Why have locking single-blade folders replace stockman/barlow/pen style knives?

N

NativeCraft

Joined
Oct 27, 2006
Messages
236
It seems that I very seldom see someone whip out a "traditional" style pocketknife anymore - those like a classic stockman style, barlow, trapper, pen knife, etc.. Instead, 75% of the folks I see today have a single-blade locking knife on them. I have one on me now. But I also have a Swiss Army knife in my other pocket because it has that danged plastic toothpick that I always seem to use on a daily basis.
I've always appreciated have two or more blades on a knife - one blade for general heavier work, the other kept razor sharp to trim really small things from time to time.

I wonder why so few people carry the more traditional pocketknives anymore.

Theories? Discussion?
 
Last edited:
Traditional knives are actually in the middle of a resurgence right now with the rise of GEC, Northwoods, etc. They sell like hotcakes (and unfortunately get flipped like them too) and are more popular now than they've been in some time.

However, modern tactical folders are way more popular than traditionals overall due to things like one handed opening/closing, locks, pocket clips, etc.
 
I think there are several reasons, the first being single blade lock backs are trendy right now, especially the tacticool versions. Secondly, and the one that got me away from traditional folders is the one hand opening and closing. It's so convenient to pull out my knife, open it, use it, close it and put it back in my pocket with one hand. That's the biggest reason I think people don't carry traditional folding knives anymore. Then there's the debatable belief that a locking knife is safer than one that doesn't, and in certain situations they certainly are, but then I tend to not use a non locking knife in ways that I would use a locking knife so to me it's a non issue YMMV.
 
42pixels said:
However, modern tactical folders are way more popular than traditionals overall due to things like one handed opening/closing, locks, pocket clips, etc.
Click to expand...

Precisely. Though I doubt 75% of them are lockbacks, as the OP claims.

Also, I have never seen a person who carries a slipjoint ("traditional," SAK, etc), "whip" it out. Maybe that is why the OP does not see that. Whipping, deploying, etc, seem to be for the one handed open/"tactical" folks.
 
Yes, I almost mentioned the "tacticool" aspect of it in my original post. It seems like everyone envisions themselves in a deadly knife fight at some point.
 
Even though I pretty much always have a SAK with me, I usually use the one-hander because it's quicker to use and I don't have to put anything down (if my other hand is holding something) to open it. Same if/when I'm carrying a traditional.
BTW, just 'cause you can't see them in someone's pocket doesn't mean they're not there. ;)
 
marcinek said:
Precisely. Though I doubt 75% of them are lockbacks, as the OP claims.

Also, I have never seen a person who carries a slipjoint ("traditional," SAK, etc), "whip" it out. Maybe that is why the OP does not see that. Whipping, deploying, etc, seem to be for the one handed open/"tactical" folks.
Click to expand...

In a sea of frame locks I actually wish we'd get MORE lockbacks on the market.
 
Traditionals aren't as popular for the same reason that standard transmission cars aren't either. Simpler to operate. One hand opening versus two. Locking blades are like anti-lock brakes, you don't need it but once in awhile but you're really glad it's there when you do. Traditionals are also generally more chunky and heavier than a modern knife with the same general blade size. (Buck 110 7.2 oz 3.75 inch blade, Spyderco Endura 3.7 oz 3.8 inch blade) As a note there seems to be a current trend towards overbuilt needlessly heavy pocket tanks that simply boggles the mind of knife enthusiasts such as myself that only use knives to cut things.

There will always be collectors and users of old-timey knives. As 42Pixels mentioned they are currently undergoing a resurgence in popularity. Nostalgia has always been a good way to market and sell products. Many people find comfort in being connected to their past by carrying a knife, "Just like my grandpa used." I myself am not immune to this as I recently received several knives belonging to my now deceased grandfather. They have been cleaned, sharpened, and have entered my EDC rotation. (Mostly church and the like.)

I too have often longed for the dual blade knife for the exact reason, one general purpose blade and the other kept extremely sharp as a scalpel. Alas, no manufacturer has figured out how to make a single knife where both blades are easily accessible with one hand, both blades lock, and they can automatically be differentiated from each other without looking at them. (Such a knife might be more like a lightsaber, a cool idea but technologically a relative impossibility.) Until then, I generally carry multiples, with the scalpel blade being on a SAK hanging on my keychain.

