Traditionals sure are ugly...

wtlj

wtlj

Joined
Jun 30, 2014
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Is what I said to myself for the past year! I've been heavily into knives for the past 18 months now and never thought I'd own a traditional slip joint as they simply didn't appeal to me. I've been addicted to CRK folders for the past year and pretty much shut everything else out.
Well not long ago a good friend and forum member Pwrdbycotn sent me a small package...inside was 5 slip joints from TA Davison, John Lloyd, GEC etc. The "old timey", tough as a tank traditionals finally clicked!
After fondling and carrying them for a few weeks I returned his package with one extra knife inside. I purchased a Sak and had it engraved for him as a polite thank you for the gesture.



Although I should've sent him a nasty letter for what he started!
On Tuesday of this week I made the mistake of searching the slipjoint exchange and taking mental notes of what I liked. In the past 3 days I've purchased 6 slip joints that caught my eye.
I still have a ton to learn but I'm happy to be a part of another great forum section here on BF. Since this wouldn't be complete without pictures here is what I have incoming folks:

GEC #71 Bull Nose Natural Micarta O1

GEC #23 Black Micarta

GEC #25 Red Linen Micarta

Northwoods Michigan Jack Denim Micarta

TA Davison #832 Black Linen Micarta

Jim Dunlap CF Shadow Trapper
 
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That Jim Dunlap is sick man what a eye catcher. It is just so clean very nice a great knife for a collection.
 
I'm in the same boat, but without the initial care package and much more recently! That shadow trapper is on my short list at the moment. It has a heck of a lot going for it in value and aesthetics, combined with crazy light weight and a amazing blade shape.

I used to literally scoff at traditional knives. "Why would I choose a mechanically inferior, slower to open, smaller, more hazardous knife that doesn't even stay clipped to my pocket?"

Now?

I appreciate the smaller size, because it allows finer control and is generally all I need as far as actual blade size goes for almost all of my cutting tasks. Not being a fisherman or a fighter, a small blade is all I need.

The lack of a lock is not nearly as damning as I thought it would be. In fact, as I look at clipless knives, I eschew the ones with locks! Realistically, if I'm doing something with a knife that requires a lock, I should be using a fixed blade (which I also carry).

I thought they were ugly, too! Such homely grandpa knives! Funny how quickly things can change. However, I still dislike the appearance of most iterations of many patterns (large trappers, stockmans, whittlers, and more) but that mostly comes from a functional perspective. With all the blade shapes and handle materials, though, there's so much out there to like!

Even the two-handed opening is something I've come to appreciate. I feel less like a brash child whipping out a knife for the sake of looking cool, and more like a reasonable adult using a knife as a tool in a calm and responsible manner. I draw a lot less raised eyebrows with my slipjoints than I do with, say, my 0452CF.
 
Welcome to the porch. That's an all-star lineup you have coming your way. Make sure to keep us updated with your thoughts on your new treasures. Good luck keeping your wallet closed. ;)
 
I read that title and immediately my hackles were raised! I'm glad it was in jest! Welcome to the dark side.
 
I'll say one thing for sure, you entered into traditionals with some great choices! You'll surely find many uses for them. They'll never replace your CRKs, only compliment them. Congrats on some great knives Terry!
 
What's better than one type of knife addiction?!

Two types of knife addictions!!

Congrats bud.. I'm in a similar boat but haven't been as fortunate to get some beauties like those..
 
For traditionals that don't break the bank and are well made, take a look at Rough Rider and Colts.
Nice start to your collecting addiction.
Rich
 
Welcome to the porch! That care package was a great idea, and you made some splendid choices in your acquisitions. :thumbup:
 
Wow, talk about not messing around! That's quite the selection to start out with, especially the Davison and Dunlap! Well done!
 
Right there with you guys. While I've had many brands I've mainly gravitated to Benchmades and Grips in particular. Lately I've seen a few of the fellows I correspond with on here picking up traditionals and thought, "why?".
Well, I have now picked up a couple that I think look really nice and think they will find a place in my pocket.
 
That was quite the random package! Congrats man, you're in for quite the ride! Milk crates are on the side, grab one and pull on over. Welcome to "The Porch" :)
 
A wild guess - you like micarta? :) Congratulations on your spectacular acquisitions.
 
plk7 said:
A wild guess - you like micarta? :) Congratulations on your spectacular acquisitions.
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Nailed it! I love me some Micarta!
Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes and compliments to go with!
 
wtlj said:
Nailed it!
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Ooooohhh - what do I win? Haha!

Forgot to say, happy new year!

Also, that was a nice gesture on the part of your friend, as was the SAK you sent him. You will come across a lot of great people on this sub-forum. Stay a while, and enjoy the company!
 
Peregrin said:
I read that title and immediately my hackles were raised! I'm glad it was in jest! Welcome to the dark side.
Click to expand...

Same here that's why I stopped... :)

The intricacies of the traditional knife is a subject full of lore and legend but one thing you have to admit, they are in no way an inferior knife. Welcome to the refined side of knife collecting. :)
 
Welcome to the downhill slide my friend, and what a great knife to send back in the package as a thank you!

I too thought " hey " when I saw your thread title - it was great reading!
 
Those are some great knives! I have a bad situation myself. I like moderns, traditionals and the ever illusive hybrid knife that is a bit of each almost a third category in itself!
 
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