A Good Pocket Knife

[fatt_tony]

Every man needs a good pocket knife. I just picked up an Emerson mini commander......man this thing is sharp........I bet I could shave with it....lol
Any others guys carry pocket knives?

[jfm]

My everyday carry is a Victorinox/Swiss Army Knife "Huntsman." When I need something thinner (and there is no need to wire in phone jacks - believe it or not a S.A.K. is great for that!) I carry the "Classic" money clip model. I've carried a S.A.K. since I was 10 years old, so I am quite a fan of them.

[mrob]

I've had 3 of them confiscated by the security guards at airports the last few years--I always forget to unclip them from my keychain when I travel.:frown:

[MJB]

My favorite is a big pocket knife but fits really well on the belt is the Leatherman Kick. Got it as a groomsmans gift and its engraved with my name. Have had it about 7 years and used it a lot and can't tell that it is not brand new.

http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/kick/default.asp

MJB

[Jim]

I am a big knife fan myself! but for the sake of a lively discussion I would make the argument that a multi-tool is not a pocketknife,Its a multitool.
I have a Gerber needle nose multi tool and for a pocketknife (subway companion) and cigar cutter I carry a Microtech mini socom.The benchmade knives are also a great knife.
:biggrin:
Regards, Jim

[roughrider]

I've been eyeing' one of those Smith & Wesson tactical pocket knives on ebay. They're about $10-$20. Anyone have any experience with Smith & Wesson knives?

[Jim]

I've been eyeing' one of those Smith & Wesson tactical pocket knives on ebay. They're about $10-$20. Anyone have any experience with Smith & Wesson knives?

RR
The question is what do you want to do with this knife? Knives are a lot like shaving brushes you don't know what you have been missing until you use a great one. a 10-20 dollar knife is OK if you are going to be cutting open boxes or an apple, By definition a tactical knife is an edged weapon for combat, a 10$ knife is not going to meet those requirements. For me there is such pleasure in using a well made knife, the satisfaction of ownership over many years etc.etc. Try to go to a shop that carries a range of knives including Benchmade and Micro tech. if the cost of these knives are an issue The old standby is a vintage <1979 or so buck or puma,There are tons of great knives out there unfortunately you do get what you pay for. Good luck, Jim

[Cutthroat]

The smith and wesson knives are not bad for the money. I carry a Columbia River Knife and Tool M16-14 and sometimes a Cold Steel push dagger (safe keeper 2) on the job. Both are very well made and I would buy from both companies again. Off duty i go with a very small smith and wesson or kershaw. Oh yeah, and a smith 442 (got to love that little handful).

[designwise1]

My daily carry is a Boker Copperhead.

[roughrider]

RR
The question is what do you want to do with this knife? Knives are a lot like shaving brushes you don't know what you have been missing until you use a great one. a 10-20 dollar knife is OK if you are going to be cutting open boxes or an apple, By definition a tactical knife is an edged weapon for combat, a 10$ knife is not going to meet those requirements. For me there is such pleasure in using a well made knife, the satisfaction of ownership over many years etc.etc. Try to go to a shop that carries a range of knives including Benchmade and Micro tech. if the cost of these knives are an issue The old standby is a vintage <1979 or so buck or puma,There are tons of great knives out there unfortunately you do get what you pay for. Good luck, Jim


I'm looking for a nice & sleek pocket knife I can use for opening packages and which might come in handy throughout the day.

[Jim]

Try Here (http://www.agrussell.com/)

Happy shopping!

Jim

[ouch]

I could use a good recommendation. Currently, my pockets are filled with flashlights.:cool:

[Dinder1]

I carry a Kershaw Ken Onion model w/ Auto assist in my pocket at all times, it comes in handy when the USPS man shows up with all that new shaving gear, and yes I use the knife to open the boxes!:biggrin:
Cheers, DJ.

[fatt_tony]

Buck makes a good looking knife in the $50 range (the buck sirrus), when looking for current knife I did alot of online research but when I saw I had the chance to get an Emerson knife I jumped on it. This knife isnt excatly a gents knife but it does look cool when you pull it out to show your friends.

