Open Invitation to Slip Joint Collecting: Part 1

An Open Tag and a look at what Traditional Slip Joints are the most often collected. This is part one of a series. I'm not really sure how long the series will go. I'm not even sure what the topic for each part will discuss. What I know is it is driven by the way my own personal experience with collecting slip joints has evolved.
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[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

What about the Buck 110 or Five inch Folding Hunter pattern you might ask? I think the Buck 110 rivals in the Trapper in sales and popularity. I didn't mention it here because the pattern is a lock-back. I wanted to just stick with non-locking slip joints. I will do a segment on lock-backs in the future. "Locking Traditional Knives for the Knife Collector" There are four or five that come to mind off the top of my head but the winner by a landslide would be the Lock Back Folding Hunter. As with the Trapper and Min-Trapper, I think it is safe to at assume the 4 inch and 5 inch Lockbacks are probably neck and neck in popularity among people collecting the pattern. Again, this topic is worthy of its own segment.

[@jwgbmp40]

Blackie Thomas has 92k yt subs. He is as real as it gets when it comes to outdoor woodscraft for everyday people.. when he does a knife vid and mentions barlow, case, buck.. alot of those subs take interest. All great knives. Your channel and a few others in this knife community have done wonders for these traditional knives as well.

[@JoelPerri7777]

I’ve got that western 742, exact same one. I’m impressed with its robust sturdy frame. And it has amazing action. I’m one of the ppl who prefer western to case. I definitely have to say, that Tobias is hands down one of a hand full of content creators that got me HOOKED on collecting slip joints. Never even crossed my mind until the pandemic hit, and I started watching KZbin vids. Btw, love the camillus 51 Barlow, and its cousin the camco barlow. First knife I ever owned was an imperial Barlow from the 60s. Great video Tobias. And a hearty thank you for all you do on here, teaching and showing off your collection and vast knowledge of slip joints. Priceless

[@dm1523]

The only knife I would swap in is the scout/camp knife. That has been one of my favorite patterns since I was a kid and the one I have the most nostalgia for. Definitely love the Barlow stockman and canoes. And you have the trapper. In fact, I was going to mention for some if it’s not a Case trapper it’s junk. Or so it seems with some folks.

[@MrPsiman]

ready for some SAK's in part 2

[@TimothyCibula-vh5ip]

Nice patterns I Been on a barlow kick just found a buck barlow

[@andrewtaylor6335]

I would have guessed some sort of folding Hunter would have made the list

[@martinjones215]

Thank you for the short story about the canoe pattern. I am just a user: got 7 stockmans, 2 trappers and 3 whittlers. Your choose the canoe and it is right, but before the whittling pattern maybe the congress comes first for collectors (and even for whittlers) Thank you for share!

[@knifedelights7473]

This was a great video, Tobias! I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts. I'll try to get a video worked up in response. Thanks for all you do, Tobias.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Cool! I look forward to your thoughts.

[@ericstarr9399]

Great video! Really looking forward to this series! lol I liked the brain freeze bit. Right on with these patterns.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks. Brain Freeze is a real thing. Fortunately, its not a new thing. Some times short term memory stuff decides it wants to take a nap with long term memory stuff!

[@Rick-us7tx]

Ringo to ya!

[@bishop6426]

Hi Tobias: This is a great beginning. Looking forward to part two. For me, the traditional large Stockman is number one. A close second is the large four blade Congress. I love those but I’m very particular about the blades. A Congress needs to have a sheepsfoot or a coping blade …….preferably both. I would say most collectors go for Trappers and Barlows……two patterns which have never appealed to me. Never cared much for Canoes either……but I have to admit the extended bolsters are nice. I’d still rather have a Copperhead over a Canoe though. 👍👍👍👍

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

A few people have mentioned the Congress. Copperheads are also another one that has come up a couple times.

[@The-Armed-Pacifist]

I recently purchased a couple of Marbles exhibition grade Barlow knives for a giveaway and for the price, I think that they are stunning.

