Traditional Knife Company Question

H

Humint

Joined
Apr 1, 2011
Messages
963
Since being a newbie to traditional knives I figured I would ask this question that may actually help other beginners in the traditional knife realm: How would you rate the current production (not custom) companies making traditional knives; being in value and fit and finish? (being so new, I actually could only name a few companies - case, queen city cutlery, great eastern knives, northwoods knives, rough rider, remington). Who makes the greatest modern production traditional knives?
 
I think this is a real personal question like picking your favorite ice cream. I really like great eastern like I like my vanilla :). There are fans of all those companies mentioned. Each have their merits and disadvantages. I think looking for a particular knife that sings to you is the best way to start your adventure and then take it from there :) good luck!
 
I'm new to traditional knives also. I have a canal street on order and my hopes are high! I hope they deliver!
 
How would you rate the current production companies ....in value and fit and finish?
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Like anything else, what's best depends on what you value and how much you are willing to pay to get it. Different folks value different properties. And have different price ranges.

My best advice is to hang out here, read the threads, and get a feel for the knives.
 
This question has also been asked many times in the past...simply do a search and you'll find a number of great threads..............
 
Find a pattern you like, then find a price you like. Case knives are not typically the best, but they are functional and always worth a try.
 
Humint said:
(being so new, I actually could only name a few companies - case, queen city cutlery, great eastern knives, northwoods knives, rough rider, remington). Who makes the greatest modern production traditional knives?
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Queen City Cutlery is a line made by Queen - working man knives with carbon (rather than stainless) steel. Northwoods has their knives produced by other companies, such as Queen and GEC. Remington also doesn't currently make knives of their own, but has them made by other companies.

Personally, my favorite companies are Case and GEC, because they represent 2 very different markets. Cases are relatively inexpensive, and there's nearly endless options when it comes to patterns and handles. Even moreso when you go back in time and consider vintage models or variants. On the other end of the spectrum is GEC. Only a comparatively handful of patterns, limited production, and not nearly as much variety when it comes to different handle materials. However, the quality is at the top of production traditional knives. If you want a Case with stag as nice as GEC uses, you'll be paying about as much as you would for a GEC. GEC uses amazing woods, but have very limited supplies.
 
Planterz said:
Queen City Cutlery is a line made by Queen - working man knives with carbon (rather than stainless) steel. Northwoods has their knives produced by other companies, such as Queen and GEC. Remington also doesn't currently make knives of their own, but has them made by other companies.

Personally, my favorite companies are Case and GEC, because they represent 2 very different markets. Cases are relatively inexpensive, and there's nearly endless options when it comes to patterns and handles. Even moreso when you go back in time and consider vintage models or variants. On the other end of the spectrum is GEC. Only a comparatively handful of patterns, limited production, and not nearly as much variety when it comes to different handle materials. However, the quality is at the top of production traditional knives. If you want a Case with stag as nice as GEC uses, you'll be paying about as much as you would for a GEC. GEC uses amazing woods, but have very limited supplies.
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Awesome. Good to know. I don't mind paying more for quality. Coming from modern production folders I feel some of the traditional knives are true peices of functional art that would last lifetimes (not that modern folders would not, but I feel many traditionals would).
 
Planterz said:
Queen City Cutlery is a line made by Queen - working man knives with carbon (rather than stainless) steel. Northwoods has their knives produced by other companies, such as Queen and GEC. Remington also doesn't currently make knives of their own, but has them made by other companies.

Personally, my favorite companies are Case and GEC, because they represent 2 very different markets. Cases are relatively inexpensive, and there's nearly endless options when it comes to patterns and handles. Even moreso when you go back in time and consider vintage models or variants. On the other end of the spectrum is GEC. Only a comparatively handful of patterns, limited production, and not nearly as much variety when it comes to different handle materials. However, the quality is at the top of production traditional knives. If you want a Case with stag as nice as GEC uses, you'll be paying about as much as you would for a GEC. GEC uses amazing woods, but have very limited supplies.
Click to expand...

Awesome. Good to know. I don't mind paying more for quality. Coming from modern production folders I feel some of the traditional knives are true peices of functional art that would last lifetimes (not that modern folders would not, but I feel many traditionals would).
 
My favorite company is Queen, followed by Great Eastern. I appreciate the materials and craftsmanship that goes into GEC's wares, but Queen's designs really speak to me.

- Christian
 
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