Recommendations

[GotSteel]

Hey y'all, new to traditional folders so wondering what to buy as a first knife in this category as a user maybe something for edc rotation, I'd like something that will last hopefully, really like the wharncliffe but open to all blade shapes. Would the 2016 forum knife be a good starter?

Thanks

 

[mqqn]

Yes - the 2016 knife would definitely be a great EDC - it cuts apples nicely and the blade is ground nice and thin, and it carries thin as well.

With traditional knives, there are so many patterns that it just boils down to what you like, and to find that out you have to "suffer through" trying out different patterns. :^)

best

mqqn

 

[WhittlinAway]

Do you a preferred number of blades? How about size?

Are you looking for something that has widespread appeal or perhaps something less common, but with an enthusiastic following?

 

[LastRodeo]

If you like wharncliffe, the Case Swayback Jack and Gent are nice knives.

 

[GotSteel]

edit: double post

 

[BigBiscuit]

In all honesty, you're probably going to go through several patterns before you find the one that just speaks to you. As is often suggested here, you could try a few various patterns in the Rough Rider lineup to see what works for you before dropping a bunch of cash on something that may not. The RR's are not bad quality at all, especially for the price tag. Then there's the other argument (and very valid) that if you see something in Great eastern Cutlery, Queen, Schatt & Morgan or Case that appeals to you, you probably won't loose much if any money reselling it on the exchange to try something else.

 

[GotSteel]

Yes - the 2016 knife would definitely be a great EDC - it cuts apples nicely and the blade is ground nice and thin, and it carries thin as well.

With traditional knives, there are so many patterns that it just boils down to what you like, and to find that out you have to "suffer through" trying out different patterns. :^)

best

mqqn

Ok thanks, that one's at the top of my list, I really like the awl thing on it too.

Do you a preferred number of blades? How about size?

Are you looking for something that has widespread appeal or perhaps something less common, but with an enthusiastic following?

I'd say I prefer a single blade but would be just as content with 2 but would prefer to keep it to a max of 2, I suppose widespread appeal just due to the positive experience factor but if a brand of maker is known for quality I'd be ok with something less common but don't want to spend a lot I think I'd like to keep the budget right around $100 give/take max for my 1st, size I suppose not super small and not full sized (I know not very specific I suppose size doesn't play a major factor).

If you like wharncliffe, the Case Swayback Jack and Gent are nice knives.

Will check em thx

In all honesty, you're probably going to go through several patterns before you find the one that just speaks to you. As is often suggested here, you could try a few various patterns in the Rough Rider lineup to see what works for you before dropping a bunch of cash on something that may not. The RR's are not bad quality at all, especially for the price tag. Then there's the other argument (and very valid) that if you see something in Great eastern Cutlery, Queen, Schatt & Morgan or Case that appeals to you, you probably won't loose much if any money reselling it on the exchange to try something else.

By pattern you mean different blades & handle combos? I've been checking out some GEC and Queens & Cases

 

[Txjohn]

The forum knife is really thin . Like a single blade with a free tool. Nice size, pretty bone , classic shield .

 

[t.willy]

The latest run of beer scout knives & crown lifters from GEC are on the shelves for sale now I believe and they sound like they might be close to what your looking for as long as you like sheep foot blades. You can check them out at Great Eastern Cutlery if you haven't already. The great thing about these are there's going to be a large amount available unlike alot of the other popular GEC patterns. Ether way good luck Gotsteel and welcome to the Porch

 

[jmarston]

My first was a Case Mini Trapper. May I suggest, with your 100 dollar budget, getting two Case knives in different patterns. Maybe a medium stockman and Canoe both are mid sized knives with vastly different blades. See what you like and move forward.

 

[KBA]

In all honesty, you're probably going to go through several patterns before you find the one that just speaks to you. As is often suggested here, you could try a few various patterns in the Rough Rider lineup to see what works for you before dropping a bunch of cash on something that may not. The RR's are not bad quality at all, especially for the price tag. Then there's the other argument (and very valid) that if you see something in Great eastern Cutlery, Queen, Schatt & Morgan or Case that appeals to you, you probably won't loose much if any money reselling it on the exchange to try something else.

+1 here. :thumbup:

I would also read as much as possible in the comparison threads and on the Totin thread. The honeymoon stage to traditional knives is exciting, especially when you dive into the history. The culture here also makes it easy to learn and question.

