The Toughest Folding Work Knife?

Thanks, 300Bucks, et. al...

What would you folks recommend to clean and lube these nice old knives? I tend to prefer natural, non-toxic cleaners and lubricants. I did not note any obvious rust on these knives, but I know, at some point, I will need something good for rust removal. Anyway, I am thinking some very fine sandpaper and some linseed oil? I have some pure, natural beeswax on hand. I used a light rub of this on my Sod Buster (after cleaning it) a few days ago, and it seems to be looking good.
 
Here's something I posted in another thread, but I think it fits here too ...

For a cheap use-it-till-it-dies-then-buy-another knife, go to a popular auction site and search for "Ulster, scout, knife." Those have beefy blades of a very good grade of carbon steel, plus a few tools for prying, poking, scoring, scraping, etc. They're made in the U.S. and the used ones run less than $20 easy.

-- Mark

-- Mark
 
For a tough and hard working slip joint,you would be hard pressed to find one any better than a Queen Cattle King Stockman.It's a beast!!
 
gt69 said:
Thanks, 300Bucks, et. al...

What would you folks recommend to clean and lube these nice old knives? I tend to prefer natural, non-toxic cleaners and lubricants.
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The "Maintenance" forum is the place to learn more than you'll ever want to know on the topic of cleaning, lubricants etc.
 
This'll do some work for ya. Case 6231 1/2. Easily found used. :thumbup:

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gt69 said:
What a day it has been. In addition to the Buck 307, I have picked up a nice Camillus TL-29 and a nice "U.S." Camillus, with a 1976 date. Any comments on the steel in these blades? I gather the TL-29 is perhaps 440?

I thank all of the contributors, as it made buying a vintage knife easier. Each of the three knives was under $40 (shipped), and so the prices seem to be reasonable.
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I just read through this thread, and that 307 is very similar to one I was going to recommend, a Remington #9501. It and the Buck 307 were made by Camillus before they shut down, the Buck with stainless blades and the Remington with carbon steel blades.

Another option is a two-bladed model by Camillus called the Jumbo Jack. (Model #23.)

I have a Case #6217 "Loomfixer" here, that is one of the most stout slipjoints I've ever seen.

~Chris

ps: be careful with that U.S. knife - the springs are a bit brittle on some of the ones from Camillus. I have one with a broken spring myself.
 
I used to use my CASE large Copperlock almost everyday for a few years in my construction job. It was perfect for all manner of cutting chores, and with a smaller pen blade on it, that blade was kept extra sharp for finer chores. I alternated with another CASE, their large stockman. Model number unknown. Both of these knives served my well for anything you would ask a serious work knife to do. I used the Copperlock so much the main blade has a tiny bit if roll back on the spine where it rests on the backspring. That's a lot of work. So a big, older CASE would probably be my first choice for an older knife.

For a new knife, it would really be tough to beat those BUCKs. Classic patterns, excellent working knife steel (takes a keen edge and can be sharpened easily), don't rust, and the scales are just about impervious to wear. Then of course, the lifetime warranty and the excellent pricing. I don't think you can go wrong with a new BUCK. I suggest their large Stockman pattern as it is a classic work knife.

My 0.02.

Robert
 
I really like my Queen Mountain Man as a no-nonsense tool. Can't recommend it highly enough. Here she is, getting down & dirty! :cool:
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I appreciate the continuous stream of information. I have received the knives I mentioned above. All are nice. That Buck 307, though, seems to be the best of the bunch. The snap, solidity, and tension of the blades is just superb--thanks 300Bucks, and all of the the other posters, too.

The TL-29 is not too shabby, either...

I can perhaps see what one of the posters has indicated in regard to the "US" knife. I really like this knife's all-metal construction and smooth, simple aesthetic. I have noticed, though, that the blade has good snap going out, but very little snap coming back. Any further comments on this?
 
gt69 said:
I can perhaps see what one of the posters has indicated in regard to the "US" knife. I really like this knife's all-metal construction and smooth, simple aesthetic. I have noticed, though, that the blade has good snap going out, but very little snap coming back. Any further comments on this?
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Not sure here, but it may have something to do with the design & shape of the blade tang.

Peter Parker said:
4 1/4" closed Italian jigged amber bone w/1095 blades.
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Thanks! (Yet another to add to my list . . . )

~Chris
 
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