View Full Version : American slipjoints- Case Stockman etc
I like the look of the multi blade traditional slipjoint folders by Case/Camillus/Buck/Schrade/Remington etc. They look traditional and workmanlike. Often sold reasonably cheaply on ebay from the US and international shipping often only 3 or 4 pounds.
Just a few questions:
1)Are any of these makers regarded as better than the others? Case seem popular but is this for collecting rather than using? Hoodoo's site recommends the Schrade Old Timer for whittling. What about the German brands like Puma and Henckel's?
2)There are various pattens : Stockman/Trapper etc. Do these really reflect their original use? Any thoughts about the best for bushcraft/whittling? Nessmuk liked the 'one blade at each end' type - does this have a name?
The old Case knives were great. Some of the latest offerings are pretty iffy but some are good also. Depends on the line.
Schrade closed its doors. Their Old Timer slipjoints were a good bargain. There are still some on the market but you have to be careful as the quality is variable as is the steel. You might think you are getting carbon and end up with a low-grade stainless (which stainless, I'm not sure).
Some of the best slipjoints out there for the money right now are being made by Queen. Many of them are made with D2 steel.
Cold Steel makes a great line of carbon steel slip joints. Well worth checking out. Nothing pretty about them but good flat-ground carbon V steel and good walk and talk.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images10/csslips1b.jpg
mojofilter
08-06-2005, 21:52
Another vote for the Queen knives, Ive got a couple and they are great, can be a pig to reprofile though!
With Case, the Chrome Vandium blades are said to be better than the "Surgical Stainless" ones, I dont know, Ive only bought CV ones!
I had, and lost, a Camillius Rough Cut stockman, which are usually advertised as stainless, but mine was definatly carbon :confused: I loved it and was gutted when I lost it, I probably spent about 4hrs stomping about the woods looking for it! :rolleyes:
ChrisKavanaugh
08-06-2005, 23:26
The various stockmen, trappers etc. do indeed reflect specific use. I have to laugh at western reenactors packing these huge Bowies. Old time range cowboys simply did not have knife fights or boxing matches. Their hands were their livelyhood and to valuable to injure. A revolver was always used to settle one's affairs. the Stockman was designed for the very glamorous duties of castration, ear and wattle notching to complement branding and perhaps opening a can of beans or coffee, hopefully after cleaning the knife after the other duties. :eek: The trapper is a dedicated knife for pelting with a general purpose clip point, speypoint for delicate work around the face and feet and a sheepsfoot for scraping away fatty tissue.
i have wanted to add something like this to my collection for a while.. i think they are goot to carry because they look so un-threataning.. can anyone point me in the direction of one of the cheaper (but decent) trappers please. .. ... :D
RovingArcher
09-06-2005, 04:34
i have wanted to add something like this to my collection for a while.. i think they are goot to carry because they look so un-threataning.. can anyone point me in the direction of one of the cheaper (but decent) trappers please. .. ... :D
Here is an example of one of Queens cutlery trappers with delrin handles. Under $50.00US and if you do a search, you can probably find them for less. I'm saving up for the Schatts and Morgan Mountainman blades. :D
http://knifecountryusa.com/store/product/102489.102515/queen-knives-19wb-premium-trapper-knife-w-winterbottom-delrin-handles.html
bushwacker bob
09-06-2005, 18:57
I brought a 'peanut' pattern with jigged bone scales as a legal EDC. Its a great little knife and doesn't notice in your pocket
Good thread, I've been looking at the Case knives recently with a view to having an alternative legal EDC.
I've almost narrowed it down to 2, the Case Doctors knife or the Seahorse Whittler. Anyone with Case knowledge care to offer their opinions on these two?
Hellz
quarterstaff
09-06-2005, 20:08
I have 1 case saddle horn slipjoint but i do find it a bit large for edc,the schrade old timer is the one that i carry mostly and it does very well,i also have knives by bulldog(good),boker(fair),marb les(has china stamped on the blade :confused: )queen(good) and this one
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/quarterstaff/DCP_1032.jpg
i bought this as a edc but with the close down of schrade i have decided to keep it safe.The traditional look and feel of this type of knives really appeals to me.Anyone have any ideas how the names of thease knives came about ie congress,barlow,copperhead and so on.
cheers
Hi,
I have to agree with Hellz, this is a super thread. I have a preference for German made slipjoints of American patterns with Henckells and Boker being my personal favourites. My favourite pattern is the copperhead.
Does anyone know of a copperhead made with a three inch clip blade? This would be just about ideal as an EDC. All of the ones I've seen so far are considerably smaller.
