Author Topic: Pocket knives? (Read 14843 times)

sleazy rider · « **on:** April 17, 2016, 07:14:19 AM »

I'm currently using a Gerber paraframe folder for everyday cutting use, but the blade hinge is getting sloppy. What can you recommend in the 3.5-4.5" blade range. Spend limit is under $45 for the right tool. Lots of cheap junk out there! I want simple with a pocket clip. Tacticool ain't.

mxvet57 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2016, 07:42:01 AM »

I wonder when TSA will chime in.

Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #2 on:** April 17, 2016, 08:09:26 AM »

For the price, Swiss Army Knives are top performers year after year. The blade steel holds an edge fairly well, and unlike "supersteels" sharpens up relatively quickly.

Spyderco makes a lot of relatively inexpensive excellent knives in that size. One hand opening on all of them (if that's important to you).

Columbia River Knife and Tool also has a huge selection in that range.

Pick what you like, they're all at least as good and most of them better than the Gerber you're using now.

Cookie · « **Reply #3 on:** April 17, 2016, 08:11:40 AM »

I have two that I always have one of. My fave is the Kershaw Cryo.
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Cryo-1555Ti--11101

Kershaw customer service is great. They've replaced the pocket clip (I broke it) and sent me two springs when one broke after a year of every day use.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #4 on:** April 17, 2016, 08:58:04 AM »

Quote from: mxvet57 on April 17, 2016, 07:42:01 AM

I wonder when TSA will chime in.

The only flying I do is on two wheels. They'd really be pissed to see what's in the holster.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #5 on:** April 17, 2016, 09:19:26 AM »

Quote from: Cookie on April 17, 2016, 08:11:40 AM

I have two that I always have one of. My fave is the Kershaw Cryo.
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Cryo-1555Ti--11101

Kershaw customer service is great. They've replaced the pocket clip (I broke it) and sent me two springs when one broke after a year of every day use.

You delivered, Cookie. This is not going to be cheap as they sell some nice stuff. I think the Kershaw Volt II will fill the need.

--Thanks!

Loki · « **Reply #6 on:** April 17, 2016, 09:49:14 AM »

Quote from: sleazy rider on April 17, 2016, 09:19:26 AM

Quote from: Cookie on April 17, 2016, 08:11:40 AM
I have two that I always have one of. My fave is the Kershaw Cryo.
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Cryo-1555Ti--11101

Kershaw customer service is great. They've replaced the pocket clip (I broke it) and sent me two springs when one broke after a year of every day use.

You delivered, Cookie. This is not going to be cheap as they sell some nice stuff. I think the Kershaw Volt II will fill the need.

Cookie delivers? Cool, bring out some crab and lobster.....I suppose a small delivery charge will be added?

Thanks,

--Thanks!

miles · « **Reply #7 on:** April 17, 2016, 10:37:34 AM »

I was going to recommend the sale section at bladehq.com but it looks as if you've already got it sorted.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #8 on:** April 17, 2016, 11:04:28 AM »

Quote from: Loki on April 17, 2016, 09:49:14 AM

Quote from: sleazy rider on April 17, 2016, 09:19:26 AM
Quote from: Cookie on April 17, 2016, 08:11:40 AM
I have two that I always have one of. My fave is the Kershaw Cryo.
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Cryo-1555Ti--11101

Kershaw customer service is great. They've replaced the pocket clip (I broke it) and sent me two springs when one broke after a year of every day use.

You delivered, Cookie. This is not going to be cheap as they sell some nice stuff. I think the Kershaw Volt II will fill the need.

--Thanks!

Cookie delivers? Cool, bring out some crab and lobster.....I suppose a small delivery charge will be added?

We should have hooked up with Ted and gone to Buffalo for lunch.

misanthropist · « **Reply #9 on:** April 17, 2016, 11:08:20 AM »

I like the Kershaw Emerson collaborations, and the cheap Spydercos. I used to carry expensive knives, but I lost a couple and now I'm done. I just go with stuff like the above mentioned K-Es, and the Spyder Tenacious etc.

A friend is using the Boker S2 and really likes it, if you want something a little weird.

Cookie · « **Reply #10 on:** April 17, 2016, 11:26:17 AM »

Quote from: misanthropist on April 17, 2016, 11:08:20 AM

I like the Kershaw Emerson collaborations, and the cheap Spydercos. I used to carry expensive knives, but I lost a couple and now I'm done. I just go with stuff like the above mentioned K-Es, and the Spyder Tenacious etc.

A friend is using the Boker S2 and really likes it, if you want something a little weird.

