Newbie Questions - Hold me over

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dangreco

Joined
Nov 29, 2009
Messages
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Hi guys. I've been lurking in this forum for quite a while and I wanted to ask yall knowlegeble gentlemen a few questions. I own absolutely zero traditional knives with the exception of my grandfather's old buck 110.

So recently I thought that I wanted a slipjoint and so I ordered a large Saddlehorn with some ironwood burl scales from Jerry Halfrich. Problem is, that's over 2 years from now. I don't mind. I've already not owned a Halfrich custom for 18 years, so I can wait 2 more.

So, to hold me over, can you recommend a single-blade slipjoint with 3.25 inch blade or larger that's decent quality and tough? Preferably a natural material for the handle. Thanks!

Oh, and how about keeping this one under $150, gotta keep this one on budget for a poor college kid.
 
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Oh man, so many choices. Price range might be a good place to start. You can get decent knives with natural scales for 12 bucks or 120.

Single blade does narrow things down some, but there are still a LOT of choices. The way I see it, you could go two ways. Get a nice knife from one of the US manufacturers or get an assortment of Rough Rider or equivalent knives for the same money. I don't know how much of an issue money is. :confused:

I think there is something to be said for trying out a bunch of different patterns. You might be surprised what grows on you.
 
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Welcome to the traditional forum.

Ordering a Halfrich is a great way to jump in with both feet.

If you are looking for a production knife that you can get in a few days with a blade over 3 3/4, I would think about a Case Back Pocket.

If you want a custom, there is always something available on the maker's forum. You might have to wait a few days and you need to jump quick for some of them, but there's plenty in there.
 
Oooh thanks, that Case back pocket looks really nice with the jigged bone! Also those pioneers look really nice too, I saw one with Bubinga that looked like a winner. After this purchase I will not be buying more knives for a long time because I need to save $$ for Mr. H. :rolleyes:

Thanks gentlemen!
 
Dan, here are a couple of GEC Pioneer linerlocks (the one on the left is a Bulldog Brand made by GEC).

PioneerLLs2.jpg


They also make single blade slipjoints with the same drop point blade, or with a large spey blade, in either 1095 or 440C.
 
I believe you could just squeak in under $150 for one of the Scagel Fruitport knives in smooth bone. The blade's a bit smaller than you're looking for, about 2 7/8" IIRC, but they're damn nice from all accounts.
 
A eighth inch or so under your blade length requirement, but you could grab a Buck 302 sawcut to go along with your Buck 110 for a classic Buck set. Its inexpensive enought that you could EDC the 302 to put some character on it while you decide how to spend the rest of your money.
300Bucks
302Group.jpg
 
LKJW said:
I think there is something to be said for trying out a bunch of different patterns. You might be surprised what grows on you.
Click to expand...
LKJW makes a great point. The knives that I like to use are different than the knives I like to look at. That being said, try looking at the Ebony Ben Hogan from Tidioute (GEC) or a Queen utillity. They maybe a little slim for your taste but those long slender blades slice incredibly well.

Paul
 
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