Tactical VS. Traditional

I've got 2 modern knives for when I want something I can open with one hand (especially when I'm in the yard wearing gloves). But for most of my purposes, I keep a SAK in my pocket and a smaller SAK on my keychain.
 
Both modern and traditional. I don't think my modern knives would be considered "tactical." I carry and use a Victorinox SAK more than anything else. Usually leave a bigger modern folder in the car in case I need something bigger than the SAK.
 
I like both. I own more modern blades than traditionals and I tend to have at least one of each on me.

I think the term "tactical knife" can mean a number of things, however. To some, it's a knife carried as a secondary or even primary weapon. To others, it's an all purpose knife designed to be used in a military context. To others still, it's just a marketing term. There are other definitions that apply to different people.
 
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I have gotten to the point in my life that I far more appreciate the look of a traditional knife to that of these newer type "tactical" models. I like a simple look and can do with pocket-clips and thumb-studs, flippers, etc. Having said that, you would think I have a ton of tradtionals, but I don't. As much as I love the look, I just cant give up the convenience of easy one handed opening and I like the peace of mind of a lock too. I constantly think about buying traditionals just to collect because I like the idea of doing so, but I would never use them and I typically never keep anything I don't use. So as much as I dislike the look, the "tactical" models are just so much easier to use for me. If I could just get a simple looking one hand folder, with a simple locking system, and a nice thin blade for slicing, without all the extra bells and whistles I would be a happy man.
 
While I, like many, began life with traditionals as they were the only thing around, over the years I now own mostly moderns. The advantages are just too great--one handed opening/closing, appearance and style, true lock up, etc.

Further, I don't see myself spending TV time opening and closing a trad for fun as opposed to that satisfying thumb flick and quick return to closed of a modern. In fact, never seen anyone having a good time "therapeutically" cycling a traditional.

While I rarely use a clip for carry (prefer slipcases or belt carry), I consider them vital to a modern if only for the extra leverage and in-hand security when opening and closing it.

Moderns are just more fun....for me.
 
In my humble opinion, a knife has to have form, function, aesthetics, and show innovation.

Traditionals have form, function, and aesthetics, but lack innovation. This is also from the name "traditional", which means the design sticks to its mastered roots, but doesn't branch out anywhere. respectable, but pretty lame.

Tacticals (in the typical sense) like benchmade, ZT, spyderco, emerson, kershaw, etc., all are mechanically excellent, and reliable. They have form, function, and innovation (to an extent), but most look somewhere between hideous (War toad) and average (benchmade).

Tactical semi-customs, made by individual makers, such as Brian Tighe, Stan Wilson, Chris Reeve, etc. Have my vote for best value. Full on customs are sick, but are too much of safe queens for any practical user. Their knives all incorporate innovative, mechanically perfect designs that look beautiful and perform flawlessly. Form, function, aesthetics, and innovation, all passed with flying colors by these masters. This is just my opinion, to each their own. I just feel like a knife is more than just a tool (if it is, just get a pack of razor blades and cut that cardboard better than any thicker blade). It shows values and craftsmanship that few modern products can touch. No matter what the knife category (traditional, tactical, etc), if it exhibits enough value to the customer, it is worth it.

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While I don't ever feel like I would need a knife for protection, I do work in carpentry, hunt and fish. I find traditionals are always acceptable in public, have yet to fail me, and look much more warm and nice in hand. That's not to say that there aren't beautiful modern knives, but the allure of a classic and time tested design keeps me lusting after a slipjoint. Plus, I'd rather have a small stockman than a big modern folder, the versatility is much better.

EChoil said:
Further, I don't see myself spending TV time opening and closing a trad for fun as opposed to that satisfying thumb flick and quick return to closed of a modern. In fact, never seen anyone having a good time "therapeutically" cycling a traditional.
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I don't think anyone will "cycle" a traditional, but I know many people who love to fondle and look at their tradtionals. If I'm out walking to class or somewhere I'll have a hand in my pocket caressing my knife, it's a very therapeutic thing. Not as violent, in terms of archetypes and physical action, as flipping open a spring assist.

Connor
 
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I like to carry a knife that I can open one handed with ease and certainty and have for many years. If speed is a by product, that is a bonus. The knife I carried at work could be used 50 times in the course of a week and maybe more while wearing gloves. I have been a big fan of Spydercos for this and other reasons. Where you can open a Buck 110 or 112 (both knives which I own and like) they just cannot meet the requirements I have for a EDC work knife.
I also like the look, feel and craftsmanship of traditionals. I have a real fondness of stag handled pocket knives.
 
