What is the case/argument for traditionals over a modern folder?

cchu518

cchu518

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Mar 6, 2013
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So there is a knife at all price ranges and style for literally anyone in need of a knife. Can folks tell me why you prefer traditionals over the any number of modern designs out there? I've tried a similar thread in fixed blades and finally picked one up. Not for me but I totally understand now why people would want and in many cases need a fixed blade over a folder.

I'd like to know your personal sentiments about why some bf members tout traditionals either solely or in their edc rotation. I could not picture carrying a multi blade sak but I've seen some really cool sheepsfoot blades that look perfect for edc minus the fast deployment of course. Thanks interested in getting my first traditional to try out after! (Sorry about the typos I was on my phone during a train ride into work, just edited now.)
 
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Besides finding them more aesthetically pleasing, they are also more practical since you can have several different blades on a single knife. It's also less likely someone will freak out calling it a ” flick knife” or switchblade. (Although that does still occasionally happen)
 
Lots of reasons. Sentimentality towards a particular brand or style carried by ancestors, perhaps. A fascination with designs that endure (classics). Simple attraction to the look and feel of them.

High on the list for me is their greater social acceptance in my decidedly suburban existence.

No getting around it. One hand openers are tied to tactical operations. I can one hand open/close my Opinels just fine, which is nice for working in the shop or on the property. So really the only differences are the speed of deployment and the satisfying/menacing sound of locking mechanism kicking in. Both of those are correctly seen by non-knife people as threatening. If I worked in the trades and spent my day on a job site, that would be another matter. One-handers are common and nobody would be offended. In the office, the sound of a tactical/modern knife turns heads, as it should. There's really no *need* for it there and all the speed of deployment and sound do is attract attention.

With my Opinel, I can open the occasional box or blister pack or handle food and snacks in my office and nobody really takes notice. And when they do, they see a familiar looking thing that looks like a paring knife. 'Course, you and I know the Opinel is as tough or tougher than most modern flippers but that's just a bonus.


edc-pair by Pinnah, on Flickr
 
Advantages for me:
- looks and feeling of natural materials
- they have thinner blades, so they cut better
- even the same pattern for the same manufacturer in the same colour Is unique
- in Europe knive's laws are more strict, and slip joints usually don't scare people
- I'm tired of black G-10 and toxic green zombie slayer colours
- you can see it as a disadvantage but I can mistreat my edge, because the simpler steels they use allow me the restored almost everything on the go with my Fallkniven DC4
- they make you think before cutting(two handed opening) so it prevents rushing accidents
- the organic and rounded shape of the handle fits every hand in a lot of different grips, not just one.
- etc, I could go on but I think I made my point :D

Anyway I like spyderco quite a bit but I keep their knives for collecting and sharpening supersteels as a hobby in itself, and for extreme sports where one handed opening could mean avoid a bad wound or worst.

Mateo
 
Traditional patterns are called that for a reason, they've withstood the test of time. They are tried and true patterns with blade combinations that have proven themselves for well over a hundred years.

Most traditional patterns are task specific for example a Stockman was geared towards life on the ranch, spey blade for castrating bulls, sheepsfoot for cutting leather and heavy cutting chores finally the clip blade as a utility blade.

I carry both, a modern folder and a traditional folder my reasoning is that not every task requires a folding sharpened prybar and sometimes you can get by with a traditional folder just fine and its nice to have a variety of blades with different degrees of sharpness available in a non threatening citizen friendly package.

Bottom line, if it's for you, you'll know immediately, it'll just feel right, not everyone is cut out for traditional patterns, (pun intended)
 
I don't see the need for an argument.

I like nostalgic, old school knives. To me, most of the modern folders are just a tool and if I'm looking for just a tool, give me a SAK or Leatherman.

There are some things that those old school multi-blade knives do better, but as long as the blade has a belly, I can use any knife for most anything. Problem is, modern folders don't take me to a romanticized happier place.
 
because that's what I've carried since I was a small boy, that's what my father carried, and that's what HIS father carried. And if THAT ain't country.......
 
rma100 said:
because that's what I've carried since I was a small boy, that's what my father carried, and that's what HIS father carried. And if THAT ain't country.......
Click to expand...

Took the words right out of my mouth:thumbup:
 
rma100 said:
because that's what I've carried since I was a small boy, that's what my father carried, and that's what HIS father carried. And if THAT ain't country.......
Click to expand...
Ah lahk trucks, an' dawgs, an' beeyers, an' fishin,' an'...... ;)

Traditional pocket knives, for me, just have a more pleasing aesthetic than modern blacktical partially-serrated zombie slayers. I have a couple one-handers that I use from time to time, if the occasion calls for something that I can abuse without a second thought, but for EDC a traditional does it all (and does it all better, and with more style).
 