Another personal reason I have for not buying more traditionals is the lack of blade steel choices available in the more readily available brands. I can buy a Spyderco in S30V, S35VN, S90V, Elmax, CTS-XHP, S110V, M4, and others all currently available and currently in regular production. How many steels does Case offer in their traditionals? They have used a couple different ones, but not many and not readily available.

Grizz
 
NativeCraft said:
Yes, I almost mentioned the "tacticool" aspect of it in my original post. It seems like everyone envisions themselves in a deadly knife fight at some point.
Click to expand...

Many do, but that hardly means all people who use one handed openers are interested in that.

Also the term "tactical" sometimes means just "one handed opening with a lock and clip" and has nothing to do with black coating, extraneous pointy design elements, and skulls.
 
gdwtvb said:
I too have often longed for the dual blade knife for the exact reason, one general purpose blade and the other kept extremely sharp as a scalpel. Alas, no manufacturer has figured out how to make a single knife where both blades are easily accessible with one hand, both blades lock, and they can automatically be differentiated from each other without looking at them. (Such a knife might be more like a lightsaber, a cool idea but technologically a relative impossibility.) Until then, I generally carry multiples, with the scalpel blade being on a SAK hanging on my keychain.
Click to expand...
8CE4B6F6-17F1-4747-9C1F-2D0B9BF66C7D.jpg
 
For me a larger blade, larger handle, pocket clip, locking blade, and one-hand operation all make a knife more useful and I like the looks of modern folders.
 
The stockman/barlow/pen are lumped together, but they are really purpose built tools, which no longer have a purpose. For example, not many people keep stock, or need to sharpen their pencils or quills. I think the most common knife is a swiss army knife and it has relevant tools. They do not lock and they cannot be opened with one hand.
 
My single blade lock back (Buck 110) did not replace my stockman, canoe, or scout/camp knife. It complements them. I EDC the four at the same time. No one blade profile is "ideal" for every cutting job. I like the blade choices. Yes, the spearpoint of the camp/scout and main of the canoe, is redundant. However, I carry the scout/camp knife for the punch, screwdriver, and can opener, not the spearpoint blade.
 
I think the biggest for me is pocket profile. It's why I stopped edc-ing my full sized grip and went with a leek (looking for a zt0450 or BM foray, eventually) the pocket clip is great. Most SAK's are just big. And they need to be to accommodate their tools. I keep one in my camping pack though, because pocket clips, locking, and profile aren't important there

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
 
black coating
Click to expand...

In the past I ignored black blades as just "ninja" and not anything I needed. It has very recently come to my attention that specifically the DLC surface treatment may actually be practical in everyday peaceful cutting tasks. As I understand it it can cut down on friction. Not at the edge obviously but at the sides of the blade.

I know when I cut up fairly large double wall card board boxes the knife actually gets hot from friction so might make some dif. Two mating machine parts, both with DLC, in use can approach zero friction.
The YouTubes I have seen on DLC in other uses and in knife tests in particular seem to show the coating is durable in use.

I have not bought a knife with it yet but I'm considering which one to try.

I wonder . . . GEC . . . a new run of Grinling Whittlers . . . with . . . DLC black blades.
It's a natural right ?
 
I prefer the slipjoint but also like the modern folders. Maybe because I stay in the Traditional forum most of the time seems like a lot of people do love the slippies. That said I think that the majority of folks out there think all of us here are nuts for spending the amount of money we do on knives they will only buy junk at the local gas station and have never even heard of Spyderco let alone Hinderer or CRK and others. Just so the OP can see someone pull out an old timey knife here are a few of mine. :D


bxb9J03.jpg


1Yuagq1.jpg


oTHhUqW.jpg


PIAScYo.jpg


3c1R5sR.jpg


qZS8Qks.jpg
 
Last edited:
Moondrop said:
BTW, just 'cause you can't see them in someone's pocket doesn't mean they're not there. ;)
Click to expand...
I do agree. However, when the hottie in the office asks for a knife to cut a loose string on her sweater I rarely see anyone come out with anything other than a Leek, Mini-Grip, Spyderco, etc..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top