Searching for and comparison advice - apples and oranges...?

T

toflick

Joined
Jun 10, 2013
Messages
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Hi All

I have myself lurking around in the Traditional knives section more and more. I am absolutely blown away by some of the makers on this board and their custom work (I think it was one of Alan Davis' creations (pine cone damascus folder) that made me sub to the Knifemakers Market forum... just to see these creations) . I understand that many of these designs are 'traditional' designs, but with more modern materials... an am assuming that they are still categorized as traditional?

Anyway, as much as I'd love to, I'm not quite ready/able to drop that kind of money on a knife... one day! ;)

I also started to develop a bigger appreciated for styles like the Sodbuster and have myself drawn to the more 'minimalist' designs (single blade, sleek handle).

So... I am currently on the hunt for my first 'traditional' knife... more on the budget side.

My question is: can I expect the same kind of 'strength' and fit/finish from some of the 'lower end' traditionals (say sub $50), or traditionals in general? I'll assume that they are not hard use knives. My in-hand experience would be comparing to something like a Spyderco Squeak (very strong slip joint 'lock') that I can still work with quite a bit without worry. Or, is this apples to oranges?

Lockbacks?

Or, assuming i'm not being careless, I can be fairly confident the blade will lock enough that it won't close on my fingers under edc use?... (e.g. cutting down cardboard, light carving, etc?)

I usually order everything online as it is difficult to get to my 'local' knife store (SR Knives). And from checking online, they don't seem to have a big selection of traditionals... a few case knives (or maybe I just don't know enough brands to recognize them). No one seems to have any GEC stuff around here at all... (in Toronto, Canada)...

Thanks for your suggestions!

:)
 
When I first started frequenting this forum I had only used lockback knives. I had the same fear that you have. How is a knife without a lock going to stay open while I'm using it? Once I started using slipjoints I saw that this concern was completely unfounded. Especially if you're looking at GEC. The springs hold the blades up surprisingly well. Mind you, I don't use my knives for stabbing, but for everyday cutting like you're describing I don't see how the blade would accidentally close on me.

If you're looking at sodbusters, I would strongly recommend the Yellow Case Sodbuster Jr. in CV. I won one in a GAW here about a week ago and I have put this thing through it's paces. I don't see how the fit and finish could be improved in any way. The blade is easy enough to pinch open with gloves on, but very solid when locked up. And you can have it shipped to you for around $25. I have never held a GEC Bullnose to compare and contrast, but I don't see how GEC could improve on the Case. The Sodbuster has taken all of my daily use without complaint. Mind you, I'm not batoning wood with it. But, it's taken over all of my yard and garage work. So, it's cut wood, weeds, boxes, hoses, rope, leather, etc. with no problem. I don't carry it out, but if I'm home and doing dirty work it's the first knife I reach for. My lockback has sat unused since the day I got my first slippie. There is no hole in my needs that it fills. Day to day I've got my slipjoints and I take my Mora (also won in a giveaway here) out for anything that I don't think the slipjoints can handle. I have a hatchet for splitting wood.
 
I agree with Cory on the Sodbuster Jr in CV if you don't want to spend more than 50 bucks and you want a single blade knife.
 
You can get a fairly good choice of Case slippies at the big fishing store in Vaughan. My Daughter grabbed me a sodbuster Jr in cv there for about $35.00. Other than Charlie there are no GEC dealers here in Canada.

Good luck

Best regards

Robin
 
Hi, and welcome :)
I will throw in a few random thoughts, hoping to provide some useful insights.
Lockbacks and slipjoints...it's an old story. I grew up in a land of friction folders, and never had (or saw) a knife closed on someone. I assume it depends on how you use your knife. I have no experience with carving (alot of people here carve and whittle with slipjoints anyway), and I do not stab anything with my knife, so things might be different for you.
As for the F&F, traditionals tend to vary more than modern designs, mostly due to construction techniques. But a quality slipjoint is as good as you might ask for.
One more thing about steel. If you're new to traditionals, bear in mind that many slipjoints have carbon steel blades, which inevitably require a bit more maintenance and behave differently than stainless (patina, ease of sharpening, edge retention) so you need to consider these factors as well. Anyway, you can easily find slipjoints in stainless steel and D2.
If you're after a single bladed traditional that can handle enough work, I would probably go for a Queen slipjoint or lockback in D2 (it might require some initial sharpening but then you will be fine).
But then again...your best bet for a single bladed knife that's strong, cuts great, locks, is available in a decent stainless steel, and will get to your door for the price of a pizza and a coke, get an Opinel and never look back.

Fausto
:cool:
 
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I think the Sodbuster Jr Yellow Delrin CV is a great value for around $25 bucks but I also think the Great Eastern #71 Bullnose is an excellent value for a little over $50. The Bullnose has a lanyard hole, half-stop, superior walk & talk to the Sod Jr as well as being a little larger. I like them both and see it as one of those you get what you pay for things.
 
It's an apples to oranges comparison for sure, the Spyderco Squeak really isn't a traditional.
The Case sod buster would be an excellent introduction to slip joints or if you want a harder steel Queen has a Country Cousin in D2.
It's takes a push on the top of the blade instead of the edge to make a slip joint close. In other words operator error. Knives cut and as long as you cut safely you'll have no problem. I've been using traditionals for 53 years and still have all my fingers.
You could always look at a Buck 110 if you think you need a lock.
“I'll assume that they are not hard use knives.”
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If by hard use you mean batoning, I wouldn;t do that to any knife. Having said that, the thin blade of the Sod Busters will out cut most modern assisted openers. I've cut a lot of cardboard and never had a knife fail.
 
Thanks everyone for your insight and experience. Much appreciated! I read the thread on the sod buter Jr vs it the queen cc vs GEC bullnose... Looks like I'll be hunting in this range.

Does anyone have suggestions for online retailers for traditionals in Canada?

Thanks again and much appreciated!

:)
 
I was going to leave you a visitor message, but redbike beat me to it. I agree with everything he said there :)
 
toflick said:
Thanks Mike and Redbike! I'll check them out. Also, any Canucks use Blue Creek?
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Send me an email and I'll see what I have kicking around in my collection, I know I have a case sodbuster I would gladly send your way.
 
Hi All

So thanks to your suggestions I've spent the last few days searching and searching... For those who suggested KSF... I've got my eye on a number of Northwoods... such great designs!

A huge and special thanks to belljs3 for his kindess and generosity... my very first traditional slipjoint is a Case Sodbuster!! It is awesome!!

This is such a great community! Thanks again to everyone and I hope to spread the wealth of knowledge and appreciation with my fellow knife nuts!

:)
 
That's great belljs3 was able to hook you up with your first! You're well on your way.

Be careful with the Northwoods lineup... Those pretty arrow shields have a way of multiplying when you're not looking :)

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Crazy Canuck said:
That's great belljs3 was able to hook you up with your first! You're well on your way.

Be careful with the Northwoods lineup... Those pretty arrow shields have a way of multiplying when you're not looking :)

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Yes belljs3 shared tons of info with me and help me get my bearings when it comes to traditionals and GECs... still have a lot more reading to do.

As far as Northwoods multiplying.... I kinda get that sense too... lol!
 
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