Small/Medium Traditional Knife?

[John H.]

Hello!

This is my first thread on the porch. I have for a long time carried the modern folders like Benchmade, Spyderco, Cold Steel etc. Over the past few months I have been really drawn to traditional knives. The first traditional knife I bought was a yeller peanut in CV steel. I then bought a chestnut bone Mini Trapper in CV shortly after that. I almost always carry the peanut in my watch pocket and I enjoy that knife the most.

The next knife I want to purchase is one in between the peanut and mini trapper. I find that the peanut is just a little small for what I want, and the mini trapper is a little too big and thick. I'm specifically looking for a knife that's a little shorter and thinner then the mini trapper with 1-2 blades. I have been looking very hard and I really like the looks of the Case Swayback Gent in CV steel. It is also one of the only knives I've seen in that size range. My question is, are there any other knives in that size range that I should look at? I would love to try a GEC. Also is it worth the extra thickness for the Swayback Jack? I never really use the pen blade on my peanut and I'm not sure I would want the extra thickness.

Anyways, thank y'all very much! I constantly browse the "What "Traditional Knife" Are ya Totin Today" thread and everyone at the porch seems very friendly and always wanting to help!

John

 

[OLd_gUY]

Hi John
FWIW, I frequently carry the Case Swayback (CV) in my watch pocket and find the blade very handy and useful. If you haven't had much practice in sharpening a Wharncliffe you might need to remember to be alert to the possibility of rounding the tip, however that should not prevent you from getting one.
OG

 

[redsparrow]

John, welcome to the porch. The peanut is 2 7/8" and the mini-trapper is 3 1/2 " so the size of the knife you are asking about is covered fairly thoroughly in a thread called "SMALLS". Both the Case Gent or Swayback Jack are excellent choices as long as you like a curved spine. Check out "SMALLS" for alternatives and I'm sure you will receive several other suggestions here. -James

 

[Elgatodeacero]

Quick, order a Great Eastern 15 boys knife before they are all gone.

 

[John H.]

Gr

John, welcome to the porch. The peanut is 2 7/8" and the mini-trapper is 3 1/2 " so the size of the knife you are asking about is covered fairly thoroughly in a thread called "smalls". Both the Case Gent or Swayback Jack are excellent choices as long as you like a curved spine. Check out "smalls" for alternatives and I'm sure you will receive several suggestions here. -James

Great, thank you! I will definitely check that thread out!

 

[JTB_5]

If you want a great two-blade knife with a slim profile, but a little bigger than what you've listed, you can't beat the GEC 35 Churchill. It has a clip point just under 3" and a sheepsfoot on the opposite end (same spring!) that is super thin and cuts like a laser.

 

[5K Qs]

A Case mini copperhead is 3 1/8" closed, and I think it's available with either a clip/pen or wharncliffe/pen blade combo. Not sure if it comes with CV instead of stainless. Here's mine:

- GT

 

[Astronaut FX]

I was going to suggest the Churchill as well, but the overall length is not in the range he specified. However, if having an overall thin knife is a higher priority than a specific length, it would be a great option. It’s a very compact pattern, with a very useful set of complimentary blades.

 

[oldtymer]

Case Eisenhower puts you right where you want to be.

 

[Corso]

I'm looking forward to the clip blade GEC #14 due out soon - 3" closed

another worth a look is a Buck 309

 

[johnny twoshoes]

Might be exactly what you have in the mini trapper, but you can look at the Case Texas Jack knife.

 

[oldtymer]

87 pen is also a good option

 

[solphilos]

Might be exactly what you have in the mini trapper, but you can look at the Case Texas Jack knife.

I'll second this. This one is perfect for pocket carry and has that great modified pen blade. These always seem better put together than other Case knives I've handled also.

 

[JohnDF]

It's already been covered, but since you mentioned GEC, I was going to suggest buying one of the recently run 15s or get a pre-order on the upcoming 14s.

 

[JohnDF]

This one is perfect for pocket carry and has that great modified pen blade. These always seem better put together than other Case knives I've handled also.

This is good to hear as I've been contemplating a Case Texas Jack. I've had such bad luck with Case's fit and finish lately that I haven't been willing to pull the trigger yet.

 

[Railsplitter]

I don't think I can recommend anything better than what's already been mentioned. I just wanted to stop in and say that if you get the Swayback Gent, I think you will love it.

Also, welcome to The Porch!

 

[solphilos]

Same here. I still won't by one unless I handle them first, so I'm usually limited to what they carry at the big outdoor store. For whatever reason certain patterns seem to be of more consistent quality than others.
Also, if you order online its always worth a shot to make a note with your order and request that the knife is inspected. Not everyone will do this, but it cant hurt.

This is good to hear as I've been contemplating a Case Texas Jack. I've had such bad luck with Case's fit and finish lately that I haven't been willing to pull the trigger yet.

 

[Ironbut]

Welcome to the porch. Have you considered a Barlow? I've been carrying them for over 60 years & they're still my favorite pattern.

 

[aji1]

Another Case option to consider is the Half Whittler. 3.25", pretty slender, with a clip main and a pen secondary. Potentially a little blade rub, though.

I'll also second the Swayback Gent.

 

[John H.]

A Case mini copperhead is 3 1/8" closed, and I think it's available with either a clip/pen or wharncliffe/pen blade combo. Not sure if it comes with CV instead of stainless. Here's mine:

- GT

Thank you, I really like the looks of that knife. I couldn't find any in CV, but I'm open to trying TruSharp.