New to Traditionals...Stockman Questions and Pic Request

[multifool]

Hi folks - Been lurking the traditional section for a while now trying to educate myself on a pattern that I have taken a liking to, namely the stockmans. I have been a long time collector, mostly of modern folders (spyderco's and kershaw), and for some reason find myself longing for a traditional that I saw a lot of growing up. Maybe I am just getting older or maybe it is because my son just joined the boy scouts and am looking for something that I can pass down to him when the time comes.

I have been accustomed to carrying modern folders typically with a closed lenth of 4.5"-5". It has gotten to a point where I find the delica or a skyline (as an example) to be on the smaller end of my carry preference. As such, I am interested in the large stockmans (like the case 75 pattern or the buck 301's), but my search in the traditional forums seems to suggests that many people feel the large stockmans (specifically the case 75) are too big and that the medium sized ones are ideal. I am concerned that the modern folders are thin/narrow and weigh next to nothing, which allows for the pocket carry with no issues. Does the bulk and the weight of traditional folders make a big difference when it comes to pocket carry? Do you folks who have both modern and traditional folders have any input or insight?

Also if you have a picture of a large stockman (75 or 301) next to a modern folder, that would be appreciated (side shots and spine shots).

Thank you all in advance.

 

[markpmc]

I seem to have misplaced my pic of large stockman.
My favorite carry is my #53 GEC Cattle knife. It's a 4 1/8" cigar, a bit bulky for it's length. This is the key part. I work in jeans and the knife fits just fine in my watch pocket (Wrangler). During my monthly trip into the main office and dress slacks I typically carry a sub 4" stockman or congress.

My #53 GEC carries a lot smaller than my CRKT M16-14.

When in slacks w/ a 4+" knife I typically pocket it vertically next to my wallet.

Hope this helps.

 

[Kadmos]

Sorry, can't help with pics.

You may have asked one of the more unanswerable questions

"Which knife is right for me?"

Alot of the modern folders are extremely light and thin. Few of the traditional knives are.

Only a small percentage of the traditional knives are even uniform in thickness. The 301 being a good example of one that is, whereas the 75 is a good example of one that is not.

The 75 can be over 1/4 inch thicker or thinner across the various handle materials, and even among the same type of handle material. A delrin model will likely be fairly uniform, but if you go bone, or particularly stag, it can really vary. Some stag knives are pretty slim, compared to others which may be rather wide.

It really is best if you can find something locally to look at and hold. In most areas someone is likely to at least have the 301, Whether that be a sporting goods store or a hardware store or gun shop.

 

[Modoc ED]

4 1/4" CV Case 6375 Large Stockman with amber jigged bone cover. As stated, the knife is 4 1/4" closed with the main clip blade being 3 5/16" long, the sheepfoot blade being 2 1/4" long, and the spey blade being 2 3/16" long..

I'm not going to post up a modern knife for comparison. There is a thread titled "Modern Parings" in this subforum. Open it and you will see modern knives compared to traditionals.

Here it is. Click on the link.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/980449-Traditional-and-Modern-pairings

 

[black mamba]

Here I am comparing the nearly ubiquitous Buck Vantage Pro to a Moore Maker Jumbo Stockman.

Measurements with dial caliper and electronic scale:

Closed Length: . Buck = 4.51" . . . MM = 4.41"
Primary Blade: . Buck = 3.15" . . . MM = 3.28"
Widest Point: . . Buck = .535" . . . MM = .572" (not counting pocket clip, which would be outside the pocket)
Weight: . . . . . . Buck = 121 gm, 4.27 oz . . . MM = 125 gm, 4.41 oz
Blade Thickness: Buck = .128" . . . MM = .103"

Stockman benefits include longer, thinner, better slicing blade in a smaller package, plus two additional blades for differing tasks.
The benefits of the Vantage Pro of very slightly lighter weight and thinner width are almost un-noticeable in the pocket.

 

[jimmyd1982]

I personally prefer a knife that fills the hand. I currently have a medium stockman that I rarely carry because it feels too small to me and I plan on buying a large stockman sometime in the near future.

I'd say get the case in the size you want and then pick up a rough rider in the other size to see how they compare.

 

[multifool]

Thanks everyone for your responses and insight!

Black Mamba - Thank you for the detailed info and the comparison with the buck.

Modoc - Thank you for the link. That was precisely what I was looking for. I guess my keyword search skills needs some fine tuning.

I may take your advise and get a large stockman and a cheaper smaller model (like a scharde) for size comparison.

Do you guys know if the Case 75 or the Buck 301 come with one of those leather slip pouches (not the one with the belt loop, but a minimalistic one pocket carry)?

 

[Modoc ED]

No they don't but you can find one easy enough at most dealers.

 

[rockgolfer]

A few shots of the GEC 53 (4 1/8" )

With a case trapper

A GEC 66( 3 1/2" ) with a millie

Size comparison shot

One more with the 79 ( 3 3/4" ) for comparison

Welcome to traditionals, hope this helps some.

Jeff

 

[Mink]

Did someone say stockmen?