Switching from back pocket tactical to a traditional knife

[silenthunterstudios]

For some time now, I had been carrying a Spyderco Ladybug, not the definition of tactical by any means, but not a traditional knife either. After I relegated the Ladybug to the gigundo kitchen sink keychain, I started carrying a SOG Twitch. Now, I have switched to a Buck Knight. It's more sheeple friendly, and it is a great little knife. I still carry my Leatherman Juice, Squirt on my small keychain, and my Delica in my front pocket. Am I just going through a phase? I still beat the heck out of my tacticals, for everyday tasks, but lately I've just felt like returning to using my "fancy" traditional folders. Usually I reserve them for something special, like a family wedding, a nice dinner, a nice date . Am I looking too far into this, or have I broken into new knife ground? Have I finally broken the mall ninjas hold over me?

 

[Blackhearted]

i like traditional knives, they have several things going for them. they have a style of their own - like a gentleman's accessory. its like carrying a nice zippo or old ronson as opposed to a red plastic bic.
however, they also have a few downfalls - most of which being the lack of 1-hand opening, lack of a clip, and heavier weight due usually to the solid nickel bolsters and heavier design.

personally, i would consider some sortof a compromise - such as a benchmade, spyderco, etc made from more traditional materials. this way you can have the best of both worlds - traditional materials giving a classic look/feel, however all of the convenient features we take for granted in more recent knives.

cheers,
-gabriel

 

[Bobwhite]

After many forays into the "tactical" knife arena, and the upscale one handed folders ala Sebenza, I came to the conclusion that I liked slipjoints in classic patterns with carbon steel blades and bone or stag scales best. They never raise an eyebrow when I use them and they work as good or better than any of those others. I turned a corner, and I still give a look over my shoulder at the new developments and trends, but I have continued down this path of classic materials and designs and been very happy. There is still a little mall ninja in me, but he is in the backround now.

 

[Blackhearted]

i just ordered a pair of traditional boker slipjoints - a whittler and stockman, i hope they turn out OK quality. ive owned several older bokers and they used to be excellent quality knives, however i havent handled any of their recent ones and with the way companies like gerber have been going lately i dont know.
*crosses fingers*

 

[knifetester]

I ahve heard good things about Boker. Lenny bought a couple and was pelased. Given his high standards, they should be very nice.

I like Case CV slip joints the best myself, but there are a ton of great makers out their.

One day I would love to be able to buy a Morrow, Ruple, bose or the like.

 

[Bobwhite]

I think I might go with a Mooremaker for my next knife. Seems to embody all the stuff I really go for.

 

[Moine]

Check the laguiole thread There are some with thumb studs now

David

 

[Blackhearted]

i picked up one of these for $26:

what caught my eye was the traditional look and solingen carbon steel blades. im not too fond of the tree all over the blade but i can deal with it. has a red bone handle, brass liners and nickel silver bolsters. its 3 1/2" closed.
considering you cant get much for $26 these days, i dont think i can go very wrong with it - but the fact that theyre getting decent reviews here is great. i also ordered a stockman to go with it.

SSH - i think the market goes in cycles. as were pretty much getting oversaturated with 'tactical' crap these days its natural for the market - and peoples preferences - to start falling back to traditional or quasi-traditional designs. its just like the clothing industry, car industry, etc. im kindof getting burned out on the tactical thing myself, and find my tastes running more towards the traditional as well. thats not to say i dont buy any more tactical folders/fixed blades - just that when buying more expensive ones i tend to lean towards more traditional designs.

cheers,
-gabriel