Regards
Tack
Case...Trappers and a Muskrat
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v722/kingfish711/slippies.jpg
next question, who is a good uk dealer? :rolleyes:
its a slippery slope!
bushwacker bob
10-06-2005, 13:05
I brought mine from EvilBay
Thanks folks - much food for thought. I can see why people are interested. Most of us are traditionalists at heart and the fact that these patterns are basically working tools is appealing. Also legal if blade sub 3 inches and they certainly do not look threatening. The Stockman seems most popular.
For everyday use I have my SAK - it is very good but not ideal for whittling, and my Opinel is good for whittling but of couse it locks. So I am tempted to get a traditional slipjoint. My preference would be for carbon or similar, not stainless.
Difficult call here.
The Cold Steel looks very solid and good steel but has 'faux bone' :confused: scales and the name has slightly aggressive overtones. Quite expensive.
Everyone raves over Queen and their D2 steel, look nice with cocobolo handles, also quite expensive.
Schrade Old Timer apparently was the US's best selling pocket knife and company gone bust. I believe new Schrades are made in China. An American-made old model in carbon steel would be nice - but I note Hoodoos comments. Still available as new old stock and prices are fairly low.
And then there is Case, Camillus, Buck, Remington, Browning, and the Sheffield made stuff.
Hmmmm.....
I'm having a similar dilema. My short list so far consists of:
Case Amber Bone Canoe - Current favourite, only concern is I've seen some with a picture of a canoe engraved on the main blade :rolleyes:
Case Butterbean - Nice for EDC but quite small
Case Doctors Knife - Nice looking knife but not sure if the blade is sub 3"
Case Seahorse Whittler - The former favourite, but I'm not sure if that at over 4" folded it would be a bit bulky in the pocket
Case Trapper - A popular one but I'm not big fan of clip points.
The quest continues! :D
Hellz
ChrisKavanaugh
11-06-2005, 00:22
I believe the Doctor's knife your refering to is the long single,slender blade. This would more properly be called a pharmacist's or Chemist's knife. The idea was a blade to count and separate loose pills, cut open packages, cut pills in half etc. 'Faux' is french for fake. Marbles were highly thought of knives before the factory closed and are highly collectable. The name was revived and knives assembled from remaining stocks and now are imported Chinese junk. Shrades are still in good supply. They closed because of A. stiff competition from cheap overseas labour ( see above) B. having a rather dated product line ( though ironically now collectors are buying up pieces as future collectables) and C. outfits like SEARS and Walmart demanded lower unit prices ( translation? see above again.) Slipjoints are a collector's world unto themselves. You are best off buying a current production model you like. Attend a gun or knife show over here and at least one dealer will have a tablefull. The buyers are usually somebody seeking to replace their first knife or the one granddad had. Step to the next table and some cammie clad zealot is selling some wunder steel, tactical black, car door stabbing, phone book slashing sword that again is often from ( see above.) If nothing else, slipjoints hearken to a more genteel time of knife use.
Bob Hurley
11-06-2005, 02:02
I have four of the large Case folders - a stockman and a trapper in jigged bone and chrome vanadium steel, and a moose and a large Congress in dark red bone that are older knives of a similar type carbon steel. All are fine knives capable of hard work without failure; all are also hollowground and very easy to sharpen. I like them all, but I usually find myself carrying the stockman. If I might need to skin a deer the trapper is in my pocket.
Recently I bought one of the new Queen light hunters in D-2, and I'm impressed with it. I'd recommend Queen, but be sure you're getting D-2. Queen went through a long period some years back of making nice knives out of crappy steel.
If you like stainless, Buck knives are excellent and not expensive.
My choice of size (generally 4.25" overall) may be problematic for you with your knife laws. I can't really comment on the usefulness of the smaller sizes.
Doc,
In the German knives I prefer Eye brand in the copperhead pattern and Solingen carbon steel. It's my favorite skinning knife, and I've worn one out using it. I was going to post a photo of a seasons catch of fur, but don't want to offend anyone's tender sensibilities as they haven't been shrinkwrapped. ;)
The closest I could get to Nessmuk's folder is this Case Moose pattern I bought via eBay:
http://www.colonial-enthusiast.com/pics/case-moose.jpg
I like the look of the Case Trapper, anyone know the blade length? I know they are 4 1/8" closed but want to see if they would be a legal EDC.
Thanks,
Hellz
I like that Cold Steel copy of the Schrade Old Timer in the bottom left of Hoodoos picture. Methinks it may be buyin' time!
:D
Danzo
Too much choice! Very easy to spend too much money here. And there is also the restraining interest of She Who Must Be Obeyed to consider...
Schrades come in stainless and carbon (?1095) and the stainless are marked 'Schrade+' on the main blade. You can buy a new old stock Schrade Old Timer stockman for £10 to £20 delivered to the UK from the US on ebay. I've bought a carbon steel one and thought I would see how I like the stockman style. If I like the stockman blade shape and layout but the quality is so so then I'll get a Queen.
