Queen and Canal Street Knives

[Heirphoto]

Just thought it might be nice to have one of each of these makers in my collection/arsenal since both are now gone. I know quality can be an issue with Queen, not familiar with Canal Street. Any good models or time periods to look for in either to not get a lemon, any to avoid at all costs? Probably still want both to be light users and not expensive collector pieces.

 

[black mamba]

What kind of patterns do you prefer? Size, number and types of blades, cover material? Stainless, D2 or carbon blades?

Canal Street was known for somewhat soft springs until just a few years before they went under, but the last few years they were a little more substantial. F&F was always pretty good. Queen/S&M was very good, approaching GEC quality before the early 2000s, and still decent up through the curly zebrawood offerings, say 2012. They went downhill slowly after that. Good ones were still to be found, but not consistent.

 

[Buzzbait]

I highly recommend the non-locking version of the Mountain Man, particularly the ‘amber carved stag bone’. I have a bunch of Queens, and it’s the only one in one in my collection that I consider to be as good or better than a GEC. Queen really nailed this one. The grind on the blade is really thin, making it an awesome slicer. Gorgeous jigged bone scales. Crazy good D2 blade. Perfect pull with no half stop.

 

[Heirphoto]

I am open to just about any size. I have owned GEC knives from the #14 to the #43. My sweet spot is around a 3 1/4" to 3 1/2" single or 2 blade, carbon or D2 steel and some sort of stag/bone or jigged looking handle.

I have heard some of the Queens were really lacking in quality and did at least want one that would open and close well with no issues or rub.

 

[Shurke]

With the exception of a couple knives turned out in the last few months before they closed, everything made post-2010 by CSC that I handled was superb. As far as patterns, my favorites are the boy's knife, barlow, cannitler, and the double-end jack (2015 forum knife). All make excellent users. If you like single blade knives, I know a lot of folks are also partial to the half moon trapper.

Edit: just saw your preferred sizes. The boy's knife and barlow are both 3 3/8" closed, and the cannitler is 3 1/2".

 

[Railsplitter]

I really like this Executive Jack but with Queen's spotty QC issues I'm afraid to actually recommend one. I got a good one despite the fact that it was an online purchase but I did ask the dealer to hand pick one for me.

Good snap, the blade doesn't rub the liners and is very close to centered, no blade play, can be pinched open, pinned shield and good fit & finish. The blade steel on this one is ATS-34 but I believe there are some Executive Jacks with carbon steel.

 

[kamagong]

I highly recommend the non-locking version of the Mountain Man, particularly the ‘amber carved stag bone’. I have a bunch of Queens, and it’s the only one in one in my collection that I consider to be as good or better than a GEC. Queen really nailed this one. The grind on the blade is really thin, making it an awesome slicer. Gorgeous jigged bone scales. Crazy good D2 blade. Perfect pull with no half stop.

What about the Half-Whittler Buzz?

 

[Buzzbait]

What about the Half-Whittler Buzz?

That Robeson ATS-34 wharncliffe half-whittler is an awesomely functional little knife. But it’s so darned rare, I’m not sure if it’s even worth mentioning. Sometimes I feel like I own all of them that were ever made. All 2.

I can’t really comment on the Queen version. Does the quality of a pattern change much as the steel changes?

 

[kamagong]

That Robeson ATS-34 wharncliffe half-whittler is an awesomely functional little knife. But it’s so darned rare, I’m not sure if it’s even worth mentioning. Sometimes I feel like I own all of them that were ever made. All 2.

I can’t really comment on the Queen version. Does the quality of a pattern change much as the steel changes?

I don't think so. I remember Queen produced a D2 version with pearl covers. Mine has 12C27 blades with winterbottom bone. It was a Queen/Dan Burke collaboration. But everything I've seen, I mean literally all the comments I've read about this #46 pattern are glowingly positive, the only exception being its size.

As to Queen knives that are as good or better than GEC, I have four of them if you include the half-whittler. The pearl knife is especially choice. To the OP, I suggest looking for knives that were made pre-2006. That was before Bill Howard left to start GEC. Queen knives from the mid 80's or so to the 2006 were made under his supervision.

Schatt & Morgan Harness Jack

Winchester (Bluegrass Cutlery) Congress Pen

Winchester Wharncliffe Whittler

 

[wazu013]

English Jack

 

[mrknife]

the half moon trapper, its what started it all for me. well really single blade trappers are basically my favorite traditional pattern. grabbed some from friend @2Dead some ago as some of my earliest additions to the collection, the rest is history. I can stop any time!!!