Not sure if these questions have been asked, but do you want stainless or a steel that will patina?

 

[GotSteel]

My first was a Case Mini Trapper. May I suggest, with your 100 dollar budget, getting two Case knives in different patterns. Maybe a medium stockman and Canoe both are mid sized knives with vastly different blades. See what you like and move forward.

Historically I've been pretty satisfied with my knife purchases but maybe I'll spend a little more and grab a case + something else

+1 here. :thumbup:

I would also read as much as possible in the comparison threads and on the Totin thread. The honeymoon stage to traditional knives is exciting, especially when you dive into the history. The culture here also makes it easy to learn and question.

Not sure if these questions have been asked, but do you want stainless or a steel that will patina?

I like the look of a patina but ok with stainless too

 

[Will Power]

If you fancy a Wharncliffe then I suggest

GEC's 99 Wall Street lock back. Comes in Wharncliffe, Clip or Spear blade. Many handle choices, not too heavy in the pocket and robust.

Another choice would be the GEC 47 Viper seen below with a CASE Swayback in green.

 

[GotSteel]

If you fancy a Wharncliffe then I suggest

GEC's 99 Wall Street lock back. Comes in Wharncliffe, Clip or Spear blade. Many handle choices, not too heavy in the pocket and robust.

Another choice would be the GEC 47 Viper seen below with a CASE Swayback in green.

Liking the Viper! So far it's a toss up between..

GEC 47 Viper

GEC 18 Coyote

or 92 Talon (only one I couldn't find for sale)

I really like the TC Barlow knives as well but almost double what I wanted to spend.. maybe for #2!

 

[BigBiscuit]

Just be aware that there's a big size difference between the Viper and the Coyote. The Talon and Viper are close in closed length, but that Coyote is just a little more than half the size of them.

 

[Will Power]

The Coyote 18 is a really tiny knife in my view, dare I say shrimp?! Well made and excellent finish but for me at least, just too skimpy and light.
Thought I'd warn you....

There are some stainless Vipers as well I believe.

Thanks, Will

 

[GotSteel]

Just be aware that there's a big size difference between the Viper and the Coyote. The Talon and Viper are close in closed length, but that Coyote is just a little more than half the size of them.

The Coyote 18 is a really tiny knife in my view, dare I say shrimp?! Well made and excellent finish but for me at least, just too skimpy and light.
Thought I'd warn you....

There are some stainless Vipers as well I believe.

Thanks, Will

Awesome thanks for the heads up! It's really hard to see that in the photos, didn't notice the coin for scale

 

[BigBiscuit]

There's a Viper for sale on the Traditional Exchange right now.

 

[JITDC]

I'm fairly new to traditional as well. I started with a case mini trapper with wharncliffe and clip blade or muskrat blade then went into the GEC's. For the money a case knife is great, the sway back is still on my list because of the wharncliffe blade. I then jumped head first into the 77 Barlows from GEC. Both single and two blade versions. Awesome knives as well! The great thing about traditional is that there are so many sizes and shapes out there.

The forum knife seems like an excellent choice, I love the awl on my Vic Pioneers and this could slim down my current edc. I would second the vote for the forum knife.


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[r redden]

Are you coming from modern folders or new to knives all together. This will make a difference because if you are a new convert from modern folders a really small knife like a Coyote or Peanut will probably be way to small for you. If you are new to knives pay attention to the prospect knives specs and take a look at a tape measure to figure out what the length will be in hand the OAL spec is overall length. (please forgive me if you know this just trying to help)

The pattern refers to the design of a traditional knife. You also need to think about what the knife will be used for.

As BigBiscuit suggested you might find it beneficial to purchase several different Rough Rider knives in different patterns to find which of those patterns you like then you can find what you like in nicer knives. The thing about Rough Rider is they are good knives, have good fit and finish, are readily available in a large variety of patterns and are very inexpensive. You can try 7 or more different patterns for $100 or so.

Be careful of specific recommendations because everyone has knives they like and dislike and your personal taste may vary widely from another persons. That said you will never find the fine folks here trying to steer you wrong there's just not that kind of people here on the traditional forum. You will only find folks trying to help you.

Good luck and welcome to the porch.