The pound/dollar exchange rate is in our favour and I only paid about £3 for delivery to the UK (some UK retailers charge more!). I don't think I'll have to pay customs and tax on the Schrade but probably would have to on the Queen.
Interesting that Nessmuk and Rustrum advocate a folding knife in addition to the belt knife and axe, whereas Ray Mears asserts that 'in Bushcraft folding knives are virtually useless'. Ray also advocates a thicker belt knife which I would have thought makes the need for a folder even greater.
Interesting that Nessmuk and Rustrum advocate a folding knife in addition to the belt knife and axe, whereas Ray Mears asserts that 'in Bushcraft folding knives are virtually useless'. Ray also advocates a thicker belt knife which I would have thought makes the need for a folder even greater.
Is that perhaps a function of the word 'bushcraft' being too indiscriminate? My 1911 American Boy Scout Manual draws a clear distinction between 'woodcraft' (the stuff you do on the trail and in the wood before camp) and 'campcraft' which are the in-camp activities. I think Nessmuk would have been part of this tradition.
You would use your fixed blade and axe on the trail and to build camp, and your folder for things around camp like food prep, mending, whittling for amusement etc.
Danzo
Here's some shots for length comparisons:
Top down:
Cold Steel large stockman
Old Timer large stockman
Queen extra large stockman (called the Cattle King)
Two Case trappers
Cold Steel trapper
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images11/slippylengths1b.jpg
Top down:
Older Winchester Moose - very large knife similar to what Nessmuk carried
Older Case split back whittler - very large knife
Case Brothers whittler - if I was going to buy a Case, I'd look into the Case Brothers line. The older Case Brothers are pricey but very nice.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images11/slippylengths2b.jpg
Interesting that Nessmuk and Rustrum advocate a folding knife in addition to the belt knife and axe, whereas Ray Mears asserts that 'in Bushcraft folding knives are virtually useless'. Ray also advocates a thicker belt knife which I would have thought makes the need for a folder even greater.
That's why you shouldn't believe everything you read. :D The thing to do is just go out there and use your knives and see what works for you given the type of outdoor activity you pursue. There is no one perfect combination of knives and cutting tools for every outdoor situation.
Nice kit, Hoodoo. Especially the Queen Cattle king.
Of course, you are right about not believing all you read. Much of it is contradictory anyway...
Popular does not always mean good either. It is actually quite hard to buy a non stainless knife in a shop these days, but that doesn't mean carbon is no good.
Does anyone have any experience with Kissing Crane knives made to similar patterns as those already mentioned in this thread?
I saw some at knifecenter and liked this one in particular:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=UCKC1442
I was especially attracted by the spec: Blade Material: Solingen high carbon steel (non-stainless)
On close inspection of the picture however, I noticed 'Rostfrei' inscribed on the blades, which I have always understood to mean stainless.
Have I missed something or is this sloppy advertising :confused:
Bob Hurley
13-06-2005, 23:13
Does anyone have any experience with Kissing Crane knives made to similar patterns as those already mentioned in this thread?
I've owned a good handful of them over the years. Generally, they aren't nearly as stoutly constructed as the Schrade, Case, and Buck knives, but the carbon versions have very good blade steel. If you like their offerings and want a Solingen steel knife, I'd suggest you look for its twin in the "Eye" brand, as they tend to be more robustly made. There are exceptions, and now and then you get a particularly well-made Kissing Crane that's a real keeper. The gem of the current K.C. lot is, to me, the Sodbuster/Brown Mule, but they have brass pivot pins that will need to be tapped tighter over time.
Just my 2p
You Brits have access to some really excellent slipjoints made by Trevor Ablett. They are traditional all the way, have top quality carbon steel, hand made, and have some pretty strong backsprings. They are among my favorite slippies and incredibly bargain priced imo.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images11/abletts1b.jpg
Littlemesters (http://www.littlemesters.com/en-gb/dept_48.html)
Well I'm inspired :D
I've ordered an Case Amber Bone Canoe. Then I orderd a yellow handled Case Mini Trapper...
I've got my eye on something a bit special too
Those Trevor Ablett's look nice too, I like some of the Eye Witness stuff as well.
