Recommendations Please

S

slingham

Joined
Jan 8, 2010
Messages
50
First off, hello to everyone. I've been combing through the forum for a few weeks now and have mainly been in this sub-forum. I'm trying to decide which knife I should get since this will really be my first "quality" knife purchase.

I've owned a few Gerber and Kershaw folders but it was more because they're easy to come by and I didn't know there was this much selection out there. After reading the various stories and viewing all of the pictures throughout this forum, I've decided that a traditional folder is the route I'd like to go.

The only real "requirements" I have are that I'd prefer a knife with Stag casings and something that will carry well in slacks. It'd mostly be used for cutting open boxes during the week, and small chores on the weekends (although I'm sure I'll find more uses for it!). As far as a budget, being that I'm young (23) and newly married, I should probably not spend more than $100. I'm sure someday I'll spend more on knives, but everyones gotta start somewhere....

I'm excited to be a part of this forum and look forward to owning a great knife someday. Thanks for any and all input and I promise I won't write essays like this anymore!
 
Wanting real stag or stag looking?

I would get on the bay and look for an Uncle Henry (made in USA/older one) 885uh large stockman. I have always found that those carry exceptionally well in the pocket.

schradecollection102008029-1.jpg


A Texas Jack pattern would be a fine choice as well...

SDC10055.jpg


both are pretty common and can be found on the bay. Usually go for in the 30 to 40 dollar range on auction. I can find the 885uh in town at a certain knife/antique store but I haven't been in there in a while to see what his stock looks like.

If you want real stag though, I would look towards a Case. I prefer CV steel in Case knives and I am not sure if they offer a stag CV steel so you may be only able to find the stainless variety. I could always get a real good edge on my Case SS blades but just prefer the patina action of the CV.

If you are wanting three blades, Case also makes a medium stockman pattern which is an easy carrying knife.

Good luck on the hunt.
 
I would suggest looking through the AG Russell online catalog, Just look through the slipjoint section till you find something you like and click on it. The specs are always listed telling you blade lengths, steel used, scale material, etc. For example the Queen Birdseye Whittler has 3 blades, 2-1/2″ - 1-3/4″ - 1-3/4″, uses D2 Steel which is a really nice carbon steel btw, and the scales are Birdseye Maple and at $70 bucks is a pretty good deal.
 
Hi,

As lwt210 said, would you be open to something like bone stag? Or are you really set on real stag. If you would consider scales made from bone stag it will open up a much wider and easier to find selection. And bone stag can look as good.

I like my Queen D2 Whittler with bone stag scales for a civilized slippie that can still hold it's edge for heavier work.

102_6334.jpg


dalee
 
With a bit of searching on-line, you should be able to find a Case Trapper or Stockman with real stag handles for just under $100. Both a nice quality knives with good reputations.
 
There certainly are plenty of great choices.

The OP mentioned something that would carry well in slacks, in stag, for cutting boxes and small chores.

I recommend the Queen Canoe in Amber Carved Stag Bone.
The D2 steel blades are very high quality, and the ACSB - while not actual stag - is very good looking IMO.
It's a great size for slacks pocket carry, and it has only one backspring which keeps its profile nice and slim.
 
queens in d2 & gec in 1095 carbon. if you not good at sharpening better go with the gec 1095. queens d2 is quality but you are advised to have diamonds to put on a good edge.personally i prefer the carbon steel on gecs .i.m.o. gec is the best factory knife made.
 
I would have to say...something made by Queen Cutlery. I have been very impressed with their knives. Very good knife and at a very good price for what you are getting. Just be prepared to sharpen it out of the box. Don't look at that as a bad thing. You will need to be able to sharpen it after use so might as well get it how you like it to start with. They have good fit and finish and offer D-2 steel. They hold an edge well and offer many great patterns.
 
I also suggest Great Eastern Company (GEK). They have many models in stag and bone that are under 100 dollars. I have been really happy with mine. I got a stag handled one just this week:
DSC_0051.jpg


They have 1095 steel, so they develop character really quickly. If you dont like a patina on a blade Id suggest Case
 
Based off of this information and what research I've done, I think either a Queen or GEC will be the brand I go with. Now I'll just look an find one that I like.

Thanks so much for all the feedback everyone, I really appreciate it.
 
slingham said:
As far as a budget, being that I'm young (23) and newly married, I should probably not spend more than $100. I'm sure someday I'll spend more on knives, but everyones gotta start somewhere....
Click to expand...

First, congratulations on your marriage!

Next: There's nothing at all wrong with a <$100 knife. Heck, none of mine cost more than $50 or so, and I never feel under-knifed.

Someday if you want to spend more on a custom or whatever and can afford it, go for it. But for now, always be mindful that the (financial) health and stability of your family comes first. Your wife will love and appreciate you for that. This little sermon is not just about knives, btw. YMMV. :)
 
I'd go a Case (CV blades) or GEC (1095 blades). There are several patterns to choose from.

My favourite small knives from Case are the Sawyback Jack (lovely design) and the Texas Jack, they aren't available in stag (at least with CV blades) but the jigged bone is quite nice.

GEC has some brilliant 3" barlows and EZ openers that come in stag, for under $100. I've got two of their knives and love them.
 
I know I said that I was pretty sure that I was going to go with a Queen or GEC, but my desire to have a quality knife in my pocket got the best of me.

One of our local hardware stores happened to be an Authorized Dealer for Case and had a pretty good selection of knives. I was really hoping to get a Case with CV Steel but I fell in love with this knife as soon as I saw it...

CaseStockman.jpg


I'm really happy that I went with a Case as my first "traditional" knife. Thanks again everyone for your recommendations and kind words.
 
A case bartender knife in stag
Just in case you want to take your new bride on a picnic and need to open a bottle
3597.jpg
of wine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top