Please suggest traditional non-locking folder

B

BladeTools

Joined
Nov 11, 2015
Messages
9
Hello,

(first post!)

I'd really enjoy something like the GEC #77 or the Northwoods Everyday Barlow. The Everyday Barlow looks great but it is CPM-154 and I'd like this knife to get a patina. Can you recommend any production folders that meet my needs *and* that I could readily order online?

Specs:
  • non-locking required (with strong spring holding blade in place!)
  • Single blade around 2-3 inches (Spear/Sheepsfoot, must look non-threatening)
  • one-hand open would be nice, but not required
  • wood handle preferred
  • CV/1095 preferred to stainless
  • under $100 preferred, flexible
  • Under 2.5oz

Thank you very much for any advice!
 
Why not a GEC Tidioute Cutlery Brand 77 Yankee Jack in Osage Orange? Meets all your requirements except one hand opening. The Tidioute Cutlery #15 Boys Knife with a "Razor" main blade would be a One Hand Opener. You might find one of these with Ebony Handles.
 
While not a spear/sheepsfoot, the blade of a GEC 73 looks pretty non-threatening IMO. Great knife, especially with cocobolo wood handles.

-- Mark
 
One hand opening and traditional non-locking folders are a very rare combination. You'd be looking for a friction folder with a lever in that situation.

I'd suggest pretty much anything that strikes your fancy from the GEC lineup of folding knives. They are almost all in 1095 steel and well made. Just go to their various dealer web sites and browse what they have in stock.

Here's a nice one: http://www.collectorknives.net/grea...oys-knife-jack-tidioute-rust-red-bone-153215/ Not a single blade version, I know, but GEC makes knives in limited runs and unless you are buying right when a new run is coming out, you have to take what you can get.
 
Thanks for the quick responses! I have found a few that I like a lot, in pictures. However, I'm having trouble finding places I can actually *order* them. For example the GEC #73 in Cocobolo looks great, but I'm only seeing it for sale with a liner lock (non-starter for me given legal restrictions).

These GEC tools are beautiful, but as someone new to their numbering structure it is confusing as all get out!

Thank you - I'll keep googling :)
 
BladeTools said:
Thanks for the quick responses! I have found a few that I like a lot, in pictures. However, I'm having trouble finding places I can actually *order* them. For example the GEC #73 in Cocobolo looks great, but I'm only seeing it for sale with a liner lock (non-starter for me given legal restrictions).

These GEC tools are beautiful, but as someone new to their numbering structure it is confusing as all get out!

Thank you - I'll keep googling :)
Click to expand...

Here's 73 non-liner lock. http://www.gunstockjacksknives.com/...Appaloosa-Hor-Northfield-735115-appaloosa.htm

Are you outside the US and therefore having a hard time finding dealers who ship to you?
 
I know you said single blade but I'd like to suggest a 2 blade jack. A secondary pen blade usually doesn't add that much thickness but does add more utility to the knife (imho). Also, any 2-3" blade can be scary to some people. A smaller pen blade can be used for many jobs and is even less threatening when around those folks. Plus, it's already spear shaped :) That would make the #77 Yankee Jacks Bob suggested much easier to find. Or a #15 for a little smaller knife.
 
BladeTools said:
I am in the USA, but am overwhelmed by choice and websites! I think this looks about perfect though: http://www.gunstockjacksknives.com/...joint-Cocobolo-E-Northfield-735115-coco-E.htm

What is the story with Northfield? How do they compare to GEC?
Click to expand...

Northfield and Tidioute are brands owned by Great Eastern Cutlery and all are 1095. GEC usually make stainless knives under their own GEC brand. Here's a link with a little more info http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/about/about-our-brands/ All 3 have a high standard of fit and finish but have different aesthetic touches. Northfield knives will usually have a polished blade and other things like lined or pinched bolsters while Tidioute would be satin finished blades and plainer bolster treatments. Some handle options are only offered in one line though. It comes down to preference really.
 
BladeTools - Welcome to the forum. All the knives mentioned above are great patterns. I do not want to scare you away from the 73, honestly it is my favorite pattern, but you did mention wanting an easy open. The pull on most, not all, 73s can be a little stiff. I have had many, and have given a few away to people not use to slip joints. I always hear the same thing, "I love it, but the pull is stiffer than I thought it would be."

Again, I love the 73 but it is not an easy open knife imo.

Good luck with the hunt and welcome.
 
You might consider a one-armed opening knife?

ge25-3235.jpg
 
KBA said:
BladeTools - Welcome to the forum. All the knives mentioned above are great patterns. I do not want to scare you away from the 73, honestly it is my favorite pattern, but you did mention wanting an easy open. The pull on most, not all, 73s can be a little stiff. I have had many, and have given a few away to people not use to slip joints. I always hear the same thing, "I love it, but the pull is stiffer than I thought it would be."

Again, I love the 73 but it is not an easy open knife imo.

Good luck with the hunt and welcome.
Click to expand...

I have to agree about the #73. I have two and they are both bear traps.
 
The desire for one hand opening, with the requirement of a strong spring holding the blade in place, seems incongruous.

That said, is there a reason that you are set on buying from a dealer? GEC doesn't do huge releases; and the preferred patterns and scale options tend to sell quickly. After that, your stuck with the leftovers until the next release...unless you're willing to purchase of the Exchange. You may pay a slight premium to get what you want New In Tube; but there are often good deals on lightly carried/used knives.
 
Regarding one-hand-open; that isn't important really. I recognize that most knives without locks have a harder pull.

At the moment I'm heavily leaning toward the GEC #15 single blade. I may just post a WTB in the appropriate forum since I am in no hurry.
 
I spent some time looking at previously sold #15's. Unfortunately all the posts have edited out the price they sold for. What is a reasonable price I should be looking to pay for a:

  • GEC #15
  • Single blade Sheepsfoot
  • Fair or better condition

Secondarily; this will be my primary EDC which I expect to get a lot of pocket wear. Which handlescales would hold up the best?

Thank you all for your thoughts; this is extremely useful to me!
 
Micarta handles can take some insane abuse and still be cleaned up easily, plus they're immune to chemicals (at least any I've found).
 
hhmoore said:
That said, is there a reason that you are set on buying from a dealer? GEC doesn't do huge releases; and the preferred patterns and scale options tend to sell quickly. After that, your stuck with the leftovers until the next release...unless you're willing to purchase of the Exchange. You may pay a slight premium to get what you want New In Tube; but there are often good deals on lightly carried/used knives.
Click to expand...

I think I'll have to do a WTB. I'm pretty set on the #15 with single sheepsfoot. The scales I'm less sure of; micarta is my current leader as the result of J_Curd's suggestion.

What prices would be fair for either NIT or lightly carried?
 
While you aren't asking about a knife you own, I would think the question still falls under the rule about registered members asking about pricing. I could be wrong; but that's my reason for not answering.
 
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