Slipjoints Anyone?

[anthony cheeseboro]

I wonder why more of us aren't into high-end slip joints? Since most of us say that we carry our knives as tools, we don't always need one had capability or the quick access of clips. Frankly there are times when slipjoints (or at least small lockblades or liner locks) take the wind out of the sails of people who are anti-knife. For instance, I think about the forumite who had his Voyager confiscated by a cop. He would have a hard time convincing a judge that a trapper or doctor's knife was a switchblade! Don't get me wrong, I love one handers but slipjoints are a wonderful aspect of the cutler's art their traditional look can definitely be used to one's advantage at airports and other security checkpoints. Furthermore when a slipjoint is made of high end blade steel, it cuts just as well as a tactical. I know because I picked up a custom gunstock last month and is as nice a knife as I have ever owned. I love tacticals but I know that for the forseeable future, I am leaning more towards collecting traditional customs and high ends at least until somebody really comes up with something new.

 

[Professor]

I hear what you're saying.

Lately, my tastes have changed to more traditional-styled folders and fixed blades. I've got non-gentlemanly knives out the wasoo, and there's just something really appealing about the feel of nickel silver bolsters housing dovetailed bone scales.

Case knives were a great starting point for me. While not having splurged yet on custom fileworked trappers, etc., a few Randalls and custom natural-scaled fixed blades have "snuck" their way into my collection. I've definitely kept an eye out for some nice customs in trapper and stockman patterns.

Queen Cutlery also makes some sweet, sweet folders. I've found the prices at www.queencutlerycollectors.com are comparable or even better than the mailorder or internet sites who carry them. They've got pearl and bone-handled models that have great fit and finish, and it was obvious that the personnel I spoke with in Pennsylvania take great pride in their work. Highly recommended!

Professor.

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

I feel that slip joints and daggers in General are the hardest knives to make. The tolerances on a well made Custom slip joint are unbelievable to me.
Here a few Customs
Richard Rogers Doctor’s knife



Joel Chamblin Doctor’s knife



Eugene Shadly Doctors knife & One of the original 13 Mel Pardue button locks.


Richard Rogers Split backspring Wharncliff whittler


Joel Chamblin Coke Bottle pattern.


Bailey Bradshaw Doctor’s knife.



And some factory knives also.
Doctor’s knives



Split backspring whittlers



Odds and ends


Swing Guards

 

[george tichbourne]

Gee Gus I thought that it was just me that had a great deal of trouble getting slip joints right. After all there are millions stamped out every year , they couldn't be that difficult ....don't believe it, these are very difficult to fine tune.

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

George, sorry to be so commercial here, but if you want to make a Doctor's knife you've got a customer .
Been wanting some of your work for a while!

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

Gus, you need to show your whole collection on the Gallery forum! Professor, I'm glad to know you are a Queen fan. Queen has always been my favorite traditional maker. They have lately been producing many discontinued makes. For instance, I have a one bladed jack knife with the Schatt and Morgan mark made by Queen. My custom is gunstock pattern made by a local guild member (East Alton, IL) Ron Myers. It has a 2.5" clip blade made of ATS-34 with stag scales.