Recommendation? Where to buy first slip joint

lieferung

lieferung

Joined
May 24, 2016
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I'm looking to get my first slip joint/traditional folder. I want only one blade, not too picky with blade profile but I like the look of those wide spear points. I'm around the $100 range, but I'm not sure what site to buy them at. Knife center and blade hq have a lot of out of stock. Is there a better place to look? Also can you recommend any brands.
 
Definitely check out the exchange here on bladeforums, and also check out the sponsors of the site. Both are excellent resources. What do you like in terms of knife size, blade shape, combination of blades or single blade, cover material, blade steel, what will you primarily use it for etc?
 
The aforementioned #78 is actually a great suggestion. You will be able to take your time and choose the model you want. And you won't have to worry about paying too much on the secondary market. You'll be spoiled for cover choices as GEC is making a ton of them. You'll just need to be a little patient. Maybe 3-4 weeks? (a complete guess on my part)

See this link for sketches
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/2017/08/25/new-78s/

There's also a link on GECs site for dealers. Alternatively, you could PM a member here for suggestions on where to buy. We try to avoid specifics about the buying process in these actual threads, but most anyone responding to you in this thread will be happy to PM/email you more information.
 
JITDC said:
Definitely check out the exchange here on bladeforums, and also check out the sponsors of the site. Both are excellent resources. What do you like in terms of knife size, blade shape, combination of blades or single blade, cover material, blade steel, what will you primarily use it for etc?
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Though I've never had a traditional, the sheep's foot and spear point ones always caught my eye. If I get one I'm looking to use it for light EDC (food, boxes, tape). I saw someone share a pic of a camel bone sheep's foot blade which more or less made me want to take the plunge on a slipjoint. I'll check the sponsors, though I've already tried Knives Ship Free and Grand Prairie Knives, everything seems out of stock.

LastRodeo said:
Great Eastern Cutlery has a wide spear #78 American Jack coming out soon. That might fit your needs.
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Looks real cool! Probably one that I've seen before and caught my attention.

MCar said:
The aforementioned #78 is actually a great suggestion. You will be able to take your time and choose the model you want. And you won't have to worry about paying too much on the secondary market. You'll be spoiled for cover choices as GEC is making a ton of them. You'll just need to be a little patient. Maybe 3-4 weeks? (a complete guess on my part)

See this link for sketches
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/2017/08/25/new-78s/

There's also a link on GECs site for dealers. Alternatively, you could PM a member here for suggestions on where to buy. We try to avoid specifics about the buying process in these actual threads, but most anyone responding to you in this thread will be happy to PM/email you more information.
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Thanks, but why do you "avoid specifics" for buying knives? Is there some sort of secret method to buying traditionals? They all seem to be out of stock (or a good chunk of them) everywhere I go. Kind of off putting.
 
Collectorknives.net

Is a good one. I've ordered a tripple handfull from them with good results.
 
lieferung said:
Thanks, but why do you "avoid specifics" for buying knives? Is there some sort of secret method to buying traditionals? They all seem to be out of stock (or a good chunk of them) everywhere I go. Kind of off putting.
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"In order to avoid Terms Of Service (TOS) violations, please omit links or referrals to vendors within the forum. ("Deal Spotting" is a violation of the TOS.)

We want the forum to focus upon the discussion of traditional knives...not the purchasing process, prices nor vendors and their websites.

The exception to the rule above is that you may refer other members to vendors who support bladeforums.com via a "Dealer" membership.

Otherwise, if someone inquires where you made a purchase, please take a moment to provide them with the requested information via email or PM.

Do not publish prices or links within the threads as this may be construed as shilling for a particular vendor and violate the TOS."

That's from the Sticky at the top of this sub-forum.

If you are looking specifically for GEC knives, KSF, CK, GunStockJack, and DLT all carry GEC and are "Dealer" members. As for why they are out of stock, there are plenty of threads discussing GECs business model/production output. It mainly has to do with: A) they make a very limited number of knives in comparison to the massive numbers modern knife manufacturers make and B) they are very popular.
 
Wurrwulf said:
"In order to avoid Terms Of Service (TOS) violations, please omit links or referrals to vendors within the forum. ("Deal Spotting" is a violation of the TOS.)

We want the forum to focus upon the discussion of traditional knives...not the purchasing process, prices nor vendors and their websites.

The exception to the rule above is that you may refer other members to vendors who support bladeforums.com via a "Dealer" membership.