[@poetwp975]

In my opinion the stockman is the most useful traditional slip joint. The 3 different styles of blades each can be utilized for specific purposes in which each one is best suited for.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

You are not alone in this opinion. Most people have multiple cutting blades on a knife are not looking for a spare blade. They use them all for the tasks they are best suited for I have even heard the comment, "Collectors buy Trappers. Users buy Stockmans!" Maybe that is why Case offers such a wide variety of Stockmans but only two sizes of Trappers! (LOL)

[@davidkurle5418]

To answer your question, I've got three patterns that I like to collect and carry more than the rest. Number one for me is the trapper, in any size. I like to carry large trappers out hunting. And I've been building my mini trapper collection a little bit lately, I seem to like them as a secondary carry piece. The stockman is my number two, any size but I seem to prefer to carry the large ones like the Case 75 pattern. And my third is the sod buster, I like both sizes but seem to collect and carry the jr size the most. And I don't know about mules, but they work quite well as a deer skinner😆Cheers, buddy!

[@slick_slicers]

I really like the trapper, to use. It’s my favourite fruit knife. The blade is long enough to cut an apple in a half, and thin enough not to explode it. Having said that, I think I may have only one for and a quarter inch, one, and a couple of mini trappers, all from case. As I have an apple a day, it gets regular use, but I don’t collect them and doubt I ever will. The Stockman is much more common in the UK, and Europe, so I have a few more of them, but really if ever use them. I do have a couple of case ones, but I think literally just two. Yes, the original Stannington Barlow were cheap, rough and ready knives. Stephen Cocker did a run of these a year or two back that I think you sold for about £50. That’s less than half what he would charge for a nice Ironwood or stag Barlow. I have a lot of Barlows , but that’s because I collect Sheffield knives. Almost half of my tailors collection, are barlows. I have certainly had a pot to play in the resurgence of the Sheffield Barlow and definitely in the drive for different handle materials. If TEW want to sell me another one, they need to bring it out in a new exotic material. The canoe is always a hit if I do a video on it. A few years ago, I did a comparison between a case, a buck and a rough rider and it remains a fixture in my top 10 videos ever since. I did collect sod busters for a while, but stopped when I decided to concentrate on British and Japanese knives. I do still have 15 or 20, but I don’t actively collect them. It’s one of the few GEC knives that I own. It’s one I keep thinking I should use, but it’s also one of the few I own that will probably go up in Value if I don’t use it. I’ll try and do a video, because I do have slightly different collecting priorities, but only if I can stay out of hospital for long enough!

[@MountainAjar]

Very cool , well played!

[@RonaldNorwood-kn4bo]

I think you are on the money on the top 5 but from watching all the channels out I can see the Copperhead being a very close run. Great video!

[@josephwatts925]

I enjoyed your show, sir. You are showing some larger folders. Certainly not the largest but sizable knives. Nothing wrong with that. Smaller knives are often more desirable especially by older guys like me. Waterville or Empire make some really nice pen knives in the three inch range. Also Elephant toes can be surprisingly easy to carry especially in the older models because they were often thin. Two blades - one spring. A good work knife is the Camillus 23. A four inch frame, I believe, and usually quite solid. Equal end. Two blades = two springs. All the best.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Stay tuned for the next installment which is in the works (Tiny knives people collect). I am a bid fan of the Elephant Toenail. I also think they are sleeper knife among collectors!

[@KERNARMS]

Big T, first buddy you are not wrong. I have a large respect for your opinion on knives. You still have the best knife video intros in this here KZbin (my opinion 😁) As for the topic I feel you did a terrific job. A tough one though. Collecting and purchasing for use are in themselves big discussions. I love to hear the opinions of other fellow pocket knife enthusiasts . Great video T. Thank you 👍

[@alpine1600s]

GEC, if you can find one, made a "Bull Buster" work knife.

[@bdh3949]

Not wrong at all Tobias. I also like to collect the Congress, anywhere from 4 to 6 blades. Their sturdiness is the appeal. The one or 2 blade Jack knife would be next on my list, English, American or German mostly but any well made good looking Jack knife is on the list. Not sure how popular they are with folks but I like them along with the 5 you mentioned. Not to be overlooked are the Camp knife, the Electricians knife which I think is the world's best made traditional knife, the Copperhead which in design ,but not by name, dates back to the 1920's at least and of course the ubiquitous Pen knife. A good looking Toothpick or Whittler are both on my radar but not as much.

[@RandysWSG]

I agree with you on this.

[@TonupTodd]

I’m in for the scout knife pattern. And the obvious to me Swiss Army knives.

