Slipjoints - too old fashioned?

[Bobwhite]

I tried a bunch of stuff but I always end up with the good old slipjoint in carbon steel. It's a classic for a reason.

 

[Dijos]

Did it require you to pull foreward on the open blade?

If so it was nothing new, Back in the 50's there was the Tom Mix trick pocket knife that opperated the same way.

The Neely lock? Good lock, but almost impossible to close one handed.

I like slpijoints for 2 reasons: they cut well, and offer a variety of blades or tools (scout/SAK/rigger's knife, Horseman's/cattleman's punch pattern)

 

[Bastid]

You folks know by now that I am going to have to post in this thread .

One other thing about a slipjoint that you can not say about a tactical is that you get more edge than handle. A 4.25 inch closed stockman with 3 blades might have about 9 inches of edge packed in to that 4.25 inches.
A lot of folks complain that they do not have locks, but that really should not be a problem since most people do not cut with the spine of the blade.

 

[GarageBoy]

i like them, i just dont like bone handles, etc

 

[shaldag]

Thes days most knives that I want are slipjoints.

I love having more than one blade.

I love those nice natural handle materials.

And some of them even have nicks that I can actually use with my short fingernails.

 

[[digidude]]

After recieving a bone deep gash in my finger, I dont really trust slipjoints. Although I do like them becouse there classic.

 

[Fort Henry Custom Knives]

I love the idea of carrying a Slip Joint, but I carry other knives because;
- I am lazy, it is easier to get at a knife with a pocket clip and easier to open a knife with a Thumbstud.
- I hate having a beautiful little knife that gets scratched and banged in my pocket against my keys, coins, screws, etc.
- I like the versatility of the different designs of other knives (esp. Spyderco).
- Finding Slip Joints with good quality steel is a narrowing niche, IMO.


I also love the idea of collecting Slip Joints, but I don't because;
- Current production companies produce thousands upon thousands of each design (mostly with very minor variations) so there is absolutely no secondary market value.
- I just don't know "who makes em" anymore. There are several companies that just contract out their knives so even if you decide to collect Company X knives, you are really still collecting Company Y's knives.
- Collecting older Slip Joints requires educating yourself very well. This takes time and passion which I guess I don't have enough of for that task.

I like Slip Joints, I think there are millions of others who do also. I just don't purchase them with the intent to carry or collect, I buy them just to enjoy owning them or giving them away.

 

[cpirtle]

After recieving a bone deep gash in my finger, I dont really trust slipjoints.

In the computer world we would call this "user error"

That's like saying you don't trust roller skates because the wheels rolled out from under you once.


If I had to pick one knife to last me the rest of my life it would be a multiblade slipjoint. After hundreds (thousands??) of knives in most prices ($100-$600) and all styles I have learned that a good slipjoint can do more than any other knife I've owned, short of being a folding prybar.

I still like my big tacticals, fixed blades and neck knives but 90% of my knives have trasitioned into slipjoints. I like the simplicty of function, the multitude of styles and and the classic good looks.

Sheeple friendly? eh - who cares about that...

Also, Slips don't have to have natural handle materials, I have several I've custom ordered in Micarta and G-10 because I like the durability.

 

[son_of_bluegrass]

After recieving a bone deep gash in my finger, I dont really trust slipjoints. Although I do like them becouse there classic.

the only time I've ever had a slipjoint close on my finger was when i was doing something i shouldn't have been.

I currently carry a slipjoint I made. don't have a picture in digital form yet.

 

[gaj999]

One other thing about a slipjoint that you can not say about a tactical is that you get more edge than handle. A 4.25 inch closed stockman with 3 blades might have about 9 inches of edge packed in to that 4.25 inches.
A lot of folks complain that they do not have locks, but that really should not be a problem since most people do not cut with the spine of the blade.

Amen, Brother. Add to this the fact that you can have different profiles and edges on the three blades and you've got a very verstile tool.

Gordon

 

[Stormdrane]

There's always a place for a slipjoint. I have an A.G. Russell American Trapper that I got earlier this year and think it's one of the nicest knives I've ever owned. I remember my grandaddy gave me an Old Timer when I was probably 8 or 9 years old so everytime I see a slipjoint it reminds me of him.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Going beyond tradition, smoothness, and the beauty of natural handle materials, I think SJ's continue to earn thier keep by working for a living, and doing a dam fine job at that. With all the whiz bang large blade thick spined black, tactical folders that we all tend to embrace, I can't help but to wonder if knives have truly gotten much better over the years, or just changed.

When I'm at work, and around non-knife nut crowds, it doesn't truly surprise me to note that I continue to see as many, if not more folks carrying SJ's than I see carrying the blacktical tactical wonder knives.

traditional knives, single action revolvers, beat up trucks, old hunting dogs, and wives that probably won't be awarded a modelling contract any time soon.... They all have thier own special rewards if a guy treats 'em properly.

 

[cmd]

I really enjoy my Queen Whittler. It has a nice shape and the D2 blades take and hold an awesome edge.

Queen is currently discontinuing their cocobolo handle models and replacing them with bird's eye maple. I'll definitely be getting one of those when they come out, very classy!

 

[Ryan8]

Queen is currently discontinuing their cocobolo handle models and replacing them with bird's eye maple. I'll definitely be getting one of those when they come out, very classy!

You have my attention. Do you have any pictures or any good sources of information about what Queen is up to? I'm not aware of any Queen Cutlery equivalents to the forums that other companies have and I'd like to see one.

 

[Ed Gordon]

Ounce for ounce you get a lot of cutting edge in a compact package. I always carry a slip joint along with a 3" - 31/2" lockback of some kind. They hold a lot of nostalgia for me.

 

[Lone Hunter]

Yep, I love 'em. Right now a Manix in one pocket and a Case trapper in the other. If not the trapper then my 80 T stockman. As others have said thats a lot of edge in that stockman !

 

[cmd]

You have my attention. Do you have any pictures or any good sources of information about what Queen is up to? I'm not aware of any Queen Cutlery equivalents to the forums that other companies have and I'd like to see one.

Bill Horn (cumberlandknifeworks) was the one who told me about it. I called and talked with him before buying my whittler and we chatted for a while about knives and such. He is a super nice guy and was very helpful.

The thing that really surprised me is that he said Queen is not planning a major increase in the price when they change woods.

Wish I had some pictures but don't.

 

[ralph.merlino]

I love slipjoints, I carry one every day. A custom slipjoint is a joy to use, I have several from maker John Howser and a very large trapper with two four inch blades made by "Hoot" Gibson

 

[longbeachguy]

While Spyderco/Benchmade/others make products with original designs, durable materials, and 'tactical' appeal, they lack a level of class achieved by natural handle materials and traditional designs.

Well said!

 

[T.K.C.]

I must get myself a custom slip joint!!! Must!!