Old Timer 12OT Pal

A folding knife you carry every day should be sharp, handy and easy to carry. The Pal has a 2.2 inch clip-point blade that handles everyday cutting, from baling twine and feed sacks to a box or a strap that needs trimming. It is a compact pocket knife that rides in a jeans pocket without weighing you down.

High-carbon stainless steel takes a good edge and sharpens easily, and the sawcut Delrin handle with nickel silver bolsters gives a comfortable, classic feel in the hand. The slipjoint design has no lock, so spring tension holds the blade open and closed, the way farm knives have worked for generations. It weighs about 0.8 ounces.

Highlights

• Compact pocket knife for everyday carry
• Clip-point blade for everyday cutting
• High-carbon stainless steel blade
• Sawcut Delrin handle with nickel silver bolsters
• Lightweight slipjoint at 0.8 oz

Why a slipjoint for farm chores

A slipjoint is the simplest kind of folding knife. There is no lock to release before you close it, so it stays simple to use and simple to care for. For the chores that come up through the day, like cutting baling twine, opening a feed sack or trimming a strap, a small knife you don't have to think about is the one you end up using.

It suits a farm hand who carries a knife every day, a horse owner who keeps one in the truck for a loose lead rope, or a gardener who wants a knife that fits a pocket. It is the everyday tool that earns its keep without asking for much in return.

At a glance

How to use it

1. Open and close the blade slowly, keeping your fingers clear of the edge.
2. Cut away from your body, and keep the blade steady through the cut.
3. Wipe the blade and handle dry after use, especially after wet or muddy work.
4. Close the blade fully before you pocket the knife, so the spring stays firm.

Good to know

• Keep a small sharpening stone in the truck or the barn so the edge stays ready.
• A light coat of oil on the pivot keeps a slipjoint opening smoothly.
• Store the knife dry. High-carbon stainless resists rust, but a damp pocket is still hard on any blade.
• Pair it with a fine file or stone for quick touch-ups between sharpening sessions.

Carry one in the truck before the next big cutting job.