The knives that I buy for work are all modern folders. They are knives made with tough, bulky materials and strong blade steels with ability to quickly deploy with one hand. The knives that I chose to carry when I'm running errands, dressed up, or hanging out are traditionals. They are warm, beautiful, and all have character. I liken it to buying a Camry to daily drive 60 miles round trip to work everyday, but taking out an Austin Healey to get coffee on a Sunday morning. They both get you to your destination, but they do it in much different ways.
 
While I love the look of traditional knives- and own a few- I tend to carry modern folders. The term "tactical" is just silly to me. That's mall ninja marketing hype. To me a Ritter Grip is just a damn good knife. I tend to lean toward one hand opening knives because they are more practical for my job. But by the same token, I've always got a SAK on me... so go figure...lol.
 
pinnah said:
My understanding is that the Buck 112 Ranger has it's name in "honor" of the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. My understanding (could be urban/internet myth) was that the Ranger was in port in San Diego and a fight broke out in which a sailor was stabbed with a Buck 110. The ship's commander issued an order limiting blade length of utility knives to 3" and Buck responded with the Ranger.
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Never happened.
 
Duplicate threads have been merged.
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I prefer the looks and ergonomics of modern folders over the more traditional knives. But about 10% of my knives fall into the traditional style.
Some years back i bought 2 identical knives one in G10 and one with rosewood handles. Using them both regularly I made an interesting observation. When using the one with wooden scales, people would not react to the knife at all or comment on the pretty looks. The exactly same knife in black G10 would often raise eyebrows and "whooo, that's a big knife you got there" comments.
 
jstrange said:
I have gotten to the point in my life that I far more appreciate the look of a traditional knife to that of these newer type "tactical" models. I like a simple look and can do with pocket-clips and thumb-studs, flippers, etc. Having said that, you would think I have a ton of tradtionals, but I don't. As much as I love the look, I just cant give up the convenience of easy one handed opening and I like the peace of mind of a lock too. I constantly think about buying traditionals just to collect because I like the idea of doing so, but I would never use them and I typically never keep anything I don't use. So as much as I dislike the look, the "tactical" models are just so much easier to use for me. If I could just get a simple looking one hand folder, with a simple locking system, and a nice thin blade for slicing, without all the extra bells and whistles I would be a happy man.
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Plenty of locking traditionals out there. Most of them have nice flat grinds, but not all of them.

Lockbacks like this old Schrade are easy to one hand open but they do require getting a hang of the technique. Pinch the blade, press the frame open and hook the frame on your thigh. It's not as fast a with studs or holes or flippers but it's easy. I find the motion more natural than studs and flippers actually, but then again, I grew up with lock backs.

Schrade 5OT & Micra by Pinnah, on Flickr

My preferred knife in the shop and working on my property is the Opinel #9 Inox.

Opinel #9 Inox Drop Point and Micra by Pinnah, on Flickr

The Opinel is a demanding knife. To get it from good to great, you need to learn how to tune up the pivot and lock a bit. Need to adjust tension by bending the inner ring. Need to seal the wood with beeswax and a heat gun so it's less effected by water. Once this is done, it's a very easy knife to both one hand open and close. Same as a lock back, you just pinch open and open the handle against your leg. Super easy with a bit of practice. Closing is very safe as the blade has friction but no spring, so no surprises. Just brush the spine on your leg to close it.

I'm not advocating traditionals to you. Just noting that you can find what you're looking for there.
 
Modern all the way. I can appreciate traditional folders but the practicality is lacking compared to the modern options.
 
I'm an old guy, but I prefer a one hander for everyday. I like my Benchmade Mini Grip, small Sebenza and my Spyderco Worker. But still a majority of my collection is Case and Great Eastern. Arthritis has made it hard to open alot of traditionals.
 
If I were attacked by a limb from a cedar tree perhaps a "tactical" knife might come in handy.If I wanted to whittle on the stick after I subdued it in a "tactical" manner I would use a "traditional" pocket knife.Seriously though the Spyderco I have had clipped in my right front pocket for the last 8 years is very handy when something needs cut real quick but it is not so handy for reducing a piece of fragrant red cedar into a pile of shavings while sitting around a camp fire.The Caly 3's G-10 scales are very durable and maintenance free just like the VG-10 steel in its blade where my 8 dot 6318he's scales made from the shin bone of a South American cow is fairly fragile and its chrome vanadium blades will rust if not wiped dry after use.Different chores call for different tools is the way I look at it.
 
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