Queen Big Chief Easy Open aluminum handled slipjoint

S

shecky

Joined
May 3, 2006
Messages
3,092
Anyone ever use one? The shape and size look as if they might be to my liking. The easy opening version is a plus for me. How thin are they in the pocket? I like the flatness of the Douk Douk and Vic Alox. But I'm liking something with a longer, more slender blade. My yellow barehead trapper almost there. I have a ridiculously well made for it's price Chinese Ontario executive lockback. That one's almost there, too. But I really prefer a slipjoint. And I have nothing against stainless or carbon. I actually kind of like the utilitarian looks of the Big Chief series. What are these beasts like?
 
I have had a cheapie in my pocket the past few days. It is one of the Rough Rider knives, single blade, one hand man style blade which really does open easily by hooking it on my jean's pocket. 6 3/4 overall length, 3 7/8 closed, 3/8 thick. I find I really do like this design for a general purpose knife.

onehandmancopy.jpg
 
For some reason, I hadn't even thought of Rough Riders. I'm thinking something more along the lines of a large toothpick or even lady leg.

However, I was hoping for something possibly more lightweight. I have a RR sodbuster. Size is good, but I find that it's just hefty enough, and the point not acute enough, and the resistance in opening enough, that it just doesn't get much pocket time.

This is close. Really close. If only a bit longer. Out of the box, edge was a bit thick, but usable, and F&F was fine. After reprofiling, it does great. Not too heavy. Very thin in the pocket. I'm neutral about lockblades, but on this one, I really can't complain.
 
I carry one of those yellow Docs.CV steel.Don't even know it is in your pocket.:):):)
Happy
 
Shecky, just over a year ago I got a Rough Rider Sodbuster with a liner lock.It was sharp and cut me really quickly:eek:

It's a big knife, I thought it OK and used it a lot in the garden but I cleaned it up each time.This week-end it almost literally FELL APART in my hand the main pivot imploded and if it had been fully opened I would have been badly cut.

This is a sobering thought and I'm watching my other Rough Riders with suspicion now.

Best stick with Queen Cutlery I feel:eek:
 
shecky said:
Anyone ever use one? The shape and size look as if they might be to my liking. The easy opening version is a plus for me. How thin are they in the pocket? I like the flatness of the Douk Douk and Vic Alox. But I'm liking something with a longer, more slender blade. My yellow barehead trapper almost there. I have a ridiculously well made for it's price Chinese Ontario executive lockback. That one's almost there, too. But I really prefer a slipjoint. And I have nothing against stainless or carbon. I actually kind of like the utilitarian looks of the Big Chief series. What are these beasts like?
Click to expand...


These are pretty cool knives, the Big Chief series. Not much to look at, but good beaters. Pretty tough, too. I know some around here said I'd be better using my Vic Cadet or Wenger SI, but I still looked into the Big Chief and it was a pretty handy "work" knife. I'd say go get one and see for yourself.
 
The Queen Big Chief Easy Open is just over $20.
The regular is $16

I will get one next time I order from the store that carries it (BladeMatrix)
 
I have pretty good faith in Rough Riders. One of the first I got was a bone handled Deerslayer, a clasp knife pattern. I got it specifically to see what it would take to break. Which turned out to be more than I expected. After chopping, prying, whacking, stuff I'd generally never do with a slipjoint, the scales cracked (though mostly remained on), the backspring deformed, the backspring pin almost sheared, the pivot got sloppy, and the liners seemed to have taken a lateral bend. But the knife was still actually usable, with sufficient snap and a usable blade. It actually took quite a bit of work to do the final destruction. The liners went south first, the backspring popped out, and the pivot never actually gave.

I may just have to break down and buy a Big Chief. FWIW, the patent for the Big Chief is here. Very simple design, as few as four parts total to make a functional slipjoint knife.
 
I fooled around with one back in the mid 80's. It was an okay knife, kind of neat construction and design, but just okay. It used to be a cheap work knife at 6.99 a pop, but at 20 dollars there is too many better knives out there. I gave mine away after a while. Just was not impressed enough to keep it.
 
havent tried a big chief but its tough to beat a cv soddie jr 19 bucks at bass pro! and believe it or not the rough riders i have are all really solid functional knives with pretty good fit and finish.
Then again i'm still infatuated with my lemon chiffon soddie:D
best of luck
ivan
 
I am a sucker for easy openers and always wanted to check out one of these Big Chief's. The RR Large Toothpicks are a nice long skinny back pocket knife and have enough blade sticking up to pinch open them. After my girlfriend mocked me for using a S.A.K. to cut a pork loin one night out at dinner, I am planning on using this as my E.S.K. (Emergency Steak Knife!).

 
I had a big chief several years ago and it only had 2 problems, lateral blade play, and ugly as homemade soap. aside from these 2 things it was a good work knife.
 
jackknife said:
I fooled around with one back in the mid 80's. It was an okay knife, kind of neat construction and design, but just okay. It used to be a cheap work knife at 6.99 a pop, but at 20 dollars there is too many better knives out there.
Click to expand...

This has been my impression, never having handled one.

its tough to beat a cv soddie jr 19 bucks at bass pro!
Click to expand...

Yous see, this is where I disagree. Actually, I'm partial to my yellow CV barehead trapper. But I prefer it a bit larger, though just as thin, and with a blade that sits in such a way that necessitates using a nail nick to open. Notice Revolvergeek's picture of the closed RR toothpick? That is more to my liking.

Another possibility would be an Okapi slipjoint. Fairly large sizes, also relatively lightweight.
 
The RR Large Lady Leg might be another option for you. I got this one in a SMKW grab bag. It really isn't my sort of thing at all, but it is long and skinny and flat.

 
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