Old-time Pocket Knives
Old-time Pocket Knives
Providing That "Self-Reliant" Feeling
I know I am always gushing about Jack Wolf Knives and C. Reisner Cutlery slip joints, but we shan’t forget the ones who’ve always stood by.
Yes, I am in a slip joint phase, pretty deeply, and now I am starting to look at all of my older, in some cases, antique slip joints.
They were the pocket knives that my grandpa carried without fanfare, as a matter of course, because there was (and still is) a need. Not because they were cool, but because the very least you could do to be self-reliant was drop a pocket knife in your pocket.
Whether it was a chunky camp/scout knife, the multi-tool of its day, or a slender little pen blade for everyday cutting chores, old-time pocket knives had an exciting variety of patterns and tool sets and came in a variety of natural and manmade materials.
By today’s standards, the blade steel was soft and easy to sharpen, which made multi-bladed pocket knives more of a necessity. When your blade is made of S90V (like a Jack Wolf Knives knife), there isn’t much need for a secondary blade because it will take a lot of hard work to dull the modern super steel.
So as I appreciate and fuss with my modern slip joints, my JWKs and my CRCs, I will also appreciate my old-timey slip joints, made long before me and my big ideas by men who had a genuine need to cut things.
I have been flushing the pivots with oil and resurrecting the snappy action from a time gone by while giving them quick, razor-like edges on my Sharpmaker.
Next time you have a Jones for a slip joint, consider going to eBay (affiliate link) or your local antique store to pick up a cheap old slip joint and keep the story of that pocket knife going strong.
Knife Junkie Out!
Featured Knife: Begg Knives Filoso Dagger
The Filoso Dagger knife by Begg Knives is the perfect balance of form and function. It has a comfortable, sculpted handle and three available finishes on the double-ground blade. Get yours today!
Brian Milinski, Milinski Knives: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 461)
Brian Milinski of Milinski Knives joins Bob "The Knife Junkie" DeMarco on Episode 461 of The Knife Junkie Podcast.
Milinski started by making fixed-blade hunting knives. A family friend first mentored him, and groups like the Texas Knife Makers Guild helped refine his techniques. In recent years, he has begun crafting folding knives, requiring new tools and skills.
When asked about his business goals, he said he aims to keep his production small and focus on quality over quantity. He wants to progress toward a full-time retirement career. Milinski draws inspiration from Texas's ranching history and knife culture. His style combines classical and modern elements.
His dream is to someday create a high-end automatic folder with inlays. For now, Milinski plans to grow his solo operation slowly, concentrating on excellent handmade knives over high output.
Find Milinski Knives online at www.mrknives.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/milinskiknives.
