Traditional Knives 101, your Crash Course into the Wonderful World of Pocket Scalpels (part 1)

[@markchambers2812]

I got hooked in the 4th grade...:) I'm 60...

[@drakefaudel4826]

haha thats awesome man! i wish i could've seen the evolution of knives progress like you have!

[@aueret]

same here .. but i am only 42 ;)

[@MCGEE1115]

I'm 59 and right there with you, 200 or so knives.

[@2008kenfine]

@@MCGEE1115 Same here. Dad bought me an Imperial Camp King in 1969 at the Blue Chip Stamp store, when I was 8 years old. I was hooked and began collecting. Today... 87 knives and I love them all.

[@peterpuleo2904]

My hat is off to all you guys !

[@valentinlopez6189]

I really enjoyed your presentation I got hooked on knives in the third grade and cut myself playing with it . my Dad got it when he was o TDY in Germany. I’m 66 and still squiring fixed blades, lock backs and slip joints. I use them primarily for hunting and EDC.

[@douglaspulliam60]

Do you have any match strike nail nic? They just look cool to me.comes to mind rough riders with match strike nail nics

[@guusdejong2523]

That barlow with the sheepsfoot is beautiful :o

[@Poppy999]

Love all your videos.Just picked up a #78 in Ebony and it's a lovely knife

[@JR-lg7fd]

put it in your diary. nobody actually cares

[@Poppy999]

Wth screw off buddie

[@tomcox4116]

What is the make of the TC knife? It is interesting to learn about your knives it is just as interesting for me to know who the makers are and if they are still on the market.

[@pbpickett7210]

You are a very good teacher.

[@SweetSpotSC]

I'm new to traditionals and really enjoyed this video. Thank you!

[@xjeepmanx]

Been collecting knives a long time. Just getting Into the old grandpa blades.bought an old german made knife with a long blade for 5 bucs at flee market today.i gotta feeling I will be goin back next week

[@CTKTMRIDER]

Great idea for a series of videos! I learned so much in 20 min. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks Randy

[@TheStig000]

Just started getting into traditionals. Picked up a Case Copperlock and Case peanut in CV. Amazing knives. I think I'll carry one all the time now.

[@jimclonan]

Randy, thank you; I learned so much from your videos

[@1guysdumbopinion669]

I would recommend picking up a vintage American made Imperial, Schrade, Utica, etc knife on Ebay. You can get them sub 20 dollars and they work great. The fit and finish isn't the best but hey for 10 bucks what can you expect. It's also a great way to build an inexpensive collection of neat little pieces of cutlery history.

[@jphsladest]

yes i get mine from people that throw them in the metal bin for recycle....i have about a dozen now. good way to start!

[@Eliel7230]

Nice collection ! 😀

[@bryantmarcy6411]

What do you think about the whaler?

[@TheStreamingEnderman]

As someone who collects traditional knives, I approve this video!

[@insertnamehere7827]

I have an old timer middleman jack and it’s awesome and like you said Jean weather and it fits perfectly in the watch pocket

[@FreeAmericaChannel]

I never even thought of these pocket knives as "traditional" compared to modern folder, so this is very helpful to me. I have a small number of these styles, even an old knife that was my grandfathers. Now I will have to take it out and look at it through new eyes.

[@JR-lg7fd]

I never thought of your bullshit opinion as valid either so theres that

[@Greg_M308]

Very helpful doing this from a modern knife jargon perspective. Thanks.

[@jayaustin7768]

Great video! thanks so much. What is a bare head handle with the whole through it for a leather cord called?

[@JR-lg7fd]

google it. what is he your slave or some shit?

[@dubon811]

I am 2:18 minutes in to this review and I already paused it to write thank you. I have learned about classic knives more than any video on the subject I have watched for the past 3 hours. I will watch some more of your videos and of course subscribe.

[@wisehybred]

Love your collection......are you finally caught up with customers to take new business?

[@zstenkuk6715]

slipjoints have always been my favorite folding knives nice collection got a kabar trapper as my edc

[@JR-lg7fd]

absolutely nobody asked

[@STUFFWEDO]

Super cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@thomaslcrawford]

Randy, Thank you for another awesome video! I have learned so much about traditional knives from you. In fact, most of what I've learned has been through your videos (modern knives notwithstanding) and I often chase the same brands and models you personally own as I know if you have them, they must be the best of the best in their respective categories. My wife isn't very happy about it when the postman brings another package but it's worth the arguing many times over. LOL Keep em coming!

