My first American traditional knife....

[quattromori]

.....will be on its way some day soon. Thanks to this subforum (I hope "modern" factories won't get upset ) I put aside my plans of buying other kinds of knives and decided I'm going to try my first American traditional, which will probably be my only one for a long time (5 pocket knives is what I want to keep for a long while). That's why I have to choose it carefully, and that's why I'm asking for your help.
I may be less intelligent than I thought, but there are a few things about traditional patterns that I don't really understand yet. Some producers give different names to the same knife, or offer different knives under the same name, and that's not helping me find my way through my upcoming new knife. So, for example, I have noticed that there are 2 different patterns under the name of Copperhead (one with "opposite" blades and the other with both blades on the same side), and few other inconsistences that make my search more difficult, especially considering that I am a total newbie in the matter.
But I know for sure that u are not newbies at all...so I hope u can help.
I'm looking for a loyal pocket knife, I will use it and treat it right, and expect the same from it. Carbon steel. Handle material does not matter that much, as long as it looks nice. Two blades (even tho I do like some single bladed Barlow's...but I guess I will try the American way and go for the multiblade). I am looking for clip point and/or wharncliff blades, could be both of them, or just one paired with a pen blade. As for size, I wish the handle not to be too narrow (I never found it comfy...otherwise I think I would just own a Laguiole and forget about any other knife in the world), and around 3,5" closed; so far I have experienced that my hands and my pockets agree on that size (otherwise my choice would go straight to a cv peanut).
So far, the knife that seems closer to my requirements is the Boker Copperhead, but I'm sure I'm missing many, so that's why I'm asking for ur help, and thanking you in advance.
Fausto

 

[jamesbeat]

When I read your description of your requirements, the image that formed in my mind was a two-blade barlow.
Barlows often have a main clip point and secondary pen (small spear) blades, have decent sized handles, and are stoutly built and reliable.

That's my suggestion, but I imagine there will be plenty more...

 

[ndeezl]

Case Copperhead in CV would do the trick for you, and although they're not easy to come by the can be found on that auction site. Main wharncliff or clip blade depending on the model and a secondary pen. As far as all the different names, designations, patterns with traditional slipjoints...I've found that it's one of those things that just "is the way it is". Different companies have put out similar patterns with different names through out the years, and some info has been muddled so far back that there's not a definitive answer these days. What I've found is that the best way to learn and pick up new info on slipjoints is to spend as much time in the Traditional forum as possible. There are some extrememly knowledgable folks who are more than happy to share information they've gleaned over the years. Take a look at Case and GEC and find a pattern that you like, don't worry about the rest. Oh, and good luck keeping to that "rule of 5"

Nathan

 

[2Dead]

Hi Fausto,
At 3.5, for GEC, I would look at the #66 and #56 in 1095. Also, if you are willing, you could try a 3 bladed Calf Roper. Snakewood #66 Jack, #56 Dogleg Jacks with spear and clip blades and ebony handles, and a #66 Calf Roper with black micarta handles

If Queen is in the running, check out their #51 Dogleg Jacks (mini trapper frame with spey blade replaced with pen) in D2. Here are mine with Cocobolo and Birdseye Maple.

These 2 are slightly bigger at 3 5/8" but you may consider them.
GEC #61 Half Congress

GEC #62 Courthouse Whittler

 

[Slider817]

I love my GEC #56 in Primitive Bone, it came from the factory quite difficult to open, but I sent it back, and now its just right, one of my favorite Knives.

 

[black mamba]

I would suggest a Case Wharncliffe Mini-Trapper. 3-1/2" closed, with clip and Wharncliffe blades, it should be an ideal EDC.

 

[richstag]

I am not going to suggest a knife, but if you are outside of the USA and returns could pose an issue, I would go with a brand known for consistent quality.

 

[jamesbeat]

I am not going to suggest a knife, but if you are outside of the USA and returns could pose an issue, I would go with a brand known for consistent quality.

This is a very good point.
When I lived in the UK, I ended up keeping a very poorly-fitted Case peanut because it just wasn't worth the hassle of sending it back.

 

[richstag]

Jamesbeat, that must have been a little frustrating. The other piece of advice I can offer would be to look on the GB&U for feedback on the smaller online dealers that have the knives of your interest. Then shoot them an email or give them a call and see if they will check the knife out before shipping it.

Good luck in your search

 

[quattromori]

Thanks to everybody for their feedbacks. About the "variable" patterns, it's not really a matter of principles to me, it's just that it makes my search a bit harder
It is undenyable that getting such knives here is not as easy as it is in the US...that's one of the reason why I am willing to get a good quality knife (without spending too much) instead of taking chances. Also, the "rule of 5" is kinda strict, and there's only one slot available...I had seen some of the knives u suggested, but I was also looking for some feedback on quality. From what I've read so far on this subforum (and I read quite a number of posts), it seems that it's mostly a "hit or miss" thing and I would rather avoid that.
A 2 bladed Barlow was my first choice, but I didn't find any in carbon steel yet. Same thing for the Case wharncliff mini trapper.
Thanks for the advices on GEC, (I love the wooden handles on the first pic), so I will see what I can find. As for the Copperhead, I preferred the Boker version cause I'd rather have the 2 blades on the same side.
If u were to trust one of these products for quality (without relying on the warranty), what would that be? Thanks alot again
Fausto

 

[jamesbeat]

Yeah it was, it actually put me off peanuts for years!

