why carry a slipjoint?

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pineywoods

Joined
Jul 14, 2003
Messages
14
Seems like a simple question, but there are so many other modern choices to carry. For example, from the outset if you are using a slipjoint for chores that require a little tension the blade may fold back and cut your finger. This has happened to me. And the dirt can really find its way into the inner body. Not so easy to clean out either. The blades do not seem very strong sometimes, ie cutting through joints or ribs on a deer. There seem to be drawbacks.

I have a few ideas why I carry a trapper. I love the flatground blade, how thin it is, and the fact that it is the sharpest knife I own. Hands down, sharp as a razor. The other forums talk a lot about hair popping sharp... I say "Duh, the front end of my blade is always that way." My Dad always carried a stockman old timer to be exact. I wanted to take it to the next level with a couple of handmade pieces. I appreciate natural materials, and the fit. I own many modern folders and fixed blades, and enjoy them. But it is not often that I am stabbing a car door. What about you guys?
 
I enjoy the ability to carry a knife with multiple blades. Let's face it there are a lot better things to carry for so called self defense than a knife. As far as the knife folding up I seldom if ever use the back of a blade for cutting so the danger there for me is no greater than a lock failing. I guess it just depends on what you are used to using.

As far as using a slip joint for game, again it is a matter of what you are used to using. They are in fact harder to keep clean, but I will gladly sacrifice that extra time for the ability to have multiple blades to use. There are drawbacks to all designs and types. The fun part is that we have many more choices than at any other time.
 
I can't remember the last time I stabbed a car door, cut through the ribs of a deer or had a folding knife close on my fingers. I began carrying a knife before locks became popular, so I don't depend on lock strength as much as some others seem to. If you grew up on a slipjoint you probably don't either.

Why carry a slipjoint? Well, first of all they're kind of comforting to carry or just handle. I've found that if I have a linerlock in my hand I'll open and close it (or flick it open) without thinking about it, but if you've got a nice slipjoint in your hand you may find yourself just rubbing on fondling it. They just feel nice to handle. Next, they really are sheeple friendly, it's hard to get a bad reaction to a nice slipjoint. Finally there is just something about them that are familiar and comfortable.
 
Slipjoints tend to be easier to carry and have thinner sharper blades then the typical tactical folder. The fear of cutting yourself is overrated. The blade will never fold if you use it correctly, and, if you are going to do something risky, then you are far better off with a fixed blade then a tactical folder.

n2s
 
I've cleaned rabits,squirrels,and game birds with my slipjoints, prepared food,put away peaches,apples,corn...with my slipjoints,
cut my steak,onions,and veggies with my slipjoint....
The slipjoint is my most used knife. That's a good reason to carry one. Oh, I open my mail with one too.:)

I guess it's what you need a knife for and what you are use to or prefer. I carry a onehander and use it alot but I'm never without a pocketknife. They take care to clean and maintain but I like playing with my knives so that's not a problem.



Dean
 
My first knife was a slipjoint. In fact I remember the day that my Dad took me to the hardware store to buy it. A green celluloid handled single blade sheffield. I got really big on tacticals and high tech knives for a while but none of them give me that nostalgic feeling I get from a nice old slipjoint. Any thing I need to do with a knife can be done effectively with a three blade Stockman.
 
I grew up on slip joints and have been using them for almost 35 years.
I have never had a slip joint close on me. I can't say the same for liner locks. Any knife will fail if it is pushed beyond it's limits.

Paul
 
I carry a slip joint because I carried one when I was a kid, and now I am trying to recapture my youth. :)
And also because I like them.
 
I started on slipjoints when I recieved my granddad's. I wanted that same feeling when I saw him trimming his nails or doing work around the house. I also like the fact that you can get a nice, quality slipjoint for less than 50 dollars. It's much more difficult to find a nice tac for that cash. I only have one custom SJ right now, but more will follow!
Matt
 
Versitility. There aren't many do-it all knives, but a stockman comes close. Lots of cutting in a small package. And they don't freak too many people out.
 
For civilized daily use, a multi blade slip joint is plenty of knife. They have history, complexity, artistry, not to mention a relatively high level of acceptance compared to a big honking tactical when you open it up among sheeple.

A pipe cleaner or a cut off toungue depressor and a piece of paper towel takes care of most cleaning of the slots. If you need more, swish the knife around in some kerosene or odorless lamp oil, then blow it out with some compressed air.

It may not be the best weapon for defending oneself, but try sharpening a pencil or whittling a stick with a tactical. I have, at a scout camping outing, and my big ass stellite tactical (not mayo) was almost useless.

I like the trapper or congress best. I open a lot more envelopes than I do squirrel castrations in a typical day, so keep the spey blade and give me a wharncliffe instead, Randy. ;)
 
Nothing beats a D-2 Queen Cattle King stockman in one of the slotted breast pockets of a Filson Double Mac Cruiser.

But not in July or August.
 
Traditional design slip joints--whether genuine old stuff or newly manufactured ones--represent, in my mind, one of the good things about bygone days and our earlier generations. Times when good workmanship did not cost an "arm-and-a-leg" and doing things with a knife in public was nothing out of the ordinary. We all have fond memories of knife stories which involved our dads, granddads, neighbors, friends, etc. These knives help to keep those memories fresh in our hearts.
 
I also believe it represents the fact that crime is more rampant nowadays. In my grandfather's time, thinking of defending yourself with a pocketknife was laughable. Now, it is a sad reality. Even so, the majority of the time my EDC is a slipjoint... I like to live dangerously I guess :D
 
>"... it represents the fact that crime is more rampant nowadays."

=====================================

Sorry, but this isn't exactly true. :rolleyes: On Aug. 24, an AP story cites a Justice Department report that says violent and property crimes dipped in 2002 to their lowest levels since records started being compiled 30 years ago, and have dropped more than 50 percent in the last decade ("Report: Crime rate lowest since 1973"). The Justice Department survey found continuing decreases in every major property and violent crime, crossing all household income, racial and ethnic lines. Crime is down in cities, suburbs and rural areas.

Incidentally, I hear great things about Barry Glassner's book "The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things."
 
mnblade- Whew! Now I can remove my tinfoil hat! ;) I just might have to read that book, thanks for the recommendation.
 
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