[@JR-lg7fd]

youre welcome

[@shaggyat5power112]

I just bought an old kingston slipjoint for 12 dollars at an antique shop, do you know how much its worth? It has a long pull, double bolsters, and 2 blades, and an awl, its made in the usa, and has black jigged bone handles.

[@experimentjon]

Great intro to traditional knives. I'm not really interested in these (just don't fit my needs), but I wish they did make a "pinchable" victorinox SAK...if there were some elegant way to do that....

[@ghyslainsabourin780]

would love to know how to maintain and adjust pull. mine are way too stiff.

[@davidroberts3476]

Very informative, thanks for the video plus love your knives

[@robertelliott8886]

Beautiful collection of knives

[@artemislancey7119]

These look really cool btw

[@guusdejong2523]

My first traditional came in. Case large stockman in amber bone with CV steel. Love it.

[@desertratedc9596]

i love my two traditional folding knifes, my very first knife was a Schrade uncle Henry stock-man (two types of these scrades, the uncle Henry which are stainless but cream handles and old timer which are mostly carbon but in my opinion ugly) and then i got my granddaddy of knifes. i got the old 60s boker USA scout knife with all original parts and its a carbon steel. i got to say if they locked better, i have no issue using them for every day Carrie.

[@soylentgreen2065]

+Guus de Jong (Blade) Just got 2 large Case Stockmans. one in bonestag and one in jigged bone. they are beautiful and i like the large stockman because it really shows off the handle materials...beautiful knives.

[@paulie4x1]

By the way the fit and finish is spot on. It's made every bit as nice as my Case Knives, It's just there's no info on Wilkinson Sword Pocket Knives and I even looked under INOX and Sheffield, England and Nadda, , ,

[@fredcox6994]

Could be wrong, but they may have been in cahoots with Camillus. Somebody on the All About Pocketknives forum probably knows

[@guyfromsac1]

Nice video Randy. I'm just getting in to traditionals (coming from tacticals) and this was very informative.

[@stype9779]

MAN ,I felt in love with Your collection :-))

[@guskalanzis5849]

Great job on this Randy.

[@victorinoxknut]

randy where is all the boker knives

[@thomastommy1192]

Great video very educational. Thanks for sharing. Thumbs up.

[@jtrex9919]

Isn’t the long nail nick on traditional knives for a match strike...hence the serrations? Just learning so asking to clarify.

[@fredcox6994]

The long ones with the picket fence looking grind to the nick are the match-striker pulls

[@tobypoynter2920]

Nice work on this knife video. Would like to see a production video on knife components and their functions I’m an old Television engineer and appreciate good value on a descriptive working presentation Thank you Toby from Tennessee ( a recently transplanted Texan) Cheers

[@PETENEMEC]

New to the game. Is it O.K. to polish up or remove the patina to blades on older knives. Please advise before I screw up a bunch of old "Barlows I just bought. Please advise Thanks Pete

[@slemtones]

Great video - super informative. Thanks for sharing

[@jameshawkins5939]

Very informative. Glad I came across this.

[@marqibarra]

I have a question are these old traditional knives more durable then the new folding knives? I usually loose them or the screws become loose and I just replace them. I've never owned a grandfather knife but they seem more durable

[@trilobiteterror8015]

That has a lot more to do with quality than type of knife.

[@richardrounce7138]

What's should I buy as my very first traditional knife?

[@twilightshooter4990]

CaseXX Tribal lock spear blade. The price is right for a solid no wobble knife. Best prices on EBAY , take your time and hunt around. Mr. Google can help you too.

[@bluelane]

I've looked for that black gec with the cutout and cant seem to find it. Do you know of anywhere to get that specific one?

[@sasquatch446]

Its nice to see some traditional videos, i'll really be looking forward to this series. I am absolutely in love with traditionals, i have about 20 GEC's. Just one question, how do you sharpen all of your traditional patterns? Do you free hand or have a system to do them? If you do have a system what system is it?

[@TrueWorldEarth]

Great video Randy. JR and I took a trip to the flea market today and picked up a few new case knives. I picked up a peanut and JR grabbed a nice tooth pick. Very cool. Love pairing a traditional knife with a modern locking folder. Thanks for all the great content!

[@christynmcfarland1961]

[@JR-lg7fd]

thanks for the lifestory and for wasting our time.

[@MPerry-ox9qb]

Waiting for traditional knives 102. I was wondering how many traditional knives this one video has sold. GEC, Queen and Case should send you thank you cards at the very least.

[@cardreader80]

Wonderful! Very informative!

[@brettthomas5747]

Part two??

[@lucaspriesendorf251]

What brand and model is the easy open ?

[@esoteric5277]

Not sure but I think it's a GEC.

