Need some help finding sources for knives ......

Dornblaser

Dornblaser

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Greetings:

First post for me in the traditional section. I have a few non-traditional knives that I use for hiking, gardening, fly fishing, etc. I liven in an urban area and wear dress slacks once but I enjoy having a small pocket knife with me. It is surprising how much it gets used. My current collection includes a Vic cadet with lots of good patina (I picked up some Cadets when the colored ones were being discontinued, a Buck 55; and, a SOG Twitch II with the clip removed. The Vic Cadet, by far, gets used the most. What I am looking for is an other single blade, lock-back knife that is slim in width, although I don't like skinny blades, and has a blade from 2 3/8 - 2 /58" in length. A nicer version of the 55 if you will. I realize that I really don't know what my options are in current gentleman folders. I know some of the big names but I would really know the small artisans. I would like to add one or two more gentleman's folders. FWIW - my "big" gentleman's folders will be Mnandi and maybe another 2 3/4" knife.

Thanks,
David
 
It sounds like this thread will be better served in the General Knife Discussion forum since your range is fairly broad...

...Perhaps you can show some images of knives that are similar to what you are seeking so we can help you narrow it down or suggest some makers for you...
 
I wish that you did not move my thread, I started a similar one in this forum and did not receive any helpful replies.

- David
 
Dornblaser said:
I wish that you did not move my thread, I started a similar one in this forum and did not receive any helpful replies.

- David
Click to expand...

I'll be happy to move it back. But first give us an idea what "traditional" patterns you are looking for. Images will be helpful so we can give meaningful input.
(Currently the thread is linked to the Traditional Forum so our members will see it as well.)

(Please do not link to vendor sites, however. You may post images but not commercial links.)
 
I was just looking through the "what traditional knife are you carrying thread" and a Kerry Hampton caught my eye. I just posted to same thread about a beautiful Boker Single Blade Copperhead. As I said, I am still learning and I am looking for a locking gentleman's folder in the traditional form under 2 3/4" and not a small production EDC.

- David
 
I think you'd do well to go to the A.G. Russell website and spend a good hour or more brousing. He carries a quite a few nice gentleman's knives from several makers (including his own brand) and countries with a variety of handle materials with a wide range of prices.

Your requirement of a thin knife but not a thin blade may make your search more difficult.

I'm curious about your comment that your Cadet has patina. I once soaked a SAK in salt water for a week and saw no corrosion whatsoever. Vic blades seem very stainless to me.
 
Dornblaser said:
Greetings:

First post for me in the traditional section. I have a few non-traditional knives that I use for hiking, gardening, fly fishing, etc. I liven in an urban area and wear dress slacks once but I enjoy having a small pocket knife with me. It is surprising how much it gets used. My current collection includes a Vic cadet with lots of good patina (I picked up some Cadets when the colored ones were being discontinued, a Buck 55; and, a SOG Twitch II with the clip removed. The Vic Cadet, by far, gets used the most. What I am looking for is an other single blade, lock-back knife that is slim in width, although I don't like skinny blades, and has a blade from 2 3/8 - 2 /58" in length. A nicer version of the 55 if you will. I realize that I really don't know what my options are in current gentleman folders. I know some of the big names but I would really know the small artisans. I would like to add one or two more gentleman's folders. FWIW - my "big" gentleman's folders will be Mnandi and maybe another 2 3/4" knife.

Thanks,
David
Click to expand...

A Case mini copperlock, maybe?
 
The Cadet is one of the anodized Cadets which wears off with use revealing the silver aluminum. A friend on my block has one that has more years and more wear. I think that it is an attractive look and picked up a couple of more Cadets when they were discontinued.

I have looked through the Case and A.G. Russell sites, thanks. I want to expand my search before I pull the trigger on a knife.
 
P.J. Tomes makes some very nice small lockbacks. You can check his site to see if any interest you.

Joel Chamblin might be another maker whose site you may wish to peruse for ideas.
 
Dornblaser said:
The Cadet is one of the anodized Cadets which wears off with use revealing the silver aluminum. A friend on my block has one that has more years and more wear. I think that it is an attractive look and picked up a couple of more Cadets when they were discontinued.

I have looked through the Case and A.G. Russell sites, thanks. I want to expand my search before I pull the trigger on a knife.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the explanation. I've never heard of wear on anodizing being called patina--I usually see the term used to describe the darkening of a carbon steel blade.

You might want to check Moki and Al Mar.
 
Dornblaser said:
I think that patina has become my wife's and my code word for "well used".
Click to expand...

You and she are probably be right. I know it must mean something more than darkening of a carbon blade since I'm sure I've heard it used to describe the finish of antiques and such.
 
The word is often used with antiques. We hike and fly fish and use it to describe a fly fishers gear - patina: used (good), new and clean (bad) unless the person is a newbie. Our little SUV if often dirty (good) our neighbors' always detailed and sparkling SUV's (bad). We are a firm believer in purchasing fewer but better things and using them like their maker intended.

The Al Mar Hawk is very much the type and size of knife that I am looking for.
 
Do you like the design of Spyderco Knives? Santa Fe Stoneworks here in New Mexico does an outstanding job with their customized Spyderco line, some of which would be very suitable for a modern gentleman's pocket.

Out of production now but common on eBay, the Gerber Silver Knights were made in Japan and included several different patterns including a lockback. Among the highest quality knives ever sold with the Gerber name.

Al Mar, already mentioned, has a nice selection of small sleek lockbacks.

Moki, again already mentioned, has some nice lockbacks available at Knifeworks and elsewhere.

You said you browsed the AG Russell website already. I suppose you saw his new Spire design?

Case has a lockback that's 3" closed. Available in red bone handles with a drop point blade for $50 at Shepherd Hills Cutlery, the largest Case dealer.

Maserin has a great selection of modern gentleman's folders. Not sure if they made any with a lock though. Wife bought me one of their Gentleman's Pen Knives, and the quality is outstanding. These made in Italy and sold at AG Russell and WorldKnives. Lion Steel has some possibilities too at WorldKnives.
 
Hi Bob,

No, I am not a fan of Spyderco's, the look just does not appeal to me.

I did see the AG Russell's Spires. Not sure of the blade design as I am unfamiliar with it and I am not sure for what applications it is best suited.

- David
 
Also, Lone Wolf "Paul" knives.

For $40-50, EKA Swede 88 series.
 
Last edited:
Blues said:
P.J. Tomes makes some very nice small lockbacks. You can check his site to see if any interest you.

Joel Chamblin might be another maker whose site you may wish to peruse for ideas.
Click to expand...

Elliott,

Both great makers, however P. J. tells me that he has retired and moved to central America. I was shocked at the feeling of personal loss as P J and I have been friends for almost 40 years.
 
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