My first traditional knife

D

death_to_yancey81

Joined
Apr 12, 2016
Messages
138
Hello traditional sub forum! This is my first post over here, as up to this point I've only used and carried locking folders. Like a lot of folks, I've gotten wrapped up in the "super steels", fancy locking mechanisms, super smooth and fast deployment and closing etc etc. To be honest, I've kind of gotten bored with it all. For whatever reason, I've started to see how things like marketing is used to whip people like me into a frenzy for something I never knew I couldn't live without. Don't get me wrong, I still love a good locking folder, but I'm really interested in trying out using a traditional folder for EDC. There really are some beautiful (and pricey!) slip joints out there! So today I decided to pick out my first. I didn't want to spend a fortune on my first without knowing how well I'd get along with it, but I'm not one that is OK with buying low quality if I can help it. So, after searching around here and other places I decided to check out some case knives. I knew after reading about steels (old habits right?) I wanted one of their CV variants. Luckily, here in small town Indiana, there's plenty of places around that sell case knives. We have a locally owned hardware store that has a Case case (ha) with about 30 different ones to choose from. I was pleasantly surprised that they were only asking around $5-$10 more than the best online prices so I was more than happy to buy locally. After about 45 minutes of drooling over everything and giving myself a headache trying to make up my mind, I went with the chestnut bone mini trapper. It seemed like a good middle ground option to start off with, and I'm really happy with it. I carried and used it all day today helping my dad build a room inside his garage. It felt really good in hand, I was surprised at that honestly. And not once did I miss having one hand opening. The clip point blade is really useful and performed excellent. I can also see the spay blade coming in handy as well. All in all, I can feel myself already getting attached to this little guy. Of course, being a knife nut I'm already looking for what to pick up next, and I can tell this is going to be one expensive, but fun, rabbit hole I'm venturing into. I look forward to talking to you guys, and learning all I can from you as well. Here's a few crappy cell phone pics of the new addition.
mG8onlI.jpg

HUFoYag.jpg

SuUtOgX.jpg

bCzGhua.jpg

esaNEZd.jpg

c1fn2lC.jpg

DxqWaSN.jpg
 
Welcome to the porch! Nice knife there! Looks like you got a good quality specimen. I think you'll come to love it pretty quickly!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Hello fellow Hoosier:)

I have the same knife in red bone that my wife and daughter got me for Father's day. Beware. Traditional knives are a slippery slope.

The good news, it's just as fun to go "rescuing" old used vintage knives found for under $20. With a little luck and knowledge, the hobby can be both fun and affordable.
Welcome to the Porch.
 
It's easy to get caught up in the hype of traditional knife special releases and dealer exclusives as well. Watch out. Most times the knives aren't any better build quality as their "lesser" seen cousins. GEC (Great Eastern Cutlery) is the dominant topic of discussion here but don't get too caught up in them, be sure to venture around and try other companies as well as getting your hands on some nice vintage knives from companies that are no longer in business.

Case makes a very good assortment of patterns so it's easy to get your hands on many different styles. That trapper is a good choice as it's probably one of their most popular knives. I'd recommend the mini-copperlock if you're still wanting a locking blade.

And of course, when you get bored with production knives and the "need" to get the special releases, give them up and start getting customs instead!
 
Thank you Trout Hound, and I think you're right, the does seem to be something special about these knives.

Steely G: I can definitely see that, I like to go to flea market/trade shows and I'm always seeing tables of old pocket knives. I need to study up so I know what it is I'm looking at before I go buying em lol. If it has a carbon blade I wouldn't be too mad though.

Jsega: thanks for the heads up. I have looked at GEC before and their knives are beautiful, but man them prices! Could be totally worth it, but it'll be awhile before I find out lol. Their are a few Case models that I saw just today that I'd like to own at some point. I'm sure this one won't be my last.
 
Welcome to the Traditional Addiction!
You chose a good one for your first. :)
A Buck 301 Stockman is another good lower cost knife "everyone should have in their collection." If you prefer a slightly smaller knife, the Buck 303 is good. Buck has the best heat treat available on the 420HC.