Otherwise, if someone inquires where you made a purchase, please take a moment to provide them with the requested information via email or PM.

Do not publish prices or links within the threads as this may be construed as shilling for a particular vendor and violate the TOS."

That's from the Sticky at the top of this sub-forum.

If you are looking specifically for GEC knives, KSF, CK, GunStockJack, and DLT all carry GEC and are "Dealer" members. As for why they are out of stock, there are plenty of threads discussing GECs business model/production output. It mainly has to do with: A) they make a very limited number of knives in comparison to the massive numbers modern knife manufacturers make and B) they are very popular.
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Thanks a bunch. I know that deal spotting is prohibited, I just couldn't wrap my head around why there wasn't stock anywhere and figured the traditional forum would have my answer. I guess I'm showing my age, it's a bit upsetting to learn that I can't just buy the one I want on demand :D well I guess I'm gonna have to wait for the right opportunity to get one of these.
 
The reason many show out of stock is because places like GEC make a run of knives and that’s it. Once they sold, they gone. So those really are nothing more than a history lesson in what was made.

But you know now that GEC is makin a spear blade soon that might interest you!
 
Wilted Kilt said:
Yeah, you’re timing it out perfectly for the 78. GEC is making a ton of them so you shouldn’t have a hard time getting one, and they’ll be coming out relatively soon.
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That's great to hear, I'll have to keep an eye out for these.

Guess I'll be heading over to the sponsors section, hopefully I can find some readily available brands.
 
lieferung said:
Thanks a bunch. I know that deal spotting is prohibited, I just couldn't wrap my head around why there wasn't stock anywhere and figured the traditional forum would have my answer. I guess I'm showing my age, it's a bit upsetting to learn that I can't just buy the one I want on demand :D well I guess I'm gonna have to wait for the right opportunity to get one of these.
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I totally get that. There's enough proof of that in my posts over the past couple of years. :D There can be things about the GEC Way that are maddening, but they truly do put out a quality product and are a serious collector's dream. Those who enjoy the hunt can find great enjoyment with GEC.

Also, keep an eye out for Queen/Schatt & Morgan and definitely here on the Exchange. I, honestly, don't know how their productions numbers compare to GECs, but they are much more widely available. They received (a mostly deserved) reputation for shoddy quality, but many have noted a change over the last couple years in regards to their QC department.

On another note, there are a lot of vintage, single-blade, spear point, bare-head jacks out in this world with plenty of life and plenty of stories! Names like Case, Remington, Cattaraugus, Ulster Knife Co., New York Knife Company, and many others are held in high reverence for being of the utmost quality of pocket cutlery, even at 100 years old in some instances. Taking a gander through the "Old Knives" thread might just make you forget about the "lolly scramble" that are GEC model drops and start a whole new obsession with trade shows, antique stores, auction sites, and The Exchange.

Have fun!
 
besides the upcoming gec 78, schatt and morgan does do a nice spear tear drop that can be had for about $65
 
While you wait for the GEC, please check out the exchange! If nothing else, it will give you a small sample at what is out there waiting for you in terms of patterns, covers, and blades.
 
0104160738_HDR-1664x936.jpg It's about like taking a semester at a junior college to get in "the loop" of gec purchasing. Your bank account will suffer sir. Enjoy the hunt and the knives you acquire
 
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I have a #78 American Jack, and can say it’s a great knife. My only complaint is that mine is a real nail breaker to open. Not sure if that’s inherent in the model, or just the run when mine was made.

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A couple more good options would be the last two annual forum knives. Last year for spear, and this year for a sheepsfoot. Though you may pay a bit more for those because they are limited.

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Go to the traditional and old timey for sale in the Sales sub forum. Loads of selection and realistic prices.--KV
 
You might want to look into the brand Otter Messer. It's a great German knife company that's been around since 1840. They don't focus on the "latest and greatest" steels but they are still great quality that won't break the bank while trying slip joints out. One of the knives in their line is called the 3-Rivet and sounds like what you're looking for.
otter162.png

I've also seen this knife in Camel Bone.
 
metricmat said:
You might want to look into the brand Otter Messer. It's a great German knife company that's been around since 1840. They don't focus on the "latest and greatest" steels but they are still great quality that won't break the bank while trying slip joints out. One of the knives in their line is called the 3-Rivet and sounds like what you're looking for.
otter162.png

I've also seen this knife in Camel Bone.
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This 3-Rivet looks awesome. Going to have to track one of these down. :D
 
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