Slipjoint recommendation

J

jurisprudence

Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
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I am looking for my next slipjoint. I have a few but carried a Case Trapper frequently when I was younger. My wife bought me a Case Stockman years ago as a gift. Recent purchases have been from Benchmade, Chris Reeve, Spyderco, Bark River, and some custom fixed blades. Now I am looking for a more traditional knife that I can carry. Something to give my Mnandi a break from pocket action.

I like the Case Bose collaboration Wharncliffe and want a wharncliffe. The Case Sway Back looks nice, especially with Stag scales (I prefer Case's CV but can live with their SS).

Also, I have noticed several amazing slipjoints on the Makers forum and really like Todd Davison's, Ken Coat's, and Keith Johnson's work, just to name a few. Others makers are doing wonders on that forum.

Thoughts?
 
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Don't think you could go wrong with any of those at all. I am a fan of the Case swaybacks and all the makers you mention will treat you right and you will end up with a knife you would enjoy.

Did you have a $ limit on the purchase. That might help narrowing down the decision. At the lower end a CV swayback for around 50 or 60 is tough to beat as far a quality in that price range. The Stag swayback will be in between 80 and 90 and the Customs or Case Bose would run more. Personally I appreciate the maker made knives and these guys put a lot of effort and time into making them that might not be the best choice for others.
 
Thanks for the response. For me, I prefer not to EDC a knife that costs more than $500. So, all of the above options work (with a few exceptions and even then I am in the ballpark of my target price).

I have the same appreciation for the quality and value coming from the makers on this forum, and like that they contribute to this forum.

The only downside to a maker knife is that it requires patience on my part to wait for the right knife to be made and posted. I am leaning toward a Maker knife and the Case Bose collaboration. I'll probably pick up a Sway Back at some point.
 
Everyone here raves about GEC knives. I plan to pick one up in the near future. Beautiful knives.
 
I'd also take a look at the knives from Great Eastern Cutlery. (Includes Northfield and Tidioute brands.)

Excellent quality and many choices of handle material, including stag.
 
I really like my Case Warncliffe Trappers. They seem to carry easy in the pocket (I wear hospital scrubs at work) , mine are shaving sharp and most people are not intimidated by them. Price wise they won't break the bank.
God Bless
Tracy
 
TwoDogs said:
How about the Case stockman that your wife gave you, don't get much better than that!
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No it does not. I do carry it at times. Only thing better than a slipjoint is two slipjoints. Just wanting to add another wharncliffe to the line up.

Thanks for all the recommendations. I am also looking at GEC. Nice alternatives.
 
jurisprudence said:
Thanks for the response. For me, I prefer not to EDC a knife that costs more than $500. So, all of the above options work (with a few exceptions and even then I am in the ballpark of my target price).
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Are you saying that you don't want to spend over $500 on a single knife or not over $500 in total?

If it's not over $500 total, I would probably buy a Case swayback and then either order a custom knife in the $400 range or wait until one I wanted showed up in the maker's for sale forum (I would think you should probably see one within a few weeks which is definitely shorter than actually ordering one).

If you are willing to spend more, I would buy a Case Tony Bose and also a custom knife in the $400 range.

Either way, you've got some great options with your budget.
 
I wouldn't suggest a custom for your first slipjoint. It'll spoil you for anything else.
 
I can offer nothing in the way of a recommendation but do offer this.

I used to carry one decent "tactical" knife and one smallish lock back Schrade in my left front pocket. I have since gotten a few older carbon steel knives and while not new they cut and fit my hand like an old friend.

And what I really wanted to say is this: Knives are like Lays Potato Chips.... NO ONE can eat just one!
 
This is a really open ended request, especially with your stated budget.

There're several makers on BFs that can set you up. Also, from time to time, some good ones come up F/S (In the F/S section as well as the Makers section).

The Case/Bose collaboration knives are another great source. You'll get the closest thing to a Tony Bose knife W/O the huge outlay. They may not be custom, but they're awefully nice. I have the '03 Dogleg Jack in antique bone (ATS-34 blade & springs). Very nice knife, as is all of the Case/Bose collab knives.

As far as less expensive production knives, GEC, Queen/Schatt & Morgan, then probably Case CV & on down the line. Of course, there're the German made knives, too.

Good luck with whatever you get.
 
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