[tam.audio]

I carry a Gerber, small light and sharp. I also have a Gerber Shortcut on my keys for when I don't want my pocket knife confiscated.

[Nick]

I know I'm not the only one who sports a Sebenza. A little heavy for dress slacks, but fits the bill quite nicely for jeans.

http://www.tadgear.com/edged%20tools/images%20for%20pages/seb-std-sm.jpg

-Nick

[MJB]

I am a big knife fan myself! but for the sake of a lively discussion I would make the argument that a multi-tool is not a pocketknife,Its a multitool.
I have a Gerber needle nose multi tool and for a pocketknife (subway companion) and cigar cutter I carry a Microtech mini socom.The benchmade knives are also a great knife.
:biggrin:
Regards, Jim

You know--when you are right you are right. Sorry that I can't steam things up a bit for you.

MJB

[fatt_tony]

This one fits the pants nicely also.

[Jim]

Microtech!

[DoubleE]

In my opinion, you're hard pressed to beat the Sebenza! They are on the pricey side but that are da bomb! Any problems, just send them back to Chris Reeve and he will take care of it including any tune-up needs and sharpening for free. Great customer service and one tough knife.

Large Sebenza bocote wood inlay
Small Sebenza African blackwood inlay
Small Sebenza bocote wood inlay

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=3072

[joel]

An Echo for the Chris Reeves Sebenza.... it is truly in a class of its own. I've owned pocket knives from $5 to $2,000 and my Chris Reeve Sebenza is without question my favorite. Microtech makes a superb knife as well for a little bit less $.

Depending on the occasion and the attire I carry a Large Chris Reeve Sebenza, a custom Darrel Ralph Apogee or a William Henry CF 12.

[Creslin]

I grew up with pocket knives so I feel utterly naked without one. I try not to have more than one good knife at a time because I really love edged weapons and could easily find myself going overboard with the collecting; besides if I'm collecting knives I can't afford shaving stuff.

Brands I know of (have experience with) are Gerber, Swiss, Schrade, Buck, Puma, Case, Eye Brand, and Tree Brand.

I don't really care for most stainless knives; in my experience they tend to be too hard to easily sharpen, which is a big deal with me (most of my friends remark on how sharp my knife is when I'm saying it needs to be honed again). The exception that I am familar with (not saying that there aren't other exceptions, I just do not have personal experience with any others) is my current working knife. It is a Schrade "Uncle Henry" 885UH. The blades are a form of stainless that seems to be softer than what is used in a Buck model 110.

For ease of sharpening and getting a really good edge there just isn't anything that can beat a good carbon steel blade. Some of the best pocket knife steel is made in, yep you guessed it, Solingen Germany. The two brands that use this steel that I am familar with are Eye Brand and Tree Brand.

If you are a careful knife user there is even a knife out there with a ceramic blade that advertises never needing sharpening. I have a friend with one of these and it is as sharp now as it was when he bought it several years ago. The downside? The ceramic blade is quite brittle and will not take any kind of prising motion, or any impact along the edge.

If you search around, custom makers can be found that use really exotic woods for the handles. I've even seen some with handles made from wild laminations. Some of these custom makers even make their own Damascus steel which is really very cool stuff.

I'm going to end this post now. I'm allready having to fight off the urge to spend the next few hours browsing the web for kinves. I would rather read the message board here.

[Mottern Man]

Smith and Wesson Specal Ops! 3 years 2 tours of duty and still sharp as the day I got her.

Half strait blade, half seraded, Tanto. My K-bar is still sharp as well but I dont use it half as much.

[Mottern Man]

I've been eyeing' one of those Smith & Wesson tactical pocket knives on ebay. They're about $10-$20. Anyone have any experience with Smith & Wesson knives?

See above man!

[fuerein]

I don't really need a pocket knife much, but I wouldn't mind being able to have one available for general cutting use. I can't really carry one with me all the time. Since I work in a Federal building, they kind of frown on people carrying anything that could be construed as a weapon into the building.

