Older slip joints, steel and geometry, who did it best?

rockgolfer

rockgolfer

Joined
Mar 1, 2008
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In my quest to start purchasing older knives I want to search out cutlers that are considered to be the best. Patterns are a secondary matter in this conversation and exquisite fit and finish is also on the back burner(the knives need to work properly but don't need to be best in class).

In your personal experience I would like to here any ones opinion on who they think had great steel? Who used thinner stock? Who has the best grind geometry for a pocket slicer? I know these brands can span a century or more so maybe specific tang stamps help you narrow it down? Please help this newbie learn who/what to look for :) Pictures are certainly welcome :thumbup:
 
I am a fan of Schrade Walden pre 73 and Hammer just post war 1945-55.
I have Schrade Walden 881 pre 1973 in delrin that has been a user since new and it is still going Very strong. The blades aren't too thin and the steel takes and holds a really keen edge.
My Hammer Brand, well, I havent been able to pin down a model # yet, but I absolutely love the steel, how thin they ground the blade stock from the factory and how thin behind the edge they are. It also takes a Great edge.
 
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Jeff although I never really focused on one company for any length of time (it was so diverse) my personal experience was New York Knife Company was stellar in every category, jigging, the swedges, fit and finish was so precise and solid.

The nod can go to many many other Companies as well but "the one" for me was NYKC.
 
Thanks for the input guys :thumbup: In the big world of traditional slip joints, a guy has to start somewhere. I figure the way it cuts is the best place to start :)

I know lots of brands are held for their beauty or precise fit and finish. All this is important and finding the diamond in the rough will be the tricky part. This will hopefully help me cut down on some trial and error.
 
paulhilborn said:
Jeff although I never really focused on one company for any length of time (it was so diverse) my personal experience was New York Knife Company was stellar in every category, jigging, the swedges, fit and finish was so precise and solid.

The nod can go to many many other Companies as well but "the one" for me was NYKC.
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I have to agree with Paul. I have had many different brands of old knives and NYKC, which folded in 1931, is hands down the best.

Check out my avatar Jeff. :D
 
Jeff, this is a nice example of the jigged bone that KYNC put out on there knives

IMG_1305_zpsgwfsqh5p.jpg


I have your address, watch your mailbox ;)

BTW - That is not the one I am sending you! :D
 
What a collection Mark! You are also way to kind my friend. I have already been searching and look at this guy I found, previously posted in another thread by 1fartsmella :eek: This is the knife my dreams will be haunted by. What kind of can o' worms have I opened here


 
I have a pen knife similar to that one. They made so many patterns as you will see in the catalog I'll send you.

IMG_1257_zps7fb77152.jpg
 
If you want 'the best of the best' than that is vintage Sheffield knives up to about 1930. But in excellent condition they are a bit rare and very expensive so better to stick with USA made knives. I have a nice collection of Sears bone handled "Sta-Sharp" folders. These were Sears top of the line knives and were sold up to WW II. They were all made by Camillus and the Sears knife rep. was very good at getting the very best workmanship out of Camillus. The bone handled "Sta-Sharp" folders are some of the best made USA knives. I'm pretty well finished collecting them or i would not mention it here. The prices for these have been going up lately anyway.
kj
 
Thanks everyone, now I am looking at NYKC for one of my next knives...
 
Older Robesons and Schrade Waldens have great steel and geometry in my limited experience. I don't think you could go wrong with either one.
 
Markesharp said:
Jeff, this is a nice example of the jigged bone that KYNC put out on there knives

IMG_1305_zpsgwfsqh5p.jpg


I have your address, watch your mailbox ;)

BTW - That is not the one I am sending you! :D
Click to expand...

Well lift him up Mark then slam him right into the ground!!! TEASE:D:D:D

Too Funny Brother:thumbup: and GENEROUS of course;)
 
+1 to Schrade since you said steel and geometry were first.

Not to hijack, but how do people like Schrade after the Walden years?
 
NYKC made some great knives for sure but they hardly cornered the market on it. Remington, E.C. Simmons Keen Kutter, Empire, Miller, Walden Knife, Schrade Cut. Co. all were exceptional knives. Among many others. I personally have never seen a heavy grind on a vintage knife with some being very nearly a zero grind, nor have I ever seen much difference in the steel on those that I have sharpened and used although I have had a couple Remingtons that acted a little harder. For users I generally grab what catches my eye, appears genuine and solid all at a decent price.
 
I've been extremely happy in the Schrade Walden and Ulster blades on the knives made after the after the Walden plant fire when both stamps were made in the Ellenville plant.
 
Everything mentioned above is accurate, the NYKC was just "my" personal favorite. I truly feel all the great companies Jamie mentioned and Joe mentioning Sheffield can easily top whatever list one wants to compile.

I feel the "six degrees of separation" benefited all the US greats due to so many cutlers coming from Sheffield and bringing their exceptional skills:thumbup::cool:
 
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