My other one is the Spyderco Tenacious. For a less expensive blade it retains its sharpness well.

Bounce · « **Reply #11 on:** April 17, 2016, 12:06:56 PM »

Just got this. (lurves me sum Damascus folders). Bone scales, lock back, puuuUUUuuuUUuuurty. It was near your range (which I just saw after typing all the below).

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Still have my 2 Spidercos that I got more than 20 years ago. Back when they were all metal with square corners. They are rock solid and Spiderco will sharpern/tighten ("tune") them up free for life. Got them for $60 each and handed them out to men folk one year for xmas (bought 6 - kept 1 - got one back when my Step-Dad passed).

Also have a Benchmade that I think the pocket tang is sitting too low on the body. It makes the knife set too high up when hooked into the pocket. It has a way to put the clip on the other end which will allow it to sit lower because there's no pivot to avoid (just checked and it takes a #6 torx bit). Other than that, it's robust and keeps an edge pretty well. You might have issues in some jurisdictions that might classify it as a switchblade but no problemo here. Daily wear for about 3 years until I got my most recent one above. Only had to sharpen it after going to town breaking down a whole lot of cardboard boxes one week. My box knife was in the tool chest 10 feet away (doh) Similar to this:

http://www.benchmade.com/9052bk.html (I sure didn't pay THAT price for it though)

[Note: Benchmade is the one who makes blades for H&K.]

misanthropist · « **Reply #12 on:** April 17, 2016, 12:44:41 PM »

Quote from: Cookie on April 17, 2016, 11:26:17 AM

Quote from: misanthropist on April 17, 2016, 11:08:20 AM
I like the Kershaw Emerson collaborations, and the cheap Spydercos. I used to carry expensive knives, but I lost a couple and now I'm done. I just go with stuff like the above mentioned K-Es, and the Spyder Tenacious etc.

A friend is using the Boker S2 and really likes it, if you want something a little weird.

My other one is the Spyderco Tenacious. For a less expensive blade it retains its sharpness well.

Yeah, and the broad flat grind makes it a great slicer. Pretty much everything I want in a general purpose knife.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #13 on:** April 17, 2016, 01:26:04 PM »

I looked at the Benchmades. Riiiiight. For a daily use knife, I'm not spending half a week's take home pay. They sure are nice though. I'd worry about losing that sucker after I set it somewhere on a job.

Bounce · « **Reply #14 on:** April 17, 2016, 02:43:52 PM »

Get something made in Pakistan. Cheap. Disposable. Everything you want.

http://www.discountcutlery.net/Pocket-Knives-made-in-Pakistan_c_4440.html

After a while, you can tell by the look of the wood and fixtures that they are Pakistani. I've had a few over the years and they are serviceable. You may eventually go with something that can last you a lifetime but you may not.

Heck. I have a folder that's just been sitting for a few years. Nothing fancy but lock back Pakastani belt knife. 4.25" blade with a 3.5" edge and a belt pouch. PM me and I'll send it to you for postage. Looks similar to this (a little nicer scales). No pocket clip but the price is right.

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sleazy rider · « **Reply #15 on:** April 17, 2016, 03:25:28 PM »

Thanks, but I ordered one from the website already and I've got a knife that looks just like that with no wear. It's not ergonomic nor clips to my pocket for easy access. Got a Kershaw on order. My Gerber will last another week. I'll try tweaking the blade hinge at work in the morning.

Cookie · « **Reply #16 on:** April 17, 2016, 03:35:12 PM »

Which Kershaw did you order?

sleazy rider · « **Reply #17 on:** April 17, 2016, 04:07:07 PM »

Quote from: Cookie on April 17, 2016, 03:35:12 PM

Which Kershaw did you order?

Volt II in black with serrated blade. I cut a fair amount of tie down straps.

kneescrubber · « **Reply #18 on:** April 17, 2016, 08:55:00 PM »

Quote from: sleazy rider on April 17, 2016, 04:07:07 PM

Quote from: Cookie on April 17, 2016, 03:35:12 PM
Which Kershaw did you order?

Volt II in black with serrated blade. I cut a fair amount of tie down straps.

Why?

CLAY · « **Reply #19 on:** April 17, 2016, 09:17:05 PM »

Late to the game here, but for future reference I've been carrying for 30 years. It was always a traditional blade, starting with the Schrade my grandpa gave me when I turned 10 (still have it-nonstainless blades can get SO sharp...)- I just didn't carry it every day until I started driving.