To me, the modern one hand knife, has all the appeal of a crescent wrench or ball peen hammer. Sure, they cut, and they work, but zero appeal in both looks and feel, unless you like black handles and weird blade shapes that have no real world function exempt to stimulate the sales by offering something a bit different. To me, traditional knives have a heritage of offering a functional tool designed for cutting, and including natural materials in the margin. I like the looks of the knife that was designed over 100 years ago when the people were really using it if for a real world job. No matter if it was a cowboy out pushing a heard up the trail, a freight wagon driver, factory worker, carpenter, shepherd in the hills.

The traditional knife is a link with a time past, that you can hold in your hand. It has a history rooted in a job being done, sometimes under harsh conditions. A trapper or even a plain old well worn barlow is a good example.

Carl.
 
I like and carry both when I can. You'll find a slipjoint in my pocket more frequently though. Clips and slacks just don't mix.

- Christian
 
rma100 said:
because that's what I've carried since I was a small boy, that's what my father carried, and that's what HIS father carried. And if THAT ain't country.......
Click to expand...

Same here.

In addition to that I carry what I need.... I work in an office environment. A quick opening large blade is not necessary. My Peanut does just great with what I need it to do.
 
Basically, it's just a matter of choice, and personal taste.
The reason why I like traditional knives is that I was raised with traditional knives around me, and have learned to love them.
I prefer them aesthetically, I dig the variety of choices (blades, combinations, patterns, materials), and they have a classic and classy feel that modern folders just don't have. And yes, in some places, traditional knives don't scare non-knife people as much as modern folders do.
Aside from all these factors, there's one feature that really influences my choice: most traditional knives perform better than modern folders, at least for my cutting tasks.
In the end, I do believe it's a matter of personal preference. As you can see, many people carry both a modern folder and a slipjoint, so they're not mutually exclusive. So, you're welcome to give them a try...then you will be able to decide what works best for you :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
For me firstly they tend to have no lock, secondly they tend to have blades of less than three inches in length and thirdly, they look completely classic and timeless.
These are my preferences, that's all :)

Paul
 
There are not many high quality modern folders with the following attributes found in most traditionals:

- Natural handle materials
- Thin blades, they cut better. I have no use for thick blades in folders
- A grip close to the edge, without wasting blade length for big choils
- No fancy bumps or curves with far fetched rationalizations when the truth usually is that they are there to make the design look cool, usability be damned
- Compactness due to pinned construction
- Great blade in handle retention, no worries throwing it in a backpack without a sheath
 
I own very few 'modern' style knives any more, and they pretty much just live in a box these days. Compared to the handmade beauty of a traditional knife with nice wood or bone, they just feel sterile and lifeless. Some find aesthetic appeal in modern styles, I don't. I'm not into blade coatings, combo/serrated blades, or pretending I'm a tactical operator.
 
They are legal mostly anywhere
Non threatening, i can use a slipjoint almost anytime, anywhere, without raising any eyebrows.
They have a different feeling compared to the modern soul less tactical folders.
They generally cut well, having thin blades.
The grips are endless, they don't dictate a specific grip.
Multitude of blades to choose from, depending of the job.
More control over fine cuts, due to the short thin blades.
They take small room in your pocket.
The character of a carbon steel slipjoint, and worn bone scales is unique.
I will not take out of my pocket a modern knife to admire, but a nice bone handled slipjoint is another matter.
That's just a few..
 
This is about as modern as I get ....
GEC_Walden_53.jpg
 
I agree with, well, most everyone here. It is a very personalized choice.
I'm sure there are plenty of people on this forum that use their knives
entirely differently than I do. They all cut, but in different materials,
environments, legal jurisdictions, etc. etc.
I like modern folders, a lot. I like the high quality materials and
ease of use oriented into a lot of the better designs. I can't bring myself
to leave the house without my Spyderco Manix 2 XL. I love everything
about it. Fit's my hand PERFECTLY, holds a great edge, easy to carry
and use...
But I also have an Old Timer 83OT 2 blade Jack that I carry almost
everywhere as well. Love the carbon steel, the simple design and
the fact that people hardly give it a second look. Well, unless it's
to talk about knives in general, or how it reminds them of their
grandfather or dad or something. But that's more than welcome
by me.
 
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