Slipjoint on a budget

D

Dekz

Joined
Oct 26, 2007
Messages
1,392
Hello everyone, I believe this is my first post in this particular sub-forum.

I don't really have much interest in slippies, more into the modern stuff. But something happened tonight and I got a bit of an urge for a slipjoint. I guess I should have at least one right? I figure I'll carry it and use it for food only.

An excuse to buy AND carry another knife, I don't think anybody here will argue with that logic :D

Things are pretty tight right now so I'm on a budget. I really know basically nothing about slipjoints, so what are the standard bargains? The ones that are such a good deal that everybody has one. The Tenacious/Trance/Skyline of the slipjoint world.

I absolutely LOVE damascus, what is the cheapest option out there for that?

Thanks in advance, looking forward to your recommendations.
 
It depends on what you want. I realize you say you don't know about slippies, but do you want a single blade or more? Also, is the steel important or is the handle material? At budget prices, you're not going to get both.

As mentioned, the Case Sodbuster in CV's a great choice. I've also seen Queen's Sodbuster in D2 sell for low $20's.

While it's made in China & has 440A steel, Rough Riders provides quite a bargain for a working knife, IMHO. They're typically around $10-20, depending on the model. F&F is better than expected. No, I don't think it's better than a Case, Boker, or some other reasonably priced, decent U.S. or German slippie, but it is a lot of knife for the $.

Also, while I fully understand you being into more tactical knives, don't be surprised if this isn't your only slippie. I EDC 1-2 guns a day & usually 3 knives (A "tactical" folder, FB, & a slippie). I've found the slippie to be nice to have, especially if you're around people & need to use a knife. People don't seem to give it a 2nd thought & often times, non knife people have commented/complimented me on my slippie (Usually a CSC Cannitler in ram's horn or a Case/Bose collab Jack in antique bone).

Who knows, maybe you'll participate in the idea & voting process for the '10 BFC knife. I have to admit it's a lot of fun & the anticipation is "up there".

Well, good luck with whatever you get.
 
CL01 said:
It depends on what you want. I realize you say you don't know about slippies, but do you want a single blade or more? Also, is the steel important or is the handle material? At budget prices, you're not going to get both.

As mentioned, the Case Sodbuster in CV's a great choice. I've also seen Queen's Sodbuster in D2 sell for low $20's.

Well, good luck with whatever you get.
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Well I did some browsing through the 1000+ Case items at one of my usual online stores.

Man I thought slippies might be cheaper than modern sport/utility/tactical knives, but that sure doesn't seem to be the case!

But in my browsing I learned a lot and can definitely give you a more specific idea of what I'm looking for.

Single blade is fine, in fact I would prefer it so that the knife is thinner/lighter. As I will be carrying this mainly for food purposes and in addition to a modern folder, blade steel is not very important at all. I don't need S30V/ZDP-189/etc to cut up an apple.

Aesthetics is really the most important thing to me, I want something that looks cool. I think I'm a fan of the "toothpick" style knives, although I'm still open to anything. The Case Carib Blue handles are pretty cool looking.

I know the Sodbuster is popular, but it is just soooo plain looking. A great knife I'm sure, just doesn't do anything for me.

I guess at this point just some economical brand name recommendations would do so that I can browse. I will check out Rough Riders.
 
Yeah the sodbuster looks plain. Wasn't sure what you were into from your original post so I decided to give you a hint on a really good "bang-for-the-buck" knife.

If you like a little more eye candy from the more prominent manufacturers it's probably gonna blow your budget though.

If you don't care too much about steel and F&F I guess Rough Rider may be an option. Also, have you looked into Bear & Son? They have some cheap knives too and although I don't own one myself I've heard they're decent. Good luck!
 
Well I looked through a few hundred more knives, lol.

I found that both Buck and Rough Rider had Toothpicks for $11-14, but then I found something else that caught my eye.

This Schrade Whittler in turquiose/pearl. Filework on the main blade and backspring, struck bolsters, even comes with a gift box.. Seems like a steal at just over $25.

Opinions?

wvucde.jpg
 
Food prep is probably easier to stick to stainless rather than carbon(although getting it to patina and a rubdown is not such hard work..)

For a single blade, check CASE Slimline Trapper in a number of handle options.Or Queen Cutlery Liner Lock in Teardrop pattern,D2 and very nice bone handles.

3 blades you can get very good Stockman from CASE or other manuf. Again, plenty of handle options.
 
willgoy said:
Food prep is probably easier to stick to stainless rather than carbon(although getting it to patina and a rubdown is not such hard work..)

For a single blade, check CASE Slimline Trapper in a number of handle options.
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Agreed on both counts. Here is a listing of Case Slimline Trappers.

Queen offers some pretty sweet single-blade slippies as well.
 
Dekz said:
Well I looked through a few hundred more knives, lol.

I found that both Buck and Rough Rider had Toothpicks for $11-14, but then I found something else that caught my eye.

This Schrade Whittler in turquiose/pearl. Filework on the main blade and backspring, struck bolsters, even comes with a gift box.. Seems like a steal at just over $25.

Opinions?

wvucde.jpg
Click to expand...

You can find that same knife cheaper online. SMKW.com and cowboyknivesandcollectibles.com have them cheaper. I have dealt with Doc at Cowboys excellent man to do any type of business with. Ashley
 
willgoy said:
For a single blade, check CASE Slimline Trapper in a number of handle options.
Click to expand...

That's what I would go with. Under $30 for a yellow handle and either CV or SS. It is surprisingly pocketable for the amount of edge length and great for slicing up fruit.
 
The slipjoints "that are such a great deal that everyone has them" are the Victorinox Swiss Army Knives. They're very inexpensive, and millions are sold every year, all around the world. They sell well, because they are excellent, working tools.

Barring SAKs, for the most solid value in slipjoints nowadays, I would look at Case. Or maybe Queen. Rough Riders are very inexpensive, and appear to have good f&f at first glance, but I've found that they don't really hold up very well under use. Case knives do. A Case will give you a lifetime of service.

Another good value in slipjoints nowadays are the American-made Bucks. The 301 is a classic, very well-made knife that will last a long time. Both my grandfather and my father carried 301s for many years.
 
For cutting up apples I have yet to find anything that works better than a well-honed Opinel. That being said if you prefer something a little more visually interesting then I agree with the slimline trapper comment. :)
 
If you like the toothpick pattern, might as well just pick up a Case Barehead Slimline Trapper in CV. The shape is similar, and there's also the chance to test out some good ol' fashioned carbon steel. Shouldn't cost much more than a CV Sodbuster Jr, either.

As for cheap damascus, I believe Bear and Son make some knives with damascus that are quite affordable.
 
I would go with what Wilgoy and Neeman said. Case Slimline trapper in SS but bone handle. You can get it in delrin for 25. The blade length should be fairly long for food preping. Imho, I have a preference for buying American made slipjoints. The jury is still out on the chinese made slipjoints. Besides, you want something that can be kept for a long time. In the long run, Cases and Queens are the better bargain.

God Bless
 
I'll second (or third) the Rough Rider line. Lots of styles to choose from, and they run around $10.00. IMO, they rival Case in fit and finish. My current favorite is the Copperhead.
IMGP3592.jpg
 
Another one for the Case sodbuster in CV. Great knife. Work in the garden with one for hours on end, you'll have a great time.
 
+1 on the Case slimline trapper - it has a little more traditional "flash" than a sodbuster.
 
i would try out bear and son great knives for they money they use carbon steel so you get a better edge retetion
 
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