One way to find out if a pattern "fits" you without bankrupting the bank, is Rough Rider.
They are inexpensive, but not "cheap". (There is a difference) Quality well above their price point.
I should warn you though, the Rough Riders are addictive on their own.
Check out the Rough Rider and Related Slipjoints thread. It is well worth the time to start at page 1 and read to the last.

EDIT: Almost forgot. The Buck 110 and 112 are also a traditional knife.
 
Welcome! The Case mini trapper is an excellent knife and the only traditional I carried for a really long time. It's a great first traditional and one I'd bet that you regularly return to even as you acquire dozens more.
 
afishhunter said:
Welcome to the Traditional Addiction!
You chose a good one for your first. :)
A Buck 301 Stockman is another good lower cost knife "everyone should have in their collection." If you prefer a slightly smaller knife, the Buck 303 is good. Buck has the best heat treat available on the 420HC.

One way to find out if a pattern "fits" you without bankrupting the bank, is Rough Rider.
They are inexpensive, but not "cheap". (There is a difference) Quality well above their price point.
I should warn you though, the Rough Riders are addictive on their own.
Check out the Rough Rider and Related Slipjoints thread. It is well worth the time to start at page 1 and read to the last.

EDIT: Almost forgot. The Buck 110 and 112 are also a traditional knife.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions! I like that 303 a lot, especially the rosewood handled version. I know from the world of locking folders that Buck has outstanding heat treat, but outside of the 110 I actually never thought about them having traditionals. The 110 is one I'd like to give a whirl, but I imagine it'll be a little heavy for my liking. It's worth the experiment though, everyone seems to really like that blade.
 
StoneBeard said:
Welcome! The Case mini trapper is an excellent knife and the only traditional I carried for a really long time. It's a great first traditional and one I'd bet that you regularly return to even as you acquire dozens more.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I can see that, it seems like a design that wouldn't get "old", and it is a handsome little knife. So far I'm really liking the way the blade steel behaves. I sharpened it up a bit just to get a feel for how it is, and it takes a really nice edge relatively easy. And I'm sure the thin blades on these knives are a breeze to maintain? That's obviously just an assumption, but I wouldn't think it would be too much of a hassle.
 
death_to_yancey81 said:
Thanks for the suggestions! I like that 303 a lot, especially the rosewood handled version. I know from the world of locking folders that Buck has outstanding heat treat, but outside of the 110 I actually never thought about them having traditionals. The 110 is one I'd like to give a whirl, but I imagine it'll be a little heavy for my liking. It's worth the experiment though, everyone seems to really like that blade.
Click to expand...
Welcome to the porch, and great choice for a first knife 👍
Speaking of the buck 110, they are a bit heavy but aren't really felt when using the nice piece of leather that comes with them 😉 personally mine is more knife than I need in a folder, but it's just so iconic and was the one knife I wanted most as a kid so I love it and edc it often.

BTW if you start looking for vintage users to breathe some life Into ( remove a little light surface rust, then flush out oil and sharpen ) I'd keep an eye out for any old imperials and colonials you see in good shape. The quality is great for a user but they're not fancy and we're always inexpensive, because of this and the fact that they made so many you can usually get them for very cheap.
Chances are your dad, grandpa, or uncle had one as a kid and owning one yourself is something that's kinda cool ( my dad definitely owned them, and my grandpa liked them as well ) so I'm glad to edc one.
 
Hickory n steel said:
Welcome to the porch, and great choice for a first knife 👍
Speaking of the buck 110, they are a bit heavy but aren't really felt when using the nice piece of leather that comes with them 😉 personally mine is more knife than I need in a folder, but it's just so iconic and was the one knife I wanted most as a kid so I love it and edc it often.