Anyway, I carried traditional blades until about 2 years ago when I got a Leatherman Freestyle.
http://www.swissknifeshop.com/shop/leatherman/leatherman-pocket-size-tools/leatherman-freestyle-multi-tool
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Despite the massive picture, it's small enough to easily fit in the pocket, one blade, and I find the pliers/snipper incredibly useful. I'd have a tough time ever carrying anything else. The pliers is just that handy- it has a clip on one side, but I carry it in my pocket.

When I am out working (not teaching) I have a Leatherman Wave I carry in a leather belt holster- I've had that for probably 20 years, but the Freestyle is an excellent EDC IMO.

miles · « **Reply #20 on:** April 17, 2016, 10:41:28 PM »

Quote from: kneescrubber on April 17, 2016, 08:55:00 PM

Quote from: sleazy rider on April 17, 2016, 04:07:07 PM
Quote from: Cookie on April 17, 2016, 03:35:12 PM
Which Kershaw did you order?

Volt II in black with serrated blade. I cut a fair amount of tie down straps.

Why?

It's easier than trying to deal with those damned ratcheting mechanisms.

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #21 on:** April 18, 2016, 02:59:20 AM »

Victorinix and an inexpensive French pocket knife. I use the cheap one more often.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #22 on:** April 18, 2016, 05:46:48 AM »

Quote from: miles on April 17, 2016, 10:41:28 PM

Quote from: kneescrubber on April 17, 2016, 08:55:00 PM
Quote from: sleazy rider on April 17, 2016, 04:07:07 PM
Quote from: Cookie on April 17, 2016, 03:35:12 PM
Which Kershaw did you order?

Volt II in black with serrated blade. I cut a fair amount of tie down straps.

Why?

It's easier than trying to deal with those damned ratcheting mechanisms.

Unloading new bikes from their shipping skids. They're tied down with a complicated ratchet system requiring contortions to release and Harley puts new on every time they're used. So, we cut them.

Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #23 on:** April 18, 2016, 09:47:25 AM »

Quote from: sleazy rider on April 18, 2016, 05:46:48 AM

Quote from: miles on April 17, 2016, 10:41:28 PM
Quote from: kneescrubber on April 17, 2016, 08:55:00 PM
Quote from: sleazy rider on April 17, 2016, 04:07:07 PM
Quote from: Cookie on April 17, 2016, 03:35:12 PM
Which Kershaw did you order?

Volt II in black with serrated blade. I cut a fair amount of tie down straps.

Why?

It's easier than trying to deal with those damned ratcheting mechanisms.

Unloading new bikes from their shipping skids. They're tied down with a complicated ratchet system requiring contortions to release and Harley puts new on every time they're used. So, we cut them.

Hmm.

I think I would take a couple home and get so good at undoing them, I could do it in the dark. Then I'd take all the used ratchet straps, group them in sets of 2 and sell them on CL or ebay. Probably could pay for a Benchmade in a few weeks.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #24 on:** April 18, 2016, 09:49:17 AM »

Quote from: Mr. Whippy on April 18, 2016, 09:47:25 AM

Quote from: sleazy rider on April 18, 2016, 05:46:48 AM
Quote from: miles on April 17, 2016, 10:41:28 PM
Quote from: kneescrubber on April 17, 2016, 08:55:00 PM
Quote from: sleazy rider on April 17, 2016, 04:07:07 PM
Quote from: Cookie on April 17, 2016, 03:35:12 PM
Which Kershaw did you order?

Volt II in black with serrated blade. I cut a fair amount of tie down straps.

Why?

It's easier than trying to deal with those damned ratcheting mechanisms.

Unloading new bikes from their shipping skids. They're tied down with a complicated ratchet system requiring contortions to release and Harley puts new on every time they're used. So, we cut them.

Hmm.

I think I would take a couple home and get so good at undoing them, I could do it in the dark. Then I'd take all the used ratchet straps, group them in sets of 2 and sell them on CL or ebay. Probably could pay for a Benchmade in a few weeks.

Few weeks? In a few days! "Genuine HD ratchet straps for trailerin' and towin' yer bike!" Gold I tell ya, solid gold.

Bounce · « **Reply #25 on:** April 18, 2016, 09:51:28 AM »

Yup. Good money paid for straps like that even if they were designed in the 40s and can't make it through a corner.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #26 on:** April 18, 2016, 06:01:51 PM »

The ratcheting portion is built into the skid. All they replace is the strap itself.

wibornz · « **Reply #27 on:** May 30, 2016, 08:03:46 AM »

Here you go, carry this.

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sleazy rider · « **Reply #28 on:** May 30, 2016, 10:34:25 AM »

The Kershaw has handled everything be thrown at it and cut it all.

