New to traditional folders

F

Frozy

Joined
Apr 3, 2010
Messages
479
Hey, i've been a tactical knife collector so far. The knives i own are mostly from Spyderco and Emerson. However, recently i found out that stag handled traditional knives are so nice =)
So, why would anyone choose Case, Queen etc. over Spyderco, Kershaw etc.
And it's overwhelming for me when i browse for traditional knives because of the large amount of new words. Can anyone tell me more about trappers, copperlock, gunstock etc.
In addition, isn't non locking traditional knives kind of dangerous to use?
 
Not dangerous at all if used correctly with common sense.As for the terms used,different patterns have common names across all the makers.Best thing to do would be get a book or two and look it over.There is no end to the learning because so much history is there.I have a few Spydies and Kershaws myself so its not a matter of choosing one over the other.It's just a different ballgame.Enjoy!:D
 
You're in the right place to learn all about traditional folders, slipjoints and all that good stuff. I used to be an exclusive spyderco guy for years, but then I thought about the kind of pocketknives that my grandfather carries. After looking into it, I found that the traditional designs are a lot more classy, have some great options for finish materials, are more fit for a gentleman, and they don't freak anyone out when you use one in public.

There's a lot to learn, have fun taking it all in.
 
Read through the pages here,alot of questions will get cleared up.There's alot to take in,all at once,so just browse,and do it at your own pace.
I used to carry folders with pocket clips,but pretty much DO NOT any more. I like them,but I just would rather carry a slipjoint pocket knife these days.

Nothing wrong with a good lock back,either
The "Copperlock" is a Case lockback. The bolster,is like on a copperhead folder. It covers the back end of the blade tang,when closed,in it's design,just like a copperhead. That back tang exposed,when closed,is known as the "run up",on slipjoints.
No "run up" on a pattern is known as "sunk joint". So that's a good tid bit there to start with
-Vince
 
Tactical knives are much more dangerous. They were designed to kill people !!! In all seriousness though, tactical blades are likely more dangerous because people give their locks too much credit. People that use non locking blades have much greater respect for the knife and don't get cut often (especially not badly). Welcome, and I hope you learn some good stuff :)
 
Frozy said:
In addition, isn't non locking traditional knives kind of dangerous to use?
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No, they only have an edge on one side of the blade -- you just press that into what you want to cut - simple. The edge is opposite the side that folds - guaranteed safe. Traditionals are designed to be used as knives - with relatively thin blades to best cut, slice, scrape and generally be a good knife. They are NOT thick, sharpened pry bars like so many modern "knives" -- if you try to treat them as a sharpened pry bar - pushing and prying in random directions with the tip and such - then they will bite you.
 
Frozy said:
Hey, i've been a tactical knife collector so far. The knives i own are mostly from Spyderco and Emerson. However, recently i found out that stag handled traditional knives are so nice =)
Click to expand...

Now may be your best chance to turn and run before it's too late!!!...:eek:






Okay, then. Good luck and don't say you weren't warned! ;)
 
Blues said:
Now may be your best chance to turn and run before it's too late!!!...:eek:






Okay, then. Good luck and don't say you weren't warned! ;)
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haha...man is Elliot is sooo right there, but ...buying tacticals can be addictive too!, I have just got in a blur, as Cossacks brother adopted my old one :)

But!!...Traditionals have soooo much more to them, not only is there different styles, different names etc...its the feel and the character that an older knife has, it still looks beautiful, still has snap like the day it was made...all these things when you start to experience them...more and more will start to mean more and more.
Welcome to being a poor man, you will learn to adapt, and you will learn now what it's like to have empty food cupboards :D
 
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Well, I was just like you Frozy, the blade design and the finish couldn´t be black and dangerous enough to me.
I ordered a Case Mini Trapper, just for fun. I got that knife and was charmed. Looks really great and is very handy. I couldn´t imagine, that such a "Old-mans-knife" could give me such fascination.
The handles are great, bone is good and a wooden handle just the same. I don´t look for any tacticals any more (got enough). I like my Case Trapper CV as EDC. None gets scared, when you use it in public. An old woman (about 85 years), when I went to shopping and wanted to open something: "My man died about 15 years ago, he always carried such a knife. It´s good, that young people use to carry and use that tools..."
Was a very nice conversation. I imagined what happened, when I would have used a tactical... I think the old lady would have ran away...

Enjoy your traditional knives... you won´t be blamed (I hope that´s the right english word)

Kind regards...
 
This is a good thread for my own newbie question. For GEC, do they only make a certain model/handle combination for the year it's first produced, artifically limiting them, or do they just keep making combinations that sell well?

I'm asking because I was thinking about getting a GEC yellow bone Sleeveboard that their website says was first produced in 2009, and I want to know if there's a risk of dealers running out of them if they aren't currently being produced.

Thalestin said:
Tactical knives are much more dangerous. They were designed to kill people !!! In all seriousness though, tactical blades are likely more dangerous because people give their locks too much credit. People that use non locking blades have much greater respect for the knife and don't get cut often (especially not badly).
Click to expand...

I think that's true. When I was 8 my grandfather got me my first knife. I really wanted his Buck 110, but he told me "Boy, someday this will be yours. But every man's first knife should be a slip joint. With a slipjoint you'll learn to use a knife as a knife, and you won't have to put your trust in a lock that could fail." So he gave me a brand new Swiss Army knife instead. He did give me his Buck 110 eventually but I'll be damned if that SAK isn't still the most special knife I own.
 
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