[@danedwards8535]

As far as trappers are concerned, if I have/want a two bladed knife, I don’t want the blades to be the same length. Never saw value in knives with two bladed knives with equal length blades. My top three are #1 pen knives #2 Jack knives #3 barlows. I’ve got a bunch of other types but don’t really collect them in vast numbers like my top three. Obviously others would certainly include the canoe, stockman and trapper that you listed . Thanks for this video and I am waiting on pins and needles for your future videos on this subject. All the Best

[@artawhirler]

I agree about not wanting two blades of the same length. In fact, the vast majority of my folding knives only have ONE blade, except for the Boy Scout types which have one cutting blade and three other tools.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I tend to agree with you with the two blade option but I do get that the blades on the trapper (clip/spay) serve different needs. Still my only Case Trapper really isn't a trapper. It is a #07 Case which is commonly called a mini-trapper, today. However the knife was made a while back and features a clip and small pen blade. At the time it was the #07 Case Jack Knife. I wish Case would explore bring back this blade set on their Mini Trapper today. It's a good set up.

[@r1ckgr1m3s8]

I like the gun stock pattern, I also collect anything from Western but try to find items pre 84'

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

The gunstock was the pattern Case used to make its bartender knife. It was then copied by Rough Ryder and others. The gunstock is another one of those patterns that have a very loyal following. Older Western knives are really nice. Many of them demand top dollar for good reason!

[@ezrahendog5837]

Mr.Tobias, I think I found a toothpick you may like. The brand is Crudeman out of Spain. They use an elephant as their logo.They seem to a company focused on outdoor activities. But they sell what they call traditional folders. It looked like a toothpick to me. Their website didn't have a price. But what I found on Ebay was in the 30-50$ range. I know it has nothing to do with the video, I just thought you would like to know. .

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I know the knife you are talking about. Cudeman makes some great knives. Their 453 is a great toothpick. I have it in Olive Wood. I need to pick it up in horn. It's a fantastic knife.! They also make a ring pull knife like an Okapi . It's also a great knife. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnjNe4iviauEgbssi=aEPDjw7tLuK5DvoT

[@ezrahendog5837]

@KnifeChatswithTobias Oh I haven't seen that video I just saw it online and thought of you so I thought I'd tell you.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

@@ezrahendog5837, please don’t take me wrong. I appreciate that you were thinking of me. I also keep meaning to pick up the horn handled knife. And your comment also reminded me about it. Always good to hear from people with similar tastes in knives! Thanks fo thinking of me.

[@ezrahendog5837]

@KnifeChatswithTobias I didn't take you for being dismissive. I may pick one up. I never carried a large toothpick. I'd be keen to try it out. Honestly, because I've seen you sing the knife pattern's praises.

[@StephenWorth]

What are the five least collected patterns? Hawk, cotton sampler, fruit knife, congress and pen knife?

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

You would be surprised by the number of people who collect the Hawkbills these days. The Congress is also well represented. While I really like the cotton sampler and melon testers , I think they all into a "flavor of the month" knife. I like quite a few flavor of the month knives but they're just not enough of them produced to be collected on a huge scale. As for penknives- As I think about it, they might be more popular than Sodbusters and/or canoes.

[@Island.Badger]

Regarding marketing, case seems to be pushing mini trappers and mini copper locks , while full size copper locks are increasingly difficult to find. Thanks for the recommendation of the Bear and Son Barlow-carbon steel. My top 5: Elephant toe family, large Sodbuster , copperlock, Coke bottle large hunter, copperhead,

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I think I've also noticed the trend of Case pushing the mini-trapper and copper locks. I wonder if part of that is because the blade length is legal in more locations. I'm also a big fane of the Elephant Toe.

[@Island.Badger]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias your elephant toe collection inspired mine.

[@StephenWorth]

I would add the traditional British single blade sheepsfoot, and the Swiss Army knife. Also the Buck 110 lockback (but that isn't technically a slip joint I guess...) Buck is probably as associated with stockman knives as Case is with trappers.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I'll be talking more about Swiss Army Knives and why it wasn't included here in a future video. I think the British Lambsfoot knife is probaly a top seller in the UK. There is no doubt that my selection has a strong American Bias.

[@terrillschneider3778]

Excellent Tobias I have a small collection of each

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Same here, especially if I just look at my USA made versions of these. I like all of these knives to a degree, and I especially recognize their importance to the knife collecting hobby. like the pattern or not, there is no denying the Trapper is the king of collectible slip-joints. And you can thank/blame Case for that being the way it is!

[@terrillschneider3778]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias In my opinion the Copperhead is a superior carry knife to the Trapper I far prefer the Clip and Pen to the Clip and Long Spay

[@rockets4kids]

I'm surprised you didn't include the camp knife/SAK.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I will talk about SAKs in a different video. They are in a class all their own. As for the Camp/scout pattern, while over time it has sold well, it just doesn't have the same audience these days. It is obviously one of my favorites . I could be wrong, Thanks for the comment.

