Pocket Knife recommendations

[Scott Shepherd]

There seem to be loads of threads about sharpening pocket knives, but not about picking one out!

So here it is!

Looking for possible gift of a pocket knife. He's been through most all the lower end models at wally world and sporting good stores. I personally have 2, a Kershaw that's black and has a blade assist on it, so it snaps open almost like a switch blade. It's a small to medium size knife. It's coated black with something. It's been a good knife, but probably not to the level he'd use it for. I also have a small CRKT Ed halligan engineered knife. It's a small knife and it's been pretty good for me.

I'm not a knife guy, I know some of the brand names and I've owned some bucks, cases, and kershaws over the years. Is there a knife you'd recommend in the $35-60 range that is superior to the lower end models, and if so, why is it superior and what do you like about it?

[David Christopher]

Boker knives are good if you get the ones with solingen Germany blades

[Chris Kennedy]

I have a Gerber multi-tool -- smallest model. I wouldn't be without it. A little more than just a pocket knife, but it is incredibly useful.


Cheers,

Chris

[Myk Rian]

My most used knife is a small Victorinox. Has a blade, scissors, file/straight blade, can opener/Phillips blade, tooth pick and tweezers. About $20.

[Joe Mioux]

I have a knife in my hand probably 4 or 5 hours a day.

I have had good knives and everyday knives.

My favorite knife was a Bear with Damascus Steel and a bone handle. Here is a link to what it looked like.

http://www.knivesplus.com/bear-and-son-knife-bc-525d.html

The reason for the past tense verbs in the above sentence.... I lost the knife.

joe

[Rich Engelhardt]

I'm very partial to Benchmade.
They are a bit on the pricey side though.

[Jim Rimmer]

I have several Schrade Waldens and Cases. My favorite is a Schrade Walden 3 blade that my Grandfather gave me 50 years ago. It is the size they used to refer to as a "Sunday" knife because it didn't bulge in your Sunday pants. And in those days the steel was a lot better.

[jim hedgpeth]

I carried this one for almost 5 years, till the wire cutter was worn too nothing, and all the "teeth" in the jaws was worn smooth. Scissors still work though. I used them on the job, and at home every day, many times a day.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004TR4S/ref=asc_df_B00004TR4S981906?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=googlecom09c9-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B00004TR4S

Even comes in black if that's his thing.....
http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-45509-Compact-Multi-Plier-Sheath/dp/B000LGJFRC/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1260495505&sr=1-22

I have the needle nose version of these now,
http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-07500G-Carbide-Insert-Cutters/dp/B00004TR4Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1260495609&sr=8-2

I don't know why Amazon don't list the needle nose ones. The carbide cuts almost anything it can git a bite on, and they are replaceable.

The only reason I replaced my mp400 is because it was just totally worn out. I have a different job now and the company provides all the tools, but I still have my Gerbers in hand before I realize it at times. Just one of those (looking at tool in hand) " when did I get that out" type of instinct things now. The guys at work get a kick out of it cause I can open, get knife, scissors, file, ect with one hand and never even look at the pliers. I just use them that much. If I could only have one tool............... well, yea, you get it.:o

Sorry, I will stop ranting now.

Jim

[Thomas Canfield]

Buck Stockman (3 SS blade) is my current knife for last 8 years or so. It is a mid size and fits my hand (and pocket) better than the smaller or larger knives. It replaced a Schrade similar that I had carried for over 25 years. I also carry a small Vitorolox for the sissors and file.

[John Lohmann]

I love Gerber knives, I probably have 30+ of them. The knife I carry everyday is Kershaw® Blackout Serrated Edge Folding Knife - #1550ST. Made in USA on @$35. Sorry about the font, assisted opening & serrated, not too big, not too small.

[Mike Zilis]

I've got a collection of Bucks and Benchmades along with a few CRKTs. I suppose if I had to pick one in the price range you mention that would make for a great everyday knife, I'd go with a CRKT Glide Lock.

http://www.crkt.com/GlideLock

[Michael O'Sullivan]

One thing to remember -- DAMHIKT --- if you fly, remember to leave that at home.

[Robert Snowden]

german eye,hen and roster,kissing crane all are good knives a bit pricey but worth it.

[Lee Schierer]

I've carried a Buck Cadet for over 30 years and it has been a great pocket knife. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/213EUTSNwuL._SL500_AA262_.jpg

My Dad also carried the same model for many many years.

[tyler mckee]

I have a leatherman skeletool that i carry every day, its just a knife, plier/wire cutter, and has two removable screwdriver bits. smaller than normal multitools cause it only has what i use.

[Butch Edwards]

Case,Buck,or Schrade would be my 1st choices if true quality were the leading point. However, if/when you misplace the knife you're out a whole lot more $$...I've lost my share, and now only buy throwaways. I have sentimental-valued heirloom knives,but can't use them for that reason.

