-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Turning traditional
- Thread starter HFinn
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2003
- Messages
- 1,131
Bought this the same source you mentioned. Terrific store, fantastic knife. Bought it as a part of my gain condition, loose weight projekt during early authumn and has carryed it ever since.
Bosse
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2010
- Messages
- 3,920
Like this?Available from the shop I ordered the Case and Buck.
I have reservations about slipjoints, but damn that knife is pretty.
Yep, that's a superb piece of Case knife right there, I don't care who you are...
CV and chestnut bone Sway Back Jack. A great knife and the chance of getting a bad one are very small in my experience. Pricing on this model is very reasonable for what you will get. You will definitely want one of those.
Ed J
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2007
- Messages
- 2,798
How the heck did you manage that?! No need to answer.
Well if you've actually done it before, then I'm not gonna tell you it won't likely happen...
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2011
- Messages
- 2,090
Hey, I've done it, too!
It was a Vic Classic SAK with the tiny pen blade, and I was cutting the top off of a water-cooler bottle. The spring on such a small slippy is pretty weak, and the knife kept wanting to close on my fingers. Stopped carrying it that day.You mean, like this?
Ah, yes, the Mini Copperlock in blue jigged bone. Simple, solid, pocketable, and beautiful in a rugged, classic American kind of way. It opens easily and smoothly with an authoritative click and locks up solid as a vault. It is smooth and nicely rounded everywhere. The Tru Sharp steel (420HC) has a good heat treat, takes a keen edge, and sharpens up easily. The blade is evenly centered in the handle. This is a thin, solid-feeling, attractive knife that disappears in the pocket and is a joy to open and close. The traditional materials used in construction feel very reassuring in the hand. Why do I love this knife? Because it's so simply--yet so perfectly--designed.To answer your questions, the quality is excellent for a relatively inexpensive factory-made knife. No blade play; it is a very solid lockback design. The sharpness out of the box will vary; I own several of these, and they weren't all the same with regard to sharpness. But I sharpen my own knives and put a new edge on a new knife as soon as I get it, so this is a moot point for me. This is an excellent choice that you won't regret buying either as an EDC gentleman's knife *or* as a user.
Sheer stupidity, I was rolling the tip in wood to make a "hole" or something. Anyway, likely it won't happen again, I have grown more cautious.
Magnaminous, thank's for those pictures! I see I will get a truly fine knife. Cant't wait to get it.
Edit. Yes, there are lots of beutifull bone, antler and wood - handled knives out there. Besides that I have swords and fencing as my hobby so there are lots of ways to spend my money
Edit. Yes, there are lots of beutifull bone, antler and wood - handled knives out there. Besides that I have swords and fencing as my hobby so there are lots of ways to spend my money
Last edited:
- Joined
- May 7, 2011
- Messages
- 3,426
Finn,
While 'm a slipjoint enthusiast, I think I still share some of your perplexities about slipjoints; at least one, since I don't like knives with strong springs that could close on my fingers. Still... Slipjoints are something you learn to use, and even though there still are knives that I consider too stiff for my taste, others work fine for me, and hopefully will work fine for you as well. And... There's something else to consider. Although to many Americans (for obvious reasons) traditional knives = slipjoints, it's not just like that. There are, for example, traditional fixed blades (like the puukko's you've been using for so long), which carry the same historic/traditional contents, and won't close on your fingers.
I come from a land where traditional knives are all friction folders, another cathegory of traditionals that you should consider. To each his own, of course. But believe me, once you jump the fence, there's so much variety on the traditional side of cutlery that I'm sure you will find what suits your needs and makes you happy.
And you can bet that you will love your Swayback jack.
Fausto
While 'm a slipjoint enthusiast, I think I still share some of your perplexities about slipjoints; at least one, since I don't like knives with strong springs that could close on my fingers. Still... Slipjoints are something you learn to use, and even though there still are knives that I consider too stiff for my taste, others work fine for me, and hopefully will work fine for you as well. And... There's something else to consider. Although to many Americans (for obvious reasons) traditional knives = slipjoints, it's not just like that. There are, for example, traditional fixed blades (like the puukko's you've been using for so long), which carry the same historic/traditional contents, and won't close on your fingers.
I come from a land where traditional knives are all friction folders, another cathegory of traditionals that you should consider. To each his own, of course. But believe me, once you jump the fence, there's so much variety on the traditional side of cutlery that I'm sure you will find what suits your needs and makes you happy.
And you can bet that you will love your Swayback jack.
Fausto
Both companies have been in transition from old manufacturing tooling to newer. In the case of Case, you will find a variety of opinions on this board about their fit and finish (some very strong) but it would appear to me that in general, they are back on their game so long as you understand they are a high volume production outfit and not a low volume quasi-hand made outfit.
