Traditional Knives-Not Much of a Fan

allenC said:
Actually, I can get more real everyday "work" done with a Swiss Army Knife than I can with any single blade knife (fixed-blade or folder).
And the humble SAK is about as traditional as you can get since they have existed since 1891.
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The thin blade does cut well, but there have been times I have needed a stronger blade, that is locked or fixed. Also a longer blade with more belly is often needed. SAKs play a huge role in EDC, but it does not replace a single-blade folder. Also, I like to have a self-defense capability with a larger knife.
 
It's ok, you don't have to like older knife styles. Buy what you want, it's a big hobby, room for all preferences.
 
It's how they fit the blades into some (multi blade) slip joint frames, one or more will have a slight bend to it. Victorinox crinking more subtle than some other brands.
 
I love them both, but I am not a big fan of patina so I do tend to lean towards stainless blades for that reason, this one is made by Chambriard from France and sports a Razor Steel blade, 13c26 which is a step up from the usual 12c27 sandvik steel and takes an incredible edge, but also you see clipped in the pocket my Benchmade 915 for the more hearty endeavours...

compact_5-10.jpg~original


My daughter got this for me at Christmas and had G2 engraved on the blade ;)

G2_Compact.jpg~original


A push cut down through the phone book

phonebook.jpg~original


So, you can live in both worlds if you want to :)
G2
 
Gary W. Graley said:
I love them both, but I am not a big fan of patina so I do tend to lean towards stainless blades for that reason, this one is made by Chambriard from France and sports a Razor Steel blade, 13c26 which is a step up from the usual 12c27 sandvik steel and takes an incredible edge, but also you see clipped in the pocket my Benchmade 915 for the more hearty endeavours...

compact_5-10.jpg~original


My daughter got this for me at Christmas and had G2 engraved on the blade ;)

G2_Compact.jpg~original


A push cut down through the phone book

phonebook.jpg~original


So, you can live in both worlds if you want to :)
G2
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Cool! Nice photos! And knives!
 
The only thing i miss when using my slipjoint oldtimers is one hand opening
Oh, and clips... cant carry them without pockets lol

Though, it would be nice if someone made some larger nice slipjoints, almost all are under 3 inches
 
Vicarious Reality said:
The only thing i miss when using my slipjoint oldtimers is one hand opening
Oh, and clips... cant carry them without pockets lol

Though, it would be nice if someone made some larger nice slipjoints, almost all are under 3 inches
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Yeah. I was playing around with some today, and I really wanted to flick it open with one hand.
 
I like to carry a two blade traditional or a Vic Electrician, something around 3 1/2" closed so it isn't like a brick in the pockets, then combine that with a pocket clipped knife. Often times a small Sebenza. Found that to work for me.

As mentioned in the earlier post, with knives, the huge variety and differences in preferences make plenty of room for all.

Its a great hobby.....or obsession. Lol.
 
coloradospyderco said:
The thin blade does cut well, but there have been times I have needed a stronger blade, that is locked or fixed. Also a longer blade with more belly is often needed. SAKs play a huge role in EDC, but it does not replace a single-blade folder. Also, I like to have a self-defense capability with a larger knife.
Click to expand...
Check out some of the Victorinox one-hand knives.

The blade is about the same size and thickness as my Spyderco Endure, and both can be opened with one hand, so there's really nothing self-defense wise that the Endura can do that the Vic can't.







And the main blade locks open too, via liner-lock.




And even the thick and wide screwdriver/bottle opener locks open...



And, among other tools, this model also has a saw for wood or plastic.

Of course the one-hand Vics do depart from the traditional SAKs.
 
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coloradospyderco said:
I wouldn't carve a pumpkin with any of my folding knives. :) I agree that an SAK can do most cutting jobs, but what happens when that slip joint fails and the blade slices your hand open? Or when the thin blade bends over to one side? They have a place, but cannot replace larger folders.
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I've never seen a slip joint fail. However I have seen people fail while using a slip joint.
 
I gravitated to traditionals back in February and have pretty much gone completely over to them. I own over forty modern fixed and folders including Spydercos, Benchmades, ESEE, and William Henry but they've been relegated to the bottom drawer. I'm now collecting mostly GEC, Northwoods, Case, and the odd Queen or two. My traditional knife count already exceeds my moderns.

Fully appreciating a traditional slip joint requires a different mind-set. Perhaps that mind-set is a product of getting older (and wiser). It takes you back to a slower-paced time when the world wasn't all about super steels and "rapid deployment". You take time to enjoy every aspect of the knife, including the two-handed process of opening. You savor the feel of the organic, natural materials often used in a traditional slip joint. There's just something soothing about bone, wood, or stag in your hand.
 
I like old style knives, and most other things. Not sayin their better, I just like em better.
 
I like both. I own a lot of each type and I carry whichever I feel like on any given day.

I have a scar on my right index finger from the only time in my life a slip joint closed accidentally. I think I was about 9 or 10 at the time and, yes, I was playing with a sharp knife. I'm wiser now. And a lot older.

Despite all the advancements in knife design I've witnessed, they're still just cutting tools.

I like them all.
 
Add to the fact that there are many places where having a knife clipped to your pants is not acceptable. The traditionals really have a place in these scenarios.
 
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