Where to start.

gonebad395

gonebad395

Ironworker!
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May 19, 2015
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Hey guys I have always been interested in traditionals that being said where do I start? I mean their are thousands of options and so many knock offs when looking on line. Heck I've looked in antique shops while out with the wife and found older folders,looked them up and they are said to be cheap junk. So again not a whole lot to spend on one just would like a starting point thanks in advance.

-Keith
 
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First welcome to the porch.:thumbup: A good place to start with traditional knives IMO is the Rough Rider brand. Super inexpensive and although made in China they are very well made. Good f&f, razor sharp out of the box and hold an edge well. It's a good way to try some different patterns to see what you like then move up to more expensive knives. I used to collect modern folders and traditionals are a whole different world. Good luck.
 
Hi there Keith, seen you around on bladeforums but I'm glad to see you on the porch now.

Randy's suggestions are definitely a good start.
For the money and a slight step up I've always liked GEC's Farm and Field line.
The Classic sodbuster but in a higher tier of fit and finish is exemplified in the GEC 71 bullnose. You can still find some around online at the moment.
Robust, nice snap, one of the best full flat grinds I've ever had.
Made in PA, USA and everyone here loves them.

That or many Case models like the Texas Jack are a solid starting point.
 
Welcome Keith!!

I second what Randy said. Rough Rider knives are are a incredible value for the money.

I have been buying many R&R Trappers over the last couple years and they are great knives.
You can buy a lot of different styles for a hundred bucks, find the one you like best and move up with that style into the more expensive brands available.
 
Hey, I read a lot on here and there is a lot of knowledge in the regulars. People will come by in a little while and help out. Do you have any memories of a dad or grandad and a knife thy used? Can you specify any potential uses for work or hobbies, etc. that might help people with a recommendation? Also, if you have a price range that will be incredibly helpful.

Case, Buck and a really good company right now Great Eastern Cutlery are all places to start.

The more you can help people answer questions like do you have an opinion on stainless or a blade that will darken over time, single or multiple blades will be things you might think about. Size restrictions, locking blades, etc.

I like a three blade stockman like the case medium, Buck 303 or GEC buckaroo but that's just me.
 
Well always of my grandfather having a little knife in his pocket but can't tell you which style or brand. And of use it will just be for every day use food letters stuff like that I prefer single blade knives thanks for the imput.

-keith
 
Just read of the kissing crane brown mule and black Angus any thoughts on them over say rough rider?
 
Welcome to The Porch :thumbup:

gonebad395 said:
Just read of the kissing crane brown mule and black Angus any thoughts on them over say rough rider?
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Personally I'd avoid them, they're not the knives they were once, in fact they have no connection to the company which once made them. In my opinion, Schrade do a better Sodbuster at a lower price, and if you don't mind paying a bit more, the Case Sodbuster Junior (or the full-sized Sodbuster) is an iconic knife :thumbup:
 
Thing is, don't get overwhelmed! Traditionals offer a huge range of choices, baffling sometimes but a big draw nevertheless.

I agree with Jack, those Brown Mules can come crude. CASE jr Sodbuster in stainless or carbon is a reliable knife, so too their Slimline Trapper which is another single-blade favourite of mine. Rough Rider certainly can produce a remarkably good knife and not just for its low price but on its own merits. I suggest one of their Dirtbuster knives (Sodbuster) in bone or delrin, some lock too. One of their single blade Barlows are very decent as well, so too are Queen Cutlery's Workhorse series.

Then there's Opinel, one of the most comfortable in the hand knives. Various sizes and woods, mostly inexpensive and very good QC.

Once you get your hand in, you'll develop your own tastes, only thing is, this is Faustian...there's no turning back from now.:eek::D:D

Thanks, Will

IMG_1075.jpg
 
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I got a few Kissing Kranes through AG Russell. Nice walk and talk. Pretty stag. Too bad AG dropped those models, they were a steal.
 
Don't forget to check Utica Kutmaster Adirondack / Green Pine series, they are good looking traditionals if you want US made knives, less expensive (slightly lesser standard too) than Case.
 
RRs are always a good addition, but for your first I'd recommend a Case Texas Jack in their standard amber jigged bone. Should be around or even under $40, great size, two blades, great knife.
 
If you don't mind spending the money , get a GEC ( great eastern cutlery) . Northfield, tidioute, gec are all great eastern Brands. They're top shelf .
 
Case's yellow-handled line of knives are hard-working, American-made gems that don't cost an arm and a leg.

-- Mark
 
Well guys I just bought a rough rider amber jig boned 440ss workman knife which is their version of a sod buster. Thank for all the great suggestions I'm a knife carrier but never these kinds so I went with nice but cheap to start to see if it's for me. Who knows I might win my first nice one here.
 
If you like a larger single blade a Buck 110 is an iconic knife. There is a reason they have made them for over 50 years and they can be had for around $30.
 
Yeah rredden I own one of those that is late grandfather's he wore in in its pouch on his belt. One of my favorites because it was his and it has character. Man I sometimes wish it could tell stories of where it's been.
 
Rough Riders are hard to beat, as are the Taylor brand Schrades. Both are good choices for exploring patterns until you find something you like. Then, once you do start looking at higher end models of the same pattern. For a good all around one-bladed knife though, a Case Sodbuster Jr. might be my first stop.
 
mnblade said:
Case's yellow-handled line of knives are hard-working, American-made gems that don't cost an arm and a leg.

-- Mark
Click to expand...

Just off the top of my head, that would be my suggestion as well. You are starting at a middle of the road point in general quality and generally not at a $100 price. The Sodbuster type knife would be a good choice as it is slim, easy to carry, and a single blade. My first better knife when I was a kid was a Case Barlow which can be had in a single or two bladed.

The Rough Rider is a good starter choice. So, I hope you like it.
 
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Yeah I like the Barlow style to if I could find a nice one for sale on the Lower end or a trade of some sort around here I'd try it out. I been looking a lot on the exchange no prevail
 
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