Self-imposed challenge

R

randomlooker

Joined
Jan 31, 2007
Messages
671
I normally carry a SAK and a Spyderco folder. However, I decided to try carrying a traditional folder for a week -- a Rough Rider Medium Stockman -- for all my knife needs. The rules I set let me still carry a swiss army knife as well, but only for the tools, not any blades (Which I rarely use anyways.)

So far, unsurprisingly, it's handled my cutting needs (Mostly food prep and opening boxes and other packaging) quite well, and the lack of bulk in my pocket is nice, but I'm finding I'm really missing the ease of access you get with the pocket clip and one-handed opening of a modern design, especially at work, where I'm often wearing gloves.

Based on that, there's no danger of a traditional pattern taking over as my primary knife, but I'm probably going to get a few nicer ones from Case or Queen for the collection and occasional carry. The RR, while good for the price, came with a big cosmetic issue: a chip out of the bone on one scale. Annoying, but sending it back for a replacement would cost more in time and effort than the value of the knife.

I'm going to be spending most of the next few days out in the mountains, hiking. Will have to find some excuses to use it for some harder tasks than cutting tape and plastic wrap and fruit and see how that works out.
 
I'm with you on this one. Because I work in an office environment I carry slipjoints more than any type of knife. Modern one-handers are just so handy however, and I can't see myself ever giving up my Sebenza, LCC, Military, or SMF.
 
I think most of us here have had a time when we used a "modern folder" with clip and thumbstud.

When I quit carrying that style of knife, I thought to myself, I'll never get use not having a stud to open with. Even though I carried slipjoints for years when I was younger.

It didn't take long at all for those feelings to go away. I look forward to pulling it out of pocket, admiring it (can't get ready to use it without givin it a once over :D) pulling open the blade and feeling the springs pop in to action...
And admiring it again before it goes back in pocket. I guess I make a simple task more than it really needs to be, but it keeps me smilin...

I could see where it would be less convenient for you though if you wear gloves a lot.
 
Carrying slipjoint never used to cross my mind. Hadn't used one since I was a boy. This year when I bought one again, it all came back....

My dad gave me a yellow handle Imperial years ago. It was one of my first knives. Carbon steel, two blades. The metal yellow handle was kind of clamped on, and would sometimes fall off. I would replace the handle with a pair of needle nose pliers. My knife collection grew over the years. My dad gave me an oil stone. Try though i might I couldn't get any of my coolest knives sharp again once the factory edge wore off. I remember being frustrated one day, as I had been trying to put an edge on a blade for sometime. I picked up that old Imperial and quickly swiped it back and forth on the fine side of the stone.....and wow was it stinking sharp. I was amazed at how sharp that unremarkable looking thin blade could get. I could cut stuff and tinker without fear because, I could always get it sharp again. Loved that knife. Still have it back home in New York waiting for me when my service is up.
I still carry a modern folder from time to time, but it doesn't hold the nostalgia for me those jack knives do.
 
338375 said:
I think most of us here have had a time when we used a "modern folder" with clip and thumbstud.

When I quit carrying that style of knife, I thought to myself, I'll never get use not having a stud to open with. Even though I carried slipjoints for years when I was younger.

It didn't take long at all for those feelings to go away. I look forward to pulling it out of pocket, admiring it (can't get ready to use it without givin it a once over :D) pulling open the blade and feeling the springs pop in to action...
And admiring it again before it goes back in pocket. I guess I make a simple task more than it really needs to be, but it keeps me smilin...

I could see where it would be less convenient for you though if you wear gloves a lot.
Click to expand...

I'm with you, Mike. Pretty much feel the same way right down the line.

On colder days when fingers may be less nimble I carry a traditional lockback (less fumbling and potential for issues) and/or a small classic fixed blade.

Works for me. (Though like many others I'm not ridding myself of my more modern style production and custom folders. Too much personal history there to completely set aside.)
 
Good for you.

I gave up on one hand folders long ago. But my following admission just might get me banned from this sub-forum.:foot::eek:

As much as I love slipjoints....... The main knives in my carry rotation are fixed blades made by a forum member/maker :o.

These are backed up by a SAK or a slipjoint.:)
 
I always have the best of both worlds with me, there is always a pocket clip, one hand opening knife in my right front pocket and a smaller slipjoint in the left with my wallet. The slipjoint gets more use but there are times when I only have one hand free.
 
I don't think I've carried a one hander in over a year. It's always an SAK in my right pocket (either a Wenger Highlander or a Vic Camper) and a Boker in my left (either a pen or stockman, both carbon/delrin). They cut well, they don't raise any eyebrows and they won't cost an arm and a leg to replace should I lose them. It might be an easier challenge than you imagine.

Frank
 
For what I use a knife for , knife stuff , not chopping tree's , car doors or trying to skin the drywall off a house ;) I find a slip joint or lockback will do all I need.

While I still have some one hand openers , and they do get carried/used , for all intent purposes , if I am in a situation where I need the blade in that much of a rush , that is why I carry a 3" fixed blade horizontal carried on my belt.

Life doesn't always have to be fast , much more relaxing to open the slip joint , and feel the blade overcome the spring as it opens , especially into the 1/2 stop position , then followed by that subtle "snap" as it seats home against the backspring into the open position...life itself moves fast , but take time to enjoy the subtle things.

I find I am way past the point in my life where I need the dramatic opening of a knife.. subtle is good :)
 
Absolutely Elliott. I can see things changing as we start gettin a little older and the body doesn't work as good as it once use to :D. I'm in the same boat as far as the cold. Boy it didn't use to phase my at all, but I'm startin to notice it more and more...Course the BP Meds don't help much either :D The small sheath knives are a great way to make life easier.

IIRC Jackknife wrote something along that lines re: arthritis or surgery and difficulty with opening knives.

Agreed about not getting rid of your one handers. They do have a place, especially when you have a history with them. I've still got a couple that I've had for quite a few years that I will never get rid of.
 
i have never carried a modern style knife so i don't have experience with them but my brother wont even look at a traditional knife its all modern with him (some people don't have much style)
a well made slip joint will do all i ask it to
Ive carried the same knife and leather man for about a year now
 
when I was younger, i carried a SAK everyday. Then I went a few years where if it didnt say Kershaw or Benchmade, i wouldn't have anything to do with it. Now I've been carrying the same Case trapper for 2 weeks, and I don't plan on switching back anytime soon
 
I've always thought that the typical traditional folder looks nicer than the typical modern one. There's just so much variety in bone color and texturing, not to mention horn, antler, and so on. I've read posts here about how people treat them as worry beads, and I've caught myself doing that already. Trying it with a plastic or metal or g-10 handle just isn't the same.


I'm starting to picture myself carrying 3 knives as of next week, even though that strikes me as being more than a bit excessive. SAK for useful tools like a bottle opener and scissors, modern folder for most cutting tasks, traditional folder for the same around NKPs and just to fondle with while closed...
 
I went the tactical route for a while. I still have a Turzola Benchmade kicking around. I have a Wave strapped to my belt 24/7. It's all stainless so I need some natural material like wood or bone in my pocket. I find a small slipjoint for delicate work with the Wave for beating on works out well. One of these years I'll get a small Randall for my belt.
 
Nothing like trying out a "new" slipjoint in a rr line. they make good users. I tried a rr peanut for a few months and now have a nice case peanut. I use the rr line to see if a pattern( trapper,stockman,muskrat,etc) fits me if I like it I will then buy a nicer one. I just find it easier on my wallett this way.
 
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