Recommedation for a good slip joint folder?

A

AC_23

Joined
Apr 17, 2000
Messages
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I'm looking for a good 2 or 3 blade slip joint folder as an edc. I want something that has good fit and finish, good edge retention and blade steel, and something that won't break the bank.

I'm new to this area of knives and I'm pretty lost with so many brand names.

Thanks,
Clay
 
Victorinox makes a few different models.

Alox handles, 3 3/4" closed length:
Settler, large spear and pen blades
Apprentice, large spear and sheepsfoot (electricians) blade
Pruner, large spear and hawkbill blades

Paul
 
I agree with the SAKs being great little slipjoints.

I would recommend a Queen slipjoint with D2 steel blades. I have one of their 3 blade stockman with bone handles and it makes a great EDC.
 
I'll also recommend the Victorinox aluminum alox handled Swiss Army Knives.
Two of my favorites are:
The Electrician and the Pioneer Harvester.

If you want a traditional stockman pattern, then maybe the Buck 300 series is what you're looking for.

Happy hunting,
Allen.
 
the vernerable Victorinox SAks are prtobably your best buy......

LOTs - literally - of models to choose from.

I like SAK "minimalism" - take a look at:

53949_l.jpg

bantam alox #53949 ~$13 low price
size:84 mm | 3 1/4 inch
Large blade
Bottle opener
can opener
Screwdriver
Wire stripper
Very thin/slim.

53891_l.jpg

waiter #53891 ~$11 low price
size:84 mm | 3 1/4 inch
Large Blade
Cap Lifter with Can Opener
Screwdriver
Wire Stripper
Key Ring
Toothpick
Tweezers
Corkscrew

Please see this thread for more discussion:

Minimalist SAKs

If you really want two knife blades - then look at:
54289_l.jpg
53281_l.jpg

respectively:
secretary #54289
silver alox
size:84 mm | 3 1/4 inch

pocket pal #53281 (red cellidor/plastic handles)
size:84 mm | 3 1/4 inch
Large blade
Small blade
 
A Case Sowbelly, 3-bladed pattern, has been a constant carry for me for the past 12 months. It is easy to sharpen and holds the edge fairly well, and is used constantly for small chores or to be loaned out when someone ask me for a knife to cut something. I'm not about to loan my JWS Evolution to ANYONE!:eek: :D

Btw, I've found Case knives to be sorta spotty as far as initial edge from the factory is concerned so I think it best to "pick" through if you can and get one of good quality.
 
Originally posted by AC_23
I'm looking for a good 2 or 3 blade slip joint folder as an edc. I want something that has good fit and finish, good edge retention and blade steel, and something that won't break the bank.

I'm new to this area of knives and I'm pretty lost with so many brand names.

Thanks,
Clay
Click to expand...

Clay,

Are you wanting something SAK-esque, or a more traditional(stockman, trapper, et cetera) pattern?
If the latter is the case, then I'd recommend the working knives from mooremaker.com or the yellow-handled knives from Eye Brand. Lots of folks love Queen but I don't have any experience with their work yet, so I can't pass judgement. They do use D2, though, so that's a point in their favor. Case is still hit-or-miss in terms of quality, but their CV steel is still good stuff. I've never been a huge Schrade fan, but lots of people love their carbon steel Old Timers. Those do have the advantage of being dirt cheap, too.
I'm afraid I've gone with the assumption that you want carbon steel blades in your knife since you mentioned good blade steel and edge retention. If you don't, maybe someone else can help you.
In any case, good luck.

James
 
I’m a big slipjoint fan. If you ask me, the closest thing to a no-brainer in terms of fit and finish, is the Victorinox SAK. All other slipjoints are pretty much hit or miss in the production knife market, IMHO. I no longer buy slipjoints without handling them first, with the sole exceptions being Vic SAKs and A.G. Russell specials. The A.G. specials are a bit pricy, but worth every penny.

When it comes to factory sharpened edges, the only really consistent companies I’ve had luck with are Victorinox and Buck. The other companies are very “hit or miss”.

As far as steel goes, the only quality production slipjoints I don’t like are Case knives. I’ve never gotten a Case with steel that I was happy with. All of the others are fine with me. When using a knife as small as a slipjoint, the usual 420HC, 400A and 1095 are fine with me. ATS-34, 154CM and D2 are an added bonus, but take a huge amount of work to put that initial edge on. Personally, if you want one of the higher grades of steel, A.G. Russell specials are the only way I’d go. I have yet to get a Queen D2 with good enough “walk and talk” to consider usable.
 
I'm really happy with the Schatt&Morgan (Queen) Wildcat Driller. It's a man sized sleeveboard jack with a beefy main blade. It's well made and substantial but comfy in the pocket. The blade steel is nice utility 420HC. A good compromise for edge retention, sharpness, stain resistance and ease of sharpening. If you shop around, you can find it for under $100.

Hey Queen Cutlery, if you're listening, how about this pattern with D2 steel????
 
For a typical American slipjoint I´d recommend something from Schrade, probably a stockman, Uncle Henry if you want stainless (440A) or Old Timer if you want non-stainless (1095). These are easily found, well made, several sizes, not expensive, give them a try, even if later on you want to upgrade to a fancier one, you´ll still enjoy using these.

Also, I think everybody should have a SAK, even if carrying another knife as primary EDC.
 
Yeah, the Schrade Old Timer 8OT is a good user for a good price. Not perfect in fit and finish but good enough for the price. The blades have a good snap and are easy to get a sharp edge on. Try one, they're cheap.
 
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