Recommendation? New to Knife Collecting. Browsing Traditional Folders.

Ribbonz

Ribbonz

Joined
Aug 28, 2020
Messages
81
Hey everybody, I'm new to knife collecting and new to this forum. I thought I would start by asking for some recommendations for a knife with these attributes.

  • Blade must be under 3" (state law). I'm thinking 2-3"
  • Pocket carry only, I don't like clips
  • I have not settled on blade shape, so I'll take a look at any
  • This is mainly for everyday carry, general use when I'm out in town running errands
  • I don't want to spend over $100, Around $30-$60 is more my budget for now
  • I want the blade(s) to stay sharp for a significant time. I don't want to have to sharpen it every week. I have a cheap Kershaw knife that gets dull easily and it's a pain.
  • USA made would be nice. I'm sure there are good Chinese knives out there, but I'd rather avoid them just for my own sanity.
  • I'd like to get something classy and avoid the tactical/modern look. Think early American Frontiersman. So I'm thinking either Bone or Wood, but I'm willing to look at anything.
  • I think I want a single blade knife, but I will look at two blades like a canoe. I'd rather not have more than 2 blades for this one.
  • Small to Medium size. I don't want a big honkin' thing in my pocket, but I would like it to have some weight to it so I know it's there. I want it to feel good in the pocket.
  • I know $100 budget limits it a bit and you get what you pay for, but I want a knife I can be proud of, so the build quality must be good and built to last.
  • Last thing, I want to start with a new knife in the box, so I'm not accepting offers for used knives at least until I get my feet wet with the hobby. I'm still new to this and don't want to go down that path quite yet
Thanks for your help and I hope this will be the start of something good!
 
You could get a Buck 501 from the custom shop (~$110) with jiged bone scales and s30v steel that will hold the edge like 10x better than your Kershaw. Or there are literally 100's of options from Case, but no super steels. I've been really enjoying their sow belly stockman lately (~$59.00), but no super steels from case (except for $600).
There's a great Case outlet located in Missouri and on line with tons if options, check it out.
The trapers are pretty traditional and have 2 blades and come in 3 sizes with tons of handle choices
 
Not sure your feelings about a locking blade, but personally for your list of requirements and price range (if you can go up a little closer to 100), I'd take a hard look at the Buck 501 with upgraded steel. Can't get too much more American than a Buck!

You can order from the Buck custom shop with a S30V blade and several wood handle options, or there is a dealer with a special version in stock with micarta handles in S35VN steel for about the same price. Both will meet your requirement for a longer lasting edge than many others in this price range.

The blade is a drop point, which I really like as a great all around shape. And they're stainless, which is great for worry-free, toss it in your pocket and go, wash it when it's dirty use! On the con side, they may take a little extra effort to sharpen from time to time if you let them get too dull. But they will hold the edge well, and interim touch-ups should not be difficult.

Note also that the standard Buck 501 comes with their 420HC steel blade, for which Buck is highly regarded for their heat treat. This may be perfectly acceptable for your needs as it is a fine steel, but you didn't mention how hard you normally use your knives. The standard version should be right around your sweet spot for price.
 
Scott J. said:
You could get a Buck 501 from the custom shop (~$110) with jiged bone scales and s30v steel that will hold the edge like 10x better than your Kershaw. ...
Click to expand...
:D:thumbsup: I was too long winded in my reply, and you beat me to it! Getting one of the standard wood handle offerings will keep it down around 86.
 
Scott J. said:
You could get a Buck 501 from the custom shop (~$110) with jiged bone scales and s30v steel that will hold the edge like 10x better than your Kershaw. Or there are literally 100's of options from Case, but no super steels. I've been really enjoying their sow belly stockman lately (~$59.00), but no super steels from case (except for $600).
There's a great Case outlet located in Missouri and on line with tons if options, check it out.
The trapers are pretty traditional and have 2 blades and come in 3 sizes with tons of handle choices
Click to expand...

akaMatt said:
Not sure your feelings about a locking blade, but personally for your list of requirements and price range (if you can go up a little closer to 100), I'd take a hard look at the Buck 501 with upgraded steel. Can't get too much more American than a Buck!

You can order from the Buck custom shop with a S30V blade and several wood handle options, or there is a dealer with a special version in stock with micarta handles in S35VN steel for about the same price. Both will meet your requirement for a longer lasting edge than many others in this price range.

