Traditional EDC

T

tcacarter

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Apr 1, 2013
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I am thinking about buying my first traditional folder. My question is should I start out with a cheaper brand or just man up an buy a case in cv. Also do you have any recommendations for a cheaper company and do any sell carbon knives. Lastly what pattern do you recommend for an edc.
 
Well, Case yellow CV knives are reasonably priced. You only have to man up a little for that.

I'm a big fan of Buck's 300 and 500 series, but they are stainless, not carbon steel. Don't count out Swiss Army Knives, either. They are also SS, but great in their own right.

Here are some lower priced carbon steel folders I've been considering for EDC:
Opinel
Mercator k55k and smaller non-locking model
Douk Douks
Aitor Castor
Svord Peasant Mini

I purchased a Robert Klaas Brown Mule, which takes some TLC to make it EDC-worthy. I'm still deciding if the steel is good or not, but I like the knife a lot.

Being into single bladers, I'd say my current top three are the Brown Mule, Buck 302 and Victorinox Bantam.

Have fun making your selection. If you're like most of us, this is just the first of many... and soon you'll be contemplating GECs.
 
tcacarter said:
I am thinking about buying my first traditional folder. My question is should I start out with a cheaper brand or just man up an buy a case in cv. Also do you have any recommendations for a cheaper company and do any sell carbon knives. Lastly what pattern do you recommend for an edc.
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I'd recommend a Case CV knife. Get a yellow-handled CV model if you're on a budget. They're reasonably priced, and look great to boot. Very old school/traditional.

For a cheaper knife in carbon, as other guys mentioned, Opinels are fantastic knives. :thumbup: And not just "for the price."

Good luck, and please be sure to let us know what you choose and how you like it.

-- Mark
 
I have an opinel #8 that I carry occasionally I was thinking more along the lines of a slip joint.
 
If you want a single blade knife, those listed above are all good choices. Or, of course, a Case Sodbuster Jr or 31048 slimline trapper in CV.

If you want 2 or 3 or 4 blades and carbon steel, your best bet is with a Case or Boker Tree Brand. Should be able to find most any pattern for under $50. Or just jump right into the deep end and pick up something from Great Eastern Cutlery.

Rough Rider and Steel Warrior make pretty good knives for very cheap. Good fit and finish, blades are sharp out of the box and in OK steel, etc. The nickel silver bolsters will tarnish quicker than better knives, and the bone might bleed dye for a while, but for the cost, they're a great way to try out different patterns without hundreds of dollars.
 
tcacarter said:
Are there any cheaper trapper style knives with carbon blades.
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The Case 31048 slimline trapper can be had for under $30, but it's only a single blade. For a 2 blade, you're looking at $40-60 depending on brand and handle material. Bear and Sons makes them for a bit cheaper, but the lower quality won't be worth the money you "save".

Or, you can look for a used one.
 
Planterz said:
Bear and Sons makes them for a bit cheaper, but the lower quality won't be worth the money you "save".

Or, you can look for a used one.
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I agree on both counts. On a budget, I'd search the for sale forums right here at Bladeforums, or look on that big auction site for a used Case or Boker.

-- Mark
 
You can get new Case Yellow Delrin CV trappers and mini trappers for about $32 - $35 shipped if you search a bit on a well known auction site.

My personal preference for an EDC traditional is a 2 or 3 blade knife in the 3 1/2" to 3 3/4" size range. My favorites so far are the Case Small Texas Jack in Amber Bone CV, pattern 62032, and the similar Case Medium Stockman in Chestnut Jigged Bone CV, pattern 63032. Both can be found new for about $40 shipped.
 
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Case Yellow Sod Buster Junior CV is pretty cheap and classic. GEC Farm and Fields are nice. Buck 301 is a big stockman, I'd get the black one. An Opinel is a surprisingly cheap and great knife; I have a No. 8.
 
You can get a full size Case chestnut bone or amber bone or red bone CV for $40 plus shipping or a mini trapper (my favorite size) for f$36 plus shipping. I'll leave you a visitor message about the source. The yellow delrin handled versions are $34 and $31 respectively. This is just from one source; might be able to find them cheaper elsewhere.

Ed J
 
Case is a good entry level knife, yet will also be a good tool that could last for years. Once you figure out what pattern(s) you like, you can make the jump to Queen or GEC.
 
For case knives are the yellow synthetic handles more durable or should I just go with the bone handles for ten dollars more.
 
tcacarter said:
For case knives are the yellow synthetic handles more durable or should I just go with the bone handles for ten dollars more.
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Some of the guys here like the yellow, I don't know why? I like the bone....but its your knife & your $$, so buy the one that trips your trigger.

Tom
 
The yellow handled (delrin) are just about the least expensive of a particular pattern. My favorite is the 4 1/8" size or "large trapper". Even with two blades, the knife still is quite comfortable in my pants pocket. I think the yellow delrin is very durable. But I prefer a more traditional jigged bone handle. Pick the one that appeals to you the most visually. I own one in the yellow delrin.
 
I think the scales are mostly decorative. Structural strength comes from the liners, bolster and spring.
 
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