Why do you like traditional knives?

[cinnamochoil]

Post your case slip joints here. But in all seriousness, my thread questioning the concept of tradition upset some older gentlemen.

A popular answer I was getting was, sit back, relax, and post your case slip joint. Needless to say, my thread got closed when I finally said. "No sir I'm not posting my case slip-joint, that's just not traditional".

At the suggestion of a pedantic moderator, I now pose this question good sirs.

Is the definition of a traditional knife "pretty much a constant"? W-why do you like traditional knives?
"If you are looking for discussion, perhaps you should be asking, "Why do you like traditional knives?" instead of asking, "what makes a knife Traditional?" In the Traditional Forum, the definition of "traditional knife" is pretty much a constant."

 

[cinnamochoil]

Knarfeng does it for free.

 

[davek14]

(sigh)

It's early so no vocabulary displays.

Many here on this forum agree that the definition of "traditional" is not perfect, although we also see that may not be possible.

We also see a relaxed forum where some of the more over the top threads are simply not allowed. I hang in General sometimes and even enjoy some of the "animated" threads there on occasion.

I like it better here, where I suspect this baiting will be quickly ended as well.

 

[cinnamochoil]

two (or three) words bro, case slip-joints

 

[cinnamochoil]

(sigh)

It's early so no vocabulary displays.

Many here on this forum agree that the definition of "traditional" is not perfect, although we also see that may not be possible.

We also see a relaxed forum where some of the more over the top threads are simply not allowed. I hang in General sometimes and even enjoy some of the "animated" threads there on occasion.

I like it better here, where I suspect this baiting will be quickly ended as well.

Post genuine thread, get called a baiter. I think you might be baiting me, yep you did it.

I suppose in the later years of life thinking about the changing world becomes worrisome and you just want people to look at your cool old wood handled knife. Everyone says they like it more relaxed, which means they don't want to think. That's fine, I'm not forcing you into the thread or into interacting with me. Looking past the surface is uncomfortable but its better than case slip joints ad nauseum.

 

[nugun55]

Now your just trolling.

 

[cinnamochoil]

No I'm not trolling I got baited into responding. Please just post the case slip joints.

 

[Stich2442]

I'll play and answer your question, I like traditional because they preform better at cutting task in most cases due to blade geometry and in particular carbon steels ease of taking a keen razors edge and easy touch up, but lets be honest you are not seeking knowledge, my guess by the two threads you wasted time starting and my time reading (and now acknowledging for some reason?) is you just finished college, can't find a job that you think you are "qualified" for because you have a degree and no discernible skills and are angry at the world because you think it owes you something so you decided you would try and vent your frustrations here trying to be provocative under the guise of thought-provoking but instead you are just being a dink, I suggest grabbing your tent and head back to Wall Street. If you need everything spelled out for you in a "handbook" and cannot determine things on your own the road ahead of you will be difficult.

Pete

Ps sorry Frank in advance

 

[Humppa]

Now your just trolling.

100 % agreed :thumbup:

I'll play and answer your question, I like traditional because they preform better at cutting task in most cases do to blade geometry and in particular carbon steels ease of taking a keen razors edge and easy touch up, but lets be honest you are not seeking knowledge, my guess by the two threads you wasted time starting and my time reading (and now acknowledging for some reason?) is you just finished college, can't find a job that you think you are "qualified" for because you have a degree and no discernible skills and are angry at the world because you think it owes you something so you decided you would try and vent your frustrations here trying to be provocative under the guise of thought-provoking but instead you are just being a dink, I suggest grabbing your tent and head back to Wall Street. If you need everything spelled out for you in a "handbook" and cannot determine things on your own the road ahead of you will be difficult.

Pete

Ps sorry Frank in advance

Thanks Pete - true words spoken!!

I have a good trust in our moderation crew to stop that here soon.

