Anyone else carry a Christy?

P

Padawan

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Nov 19, 2005
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As a long-time knife collector, it's always exciting when I discover something new to me, especially when it turns out to be a knife I really enjoy. Just recently (on Reddit, of all places) I was introduced to Christy knives and I can't believe I'd never come across them before.

For those who are unfamiliar like I was, the Christy Knife Company dates back to 1889. They once made many different cutlery products but today they sell just their "sliding blade knife." Every knife is hand made by Hal Christy (4th generation) using the original 1930s equipment in Fremont, Ohio, and they all include a lifetime warranty.

The knives themselves are quite unique. They have an open frame design and the blade extends and locks in several positions similarly to a box cutter. They come in three different finishes, are very thin and lightweight, and are just a bit larger than your typical peanut. Apparently they were once issued to U.S. Customs agents among other government contracts. Mine came nice and sharp, and it has a definite quality feel. I just ordered my second one in the grey finish but will probably round out the set with the brass model in the near future since they're very reasonably priced.

Just thought I'd pass along my thoughts on these unique knives and hopefully introduce some folks to them. I think they're definitely worth checking out and I'm always keen to support our remaining U.S. knife companies.
 
TRAVELER is the version I have

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I've been a veery long term fan of the Christy since the late 1950's. Our father introduced my sister, Anne, and I both to the many facets of the Christy knife. Now a lifetime later, I still carry one often. They are a very very great little every day pocket knife that is more useful than one would think.
 
I have the companion and love it.

I haven't carried it in awhile though, I really need to start carrying it again.
I think the biggest thing is the SS blade, I love patina and tend to give my carbon steel knives more attention.


I've been thinking I might actually want to make a carbon steel blade for it, that would be cool and will not be hard to do at all.
 
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Congrats on your new knives. :)

I don't have one yet. However, I hear they are like the Buck 110, insofar as the "... everyone should own at least one ..." adage is concerned. I should probably get one sometime this year.
 
afishhunter said:
Congrats on your new knives. :)

I don't have one yet. However, I hear they are like the Buck 110, insofar as the "... everyone should own at least one ..." adage is concerned. I should probably get one sometime this year.
Click to expand...

I feel you better hurry.

It wasn't that long ago that Hal sold off the old company building and set up shop in his garage. As of now, the Christy is a one man operation, and his prices have been climbing. I worry that is a sign that he, as a one-man company, may be in hard times. I hope he is still her next year, and th Christy knife survives. But it is a tough field and competition is cut throat.

If you want a Christy knife, get one now. In fact, get two. Its a item of cutlery history, as well as a damm handy little pocket knife.
 
I was able to whip up a spear point carbon steel blade for my Christy in about 10 minutes, but when it came time to put grind an edge on it things went wrong.
It would work but looks terrible, I may revisit this at a later date .
It doesn't show too well in the picture, but trust me it's not good.
 
I would love to try one but the costs would be too much from overseas. I hope they pop up here one day.
 
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