Traditional slip joints in a good stainless steel?

S

Sid Post

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Oct 14, 1998
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I have been out of the slip joint game for long time carrying SAKs and a Buck 110 generally.

I'm considering a "good" slip joint that won't break the bank (i.e. no ~$300 customs). I'm looking for something that will see heavy pocket wear from coins, pens, and other random 'pocket' things that will see real-world duty on plastic zip ties, paper, cardboard, food, splinters, etc.

I want something keen and thin enough behind the edge to cut splinters out of my hand while durable enough to cut a heavy zip tie. I think I want a spearpoint blade to spread peanut butter, mustard, etc. on a sandwich, slice of toast, bagel, etc. so, nothing super pointy unless it is a multi-blade model. Slicing a summer sausage or piece of fruit is likely as well as cutting baler twine.

What is available in an ATS-34/CM-154, BG-42, M390, ... or similar STAINLESS steels in a traditional slip joint pocket knife? Given a nominal $100 price to start, what do I give up going cheaper or more expensive?

TIA,
Sid
 
You really don't have many options with those steels. Some people may know of a few but not me.

I would recommend a usa schrade with a + sign on it, that indicates stainless (uncle henrys are common with this steel). The + steel is very good stuff.
 
Schatt & Morgan File & Wire series knives from 1998 (series I) to about 2007 (series VI) were made with ATS-34 stainless at around 60 HRc. These are beautifully made, stoutly constructed, very useable knives. Unfortunately, they are only available on the secondary markets, but do come up fairly regularly for sale. Several teardrop and whittler patterns were made with spear mains and pen secondary blades in the 3⅝" to 3⅞" closed size range.
 
Sid Post said:
I have been out of the slip joint game for long time carrying SAKs and a Buck 110 generally.

I'm considering a "good" slip joint that won't break the bank (i.e. no ~$300 customs). I'm looking for something that will see heavy pocket wear from coins, pens, and other random 'pocket' things that will see real-world duty on plastic zip ties, paper, cardboard, food, splinters, etc.

I want something keen and thin enough behind the edge to cut splinters out of my hand while durable enough to cut a heavy zip tie. I think I want a spearpoint blade to spread peanut butter, mustard, etc. on a sandwich, slice of toast, bagel, etc. so, nothing super pointy unless it is a multi-blade model. Slicing a summer sausage or piece of fruit is likely as well as cutting baler twine.

What is available in an ATS-34/CM-154, BG-42, M390, ... or similar STAINLESS steels in a traditional slip joint pocket knife? Given a nominal $100 price to start, what do I give up going cheaper or more expensive?

TIA,
Sid
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You seem to be a perfect candidate for a Lion Steel Roundhead Spear Jack Bone Micarta Handles M390 Steel , but it'll cost you $120.00 if you can swing it.
 
Solingen Bokers have some 440C models for around $80 Stockman 4” and 3.5” along with full size trappers and some sweet looking Barlows.

Schrade+ Usa Uncle Henry’s especially one with the razor grind is very good the geometry especially makes it punch even higher than regular 440a thinest knives behind the edge I have. I’d like to know the hrc on them. On the bay from $40-$75.

Cold Steel ranch boss 4.25” Stockman very attractive looking by queen has s35vn if you can find one. Don’t know the going price on those.

There are a case backpocket and full size trapper out there with cryo treated 154cm for $140. Might have to search a bit

BUT as stated above the S&M series has just what you’re looking for there’s a spear ats-34 jack you’d probably love just gotta hunt one down
 
You can find some good Queen knives in D2 for under $100 but I believe many will be over and most if not all will be from 2ndary market. I would also 2nd the suggestion of the Schatt & Morgan models in ATS-34 I am not certain on pricing but will also be from the 2ndary market. For newer options LionsSteel, Viper, and Maserin have been working with Mike, knifeswapper knifeswapper , of Collector Knives to release some modernized traditionals in M390 and D2. There is also the 2018 BF Buck 301 in CPM-154 you might find on the 2ndary market and it so far seems to run close to $100 mark. You can get some nice versions of Buck knives from @skblades as well though to my knowledge he has not had any slip joints but has done a couple of Bucks lockback traditionals.
 
Wanting a Spear master in stainless might be tricky. The Lionsteel Barlow is an excellent choice with many scale options.

Last year's Forum Knife, the Buck might also be suitable although it's not Spear master.

Take a look at the Spear-Carriers thread here, you might get some more ideas.
 
Does it really have to be a slipjoint ?
They're great and the patterns are unique to slipjoint knives usually, but a smaller lockback from the Buck custom shop can be just s traditional.

I hope you can find a slipjoint you want within your budget, but if not and the steel is the most important thing then the Buck CS is always there.
 
the canal streets recently came out with 154cm, but it might not survive your other conditions. the lionsteels might be your best options as I saw knifeswapper knifeswapper 's recent M390 pictures...
 
Case produced some of their models in 154CM not too long ago. Last I looked the Trapper could still be found at some dealers.
 
Consider the Boker Tech Tool City 1 in 12c27 stainless. Good EDC size and has a pocket clip (removable). Nice single blade carry. It's a spear point, but I reground mine to a clip point.
Rich
 
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I am rocking the Lionsteel Roundhead and it sounds like it fits the bill. Love this knife, though I will say its not the thinnest and sliceyest blade in the world.
 
Ive just found something interesting on the Lionsteel portion of the forum. It appears you can now select a handle material, bolster color, and blade style for order. This company is changing the game.
urbantrapper said:
I am rocking the Lionsteel Roundhead and it sounds like it fits the bill. Love this knife, though I will say its not the thinnest and sliceyest blade in the world.
Click to expand...
 
I wonder if CK gets anything for those since from that configurator it looks like it still stamps them CK.
 
PirateSeulb said:
I wonder if CK gets anything for those since from that configurator it looks like it still stamps them CK.
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The "configurator" seems like limitless possibilities; but it actually only allows combinations that we have ordered and coming anyway. Shuffler's should be here soon. The factory is selling a few to the European customers that do not wish to re-ship.
 
Mate everything you describe wanting to do.
Opinel No8 in stainless comes to mind. That what it was designed for, food prep to sheppard duties.
You could get 1 in ebony wood :D
If you want a spearpoint for sure, check out the garden model. 12c27 will take a wicked edge.

If you want something fancier, maybe a, yagatan, Corsican vendetta or Roqufort by en Aubrac, stainless bolsters, scale options. All regional style of knives used in similar tasks you are after.
Good luck
mitch
 
Lionsteel exclusives from Collector Knives at the higher end ($120)
AG Russell "cowboy" at the lower end ($30) Don't let the price sway you. A good knife.

I have a Lionsteel Bolus model and like it very much

full
 
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