Physical retail location for Queen Cutlery?

M

MSCantrell

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 12, 2005
Messages
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I've been thinking of getting a Queen slipjoint. Love the idea of ultra-tough D2. But I've never EDC'd a slipjoint before, and I'd like to handle a couple before I commit to one.

Problem is, I can't seem to find any retail store that sells the brand! Especially not here in rural southern Michigan. There's a Gander Mountain within half an hour or so, and Cabela's might be a possibility, but no dedicated cutlery stores. Do stores sell Queens anywhere? It looks like the list at http://www.queencutlery.com/retailers is exclusively online, is that the case? How am I supposed to feel one of these before I buy it? Thanks!
 
MSCantrell said:
I've been thinking of getting a Queen slipjoint. Love the idea of ultra-tough D2. But I've never EDC'd a slipjoint before, and I'd like to handle a couple before I commit to one.

Problem is, I can't seem to find any retail store that sells the brand! Especially not here in rural southern Michigan. There's a Gander Mountain within half an hour or so, and Cabela's might be a possibility, but no dedicated cutlery stores. Do stores sell Queens anywhere? It looks like the list at http://www.queencutlery.com/retailers is exclusively online, is that the case? How am I supposed to feel one of these before I buy it? Thanks!
Click to expand...

The only place I ever see Queen stuff is at Gun & Knife shows, these days I am not sure about reatail stores like hardware stores back in the day?
 
DaveH said:
Sorry that you missed the passaround it had 2 queens.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=325091
Click to expand...

Theyre not expensive enough to worry about not liking. Dollars to donuts, Bill Horn at cumberland knife works (dot com) will help you pick a pattern and let you send it back if you dont like for some reason.

For users, a jigged or smooth black cherry delrin or forest edge delrin is a great choice and most can be had under $40 shipped. More interesting handle materials can be had for more money.

If you're that skittish about slipjoints, pick up a rough rider in a similar pattern of the bay for a couple of bucks and see how you like it.
 
I have not seen Queen knives at the retail level since the ealry 1980's...and even during the 70's and 80's they were not well represented at retail though they did have dealers. The only place that I can think of would be Smoky Mountain Knife Works in their showroom, of course that's not a solution for you....

Have you tried any of the larger local Gun Shows?
 
MSCantrell....I highly recommend Bill Horn (Mint Set Man) above at www.cumberlandknifeworks.com.

He helped me through the right purchase and I had never even held a Queen Slipjoint. I am very happy. BTW...I bought the Queen Classic Stag 48 Whittler w/ D2 blades and have been carrying it big time.

Call him...if you are nice, he may even send you a couple and let you pick the one you like best and send the rest back. :D

JT
 
Thanks guys, what helpful answers. Now I won't go hunting all over creation for knives that aren't in the stores. :)

So let me tell you my story, and it'll change the question a little, and maybe I'll find out what I really need to know after all. Situation is this: I'm graduating college, and getting a real job (gonna be a financial advisor), and I'm gonna have to buy a couple suits, and all these things that go along with that (like getting married :D- May 15, yikes). Well, another one of those things is giving up on carrying big fun folders with serrated edges and all that, and getting a friendlier knife. If my knife scares potential clients away, I'm gonna go hungry.

So it seems like a good idea to me, to get a very charming, quaint, respectable pocketknife that will make people think 'Southern gentleman,' not 'right-wing wacko.' I hear nothing but good about Queen and D2 steel, so I'm pretty sure that's what I'd like to do. But! I really would like to be sure I get something that won't drive me nuts pulling my slacks down on one side, or, on the other hand, be so tiny that I can't cut what I want to cut (like an apple).

So, maybe someone who's got an office job, or even better, a sales-type job, can tell me what they like to put in their suit pocket, that strikes the balance between heavy/useful and undersized/comfortable?

Bill, I'm pretty sure you'll be getting an order from me before too long, just depends on what the kind folks here offer by way of advice.

Thanks!
 
I just ordered mine online and I just started learning to whitle with it tonight. I'm making a Rooster! :P
 
If you make it this far south, Smoky Mountain Knife Works has a decent selection you can handle. But it's a bit of a drive for you (come down for the honeymoon!).

Otherwise, the online sources would do.

Look at the patterns, and don't get an overly large one if pocket weight is a concern. Pay attention to the bolster size (the canoe is a nice size, but the bolsters add weight - the copperhead is a little longer but lighter). There are several to choose from.
 
For a smaller knife in the Queen line, check out the #21 pearl....I have one and its a great EDC pen knife, but its 420HC not D2. Or the #26 small stockman, it will do everything you need and is available in D2 and in carved stag bone, cocobolo, or pearl all in D2. The pearl and cobo in particular are slim and pocket friendly for EDC.
 
Get a Queen large toothpick. You'll still have a large folder but it looks very gentlemanly.
 
I wear suits and nice pants to work everyday. If youre a tactical-head one very pocketable yet stout Queen knife is the Canoe. Stout, stout yet thin. A tad heavy.

The whittler is a larger knife that is rather pocket friendly.

None of these are as gentlemanly as the pearls suggested above.
 
I second the Queen Canoe. I wear khakis every day. The Canoe is pretty thin, and short and wide enough to lay flat in your pocket. Mine is jigged cherry delrin.

My second choice for your situation would be a small stockman. I have one in the carved stag bone that is beautiful. It's also small enough not to weigh your pockets down.

Steve
 
Hi all,

Thanks for the good advice. I decided to go with the cocobolo small stockman. I've had a hankering for a little while now to try some whittling, and seems like the choice of blades ought to make life easier when I get around to it. Besides that, seems handy all-around. What's even better is, my good buddy bought it for me this afternoon as a wedding present =)

Bill, if you're reading this, that's the order that came in a few hours ago from Jason in Michigan. I hear you've got a knack for picking out knives with especially good fit and finish for nice guys like me *wink, nudge, nod*.

Thanks again all, I appreciate your help.
Mike
 
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