Your thoughts on a few traditionals

Q

Quy4n8

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
659
I carry a non-traditional one hand opener daily, but I like traditional slipjoints a whole lot more. They just have more character and appeal. So my question is this:

I have a number of number of slippies, from a Case XX Barlow I bought back in ’76 to my most recent purchase, a GEC Trapper with Buffalo horn scales, but I have an itch for a new one and I am debating between the new GEC small Trapper with a main spey blade and a pen blade, A. G. Russell’s Stockman or a custom (less than $400). The Trapper looks like a very usable knife, but the springs may be stronger than I like. The Stockman looks awfully nice, but is a little smaller than I like and the blades are somewhat non-traditional. I assume quality would be high, but don’t know that as I have not seen one in person. A custom might be really nice, but you don’t know what you get until you get it and it obviously would be more costly.

What are your thoughts or suggestions?
 
I would go for a nice custom, but it isn't my money so that probably has some effect on my answer:). If you have the cash I think it is worth it, but if you are in my monetary situation, you probably couldn't spend that much on a knife.

I have heard great things about GEC and since you already have one, you know what to expect. You should get whatever keeps your attention longer. I try to follow my gut feeling when attempting to single out just one knife. It is a very personal thing that only you can decide. Good luck and let us know which one you chose.
 
If you can swing a custom I heartily recommend looking here first:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=753

There are some makers here that offer most excellent slipjoints, some at a lot less than your $400 limit. Just as a way of an example, check out this one (already sold, sorry):

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=595697

Problem is, you have to be fast, they usually don't last too long. Other than that, I would look first at the GEC's. A good dealer will vet the back spring for you, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Queen also has a good selection. I just bought a D2 Amber Bone Canoe recently and the thing is a great EDC.
 
From what you have stated in your #1 post in this thread, I would go for a different pattern or two from a good solid maker factory produced, say by GEC, Case, Queen and/or S&M among others, in the good old USA, based on my experience. A custom traditional knife is a sweet tool to behold and use from certain accomplished makers, but its nice to have a few more production models to compare it too before you take the plunge, IMHO.

Just my .002 worth of coarse.
 
I agree with sunnyd. Customs are nice but I myself am afraid to use them, not because they aren't indestructable, but they're more like artwork.
Case copperlock you can open with two fingers. Good for tamping a pipe, or a nice case stockman.There's a bunch of good stuff on ebay also.
 
reward yourself , go for at least one custom , you won't regret it , while some are afraid to use them , I find the true art is in using a knife you know was made by hand just for you.

Nothing wrong with a nice GEC , Queen or Case , but a custom slippie is in a whole other league.

There is no comparison between any of my productions slippies and my daily user by Ken Erickson.
 
The way I look at it this: If I like a maker's work enough to buy a custom knife, I'm gonna use it. I think it's kinda silly to spend hundreds of dollars to buy a tool that you're just gonna look at in a glass case. Then again, I don't own any Bose knives. But I like to think I'd use them, too.

Don't get me wrong, I do have a couple of knives that I've maintained in the condition that they came to me in, but I do so for sentimental reasons.

James
 
JAlexander said:
The way I look at it this: If I like a maker's work enough to buy a custom knife, I'm gonna use it. I think it's kinda silly to spend hundreds of dollars to buy a tool that you're just gonna look at in a glass case. Then again, I don't own any Bose knives. But I like to think I'd use them, too.

Don't get me wrong, I do have a couple of knives that I've maintained in the condition that they came to me in, but I do so for sentimental reasons.

James
Click to expand...

I have a few I don't use for sentimental reasons, because they cost so damn much money... :D
 
d.parker said:
I have a few I don't use for sentimental reasons, because they cost so damn much money... :D
Click to expand...

C'mon you old cuss, you know nobody's gonna appreciate 'em after we're gone. Why let those that inherit our knives have all the fun (or the profits)? :p
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. Whatever I get, I'll end up using it, but using it gently. I know myself well enough to know that even if a knife is not that expensive, if it is really well finished, I can't stand the thought of beating it up.

I believe I am going to end up with a custom. The only custom I have at the moment is a Randall #26, which I have used and I like alot. The photo's of slipjoints from custom makers that I have seen here is truly incredible. I haven't held any in person, however, which for some knives can be disappointing.

I am not sure from whom, I thought about Ken Erickson, but he is not taking any orders at the moment. I may contact Bob Ham, any other suggestions would be welcome. Remember, my absolute limit is $400, if I can get a basic 2 bladed model for under $300, that would be even better. Thanks again.

Q
 
d.parker said:
I have a few I don't use for sentimental reasons, because they cost so damn much money... :D
Click to expand...

*rimshot*

Hah. I can see that, although all of my knives are made of some kind of carbon steel, so I have to use them in order to keep the rust off. Right?

James
 
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