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

[WA Martin]

I think I would prefer the zippered case. The only "pocket knife" I own worth more than $300 is not one I would carry, even if it had come with a slipcase. The knife I remember paying the most for goes right into my pocket. I don't see that changing. I don't even see how I carry it in my pocket changing. Of course I don't own any ivory clad pieces either.

 

[canineforge]

Ken, I think your mission is to get it to the client in 'out of the shop condition', period. What we do with it after that is our concern, not yours. That is why the slipcase doesn't make sense to me. We all have different ideas on what is best for that. Just don't send them out in those cheap ass zipper cases! Find a well made one. I hate to pay for a nice custom and have my wife help me secure the flimsy case while I try to negotiate the flimsy zipper to get my new custom out. Then you have to clean the fuzzy liner crap off to make sure there aren't bolster scratches.

And besides, if I carry one, I want it to carry it like my grandfather did, bare naked.

I appreciate you asking us for input on this. Class act. :thumbup:

- Joe

 

[waynorth]

I had a custom pearl knife slide out of a zippered case a few years back, fortunately I broke its fall with my foot! I have also fought with the pile etc. getting caught in the zipper. I much prefer Bill's velcro cases. And when I carry a knife, I don't use a pouch.
Bill's are the best, IMO.
Unfortunately, there is no place to vote for "other"!

 

[kpiol]

When I graduate to custom knives I would prefer a quality pocket slip case.

 

[mrrampro]

I agree with Post #20 100%. Great point guys.

 

[wagglebee]

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.

I don't have an opinion one way or another, I'm fine when a maker just wraps the knife in paper towels and scotch tape.

From a practical point of view, I wouldn't want a maker having to shell out extra money on a fancy case that I really don't need. Just my two cents.

 

[jwh]

I much prefer Bill's velcro cases.
Bill's are the best, IMO.
Unfortunately, there is no place to vote for "other"!

In complete agreement.

jwh

 

[kc custom]

Off and on for a few years and more as of late I've included both. I make the upholstery leather
slipcases on one of my sewing machines. Minutes to make and the cost is pennies. Since I carry
my folder in contact with keys, change, etc. I dont really have a preference---if I did the slipcase
would win.
Ken

 

[ken erickson]

I would get more use out of a slipcase, preferably and open-ended one if I'm carrying the knife, but the cases by Bill's are nice for storage. I guess a choice between the two would be a safe way to go for most customers.

At the very least I will be giving my customers a choice in the future.

This might not be the answer you're looking for. But I'm going to go with both.

:thumbup:

Ken, I think your mission is to get it to the client in 'out of the shop condition', period. What we do with it after that is our concern, not yours. That is why the slipcase doesn't make sense to me. We all have different ideas on what is best for that. Just don't send them out in those cheap ass zipper cases! Find a well made one. I hate to pay for a nice custom and have my wife help me secure the flimsy case while I try to negotiate the flimsy zipper to get my new custom out. Then you have to clean the fuzzy liner crap off to make sure there aren't bolster scratches.

And besides, if I carry one, I want it to carry it like my grandfather did, bare naked.

I appreciate you asking us for input on this. Class act. :thumbup:

- Joe

Of course getting the knife to the customer in great shape is a concern but I really want to add an additional facet to my knives.

I had a custom pearl knife slide out of a zippered case a few years back, fortunately I broke its fall with my foot! I have also fought with the pile etc. getting caught in the zipper. I much prefer Bill's velcro cases. And when I carry a knife, I don't use a pouch.
Bill's are the best, IMO.
Unfortunately, there is no place to vote for "other"!

The reason I did not include a third option for the velcro cases as I think of them in the same category as zippered cases. A few weeks ago I corresponded with Bill on his velcro cases.

Off and on for a few years and more as of late I've included both. I make the upholstery leather
slipcases on one of my sewing machines. Minutes to make and the cost is pennies. Since I carry
my folder in contact with keys, change, etc. I dont really have a preference---if I did the slipcase
would win.
Ken

Ken,
Thanks for your input!




Before I close this thread I want to thank everyone for their valued thoughts and opinions on this subject. I will be phasing in slipcases along with a better quality zippered/velcro protective case than the ones I have been using when a knife gets shipped. To be sure, I have no intention of passing on the extra expense.

Thanks again for the great responses from everyone who took the time to post!