As such, one I've seen that looks nice and looks like it would fulfill my purposes is The Laguiole Knife (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32461&cat=1,51222&ap=1). I'm not really sure though, it'll probably be several months before I buy one though.

[Jim]

Doc you really dug up this dusty old post!:biggrin:

[Mottern Man]

Doc you really dug up this dusty old post!:biggrin:


Hey i was checking the new Forum Speakeasy (not many threads) this was in it and I am a big knife user. Good stuff here. :smile:

[JohnP]

Every man needs a good pocket knife. I just picked up an Emerson mini commander......man this thing is sharp........I bet I could shave with it....lol
Any others guys carry pocket knives?

Funny thing, for years my favorite knife was the full-size Emerson commander, which I got in 1998, not very long after it came out. Wonderful knife, it went through all sorts of things with me, and performed a lot of cutting tasks. It was also fairly easy to sharpen with its single bevel. Unfortunately it walked one day. :frown:
The only comment about it in retrospect, is that I'll probably end up buying another one someday, and that I had to be careful when I pulled it out of my pocket. That "wave" feature is quite impressive, but some are quite startled by it (the knife opens automatically when pulled from your pocket or gear, ready to go-no buttons needed) and I started carrying it inside my pocket (not clipped) so it wouldn't automatically open (at least when amongst friends) for just that reason. People unaccustomed to the knife see that SNAP from one's pocket and the normal reaction is fear, something I don't intend to cause when merely cutting a piece of rope or some mundane task, or when asked to cut something by some member of the fairer sex.
Nowadays I have a much cheaper Swiss Army Forester one-hand opening.
Quite a handy knife in it's own right. Not what I'd choose in a fight, (in that situation, the Emerson by far, or better yet, a machete or something that puts distance between me and the bad guy) but extremely useful for day to day stuff. I really like the knife, and it doesn't hurt the wallet much either.
Honestly, to get me into a knife fight you'd have to corner me like a wild animal; and like a few others on here I suspect, I've had training. So much easier just to leave. If that option is taken away, I'll use whatever I can get my hands on quickest.
John P.

[ratcheer]

Every man needs a good pocket knife. I just picked up an Emerson mini commander......man this thing is sharp........I bet I could shave with it....lol
Any others guys carry pocket knives?

I usually carry the little Buck Companions. I also have a couple of very nice Case knives (Damascus steel, stag handles, etc), but I rarely even take them out to look at them.

The Buck's are simple, small, very useful, and nearly indestructible.

Tim

[PalmettoB]

Schrade Old Timer. USA 98OT model. Sadly, Imperial Schrade no longer is in business, and Taylor is continuing these, but they are now made in China. :frown: Guess I'd better hold onto this one.

[JohnP]

I know.
An Old Timer is what my granddad used to carry, is the first knife I learned to sharpen, and if they were still made in USA I would recommend them wholeheartedly now. I've carried several, and to this day the smell of 3 in 1 oil makes me think of that first Old Timer knife
Nowadays I would look for a US made alternative (personal preference) or an older US produced Old Timer. Preferably from someone not wanting the "collector" price for it.
John P.

[_JP_]

I've carried an original style Leatherman Tool almost dialy for the past 16 years until someone broke into my van and stole it (along with other stuff) last week.

[Buzz]

I know I'm not the only one who sports a Sebenza. A little heavy for dress slacks, but fits the bill quite nicely for jeans.

http://www.tadgear.com/edged%20tools/images%20for%20pages/seb-std-sm.jpg

-Nick

I've been eyeing up a Sebenza for years. I have the little brothers --- an UMFAAN and a Mnandi.

I just can't decide which to get. The small would probably be more useful, but it really isn't that much bigger than the Mnandi. The big would be wonderful once in awhile, but too big/scary to carry all the time in the office.

Decisions....