[@Beowulf_98]

GEC #85.

[@IgorANUR]

У Вас отличная коллекция ножей.Тоже,подумываю,приобрести какой-нибудь из продемонстрированных моделей.Хоть и нравится сочетание костяных накладок с металлом,очень приглянулся нож на 9:28.Очень качественно и гармонично сделанных нож,дизайнер и мастер постарался на совесть.

[@frankrice1253]

great vid-- I definatly enjoyed that info-- ty

[@markadams7597]

Great vid, thanks! Remember to tell everyone that the brass liners, bolsters, caps, and brads never need oiling. The brass permanently contains all oil needed. The steel and stainless should be oiled occasionally. I oil my blades after every washing.

[@rogerlawson4516]

What is the larger green colored knife with the little lanyard? About center of lowest row.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Wow, thanks for the video, seriously. I don't know how anyone could give this a thumbs down.

[@jooky5]

I really dig the Queen you showed. Is it the Railsplitter?

[@pines6110]

Anyone know the knife he starts showing at 9:25?

[@АлександрОлонец]

Какие красивые ножи делают в USA. И качество великолепное.

[@survivalmike]

Great job on this video. Thx for introduce and educate us. This video is very helpful. Atb Mike

[@keithlogan5748]

Would you still have that 72 lock back and if so would you consider selling it

[@honorb4glory606]

I was all about tactical folders for most of my life, then I bought ONE Rough Rider hawkbill. Now I own almost a hundred slip-joints and lockbacks, and I carry one everyday.

[@MAThomas0912]

HonorB 4Glory that’s awesome. I’m giving up on my modern folders and gonna start carrying slipjoints. Just ordered 4 or 5 to start

[@honorb4glory606]

@@MAThomas0912 , cool, what brand(s) did you go with? About 95% of mine are Rough Rider, it seems like the highest quality budget brand to me. You get a great knife about two thirds of the time, and sometimes it's flawless.

[@MAThomas0912]

HonorB 4Glory I just got a rough rider double lock back brown stag in the mail on Monday. I have a Frost Cutlery Caliber Barlow, Frost Cutlery trophy state wrangler stockman, and a rough rider zombie Nick toe knife on the way! The zombie nick toe knife looks a bit goofy, but I liked the style of all the tidioute whalers I’ve been seeing, but didn’t want to shell $150 for one lol.

[@honorb4glory606]

@@MAThomas0912 , I haven't heard anything good about Frost. How do they compare to the Rough Riders?

[@MAThomas0912]

HonorB 4Glory just an update: I am not really impressed with the Rough Rider brown stag double lockback or the zombie Nick elephant toenail that just came in today. Both were full of grime and grit. The toenail knife blades had no half stop and the actions was gritty. Returning both. The brown stag, although a cheap rough rider, felt cheap. I’ve heard that RR are inexpensive but good quality. Not impressed with RR so far. I did get a Frost cutlery caliber Barlow that came in the mail today. While the fit and finish may not be as good as RR, the steel, lockup, and even weight is 10x better than the two RR I got.

[@masongates246]

Great video and helpful info. Quick question, what is the name/type of knife that is in the center of the screen? the single blade with the lanyard? Thanks!!

[@brettthomas5747]

Are talking about the Opinel with wood handle??

[@masongates246]

Brett Thomas not sure of the brand or model. But it appears to be a jigged bone handle, with a lock back, center of the screen with what looks like a leather lanyard attached. Thanks for the reply.

[@brettthomas5747]

Jason Bates if you are talking about the knife front and center. I believe that is a great Eastern cutlery knife from their Northfield line. I m pretty sure. I do not know exactly which model it is however. GreatEasterncutlery.Net hope that helps.

[@stevehuffman7453]

You said you like a heavier pull. Question: Why do you like to or want to fight your knife to open it when your hands are cold and/or wet? Useage does NOT lessen the pull over time. (nor does opening the blade half way and leaving it sit that way for weeks or months) I have an vintage/antique Robeson pen knife, that is well over 100 years old. Pull on it is a "5" for both blades. I doubt the pull was ever heavier. A heavy pull does not make a knife "safer" the only job of the backspring is to keep the blade closed when NOT in use, and the blade from flopping closed when open. The cutting action actually forces the blade open - unless you're doing something stupid.

[@Beowulf_98]

Well said, Sir. 👍

[@jaxmom]

I have a ton of pocket knives and have no clue where to get them appraised. Can u suggest anything?

[@MrRugercat45]

Those are so beautiful. You’re lucky to own so many GEC knives. I’m looking for a File & Wire Crimson Worm Groove Congress.

