Queen Stockman - Large or Small?

L

Lock1454

Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
885
Howdy!

So I picked up a Rough Rider and found that, yes, I do quite enjoy traditional slippie pocket knives :D So I decided to grab a higher quality one. Decided to go with a Queen because of the D2 steel, seemed like a good compromise between SS and CV. I liked my RR Stockman, so decided to go with the same model for the Queen (aged honey amber stag).

Now my question, small (3.25") or large (4")? I think the 3.5" RR I have is actually the ideal size I want, but Queen doesn't offer one at that length. Is there any difference between the two models other than the length? From looking at the picture, it seems that the bolsters on the large are rounded while the small is squared - is that so? Rather inane questions I know, but I just find the rounded bolsters more attractive and is giving me a bit of bias towards the large at the moment.

Thanks :)

Edit: And yes, my goal was to try to sneak "decide" into the first part of the post as much as possible... I think I won :D
 
I've found that for most tasks, a smaller folder does the job just fine. It's amazing how much can be done with just a little peanut. However, it's all about what you plan on doing and how much knife you feel is necessary.
 
Yes, the bolsters on the large stockman are rounded, and I believe they are square on the smaller model. I've been carrying a Queen D2 large stockman for quite a while now, and it has been a very good knife. The only complaint I had with it was the main clip blade was very thick, with about a 60 degree included edge angle. I ended up sacrificing the blade etch and thinning out the blade on a belt sander before I could get it sharpened to suit me. The other two blades are thinner stock and were nicely ground. Overall fit and finish were actually better than the Case knives I've bought over the last few years.
 
The bolsters on the 4" Queen are rounded.

Queen also makes a 4 1/4" Cattle King stockman. It has square bolsters and is significantly larger than the 4".

However, between the 3 1/4" and the 4"
The 3 1/4" is better if you wear slacks.
I like a 4" stockman for jeans. (I also like the 4 1/4" Cattle King. I have one.)

Like yablanowitz, I found that I needed to change the edge angles before I was happy with my Cattle King. DMT's are nice, but you can do it with an India stone.
 
The stockman pattern is my favorite of all knife patterns and I tend to gravitate towards medium sized frames. But, with a Queen, you'll be happy regardless of which size you choose.

Despite liking the smaller size, because of the bolsters on the large stockman, it would be my choice. I like rounded bolsters and find them a little more comfortable to carry because they tend to move around in the pocket easier when you sit down.
 
Just as luck would have it, I'm picking up a DMT system in this same order! ... and a C/XC stone... And XF/XXF stone... (and a Kershaw RAM... My bank account is not going to be happy with me) So, hopefully, I'll be able to regrind an appropriate angle, although I'll likely hold off on that until I'm much more comfortable with sharpening, wouldn't want to ruin the knife ;) Really with the small came with the rounded bolsters though, would have made the choice much easier for me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top