense to me, Carl, thanks!