Thrifty Thursday... Cheap Traditional Knives

Imperial Frontier from the big box GAW. Had to clean out the paper shredder, and the vacuum, and then I had to vacuum.
qxDGjHv.jpg
 
IMG_0413.JPG IMG_0410.JPG IMG_0411.JPG IMG_0413.JPG

This a horn slip joint folder from Old Forge, made in China. I like the rough texture look of the blade (which is listed as stainless on another site different from where I bought it, I had hoped it was carbon steel) and the look of the handle and the file work on the spine, but there is blade play and the pivot pin is too big and pushed the front of the scales sideways, making the blade crooked when opened. It has a sharp edge, it will be a user. Hope it keeps a decent edge.
 
Last edited:
About forty years ago, I purchased this one-of-a-kind belt knife that another customer had crafted from parts he had previously purchased from the same store. He assembled the knife and then sold it back to the shop for lack of cash:
JPEG_20200812_213031_3722797684443792003.jpg
JPEG_20200812_213133_7258428683225708839.jpg
JPEG_20200812_213254_135705570781841363.jpg
JPEG_20200812_213324_4767030474126758740.jpg
JPEG_20200812_213211_1792942263072960373.jpg

I was told the parts from which the knife was made cost about $28, and I purchased the completed knife with sheath for $30! I EDCed the knife for quite a while, basically thinking of it as a fixed-blade alternative to a Buck 110 or 112. I think it qualifies for Thrifty Thursday. T-A
 
Last edited:
the-accumulator said:
About forty years ago, I purchased this one-of-a-kind belt knife that another customer had crafted from parts he had previously purchased from the same store. He assembled the knife and then sold it back to the shop for lack of cash:
View attachment 1397818
View attachment 1397819
View attachment 1397820
View attachment 1397821
View attachment 1397822

I was told the parts from which the was made cost about $28, and I purchased the completed knife with sheath for $30! I EDCed the knife for quite a while, basically thinking of it as a fixed-blade alternative to a Buck 110 or 112. I think it qualifies for Thrifty Thursday. T-A
Click to expand...

Did it keep a decent edge? Nice.
 
Not having followed or posted in this thread until now is the disclaimer if my first post here seems too redundant. The subject is of interest to me so I will as time permits go back to see what I've been missing.
Cost has very little bearing on my decision to buy and use any particular knife. I enjoy economical knives as much as any at any price. However I do pay close attention to country of manufacture.
This Imperial is an example of that purchase process. I value it highly, it cost very little and it was made in Ireland. IMO it is a wonderful trapper and deserves to be shown in a good light. Thus the glamour shot. :)
CyohWTM.jpg
 
cbach8tw said:
Did it keep a decent edge?
Click to expand...
Yes, it holds an edge okay, and, being hollow ground, it's easy to sharpen. But I'd never carry it regularly again as the geometry is all wrong for my needs. Point is not pointy enough, guard is in the way for many tasks. Handle is too massive for such a short blade. Sheath is pretty nice! In spite of my negatives, the knife feels great in the hand! T-A
 
These were pristine Leathermans. I happened to be looking for these exact models at around the same time I found them. One was a P4 (with advertising on it); the other was a black Micra. Both were dirt cheap and mechanically as perfect as they get. They seemed as though they were new, right out of the box.

squirtmicra.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top