 

[mlamb]

I'll play and answer your question, I like traditional because they preform better at cutting task in most cases due to blade geometry and in particular carbon steels ease of taking a keen razors edge and easy touch up, but lets be honest you are not seeking knowledge, my guess by the two threads you wasted time starting and my time reading (and now acknowledging for some reason?) is you just finished college, can't find a job that you think you are "qualified" for because you have a degree and no discernible skills and are angry at the world because you think it owes you something so you decided you would try and vent your frustrations here trying to be provocative under the guise of thought-provoking but instead you are just being a dink, I suggest grabbing your tent and head back to Wall Street. If you need everything spelled out for you in a "handbook" and cannot determine things on your own the road ahead of you will be difficult.

Pete

Ps sorry Frank in advance

Good answer Pete.

 

[Markesharp]

This is my grandfather's Case trapper that was passed down to me by my uncle. The knife was made between 1940 and 1948 and as you can see he used the clip blade far more than the spey. Raising a large family left little money for luxuries and "extra" knives. He used this knife to clean fish, game and even his pipe.....that is about as traditional as it gets.

 

[r8shell]

Please define "case slip-joint."
Do you mean a slip-joint knife made by Case? Or are you using it as a generic term?
Yes, some of us like that brand, some of us don't. If you read here, you will see discussions both in praise of, and critical of many brands of traditional knives.

We may not have a perfect definition of "Traditional" but there seems to be a working consensus as to what kinds of knives we are discussing. You seem to have some strong feelings about this subject.

 

[puukkoman]

There are plenty of threads devoted to Case slipjoint knives. Why not take a few quiet, relaxing moments to yourself, and peruse the wealth of pictures and information available here? The more you read, the more you'll learn, and the better you'll acquire a feel for the atmosphere of this little corner of the internet.
(Most of us here are hangin' out on the front porch in a rocking chair, rather than jumping up and down in the middle of the street and shouting. Metaphorically speaking, that is.)

 

[snippy]

I'll be honest with you, cinna

I'm worried about you. You are intelligent and angry and possibly displaying symptoms of hypomania. Not a good combo.

Take care - and forget about this minor detail in life.

Eric

 

[Cory Hess]

I like traditionals because they fit my lifestyle. I'm not tactical or in a big hurry, and I don't need a knife that is either. I also don't like the marketing that I associate with modern knives, even if that association exists only in my head. The names and advertisements are too aggressive for me. Admittedly, I don't spend a lot of time looking at modern knives or the advertising so I may be off base there. It's just the impression that I have.

I don't have any pictures of Case slippies to post, as they aren't my favorite brand to collect. I have one Case knife still in my possession. It was gifted to me by a forum member here. It is a yella sodbuster jr.

I'm not trying to buck against traditions mate, I am genuinely sorry if anyone feels that this is coming from a place of opposition.

I'm going to hold you to your word here. Your other thread was not closed because you refused to post your Case slipjoint. Your other thread got closed for insulting members here. I know that your intentions are to expand what we refer to as traditional knives. There's nothing inherently wrong with that goal. The resistance you're experiencing isn't resistance to the idea that we don't have the definition of traditionals perfected. It's resistance to the idea that somebody new comes into the forums and starts insulting our friends. The concept that you're trying to convey isn't original. It's been debated before, and will be again. A thread like yours pops up every couple months or so. That's OK. There are several subjects that get brought up repeatedly either because they warrant further discussion or because they are common questions to people that don't frequent this particular subforum. It's not a matter of message, it's a matter of tact.

I have a suggestion for you. Instead of railing against Case slipjoints why don't you post some pictures of alternative traditional knives? Don't focus on how limited you feel, and don't ask others to expand those horizons for you. Do it yourself. Show us your puukkos, ulus, and afena. I will personally guarantee that if you post some pictures of a knife that's been in use for hundreds of years that members are unaware of, or know little about, and fill us in on the history and tradition of that particular pattern and style you will not experience resistance to the idea of it being traditional. You'll see the excitement that people experience when they get reminded that no matter how much they know, there's always more out there that is still a mystery. I know it's easier to sit back and put down what other people are into, but it's also kind of boring. Put in the effort to add value to the forum for other members. You'll find that much more rewarding in the long run.

 

[jackknife]

I like traditionals because they fit my lifestyle. I'm not tactical or in a big hurry, and I don't need a knife that is either. I also don't like the marketing that I associate with modern knives, even if that association exists only in my head. The names and advertisements are too aggressive for me. Admittedly, I don't spend a lot of time looking at modern knives or the advertising so I may be off base there. It's just the impression that I have.