Loki · « **Reply #29 on:** May 31, 2016, 09:49:51 PM »

Quote from: wibornz on May 30, 2016, 08:03:46 AM

Here you go, carry this.

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What will it take to get one of those? can get you more coffee mugs?

Let me know.....I have things...

L;

Leanintree · « **Reply #30 on:** June 01, 2016, 10:28:35 AM »

Just traded out to my backup. Kershaw Clash. Super strong spring, although I with it was pointier and with a slightly longer blade. Replaces my previous Kershaw *insert model here* that was a bit longer and pointier, but has now gone through 2 springs... Kershaw replaced and refreshed it once, but I'm not sure a $20 knife is worth it a second time.

Been very happy with the real world utilization of the Kershaw models (especially with Speed Safe opener). Pocket knife is a mayny times daily tool to me, and I use it as such, so I look for quality and longevity with a replaceable pricetag. I'm more than happy with the $20 Ive spent on each of these. Gotten a good 5-6 years out of each one at that price.

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Downs · « **Reply #31 on:** June 01, 2016, 02:30:01 PM »

I had a Gerber Paraframe for a while as well. Had the same thing the hinge started to loosen up over time. Wound up losing it to a TSA checkpoint flying home from leave about a year ago when I forgot to move it from my EDC bag to my checked bag.

I replaced that with a CRKT M16-14ZSF but it's quite large for a folding pocket knife. Not the largest by any means but just a bit larger than I'd normally carry. Wound up picking up a Benchmade and the CRKT is now on tankbag duty and the Benchmade rides in my pocket when I'm not in motorcycle gear.

miles · « **Reply #32 on:** June 01, 2016, 03:30:02 PM »

My EDC is a Spyderco Sage 3 I inherited from Kevin Stevens.

He had some very specific thoughts on folding knives, and in his typical extremely rational way selected a knife that met his criteria. First, it had to have a locking mechanism that didn't necessitate putting your thumb in the blade path to close the knife. Myself, I've never really put that much thought into lockback/liner lock/frame lock/other, but this was important to him.

As he put it, "There is a non-zero chance that my thumb might get caught in a moment of a=inattention." Hard to argue with that.

He also preferred flat-ground, but I've always liked my blades hollow-ground. I'm OK with having to work more to keep it sharp in return for a very sharp edge. Before this knife my EDC was a Kershaw (I can't remember the model name) flipper that was extremely fast and sharp enough to cut you if you even looked at it. The Spyderco is reasonably sharp at any given time, but never frighteningly so, as my old Kershaw certainly was.

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This is the Kershaw I used to carry:
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RBEmerson · « **Reply #33 on:** June 02, 2016, 07:56:20 AM »

Quote from: Mr. Whippy on April 17, 2016, 08:09:26 AM

For the price, Swiss Army Knives are top performers year after year. The blade steel holds an edge fairly well, and unlike "supersteels" sharpens up relatively quickly.

Spyderco makes a lot of relatively inexpensive excellent knives in that size. One hand opening on all of them (if that's important to you).

Columbia River Knife and Tool also has a huge selection in that range.

Pick what you like, they're all at least as good and most of them better than the Gerber you're using now.

+1. Between that and a Leatherman Core, I can cover a lot of situations.

The only way to deal with flying is to check the knife. Or plan on buying them after every flight and expect to wind up on a watch list... >:-(

Bounce · « **Reply #34 on:** June 02, 2016, 08:43:45 AM »

While I really like this design, I suspect the knives fall short of my Shun set in favor of design.

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wibornz · « **Reply #35 on:** June 03, 2016, 03:28:33 PM »

Quote from: Loki on May 31, 2016, 09:49:51 PM

Quote from: wibornz on May 30, 2016, 08:03:46 AM
Here you go, carry this.

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What will it take to get one of those? can get you more coffee mugs?

Let me know.....I have things...

L;

I need a new mug. How many knifes do you want?

http://www.amazon.com/TAC-Force-TF-547PB-Assisted-Simulated/dp/B0089AB70K/ref=pd_sim_469_6?ie=UTF8&dpID=31rwB7jwCSL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR312%2C320_&refRID=00ZTNJ0FWK48450HBXZ8

Dan K · « **Reply #36 on:** June 03, 2016, 04:22:14 PM »

I've been carrying this little chunky lockblade since I lost my tiny spyderco...

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Holds an edge well, came razor sharp.

