Looking for a specific traditional folder

[G-Dizzle]

Hey y’all. I have been searching for both a main knife for my upcoming trip and another good knife to put in the carry rotation. I was going to get a 112 but think I want something a little different. I am looking for a back pocket styled knife that is still beefy enough for some heavy outdoor use or other heavy use if needed in an emergency. Here are my requirements:

No OHO

Locking blade

Firm lockup, I don’t like wiggle

Blade size around 3-4” give or take

Slim enough to go beside wallet in back pocket, not so slim that it is flimsy. Weight doesn’t really bother me, as long as I can keep it up beside wallet.

Good heat treat, steel does not matter much, as Buck makes 420HC seem like a super steel, but I want it to take and hold an edge well.

Must have a lanyard hole. (Buck 112 does not )


A GEC 42 lockback seems perfect for what I want, but they are impossible to find. Thanks in advance for suggestions!!

[G-Dizzle]

Oh yeah, classy looking knife is always a plus.

[NutSAK]

The #42 is exactly what I was going to suggest.  My runner-up would be a Queen Mountain Man.  It's 4/12" closed, so the blade should be the length you want, and their D2 steel is excellent.  Queen doesn't build their knives quite to the standard of GEC, so a bit of wiggle is a possibility.

[David]

The GEC 43 doesn't have a lock but does have good solid half stops. Unless your being really careless its unlikely to close on your fingers. There are still some of them around.   

[hiraethus]

Fallkniven TK3?

[AimlessWanderer]

I am looking for a back pocket styled knife ...

What does this mean?

[G-Dizzle]

I am looking for a back pocket styled knife ...

What does this mean?

Single bladed traditional knife with a lanyard hole

[G-Dizzle]

I am looking for a back pocket styled knife ...

What does this mean?

Single bladed traditional knife with a lanyard hole

Also slim-ish

[AimlessWanderer]

I am looking for a back pocket styled knife ...

What does this mean?

Single bladed traditional knife with a lanyard hole

Also slim-ish

 

I'd never heard a knife described as back pocket style before - and I never carry knives in back pockets either . Is that a term that you just made up because it seemed to fit, or is this a recognised term in some parts of the world/internet?

Sorry, I can't help you out with suggestions. I tend to steer of locking knives (just personal preference) so I'm pretty clueless as to what options are out there.

[magentus]

Love the badges Al 

[G-Dizzle]

I am looking for a back pocket styled knife ...

What does this mean?

Single bladed traditional knife with a lanyard hole

Also slim-ish

 

I'd never heard a knife described as back pocket style before - and I never carry knives in back pockets either . Is that a term that you just made up because it seemed to fit, or is this a recognised term in some parts of the world/internet?

Sorry, I can't help you out with suggestions. I tend to steer of locking knives (just personal preference) so I'm pretty clueless as to what options are out there.

I have seen it used here and there, but i really just stole it from the case model

[AimlessWanderer]

Love the badges Al 

Thanks for noticing, Luke. They've been there about a year I reckon

[AimlessWanderer]

I am looking for a back pocket styled knife ...

What does this mean?

Single bladed traditional knife with a lanyard hole

Also slim-ish

 

I'd never heard a knife described as back pocket style before - and I never carry knives in back pockets either . Is that a term that you just made up because it seemed to fit, or is this a recognised term in some parts of the world/internet?

Sorry, I can't help you out with suggestions. I tend to steer of locking knives (just personal preference) so I'm pretty clueless as to what options are out there.

I have seen it used here and there, but i really just stole it from the case model

    

[NutSAK]

The GEC 43 doesn't have a lock but does have good solid half stops. Unless your being really careless its unlikely to close on your fingers. There are still some of them around.   

You know, this is a good point.  GEC is known for bear-trap springs on some of their larger models.  I have a #73 Northfield that is like that.  You would have to be doing something seriously wrong to have it fold on you.  In fact, you need to plan out your day and get all your cutting done at once so you don't have to worry about breaking your thumbnail off and no longer having a way to open it. 

Kidding, of course, but only just.

