Traditional folder noob.

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

Spongebobby

Joined
Oct 11, 2010
Messages
173
I'm looking for a good traditional folder, but i want a locking system and i still want good size, no less than 3 1/2 inches. I like opinels, good price, how's quality? any reccomendations appreciated. Also has to be single bladed.
 
I would recommend the Case Copperlock Jr. at 3-5/8" OAL. A perfect pocket size, meeting your requirements.

Your first traditional should be a USA made Case, and this is a good one with several handle choices available.
 
i like opinels. they're a great value. the only thing is you need to be careful around water since it makes the wood swell if it gets wet, making the blade hard to get out.
you might also want to check out some of these:
Buck 110
Buck 112
Case Trapperlock
Queen Mountain man
 
^great suggestions from you guys, you pretty much named all the ones i was thinking of.

if yo can do without the lock, the case swayback jack in cv is a great choice, i cant get enough of mine.
 
Most of my recommendations have already been suggested but I'll add a couple more... a 1970s Case Sodbuster with lock (if you can find one) and a Mercator K55.

My recommendation is to buy the Opinel #8 AND something else. The Opinel #8 is so inexpensive it doesn't count...at least that's how I justify my Opinel purchases. ;)
 
The Case Copperlock is a good recommendation. I personally would not recommend the Trapperlock, because their pivots tend to be too loose, and the ball detent does not keep them closed. I've had mine open in my pocket and cut me badly when I reached in for it. I've also had it open in my pocket and poke me in the leg. While I like the concept, I am NOT a fan of that pattern as I've seen it executed.

Another knife to consider would be the GEC lockback scout. They seem to sell out quickly, so it's tricky to find one in a nice configuration, and they're pricier than a Case, but they are excellent knives.
 
Andy is dead right about the GEC lockback's quality, but they are at least $90 on up, depending on handle material, and are hard to find.

Another slightly more expensive choice is the Queen #06L Teardrop Linerlock, shown hear in Amber Carved Stag Bone with D2 blade, around $60. 3-7/8" OAL.

Q06Lmark.jpg
 
I recommend the AG Russell Cowboy or the large Hunter. The Gunstock Lockback is also good, but the blade length is just below what you desire (assuming that the 3 1/2" you mention refers to blade length). These knives are affordable, yet their quality is top notch. Actually, this is the only brand of slipjoints I would buy sight unseen, as I don't trust quality control of other current factory production knives.

If you want cheaper, try Rough Rider, but I don't know if they have models with the blade length you require. Opinels are cheap, too, and have some fans, but I'm not one of them...
 
To clarify, the A.G. Russell Cowboy is not a locking knife. Having said that, it's a very good, solid, strong slipjoint. No worries about the blade accidentally closing, when properly utilized. The gunstock and Hunter from A.G. Russell are rock-solid & beefy, and excellent quality.

I'll also 2nd a recommendation to try an Opinel (or two). They are unique, light enough to be almost unnoticeable in the pocket, and the blades are fantastic slicers (both carbon and stainless).
 
+1 on Opinel's (alone or together with an American traditional - I can't really recommend u an American traditional but u already got lots of feedbacks here and I would trust them blindly).
I recommend that u get the Opinel first (my vote goes for the #7) and use it for a while. Long ago I almost fell in the trap of considering an Opinel a 'second league' knife because of the price (therefore leaving it home), but then I knew better.
So my suggestion is: get one and use it for a while. The locking system might seem weird if u are used to modern folders but it does work fine. And I still have to find a better slicer. In fact, my #7 is the only knife I have on me as I'm writing this post...
Fausto
:cool:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top