Traditional pocket knife quality suggestions please

J

jackknifeh

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Sep 29, 2010
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I want one (or two) traditional pocket knives like my Dad always carried. When I was about 9 or 10 years old he gave me my first pocket knife and if memory serves (which it probably doesn't) it was a Case stockman or something like that. Now I want to have a couple of these type of knives but I want primarily better steel used for the blades. I've used the present SS and CV (non-stainless) blades and while they are acceptable I've gotten spoiled by the edge retention of other steels. Also, since I only want one or two to carry I would like the fit and finish to be as nice as possible. I do need to put a price limit on the knives though. I'm going to say $100 each max but would LOVE to keep each around $60. But since what I want is as close to perfection as you can expect in this price range I won't spend $60 if it doesn't meet my desires. If I need to pay more than $100 for one knife that do meet my requirements I'll just have to wait.

So, any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I watched a video of someone showing some of his collection and the individual mentioned that Case quality is not what it was several years ago. He did mention that others have maintained their quality even if it meant their prices going up. One of these companies was Queen pocket knives. I've looked at them briefly and I like them. How do you feel about this opinion of Case and Queen and please add any info on other companies who make knives like this.

Thank you for any help.

Jack
 
Look at Great Eastern Cutlery and Canal Street Cutlery. You should find something you like, although it may be above your price range.
 
There is a subforum here dedicated specifically to traditional knives. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/773-Traditional-Folders-and-Fixed-Blades Lots of good information there, if you'd like to browse the threads or post some questions.

I have a number of Case knives and they work well for me as carry knives. I have one Great Eastern Cutlery knife that has excellent fit and finish and I would rate it a better quality knife than the Case knives. It was under your price range, around $80 if I recall. It's a GEC #68 Pony Jack, which you can read up on in this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/773-Traditional-Folders-and-Fixed-Blades

Several Bladeforums sponsoring vendors sell GEC Knives including http://www.collectorknives.net, http://oldhundredcollectibles.com/, and http://www.knivesshipfree.com.

Some of them also carry Queen and Canal Street. I believe they all participate in the forums here so you could PM them or just give them a call and tell them what you're looking for, I bet they could help you select something.
 
You might just look at vintage pocket knives with a little history on auction sites.
 
My favorite Case pattern is the Medium Stockman with rounded bolsters. The quality is generally OK, but I suggest buying in person to inspect the knife before purchase. And their steels aren't what you're looking for.

For about the same price, $50 or less, you can buy a stockman in carbon steel from Boker. Made in Germany, offered in carbon steel with an rc of 57-59, and the quality is excellent especially for the price.

For a higher end pocketknife, you really can't beat Great Eastern for build quality. Their knives are generally available in either 1095 carbon steel or 440C stainless. With the extra attention to fit-and-finish naturally comes a higher price. They're about twice as much as a Case or Boker, but still within your $100 limit.

Other brands to consider are Canal Street Cutlery (my recent purchase from them is excellent), Queen (available in D2 steel), and Schatt and Morgan (high end line from Queen).

Don't overlook the original USA-made Schrade Old Timer stockman knives like the 34OT and 8OT, the most commonly carried knives from the 1960s - 1990s. These were made in 1095 carbon steel, sharpen to a razor's edge, and have pretty good edge-holding. Much better than the Case steels, in my experience. To find the originals (modern reproductions are made in China), look for the "USA" on the tang stamp. They are common enough you can find a lightly used or even unused examples for well under $50.
 
Here are a couple o' Case knives that I'd recommend:

copperjack01.jpg

Mini CopperLock SS and Small Texas Jack CV

Good fit & finish (especially on the Texas Jack) and you could get both for less than $100. The Peanut is also a good choice if you want something small. Although Case quality is still good (imo) their QC can be spotty. If you have the opportunity to handle one prior to purchase, do it! ;)

But if you want a traditional with top-notch fit & finish, look to Great Eastern. Average price for a GEC is roughly around $70-120 a piece, dedending on the model, but oh-so-worth-it... :thumbup:

greateastern02_zps64773095.jpg


Good luck, OP! Let us know what ya get! :)

-Timber
 
One word in quality "slip-joint knives" today GEC. Case are fine knives but if you want to upgrade look at some Great eastern cutlery knives. Queen are making some top of the line knives today also. If you got a whole lot of cash to spend I would look into Farmers they make the nicest knives out their for the price.Starting at about $400.00 for the basic models but what a knife they are. Queen is out pacing Case in my opinion but GEC has them all beat. Hear are a couple of GEC and a new Queen,just take a look.




 
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