When does a traditional become modern?

T

thisone07

Joined
Oct 4, 2010
Messages
10
I want a traditional with a lock and a pocket clip. More specifically a lannys clip with a lock and pocket clip. If I order a knife like that does it lose it's "traditional", or is it a traditional with modern features? Just wanted to know what you guys thought about it. Thanks.

Nick
 
I dont think you can have a pocket clip and have a true traditional. To me thats a deal breaker
 
This thread is so philosophical...

Like, what is the point of existence, man? :confused::D

(In all seriousness though, I think that once you start using more modern handle materials, styles and features, it loses it's traditional title. Pocket clips, G-10, Micarta, thumbstuds, etc...Like Nathan said, this subject is very subjective.)
 
Here's where the bar is as I see it: If a knife would make my Grandad roll his eyes, it's not a traditional.

A knife with a lock and pocket clip would make Grandad roll his eyes. YMMV.

-- Mark
 
mnblade said:
Here's where the bar is as I see it: If a knife would make my Grandad roll his eyes, it's not a traditional.

A knife with a lock and pocket clip would make Grandad roll his eyes. YMMV.

-- Mark
Click to expand...

That!:thumbup::thumbup:
 
mnblade said:
Here's where the bar is as I see it: If a knife would make my Grandad roll his eyes, it's not a traditional.

A knife with a lock and pocket clip would make Grandad roll his eyes. YMMV.

-- Mark
Click to expand...

That's as good a definition as I've seen. The pocket clip is the real deal breaker for me.
 
mnblade said:
Here's where the bar is as I see it: If a knife would make my Grandad roll his eyes, it's not a traditional.

A knife with a lock and pocket clip would make Grandad roll his eyes. YMMV.

-- Mark
Click to expand...

I see that...but my grandfather thinks victorinox knives are a godsend. He loves plastic handled knives. I guess I just don't know any true traditional guys.
 
Never - styles are defined by the accepted norms of their respective period of manufacture. Can you "modernize" a traditional product or design? Sure! The question is - when does modern become traditional? When does a modern design become so commonplace it's accepted as a statement of its time. Pocket clip and lock? I'd say that's about as traditional as it comes.

Scott
 
Pocket clips and thumbstuds are deal breakers for me. Materials are not. Wood, bone, stag, horn, metal and even synthetics have been used for handle materials for a long, long time on traditional knives. Improved steels are also OK with me.

A trapper with CPM-10V blades and G10 handles is still a trapper, and trappers are traditional.
 
Screws.......................

Traditionals (IMHO) are pinned together

Just my 2 cents worth
 
So it seems that a pocket clip is not acceptable. I think that many traditional designs can be improved with a clip. I dont mind having to use two hands to open my knife but I really don't like having to dig in my pocket for it. I find clips a lot more convenient than belt pouches and pocket sheaths. I like being able to clip a knife to my gym shorts. I can't do that with a traditional blade. So I suppose I want a modern knife in a traditional pattern???
 
The pocket clip, thumbstud, or a hole (aka one hand openers) generally push the knife into the "modern" catagory. You can purchase Spydercos with more traditional scales but they are a lot more costly. (Removed my specific suggestion as it is not a traditional.)
 
Last edited:
I second this:

Screws.......................

Traditionals (IMHO) are pinned together

And I'll add, this means the covers aren't just glued on like Bear.

No design element ranks me more than a nice looking custom slipjoint with screws. I know...it's less likely to damage the pearl covers during assembly, easier to replace the expensive covers if dropped, etc. However, if cutlers could pin for years, why not now in the 21st century.
 
thisone07 said:
So it seems that a pocket clip is not acceptable. I think that many traditional designs can be improved with a clip. I dont mind having to use two hands to open my knife but I really don't like having to dig in my pocket for it. I find clips a lot more convenient than belt pouches and pocket sheaths. I like being able to clip a knife to my gym shorts. I can't do that with a traditional blade. So I suppose I want a modern knife in a traditional pattern???
Click to expand...

I don't think anyone is saying that a pocket clip is a bad thing. I use pocket clip knives myself occasionally. They just don't fit the definition that we try to adhere to on this particular sub-forum.
If you are looking for recommendations on pocket clip knives, (whatever the covers, steel, style) then you'd be better off asking and discussing in the General Knife Discussion forum.
 
thisone07 said:
I think that many traditional designs can be improved with a clip.
Click to expand...

So did lots of people, so they modernised them! ;)

You get pocket-knives with wooden scales and brass bolsters, with thumb-studs/holes and pocket-clips, but they're not traditional knives, which is what this forum exists to discuss. If you're after a knife with a pocket-clip, sure you'll get plenty of help finding one in the General forum :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top