With more to compare to, Utica holds it's own...

PocketKnifeJimmy

PocketKnifeJimmy

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Aug 4, 2013
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Of course specimens will vary from piece to piece, company to company... But, now having samplings from Case, GEC, Queen, Buck, and Canal Street... my Utica samples holds their own (and are the cheapest to buy). At around 30 to 40 dollars each for most of their Catskill jigged bone series, if you find a decent specimen, it is a good buy. I did pick my Utica knives out at a local store, and with current Utica pocket knives, it is probably the only way to get a decent specimen. Yes, I feel they can get it pretty right, but don't seem to have consistancy from knife to knife (but that can be said about others as well). I figure some diversity in ones collection is not a bad thing. If you feel the same way and run into some Utica knives at a local store, I personally recommend giving a few a look, you may find one to your liking :-)
 
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Very cool, thanks for the review. You know, I've been thinking about trying out one of the new production Utica knives, and I think you may have convinced me.
 
I do want to add my experiences with the other brands that I mentioned. The 7 Case knives I purchased, were a mix of store and online purchases... I am most happy with them overall. Though I did pick out the store purchases, the ones I received from online purchases were good as well (especially the natural color jigged bone Russlock I got online). As for my one and only recent GEC made knife, I like it. Two Bucks were store bought, and were picked out... they too, imo, are really best picked out at a store. As for my recent online order of a Buck #55... I decided to send it back to the Buck factory. The wobble of blade is worse than I first thought, and is nothing I could live with. Not just a little... but quite a bit. Up to the light, and one can actually see the gaps on either side of the tang. Nice knives... quality control seems spotty.. so store bought is the only way I will ever go with Buck (as with Utica). As for Canal Street.. 2 specimens purchased online.. one is nice... but the other is nowhere as good in a few different ways. Like two different animals in the quality control of each. Two Queens, overall pretty happy with both (and both ordered online). Just my up to date experiences... ymmv :-) So, I will give Case the best in points for overall, consistency, quality, value. Utica the best bargain when hand picked. Buck, a heck of a deal when buying classic folders like the 110 and 112... but the deal not as good on many other models.. Just feel hand picking, like with Utica, is really best. GEC... pricey... but nice assembly detail. Queen is close to being in the same realm as GEC... in my limited samplings. Queen not being a low priced option either (again, same realm as GEC). Queen and GEC are definitely the most old school in overall feel and appearance. Case, a touch of old school mixed with a bit of modern in look and feel... but do notice their flatness on many models would make them great for edc, like the Mini Copperlock. I do have to keep my eyes open for some vintage pocket knives.. all the pics you guys show of yours, have me envious! :-)
 
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Btw... I know that these are only my opinions and my own experiences... and though I definitely consider other's views and experiences... I will obviously go most with what I myself have encountered. 100 years ago, there was only word of mouth and personal experience... Now, word of mouth, internet, and ones own experiences :-)
 
I have a couple of current production Utica knives.

I'm satisfied with them.
 
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