r/SlipjointKnives

The wood isn't even polished, it's rough, the pins stick out, the blade is dirty and very short, and honestly, I don't have time to sit on the porch and carve a frog totem out of a piece of wood. In reality, it's only good for opening Amazon packages. But despite all that, it has its charm. Maybe it's the beaver, possibly my favorite shield out of all the ones GEC makes.

Been after a stallion for a while. I think the ebony is the best one. Just feels right on this classic knife. It’s going to be such a great user. Can’t wait to tiner her up.

My 2nd pair of 93 pine whittlers. I sold the first pair but I'm keeping these and putting them to work.

Rough Rider Blue Dragon Barlow and a Frost White Smooth Bone Trapper.

The Barlow looks awesome. Really nice action for a budget slippy. Snappy but not as loud as my modern slip joints from RR. The bolsters on my specific example were a little bit different lengths between the front and back. Not massively different but big enough to notice. The seller i got it from already got a replacement in the mail so fingers crossed the bolsters are better while maintaining the otherwise excellent fit and finish. Transitions are smooth everywhere. Spring sits flush in all positions. Center pin is a little proud but in an intentional way. They're flush everywhere else.

For the trapper i have to say not too shabby at all either. Some people like to give Frost shit and I myself didn't really really like any of the modern knives I've owned from them but their traditionals are very very decent. Action isn't as snappy as the RR. In fact, going from half stop to fully open, its a bit lazy especially on the spey blade. It has gotten a bit better since unboxing so suspect it will continue to improve as it breaks in but i don't expect it to ever be a walk and talk monster.

Otherwise the fit and finish everywhere else are very close to perfect. Comparable to the RR though slightly off center unlike the RR. It's also flush everywhere and the smallest of gaps between the spring and liner near the pivots. Barely noticeable..but it does let light through. I did win this one from a giveaway though so i really can't complain. Most importantly the bone on my example is GORGEOUS. I don't know if they're all like this but mine has a really good smattering of speckles from the bone's pores that doesn't really come through on the photos as well as I'd like.

RR work knife

Chuffed with this! Love at first sight when folkywanderer posted his new knife last week. I went for the ‘brut de forge’ and couldn’t resist adding the mammoth ivory inlay. Extremely straightforward ordering process. Comes with a host of information which makes it a lovely ‘unboxing’ experience.

Last image is the new addition with its siblings :-) I think this is the type of knife I’m going to focus on, European slipjoints. When I decided to expand my very modest collection, I first went for adding iconic knives and brands: Buck 110 and 120, the big KA-BAR USMC one, Spyderco Manix 2, RR, Kershaw. It’s nice to have ticked those boxes, but I realised they don’t make me tick.

Somebody asked a while ago on one of these forums ‘what is value to you?’ I now realise that for me it is history, tradition and craftsmanship, knives representing a specific region. So, wishlists have been updated (with some very painful goodbyes) and lots of researching has been and will be done. I’m compiling a list of European makers and resellers, when ready I’ll post it here.

GEC431118

Left for work right is for the weekend

Along with the case trapper I also carry a bench made bailout for work also,or is that overkill

Bought a canoe at the end of last year to add to the collection and had to have another one to add to the pocket

I have to force myself to carry my case knives…idk why i am such a GEC fanboy…Anyway these 15’s are the shit, and I may be selling my extremely small case collection..