Why do most traditional folders have more than one blade?

yatsunil

yatsunil

Joined
Apr 4, 2014
Messages
680
Please pardon the newbie question. Been browsing the pics on this forum and noticed that most knives here have 2, 3 or even 4 blades as compared to a modern folder which usually has only one. Is there a specific reason for this?
The reason I'm asking is that even though I carry a knife everyday, I hardly use it much so one blade is plenty. Was looking for a single blade traditional but they seem rather rare.
 
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There are plenty of single-blade traditional knives. Some manufacturers offer more patterns than others in a single-blade variant. GEC, for instance, makes lots of single-blade patterns.

The multiple blade patterns were established when people used their pocket knives for a variety of purposes and found the multiple blades useful. Many people still do.
 
I also think that in the modern English speaking world, where people are over sensitised to pocket cutlery, having multiple blades makes it look more 'tool', less 'knife'.
 
jc57 said:
There are plenty of single-blade traditional knives. Some manufacturers offer more patterns than others in a single-blade variant. GEC, for instance, makes lots of single-blade patterns.

The multiple blade patterns were established when people used their pocket knives for a variety of purposes and found the multiple blades useful. Many people still do.
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Thanks for pointing out GECs. Unfortunately I'm just starting out in the world of traditionals and GEC knives are out of my budget - like way out :)
 
Multiple blades because knives are tools, useful for multiple purposes (slicing, cutting, piercing, etc.).
 
Back then the different blades were for different jobs. This one tool fits all is pretty recent. Heck, they even use knives to chop trees and cut wood. I couldn't imagine my grandfather doing that. He was a Right tool for the job guy, as well as clean, sharpen and oil the knife or tool before putting it away for the night kind of guy. I still have his tools. Some are a century old and can do the job now as well as when new.
 
Some good reasons have been pointed out by other members.
To add something, and help you get a bigger picture, your statement is mainly true for Sheffield (later "imported" by US cutlery) patterns, but it's not a universal fact. For example, most (if not all) traditional folders from southern Europe are single bladed knives, same for balisongs and other patterns. :)
The "one tool fits all" is way older than we think ;)

Fausto
:cool:
 
Have you considered carrying a scout knife? The old ones can be had fairly cheaply and usually have 4 tools. A knife, can opener, screwdriver, and an awl/reamer.
 
There are other brands than GEC that make single-blade traditionals. Many will cost less than GEC.

I was a devoted single-blade guy for years but I've converted. These days you will find a stockman pattern knife in my pocket every day of the week.
 
Case, Buck, Rough Rider, Canal Street, Queen, AG Russell brands all have single-blade options in traditional styles at various price points.
 
Different strokes for different folks! If you like single blades then buy singles. I have both in my collection and like the option from day to day. For a single blade try out an Opinel. Plenty of sizes and they are great slicers.




Bonus, you can customize them :)

 
I like having 2+ blades with me at all times. 1 long blade for food stuffs (I do like using my pocket knives for cutting up food like a sandwich in half or an apple into slices) and 1 other blade that I can use and let get dirty like opening up packages or cutting down cardboard or like yesterday, trimming some vines on the fence. If you only have 1 blade, then would you really want to eat your food with it after doing those other dirtier chores? Yes you can clean the knife but that tape residue can be a pia.

Btw, here's a thread you can peruse to see if anything catches your fancy...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/799225-Show-off-your-Single-Blade-Slippys?
 
I like the multipurpose multi-blade knives. I usually carry a SAK or a stockman. If I was limited on funds and wanted a traditional single bladed folder I'd get an Opinel. But for a single blade I prefer a fixed blade.
 
yatsunil said:
Was looking for a single blade traditional but they seem rather rare.
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You're lucky. Even as recent as 10 years ago single blade slipjoints were relatively uncommon. There are many more offerings now. Just have to know what to look for.



- Christian
 
freezergeezer said:
I also think that in the modern English speaking world, where people are over sensitised to pocket cutlery, having multiple blades makes it look more 'tool', less 'knife'.
Click to expand...

I have never thought of that...good point.
 
kamagong said:
You're lucky. Even as recent as 10 years ago single blade slipjoints were relatively uncommon. There are many more offerings now. Just have to know what to look for.



- Christian
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I guess you're right! WOW! Those are some mighty fine single blades. I especially like the bottom one with the black handle. What brand/model is that? Actually I like them all. Maybe the clippoint a little less than the others :)
 
Righto guys - thanks for all the explanations why slipjoints have more than one blade. I agree it's a good idea to use one blade for food prep and another different blade for other tasks. But I still like the simple lines of a single blade.

Also thanks for the suggestions on various brands/models of single blades I should look at. Have been googling pictures of the ones recommended and and now I know that I prefer a blade shape that is not a clippoint or toothpick. Spear, pen or wharncliffe is fine with me. I now also know that I prefer something with the nickel bolsters like a canoe or barlow instead of a sodbuster. Thanks for opening a whole new world of knives to me!
 
If you were in a place the sinks weren't handy, you might want to use a different blade for food prep than you did to cut fishing worms.
 
The GEC #15 spear point single blade knives are outstanding examples of what you might be interested in. I believe that the ebony-handled knife in Kamagong's photo that you liked is one of those.

They are also among the more affordable of the GEC line up, usually available shipped for less than $70. They were made in bareheaded (bolster only on one end) and double-bolstered versions.

I personally have a slight preference for a clip blade, but that varies depending on the day. My GEC #15 has the spear primary and pen secondary and is a great knife.
 
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