Pull types, and other specifics for traditional knives...

[stevekolt]

Just really getting interested in traditionals now. What exactly are the differences in pull types?
Long, standard, matchstrike...any other terms specific to traditional knives you can educate me about?
I did try a forum title search for matchstrike pull without luck.
Thanks in advance for any help!,

 

[afishhunter]

A "Nail Nick" is crescent shaped, and the most common.
A "Long Pull" is rectangular.
A "Matchstrike" is basically ridges added to the inside of either a nail nick or long pull, to light the old strike anywhere matches without getting a bit of burning sulfer stuck under your thumbnail.
(No. It is much more painful than it sounds.)

The 'Show Us Your Case Knives Old and New', 'Rough Rider and related slipjoints', and the 'Old Knives' threads will have pictures of both nail nicks and long pulls, with and without the matchstrikes.

 

[Railsplitter]

Just really getting interested in traditionals now. What exactly are the differences in pull types?
Long, standard, matchstrike...any other terms specific to traditional knives you can educate me about?
I did try a forum title search for matchstrike pull without luck.
Thanks in advance for any help!,

I'll try to help in regards to the bold text but judging by your membership level you might already know most of it:

A) Traditional knives are almost always measured in closed length as opposed to blade length like most modern knives.
B) The "kick" is the part of the blade tang that contacts the backspring when closing the blade. It helps keep the edge from contacting the backspring.
C) "Blade Rap" is when the above doesn't work properly and the edge contacts the backspring upon closing causing an annoying nick in the sharpened edge.
D) "Walk and talk" is the phrase used to describe the blade action. "Walk" refers to the movement and "Talk" refers to the snap upon opening, closing, and half stop where applicable.
E) "Mill Relieved Liners" are liners that have a circular cut out around the tang area to prevent the tang from rubbing on the liners when working the blades. Found on many custom traditional knives and the Case/Bose collaboration knives.
F) "Drawing a Blank" is when Railsplitter runs out of things to say.

 

[stevekolt]

Thanks, you both have been very helpful.