[JohnP]

I know I'm not the only one who sports a Sebenza. A little heavy for dress slacks, but fits the bill quite nicely for jeans.

http://www.tadgear.com/edged%20tools/images%20for%20pages/seb-std-sm.jpg

-Nick

Nick, not sure where you got your sebenza, but thought I would throw in a recommendation for people to check out the website in that picture. TADgear has a lot of really neat "real-deal" stuff. Even if you aren't going to buy, it's nice to browse some of the really cool offerings on their site, everything from nice knives (REALLY nice sometimes) to IR lights to use with NVGs.
A really cool site.
John P.

[Dinder1]

What about some left handed models? I have a kershaw ken onion that I carry everywhere, but I sure wish that I could reverse the clip. I know that benchmade knives are reversible ,but are there other options?
Cheers, DJ.

[JohnP]

SOG makes some reversible clip knives, and my Gerber Applegate-fairbairn folders are reversible, I'm pretty sure. There are lots of good ones out there that will work for lefties, just gotta look.
Might want to check out www.1sks.com usually they have a blurb on each knife they sell that tells whether it is reversible, also.
John P.

[murchmb]

Small Sebenza here. Can't top it in my book. I hope to get a CR pouch and titanium clip insert for Christmas.

[Abloy]

I've owned quite a few pocket knives and frankly there's no perfect knife for every person. I'm not a huge fan of the idea of carrying a folding knife for fighting, there are far better things to carry, especially from a liability

Currently I either carry a Kershaw Onion, or a Leatherman Micra. I've owned two Micras, and have to say that they're the best deal for the size. I used to think that the tweezers were pretty useless, but I've since started using them to short the A and B pins in the ALDL on pre-1996 GM cars to read the trouble codes.

I've been particularly amazed at how good the flat #2 Phillips screwdriver in the Micra is. The scissors are strong enough for cutting up to about 14 AWG wire, and the knife blade is adequate.

[xChris]

Dollar for dollar -- Spyderco is the best deal in mass-manufactured pocket knives.

I am a huge knife collector myself (due to firearms restrictions).

[TimmyBoston]

An Echo for the Chris Reeves Sebenza.... it is truly in a class of its own. I've owned pocket knives from $5 to $2,000 and my Chris Reeve Sebenza is without question my favorite. Microtech makes a superb knife as well for a little bit less $.

Depending on the occasion and the attire I carry a Large Chris Reeve Sebenza, a custom Darrel Ralph Apogee or a William Henry CF 12.

Joel,
Got any pictures?

[TimmyBoston]

Dollar for dollar -- Spyderco is the best deal in mass-manufactured pocket knives.



This is what I carry and I really love it.

[Jim]

http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=4897&original=1 (http://www.badgerandblade.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=4897&c=79)

[kozulich]

Its a really personal preference. I like pocket knives but I don't like a lot of bulk in my pockets. I've carried a pocket knife for decades, but I match the knife I'm carrying to the current activity or venue. Currently, I carry a victorinox classic sd (http://www.victorinox.ch/index.cfm?site=victorinox.ch&page=175&lang=D)daily. Its very small and seems to have what I need for work - small blade for opening mail parcels, scissors - which work well for trimming a hangnail now and then, and a nail file, plus a toothpick and pair of tweezers, neither of which I use that often.
In the past, I've carried larger victorinox knives, and even had a custom engraved swiss champ (http://www.victorinox.ch/index.cfm?site=victorinox.ch&page=167&lang=D) until it got stolen. Usually my victorinox camper (http://www.victorinox.ch/index.cfm?site=victorinox.ch&page=159&lang=D) is within reach in the evenings. On the weekends, I tend to carry a larger knife, and have a couple of 4" blade damascus lockbacks which are my prize knives, but they are large enough that I carry them in a belt sheath. When travelling, I like my original leatherman.

[moses]

I hate to have anything floating around in my pockets bulging my pants in places they are not supposed to bulge and generally being annoying. I also am not going to carry anything in a sheath, folding or not, for everyday. Thus, I am pretty insistent on a pocket clip. Which is unfortunate, since some nice knives do not have one. Don't shoot me, but I would love a William Henry with a clip.