[@jthunder57]

Sod Buster, toothpick, barlow, ettrick, and any Victorinox.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I'm guessing these are the knives you chase down. A really nice top five. I unconsciously place Swiss Army knives into a category all their own. I sometimes wonder if I do that because I feel they are competing on an unfair playing field. And by that, I mean they dominate other brands in sales, adaptability, usefulness, and collectability.

[@thomreynolds1318]

I would think the camp knife would be in there. Maybe in place of the canoe.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Other folks have mentioned the camp/scout knife. I know it is really big in my collection. It could be a case of reverse bias on my part. (Down playing my own likes in order not to looked biased.) This is one reason I'm really interested in other people's opinion. I will be doing a video of the knives other people thought I should have listed as the top five.

[@rwe1]

I don't really think your list is wrong. Case is bringing back the Barlow. Personally, Stockman and Congress and CopperLock probably my top three.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

That's pretty quick. It was a vault release in 2019! Maybe they will put it in permanent rotation for a while. The Copperlock is definitely popular knife as is the Copperhead. For the purpose of this particular video I skipped any knife with a locking mechanism. I actually prefer the Copperhead over the Trapper. It could very well top the one of the knives mentioned above. Copperheads have a loyal following as does the Copperlock.

[@dgm2006]

Thanks Tobias

[@mikeadams2538]

I would supplant the “SoDbUsTeR” with some version of the “Buck” style “folding hunter”, IMHO. Of course, my opinion and $1.50 will get you a soda out of the vending machine….

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I think the Buck 110 rivals in the Trapper in sales and popularity. I was going to mention it here but as the 110 is a lockback I passed. I wanted to just stick with non-locking slip joints. I will need to do a segment on this as well. "Locking Traditional Knives for the Knife Collector" There are four or five that come to mind off the top of my head but the winners by a landslide is the Buck 110 and its baby brother Buck 112.

[@anthonyrollins9825]

i think your list is spot on except the sodbuster , I believe the half hawk has edged it out of the top 5.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

You might have something there. They are got popular!

[@rasputinscastle]

I'd switch the sod buster out for the SAK. At 25 million a year, all others pale in comparison. 😊

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I’ll be talking about SAKs in the near future. It’s in a category all on its own. It’s beats everything including Trappers. Basically it’s an unfair comparison!

[@rasputinscastle]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias Ah, I see what you did. 😁

[@CuttingEdgetools]

I don’t typically buy new slip joints. More of a vintage collector. I see Barlow’s and Stockman’s in abundance. Trappers not so much. I’m guessing because Trappers were favored by hunters and outdoors folks,and were more specific pattern and not a slip joint carried by the masses. Likely the Same will hold true with todays knife production

[@artawhirler]

Tobias, I have a question that sort of relates to this topic. I recently bought an old Boy Scout knife made by Ulster back in the 60s or 70s. It's in great condition except for one thing - all four blades are so stiff that I can only pull them open with pliers!! I tried oiling them but that didn't do any good. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

If you have a hydrosonic cleaner, that might help get gunk out the joints. You might want to check out some of the cleaning videos done by Tom over at @knifedelights7473

[@artawhirler]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias Thanks!

[@alpine1600s]

Wall Drug. Middle of Nowhere USA.🤣👍

[@beaurex4756]

I'd switch the Canoe to a 3" Stockman, 3 blades.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

When I mentioned the stockman as the second knife I was referring to all versions of the stockman. (I sort of did the same with the Trapper as number one. It includes the trapper and mini-trapper even though they are two different knives)

[@beaurex4756]

@KnifeChatswithTobias I suggested the swap to include a smaller knife. I have pen/pocket knives from the 60s/70s that fill this niche. My faves are the Stockman model.

[@hleeky]

then whose buying all the lady leg knives??? and who busts sod with a sodbuster??? and who skins mules???... Tobias' top 5: toothpick, powderhorn, knife that's not a toothpick but looks like one, everything not a trapper or lady leg knife, a good ebay steal

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Those leg knives are coming up in a my next installment! LOL!

[@rockets4kids]

I'd be a whole lot more interested in the lady leg if they did a better job opening a beer.

[@Hunting4Hookers]

That’s some really good insight. Great video!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the show!