Will a slipjoint last?

dylan_d

dylan_d

Joined
Dec 30, 2002
Messages
1,242
I've got a nice custom slipjoint on order from Bailey Bradshaw that I plan on carrying with me everyday. Now, it won't necessarily be a work knife, but it may be called upon to cut some carboard or thick plastic strapping at times. I'm not worried about the quality of the knife, I know Bailey will take care of me in that area, but I'm a bit worried about the design. I'm afraid that the blade may loosen up over time since it's not locked into place. I'm aware that the slipjoint has been around for a very long time, but how long will one last? How much can they take?
 
While it's not a fixed blade, it is not uncommon for slipjoints to be passed in families. I have one that was my great-great-grandfather's, then my grandfather's, then mine. It's made it through 100 years of use, and aside from a little wobble I could easily fix with a hammer, it's still mechanically sound. :D

I have Remingtons that are 80 years old, and used for 60 of that. I have Cases that were used all of 50. So, unless you really trash your knife, don't worry. She'll outlive ya. :)
 
Just remember - it AIN'T a prybar! What steel are you getting from Bailey Bradshaw? I'd love to take one of his CPM3V creations for a long test drive (30 or 40 years would be good).

I have a couple of *old* Joseph Rodgers congress knives that were made before the Civil War -- the blades have obviously been sharpened with care for a long, long time (though much reduced, they still have their shape), and the pocket wear says they've been a trusted companion for many years. Yet they still walk and talk as sweet or sweeter than any other knives I have, and they each have only a tiny bit of movement on two out of four blades.
 
I am carrying one today, just a little two blade equal end made in 1915 or before according to LGIII. (Electric Knife Company).

Has better walk and talk than many, if not most current factory knives.

Yeah the blades are pitted and discolored as is the backspring, but it is a great little knife to use around the office.

I love finding an old knife in decent shape and putting it into use.
 
Hey dylan...Been using my little Schrade 3-bladed stockman slipjoint for 40 years cutting up boxes, plastic strapping, opening the mail & it's 'tighter than a drum'! It gets some kind of use every day - even though I also carry a Buck lock back or liner lock every day - it's the slip joint that I grab 1st!
 
The knives that I have left over from my family are all slipjoints. It will outlast you if you treat it right. Enjoy it! I'm sure it will be awesome!
Matt
 
Unless the knife is a cheapie, it should last many years. I have an old folder slipjoint that my 101 year old aunt (now deceased) gave me that's been in the family and passed on to the oldest son when the owner dies. The previous owners used it for everything as a daily carry knife for cutting apples to cardboard to gonads off of pigs on a farm. The knife is as tight now as it was when new. I wouldn't even think of a slipjoint wearing out unless it is abused. ;)
 
I have a 1930's slipjoint passed down from my Grandfather that is still in great shape. It is pretty obvious that it's been used and sharpened a ton but overall the knife is still pretty damn solid.

I have got to wonder what shape an Axis lock would be in after 70 plus years of opening and closing!!!
 
This is great to hear, I was mostly worried about the blade loosening up with use. I'm sure Bailey can build a good one. Btw, blade steel is currently S30V, but I'm definitely getting it changed to 3V.
 
The question to ask yourself is: how do you actually use a knife?

If what you really want is a sharpened prybar - then a traditional slipjoint is not what you want. However, if you want an efficient cutting and slicing tool, then the traditional slipjoint will work great for you (most slipjoints have relatively thin blades -- making them quite efficient slicers).

And it's certainly possible to make a non-traditional slipjoint -- using a screwed together construction like most liner locks - though that usually results in a somewhat thicker knife than the equivalent pinned construction.

-- Dwight
 
I have a flint folder from the stoneage that I carry every day. In a pinch, I can even strike it with a piece of bronze to start a fire. :rolleyes: :D :rolleyes:

Seriously, get a good custom from a maker who makes his knives to be used (meaning sharp and solid), not just admired. Go with handle material that will stand up to daily use...micarta, wood, bone, or stag; not ivory or pearl. If you like to sharpen go with something that you can get razor sharp, like A-2 or D-2; if you don't, go with S30V or 440V, which stay sharper longer. Ask the makers what they carry and why. They can put anything they want in their pockets, and its interesting to hear what they carry.
 
dylan_d said:
I'm afraid that the blade may loosen up over time since it's not locked into place.
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(Based on my somewhat limited understanding of slipjoint contruction...)
In a sense, slipjoint blades are very much locked into place...at least in the pivot and frame. The holes for the pivot are tapered at around 20%. When the pivot pin is put in, it is peened to fill that countersink, drawing the sides in. The shape of the peened pivot pin also ensures that it won't walk out one side or the other. If there are also bushings in the blades to help reduce wear on the pivot, you should be all set. It definitely helps the longevity of the knife to slice, not pry or twist when you are cutting.
 
dylan_d said:
This is great to hear, I was mostly worried about the blade loosening up with use. I'm sure Bailey can build a good one. Btw, blade steel is currently S30V, but I'm definitely getting it changed to 3V.
Click to expand...
I have carried and abused a couple of Bailey's multiblades in 3V. I am not sure if it is his heat-treat or what he does, but my bet is that you will be surprised at what it can take and quite pleased. He has also been known to forge 52100 for some of his multiblades. They require a little more care, but make great users too.
 
Bastid said:
He has also been known to forge 52100 for some of his multiblades. They require a little more care, but make great users too.
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I don't think I've ever seen a custom slipjoint with a forged blade. That sounds nice. Gus, what are the odds of getting you to bring that to Blade so I can see it? If I remember correctly, you are somewhere in or around Atlanta.
 
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