Wich pattern feels good in your hand, on a single blade traditional?

FOG2

FOG2

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Nov 1, 2007
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Ive been looking at different patterns and the saddlehorn and teardrop appeals to me tho ive never owned either. Please give your opinions on these or others that feel good in your hand. And the length you prefer
I ask as I am going to build a traditional slipjoint for myself and have never owned a single blade knife.
I built a slipjoint for my wife some years ago but it is not a traditional shape but custom built to her specs.
Thanks for your feedback!
 
How about a nice sodbuster? The preferred length of a traditional is very individual, I personally prefer about 3 3/4 on a sodbuster pattern.
 
That's such a subjective question. What works well for me, may not for the next person. You'd be better off trying out a few patterns and seeing which one you like best yourself. If you check out Rough Rider knives, they make so many different patterns and at a price point around $10 each, you can really get a feel for many different styles and sizes.
 
A dogleg trapper such as a gec 48 is the very best handle shape for a single blade slipjoint IMHO.
 
Dr-Mabuse said:
A dogleg trapper such as a gec 48 is the very best handle shape for a single blade slipjoint IMHO.
Click to expand...

agreed, shame i missed a 48 on the for sale section the other day, wonder what it sold for. it was a slim clip not the big clip tho
 
I think it depends a lot on whether you want a User or a Looker first. For a user I prefer a length that is at least the width of the palm of my hand. The Saddlehorn is a very comfortable fit except for the length.The Sodbusters is also comfortable and there are different lengths. The Dogleg Trapper is also. But the most comfortable fit in my hand is a 73 because of the shape and size. Bob's suggestion of trying the Rough Riders is very good because it can save you a lot of money in finding a pattern for you , but pay attention to their lengths . I bought a very nice Saddlehorn from them only to find out that it was a little smaller than a Case Saddlehorn and the Case is a little too small for me. Good luck and have fun.

Harry
 
GEC #42 Missouri Trader Lock Back feels best in my hand. It's larger than some might carry. It weighs approx. 3 3/8 ounces (on my kitchen scales) but the weight is dispersed by it's width and slimness. It not only feels best in my hand, but because of the dimensions, it also carries lighter than it is if that makes sense.

That said, another knife that feels really good to me and is totally different than the Trader, is a Buck 302 Solitaire ... or most any slimline serpentine single blade, but the 302 (based off the 301 Stockman) is just the right length handle for my hand.

All blade shapes have their positives and negatives, but I prefer a clip blade ... drop point and spear are second choices.
 
Thanks for mentioning the 42 Brother Jim. I happen to be carrying one today and yet neglected to mention that for prolonged harder use you can't beat a nice hand filling pattern like the 42.
 
GEC #73 in single blade feels and looks great.
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The GEC 72 is looking good! Does anyone know if Rough Rider has a similar model?
 
I've yet to encounter a single blade slipjoint that didn't feel good in the hand.
 
The GEC 83 is really nice. The Case swayback gent is surprisingly quite nice as well. Good luck in your search.
 
As far as comfort goes for me you can't beat the GEC #71 (Micarta, wider more hand-filling scales) and a #73. I'm partial to GECs, they might be a bit expensive for some to just "try out" but after years of experience with several knives, those two are on point for comfort.
 
The teardrop at 3⅞" closed is my favorite single blade pattern. Fits the hand beautifully, and has a nearly sunk joint as well, so great in the pocket.

StagBone06Lcomp_zpsorzxqdte.jpg~original
 
The 73 really appeals to me, I do like the tear drop as well. I would like to get a Rough Rider or other inexpensive knife to try out but have not found any. If anyone does know of any plz post em up.
 
Colt do a Teardrop and they are very similar in quality and value to RR. If you look in the Rough Rider & Related Knives thread you'll find some pictures.

It is extremely hard to answer your question though. I tend to agree with Christian where he said that most single blades feel good in the hand, multi blades can be uncomfortable in some cases. I'd also suggest CASE's Slimline Trapper or similar from Queen/GEC or the French Laguiole pattern. The latter has narrow handles but thick scales making grip very comfortable indeed- Like the Saddlehorn or Toothpick, it has a kind of Flintlock pistol handle which is inherently good in the palm.

Thanks, Will
 
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My GEC #77 Barlow just works for me. The feel in my hand, the way it rides in my pocket, the way it looks and cuts. Probably my favorite knife I own I just really like it.
 
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