Style bias.

williamsld8

williamsld8

Joined
Sep 19, 2010
Messages
226
Did a quick search for this and didn't find anything that jumped out at me as answering my question. Out of you users here, how many of you only carry modern folders? Or only carry locking knives, or slipjoints, etc? My feelings have changed as of late and it made me curious.

Edit: As pointed out below, I suppose the title should read preference as opposed to bias. Didn't really noticed how negative the word bias sound until I heard somebody point out how negative it sounds. :cool:
 
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I only carry modern folders right now. Then again, I don't own any other kind of folder.

I do wish that there was a category of knife that was in between modern and traditional though. I really like pocket clips, but I also like the quality and smaller sizes common in traditional knives. I also seem to like traditional folders in modern materials (AG Russel Carbon Fiber 3in lockback for instance). Most of the knives in these last two categories that are available are pretty pricey, which is a big downer for me.
 
Well yes, but I'd be willing to bet for most people there is a reason for it. I used to carry a swiss army knife everywhere, but once I discovered 'modern' knives that's all I use now. I prefer the way they feel in the hand, that they lock, and being able to open them one handed. For me, slipjoints are to small and I dislike the lack of a lock. Is this 'bias,' which has a negative conitation, or just preference?
 
Where does a lockback fall?

I carry mostly slipjoints or traditional lockbacks by Case, Boker or Rough Rider. When I have to do dirty work or am in the field I like a tough cheap (<$60) modern knife usually by Kershaw, SRM, or Buck.
 
I only carry "tactical" knives... Not because I need them for anything tactical, but because they're better built for the money than "traditionals." Plus, the good ones are really simply-made, reliable, and have excellent steel. The lock, one-hand opening, and pocket clip are also convenient features. If traditionals were cheaper and better-made, I might change my mind. Some of them look pretty nice...


ocnLogan said:
I only carry modern folders right now. Then again, I don't own any other kind of folder.

I do wish that there was a category of knife that was in between modern and traditional though. I really like pocket clips, but I also like the quality and smaller sizes common in traditional knives. I also seem to like traditional folders in modern materials (AG Russel Carbon Fiber 3in lockback for instance). Most of the knives in these last two categories that are available are pretty pricey, which is a big downer for me.
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Take a look at some of Al Mar's offerings. I think the Falcon Ultralight I have is about as close to a traditional as a modern folder can get. It carries very small and light (the main thing traddy fans seem to like), and has a simple and classic look. But it also has a clip, lock, and thumb stud. Unfortunately it also has a traditional's pricing, as the cost is high for the steel and materials you get. It's well-made, though, and a great knife if you can find a deal on them off the forums like I did.
 
I carry both modern folders and slip joints. I've always have a SAK on me as a second knife.

Recently I have been also carrying a custom made trapper slip joint.

I've been buying the next best greatest folder for years, yet my knife needs haven't changed at all. I'm a moderate user on a good day.
 
I have carried and used many styles of folders from slipjoints to SAKs to Opinels to balisongs. After 55 years of that, I've kinda decided that I like PE 3" locking blades for EDC use and that's what I stick to. I've got a couple of others for particular needs, but my constant carry is somethig that'll meet m EDC needs.
 
Most of my knives are modern, and almost all of them are lock-blade style knives. The only two slipjoints I have are a couple of Victorinox SAKs.
 
ocnLogan said:
I only carry modern folders right now. Then again, I don't own any other kind of folder.

I do wish that there was a category of knife that was in between modern and traditional though. I really like pocket clips, but I also like the quality and smaller sizes common in traditional knives. I also seem to like traditional folders in modern materials (AG Russel Carbon Fiber 3in lockback for instance). Most of the knives in these last two categories that are available are pretty pricey, which is a big downer for me.
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Check out case's single blade cv stockman. It has a pocket clip, thumbstud, and a linerlock but has the look of a single blade stockman. And its only ~$20, also slimline sheaths for traditionals really help out if your willing to try them

As for myself I have and carry both, mainly tactical because that's what,appeals to me at the moment, though I most definitrly see more case,languiele and bear and sons traditional patternsn my near future
 
Tsujigiri said:
I only carry "tactical" knives... Not because I need them for anything tactical, but because they're better built for the money than "traditionals." Plus, the good ones are really simply-made, reliable, and have excellent steel. The lock, one-hand opening, and pocket clip are also convenient features. If traditionals were cheaper and better-made, I might change my mind. Some of them look pretty nice...

