Recommendation? Something Similar

Take a look at the kabar coppersmith, it comes in D2 which is pretty darn stainless but it has a copper shield and bolster which take a wild looking patina. I have the large version and the copper has a bunch of red and purple in it. I'll try and remember to post a pic of mine in the morning but here's a stock photo.
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Moki Glory. 3 3/8" closed, quince wood handle, SS bolster. It's a drop point, not a clip, but you'll be amazed at the F&F. Or the Fish Owl for something simpler and lighter.
 
I do like that Queen a lot with the exception of the thumb stud. It's like almost a clip.

I'll also have to check that Kabar out, I'm interested to see pics of what the patina on the copper bolster and shield looks like. I have some experience with D2. While it's not necessarily ideal due to humidity and the fact that I sweat a LOT, I can say that in the past I was able to keep my blades reasonably taken care of.

The Moki looks good, I like it quite a bit actually. I have not heard of them before now. I just have plenty of drop point blades in this size, and enjoy carrying my 501. I would really like to transition to a clip this time around.

I'm loving this conversation, and am very grateful for all the suggestions. This has opened my eyes to knives that will definitely be on the list for the future. It's amazing how many variations are out there.
 
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Buck 55? A little smaller than the 501 that you love. I adore my 55. The clip point is fantastic. I've owned it longer than 99% of my knives, and it has seen more pocket time that 99% of my knives.


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I was going to mention the 55 as well. It's an awesome little knife. Decent steel on a good looking clip point. I think they feel a little more solid than a mini copperlock. The Case definitely has more options since you can only get the 55 one way...
 
Buck 55? A little smaller than the 501 that you love. I adore my 55. The clip point is fantastic. I've owned it longer than 99% of my knives, and it has seen more pocket time that 99% of my knives.


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I was going to mention the 55 as well. It's an awesome little knife. Decent steel on a good looking clip point. I think they feel a little more solid than a mini copperlock. The Case definitely has more options since you can only get the 55 one way...

I'm definitely a 55 guy. Have one in my shorts pocket this morning, actually :)

I'm looking for something a hair more 'substantial' I guess you could say. While I agree the 55 is amazing, especially for its size, I like the size and weight of the (for lack of a better term) "501 class" of lockbacks. They seem to compliment the way I EDC my gear so well. I have a love affair with the clip point, so the 55 definitely sees use. I wish they made a 501 with a clip :rolleyes:
 
J JD Bear what do you mean when you say the 55 feels more 'solid' than the copperlock? Are we talking about weight, or 'stoutness' as far as toughness is concerned? I'm really curious about that, because the copperlock seems like it would be a 'heftier' knife than the 55.
 
I believe the blade is a little thicker and maybe the weight of the brass has something to do with it. To me, the mini copperlock feels delicate and the 55 feels a bit more rugged. Like if I had to wear khakis I'd grab a copperlock and in jeans I'd grab the 55, if that makes any sense at all. I'd like to try a full size copperlock to see what that's like. It could be completely in my head, but that's just the feeling I get. I'm a 501 man myself and have one in my pocket right now. I'd be ordering one from the custom shop, but I've heard stuff coming out of the CS hasn't been that great lately. I'm very interested on what people recommend on this because I'm looking for the same type of knife...
 
I believe the blade is a little thicker and maybe the weight of the brass has something to do with it. To me, the mini copperlock feels delicate and the 55 feels a bit more rugged. Like if I had to wear khakis I'd grab a copperlock and in jeans I'd grab the 55, if that makes any sense at all. I'd like to try a full size copperlock to see what that's like. It could be completely in my head, but that's just the feeling I get. I'm a 501 man myself and have one in my pocket right now. I'd be ordering one from the custom shop, but I've heard stuff coming out of the CS hasn't been that great lately. I'm very interested on what people recommend on this because I'm looking for the same type of knife...

Makes complete sense. Since I have had to wear both as well, I get what you're saying. Interesting observation. I don't necessarily 'hard use' my knife regularly, but I do like it to feel substantial, even when it's smaller in size.

I've been following the CS stories over on the Buck forum myself, because I've really been wanting to order one in the near future. I'm not sure it will stop me from ordering, but it's something to think about. I've had to send back several as soon as I purchased them, for various reasons. Backspring, grinds, protruding pins, etc.. I wouldn't want to have to do that with a CS order.
 
Makes complete sense. Since I have had to wear both as well, I get what you're saying. Interesting observation. I don't necessarily 'hard use' my knife regularly, but I do like it to feel substantial, even when it's smaller in size.