The blade is a drop point, which I really like as a great all around shape. And they're stainless, which is great for worry-free, toss it in your pocket and go, wash it when it's dirty use! On the con side, they may take a little extra effort to sharpen from time to time if you let them get too dull. But they will hold the edge well, and interim touch-ups should not be difficult.

Note also that the standard Buck 501 comes with their 420HC steel blade, for which Buck is highly regarded for their heat treat. This may be perfectly acceptable for your needs as it is a fine steel, but you didn't mention how hard you normally use your knives. The standard version should be right around your sweet spot for price.
Click to expand...

I really like this idea. A Custom Shop 501 is exactly what I'm looking for. But I can't decide on a finish. They all look great! I also can't decide on the blade steel. I don't really use my knives for much other than opening packages, so i don't know if I need the S30V Steel, but would I regret not getting it down the road? How much of a pain is the S30V Steel to sharpen? I've only ever really tried sharpening my Kershaw with a whetstone once with unknown results, I couldn't really tell if it made much of a difference. But I also didn't really research how to sharpen too well. But if it holds an edge better like you say, maybe my light use won't dull it for a long long time. What do you think?
 
Ribbonz said:
I really like this idea. A Custom Shop 501 is exactly what I'm looking for. But I can't decide on a finish. They all look great! I also can't decide on the blade steel. I don't really use my knives for much other than opening packages, so i don't know if I need the S30V Steel, but would I regret not getting it down the road? How much of a pain is the S30V Steel to sharpen? I've only ever really tried sharpening my Kershaw with a whetstone once with unknown results, I couldn't really tell if it made much of a difference. But I also didn't really research how to sharpen too well. But if it holds an edge better like you say, maybe my light use won't dull it for a long long time. What do you think?
Click to expand...
In my opinion you have to get the s30v steel if you buy a custom buck, it's only like an extra ten dollars.
And Buck will resharpen it for like six dollars.
I'd try the spyderco ceramic rod system and stay on top of it ( not wait too long for it it to get too dull)
 
Ribbonz said:
I actually really like the Elkhorn, but it's expensive. Might go with the oak instead. I still need to do more research first.
Click to expand...
Not sure, but I think the oak is dymondwood, which is great, but not really oak. The iron wood and the buckeye is definitely real wood. I have the sunset jiged bone on order, but I was 50/50 with that and the buckeye.
 
Eliminating the knives made on contract in China for American companies, limits your options.
Especially at your preferred $30 - $50 price point.

All I can think of off hand that falls in that price range is the Case Sod Buster Junior, and maybe the full size Sod Buster. However, I don't know if they have a sub 3 inch blade.
The rest of the Case line is closer to $80 than $50, from what I've seen.
.
If you stick to 3 5/8/3.625 inch closed or smaller, the blade will be under 3 inches.

You might be able to find a nice used USA made Ulster, Schrade, Old Timer Barlow in your price range, although most will probably have a pen secondary blade.

If you change your mind about Chinese manufactured for an American company, check out Rough Ryder. Lots of patterns and cover materials, and quality above their price point. They average below $20, (some are even under $10) allowing one to try different patterns without bankrupting the bank.
Rough Ryder uses 440A blade steel on those with stainless steel blades, and T10 on the carbon steel knives.
They come with a lifetime guarantee/warrantee, too.
For a little fancier, not much more expensive, the new made Marbles knives are worth a look.
(both Rough Ryder and Marbles are owned by SMKW, an American company.)

The vast majority of Traditional knives are made with 440A; (there are a few that have 440C) 420HC; and 1095 blades. None of which will hold an edge long enough to peel more than 2 ... 2.5 whitetail deer before the edge needs stropped, or a couple light passes on a stone to refresh it.
At least none of mine do.

However, Marbles recently came out with a line of traditionals with D2 blades. Most are multi-blade, but there are a couple solo blade models.
All have black Canvas Micarta covers, and half stops. All are under or right at $20, too. :)
Rough Ryder has two out with VG10 blades, and aluminum handles: a medium stockman and a small trapper, but both are multi-blade. I think they run at or under $20.

Good luck in your search.

Question For those recommending a Case Barlow: Is Case still making a Barlow this year, or did they put the pattern "back in the vault"?
 
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afishhunter said:
Eliminating the knives made on contract in China for American companies, limits your options.
Especially at your preferred $30 - $50 price point.

