shadow slip joint?

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waterford

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May 19, 2012
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Please excuse me, but I am trying to learn and educate myself on custom traditional slip joint knives and I am looking to have one made, but I am currently in the process of researching all the customer builders.....

What exactly is meant by "shadow" slip joint knife?

Thanks!
 
The term shadow, as it pertains to slipjoints, refers to those knives without bolsters. Think sodbuster.

- Christian
 
I agree, bolsters are definitely more common and certainly dress up a knife. But shadow patterns are also popular, especially for hard use knife. Shadow patterns can be the toughest construction style so some people really like them for that reason. I like both, but there is a simple appeal in a good shadow pattern for a daily user, it's what is in my pocket right now (avatar knife).
 
I think shadow patterns are more a custom thing. Sure sodbusters and such exist and we see bareheads(usually pivot side has a bolster, other end does not) from time to time. But how many examples of shadow patterns exist in mass produced slip joints? I only own two knives that are shadow patterns. One is a GEC Farm and field Hay'n helper( a sheepfoot version of a sodbuster). The other is a custom moose by Jared Oeser. In my opinion the shadow pattern showcases the handle material best, no ugly metal bolsters distracting you from the handle material of choice. This comes with a big negative for a lot of people. Your beautiful covers are now extremely exposed to the elements(think smartphone without a cover on it). If you drop it you run a much greater chance of damaging your new knife. It all boils down to personal choice and what your comfortable with. Go with some wood or man made micarta or the like to kind of split the field and give you maximum beauty with a little forgiveness, at least that's how I look at it :)


Pic of Barehead vs Shadow


Oeser Shadow moose
 
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Another pro for shadow knives is they typically weigh less than if they had bolsters. The metal of the bolsters usually weigh more than the cover material. Here are a couple shadows with a production knife with bolsters.



You didn't ask but there is also a hybrid type called a bareheaded pattern where only the front bolster is present.
 
Interesting...I can see how both shadow and bolsters are appealing. However, I think I am leaning towards shadow for my first custom slip joint. T.A. Davison makes some beautiful shadows!
 
That he does! He really does some great shadow pattern knives, I'm sure you'll be very happy if you go that direction.
 
2Dead said:
You know, I was thinking about this very knife too. I guess its technically bareheaded but to me its also has the benefits of a shadow.
Click to expand...

I meant to type shadow :foot:....edited original post

Correct me if I am wrong but I would define things this way...

Barehead - one end(usually the pivot side) of the knife is without bolster.

Shadow - A slipjoint that has no bolsters, bareheaded at both ends.
 
That's what I understand the definitions to be Jeff but the question is... does the bolster have to be metal in order to count as a bolster?
 
Good question Trand. I would say that any knife with an exposed pivot pin is a shadow pattern. A maker could make bolsters out of micarta or wood on both ends but if the pivot is not concealed by a metal bolster, then its just a shadow pattern in my mind. The line blurs a little more when you add tip bolsters. I would say the metal ends make this not a shadow pattern. So maybe any knife that has metal on the end of it, with the intent of protecting the handle material is not considered a shadow pattern?

 
waterford said:
Also, I would think shadow slip joints are less expensive than bolster slip joints, correct?
Click to expand...

Depends on who the maker is. You can't go wrong with one of Todd's knives. He's working on one for me right now and I'm already making plans for another. I went with a shadow for a variety of reasons; mainly because it drives me nuts when my shiny bolsters get scratched up (which happens very easily if you carry the knife often enough). Todd, as well as most higher end slipjoint makers use some of the very best material for their scales. Having a shadow allows you to see more of those amazing scales. Just do like most of us, get you a bunch of all the types of knives :)
 
Hmm, according to LG4,

Shadow Knife: A folding knife with no bolsters.

Bolster: 1) A metal end on a folding knife handle that protects the handle cover, and that also usually reinforces the joint. ( 2) is for a fixed blade but metal is also mentioned)

So I guess that Oeser is a shadow.
 
IMG_1092copy_zpsd734c8f5.jpg


Case's carbon fiber Backpocket is an example of a production shadow pattern.
 
Lhpanther,
I hear ya, but its pretty hard to "get a bunch" when they cost $450 - $700 or so dollars! You make it sound like buying candy or $20 Walmart knives!
 
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