I've been following the CS stories over on the Buck forum myself, because I've really been wanting to order one in the near future. I'm not sure it will stop me from ordering, but it's something to think about. I've had to send back several as soon as I purchased them, for various reasons. Backspring, grinds, protruding pins, etc.. I wouldn't want to have to do that with a CS order.

I hear you. I think it might be worth it even if it takes a couple months to get a perfect CS knife. I just had to send a 110 back to Buck, that was basically a custom from C&C, for some blade issues. I want to try a Case tribal lock too. It's just a bit bigger than a 501 and doesn't have a clip point (which is my favorite as well), but might not be a bad option...
 
I hear you. I think it might be worth it even if it takes a couple months to get a perfect CS knife. I just had to send a 110 back to Buck, that was basically a custom from C&C, for some blade issues. I want to try a Case tribal lock too. It's just a bit bigger than a 501 and doesn't have a clip point (which is my favorite as well), but might not be a bad option...

Very true. It's been worth it on my old pre '86 knives, and I'm sure if I had to it would be worth it for a CS. I'm a user though, it drives me crazy to be without them for so long :p:rolleyes:

Just took a look at the tribal lock. It made me wonder the differences in quality and F&F compared to the 500. I have never handled or used either. I do love the clip point though.
 
Very true. It's been worth it on my old pre '86 knives, and I'm sure if I had to it would be worth it for a CS. I'm a user though, it drives me crazy to be without them for so long :p:rolleyes:

Just took a look at the tribal lock. It made me wonder the differences in quality and F&F compared to the 500. I have never handled or used either. I do love the clip point though.

It's driving me crazy as we speak. I almost didn't send it back, but it really needed to go. I just got a notice that they received it and it's in the shop so hopefully it'll be back soon. I'd rather have the 420hc on the 500 than the tru-sharp on the tribal lock. I didn't get a 500 until recently and the blade to handle ratio was a little odd to me. I think the 501 is perfect in that regard but the 500 was just off. I'm surprised there's not more options in the range you're (we're) looking for....seems like it would be a sweet spot for a lot of people....
 
The tribal lock is way bigger than the 3.5" you mentioned in your op. It's 4 1/8" and solid as a rock with with a 'zulu' shaped blade. Case did a real nice job on them. I've had several. Here's one with a GEC 66 for size comparison.

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It's driving me crazy as we speak. I almost didn't send it back, but it really needed to go. I just got a notice that they received it and it's in the shop so hopefully it'll be back soon. I'd rather have the 420hc on the 500 than the tru-sharp on the tribal lock. I didn't get a 500 until recently and the blade to handle ratio was a little odd to me. I think the 501 is perfect in that regard but the 500 was just off. I'm surprised there's not more options in the range you're (we're) looking for....seems like it would be a sweet spot for a lot of people....

I really don't know much about the tru-sharp Case uses, but I'd tend to agree just because I'm familiar with Buck's 420HC. I really love the old 440C, it just works for me.

You've got to love those "we've received your knife" emails. Quite the teaser ;):D

I've really wondered why there isn't more options myself. I suppose once you get into the higher end knives and brands there are options, but a lot of those come with carbon steel as well. I know these days people don't gravitate to the clip point as much, or so it seems.
 
The tribal lock is way bigger than the 3.5" you mentioned in your op. It's 4 1/8" and solid as a rock with with a 'zulu' shaped blade. Case did a real nice job on them. I've had several. Here's one in bonestag.

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I do like the covers on that one. A bit big for what I'm looking for as you said, but as a standalone it looks pretty stout.
 
Boker makes a "Boy Scout" folder in N690 that is a clip point lockback. All indicators show that it is made in Solingen, which would definitely fit the "reputable overseas" criteria. It's 3" closed with a 2.25" blade, which might be a little small for what you're looking for. They make a "Scout" version, too, but it's 4+" closed. They have a pretty good variety of handle materials, too.

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Boker makes a "Boy Scout" folder in N690 that is a clip point lockback. All indicators show that it is made in Solingen, which would definitely fit the "reputable overseas" criteria. It's 3" closed with a 2.25" blade, which might be a little small for what you're looking for. They make a "Scout" version, too, but it's 4+" closed. They have a pretty good variety of handle materials, too.

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I had run across those not too long ago. I like the blade shape quite a bit. I just couldn't decide if the handle had too much bulk, considering it's more along the lines of the size of the Buck 55, which I have. I saw a shot of one in hand, but that rarely does it for me because I have skinny hands but really long fingers. Kind of an ugly alien sort of theme :D
 
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