Small Traditional Locking Knives?

[SteelSnob]

I want to try out some traditional locking knives. Can anyone reccomend some? I'm looking only for quality knives so no bargain stuff or roughrider type stuff please. Preferably around 3.5" closed length or smaller. Thanks friend.

 

[SVRIDER1]

Gec blue bone mini lockback... I have been carrying mine every weekend since I got it. I put it in a ksf pocket sheath or on my hip in a dm bullard holster. The size of it is pefect... Love it.

I just realized you said 3.5 closed length. That ones going to be a little bigger.

 

[SteelSnob]

I also edited it to include all traditional locking knives too.

 

[mnblade]

I want to try out some traditional locking knives. Can anyone reccomend some? I'm looking only for quality knives so no bargain stuff or roughrider type stuff please. Preferably around 3.5" closed length or smaller. Thanks friend.

I have a Buck 55 that I really like.

Great knife, and you get them a good bit cheaper than what they list for on Buck's web site.

Also, German Eye Brand makes some locking folders of about that size (check 'em out on a popular online auction site). And Case makes the Mini Copperlock, which is pretty sweet.

 

[Blues]

I don't know your price range or if you are interested in custom knives, but here's a great one from P.J. Tomes which I purchased from Don Hanson. It is 3 3/8" closed and he calls it his small bullet pattern:

Also, aside from the Case Copperlock, Queen makes a nice traditional slipjoint/liner lock at 3 3/4" closed. It's a tear drop or swell-end knife. Very nice and elegant but a bit larger than your stated preference.

 

[Modoc ED]

I have a Buck 55 that I really like.

Great knife, and you get them a good bit cheaper than what they list for on Buck's web site.

.

+1 on the Buck 55. It rides unnoticed in the pocket and is a strong knife.

 

[Blues]

Here's an image of that (slightly larger)locking Queen teardrop jack I mentioned earlier:

 

[Will Power]

The Teardrop that Elliott showed in those scales is a really wonderful knife.One of my collection favourites:thumbup:

CASE Mini Copperlock is nice and slim and offers a wide range of handle choices.

Moki (Japan) do an extremely well-made lockback in crimson or amber jigged bone. The quality and finish on this knife can give a custom knife a run for its money.Superb fit.

GEC 73 come in lockback or liner lock, all good,many choices but they are a bit bigger,not hulking mind.

 

[Rupestris]

I have a Klein Tools Sportsman 44035 knife that I picked up years ago. Its a 3" (closed) knock off of the Buck 110. Made in Japan (not China), the fit and finish are very good. When open, the blade and spring mate up flush and almost undetectable.

The have a 3.5" (44036) and a 4" (44037) version as well.

Chris

 

[kamagong]

I'm looking only for quality knives so no bargain stuff or roughrider type stuff please. Preferably around 3.5" closed length or smaller.

Be careful what you wish for or Elliott may just show you what you want with his Joel Chamblin bullet lockback.

- Christian

 

[Blues]

Be careful what you wish for or Elliott may just show you what you want with his Joel Chamblin bullet lockback.

- Christian

I thought about it but decided to spare him since it's 3.75" closed. Hmmm, so is the Kawamura slipjoint/lockback combo...

...well, you're just going to have to twist my arm.

 

[Dr Bill]

Yes, the Kawamura is too big, but a beauty! And the best of both worlds, one blade locks, the other is a normal pen blade.

And depending on your definition of 'traditional', there is the Centofante Ultra Light Gent's knife.

Or the Model 5 from Tom Overeynder - a real beauty!

Early in his career, Michael Walker even made a lock-back!

There are a number of Jess Horn models to choose from too.
Although I'm reminded of the words of Tony Bose: "If someone needs a lock, I'd suggest a fixed blade with a sheath."

 

[Blues]

Bill, I'll see your Kawamura even if I can't raise it...

Lockback clip blade with slipjoint wharncliffe:

Joel Chamblin "Remington Bullet" lockback:

Nate, Bill's and mine may be a tad over your 3.5" limit (by a quarter inch) but at least they give you some food for thought.

If I can help personally, feel free to email or PM me.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

That Chamblin Bullet is my new "grail" knife.

 

[FLymon]

I saw the GEC Mini Lockback mentioned earlier. It's not much bigger than 3.5", and IMHO carries pretty small. The 1095 steel takes such a wicked edge I think you might overlook the extra 3/8" or so anyway. The f&f on mine is first rate, the action is smooth and the lockup is tight.

 

[kidcoyote]

I saw the GEC Mini Lockback mentioned earlier. It's not much bigger than 3.5", and IMHO carries pretty small. The 1095 steel takes such a wicked edge I think you might overlook the extra 3/8" or so anyway. The f&f on mine is first rate, the action is smooth and the lockup is tight.

i like this knife its very good looking.

great choice.

 

[SteelSnob]

Thanks for suggestions and pictures! I'm going to look in to them all.

 

[glocktenman]

Bill, I'll see your Kawamura even if I can't raise it...

Joel Chamblin "Remington Bullet" lockback:

Nate, Bill's and mine may be a tad over your 3.5" limit (by a quarter inch) but at least they give you some food for thought.

If I can help personally, feel free to email or PM me.

Wow, that Chamblin is great looking! I really like the blade. Is that red stag?

 

[SteelSnob]

Well now that I've had some time look at this thread indepth I must say that Elliot and Dr.Bill have some impressive knives. Elliot, that Ryuchi is definitely a grail. I remember when you got it after Blade and I've been thinking about it ever since. The backsprings and liners are beautifuly seamless as well.

 

[nevermind35]

That GEC Mini Lockback looks great, I'll have to check into that one!