Traditional american folders? How good are they? (Case, Buck, Queen, GEC)

alexTOOL · **on:** August 04, 2016, 06:26:23 PM

I want to know a little more about them.

I think they are more rustic (bone, stag, wood..., I know that there are with mother of pearl, and so on)
More traditional in their design and more bulky (relief in their scales)

How good are they compared to SAKs?
And their steel?

I read Case is more collectible than Buck, more users.

And Queen and Great Eastern Cutlery are in other superior level

Could you give me your impressions about these knives please??

Thank you, specially for USA members.

In EU don´t know much about them (too many brands, sizes and patterns!, difficult to know what can fit personal needs!)

Corwyn · **Reply #1 on:** August 04, 2016, 06:49:05 PM

I recently got into them. Really fascinating... a whole world of different sizes, configurations and materials... I'd say:
GEC>Case>Queen>Colt>Rough Rider>Buck>Schrade>Steel Warrior>Old Forge

Pacu · **Reply #2 on:** August 04, 2016, 06:55:53 PM

Case knives are nice. I have a few plain jane ones. I don't wander too far as they get all collectible as the price goes up for them. Less inclined to actually use them. Their steel is Chrome Vanadium (CV) and Case Tru-Sharp™ Stainless Steel (SS). The CV is the one you gotta keep a close eye on as it's higher in carbon and can get rust stains. I just call it patina.

Case has other steel too depending on your pocketbook. I think they have 154 too. Standard no frills yellow handle Case trapper is about 40 bucks.
Some Cases have scissors on them

My thoughts are SAK > Case knife

Buck has never done me wrong. They are cheap and proven like the 119 and the 110. 420 stainless.

I have never owned a Queen or GEC but their pics when people post them up here are

jerseydevil · **Reply #3 on:** August 04, 2016, 07:23:28 PM

Love my traditionals.

My favorites are Case CV steel. A bit of mineral oil and they're fine, take a great patina, and can be made sharp enough to shave with. Bucks are good knives as well. Even the Chinese made Bucks that I have are well-made, solid knives. The same goes for Rough Rider. For an everyday user, a RR makes for an excellent choice. I gor into RR's because they were cheap enough to try out different patterns without breaking the bank, but have fallen in love with their Barlows. Traditionally the Barlow was a no-nonsense, workingman's pattern, solid but inexpensive. RR has gotten that down pat, with the plus of looking good.

alexTOOL · **Reply #4 on:** August 04, 2016, 07:32:16 PM

Thank you guys!!!

kirk13 · **Reply #5 on:** August 04, 2016, 11:04:35 PM

Quote from: jerseydevil on August 04, 2016, 07:23:28 PM

Love my traditionals. My favorites are Case CV steel. A bit of mineral oil and they're fine, take a great patina, and can be made sharp enough to shave with. Bucks are good knives as well. Even the Chinese made Bucks that I have are well-made, solid knives. The same goes for Rough Rider. For an everyday user, a RR makes for an excellent choice. I gor into RR's because they were cheap enough to try out different patterns without breaking the bank, but have fallen in love with their Barlows. Traditionally the Barlow was a no-nonsense, workingman's pattern, solid but inexpensive. RR has gotten that down pat, with the plus of looking good.

I'm glad JD got to say that all first!

My only additions are that as much as I'd prefer an American Buck over a China Buck,I ain't stumping up an extra £25-30 for the privilege; and that while Case knives can be fantastic,don't buy without see it first! I've had a few that wouldn't pass Vic QC,and at the price....

ColoSwiss · **Reply #6 on:** August 04, 2016, 11:33:27 PM

I've used a number of American Bucks off and on for decades. Good solid knives. No experience with Chinese Bucks.

Have a number of Case knives in the collection. Very attractive, but little user experience with them.

Noa Isumi · **Reply #7 on:** August 05, 2016, 11:53:29 AM

I grew up a couple towns over from the Queen plant and have known several of thier staff.
While I have a couple folders and a fixed blade in my collection they are rarely used any more.
Thier materials and fit are good quality. The fixed hunter was a favorite for several years, and in spite of regular kitchen type use the edge held well with the etching on the blade is still readable if faded.

The top is an Gerber MP for refrence then a
#82 hunter and the bottom is a #45 Big Chief.

Intresting thing on the #45 is its only 4 parts; blade, solid cast & machined handle, back spring and pivot pin.

Dan B · **Reply #8 on:** August 05, 2016, 09:12:36 PM

They're good for what they are. My Grandfather gave me my first knife. It was an old Case of some kind. Sadly, I lost it in a river.

I've had several since then and I really like the canoe style. The problem that I keep coming back to is the reason that I no longer have Grandpa's knife: they fall out of pockets!

This is why I've gone to modern multi-tools in a belt sheath or one hand opening knives with a pocket clip. They just fit my lifestyle better.

That said, those traditional knives sure do look nice.

Pacu · **Reply #9 on:** August 05, 2016, 10:16:09 PM

I've seen Case and Buck on tap down here in Texas to purchase. Where does one find Queen or GEC to check out before purchase? Maybe a gun and knife show?

Dan B · **Reply #10 on:** August 06, 2016, 12:16:06 AM

Locally? Yeah, check gun shows. They always have someone with a table full of knives.

I know that I've seen rough rider and queen that way.

Outside of that If there is a store that speSmurfpillses in knives or maybe an outdoor store.

For example Kittery Trading Post in Maine would be a good bet , but nowhere near Texas.