I don't have any pictures of Case slippies to post, as they aren't my favorite brand to collect. I have one Case knife still in my possession. It was gifted to me by a forum member here. It is a yella sodbuster jr.




I'm going to hold you to your word here. Your other thread was not closed because you refused to post your Case slipjoint. Your other thread got closed for insulting members here. I know that your intentions are to expand what we refer to as traditional knives. There's nothing inherently wrong with that goal. The resistance you're experiencing isn't resistance to the idea that we don't have the definition of traditionals perfected. It's resistance to the idea that somebody new comes into the forums and starts insulting our friends. The concept that you're trying to convey isn't original. It's been debated before, and will be again. A thread like yours pops up every couple months or so. That's OK. There are several subjects that get brought up repeatedly either because they warrant further discussion or because they are common questions to people that don't frequent this particular subforum. It's not a matter of message, it's a matter of tact.

I have a suggestion for you. Instead of railing against Case slipjoints why don't you post some pictures of alternative traditional knives? Don't focus on how limited you feel, and don't ask others to expand those horizons for you. Do it yourself. Show us your puukkos, ulus, and afena. I will personally guarantee that if you post some pictures of a knife that's been in use for hundreds of years that members are unaware of, or know little about, and fill us in on the history and tradition of that particular pattern and style you will not experience resistance to the idea of it being traditional. You'll see the excitement that people experience when they get reminded that no matter how much they know, there's always more out there that is still a mystery. I know it's easier to sit back and put down what other people are into, but it's also kind of boring. Put in the effort to add value to the forum for other members. You'll find that much more rewarding in the long run.

Very well stated, Cory!

Here's a few traditional knives from my own little stash, and not a Case amount them. A French Opinel is as classic European peasants knife as you go. The Japanese Higonokami is about as traditional a knife in Japan as it gets. The Sardinian Resolza has been carried for many generations of Sardinian shepherds and fishermen.

To many Italians in the North of the country, the Zuava is a very traditional knife.

Perhaps traditional is much like what a well known Chief Justice said about pornography, you can't really explain it, but you know what it is when you see it. But it does not involve thumb studs, blade opening holes, and pocket clips.

 

[jc57]

I like Case slip-joints just fine. I think they are a good value for their price point. They comprise probably 70% of my knife collection. Others I own and enjoy include Great Eastern Cutlery, Canal Street, Queen, Buck, and Schrade.

I have a few knives that don't fit into the traditional category (Spyderco, Kershaw, Boker, 70s-80s era Gerber) that I don't discuss here but that's OK, there are other subforums for when I feel like reading about or discussing those.

I like traditional knives because they appeal to me aesthetically. I like the look and feel of the nickel silver bolsters, brass liners, and textured bone and stag handles. I even like the occasional synthetic handles like Delrin and acrylic. I don't really need a knife for any serious work, so pretty much anything meets my daily needs. In fact, a Victorinox Alox Cadet and a Boker non-traditional are my most often carried knives. Though most days a Case, Buck, or GEC knife goes along for the ride as well. Just because I like them and have enough pockets to carry more than one thing at a time.

I suppose it's just a matter of individual taste. When I first got interested in pocket knives a few years ago, I was trying lots of different brands and styles while I was dialing-in my tastes and preferences. I bought several Boker, Kershaw, and Spyderco knives. It was the Kershaw sub-forum (now closed) that brought me to Bladeforums in the first place. I looked in the "Traditionals" sub-forum and for a while couldn't quite figure out what it was about - so many brands and patterns and I wasn't sure what exactly was meant by "Traditional" in the first place - looked to me like it was all about antique knives and true collecting - meaning to me, rare knives in display cases.

But I stuck around and read the threads and discovered that Case knives were still currently made and produced and relatively affordable. So I picked up a few (again, in my journey of trying many things) and was immediately hooked. I don't know what makes a person prefer one thing over another, but the type of knife discussed in this forum is what I prefer.