I'm doomed :eek:
Well, slipjoints have been around for a long, long time for a good reason. They work so well. When I was a kid growing up on a farm, everyone carried a slipjoint in their pocket. They were sold at every hardware and feedstore. Then the Buck 110 came along and that became the dominant knife of choice for both hunting and utility. When I worked as a mechanic, I'd say 30 or 40% of the guys had a Buck 110 on their hip. Personally, I usually kept a Schrade stockman in my toolbox and a SAK in my pocket. Big folders were reserved for hunting. Then along came the lighter, tactical folding knives, with Spyderco and Benchmade leading the charge in the production arena. Now you could carry a fairly large knife in your pocket and it did not seem all that heavy and uncomfortable. And one-handed opening was just plain cool. But now I find more and more folks are "rediscovering" slip joints. Good tools will always have an audience imo. However, the one slip joint I always come back to is the SAK. For the price, I've yet to find better quality out there. I probably own 40 or more Victorinox SAKs and I always marvel at their quality control. I have yet to buy a bad one. True, they are not as pretty as the bone handled traditional trappers and stockmen out there, but they are light in the pocket, have lots of options for extra blades/tools, are easy to sharpen and take a razor edge, and just keep on ticking.
So, my number one slipjoint is still a good ol' SAK. :D
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images11/sakwood1b.jpg
The Trevor Ablett's do look good.
Did you see the Stan Shaw Pearl they have available as well. If only.... :rolleyes:
Well I'm inspired :D
Those Trevor Ablett's look nice too, I like some of the Eye Witness stuff as well.
I'm doomed :eek:
I've used Eye Witness for years - me Dad got me my first when I was about 9, I think. I've rediscovered them lately as my Opinel habit is illegal...
The sort-of-antler texture black plastic handled range are cheap and sturdy, if a tad fugly :rolleyes:
Finish quality not superlative, but the price tag of around a tenner does it for me. They do a cracking "Tackler's knife" - single 3" Ettrick blade which is a long time fave, and I have a sheepfoot/pen combi as current EDC.
A Yorkshire knife for Yorkshire folk - cheap, unfussy and effective.
Jim.
A Yorkshire knife for Yorkshire folk - cheap, unfussy and effective.
Jim.
Excellent! I think you also have summed up the appeal here in the states by a lot of folks of the Schrade Old Timer line. I was truly saddened to see them go. I think the cold steel line is a worthy replacement though. With carbon V, the steel is better than 1095 imo, but they cost more too. The black scales don't have a lot of character either but then folks got pretty used to the brown delrin of the Old Timers. I hope cold steel continues to expand their line. I know they were going to bring out a large liner lock folder like the old Schrades but I heard that was cancelled.
Taylor eye witness make some very nice knives!!! for a lower budget A.Wright wont set you back as much.
one of my favorits has a bit of work done on it
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/highstorrsprom/more%20knives/spearandpen.jpg
Of course I might carry the taylors knife if it wouldnc't cost £230 to replace
Loads of useful info here.
The Buck 110 is quite a classic and were it not for the UK legal situation (lockback= fixed blade and only allowable with good reason) I'd be most tempted to get one. When out in the woods with a rucksack full of camping gear good reason is pretty well guarunteed but in those situations I'd have the Woodlore and so no need of a 110.
Should really get a Sheffield folder sometime. My grandad/great-grandad/great-great grandad were coalminers from Sheffield so it's kind of local to me.
Agree with Hoodoo on te Swiss Army knives - they could probably charge three times as much and still sell them. I don't know what sort of stainless they're made from but I don't fnd them as good for wood carving as a carbon steel opinel. SAK's are unlikely to break but I sometimes think the springs could be stronger - they close easily.
I think Alan Wood used to make a UK legal folder called the Peasant. Probably not cheap!
Looking forward to the Schrade Old Timer arriving and hope Hellz likes the Cases.
What do folk think of Camilus slipjoints? They are an old company with a long history of supplying knives to the army (US and British) but I think recent models are all stainless?
What do folk think of Camilus slipjoints? They are an old company with a long history of supplying knives to the army (US and British) but I think recent models are all stainless?
Well...I can't say much about Camillus slipjoints other than the usual rumors, i.e., you'd be VERY SURPRISED to discover who all they make knives for. They are one big knifemaking company and have been making knives for others for eons. So while a knife you might purchase has one name on it, the real maker just might be Camillus.
They do make a line of slipjoints but the carbon steel they use is something of a secret. Camillus says 1095, but rumor has it that it's Carbon V on some. The scales on my carbon Camillus stockman are BUTT ugly but other than that, it's a good one. Maybe someday I'll have the scales replaced. :)
Here's a photo comparing my cs stockman to my camillus stockman.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images10/cs_vs_camillus1b.jpg
Edited to add: I forgot to mention that Camillus does have a traditional line of carbon folders out there but I forget what they call them. The one above is an example. I also have a boy scout whittler that is carbon and also made by camillus. Or at least, it used to be carbon. It actually has fairly attractive jigged delrin scales.
victorinox use 425m stainless steel.
Thanks for that.
There is a FAQ on steels at: http://knifeart.com/steelfaqbyjo.html
They do not rate the 425m stainless very highly! Also a bit lukewarm on the D2 used by Queen.