In the case of Buck, they literally just moved their plant to Idaho. In general, I really love Bucks but there may be some hiccups along the way related to a major plant move. They also face significant price pressures. Newer Bucks may not exactly the same as older Bucks (see recent discussions in the Buck sub-forum for a variety of opinions). One thing of which there is no doubt is that when you buy a Buck, you buy it for life. They are ridiculously good about customer service.
Similar to any other traditional that relies on a traditional peened pivot point. Generally very good but blade play happens.
One thing to note about traditionals is they tend to use easier to sharpen steels. This is rooted in teh traditional need for workmen to sharpen a knife while at work and while using a soft stone.
Buck's basic stainless is 420HC which is heat treated to 58RC or there abouts. Harder than Case's stainless. I actually find Buck's to sharpen easier. While I can take steel off of my Case faster, I find it's harder to remove the burr (or a new one forms very easily). I very, very much prefer Buck's 420HC.
Allright, I got the Buck 112. I don't have a photo of it yet (is that necessary, everybody here know what it looks like) but here are my first impressions.
It is a nice knife in an understated way. A classic. The wood looks nice, bolsters are shiny. The knife is quite heavy, but not too much. It sits well in my jeans pocket, you notice it is there but in a reassuring way.
Opening the knife is a bit gritty, I will use compressed air to blow dirt out and then put some oil in the mechanism, that should cure it. Blade has some sideways play but that was to be expected, I am sure it will not affect it functionally. Handle is comfortable in hand.
No doupt the bolsters will lose their shine but that is ok, I will like it more that way. Blade is sharp, I will give it a strop but it is ok for now.
I am sure Buck 112 will grow on me in time. I am not overwhelmed by it I did not ecpect to be. A using knife for sure. Oh, and it came with a leather belt sheath.
It is a nice knife in an understated way. A classic. The wood looks nice, bolsters are shiny. The knife is quite heavy, but not too much. It sits well in my jeans pocket, you notice it is there but in a reassuring way.
Opening the knife is a bit gritty, I will use compressed air to blow dirt out and then put some oil in the mechanism, that should cure it. Blade has some sideways play but that was to be expected, I am sure it will not affect it functionally. Handle is comfortable in hand.
No doupt the bolsters will lose their shine but that is ok, I will like it more that way. Blade is sharp, I will give it a strop but it is ok for now.
I am sure Buck 112 will grow on me in time. I am not overwhelmed by it I did not ecpect to be. A using knife for sure. Oh, and it came with a leather belt sheath.
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2011
- Messages
- 2,361
Very glad I stumbled onto this thread. I very recently purchased a copperlock and my 2nd Buck 110 should show up in the mail today (gave my first one to my brother in law). Both are excellent knives but if you're like me you might find yourself carrying the copperlock a lot more often. I love the Buck for carrying during hikes or for heavier work but it is a bit heavy for EDC.
The hardest thing about going traditional is finding your niche. There are so many different styles and brands it can be tough. After alot of searching I have found mine. I edc a Opinel 8 that I modified and a allox sak.
Do I have some more expensive or prettier knives? Definitely but the feel and look of the Opinel just speaks to me and the utility of the sak had won me over. I would recommend experimenting with these knives if you get a chance the combo is fantastic.
Do I have some more expensive or prettier knives? Definitely but the feel and look of the Opinel just speaks to me and the utility of the sak had won me over. I would recommend experimenting with these knives if you get a chance the combo is fantastic.
I can say that of all traditional knives I am most interested of lockbacks and bowie knives. Bowies because I have an interest in old european and american martial arts. I have practised some singlestick fencing, I do still practise longsword when I manage to find the time. I have a general interest also in old time boxing and I train on my own (bag work) bareknuckle.
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2011
- Messages
- 6,194
A Case Mini CopperLock is an excellent choice.
For something a little more robust, perhaps check out the Buck 55...
For something a little more robust, perhaps check out the Buck 55...
I decided that the Buck 112 needs a pocket sheath. Problem is the weight. I proceeded to make a sheath that hangs inside the pocket from a cord attached to belt or belt tab, thus taking the weight off my pocket. Will post a picture of the result and tell how it works.
Needs a cord or leather thong to hang it from the belt inside pocket. I noticed that some members have made similar. I molded the leather wet around the knife, so it "snaps" in to the sheath, will not fall out even if held upside down.
Edit, by the way I did a little trick to the 112, wrapped it in belt leather and gave it a squeeze. Now there is no blade play, the knife locks with a good snap but still opens smoothly. I really like the 112 now. The handle is just the right size to my hand, very comfortable and the edge cuts really well, used it to shape the sheath.