[@JR-lg7fd]

so, dont be poor.

[@Beowulf_98]

​@@JR-lg7fd shut up square.

[@brentmiller6668]

Very nice collection!!

[@fredcox6994]

You didn't mention match-striker pulls when covering nail nicks or that the very back of the blade that rides on the backspring is called a walk, hence the term walk and talk.

[@richardkut3976]

Thanks, apperciate the terminology.

[@mikepowell5094]

Been looking for a shark tooth. Can't find one. Only on ebay.

[@lee33htzdiscotech]

Thank's for the very informative video Randy. Keep up the great work fella! Cheers!

[@troyguinn303]

Excuse me sir, I've been into blades for a while now, and recently I've been more interested in the traditional end of things. What would be a good brand of traditional style pocket knife that is made here in America? I am looking for lower end options since budget is a big restraint, but i still want a blade with reasonably good fit and finish, walk and talk. I prefer carbon steel as well, the kind of carbon steel is less important so long as the heat treat is strong. I have bunch of different rough rider knives (cheap, chinese made, dodgy quality from time to time) that i purchased more to see what my favorite style of traditional knife is, without spending a lot of money. My favorite traditional style for my own personal use is either a Barlow or Canoe. I also really enjoy using the trapper-lock design, with a thumb stud. Not a slip-joint, but still traditional. I'd appreciate some advice, you seem to have extensive knowledge on traditional knives. It doesn't have to be a MIA knife (i know they get expensive), but i'm trying to step into a higher level of quality and beauty then I've been getting with MIC knives lately. Thank you, especially is you have read this far XP Oh and if you were gonna tell me to get a case, they're just out of my budget for their carbon steel offerings.

[@troyguinn303]

Also, thanks for the super informative crash course on traditional knives!! :D And I envy your beautiful collection of blades, I hope to one day have a collection of such caliber.

[@davidsmith31]

Buck knives.

[@fredcox6994]

Bear and Sons or the older Bear mgc are a little cheaper thsn case

[@anthonyng777]

what brand, make, model of that black easy open "pinchable" knife on Min 17.30 in your video? It is a real beauty.

[@modvind]

Wonderful days, back when knifes were tools and also seen as that. Politicians today...

[@lifeorliberty3086]

I still call them a tool. That's how I was raised.

[@tommytruth7595]

Back then you could carry them to school and play with them in the school yard. Every boy in the school had a pocket knife or wanted one.

[@astroman0500]

What a stupid comment, and specially if you're american. I've been wanting to buy myself a victorinox and have started to watch a bunch of knives videos over the last two weeks, and not only that, as someone that likes knives I've seen plenty of them over the years, and you americans have literally an unlimited access to all kind of knives of all shapes, sizes, colors, whatever. I can't even carry a knife that's longer than 2 and a half inches in my country and you're complaining about "PoLiTIIiCss!!!". Shut up, m8.

[@BX138]

What is GEC?

[@aaroncabrera8949]

Can anyone recommend a great website dedicated to traditional knives? I have some, and I'm very much into modern EDC folders, but I'm really starting to get into traditional styles as well. Thanks.

[@fredcox6994]

All About Pocketknives

[@GunCollector007]

very interesting. Thanks

[@aaronhickerson1016]

Thanks for the vid, didn't really know about all that other stuff. But now I know what to look for. Ima look at my knife now and see if it's cheap. It's a schrade so it might more in likely not be. Good video thumbs up👍

[@spy8464BB]

thank you for the terminology .

[@brettthomas5747]

Great video! Thanks for the info.

[@MSato123]

Learnt so much from this video, thanks!

[@adriancaicedo4604]

Could you give the names of the knife in the middle?

[@paulie4x1]

I don't know if mine is a Traditional or not, all I know is I bought mine from my neighborhood pawn shop and I only paid around $20.00 for my Case Trapper, it came with the original box in excellent condition, I'm usually not a pocket knife guy but I do have a couple, but this one impressed me because the blade styles were different than most of my Trappers and it was a Big Trapper so I bought it, it's a Case X X Tested Bone Handle # 6223 it's not new since I think it was made in 1992 but like I said it looks brand new, I was thinking of taking it out and see if Case Knives are any good.

[@soylentgreen2065]

+paulie 4x for $20?? good find! The Case Trappers are very knice knives.

[@paulie4x1]

They seem like they are, I have a favorite pocket knife and I carry it alot, it's a bit heavy because it's a very stout knife, so I pouch carry it, I really like my Camillus Silver Sword #836 it's a stainless, although I don't know what kind it is, all I found was Camillus proprietary name they called it Silver Sword Steel TM, but still very sharp and the two sword etched on the blade is almost gone and alot of love marks are on the blade. That's why I got the Case Knives, Oh, I'm going to start with my CV steel Case knives, and see how good it is, I have a good knife to measure them against.

