Hello, I'd like to expand my collection of knives by venturing more into classic slipjoints, but since I'm not that familiar with this style, I could use some advise and direction as far as:
What are some decent, affordable slipjoint brands I should look at, and where are some good places to find them on line?
And are there any brands that I should stay away from?
I'd like to start out with some less expensive blades (say, less than $70) before considering the high end stuff.
Thanks in advance.
-Bryan
If you are just starting down this road, there are a couple of thoughts I would offer. Sometimes great looking knives aren't the most comfortable to carry. Sometimes you think multiblade knife will be the hot stuff, only to find over a period of time you don't use a couple of the blades.
So with that in mind, I would probably do one of two things. I would buy a "model" of a knife I found interesting in fairly well thought brand like Rough Rider. You can DAGS and find them in a couple of places. The guys around here for the most part seem to like them a lot, and this is a discerning crowd to say the least. I think they may offer the most complete line of knife patterns on the market, and at usually less than $10 a pop, you can test out several. It isn't a throw away knife by any means, so you wouldn't be throwing away your money when you buy them.
A lesser expensive knife also offers one a chance to learn to sharpen different blade profiles. When starting out, I used to round my sheepsfoot blades and couldn't get the last of the edge on a spey sharp to save my rear. With a less expensive knife, you can learn on softer steel and an uneven bevel or two while getting the hang of it won't be a big deal.
My other thought would be to go somewhere where you can actually hold a knife in your hand and drop it in your pocket. There are a lot of sporting good stores that have knives you can pull off the rack or out of the case to see if you like them. If you find a knife you like, make sure you measure the length of the case and blade(s) so you can 1) find it again if you decide you want it, and 2) so you can compare it to other brands and styles of knives using those measurements as benchmarks.
It doesn't sound like a lot, but in one instance I can think of 1/2" in length makes a big difference in carrying ease. For example, I can carry a medium stockman with rounded bolsters with a length of 3 5/8" with no problem. But I have a larger stockman with square bolsters that is over 4" (4 1/4" or so) with square bolsters that wears out my pockets. And with a load of change and a lighter in there it is uncomfortable to have in my pocket when working.
I am starting to think that just about any of the knives that are offered anymore are not to be bought sight unseen. This side of blade forums (the Traditional) is searchable, and therefore is a treasure trove of information from users, collectors, and some pretty smart guys that have taken the time to write up reviews and opinions on knives. Along those lines, I would search for Rough Rider, Kissing Crane, Boker, Case, Queen, and Buck. While reading results write down the brands that are mentioned as a comparative benchmark in the reviews and search them, too.
You will find many upper end knives in your search as well from Schatt and Morgan, Northfield, Canal Street, GEC, just to name a few. These tend to be a bit more spendy, so if I were trying out the different styles and profiles of knives I would wait until I found the knife I wanted then shop those brands.
Believe me, if you get hooked your tastes in styles, blade types, profiles, scale types and sizes will be all over the map!
As far as styles to look at, if I were going to use it as a straight work knife (I am in construction), a large stockman or a large copperlock have served me well for 40 years. They are both classic working knives. If I were looking at a good sized utility knife to have in my pocket for general use and
not heavier work, I like a medium stockman, a medium two blade jack, one of my Barlows, etc.
When I am stuck in slacks or a suit, I carry a small canoe, or a peanut. Most of the time one of these is in my pocket along with another larger knife as a regular carry setup anyway, so this isn't really an addition.
As far as recommending a place to buy, that is against the forum rules. However, if you PM me from here, I will be glad to share with you the vendors I have used in the past that have given great service. There are some great guys that actually participate here that sell knives, and I would buy from them with complete confidence. Considering the up and down quality of the manufactured knives these days, buying from an online vendor of good reputation is a must.
Hope all that helps. I am now out of my morning coffee and must hit the trail.
Robert
As you mention, everyone has preferences. There has been a lot of good advice already given, and I don't think I have much to add to it.
