TIME TESTED “TRADITIONAL” MODERN PRODUCTION KNIVES

[KentuckyBlackBird]

Hey all,
I know it’s an oxymoron but, I consider the select few production modern EDCs somewhat the standard for knives that have come since they hit the scene; ones that have been in production for a number of years. Let’s say 15-20 years. I’m not talking about knockoffs, but moreso the very few that have inspired new beginnings in design and function and managed to stay popular enough to stay in rotation on the production schedule. Which knives can you name that have set that mark. I think of the USA made Kershaw Blur. Mine is 20 years old this year and is still being produced. Whatcha got to add??

 

[Arathol]

 

[Arathol]

The ultimate in time tested EDC pocket knives, still in production since 1867........

 

[oldmanwilly]

I get your meaning. These have been around, in one form or another, for 35 years. I think they count.

 

[The Zieg]

Le Thiers, depuis 1994

 

[Steven65]

Randall's have to qualify.........

 

[Arathol]

I get your meaning. These have been around, in one form or another, for 35 years. I think they count.

View attachment 2917209

I've had these since they were released....
The 1st gen C36G CPM440V Military from about 1996 or so

and 1st gen C10PSBK AUS-8 Endura from early 1990s

 

[EatingSarma]

My take on it for folders:
Spyderco Delica
Spyderco Endura
Cold Steel Recon 1
Opinel No.8
Victorinox SAK
Buck 110

Fixed blades:
SRK
Recon Tanto
Gerber Strongarm
ESEE 4
ESEE 6
ESEE Izula
Buck 119
Becker BK2

 

[Steven65]

The CRK Sebenza is a modern knife icon..........

 

[Blues]

Here's a few that come immediately to mind:

 

[VorpelSword]

Randall Made has mass produced hand forged fixed blade knives that established a standard for fit and finish in WW-II (and before). That tradition hat continues in the same way today, in this, he third decade of the Twenty-First Century, as it did in the 1940s.

The Chris Reeves line of folders has been in production and available for 20-25 years now.
For nearly three decades, hey have set a high standard in design and execution for folding knives. Many other makers today offer knives with similar design and materials.

 

[EatingSarma]

Traditional is IMO something widely available and fairly common.
Like those slipjoints that were common in people's pockets in the past.

As excellent as CRK knives are - they aren't that common. Mainly due availability and the fact their price is out of what majority can/want spend on a knife.

I've met people who EDC or have models mentioned up there, and yet I only have one friend who has 2 CRK knives. And only times that he carried them were the ones when he'd bring them to show them to me or someone else.

Edit: I know they are common on here. But we on this forum are waaay different than general population (including average knife guys).

 

[VorpelSword]

From my cursory reading of the OP, I had thought that history and influence on the industry were parameters to be considerd. I missed the part about common and inexpensive. While most every day knife owners do not have a Randle or CRK, both knife makers have had an impact or influence on the industry and the what more affordable knives are offered to the public.

What about the "traditional" Boy Scout pocket folder?

The basic construction, layout and the tools included go back as far as the 1920s. The current model has a Philips head bit , a feature which is, I think, derived from the pocket folder first issued to the Tenth Mountain Division ski troops during WW-II.

That traditional enough?

 

[RickHuf]

I hate to say this, but the Gerber gator is an Icon. It came out in the early 90's. Slip resistant handle on a big linerless lock back.

It's still available and still made in USA.

 

[DustinK]

Sebenza and 940 Osborne

 

[oldmanwilly]

I hate to say this, but the Gerber gator is an Icon. It came out in the early 90's. Slip resistant handle on a big linerless lock back.

It's still available and still made in USA.

Why hate to say it? I got one from my uncle when I was a kid and I thought it was the coolest knife for a long time. I think it was in 154CM and it helped me skin many deer. Heck, I wish I still had it.

 

[Wowbagger]

THIS !
No Question .
When I am in a mood to stop fooling around and just want a useful knife I reach for one of my thirty five or so Trappers .


Second up the Griptillian .
Full size or Mini .

By the way being an Oxymoron isn't so bad .
I haven't reached oxy_______ rank yet but hope , one day , to be promoted .

 

[Wowbagger]

Arathol :
I would like to add that many / most of us took a moment to stand and salute ;
in awe of your Buck 110 there in Damascus with that stellar jigged handle !

 

[RickHuf]

Why hate to say it? I got one from my uncle when I was a kid and I thought it was the coolest knife for a long time. I think it was in 154CM and it helped me skin many deer. Heck, I wish I still had it.

my experience with them over the last ten years has been less than stellar. I'm sure your gator was awesome, as were the ones that were around when I was a kid. The new ones might be great too, but I dunno.

It is a very good design, no doubt.

 

[KentuckyBlackBird]

I do agree with some classic traditional models having to “modernize” to stay relevant in a market they helped create…..



These are not my knives. I don’t own these photos.