Having said that, I have yet to break a SAK but did once break a Japanese Seki made lockback made of 440c stainless, which is apparently a good stainless steel. I still prefer carbon steel like on the Opinel. Wonder what that is? 1095?
Hoodoo - thanks for the info on Camillus. You've had a chance to try a lot of traditional slipjoints - what's you're favourite?
I've also seen Japanese made Browning stockman slipjoints. I have a Japanese made Browning shotgun and the quality is very high. If the folders are of similar standard it would be a good option.
Hoodoo, those side by side pictures..........you surely wouldn't be hinting who Camillus might just make knives for, would you?
;)
Danzo
Hoodoo - thanks for the info on Camillus. You've had a chance to try a lot of traditional slipjoints - what's you're favourite?
Well, I have a couple sentimental favorites.
This Keen Kutter Stockman has been in my family for 3 generations.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images11/keenkutter1b.jpg
This Camillus electrician's knife was given to me by a woman I used to do handiman work for back in my "wandering" days. She was retired and it had belonged to her father. I used it hard for several years back when I was a mechanic and finally retired it to the drawer. Fortunately, I never broke the bone scales. :)
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images11/camilluselect1b.jpg
Neither of these knives would cost you a lot if you bought them on the market today. The Keen Kutter in similar shape might run over $100, I dunno. The Camillus in similar shape might run about the same. To me, they are priceless.
Hoodoo, those side by side pictures..........you surely wouldn't be hinting who Camillus might just make knives for, would you?
;)
Danzo
Now Danzo, would I do something that sneaky? :)
I'm loving the pictures in this thread! :D
I'll join in as soon as I get my first classic slipjoint :rolleyes: (which should be soon!)
I've seen a lovely Stag Slipjoint by Chris Crawford over at Blademakers.com, if I wasn't so strong I'd have sold my body to medical science (fiction) and ordered it by now :rolleyes: :eek:
Hellz
Interesting thread guys and excellent pictures too. :)
mojofilter
15-06-2005, 17:32
What do folk think of Camilus slipjoints? They are an old company with a long history of supplying knives to the army (US and British) but I think recent models are all stainless?
I think I mentioned this before, but I got a couple of camillius slippies a year or 2 ago. One of them, a yellow derlin "Rough Cut" stockman was definatly carbon steel which took and held a great edge, but unfortunately, I lost it :( The other one, a red derlin trapper, is stainless and it doesnt sharpen up the way the other one did, but is not a bad knife and has a good strong backsprings.
The funny thing is, everywhere that sells the Rough Cut range advertises them as being stainless, which is why Ive not replaced it.
I've owned a good handful of them over the years. Generally, they aren't nearly as stoutly constructed as the Schrade, Case, and Buck knives, but the carbon versions have very good blade steel. If you like their offerings and want a Solingen steel knife, I'd suggest you look for its twin in the "Eye" brand, as they tend to be more robustly made. There are exceptions, and now and then you get a particularly well-made Kissing Crane that's a real keeper. The gem of the current K.C. lot is, to me, the Sodbuster/Brown Mule, but they have brass pivot pins that will need to be tapped tighter over time.
Just my 2p
Thanks for your help, Bob. I think you have just saved me some money. I'll keep the KCs on a back burner till I can handle one first. :)
I am sorely tempted by the Trevor Ablett folders, though. I'm guessing the blades on the 4" spearpoint/lambsfoot are a smidge over 3" though, so may opt for a nice clippoint for edc instead.
Great pictures Hoodoo, thanks for posting.
One thing I will warn you about the Trevor Ablett folders. Although they are ground thin, they don't have much of an edge on them. Be prepared to spend a lot of time profiling the edge. A good diamond hone helps a lot. DMT's are the best that I've tried for that.
One thing I will warn you about the Trevor Ablett folders. Although they are ground thin, they don't have much of an edge on them. Be prepared to spend a lot of time profiling the edge. A good diamond hone helps a lot. DMT's are the best that I've tried for that.
Thanks for the tip. I think I might cheat and dust off the EdgePro if significant profiling is needed.
Though I have been considering replacing my waterstones with diamond hones for a while now, so I suppose I could bend this into an excuse thinking about it!
Hmmm...are you guys saying you want to see more slippy photos? :) I better get mine in here before someone shows up with a real collection. :D
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images7/schradelargepocket1b.jpg
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images7/schrades1b.jpg
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images7/schrades2b.jpg
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images11/slipsassort1b.jpg
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images3/oupacampfire3.jpg
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images9/queenmtman1b.jpg
:eek: wow, that's quite a show. I didn't know you liked knives... ;)
Hellz
Hoodoo, next time you do that, warn me first so I can lock up my credit card.... :)
Looking at them again, am I right in thinking it's the Old Timer stockman that's seen the most use?
MartiniDave
16-06-2005, 08:50
Dammit Hoodoo!!
