Quick poll, zippered case or pocket slipcase shipped with knife?

Which would I prefer shipped with custom slipjoint

  • Good quality zippered case

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • pocket slipcase

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
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ken erickson

ken erickson

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Aug 27, 2004
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I know this poll will not pertain to everyone here as many folks do not have an interest in handmade slipjoints but your more than welcome to participate:thumbup:

I have traditionaly included a cheap zippered case when I ship one of my new custom slipjoints out to it's new home. I have been wanting to upgrade to a better quality zippered case or perhaps a pocket slipcase. I would like to judge which option most buyers would prefer. Please feel free to offer alternative suggestions or even brands such as Bill's custom cases.

Thanks in advance for your time,
 
Ken, I think you should send a pocket slipcase with the knives you expect or hope the purchaser will carry...and perhaps a zippered case with those knives that might (reasonably) be considered to be a bit more on the "artsy" side. (Not to say that your more utility oriented knives aren't artistically conceived and executed, as I believe I have reason to know firsthand.)

You couldn't go wrong with either choice but it'd be nice to see you nudge the buyer to consider carrying and experiencing your work. Just a couple of quick thoughts.
 
Good point Elliott.

Let me ask this. As far as quality of the zippered case, how important is that in your mind when buying a handmade slipjoint, considering the purchase price? I myself have become unsatisfied with the cases I have been using.
 
ken erickson said:
Good point Elliott.

Let me ask this. As far as quality of the zippered case, how important is that in your mind when buying a handmade slipjoint, considering the purchase price? I myself have become unsatisfied with the cases I have been using.
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The quality (or lack thereof) of the zippered case has never been a consideration as regards whether or not I purchase a knife. That said, I am always pleasantly surprised when I receive a knife in a higher quality case and I think it (perhaps) might convince some of the pride shown by the maker in his work.

(Having owned work by some of the best in the business who I know have great pride in their work, I think that might be a stretch. Let's just say it's a pleasant surprise.)

But I am glad you stopped sending me all those shop towels!!! :D;):p
 
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I think it depends on the philosophy of the maker. If you want your knives to be used and carried, then I would say a slip case. If you believe your knife is more of a collectible, then a zippered case seems to be the way to go. If it were my money, I would greatly prefer a slip case. When I do eventually purchase a hand made knife, it will be to use and carry it as my primary (possibly only EDC). I'm a big fan of your knives and if I had the money, I'd be contacting you right now to get in line for one!
 
I'll take a nice zippered case. I don't own many custom slipjoints compared to many here, but I've never had any trouble dropping one in my pocket. I find the idea of using pocket cases unnecessary, not to mention inconvenient. They just add another step to using a knife.

I think that another thing to consider is that a couple of sizes of zippered cases will pretty much work with most handmade knives. A nice pocket slipcase will probably have to be custom tailored to each knife, thereby adding to the wait. I don't have a problem waiting in some instances. For example a fixed blade absolutely needs a sheath before it is useful so I understand if a bowie has to be sent off to Paul Long before I can get my hands on it. Slipjoints on the other hand don't need a slipcase, sheath, or any other other accoutrements and are ready to use as soon as your are finished with them.

- Christian
 
kamagong said:
I think that another thing to consider is that a couple of sizes of zippered cases will pretty much work with most handmade knives. A nice pocket slipcase will probably have to be custom tailored to each knife, thereby adding to the wait.
- Christian
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A very valid point Christian.

Thanks for the input so-far guys!
 
I have a nice Italian made leather slipcase that 90% of my slipjoints fit into, so not all have to be custom made, I have those too. I like a slipcase when I carry a slipjoint in my breast pocket, in which i do often.



Kris
 
I voted for a nice zippered case.

But there would be nothing wrong with offering the choice, or both for a little extra.
 
Something else just popped into my head. Custom slipjoint owners are a particular bunch. They examine their knives very closely, holding it up to the light to detect gaps, wiggling the blade to check for play, checking to see if the spring is flush in all positions, etc. Can you imagine the logistics involved in sending a new knife out to have a new case made for it? That'll probably add a week to the wait. Not only that, but there is an excellent chance that the "new" knife will now have some microscratches on the bolsters. It's unavoidable, inserting a knife or gun into a fitted leather holder will result in the metal being scratched. (Why do you think leather strops are so effective?) What then? Do you tell the sheathmaker to send the knife back to you so that you can buff out the scratches?

All that just seems so unnecessary. Your idea of offering pocket slipcases with your knives is a good one, but the best and easiest solution for everyone involved may be that you have a recommended list of good leatherworkers. That way those who want a slipcase can get one.

- Christian
 
I realize that I'm not typical, but I have zippered cases sitting around gathering dust. It's nice to see one when I open the box, but the next thing I do is open it, take out the knife and toss the case in the corner. I doubt I'd get any more use out of a slipcase, either. You'd have to ask Ken Coats whether all those scratches and dings make him happy or sad, they don't bother me a bit.
 
I'd just as soon have a zippered case, but like Elliot said, if you want to encourage folks to use your less fancy work a slip case would be a fairly broad hint. And since slip joints don't require a fitted sheath the way that fixed blades typically do, it shouldn't be too difficult to keep three sizes around to fit most knives.
 
I have several slipjoints in the multi thousand dollar bracket, and they came with crappy, made in china, zippered cases. I wish there was a little pride in "the pants" that the makers send these fine knives out in. Just my .00002 cents worth


Kris
 
MT Damascus said:
I have several slipjoints in the multi thousand dollar bracket, and they came with crappy, made in china, zippered cases. I wish there was a little pride in "the pants" that the makers send these fine knives out in. Just my .00002 cents worth


Kris
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I agree with this 100 percent, Kris. I like a NICE zippercase for the expensive customs. When I don't carry them I can put them in the case and toss them in a drawer and not worry about it getting beat up. Like you said, this is with multi thousand dollar customs.

Kevin
 
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