- Dan

sleazy rider · « **Reply #37 on:** January 05, 2017, 06:33:28 AM »

And I'm back in the market after misplacing my Kershaw at work. It's been a long month, so I'm sure it's gone forever. Probably in someone's ATV storage bin. After I get back from vacation, it'll be back to Cookie's recommended site for a new EDC replacement. The Gerber has been pressed into service yet again.

Cookie · « **Reply #38 on:** January 05, 2017, 06:42:59 AM »

Quote from: sleazy rider on January 05, 2017, 06:33:28 AM

And I'm back in the market after misplacing my Kershaw at work. It's been a long month, so I'm sure it's gone forever. Probably in someone's ATV storage bin. After I get back from vacation, it'll be back to Cookie's recommended site for a new EDC replacement. The Gerber has been pressed into service yet again.

I spend way too much money there.

The last few-
http://www.bladehq.com/?search=Ontario+RAT+3+Hunter+Limited+Edition+Fixed+Blade+Walnut+%283.25%22+D2+Satin%29
http://www.bladehq.com/?search=Kershaw+Launch+1+Automatic+Knife+Black+Aluminum+%283.4%22+BlackWash%29+7100BW
http://www.bladehq.com/?search=CRKT+Ikoma+Civet+Drop+Point+Neck+Knife+%282.4%22+Satin%29+2804
http://www.bladehq.com/?search=Browning+Pursuit+Fixed+Blade+Knife+Cocobolo+%283.25%22+Satin%29

Arriving today-
http://www.bladehq.com/?search=Boker+Plus+Coye+Ridgeback+Fixed+Blade+Knife+%283.38%22+Bead+Blast%29+02BO060

I have a problem.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #39 on:** January 05, 2017, 06:58:26 AM »

Put the mail on hold and ordered:

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-1304BW-Assisted-Opening--37638

For under $20, it'll fill the bill for work.

SuperHans · « **Reply #40 on:** January 05, 2017, 07:52:21 PM »

Opinel. Good, simple, and inexpensive. They come in all different sizes.

http://www.opinel-usa.com

I prefer Benchmade myslef, but Opinel makes a good knife.

misanthropist · « **Reply #41 on:** January 06, 2017, 12:06:07 AM »

I carried Opinels for years. Great knives. The Mora of folders.

I also really like the Victorinox Farmer for non-one-handed opening knives. Very versatile.

DNA · « **Reply #42 on:** January 06, 2017, 02:03:05 PM »

I love this place https://www.knifecenter.com/

I may go load up a shopping cart to spend a $100 holiday gift card and get free shipping.

Lots of cool sales usually going on.

While on the subject what do you all like for sharpening tools?

Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #43 on:** January 06, 2017, 04:16:43 PM »

Quote from: misanthropist on January 06, 2017, 12:06:07 AM

I carried Opinels for years. Great knives. The Mora of folders.

I also really like the Victorinox Farmer for non-one-handed opening knives. Very versatile.

I sorta have a "thing" for Vic Farmers...

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Jim · « **Reply #44 on:** January 06, 2017, 04:20:48 PM »

Quote from: Mr. Whippy on January 06, 2017, 04:16:43 PM

I sorta have a "thing" for Vic Farmers...

That's a collection.

My pref is the Tinker model with straight and Phillips screwdriver options (opening computer cases, etc.), tweezer, toothpic, two blades. It's useful enough / svelt enough for daily pocket carry. I'd like to have a pliers but the bulk of a multi-tool has kept me from carrying them (a few are in the toolboxes).

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https://www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Medium-Pocket-Knives/Tinker/p/1.4603

misanthropist · « **Reply #45 on:** January 06, 2017, 08:29:43 PM »

Quote from: Mr. Whippy on January 06, 2017, 04:16:43 PM

I sorta have a "thing" for Vic Farmers...

Holy christ, that's an obsession!

Bounce · « **Reply #46 on:** January 07, 2017, 11:52:09 AM »

Got these as stocking stuffers for everyone for xmas.

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Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #47 on:** January 07, 2017, 06:09:47 PM »

Quote from: Bounce on January 07, 2017, 11:52:09 AM

Got these as stocking stuffers for everyone for xmas.

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The Dime is a realy nice little keychain tool BUT be careful with the pliers. They have a tendency to bend the backspring.
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,67334.msg1305123.html#msg1305123

Bounce · « **Reply #48 on:** January 07, 2017, 07:39:11 PM »

bummer

Virginian · « **Reply #49 on:** January 08, 2017, 10:55:13 AM »

I got a new Case for Xmas that I love! <3

I put the Sharpie in the pic for size reference, it's a tiny thing.
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