The Slip Joint Conundrum...

Eli Chaps

Eli Chaps

Joined
Apr 20, 2018
Messages
4,458
Hello Knife Nuts,

First and foremost, I absolutely do not intend this thread to be contrarian or trolling in anyway.

See, I've spent oh I don't know, probably the last three decades thoroughly convincing myself that slip joints are at best inferior and even dangerous. But, I've recently been hard bit by the beauty and design of French knives, many of which are slip joints. So, I've pulled out the one remaining traditional I have, a Buck, sharpened it up and am trying to resign myself to carrying it. Old habits die hard...

So, am I just being stupid? That's a trait I've refined. :D

My knife tasks are typically pretty light duty and I know stabbing is not a grand idea. Anything else?

Thanks in advance.
 
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I've carried some type of slipjoint for about 50 years. I'd say they aren't any more dangerous than other types of folding knives. The only times I've cut myself is doing something I shouldn't or not paying attention while using one. In those cases, I would have cut myself with a locking knife as well. I've never had one close on my fingers while using it, if that's what you mean by dangerous.

Slipjoints are definitely not for self defense, but are small, light, and useful for daily cutting tasks.
 
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Slipjoints (and friction folders) have been used for hundreds of years.
Most used their knives "harder" than we would even consider doing today, and did not remove their fingers or portions there of, when using the knife.

When you're cutting, the pressure on the blade forces the blade against the back spring, preventing the blade from closing.
The springs only serve to keep the blade(s) from opening in your pocket, and from flopping half closed when the blade is open.

Slipjoints are safe to use.
 
Eli Chaps said:
trying to resign myself to carrying it.
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Not sure what this means. Carry and use whatever best suits your needs. I like both modern and traditional folders and will carry whichever (or both) I think I might need during my day. Because most days I need very little in the way of a cutting tool, I tend to go with a thin slipjoint in my pocket, usually a Vic Alox SAK.
 
It depends on what you use your knife for?

If most of us are honest, we use our knives for more mundane tasks like opening packages and slicing cheese. In this case traditional knives will fit our needs with the added bonus of carrying more blades and looking more beautiful (bias I know). An added benefit is that they don't scare the general public as much.

If I was still doing ranch work and rodeoing, I'd carry a one-handed modern knife, that's what was needed for the tasks at hand. Actually, I'd probably carry a one-handed modern knife clipped to my pocket and a small traditional knife in my watch pocket (I love traditionals again). Maybe that's a route you could go while you become more accustomed to the traditional style of knife. Then see which one you reach for more during the day.

Lastly, I think a locking knife has its place, but once again if we are being honest, is it needed or can we learn to use a knife in its proper manner?
 
jc57 said:
Not sure what this means. Carry and use whatever best suits your needs. I like both modern and traditional folders and will carry whichever (or both) I think I might need during my day. Because most days I need very little in the way of a cutting tool, I tend to go with a thin slipjoint in my pocket, usually a Vic Alox SAK.
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I just mean that I've spent so much time telling myself that slip joints are a no go, that it now seems weird to toss one in my pocket. Going to the mother in law's today and I'll carry the Buck.
 
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While recently doing some research into traditional knives construction and durability, I came across a lengthy, and rather insightful post by member @jackknife from 2013, I believe.
In short, his post basically said that there are many, many traditional knives out there that have been constructed of what are now considered inferior materials, and have lasted decades heavy use. The likelihood of anyone needing their knife to hold hundreds of pounds against the lock or stabbing through a car door are slim to none. Many like the reassurance of a lock, and I still own and carry modern folders myself, but this insight has caused me to reevaluate what I use a knife for, and what I really need. 99% of the time, a slipjoint is all I would require. Not saying I'm going to go out and sell all my moderns, but I can say I probably won't be buying many more. I have enough to last a lifetime. Traditional knives have a classic elegance and soul about them that I've found quite enticing, as of late.
 
I really like old fashioned slipjoint knives but I grew up with them.I have spoken to a few folks that are uncomfortable with them.To each his own maybe your Buck will grow on you maybe not.
Don't see any reason you'd want to force yourself to carry it.
 
redcanoe said:
I really like old fashioned slipjoint knives but I grew up with them.I have spoken to a few folks that are uncomfortable with them.To each his own maybe your Buck will grow on you maybe not.
Don't see any reason you'd want to force yourself to carry it.
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For the past couple years, I've been on a sort of a knife quest. That is to try a broad range of things and find what I truly enjoy using and carrying. This includes the kitchen. I don't want to waste any more time potentially missing out things I might now find I really enjoy (even if I once had valid reasons to not like them) because of decades-old ideas.
 
Eli Chaps said:
I just mean that I've spent so much time telling myself that slip joints a re no go, that it now seems weird to toss one in my pocket. Going to the mother in law's today and I'll carry the Buck.
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Ah, that makes sense. All comes down to what you use a knife for really, and how much "having a cool thing in my pocket that I love owning" affects your choices. I carry a ZT sometimes just because I love the "cool thing in pocket" while at the same time carrying a Case Peanut or Stockman or the aformentioned SAK. But most of the time, a slipjoint does what I need.
 

Traditional knives are more capable than people think. You can get a top of the line production traditional for a fraction of the price of a top of the line modern folder.

I like some moderns. For my purposes, carrying a modern folder is like driving a farrarri in bumper to bumper traffic. Plus, I like the soul of a traditional.
 
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I love my traditional knives but as an installer, I am opening boxes and packages, cutting tape, slicing open bags and shrink wrap. A pocket clipped one handed opener folder prevents my muddy or dirty fingers from having to go inside my pocket. I used to carry a slip joint too, but I have lost a couple, having them go along for the ride. That did not sit well with me. I hate losing things. Now, I reserve traditional for non work days. I love my precious’s.
 
Back when I joined BF, I became such a knife nut, I would have grimaced at the thought of a razor utility knife. I used to work at Home Depot and used them all the time. After using my knives and dulling them slicing up cardboard for recycling, I had a paradigm shift.
 
I really enjoyed the video above. The guy put a lot of effort into making his valid point. Funny how he kept disappearing every time he stepped into the trees but always came out flashing his little worthy knife.

Would not have been my choice of tools but the point that a slippy can do more work than we expect is well taken. I prefer a locking folder for my EDC work knife. Still, I have had one of those fold on me (a liner lock) and make a mess of my finger. At the time I was using the spine to push with and there was my bloody mistake. :eek:

In general though, I would not pass up on a nonlocking folder, all else being equal. Too many great slip joints to turn your back on the entire class. Your loss would be our gain. :thumbsup: You'll know soon enough.

Ray
 
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