What's On Your Short List?

Slipjoint-wise, the only thing I'm trying to talk myself out of right now, is a Fox Livri in green micarta. Liners and pocket clips are pretty important to me, so I'm pretty much decided on not making that purchase.

I would like to find a nice classic pattern electrician's knife. The last one I bought used, and the pivot pin was warped all over the place, to the point of not being able to open the multipurpose tool.

On the locking side, the A G Russell Medium Barlow is really hard to resist. I keep telling myself that I should be working on my own knife-making skills, because buying other people's work isn't going to bring me any lasting satisfaction.
 
Did a review here: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/lionsteel-gitano-gt01-ul.1739245/

But I didn't really touch on the ergos in that. I really like the feel of this knife. I wear a large glove and it fits me well. My first two fingers do most of the gripping and then the handle just sort of disappears in my fingers. The little circle at the end sits outside my pinky.

If you have more specific questions, by all means, ask in that review thread! I know it's all subjective but the knife has really grown on me. :)

I really do need to peruse the review section more often. Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.:thumbsup:
 
I'd like to try out GEC #35 Beer and Sausage Bartool.

It's simply a SAK with a full size blade, fork with bottle opener, and a beard comb. Right up my alley, it is.
 
Let me be the devil advocate here, I got the Bestman 2 blades version last Sep, and I was rather underwhelmed.

Compared to my GECs/Cases/Buck, nothing is 'flushed' on this knife(especially the scales to the bolsters, which should be easily done)and there are screws/lines everywhere that really does take away the aesthetics of a 'Traditional' knife. The backsprings are strangely 'crowned' but I guess that's easier to do, and more preferable than un-evenness.

The good things about the knife: the walk and talk, they are decent and pull is nicely done. Overall, all the potential sharp edges are well chamfered which is nice. The blades are quite functional and steel is the premium M390 which is a plus.

Still, personally, I would probably choose a similar model from GEC over Lionsteel, but YMMV.

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Compared to GECs, I much prefer where everything is flushed at the back and on the scale, which I think is part of the workmanship. Personally, I really do appreciate a well made traditional knife with organic scales/handle, since it is much harder to put together, and it shows someone does care and put in the effort to make it work. However, that doesn't mean I dislike modern material used in a 'traditional' pattern.

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As compared to Civivi Rusty Gent, Civivi did a perfect job making this contoured bolster and scale completely flushed. Though the steel is nothing spectacular at all and it's a lockback, I would still prefer the Rusty Gent over Bestman, since I do appreciate the labor put into this and the subtle yet elegant design.
 
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The LionSteel gitano in green canvas micarta has been calling me for a while. So has the Spyderco subvert. If one of those popped up on the exchange at a reasonable number, I think I'd have to dig into my cookie jar. However, that would slow down the acquisition of a custom fixed blade I'm dreaming about. Damasteel and green canvas micarta scales of course!
 
I was eyeing this GEC Allegheny in ebony, so when I found one yesterday , I ordered it.

Lately I find myself more fascinated with traditional slipjonts. The double nail nicks on this one sealed the deal.
(dealers picture)

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I was recently perusing the selection of viper at collector knives to try out while I wait for my bf2020 knife. The key really caught my eye as well. Gotta save my pennies I suppose.
 
From the 3 you mention, I’d choose the Viper Key. I like Viper Knives. Prefer them to Lionsteel, as I feel they are better in the “fit & finish” category. Looking forward to their new “TURN” model due in October. Looks like their version of a locking Lanny’s clip

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as Comis has mentioned, these modern traditionals, or “moditionals” are a bit “blockier” than the traditionals we are used to seeing from Case, GEC, etc. But they are still attractive to my eye and still feel organic in the hand. They offer something a bit different and have some significant advantages. In the case of Viper knives, they have one piece titanium liners & bolsters, stainless backspring, organic scales (including stag & hardwoods), M390 steel and a firm pull with strong snap. For the same price as a GEC.

We don’t have to choose one or the other...I enjoy BOTH my traditionals and moditionals

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Slipjoint-wise, the only thing I'm trying to talk myself out of right now, is a Fox Livri in green micarta. Liners and pocket clips are pretty important to me, so I'm pretty much decided on not making that purchase.

I would like to find a nice classic pattern electrician's knife. The last one I bought used, and the pivot pin was warped all over the place, to the point of not being able to open the multipurpose tool.

On the locking side, the A G Russell Medium Barlow is really hard to resist. I keep telling myself that I should be working on my own knife-making skills, because buying other people's work isn't going to bring me any lasting satisfaction.

I’ve also been eyeing the same livri. I’m not much of a “traditional” guy but I am a sucker for wharnecliffes/sheepsfoot variants. And the livri is beautiful
 
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