All I can think of off hand that falls in that price range is the Case Sod Buster Junior, and maybe the full size Sod Buster. However, I don't know if they have a sub 3 inch blade.
The rest of the Case line is closer to $80 than $50, from what I've seen.
.
If you stick to 3 5/8/3.625 inch closed or smaller, the blade will be under 3 inches.

You might be able to find a nice used USA made Ulster, Schrade, Old Timer Barlow in your price range, although most will probably have a pen secondary blade.

If you change your mind about Chinese manufactured for an American company, check out Rough Ryder. Lots of patterns and cover materials, and quality above their price point. They average below $20, (some are even under $10) allowing one to try different patterns without bankrupting the bank.
Rough Ryder uses 440A blade steel on those with stainless steel blades, and T10 on the carbon steel knives.
They come with a lifetime guarantee/warrantee, too.
For a little fancier, not much more expensive, the new made Marbles knives are worth a look.
(both Rough Ryder and Marbles are owned by SMKW, and American company.)

The vast majority of Traditional knives are made with 440A; (there are a few that have 440C) 420HC; and 1095 blades. None of which will hold an edge long enough to peel more than 2 ... 2.5 whitetail deer before the edge needs stropped, or a couple light passes on a stone to refresh it.
At least none of mine do.

However, Marbles recently came out with a line of traditionals with D2 blades. Most are multi-blade, but there are a couple solo blade models.
All have black Canvas Micarta covers, and half stops. All are under or right at $20, too. :)
Rough Ryder has two out with VG10 blades, and aluminum handles: a medium stockman and a small trapper, but both are multi-blade. I think they run at or under $20.

Good luck in your search.

Question For those recommending a Case Barlow: Is Case still making a Barlow this year, or did they put the pattern "back in the vault"?
Click to expand...


Thanks, I'll take a look.
 
Ribbonz said:
I really like this idea. A Custom Shop 501 is exactly what I'm looking for. But I can't decide on a finish. They all look great! I also can't decide on the blade steel. I don't really use my knives for much other than opening packages, so i don't know if I need the S30V Steel, but would I regret not getting it down the road? How much of a pain is the S30V Steel to sharpen? I've only ever really tried sharpening my Kershaw with a whetstone once with unknown results, I couldn't really tell if it made much of a difference. But I also didn't really research how to sharpen too well. But if it holds an edge better like you say, maybe my light use won't dull it for a long long time. What do you think?
Click to expand...
Although I don't have one myself, I think the 501 is an excellent choice. Here are some real world pics of some of the handle materials offered in the Custom Shop. I like them all but the Sunset Jigged Bone is my favorite. These are 503's and 505's and of course, color and texture may vary. These are all 420HC as I don't have a problem with that steel. Especially from Buck.
IMG_5279.JPG IMG_5280.JPG IMG_5348.JPG IMG_5349.JPG
 
I would also suggest the Buck 501. It really is a sweet knife that’s big enough to get a grip with a 2 7/8 inch blade but carries small in pocket. The 420hc version is no slouch and keeps a good edge for decent amount of cutting and if you’re new to knives and sharpening its a good steel to start off with. It’s stout for a pocket knife and has a lock back. My son likes the one I got him and like you he don’t like big honking knives in his pocket. In my opinion it’s a great value and a lot of satisfaction.
 
New and USA made... You are pretty much limited to Buck, Case, or Great Eastern Cutlery.
For upgraded steel... You are pretty much limited to Buck.
If you can get used to some weekly knife maintenance, then all three brands will serve you well.
 
It is true that for a newly manufactured knife the USA made choices are slim. But there are so many really good knives available at your price point in the previously owned selections it's hard to imagine the difficulty in finding something you'd like. I have dozens of like new single bladed knives that I've picked up for less than $50.

That being said, there's nothing wrong with a Buck or Case knife should you find one you like. God knows I've bought a fair number of them over the past 45 years. My first fixed blade was a Case, and I still have it.
 
afishhunter said:
The rest of the Case line is closer to $80 than $50, from what I've seen.
Click to expand...
Most of the Case line can be bought for under $50. Most dealers do not charge full MSRP. Got my full size amber bone trapper for $48.99. May have paid as much as $52.00 for my Canoe. Medium stockman for about $45.00, I believe. Bought a medium toothpick for my daughter for around $50. Almost all dealers, local and online, sell for way under MSRP.
 
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