Also, my favorite little, basic utility carry knife, the AG Russell One Handed (available in several variations here (http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_maker/a_through_d/a_g_russell_knives/folding_knives.html)), is not available with a clip. Which is a real shame. The Featherweight one is a great little knife. Super light weight. Solid. Inexpensive, even with an ATS-34 blade. Great size and shape. Really comfortable to hold. I do have one, which I carry sometimes when wearing blue jeans, tucked into my watch pocket.

Otherwise, I rather like Columbia River knives. Good quality, for those not inclined to the extravagance of Joel's suggestions. Just get a micro sized (T-5 I think) torx driver, so adjust the various screws.

-Mo

[Scotty]

I usually carry a Spyderco Delica model knife with the plain edge. It's not real big or bulky, & has a metal clip to clip on your pocket. I can sharpen it to a razor edge. The Leatherman Charge multi-tool is my choice for a multi-tool & has a plain edge knife plus a serrated knife blade.
Scotty :thumbup1:

[Larry C in Texas]

Dollar for dollar -- Spyderco is the best deal in mass-manufactured pocket knives.

I am a huge knife collector myself (due to firearms restrictions).

Here's another vote for Sypderco. I have a thin small one for my daily carry knife. It's enough to be able to fight off bad guys for a while (at least those without guns) and still small enough to convince the jury that you were just defending yourself.

They are super-sharp - I think of them as the Feathers of pocketknives.

YMMV.

[Dennis]

I've been carrying a Benchmade Mel Pardue Mini Griptilian (http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_maker/a_through_d/benchmade_knife_company/benchmade_griptilian_drop_point_plain_edge.html) with 440C plain blade for a long time now. It carries tip up, the clip is reversible, and I am a very big fan of Benchmade's axis lock system. This is about the biggest knife I would EDC - it fits nicely into watch pockets or pant pocket and is not too obtrusive yet easy to access.

Dennis

[Mini-T]

I used to carry a Gerber Paraframe I (about $20 CND @ Wal Mart)
http://www.gerberstore.com/gerber/images/items/G08444.gif
and a Gerber Ridge (about $30 CND @ Wal Mart)
http://www.gerberstore.com/gerber/images/items/G05874.gif

Both are good knives for a general carry knife. The Ridge is nice because it tucks in nicely inside pants with the clip under a belt, making it almost unnoticeable.
Now I carry a Kershaw Tactical Blur

http://www.kershawknives.com/knivesTools/images/tacticalBlur.jpg
Very sharp and has awesome grip.


Andrew

[joel]

Joel,
Got any pictures?

Sebbie...
http://www.knivesandtools.com/productimages/chrisreeve/large/CR102.jpg

Apogee....
http://www.darrelralph.com/assets/knives/archives/tacutil-fold7.jpg

CF12...
http://store1.yimg.com/I/knifeart_1924_128620914

[JohnP]

Dollar for dollar -- Spyderco is the best deal in mass-manufactured pocket knives.

I am a huge knife collector myself (due to firearms restrictions).

Spydercos are great knives, a friend of mine carried a Spyderco Police (all serrated) for years and years. I thought I would also add another to the really good bang-for-the buck list: Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) I've never had a bad knife from these people. IF you are short on cash and still want a quality knife (for less, even, than a decent Spyderco) check them out as well. I've got one that's been through all sorts of things with me, had it several years, and still just as good as new (with the exception I've had to sharpen it and clean/oil it from time to time)
John P.

[moses]

John,

Glad to hear I'm not the only fan of Columbia River (CRKT) knives. Great value, and all around good quality. The only issue I've ever had is the little screws coming loose. But all machined screws in metal do that eventually. And I like the ability to completely take the knife apart and put it back together. You can always loctite the screws.

I am not a fan of spend $100+ on an EDC knife. Things happen. Why waste the money, and increase your worry factor, when you can get an excellent knife with top quality steel for $40-$100?

Now, if you just like collecting cool knives, that's another thing.