Not only a darn fine collection of knives of all shapes and sizes, but you've got one hell of an eye for composing a photo too! Are there no ends to your tallents?
Dave :D
Hoodoo,
I have to say that yours is one of the finest collections I have ever seen! Perhaps not in terms of money but at least the collection gets used and not pampered like a stamp collection.
The photography too, simply superb. Thanks!
Tack.
just though a few people might like to know there's a passaround of a classic slip joint over on BB. the knife in question is this one (http://www.penknives-and-scissors.co.uk/shop/3x188_-_2_Bolster_-_Senator3249.htm)
Looking at them again, am I right in thinking it's the Old Timer stockman that's seen the most use?
That's probably true because at one time, that OT and the little kabar next to it in the pic below were my only whittlers. I've had both knives since the early 70s.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images11/otkabar1b.jpg
I don't use the Old Timer for whittling as much as I used to. Believe it or not, I prefer an SAK for most whittling I do with a pocket knife, although I still like the tiny, thin blades on small folders like that kabar for getting into tight places. But the large handles and thin blades on SAKs make great whittlers. If the steel is bad for whittling, it's news to me. :) ;) The Schrade with the copper inlay is also an old one and has been abused quite a bit. The scales were broken and the clip blade is still slightly bent. This knife was a toolbox knife for many years. I had the scales replaced obviously. :)
The large two-bladed Schrade folder has cleaned a lot of fish and field dressed and butchered a fair share of deer. It dates back to the late 60s. Folders like that have thin blades and large, wide flat grinds, making them great slicers and perfect for outdoor use imo. They were pretty common among outdoors folks at one time. However, the Buck 110 was sexier and generally replaced them. A friend of mine with a similar knife got a little careless with one and it closed on him while he was cleaning a deer. Got a big cut in his hand and ended up in the emergency room.
The thing about slip joints is that you can't be careless with them but generally I don't think they are any more dangerous than any other knife. However, I do like a good lockback. :D
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images11/westernlockback2b.jpg
Dammit Hoodoo!!
Not only a darn fine collection of knives of all shapes and sizes, but you've got one hell of an eye for composing a photo too! Are there no ends to your tallents?
Dave :D
:o To be honest, I don't have near the photographic skills as some friends of mine like BAHDog and Schwert. Their photos are real creations. So I thank you for the compliment but I still can't compare to the big boys. :) Of course, my photos used to look half decent until they started posting theirs next to mine. :D It's all relative I reckon. :D
Hoodoo,
I have to say that yours is one of the finest collections I have ever seen! Perhaps not in terms of money but at least the collection gets used and not pampered like a stamp collection.
The photography too, simply superb. Thanks!
Tack.
Thanks for the compliments Tack. I definitely focus on users. Many of the slipjoints I've purchased over the years were bought at a huge discount, so I have a lot less money in them than you might expect. About 8 years ago WalMart got rid of their Case knives and I picked up a pile of them and I doubt I paid more than $15 apiece for any of them. I'm a sucker for a cheap using knife. :D
I like the A. Wright penknives in the link above. They do a single blade spearpoint that looks good.
The Western lockback looks good and substantial. I note the patent pending on the tang - wondered about that as it appears a conventional design?
Maybe I need to sharpen my SAK better, but I can never get it as sharp as the Opinel for whittlin'. Maybe just me. Also my current SAK is the Victorinox Campflame with slightly gimmicky but nevertheless useful integral butane lighter. Works well but makes the handle bulky for fine work. One for the belt sheath rather than the pocket.
Don't know what the pat pending is about. I bought that knife when they first appeared back in the late 70s.
I started using a SAK Tinker regularly after reading a series of carving books by Chris Lubkemann. His latest book tells how to modify it to make it a better and more comfy carver. Granted, Chris carves soft woods that are fairly green. If you are carving really hard, seasoned woods, stellar steel would no doubt be preferred. But I've carved walnut with my SAK with no problem. Some of the knives Chris uses are really cheapies! :) He is also a big fan of the Old Timer, Middleman jack the 33OT two blader. Personally I think the small stockman is more versatile.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images11/lubkemann1.jpg
just though a few people might like to know there's a passaround of a classic slip joint over on BB. the knife in question is this one (http://www.penknives-and-scissors.co.uk/shop/3x188_-_2_Bolster_-_Senator3249.htm)
That's a lovely looking slipjoint Andy. Got any details of the steel?
That might go on "The List" ;)
Hellz
I like the A. Wright penknives in the link above. They do a single blade spearpoint that looks good.
If you like the single blade spearpoint Doc, did you see the spear and pen right at the bottom here. (www,penknives-and-scissors.co.uk/shop/General_Purpose_Knives2251.htm )
It looks an absolute cracker to me and is my 'next thing to buy'!
