Swing Guard Knives

[Woodrow F Call]

I see where GEC is making the Babylon Hill Special.... Case makes the Cheetah.... Queen has one....


What's the appeal?


I could see one on an auto, but I'm not sure I get it.

 

[brets-ftw]

I had one for a spell, even made an EO notch and ground down the back guard so I could choke up on it a bit. Was nice but honestly a single blade just doesn't do it for me anymore in any one knife, at least traditionals.

 

[Faiaoga]

I think the appeal of the Swing Guard knives is a chance to look cool, rugged and outdoorsy. The swing guard seems to have no practical use. When I was in college and working summers on a road survey crew in Southeast Alaska, I sent away for a lockback swing guard knife (probably a Case) with a 4 inch blade - because I thought it was cool and would brand me as a rugged outdorsman. It was too big for my pocket, and the swing guard had no practical use. After returning to college in the fall, I caerried it for a while ("See, I worked in the national forest") but eventually took off the swing guard before losing the knife in a move. Today, I am older and perhaps a little more mature - a single blade lockback with a blade less than 3 inches long does everything I need without being heavy and ostentatious. Sometimes, though, I miss having a "cool, outdoorsy" folding knife. Faiaoga

 

[screened porch]

I have a kabar I tore the swing-guard off of maybe back in high school. It's too bad because without the guard the blade is over 3 inches, but I didn't like the way it rattled and I thought it looked a little silly.

 

[paulhilborn]

Swing Guards---practical? maybe, maybe not? Cool---Oh Yeah!!! I love my Swing Guards. Front pocket carry? no way, just to BIG. Back pocket is the best for me. In fact I find them one of the best Back Pocket carries out there.

The swing guards idea for preventing your hand from slipping forward is practical but honestly when it comes to hard use I'll grab a fixed blade---Schrade Sharpfinger would be one of my choices.

I've never been practical so maybe that's why the Swing guard really appeals to me. Not sure one can say a certain style or model is over or under rated---I feel it all falls back on what you like. I mean look at them---I think style wise Swing Guards are at the top of the list---granted thats just my opinion.

Put me in the camp for "Lovin the Swing Guards"

Sorry for the blurry pictures people---my camera-fu isn't there today

Paul

 

[Bob W]

Swing guards, can't live without 'em.

 

[whetrock]

I've got a Queen Swing guard in Birds eye Maple, somewhere, but I never could quite warm up to it. I found the guard to be a hinderance. One of my least favorite patterns, but if it works, don't let me talk you out of it.

 

[zippofan]

I bought a Queen to give it a try:

It's a nice knife, but other than camp chores I haven't used it that much. My Scouts thought it was cool though