Last edited:
HFinn,
Wow... Similar tastes? Mine:
Buck 112 & Opinel #8 by Pinnah, on Flickr
Bummer about the blade play. You may want to seek advice in the Buck sub-forum, which is monitored by folks from both Buck's public relations (Joe Houser) and quality control (Jeff Hubbard) departments. From what I understand, gritty action is common and the fix is cleaning with running warm water and dish soap, followed by your oil of choice. Blade play is something of a recurring topic on the Buck sub-forum, which is why I suggest posting there for guidance on how to best address it. Lateral play can usually be tweaked with a slight press in padded vice but it's very easy to go too far with it. Vertical play is another matter. Buck is known for their customer service. Really amazing. Some discussion the Buck forum about hiccups in QC associated with their recent plant relocation.
IMO, the Buck 112 and the fixed blade version the 113 are the prettiest production knives in the world. If somebody were to ask me what the single "must own" Buck is, I would say the 112. It's prettier than the legendary 110 and, imo, more useful as a day in day out knife. There's really something magical to my eyes and my hands about the shape of the handle.
You might give the 112 a month or of pocket carry. I found that I adjusted to it but it took a while. Like you said, it's sort of comforting.
I would be interested in hearing your opinion of the 112 after side by each use with your Opinel #10. The Opinel #9 (not pictured) has displaced the 112 in my pocket and is my choice 9 days out of 10. I've come to prefer the thinner, flatter grind of the blade for pretty much every cutting situation. The Buck's are first and foremost hunting knives, hence the thicker blades and hollow grinds. IMO, the Opinels are better EDC knives. More versatile. I'm convinced of that. And then I hold my 112 again and feel its heft and it's balance I behold its lines. It's a beautiful knife.
Wow... Similar tastes? Mine:
Buck 112 & Opinel #8 by Pinnah, on Flickr
Bummer about the blade play. You may want to seek advice in the Buck sub-forum, which is monitored by folks from both Buck's public relations (Joe Houser) and quality control (Jeff Hubbard) departments. From what I understand, gritty action is common and the fix is cleaning with running warm water and dish soap, followed by your oil of choice. Blade play is something of a recurring topic on the Buck sub-forum, which is why I suggest posting there for guidance on how to best address it. Lateral play can usually be tweaked with a slight press in padded vice but it's very easy to go too far with it. Vertical play is another matter. Buck is known for their customer service. Really amazing. Some discussion the Buck forum about hiccups in QC associated with their recent plant relocation.
IMO, the Buck 112 and the fixed blade version the 113 are the prettiest production knives in the world. If somebody were to ask me what the single "must own" Buck is, I would say the 112. It's prettier than the legendary 110 and, imo, more useful as a day in day out knife. There's really something magical to my eyes and my hands about the shape of the handle.
You might give the 112 a month or of pocket carry. I found that I adjusted to it but it took a while. Like you said, it's sort of comforting.
I would be interested in hearing your opinion of the 112 after side by each use with your Opinel #10. The Opinel #9 (not pictured) has displaced the 112 in my pocket and is my choice 9 days out of 10. I've come to prefer the thinner, flatter grind of the blade for pretty much every cutting situation. The Buck's are first and foremost hunting knives, hence the thicker blades and hollow grinds. IMO, the Opinels are better EDC knives. More versatile. I'm convinced of that. And then I hold my 112 again and feel its heft and it's balance I behold its lines. It's a beautiful knife.
Nice picture Pinnah! Like I said, I got rid of the blade play in Buck by a simple trick involving a work bench and some leather. Now it is absolutely solid.
So far I have only used the 112 side by side with the Opinel in some food preparation. Cutting onions and such the Opinel is a winner, the thin blade slices oh so nice. It is actually better than many kitchen knives I have used, long enough but not too long to be cumbersome. Buck felt overbuilt for that kind of work.
I have to get some sticks and start whittling with both to form an opinion of these knives in that use. In general trekking use the Buck might feel sturdier, but that remains to be seen. I travelled in Croatia for a while with my wife and I was the only one in the group that had a knife available when it was needed. What's wrong with these people, going trekking without a knife?? There I had with me an Opinel nr 7, it was on the small side but did what was required. I have used that one as a steak knife and it worked very well. I gave the nro 7 later to my son's girlfriend.
So far I have only used the 112 side by side with the Opinel in some food preparation. Cutting onions and such the Opinel is a winner, the thin blade slices oh so nice. It is actually better than many kitchen knives I have used, long enough but not too long to be cumbersome. Buck felt overbuilt for that kind of work.
I have to get some sticks and start whittling with both to form an opinion of these knives in that use. In general trekking use the Buck might feel sturdier, but that remains to be seen. I travelled in Croatia for a while with my wife and I was the only one in the group that had a knife available when it was needed. What's wrong with these people, going trekking without a knife?? There I had with me an Opinel nr 7, it was on the small side but did what was required. I have used that one as a steak knife and it worked very well. I gave the nro 7 later to my son's girlfriend.