[Fuzzbucket]

The GEC 43 doesn't have a lock but does have good solid half stops. Unless your being really careless its unlikely to close on your fingers. There are still some of them around.   

You know, this is a good point.  GEC is known for bear-trap springs on some of their larger models.  I have a #73 Northfield that is like that.  You would have to be doing something seriously wrong to have it fold on you.  In fact, you need to plan out your day and get all your cutting done at once so you don't have to worry about breaking your thumbnail off and no longer having a way to open it. 

Kidding, of course, but only just.

I agree, it's a lovely slim knife and quite pocketable. I have the Tidioute version and yes it's a slippy, but like NutSAKy's just said, I've never worried about it folding on me.

[MMR]

Hey y’all. I have been searching for both a main knife for my upcoming trip and another good knife to put in the carry rotation. I was going to get a 112 but think I want something a little different. I am looking for a back pocket styled knife that is still beefy enough for some heavy outdoor use or other heavy use if needed in an emergency. Here are my requirements:

No OHO

Locking blade

Firm lockup, I don’t like wiggle

Blade size around 3-4” give or take

Slim enough to go beside wallet in back pocket, not so slim that it is flimsy. Weight doesn’t really bother me, as long as I can keep it up beside wallet.

Good heat treat, steel does not matter much, as Buck makes 420HC seem like a super steel, but I want it to take and hold an edge well.

Must have a lanyard hole. (Buck 112 does not )


A GEC 42 lockback seems perfect for what I want, but they are impossible to find. Thanks in advance for suggestions!!

(Image removed from quote.)

That is a beauty of a knife!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[G-Dizzle]

Anyone have any experience with the Helle folders? they seem a bit thick but otherwise pretty good. Would ratcher something more traditional but the helles are currently produced.

[G-Dizzle]

Cant find a single review of this guy

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Karesuando-Kniven-Singi-Lockback--31621

[G-Dizzle]

I need advice quick! I found a GEC 42 for 155 locally, supposedly new. Should I pounce on it? Its the only one ive found for sale anywhere.

[Crow]

Try Opinel. Should be the thing you are looking for.

[G-Dizzle]

Well, i wanted one too badly. I ordered the one i found last night with stag handles.

[Dean51]

I think it will be exactly what you're looking for. 

[G-Dizzle]

Oh man...

[G-Dizzle]

I have never seen or felt anything like this. Someone is going to have to re-convince me to actually use this knife. It is absolutely gorgeous. The fit and finish surpasses Victorinox, Case, Buck, you name it. These (non edited) pictures will not even do it half justice. Someone please convince me to use this knife. I don’t know if I can bring myself to do it.

[sak60]

Very nice 

[AimlessWanderer]

Use it!!! 

Or send it to me for a week, and I'll get rid of the pristine look for you  I had a "pretty" carbon steel knife that I didn't want to use at first, so I know the feeling. Polished buffalo horn, fileworked backspring, pristine blade. I cut up a couple of apples, wiped the blade, and stuck it in my pocket for acouple of days. I Was a lot happier with my new user, than I was with something I'd paid money for but "can't" use, and I think it looks even better with a few miles on the clock.

Having stuff you can't use is no fun, so give it some pocket time. Knives just keep getting better and better that way.

EDIT: apologies for the poor photos. Best I can do in artificial light.

[AimlessWanderer]

Here's a couple of better (old) pics

[G-Dizzle]

Here's a couple of better (old) pics

Thats a pretty knife. Love the design on the backspring.

[nmpops]

How about the Case Back Pocket.  All your requirements except it's a slip joint, but lock blades are highly overrated.

[AimlessWanderer]

Here's a couple of better (old) pics

Thats a pretty knife. Love the design on the backspring.

Thanks  and it looks all the better for being used 

Once you've used yours, a few times and that initial sheen on the scales/bolsters has been scuffed, and the blade gets it's first bit of colour, you may well have a "What have I done?" reaction, but it's very short lived. Then it's very liberating, and you really start enjoying using it, instead of been frightened of ruining it. As time goes by, and the patina grows, you'll love it more and more. Start now!  Seriously! I delayed a few months before christening mine, and when I did make a user out of it, the only lasting regret was not doing it sooner.