[Jim Rimmer]

Don't know if this is important to you or not but Case is running ads on the radio (with Brooks and Dunn) that their knives are still made in the USA (Pennsylvania) and use USA made steel. They also tout they still sell them through the small stores.

[Joel Goodman]

I have a Gerber LST but make sure that you get the "made in USA" version -- there are two with a similar name. It's small, thin, and takes a good edge. My favorite was an "Old Timer" with carbon steel blades but stupid me left it in a carry on and the airport security got it. Unfortunately they are no longer made.

[Rod Sheridan]

I have a Gerber LST but make sure that you get the "made in USA" version -- there are two with a similar name. It's small, thin, and takes a good edge. My favorite was an "Old Timer" with carbon steel blades but stupid me left it in a carry on and the airport security got it. Unfortunately they are no longer made.

Hi, I'm not much of an expert on knives, however years ago I lost my Camillus (sp?) knife and replaced it with an Old Timer, both made in the USA.

I now need a new knife and find out that both Camillus and Old Timer (Shrade??) have gone out of business, even worse, the Old Timer knives are now being produced in China.

Have we become so enamoured of cheap that we don't have any quality products made in North America?

Regards, Rod.

[Cameron Reddy]

I consider Benchmade on the inexpensive side. For the price, I've not seen anything better. Check out the AFCK (Advanced Folding Combat Knife).

Here are some really wonderful knives.

http://www.bladegallery.com/
http://www.knifeart.com/
http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/index.cfm

The Kasper fighting folder is my favorite tactical knife. I learned personally from Bob Kasper himself. Here is the maker of the Kasper fighting knife: http://www.crawfordknives.com/crawford_kasper_fighting_folder.htm

You can see the actual knives pictured below at Arizona Custom Knives and KnifeArt. I've purchased knives from all three listed above.
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/knifeart_2083_212774677 http://www.arizonaCustomKnives.com/images/products/8783-1.jpg
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/knifeart_2083_207422134

You can find some inexpensive copies of the Kasper folder from CRKT.

[Caleb Larru]

After carrying a Benchmade knife, I will never own or carry another. I have been carrying this one for almost a year now. Great hand feel.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/745

[John Coloccia]

...what do you intend to use it for?

[Joel Goodman]

Hi, I'm not much of an expert on knives, however years ago I lost my Camillus (sp?) knife and replaced it with an Old Timer, both made in the USA.

I now need a new knife and find out that both Camillus and Old Timer (Shrade??) have gone out of business, even worse, the Old Timer knives are now being produced in China.

Have we become so enamoured of cheap that we don't have any quality products made in North America?

Regards, Rod.

The Gerber LST I mentioned is still made in USA -- just check to make sure you have the right model. And the price is reasonable.

[Scott Shepherd]

...what do you intend to use it for?

:D Finally, someone asks :)

He won't be skinning a deer that he killed with his bare hands. He's not a woodworker, so it's just a pocket knife. I've never seen him with a multi-blade knife. He tends to always have a single blade knife. Knives like the bottom photo in Cameron's photos. That type of knife. He's not a multi-tool guy either. He's got multi-tools we've given him and I've never seen him carry one.

He's on job sites on a daily basis, but no longer doing the work. So probably a knife that he'll use to cut open things that arrive on job sites if no one has a razor knife, cut the coating off a wire, open a bag of dog food :) , that type of stuff. He doesn't abuse them by any means.

I've seen quite a few in this thread that might work out, but I'm still open for ideas. Plus I learned you can spend $5,000 on a pocket knife, thanks to Cameron!

Thanks to all that have contributed, I've looked at all sorts of things now!

[John Coloccia]

Well then you have a lot of great choices to choose from already. The only thing I would stay away from is a spring loaded knife, especially if he occasionally uses it to strip insulation from wire. The way I do it is slightly close the knife around the insulation, give the wire a little twist (to score the insulation all around), and tug. If it's spring loaded, and if he does it like this, he'll be fighting it all the way. Just my opinion based on how I personally use a knife.

[Cameron Reddy]

:D Finally, someone asks :)
He won't be skinning a deer that he killed with his bare hands. He's not a woodworker, so it's just a pocket knife. ... Knives like the bottom photo in Cameron's photos. That type of knife... Plus I learned you can spend $5,000 on a pocket knife, thanks to Cameron!...

LOL! Glad I helped!
Most folks that carry a knife enjoy carrying a "tactical" knife like the Kasper folder or the Benchmade AFCK. Both are great for opening mail, boxes, cleaning under finger nails, opening a paint can (carefully), etc. If you look at the good ones, the blade is really very thick out very close to the end. So they are very, very strong. You might break a tip, but you really need to work hard to break the blade.