:D
Danzo
........and that link isn't working.
:confused:
Danzo
Buckshot
16-06-2005, 14:56
Don't know what the pat pending is about. I bought that knife when they first appeared back in the late 70s.
I started using a SAK Tinker regularly after reading a series of carving books by Chris Lubkemann. His latest book tells how to modify it to make it a better and more comfy carver. Granted, Chris carves soft woods that are fairly green. If you are carving really hard, seasoned woods, stellar steel would no doubt be preferred. But I've carved walnut with my SAK with no problem. Some of the knives Chris uses are really cheapies! :) He is also a big fan of the Old Timer, Middleman jack the 33OT two blader. Personally I think the small stockman is more versatile.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images11/lubkemann1.jpg
That's what I'm carving atm - those 'roosters' etc. I bought a SAK just for the job, reprofiled the small blade to about half the depth and it works great. I also took the secondary bevel and turned it into a convex grind on both blades. I couldn't find the Tinker over here so bought the smallest one with a saw. It has the corckscrew on the back which is a bit uncomfortable but I put one of those mini screwdrivers in it to even the thread out and it works just fine.
My carvings aren't as nice as yours though ! Perhaps some more practice....
Cheers
Mark
Keith_Beef
16-06-2005, 14:58
........and that link isn't working.
:confused:
Danzo
It's hard to spot, Danzo, but there's a comma instead of a dot in the address (after "www").
Keith.
Sweet! Welcome to the world of twig carving Buckshot! I am just an amateur myself and am still working on a better rooster tail. :) Funny thing is, Chris warns against the corkscrew models in his book, yet a corkscrew model is included in the photo of his fav whittlers. :D
mojofilter
16-06-2005, 15:27
Here are most of my slippies, sorry about the bad photo.
http://img1.yoxio.com/img/174557.jpg
Buckshot
16-06-2005, 16:15
Funny thing is, Chris warns against the corkscrew models in his book, yet a corkscrew model is included in the photo of his fav whittlers. :D
I noticed that as well. :confused:
Nice assortment Mojo. That is also one big honkin' fixed blade!
That's a lovely looking slipjoint Andy. Got any details of the steel?
That might go on "The List" ;)
Hellz
Its C70 carbon, Hellz: I just received a nice prompt reply via email from Wright and Sons.
If you like the single blade spearpoint Doc, did you see the spear and pen right at the bottom here. (www.penknives-and-scissors.co.uk/shop/General_Purpose_Knives2251.htm )
It looks an absolute cracker to me and is my 'next thing to buy'!
:D
Danzo
Aha! Thanks to Keith the link should work from the quotation box!
:D
Danzo
It looks an absolute cracker to me and is my 'next thing to buy'!
I've been banned from buying anymore penknives :(
I suppose she has a point, it's easy to get carried away :o
I will be getting one of those Senators at some point though ;)
Hellz
I've been banned from buying anymore penknives :(
Hellz
I'm happy to buy the littles bundles of slipjoint happyness and rent them to you at an equitable monthly rate, of say, one twelfth the purchase cost, per month. After a year I wouldn't want the soiled and tainted goods back so I would offer them as a freebie........
:D
She didn't say anything about renting knives, did she?
;)
Danzo
I've been banned from buying anymore penknives :(
I suppose she has a point, it's easy to get carried away :o
I will be getting one of those Senators at some point though ;)
Hellz
Me too :( . After I just bought my latest one. Because of this I lost out on a great deal on ebay :rolleyes: Oh well never mind.
I guess there's a limit to how many I can actually use. On the other hand SWMBO has warmed to my digital camera addiction :) .
Great info from everyone. The nice thing about American slipjoints is that there are loads knocking around on ebay and they are more accessible in Britain than ever before.
I hesitate to diversify a thread, but is anyone interested in American fixed blades? Calvin Rutstrum favoured the Marbles 'Expert' and I vaguely remember reading Fred Bear (famous American bowhunter) liked them too. Never seen one. Have you got one Hoodoo?
ask a silly question. The picture came from this (http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9936) thread
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images10/marblesexpert2b.jpg
Hmmm...that does look familiar. :D
I don't wish to come across as rude about the knife but what makes it different from all the other knives with a 5inch blade stacked leather handle etc? Was it the one that caused the others?
IMO it would look far better with a more flowing pommel, the one it has doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of the nice lines.
Although similar in dimensions, the Marbles (and other American knives eg Buck Vanguard) is rather different to a Scandinavian knife.
I've always thought of 'classical bushcraft' as that relating to Boreal forest. The American approach seems a bit different from the Scandinavian approach (I guess there are climatic as well as cultural differences) and perhaps this influences the cutlery styles. Can't quite figure how though.