[@heatmojo]

Has anyone had problems with the main blades on GEC knives? Problems such as bad side to side play and the edge actually hitting the bottom of the knife? I've received at least 4 knives that have that.

[@Suit_and_tie_reptile_guy]

yup

[@40belowful]

Call them..they have a warranty send it back to be fixed for free:)

[@tommytruth7595]

With their prices, they should all be perfect.

[@jamesaritchie1]

Yes. Every knife company lets some bad knives slip through quality control. It just happens. I really like GEC knives, but I find they're one of the worst offenders in quality control, and let far too many flawed knives slip through. Send it back. They're very good at customer service. Oddly, I've found two of the very best companies with where quality control is concerned are Rough Rider and Buck, two lower end companies. No company stops every flawed knife from hitting the market, but it astounds me how few these low end companies allow, and how many GEC and Hen & Rooster allow.

[@rickyhurtt5568]

It's amazing how many people are just seeing or using however you wanna put it slip joints. I remember when there weren't but a handful of lockblades. I guess part of that was most people bought was what they could buy from the hardware store so it was a Buck or Case. Western carried a couple but far as I remember that was about it.

[@WoodenChicken1]

Hey Randy! Fidrst off, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Secondly, I got off the modern knife kick myself, and have been rediscovering the traditionals--so I was very happy to see you bringing these knives to the forefront. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts on these, and who knows, maybe I will be inbspired to make one or two vids myself. BTW, really nice collection there. Best, Gary

[@cmonsterz]

Absolutely GREAT video. Awesome to see something on slippies. By the way, Randy...a good series of books on slip joint knives are the "Big Book of Pocket Knives" by Stewart and Ritchie. Also, Jim Sargent's American Premium Guide to Knives & Razors is good. Last, but not least, Bernard Levine's earlier books are fantastic!

[@francespotter7556]

Nice collection do you any case selects they are very nice quality enjoy your videos Doug in Ga

[@jameshansen2961]

First tkme viewer have to say i like the videos very informative and i learned alot ... always love the old knifes just never able to find any in great condition like yours .... whats your secret

[@Pitbuller49]

Thanks for the video :)

[@TimBlankJ]

Awesome vid thank you I dont see enough of these! Take care

[@lukedoescher4539]

if you dont have one you should get a 11-87 AUTO 870 PUMP Remington knife its my absolute favorite knife and was a limited editions sold with the gun and made in the usa

[@paulie4x1]

Hi again, Yeah, I stop at the pawn shop periodically, this time bought a Wilkinson Sword INOX 3blade Canoe Patern Slipjoint Pocket Knife, the Talk, Snap, and Pull weight seems very nice, Actually it's a real knife looking pocket knife, I didn't pay alot fir it, 3 knives for $18.00, I got the Wilkinson Sword made in Sheffield , England a Bokor Magnum in Damascus but towards the pommel it's separating like maybe the glue gave way, it's hardly noticeable and a Bear Grill pocket knife, not bad a few little chips towards the tip but it defenetly can be rescued, I'll just let them go and in time after sharpening tge blade I know they will be gone, anyhow, I can't find any info on the Wilkinson at all, if you have any info I would really appriciate it, Ever since I got it a few good days ago, I can't find anything, The blades never been sharpened and are sharp, I really don't care about the worth as much as what kind of steel the blades are made of, I know INOX means stain less I think in French, so that's about all I found researching the knife, if you can help, I really would appriciate it, , ,

[@BrotherBeard75]

Love them !

[@Fangsinurface]

I like the GEC blades but the prices are too high for classics. many other alternatives available though.

[@tommytruth7595]

Agreed, their prices are absurd.

[@thomasyoung1368]

better than Queen or Case. price is not all that different at retail level.

[@kathyb6005]

Thomas Young not true

[@antoriamemphis]

I recently stopped using my nail altogether to open my pocket knife because of breaking my finger nail and just use the slot to help with grip from the end of my finger

[@ForvoQuizlet]

I see Case advertised all the time but - what are the best-to-worse brands? I know absolutely nothing about whether anything is a good trade or not.

[@Вольныйказак-ю2й]

OMG .... and in pristine condition, you are a rich man ...:))

[@Dmhlcmb]

I wish I could understand why it seems to be so hard to build a slip joint with flush, squared off springs. That seems like it would be an extra couple seconds per knife.

[@DeanO]

great video with good information. thanks