New member with a question

Great Eastern Cutlery is the way to go, if you can swing the cost (you didn't mention a price limit). They're a rather new company, but they do things the old way, and they do them very well. For a medium-sized stockman, look at the #66 Calf Roper or #68 Buckaroo. The #92 Eureka Jack is at the top of my next-to-buy list. I mention these knives (even though I don't own one yet) because I have a personal bias towards mulit-blade traditionals with at least one curved and one straight blade. If that's not a priority for you, there's many GEC jacks that'll fit the bill, like the #15 Boy's Knife.

An alternative that I'd also whole-heartedly recommend would be to poke around eBay and pick up a '70's (or 1965-1969 if the cost isn't too outrageous) vintage Case. My personal favorites are the 6332 (precursor to the 63032) and the 6318HE. Both are stockmen that have a pen blade, which I much prefer, in place of the usual spay blade. The Cases won't be quite as "robust" feeling as the GECs due to the thinner blades and hollow grind, but they sure do slice nicely, and they're robust enough to handle anything that you'd want to throw at a non-locking traditional knife. And frankly, you just can't beat the the old Case red bone of the '60's and early '70's (IMHO).

Welcome to Bladeforums, the Traditional forum (perhaps the most pleasant, helpful, and generous forum on the entire internet), and the addiction. I hope your credit is good.
 
You might give some consideration to Case's mini trapper model. There are some with typical spey blades out there and you might be able to find a bone handled one in CV with the wharncliffe secondary, but you might have to opt for stag to get that. My (two blade) mini trappers all are Tru-Sharp. It's a great pattern.

GEC offers the 48 series trappers. Just a bit smaller than the Case full size and they are extremely nice and most available in 1095 carbon. If you like a particular pattern search for a "show me" thread and you will get a very good presentation of what is currently and previously available.

The "What Traditional are you totin" thread has everything you can imagine in it and it can be dangerous to your wallet.

Welcome to BF Traditionals!!

Ed J
 
Deerslayer, my favorite EDC is this Case 6318 SS Medium Stockman (3-5/8" OAL) - that model is available in CV steel as well. The blades fit well, don't rub, and have excellent opening and closing snap. Any perceived QC issues with Case are equivalent to the same from other quality makers - they are not to be expected, but are the exception to the rule. I have only had to return one Case knife (out of 50) to the dealer I bought it from (a crack line in the bone of a new knife) for exchange. I bought a large Barlow last week - if a knife could have more perfectly centered blades and have better fit and finish I don't know what it could be - don't rule out Case (of course look at others too). OH

Case_6318_SS_-_2007.jpg
 
if looking for a knife in the 50-60 dollar range, case would be the way to go. their cv (and their stainless for most part) hold the best edges. the cv variety is not as much as their stainless but there are some good treats. i would also recommend a queen cutlery knife from their workhorse series. derlin handles and carbon steel, i own a stockman (3 7/8 closed) and the biggest issue is that have the reshape the edges some. case also makes some stockmen in that length but also in the 3 5/8 size with different clips (stockmen with pen blades tend to have a thicker blade). check out both their sights and see what tickles your fancy. best of luck!
 
Do take a look at Böker Germany. Their carbons are well priced and well made. In particular, check the Whittler, a fine alternative to a Stockman and that bit smaller making it an ideal pocket-mate. They are solid rugged knives.

Two other carbon CASE patterns to look into: Small Texas Jack (not so small but reasonable) and Swayback Jack if you fancy adding a Wharncliffe blade to your routine. These two can certainly earn their keep & do a job of work.

I don't have personal experience of Queen Cutlery's 'Workhorse' series but they could be worth looking into, they could be a bit crude from the pix I've seen. Others can let you know what they feel about them I'm sure.

Please remember to let us know what you get.

Regards, Will
 
For what you want, Case and GEC are the ones I'd look at. Case generally makes a good knife, but a few with minor issues make it out. Case does do a good job of making things right if you ask them too though..... same with GEC.
 
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