I like the older (50s -60s) American kit. I have a 1968 Bear Tigercat bow and enjoy shooting homemade cedar arrows. I suppose I should be looking for a red Filson jacket, TruNord compass and Marbles Expert on the belt to complete the ensemble. And a Schrade in the pocket.
Me too :( . After I just bought my latest one. Because of this I lost out on a great deal on ebay :rolleyes:
Wouldn't be the Schrade three blade stockman that went for under eight quid, possibly?
:D
Danzo
Justin Time
20-06-2005, 18:23
I just noticed that Attleborough (http://www.attacc.com) are selling Camillus Roughcut Stockman for £20 a go.. or five for £90! But they're on holiday now so you'll have to wait a week or so.
Wouldn't be the Schrade three blade stockman that went for under eight quid, possibly?
:D
Danzo
Why did you buy it? Ha ha :rolleyes: I didn't see that one, was it a UK seller?
Actually it was a Spyderco Calypso that went for twenty five on "buy it now". It went in about 45 minutes and I was this close to pushing the button. :(
Mrs Rebel was proud of me for resisting the urge though.
Got a trio of slipjoints in the post today:
http://hellzteeth.com/slipjoints1.JPG
These are my first classic slipjoints, and I have to say I'm pretty impressed. I've put some more pictures of them here: Slipjoints (http://hellzteeth.com/slipjoints.htm)
Hellz
bushwacker bob
21-06-2005, 20:04
wow!!!!
is that canoe model damascus?
Looks like you started with some nice ones. Those are beauties. :cool:
wow!!!!
is that canoe model damascus?
Yes ;)
Hellz
bushwacker bob
22-06-2005, 21:51
HELLZ BELLES :cool:
Good kit Hellz.
Got my Schrade Old Timer 340T Stockman today.
Great little knife - I'm very pleased. Feels very solid and can't believe how they made them so well at such a low price. Only moderately sharp as supplied but just a few minutes work needed.
A shame the company went under. Hope the workers are all right. I've seen what can happen in towns where the main employer goes under.
Guys,
I was so enthused by this thread that I went a little crazy and ordered three slipjoints from RC Knives.
Number one is a Russell Barlow with clip and spear point blades, the second is a Boker large stockman with clip, sheep's foot and spey blades, which, incidentally is now my E.D.C. and the third is a Schrade CSW296 trapper.
The Schrade is a limited edition and, I have to say is the most superb folding knife I have ever handled. The fit and finish are, quite literally flawless. I can only assume that they were assembled and fitted by hand. Needless to say that this one will remain in the box.
The service I received from RC Knives (via E-Bay) was excellent.
Anyway, thanks, I now have a new way of reducing my bank balance.
Tack
Hey Tack, got any photos? I think I might have the same Barlow. That is one super little knife. Does it look like the one on the right?
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images9/dressknives1b.jpg
Hoodoo,
Sorry its taken me a while to reply but I've been in Manchester waiting for an aircraft from Calgary which turned in seventeen hours late!
My Barlow is the same one as yours except mine has stag for the grips.
If someone can advise on posting photographs as part of a reply I'll be delighted to share my collection.
Regards
Tack
I was going to apologise for resurrecting an eight year old thread, but the information and photos on this one are too good to be buried in the archives.
Having sold some stuff on the forum, I'm looking at getting a really nice slipjoint, probably a Case. I've got £50-£70 to spend.
I was impressed by the £9 Rough Rider I saw at a meet but these are Chinese made and although fantastic value, not quite in the same league.
Any recommndations?
British Red
04-11-2011, 14:41
I would say go after a nice Trevor Ablett - you will have change too :)
I was going to apologise for resurrecting an eight year old thread, but the information and photos on this one are too good to be buried in the archives.
Having sold some stuff on the forum, I'm looking at getting a really nice slipjoint, probably a Case. I've got £50-£70 to spend.
I was impressed by the £9 Rough Rider I saw at a meet but these are Chinese made and although fantastic value, not quite in the same league.
Any recommndations?
I'd take a look at Great Eastern Cutlery. They are cranking out some great knives.
Thanks for bot replies. The Great eastern models do look rather nice.
I have a Sheffield folder but it's an A Wright which I think are not quite as good as the Abletts.
Thanks for bot replies. The Great eastern models do look rather nice.
I have a Sheffield folder but it's an A Wright which I think are not quite as good as the Abletts.
The essential problem with the GEC slips is that once you buy one, you will want more. :)
http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/36896/2568908950106695437S600x600Q85 .jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2568908950106695437hHGUBh)
Have a look at Moonraker Knives...they've quite a range of folders including some Queen's Cutlery slipjoints in D2 steel.. I picked one up at the Wilderness Gathering and they're very well put together. No links etc to them, just the odd purchase over the years.
http://www.moonrakerknives.co.uk/queen.htm