My First "Traditional" Purchase

173rdRedDevil

173rdRedDevil

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Nov 15, 2013
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Bit of a back story here. So I'd like to apologize for being long winded before hand. My grandfather passed away 3 weeks ago to this day. He was very near and dear to me. Ever since I could remember. He always had a knife on him. One of his most common comments to me was: "Mijo, if you're going to have anything on you throughout the day. Make sure it's a knife!". He's pretty much the one who got me into knives due to this.*
For the most part. His usual carry was a Buck or other "Traditionals". So, in memory of him. I'd like to purchase my first.
So, onto my preferences. I've found myself kind of partial to the GEC designs. I really like the clip point designs. Three blades max but, would prefer two (one larger than the other) or one blade. Any handle material or blade steel is fine. Maybe under 4in. closed. Most of all. MADE IN THE U.S.A.!
Thank you kindly for reading this. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Respectfully,
Shane
 
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Sorry for your loss, Shane. It sounds like the GEC pattern #15 or #66 is what you're looking for. Mike (collectorknives.net) and Barry (gunstockjacksknives.com) both have several variations in stock. Good luck.
 
Thank you for the suggestions sir! The one I keep going back to is the Missouri Trader #42. Do you happen to have any experience with it?
 
Sorry to hear about your loss and what a great way to honor his memory. So I will second a Great Eastern Cutlery #15 Tidioute Huckleberry Boy's Knife Rust Red Jigged Bone Two Blade Clip Point.
 
1/508th?

What ever you choose it sounds like you'll remember him every time you feel it in your pocket.
 
Welcome Shane.

If I was in the market for a single blade clip, the knife I would get first is one of the new #77 barlows.

10959489_944698282209289_193727221095784160_n.png


Just gorgeous. If it had all-steel construction I would quickly start a WTT thread offering my 2014 knife for trade.

- Christian
 
Shane welcome. Three weeks is not long ago and I'm sorry for your loss. If it were me, and for the reasons you posted, I would try to find one like his for my first and carry it. After I wore it in, I would get another traditional that is a different pattern.

I own a 42 and do not carry it often. Some on here carry their's daily and love it. I have read of small side to side play but maybe someone with more experience with the 72 will chime in. It is a little large for my edc needs. I personally wish I would have gotten the 66 stockman and stuck with it for a while. For a single blade the 77 posted above is a great choice.

Good luck with the hunt.

Edit:
Check your private messages (pm) inbox.
 
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What ever you choose it will be the right knife. I just ordered my first Great Eastern Knife based on what everybody keeps saying about their knives. I own a bunch of Case, Queen, Schratt $ Morgan, and Buck knives but everyone here says Great Eastern so I figured I would give them a try. One of my grandsons when told he could choose what ever he wanted from my knife collection chose a swiss army knife and a Gerber Nautius because he thought they were cool. He passed on several very collectible Case, Bulldogs, and Schratt & Morgan Whittlers but they are still there for next year. Have fun and pick what you think he and you would want NOT what we might recommend. It's your memory /memorial not ours.
 
tnek13 said:
What ever you choose it will be the right knife. I just ordered my first Great Eastern Knife based on what everybody keeps saying about their knives. I own a bunch of Case, Queen, Schratt $ Morgan, and Buck knives but everyone here says Great Eastern so I figured I would give them a try. One of my grandsons when told he could choose what ever he wanted from my knife collection chose a swiss army knife and a Gerber Nautius because he thought they were cool. He passed on several very collectible Case, Bulldogs, and Schratt & Morgan Whittlers but they are still there for next year. Have fun and pick what you think he and you would want NOT what we might recommend. It's your memory /memorial not ours.
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Great advice . Shane sorry for your loss .
 
173rdRedDevil said:
His usual carry was a Buck or other "Traditionals". So, in memory of him. I'd like to purchase my first.
Respectfully,
Shane
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I'm Going to second KBA'a idea what ever pattern he carried would be my choice. Then you would have his knife and yours in the same pattern as an EDC.
 
Go to the big Bay auction site and look for a Schrade USA 33OT. The OT stands for old timer. It will most likely be used, but you can get a good deal with some patience.

Schrade was a great American company that went out of business in 2004, and their knives are highly thought of by many in the BF community. Do not confuse the "USA" tang stamped knives with the ones made today.

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/articles/Schradehistory.pdf
 
Sorry, short on time and I would love to reply to each and every one of you individually. But, have to get back to work. Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart for the outstanding advice and suggestions. I've been using the crap out of my "Google-Fu" to check out every last one. Your all amazing and I'm very greatfull to be a Bladeforums member among you all!

Respectfully,
Shane
 
173rdRedDevil: Sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing.

As to what knife to get, my vote would be a GEC 66 Calf Roper Slim. Fantastic knife! :thumbup:



-- Mark
 
So I took KBA and Dean51's suggestion. Went ahead and bought the first knife my grandpa gave me. A good old Buck 55! I also picked up a Smith & Sons Mudbug. Not quite sure how I feel about the mudbug but, the 55 is just too dang pretty for me to want to use. I suppose I should have just stuck with the standard version. Oh well. My search continues!

 
Well, if you still want a GEC as I user I'd put in another vote for a #15:
IMG_7037.jpg
 
Get the 15, with a clip point.
You were fortunate to have that time with your grandfather!
 
I like how you decided to go with the knife you were given, but made it your own in choosing the style. :thumbup:

Don't be afraid to use it though. All the real value is in the character it develops and the memories attached to it, imo. It is a looker that is for sure.

Welcome to the traditional porch. :)
 
While not a song related to this forum, it is appropriate....

As I scrolled to your last post where you show what you bought in memory of your grandfather, my phone was playing the end of "Down With the Sickness"

"The madness has now come over me...."

Seems appropriate, especially with you looking at GEC already.

My grandpa taught me that a gentleman always carries a knife. We weren't gentlemen, and I still am not, but it's a good excuse to have a knife on me. It's what grandpa taught me!! We also shared a room when I grew up, so as a four year old I had 20+ guns on my bedroom wall at any time.

Good luck our new friend.
 
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