Now, let’s talk about the Loom Fixer. This is an old-school jack knife pattern that goes way back to the 1920s when Case first started making them. It’s got deep ties to textile mills, where workers used it for maintenance and fine cutting tasks—hence the name. The original versions had bone handles, later swapped for slick black covers and eventually jigged Pakkawood until production stopped in 1978. Some folks say the Loom Fixer is related to the New England Whaler pattern, which itself may have Sheffield influences. Whatever the case, it’s a knife with a long working history.
RoseCraft’s take on the Loom Fixer, the Lick Creek, is a single-blade slip joint that keeps the classic swayback design but adds a few modern touches. It’s got a 2.7-inch sheepsfoot blade made from D2 steel, a big step up from the softer steels often found in traditional slip joints. The blade has a full flat grind, which makes it an excellent slicer, and the swedge near the tip gives it a bit of extra character. One interesting design choice—there’s no kick on the tang. Instead, RoseCraft uses a stop pin to keep the blade from dropping too low when closed. Different, but it works.
The handles are genuine Rosewood, and they look and feel fantastic. There’s something about natural wood that just gives a knife warmth—unlike titanium or G10, which can feel cold and sterile. The brushed stainless steel bolsters and the "Diamonds" shield tie everything together nicely, making it feel like a well-thought-out, premium traditional folder. Fit and finish? Spot on. The shield is flush, the pins sit cleanly, and the back springs are polished to a level you don’t always see in this price range.
In hand, the swayback design is as comfortable as ever, making pull cuts feel natural. The half-stop is snappy, and while there’s a nail nick for opening, I found myself just pinching and pulling the blade out instead. I think a long pull would have suited this knife better, given how much of the blade sits above the scales.
Overall, I’m impressed. I’ve always been more of a Case guy when it comes to traditionals, but RoseCraft really nailed it with the Lick Creek Loom Fixer. It’s got that vintage soul but brings enough modern improvements to make it feel fresh. If you want a traditional knife with history but don’t want to compromise on materials and quality, this one’s worth a look.`
