What's a good slipjoint for a newbie like me?

R

Radioactive

Joined
Apr 10, 2006
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I'm just starting to get interested in traditional folders like slipjoints. So what's a good knife to start my collection with. I'm most likely going to want to EDC it. Thanks.
 
A lot of people like a stockman for edc, I'd say just check out brands like Case, or Queen and Pick some thing that appeals to you. Once you get a good slip joint, it more than likely want be your last, so I wouldn't worry to much about the first one :D
 
Hard to go wrong with a stockman. It's a classic pattern and about as useful as they come.

The only question would be how you want to use the knife, how big or heavy a knife you want etc.

If you give us an idea of how you'll employ the knife and what kind of clothing you'll be carrying in, it'd probably help us to help you decide.
 
Blues said:
Hard to go wrong with a stockman. It's a classic pattern and about as useful as they come.

The only question would be how you want to use the knife, how big or heavy a knife you want etc.

If you give us an idea of how you'll employ the knife and what kind of clothing you'll be carrying in, it'd probably help us to help you decide.
Click to expand...

The knife is not going to be for any field of work. Probably want something light and small. Not too small. I don't want it to be work of art, but if it's made of some quality material, that'd be nice.
 
I have been very pleased with some of the tiny trappers I have recieved latley.

The Queen #48 Whittler in amber bone is a home run as well.
 
You cant go wrong with a stockman or jack from Case.

Look at the medium stockman, and small texas jack in Amber bone. I couldn't be happier with my texas jack, it's the perfect size for pocket carry too. If one of these is still a bit to large for your taste, then look into the peanut.
 
Welcome to the world of slip joints, Radioactive. You're going to find it quite a search to find the right one, there are so many great choices. There is no wrong choice, just some will work for you better than others.

Alot of different factors will go into play here. Type of clothing worn, office or shop environment, the kind of uses you will put the knife to. And different people have differing limits to how much weight or bulk they want in thier pocket. A stockman travels well in jeans, but will feel like an anchor in dress pants. A compact whittler may fit in both, as will a smaller stockman like in the 3 1/4 size.

Check around to see if there is a collectors club in your area that you could go to a couple of meetings. Knife collectors are a friendly lot, and would love to show you their favorite pieces. Go to a knife show or two and check out the different patterns to see how they feel in the hand. It makes a big difference. A stockman may not feel as good to you as a small sodbuster.

Because of all the different models and materials, its a facinating field to collect and use. You'll get to know all of them in time, and your favorite one may change a few times. I myself have been through stockmans, sodbusters, peanuts, barlows, scouts, sak's, different size Opinels, Douk-Douk's, and loved them all.
 
looks like you will have to buy several and try them all out. I would go to a knife show or a store with a large selection of knives and see what feels good in your hand. I guarantee you there will be more than one that will jump out at you. Buy them all and rotate them into your edc.
 
Alot of good advice in here. Lately I've been carrying a Victorinox Soldier. Basically a scout pattern with Alox (aluminum) handles. It's very light and for $24 about the best deal going. If you want a more traditional pattern maybe a small copperlock or peanut. Visit the W.R. Case website and check out all of the patterns. I will have to say I agree with Wudnme though. Nothing beats a gun show or Bass Pro where you can go and handle a bunch of different patterns. Many a time I've seen a pic of a knife I had to have only to find it didn't feel so good in the hand. Either way enjoy the journey and welcome to the world of slipjoints!
 
if you wear dress slacks to work, i would recommend a Swiss Army knife "pocket pal". Its the lightest, thinnest knife i have found. Peanuts are also good, but a little heavier and thicker. I wanted to carry one knife edc, but now have 6 that i pick from. :)
 
IMHO a Buck stockman 303 cadet is very reliable and a user for sure. It won't break the bank and is around mid $20, made in America and has decent steel. For a first or every day carry knife you can't go wrong with the overall quality. This is my EDC and I enjoy it very much. You will find that slip joints can be pricey when you start getting into the scale selection etc.
 
Have a look into on-line catalogues and dealer offerings, check CASE, Queen Cutlery, Schatt&Morgan brands. The vast array may surprise you! I suggest a Mini Trapper in Stag, or Bonestag or Amber Bone. Not too big, not too small.

You might fancy a Barlow (I do) or even a Mini Copperlock (not a slipppie I know, but a slim locking knife) One knife that's small and you don't hear much about is a CASE Mini Copperhead No.257 with Wharncliffe blade. I'd like to get one but so far not found a source.

Good luck with your knife, it will soon become knives......
 
I would avoid any knives with D2 blades as a first knife. Learning to get that hair popping edge will be much less frustrating with another type of steel.
 
If you don't mind taking a little extra care of the blades to keep them from rusting (it isn't as bad as it sounds, you have to sharpen it anyway), then a 4in. Carbon steel Stockman is king in my book. You might opt for the medium stockman though, still a very capable knife. I reccomend Boker, Eye Brand, Case, Camillus (you can still find them at pretty good deals on the bay), and Old Timer (one of my favorites. Queen makes great knives, but D2 isn't all that fun to sharpen and I have had bad luck with the factory edges in the past. Good luck.
 
go to the WR Case website and look through the galaxy of knives they have there. A big part of traditional knives is the aesthetics and feel. See what's visually appealing to you. You can't get more traditional than a stockman, trapper, jack, or whittler (everyone should have at least one stockman). Lately I've been getting into patterns that aren't as thick, such as the canoe or the pen knife.

Stainless steel is very rust resistant, but carbon steel, if properly cared for will darken and pick up character over time.
 
You'll never be the same it's almost like the famous saying from the "LAYS"chips you can't have just one, but a start IMHO (case mini muskrat red bone CV).
 
You are just asking for trouble. I inherited a small collection of old Case, Queen, Camillus, and other slippies. Now I can't drive by a pawn shop and see what they might have. Small town hardware stores sometimes have some good knives, so I find myself stopping there, too. Gun & Knife shows are fun, too, but don't expect stellar deals there, just tremendous variety!

Have fun making your decision!

Scott
 
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