Take a look at some of Al Mar's offerings. I think the Falcon Ultralight I have is about as close to a traditional as a modern folder can get. It carries very small and light (the main thing traddy fans seem to like), and has a simple and classic look. But it also has a clip, lock, and thumb stud. Unfortunately it also has a traditional's pricing, as the cost is high for the steel and materials you get. It's well-made, though, and a great knife if you can find a deal on them off the forums like I did.
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Thanks for the recommendation man. I like the look of the Hawk Ultralight (prefer blades around 2.5 - 2.75in personally for EDC). Its quite a bit out of my price range right now (Married grad student = no money). I'll for sure keep them in mind.

Check out case's single blade cv stockman. It has a pocket clip, thumbstud, and a linerlock but has the look of a single blade stockman. And its only ~$20, also slimline sheaths for traditionals really help out if your willing to try them

As for myself I have and carry both, mainly tactical because that's what,appeals to me at the moment, though I most definitrly see more case,languiele and bear and sons traditional patternsn my near future
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up about this one. Case makes so many knives, its a bit intimidating to search through them. I'll see if I can find this one somewhere.
 
I only carry traditional slip joints.

It's what I grew up with, and the looks of the modern knives leave me cold. I just can't get any feelings for black zytel and bead blasted blades with strange shapes. I've been carrying the old style pocket knives for 60 of my 70 years so far, and they have been good cutters. I like nice jigged bone or stag, or even a nice wood like rosewood or ebony.

If I'm going to be using a knife where the slip joint is not enough, then I carry a sheath knife. Right tool for the job.

Carl.
 
It seems like the more time goes by, and the more vague and confusing knife laws get based on opening mechanisms and blade lengths, I keep leaning more and more to carrying small slip joints for EDC and taking fixed blades with me when I'm going outdoors-ing, or a large tough folder, something Buck 110-ish. At work I will have a modern folder with me, usually liner or frame lock, but it's not without having a slippy on me as well. And the modern folder I do carry is always 3" or less. Seems like the 3" + length folders I own are collecting more and more drawer dust.
 
williamsld8 said:
It seems like the more time goes by, and the more vague and confusing knife laws get based on opening mechanisms and blade lengths, I keep leaning more and more to carrying small slip joints for EDC and taking fixed blades with me when I'm going outdoors-ing, or a large tough folder, something Buck 110-ish. At work I will have a modern folder with me, usually liner or frame lock, but it's not without having a slippy on me as well. And the modern folder I do carry is always 3" or less. Seems like the 3" + length folders I own are collecting more and more drawer dust.
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I think this drives a lot of my own choice of knives, aside from growing up with slippies, and liking their looks.

Living in the outer suburbs of Washington D.C. means sometimes we go downtown for the day. Lots of great museums, art galleries, fine dining of every type of food, theater. Most federal buildings have a securtiy force and security. The security is not as bad as the TSA airport stuff, but a large knife is going to get you caught up in the security. I've uet to have any problem with a small slip joint like a Case peanut, Buck 303 cadet, or any red handle sak. The sak's just breeze right on through federal security without a second look. You can carry a small slip joint anywhere in D.C with no problem. If it's a nice looking knife, even better.
 
jackknife said:
If it's a nice looking knife, even better.
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Agreed. Seems like "beastly" or "ominous" looking knives will get you suspicious looks, while having a classy looking or even a very "expensive looking" knife will get you more nods and kudos than "Sir I'm gonna have to have to ask you..." situations.
 
williamsld8 said:
Did a quick search for this and didn't find anything that jumped out at me as answering my question. Out of you users here, how many of you only carry modern folders? Or only carry locking knives, or slipjoints, etc? My feelings have changed as of late and it made me curious.

Edit: As pointed out below, I suppose the title should read preference as opposed to bias. Didn't really noticed how negative the word bias sound until I heard somebody point out how negative it sounds. :cool:
Click to expand...

I usually carry both a slipjoint and a one-hander. The slipjoint gets a lot more use.
 
I carry a modern folder at work. Mainly for the one handed opening convenience. But overall, I like carrying a slip-joint around. They're more pleasing to the eye (for me, at least), and they feel good in my hand.
 
It has to have a pocket clip for me so I'd say modern. I've lost more SAK's and Slippies over the years!
 
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