I know there are people who avidly collect Spyderco knives, for example. I have one myself and love it. Great utilitarian knife, excellent ergonomics, top quality. I don't like the looks of it per se, and I haven't yet found a reason to buy another one. But I don't go over to the Spyderco forum and complain about why people there prefer knives with big holes in the blade. It's their preference. As I said, I have one, I appreciate the knife, and I can understand how a person could really get into all of their different patterns, steel choices, sizes, and variations in handle shapes and materials. It's not for me, but I can still understand it.

Not every little nook and cranny of the Internet is suited for everyone. If people here aren't talking about what you want, or if they are not sophisticated enough in their discourse to be worthy of your time, just move on and find someplace you enjoy more. There are plenty of other subforums here on BF where you might find topics of interest. Just keep in mind, if you get yourself banned, you get banned from the whole place.

Here are some pictures of my first Case slip-joint knives:

Peanut:


Sway Back Jack:


Small Texas Jack:


At the time as you can see I seemed to be into small to medium two-blade jack knife patterns but have since expanded my horizons a bit.

Here is my most recent knife, a Great Eastern Cutlery Dixie Stockman:


This is a nice example of a Buck traditional pattern, the 301:


It's not all about Case.

 

[Hammer67]

.... Needless to say, my thread got closed when I finally said. "No sir I'm not posting my case slip-joint, that's just not traditional".

Honestly, I have no idea what the above statement means. Case slip-joints are generally considered to be "traditional" knives by the vast majority of us.

Also, I highly doubt that that's the reason why your thread was closed.

At the suggestion of a pedantic moderator....

Referring to a moderator as "pedantic" (in addition to the number of other condescending statements you've made toward long-time members in your very short time here) is a great way to be shown the door. I would constructively suggest that you change your tone, if you want to be seen as a positive, contributing member to this sub-forum.

I know you're new here, so I would suggest starting with the search tool for your query. A quick search for "Why Do You Carry a Traditional?" brought up the following results (and more). Assuming your question is sincere, and you really want to get a better understanding of why some of us like traditional knives, the threads below would be a great place to start:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...carry-a-Traditional?highlight=Why+Traditional

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-quot?highlight=Why+do+you+carry+traditional?

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Why-)?highlight=Why+do+you+carry+traditional?

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...older?highlight=Why+do+you+carry+traditional?

But my quick answer to your question is that I like learning about the history of traditional patterns. And both aesthetically and functionally, I am drawn to them. It's really that simple.

 

[axesbold]

Post your case slip joints here. But in all seriousness, my thread questioning the concept of tradition upset some older gentlemen.

A popular answer I was getting was, sit back, relax, and post your case slip joint. Needless to say, my thread got closed when I finally said. "No sir I'm not posting my case slip-joint, that's just not traditional".

At the suggestion of a pedantic moderator, I now pose this question good sirs.

Is the definition of a traditional knife "pretty much a constant"? W-why do you like traditional knives?
"If you are looking for discussion, perhaps you should be asking, "Why do you like traditional knives?" instead of asking, "what makes a knife Traditional?" In the Traditional Forum, the definition of "traditional knife" is pretty much a constant."

Even though you've gotten good advice I'll take a stab. Actually you asked two questions. As to your second question: I like them because they are knives. I have folders ranging from a ZT 561 to a Rough Rider Peanut. I like them all and carry different ones depending on what I am up to. I have not had a problem deciding which subforum is appropriate for discussion of which knife.

As to the first question: The pursuit of precise definitions I'll leave to the lawyers and politiicians. The definition used here is "constant" enough for me. I would welcome your proposed definition of approriate knives for discussion in this subforum.

As to application of the word "pedantic" to posts made herein, well, I believe it was misdirected.

Fun to read though.

 

[Philbird]

1. They're prettier then modern-styled knives in my not so humble opinion.
2. For the most part, they have more efficient geometry then your average tank cutting tactical folder(Thinner stock means less surface area means greater cutting efficiency)
3. They're very, very classy
4.I like neat old stuff.

I can't tell if you're trying to antagonize anybody here, but if you are, why? They for the most part obviously don't share your point of view, and your ideas have been thoroughly discussed. If you are trying to gain more knowledge of knives, why not do it in a less confrontational manner?
Thank you. That is all.