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Thread: What’s your woodworking pocketknife?

  1. #1
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    What’s your woodworking pocketknife?

    One thing I notice in reading older woodworking resources (the twentieth century ones especially) is that a pocket knife is assumed kit. It’s used as a marking knife and many operations. I bought a sloyd knife that I hesitate to use sometimes because it’s such a nice piece of tool art. I also have the spear pointed marking knife that has been the darling of the magazines, books, and videos these last few years. I find myself using an awl more now. I still haven’t started using a traditional pocketknife in the shop, though I tossed a cheap one in my Toolchest.

    Do you use a pocket knife in the shop? What for? What do you look for from a good shop pocketknife?

  2. #2
    BenchCrafted sells the best pocket knife I've found. https://www.benchcrafted.com/mercator-knife


    ken

  3. #3
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    This isn't necessarily a 'shop knife' but one is always in my pocket:

    Classic Swiss Army Knife.png
    Features.png

    When ever these are seen by the original makers in a second hand store or antique store for ~$5 it comes home with me.

    With the blade kept sharp it is great as a letter opener.

    The scissors are easy to use with the free lever against a table for cutting paper or articles from a newspaper or magazine. The tweezers have removed many a splinter.

    It is also good for cutting string or twine in the shop.

    Beware, most of the ones made in China are best left where they are found.

    jtk
    Last edited by Jim Koepke; 07-16-2020 at 7:20 PM. Reason: words & Beware…
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

  4. #4
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    Regards from Perth

    Derek

  5. #5
    Case Medium Stockman in amber bone. Uses: Sharpening pencils, opening packages, trimming anything that needs it.

  6. #6
    I always have an Opinel knife with me in the shop.

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    twomiles from the "peak of Ohio
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    When I was a kid, EVERYBODY carried a pocket knife....
    Pocket knife.JPG
    What I carry around now a days....( "shop knife" is a Kobalt Folder)

  8. #8
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    A kershaw scallion. If I'm going to carry a knife, it's going to be one hand opening. That's my pocket knife. If we're talking marking, or other use knives.. I have a ton.
    ~mike

    happy in my mud hut

  9. #9
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    I always carry a pocket knife. Usually a Benchmade , ZT or USA made Kershaw. I generally dont use it as a marking knife. If you want to get a good value pocket knife get a USA made Kershaw. (I work a couple blocks from Kershaw factory so I might be slightly biased.) For my marking knife I use a Stanley folder Paul sellers recommended, Works excellent.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Derek Cohen View Post


    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Derek,
    Do they allow locking knives there? I thought I read somewhere Australia had strict policies

  11. #11
    Join Date
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    A Boker Kalishnakov, the smaller one. Always seems when I need to cut something I'm already holding it so 1 hand opening is a must. Great little knife that goes everywhere with me.
    Stand for something, or you'll fall for anything.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Michael J Evans View Post
    Derek,
    Do they allow locking knives there? I thought I read somewhere Australia had strict policies
    Locking knives are permitted. Spring activated knives are not.

    Here is a link to this knife. Luckily I purchased from this store when it was on a special some years ago!



    https://www.japanesetools.com.au/pro...knife-damascus



    It is Damascus steel, stainless steel core, and Snake Wood. Makes a great marking knife.

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Last edited by Derek Cohen; 07-16-2020 at 10:52 PM.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Rathhaus View Post
    I always have an Opinel knife with me in the shop.
    that reminds me, I did carry my carbon steel #6 opined out there a while back. Need to find it lol.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Derek Cohen View Post
    Locking knives are permitted. Spring activated knives are not.

    Here is a link to this knife. Luckily I purchased from this store when it was on a special some years ago!
    ...
    It is Damascus steel, stainless steel core, and Snake Wood. Makes a great marking knife.

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    That's a beautiful knife Derek.
    ~mike

    happy in my mud hut

  15. #15
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    Michiana
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    My everyday carry for the last 25 years. In the shop I used a combination of marking knives and utility knives.

    Sharp solves all manner of problems.

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