Queen Questions...

Getahl

Getahl

Joined
Dec 22, 2007
Messages
990
Hi all,

I was thinking of getting a QCC Large Stockman in the relatively near future. I like the size and function of my Buck stockman, and this one looks to be just a hair larger. They are a little out of my price range at present, but wanted to sure of a few things before I went and took the plunge:

Is there much play in the blades? I recently bought a Schrade 94OT which, while it looks mighty pretty in Desert Ironwood, the blades rock back and forth something awful. I suppose I might be able to send that particular knife back to Schrade for service. Fortunately, it was only 20 bucks, so I'm not swearing it, although I think I'll take a look into their warranty. I haven't checked out Queen's warranty either, and don't want to have to do something similar with a 70 dollar knife.

Secondly, how are their backsprings? My Case Soddy Jr. has very tight backsprings, and the Schrade has spectacular tension. My Buck slipppies have pretty good snap, but do ere on the softer side. How would a Queen compare to these, or even a Vic SAK?

A second knife I'm looking at down the line is a GEC #25. The Barlow looks great, and I hear their springs are quite nice as well.

Thanks in advance!

Keith
 
I would say that the Queens have none to a small amount of blade play. I have a bunch and many have a small about of detectable blade play. I usually tighten them up myself and adjust them to my own standards (no blade play and some snap) if they are users so blade play isn't a deal breaker for me.

I also have a bunch of GEC and many GEC barlows. I would say that many of those have a touch of blade play, while many don't.

I guess it depends on the individual knife. Even when I ask for ones without blade play, there is no guarantee that there won't be some, because one man's blade play is another's tight enough (especially a dealer :) ).

As far as backsprings, I would say the Queens are light to medium and the GECs are medium to heavy (very heavy sometimes, I try to adjust those too).

I have a Queen #49 and a #49H here (large stockmen). The main blade is medium strength, the other two are light to medium. All the blades, but one, I would say have a slight touch of blade play.

Heck, I've bought a lot of slipjoints, Buck, Case, GEC, Queen, S&M, Boker, Bulldog... and I'm impressed when one comes without blade play :)

I don't think you can't beat Victorinox for no blade play and nice spring action. I don't think I've ever had a problem with one of those.

Eric
 
Eric, how do you carry out these adjustments in blade-play and especially spring tension?

The Queen Cutlery knives I keep have really no blade play and I'm pleased with them for this. Couple of Schatt&Morgans I have show pronounced blade play&this I dislike.

Getahl, The GEC No.25 is a fine small but very sturdy and imposing knife,meaty springs with a half stop, just the ticket! If you fancy a cheaper Large Stockman then have a look at Böker's carbon models, not bad:thumbup:
 
willgoy said:
Eric, how do you carry out these adjustments in blade-play and especially spring tension?
Click to expand...

Well, for a user I adjust the blade play through some trial and error, but mainly, I put the head in a non-marring vice and squeeze it together to remove play. Then I loosen it a little until the blade snap comes back, work the action, etc. When the knife has no blade play and ok snap, I will ball peen the exposed pins in the bolster and sand and polish until the pins disappear again.

For the blade tension I will find a small piece of metal and insert it between the blade tang and the spring- this usually requires a hammer :). I then open and close the blade once and remove the metal piece. This usually will bend the spring slightly enough to help relieve the nail busting spring tension. On the GECs it sometimes affects the half-stop so it is not as solid.

If they are not users, I usually leave them alone, until they become users.

Eric.
 
Thanks for the answers. I actually managed to do the same with a pair of channel locks and an old sock (to reduce the marring...but it's going to be a user, so I don't really care about aesthetics too much).
 
The only Queen I have with blade play is my S&M Railsplitter, and it's barely detectable. All my Queens have great walk and talk, with my baby sunfish being the lightest on it's single spring, and I like a heavy pull. My suggestion is if there is any knife dealer SMKWs etc. you can go to or to a gun & knife show to actually sample the knife that's a much better way to go!
 
My Queen #64 Canoe is top notch in quality, with no blade play and good stiffness on the spring.



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I dunno if there are any regional retailers for Queen's gear. I have checked all, most of what I saw on their website were internet retailers based out of, well, everywhere far east of me :) I think Plaza Cutlery's 60 some-odd miles away, so I think I'll give them a shot. Maybe check out the Bass Pro Shop for grins and giggles while I'm down in the Inland Empire (SoCal)
 
I have a Queen Cattle King that is as rock solid as any Benchmade or Spyderco when opened. Doesn't wobble even if I purposely try to wiggle the blade.
 
That settles it. I'm definitely going to be ordering a 25 and a Stockman...when money allows :) The mortgage takes precedence over knives when I'm unemployed hehe. Thank you all so much for your help!
 
Powernoodle, NICE Bonestag on that CASE small canoe!
The Queen's not bad either.....
 
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