BTW if you start looking for vintage users to breathe some life Into ( remove a little light surface rust, then flush out oil and sharpen ) I'd keep an eye out for any old imperials and colonials you see in good shape. The quality is great for a user but they're not fancy and we're always inexpensive, because of this and the fact that they made so many you can usually get them for very cheap.
Chances are your dad, grandpa, or uncle had one as a kid and owning one yourself is something that's kinda cool ( my dad definitely owned them, and my grandpa liked them as well ) so I'm glad to edc one.
Click to expand...

Hey thanks! My dad used to carry a Buck 110 when I was a kid and that's why I've always known about and liked them. I just remember how heavy it was, but I was only 5 and that was 30 years ago so it might not seem so heavy now lol. I actually have seen some of those old imperials here recently at a couple places. Didn't look at the prices cause honestly I figured they were junk cause they were just thrown in the pile with all the other crappy knives lol I'll have to go find them again and have a look, thanks for the heads up!
 
death_to_yancey81 said:
Hey thanks! My dad used to carry a Buck 110 when I was a kid and that's why I've always known about and liked them. I just remember how heavy it was, but I was only 5 and that was 30 years ago so it might not seem so heavy now lol. I actually have seen some of those old imperials here recently at a couple places. Didn't look at the prices cause honestly I figured they were junk cause they were just thrown in the pile with all the other crappy knives lol I'll have to go find them again and have a look, thanks for the heads up!
Click to expand...

Here's 2 of mine

The Barlow was a gift from a forum member, and the h6 fixed blade ( replaced the scales with wood ) I bought from another for 18$ to my door.
The blades take a great edge , are super thin and slicey, and the knives are very lightweight and pleasant to carry.
BTW when you do get a buck 110 they're not very expensive, but they are always going on sale at Walmart, and various sporting goods so you might as well strike time is right and save a few bux . 40$ isn't a lot, but 30$-ish is even less 😉



" could I get 99 taco's for 2 cent ? "
" it's 2 taco's for 99 cents "
" that's even less " 😁
 
Great start! But the vast array and choice of Traditional knives may draw you in for a lifetime :eek::D Or not as the case may be because they are easy all around, no pressures etc. Although we don't discuss Moderns much here, with the exception of a couple of threads which you can find, many of us use and enjoy Modern knives too. Myself included but I regard them as a tool, practical sometimes but not something I can enthuse over, just personal taste. Jake is well right about SFOs though, some people really get drawn into the release and reservation drama, seems to be an obsession for some:rolleyes: So, Traditional are no less crazed than other knife enthusiasts, just different - which is good. Enjoy your time here:thumbup:
 
BTW, there are some GECs that can be had within a fairly reasonable price range. The Farm and Field Tool line is not much more expensive than the nicer Case knives, and there are some new 47s out that are still available from the dealers. Just got one myself and love it. Often, the knives in the Tidioute line are not exorbitantly expensive either. Once you handle one, you'll easily see the reason for the price difference. The fit and finish is beyond compare in current production knives. They are truly the type of knives you can pass down to your grandkids.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Welcome, that's a great looking trapper!

I pictured you agonizing over your choice, and can totally relate. I like to torture myself that way too.
 
Welcome to the porch! Grab a cup of coffee, give a seat and enjoy it. I'm sure there will be various spirits after lunch!

Like you, I gravitated back to traditionals after a long stint with more modern styles. And I much prefer it. There are some out there with the "super steels" and really nice knives (I just got one as a gift from another member) but does it really matter? They all cut stuff just as well as each other and traditional do it while looking and feeling better.

That's a real sweet trapper you got there. Won't be long you'll have a pocket full of them as you find different blade styles that you like. Check out an improved trapper with a straight wharncliff secondary. Case made one in 154cm I believe. You may like that straight edge second blade a lot.
 
Keep using it. You will find that slipjoints do the job for which they are intended and that is cutting things. You picked a great choice in that knife. The more you use it the more you will understand that simple is best and that "latest greatest" isn't as great as it is supposed to be. Check out Jackknife's old posts and you'll see more of this thinking. Keep us posted on the progress of your knife and the tasks you've asked it to do.:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top