One of the reasons I have some of those expensive custom knives is that "pretty" knives (such as the Ivory handled Kasper shown above) don't scare people as much as does a purely utilitarian knife like the AFCK:http://zknives.com/images/knives/fold/bm/afckal1.jpghttp://www.benchmade.com/products/806

Though in my pocket at this very moment is a Benchmade AFCK. I can beat that knife up and not feel like I trashed an $800 knife.:eek:

[Cameron Reddy]

A point on the Kershaw Speed Safe or any other spring loaded or assisted knife... Be careful about your state's knife laws. In Michigan, where a statute specifically outlaws any knife that opens with the assistance of "any mechanical contrivance," the Speed Safe, which opens with the assistance of a spring, is technically illegal to sell, carry, or own. Now, it happens that you can buy a Speed Safe in Michigan, but I am here to tell you that such is in direct violation of Michigan's criminal statutes.

[Caspar Hauser]

I like Opinel knives, simple classic design, they come in different sizes, none of them tactical. The blade is thin enough so that you can put a good point on a pencil, cut rope, slice your lunch, quite practical. A number 8 will run you about $10 to $12.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinel_knife

It seems that Amazon has them but they available locally for me.

[Shawn Pixley]

You didn't say what he looks for in a knife. Me, I am on the water and so like you I carry a Kershaw Snap assist knife (one hand operation). If he likes good utility steel, check out Cold Steel. I like their Pocket Bushman Knife. If he looks for "fancy" PM Me and I'll connect you to my Blacksmith friends and they'll sell you some good Damasquene Steel. You could then build him a handle.

[Matthew Canull]

spyderco delica. handy pocket clip, one hand opening and holds a great edge.

[Roger Bell]

You really didn't specify about what the end-user wants/needs, and what the knife would be used for and how serious that work might be

In terms of widely known "factory" brands, consider Benchmade for one. A good Oregon company. You need to find out what "features" he wants. Quick opening? Size/weight? Accompanied by other tools (Leatherman, Swiss Army?). Superior steel? Ease of resharpening? Stainless? Ability to hold an edge with compromises in ease of sharpening? What about looks? Quick, one hand deployment? For every thing you get, there is a trade-off with something else. And so on.

As someone else remarked, the Benchmades are at the lower end of quality. Which may be fine, for you. And they are coming out now with some lesser expensive knives.

Another not as well-known brand to consider might be Queen Cutlery. Good value for the money, compared to other lower prices and better advertised (you pay for that, you know) offerings.

Bottom line: there are probably lots of knives that will satisfy his need at least well enough, once you determine what that is. You might also try a general-interest knife catalog, such as AG Russell, to see a range of what's is available. Then shop around to find the best price.

[george wilson]

Get on Ebay and find an old Ka-Bar. They take an exceedingly sharp edge.Made of 1095 steel. The Marines were issued Ka-Bar sheath knives in WWII. Not a fancy knife,but well tempered.

My choice of multi task tool is the Super leatherman. I've tried all of them. I use mine several times a day. I save 1 blade for cutting open cardboard boxes and "crap". The other is kept sharp for better uses. I've even gotten battery terminals loose with the pliers in an emergency,with my neck in a brace,broken in a surgical procedure). It has a 9" rule down its back,inch/metric,and everything else you are likely to need,and hefty enough to actually do real work,like the pliers.

[John M Bailey]

My suggestion would be to forget about all the Gimick knives... with open assist, tools that are next to useless, ect.
Get a real knife. Great Eastern is an American made example of a real knife with 1095 Steel.

[John M Bailey]

Once you get a real knife, you will forget about all the gimmicks on the play knives, such as open assist springs and thumb tabs, and tools that are pretty much useless, and the cheep layered steel with swirls they are trying to pass off as Damascus steel. Modern Damascus is a made of steels selected for cosmetic qualities, with grinding and polishing specifically to expose the layers, It is for looks.

[Cameron Reddy]

Once you get a real knife, you will forget about all the gimmicks on the play knives, such as open assist springs and thumb tabs, and tools that are pretty much useless, and the cheep layered steel with swirls they are trying to pass off as Damascus steel. Modern Damascus is a made of steels selected for cosmetic qualities, with grinding and polishing specifically to expose the layers, It is for looks.

John,

Do you mean by "thub tab" the opening stud (or in some cases, a hole) located about a half inch down the blade? :confused:

I use my opening studs and or holes every time I draw the knife.

The spring assist I've already commented on.

I was able to break in a rather inglorious manner the blade tip of one of my expensive knives :mad: Don't ask how it happened. Nevertheless, I've seen some modern knives with what appears to be pretty traditional layered, forged, steel blades. I presume this one by Shane Taylor and offered by BladeGallery is done for its looks: http://www.bladegallery.com/pics/87621_3_b.jpg

Ya Think?