new to slipjoints, so I have a new(b) question

[harkamus]

The shields that I often see on slippies, are they functional or purely aesthetic?

 

[dalee100]

Hi,

The shields are mostly aesthetic. Some like Case have their name embossed into the shield. I suppose you could have your initials engraved onto a plain shield if you wanted.

Oh, and Welcome to the folksy side of collecting!

dalee

 

[jim preston]

Some of the newest Wenger SAKs have shield which, when pushed, disengage the liner lock for the main blade.
Otherwise, purely aesthetic.

 

[rmfnla]

I hadn't seen that; what a cool idea!

 

[cj65]

Welcome to the fold~

 

[harkamus]

A Swiss Army Knife with a liner lock...wouldn't that make it not a slippy anymore?

Thanks for all the responses. I'm loving the Alsdorf slippies.

 

[T.K.C.]

Mike makes some awesome slippies. Here are pix of mine.

 

[harkamus]

Those are absolutely stunning pieces.

Another newb question. What does the "dots" designation mean? I read slippies referred to as 6 dot, 8 dot, etc. Is it the number of pins on the scale, like 6 dot meaning 3 dots on each side?

 

[Todd A]

"Dots" are generally refering to a Case date marking used in the 1970's.

This is a 3 Dot...meaning it was made in 1977.

 

[harkamus]

I see I guessed totally wrong.