Suggestion on First Traditional folder/slip joint

J

joepa150

Joined
Mar 15, 2010
Messages
350
I am looking to get a slip joint knife (terminology)? I have folders such as SAK, spyderco, buck, and kershaw but none of them are those traditional type slip joints. I just want something that I can throw in my pocket that doesn't look intimidating if I brought it out in public.

I think I kind of like the stockman or canoe style.

I just don't know what manufacturer to go with or how much I should spend. I was thinking of just getting a Rough Rider because of the price but if you include shipping, I would be approaching the $18-20 mark. Another $20 I can have a Case. A bit more I can have a GEC, Northwoods, Queen, etc

Anyone have any suggestions?

If I wanted to go with something of higher quality than Rough Rider, what would be the next step up?
 
if you like stockman's and want something with great quality
check out bucks 303 or 301 depending on what size you prefer
hard to beat a buck for quality
 
I've not owned a Rough Rider, but they look like a cheap way to try patterns out.

Case, Buck, and GEC all make great knives. I own some of each and they all have something over the others in their own way. Each pattern is kind of the same.

I've been kind of partial to the Case Sodbuster Jr. and GEC Canoe.... I'm really wanting the GEC version of the Sodbuster Jr. as it has a lanyard hole.
 
You left a pretty wide $$$ range so here are a few options.

Case medium stockman - about $40
Case medium humpback stockman in ebony - about $50

I think the humpback is more sheeple friendly since it has a spear main.

Lots on here love the Case swayback w/ a wharncliff blade....

GEC shipped the new #55 Houndstooth w/ a wharni - should run around $70.

I need more coffee, but there are a lot more options than the ones I listed.
 
I would pick up a GEC #15 in ebony with the spearpoint blade. Excellent all around slippie.
 
joepa150 said:
Would you say the Bucks are a step up from Case or comparable?
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Actually a little different. The Bucks are a little rougher in fit and finish, but that makes it less of a big deal when it gets scratched up. I prefer Case of the two, but I'm starting to prefer GEC to Case.
 
markpmc said:
You left a pretty wide $$$ range so here are a few options.

Case medium stockman - about $40
Case medium humpback stockman in ebony - about $50

I think the humpback is more sheeple friendly since it has a spear main.

Lots on here love the Case swayback w/ a wharncliff blade....

GEC shipped the new #55 Houndstooth w/ a wharni - should run around $70.

I need more coffee, but there are a lot more options than the ones I listed.
Click to expand...

I don't mind spending up to maybe $80 or so if the knife will be higher quality and better F&F than the cheaper options (example Case for $40) I will look at what you suggested.

Whats a good online retailer of GEC?
 
Mink said:
I would pick up a GEC #15 in ebony with the spearpoint blade. Excellent all around slippie.
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I just got a 15, but it's a little smaller than I would like. I'm thinking about putting it up for sale or trade to get a moose.

#15 is on top.
IMAG0447_zps059a5e0a.jpg
 
joepa150 said:
I don't mind spending up to maybe $80 or so if the knife will be higher quality and better F&F than the cheaper options (example Case for $40) I will look at what you suggested.

Whats a good online retailer of GEC?
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Unless the dealer is a BF dealer member, answers need to be offline (email, PM, Visitor Message etc).

Here's a link to a members site; http://www.collectorknives.net/greateastern2.html
You'll find others at the link in my sig line.
 
One of the things that helps to figure out what kind of knife to carry is to take into consideration your own life style, and what kind of clothing you wear most of the time. While a husky stockman would ride okay in jeans, it may not work for you in dockers or business casual. A sodbuster or large trapper is not as acceptable in some circles as a smaller lower profile knife is going to be. Is it going to double as a back up hunting knife, or open mail and packages at the office?

The knife has got to fit in your life, not just feel good in your hand.

Carl.
 
joepa150 said:
I am looking to get a slip joint knife ... I just want something that I can throw in my pocket that doesn't look intimidating if I brought it out in public.

I think I kind of like the stockman or canoe style.

I just don't know what manufacturer to go with or how much I should spend. I was thinking of just getting a Rough Rider because of the price but if you include shipping, I would be approaching the $18-20 mark.
Click to expand...

As you don't mind going the overseas route, check out the Buck 371 and 373 stockman models. They're made in China and thus are pretty affordable. But they have a great rep too.

-- Mark
 
jackknife said:
One of the things that helps to figure out what kind of knife to carry is to take into consideration your own life style, and what kind of clothing you wear most of the time. ...

The knife has got to fit in your life, not just feel good in your hand.

Carl.
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree with this more!

-- Mark
 
jackknife said:
One of the things that helps to figure out what kind of knife to carry is to take into consideration your own life style, and what kind of clothing you wear most of the time. While a husky stockman would ride okay in jeans, it may not work for you in dockers or business casual. A sodbuster or large trapper is not as acceptable in some circles as a smaller lower profile knife is going to be. Is it going to double as a back up hunting knife, or open mail and packages at the office?

The knife has got to fit in your life, not just feel good in your hand.

Carl.
Click to expand...

Sometimes I forget this. I wear cargo pants all the time and carry all kinds of stuff in my pockets. Bigger knives are not a concern for me, but in some places it really is.
 
I'm a little hesitant to write this because it might spoil you and ruin you for other slip joints, but I suggest heading straight to the head of the class and getting a GEC scout. Superior craftsmanship with a blade steel that is better than what you'll find on most production slip joints. Available in single or two-blade versions, with a dizzying array of cover materials. A good size and an even better design, I think it's destined to be a classic like its ancestor the Remington R-1173.

- Christian
 
jackknife said:
One of the things that helps to figure out what kind of knife to carry is to take into consideration your own life style, and what kind of clothing you wear most of the time. While a husky stockman would ride okay in jeans, it may not work for you in dockers or business casual. A sodbuster or large trapper is not as acceptable in some circles as a smaller lower profile knife is going to be. Is it going to double as a back up hunting knife, or open mail and packages at the office?

The knife has got to fit in your life, not just feel good in your hand.

Carl.
Click to expand...

Good point. I want it to be slim and small enough that I can bring it to an office environment in my slacks pocket but still big enough for everyday tasks (open mail, fruit, etc).

I have a Swiss Army Huntsman that I feel is a bit bulky/thick so somthing a bit slimmer.
 
kamagong said:
I'm a little hesitant to write this because it might spoil you and ruin you for other slip joints, but I suggest heading straight to the head of the class and getting a GEC scout. Superior craftsmanship with a blade steel that is better than what you'll find on most production slip joints. Available in single or two-blade versions, with a dizzying array of cover materials. A good size and an even better design, I think it's destined to be a classic like its ancestor the Remington R-1173.

- Christian
Click to expand...

I have always tried to purchase higher end things because I don't like to replace them. I can always add more/different knives to my collection but I do not like having to rebuy the same items because my last item failed.

I do see what you are saying. I feel the same way about cars. If I were rich, I wouldn't want to start out driving a Bentley or Ferrari. I would appreciate those vehicles more if I owned Fords and Chevys my whole life.
 
joepa150 said:
I want it to be slim and small enough that I can bring it to an office environment in my slacks pocket but still big enough for everyday tasks (open mail, fruit, etc).
Click to expand...

In the bargain price range, I'd suggest a Buck 373 or a yellow-handled Case penknife.* For more like $80 you could take a significant step up and get a Great Eastern White Owl.

-- Mark


* The Case has CV (or carbon) steel blades, not stainless. They will stain and take a patina.
 
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