Suggestions for a $250 Traditional

J

jsolack

Joined
Mar 28, 2012
Messages
36
Hello all,

I'm looking for some suggestions for a traditional folder for a special occasion. I have about $250 budget and I'm hoping to find a nice traditional, ideally something that comes with a leather pouch.

I don't know much about traditionals so I apologize for such a broad question.

I've seen a few Al Mar knives that look very nice but i'm hoping to hear what you guys have to say.

Thanks in advance.

Jason
 
Case/Bose Norfolk. Sometimes you can find them for around your price if you have patience.

IMG_1890.jpg


IMG_1896.jpg
 
The Al Mar Hawk, Eagle, Falcon, Osprey are very sweet knives. All lockbacks. I don't have any now, but the ones I had in the past were all wonderfully made, but that was over 10 years ago.

Also, you can look at some of the higher end GECs or may be able to find a nice custom in that price range. Take a look at the knives by A.G. Russell and the Scagel brand.

It would help if you could give some idea of what his likes are. And, you should definitely be considering what he would like to have. More so that what you like yourself. Your $250 price range kind of limits your choices unless you are looking at that as a top end. It's kind of just above most production knives and a bit below the customs. No doubt though that you can find some nice knives for that price.

Ed J
 
Last edited:
KRG_9515-2.jpg


Complete with leather pouch.

I don't think they have Ivory left but they have Stag.
 
Ray Cover. Not sure if he's still making knives, but they pop up occasionally on the secondary market. Probably won't come with a leather pouch for that money.
 
Since you didn't mention any specific type or pattern I'd say keep your eye on the secondary market for the Case/Bose collaboration knives. For $250 you could find a nice condition user or maybe one that's like new if fortune is really smiling on you. The pouch you'd need to get separately but that would be the easy part after the knife.
 
The Al Mars are really nice knives. For something really special you could check out Michael Hoover's work - just look for Art in Stone under the Hosted Knifemakers Forums. There's a link to his website in his signature block.
 
Last edited:
Moki is in that price range if you want a gentleman's lock back.
 
Thank you for all the suggestions, the Moki looks very interesting! Any opinoin on the Al Mar steel, it looks like they use AUS 8 which I generally avoid.

I have a bit of homework to do with many of the other makers mentioned!
 
There is no need to spend $250 to get a fine Traditional style folder. I suggest you check out GEC (Great Eastern Cutlery).
They make a wide range of Traditional patterns with many different handle options including a few with elephant ivory.
The GEC knives are exceptionally well made in all regards and one of these will last a lifetime and still have most of it's useable life left.
The Case/Bose Norfolk is also an excellent suggestion. It is perhaps the finest, most attractive of all these collaboration knives.
roland
 
As far as I know the steel does use Aus 8. An okay choice for the type of folders that I mentioned above. If you are spending $250 on a knife, it needs to be finely crafted and the steel good enough for a gentleman to use for routine use. I think the Al Mar knives would fit well. But as others have mentioned, you can get other brands or makers if you look hard and long enough. I think the Al Mars fit your cost range and will be an admirable gift. If you want to give him a good knife that he can use hard, get him a Great Eastern in 440C; it will be well in your price range and they are very well made.

Ed J
 
rprocter said:
There is no need to spend $250 to get a fine Traditional style folder. I suggest you check out GEC (Great Eastern Cutlery).
Click to expand...
My thoughts exactly. For $250 the OP can get a nice stag GEC and have a custom sheath made for his new knife.

- Christian
 
Christian and I seem to be on the same page lately. Buy a $175-$200 stag GEC and have a custom leather pouch or sheath made for it.
 
interesting, i'll have a look at GEC... any ideas on where to get a custom sleeve?

Thank you again for all the help everyone.
 
You could look at this guy;

DSCN7481.jpg


It's kind of unusual, don't think there's too many of them running around, and you can ask for the slip case for free.

PM or VM me for the info.
 
Last edited:
If it were my money, I'd get a 12cm Fontenille Pataud guilloche with pouch.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top