Quattromori, another pattern you might consider is the sodbuster.
I know you said you'd try the American multiblade thing, but I get the impression you generally prefer single blades.

As far as rugged, dependable knives go, the sodbuster is a legend.
They are readily available in carbon steel, and are reasonably priced.

I'm trying to persuade myself to get over the fact that they don't have bolsters and buy one myself.

 

[jamesbeat]

I've heard that GEC's are often 'nailbreakers' (ie strong backsprings that make them difficult to open) so if you decide on a GEC, make sure you follow the above advice and get a reputable seller to check the knife for you.

Also, I'm sure I've seen carbon steel barlows on here, so if that's the pattern you like best, don't give up finding one.

 

[quattromori]

Checking on GEC's website, it seems that they do have more than one knife that fits my criteria, so I will take some time, narrow my choice a bit, and meanwhile wait for more feedbacks. I don't really like nailbreakers, but maybe I could solve that problem with some kind of QC as u suggested.
About the single blade thing...I grew up in a world where traditional folders are single bladed. At the same time, since most American traditionals have 2 or mroe blades, I guess it should be fair to give the multiblade thing a try (the other 4 knives are obviously single bladed). Also, should I decide for a single bladed, I would surely go for the Barlow (I like the handle much more than the sodbuster), but I assume I will go on with the 2 blades.
Thanks again
Fausto

 

[jamesbeat]

I think you'll be glad you did, having a small secondary blade available has many advantages.

Another good thing about the barlow pattern is that (at least on all the examples I've seen) there is an extra liner in between the blades, making for a particularly strong knife. I really like mine.

 

[dannyp]

There are some Boker barlows out there with clip blades and carbon steel. You just have to make sure they are German made. This is one I have.

I haven't seen any others with these wood scales, but there are some available in bone. The pull is very smooth and the carbon steel takes a nice edge. The fit and finish aren't as good as a GEC and the Boker won't hold an edge quite as long either. That doesn't stop me from using it though.

 

[REAPER4206969]

My Case CV Mini-Trapper has changed my entire outlook on knives. I use it every day for everything and I haven't found anything it's not good at.
It meets your specs almost perfectly.

 

[quattromori]

More thoughts coming...
In the beginning, I thought the mini trapper would be my knife. Now, the more I see it, the more I think that I would prefer another style for the secondary blade (like a wharncliff or pen), so the mini trapper is kinda going down the list.
GEC knives look more and more attractive everytime. I'd love to get more feedbacks about them. I guess my new knife will be a GEC (or maybe a Boker but with less chances)
Thanks again
Fausto

 

[richstag]

More thoughts coming...
In the beginning, I thought the mini trapper would be my knife. Now, the more I see it, the more I think that I would prefer another style for the secondary blade (like a wharncliff or pen), so the mini trapper is kinda going down the list.
GEC knives look more and more attractive everytime. I'd love to get more feedbacks about them. I guess my new knife will be a GEC (or maybe a Boker but with less chances)
Thanks again
Fausto

GEC is a great brand. You can even call the dealers and find what models have lighter pull. I would tell you but I can't find the email response for some reason and I don't remember.

The 1095 is treated well, takes and holds an incredible edge. The fit and finish is great. I would go with GEC, BUT I would still contact the dealer to have them check it out first. No company is perfect.

Food for thought.

Kevin

BTW, I have a lot of older bokers and they can NAIL the fit and finish from what I have seen. I only have one newer and its still nice.

Edited to add, I found the email and the response was, "#65, #33, #56, #66 are all lighter backsprings." My vote would go to #66 Serpentine Jack.

 

[2Dead]

If you're looking at a #66 or #56 then I would say they consistently have good fit and finish. They haven't been nailbreakers in my experience, a little stronger then a Victorinox Pioneer, but they eased up a bit after some cleaning and use. My nailbreaker experiences have been with the pen blades on #73s and my single blade #73. I believe nailbreakers are more common one the designs that have half stops. The #56 and #66 do not have half stops. GEC recently stepped it up in the sharpness department as of a few months ago. If you get knives made before that then they are usually still sharp just not as much as they are now. One thing to be aware of is that they are typically underbladed, ie the spring and blade are not at the same height when open. It doesn't affect function though.

Other GECs to consider are #48 Jacks. These are 3 7/8" closed so they are a little bigger then you asked for but feel great in hand. They have half stops but haven't been as tough as #73s.

There are also #73 Jacks. These are 3 3/4" closed. They have a big spey blade instead of a clip or wharncliffe. The pen blades can be though although this one isn't too bad. The one I have below is stainless made for Cripple Creek by GEC but they have 1095 versions as well.

Case has a damascus version of their mini-wharncliffe trapper. Its nice but mine came with blade play on both blades so its currently sitting in Pa. to be tightened up. Case stag can be hit or miss as well.

Another Queen is this new Heritage series jack. Its supposed to be based off knives made 100 years ago. It is 3 3/8" closed. 1095 blades and either ebony (below), rosewood or jigged bone scales. There have been mixed reports about fit and finish though. Mine has some gaps and could use a sharpening but its nice otherwise.

 

[quattromori]

Thanks for the very detailed review...56 and 66 are so far the patterns that I like more, followed by 73 and 48. I will decide soon, and I will let u know. The nailbreaking thing is still haunting me but a QC and some luck will probably be enough....
Fausto