-Mo

[webguru24]

I've never even heard of half of these knife companies, but some of them are truly outstanding pieces. I don't carry anything that nice, just a Victorinox Cyber Tool. I watched waaay too much MacGyver growing up, I can't part with my Swisses.

The most sentimental pocket knife I own is a three blade Craftsman folding knife that belonged to my grandfather. He carried this with him daily for years. It's a classic, American looking knife. I don't carry it with me for fear that I'll lose it.

[JohnP]

Mo,
I agree. I have several CRKT knives and I'm happy with all of them, and I don't think I paid 100 bucks for any of them.
Nothing wrong with more expensive knives, and I would LOVE to have another Emerson commander (I just LOVED that knife) but one uses the knife he has on him, and I would not hesitate for a second to trust a CRKT knife.
In fact, the the Kit Carson "M16 Special Operations" (I think that's the name) was on my gear the whole time in Iraq, it was the perfect size to fit into the loops and clip to the webbing on my vest.
Good knives.
Now if we were to open this discussion to fixed blades.....that would indeed start getting interesting....:biggrin:
John P.

[TimmyBoston]

Sebbie...
http://www.knivesandtools.com/productimages/chrisreeve/large/CR102.jpg

Apogee....
http://www.darrelralph.com/assets/knives/archives/tacutil-fold7.jpg

CF12...
http://store1.yimg.com/I/knifeart_1924_128620914

Very boss! :thumbup:

[Effigy]

Dollar for dollar -- Spyderco is the best deal in mass-manufactured pocket knives.

I would like to echo the above.

I am a big Spyderco fan (I have 55 at the moment), and a member of their Collector Club programme. In my opinion, they are the best functional knives produced anywhere, and furthermore, the integrety of the Owner, Sal Glesser, is beyond compare of any Manufacturing company I know. Great knives from a great company.

My other collection target are Case knives, mainly due to the fact that with our very tight knife carry laws in the UK, Case are one of the few manufacturers producing UK legal knives to a high standard.

I also have knives from other manufacturers like Wm. Henry, Boker, Mcusta, Al Mar, BRKT, Benchmade etc

And I have made a few knives of my own.

So, yes I am a bit of a knife-Nut:biggrin:

[Padron]

+1 for Spyderco, I have been carrying a Delica fully serrated for about 10 years it's a great all around blade, very sharp and handles anything I throw at it..

I have been looking at the Henckels at:
http://vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/search.php?mode=search

and also the bokers, they all look pretty nice...:smile:

[Bunker950]

Frank

We might differ on the wines, but I agree with the Spyderco. Great knives. My EDC is a Spyderco Native in s30v steel.

Regards

Steven

[BigNick73]

Just my 2 cents but I've owned alot of pocket knives, nothing expensive, typical Gerber, Smith and Wesson, Berretta, Schrade, Case, Buck, Benchmade etc..etc.. The one I thought held the best edge was the Gerber AR that I had. I used this while installing pool table (read lots of felt cutting and running the edge against slate etc..) and it was the only one that I didn't have to sharpen more than once a week. Although at the moment I use one of those folders that takes the disposable utility blades. Real handy for day to day tasks, and always sharp.

[LX_Emergency]

My favorites are still opinel's.

Cheap as dirt and sharp as a beast. The only thing about them is they're not stainless. So upkeep (keeping dry and such) is a bit more of a hassle. Offcourse honing it isn't difficult at all since it's a carbon blade.

[xChris]

My favorites are still opinel's.

Cheap as dirt and sharp as a beast. The only thing about them is they're not stainless. So upkeep (keeping dry and such) is a bit more of a hassle. Offcourse honing it isn't difficult at all since it's a carbon blade.
I've seen some pretty cool modifications by owners to the stock handles on those -- really great stuff. I've got a No. 6 & No. 12 myself.

[catatonic]

(edit: added pics)

If I feel the need to carry a knife, it's either

light duty) Schrade "Old Timer" "junior stockman" penknife, 3 blades.

That's a nice solid carbon steel bladed knife. my dad gave it to me when I was 10 years old for my birthday, and I still keep it around today. I love the grey color of a well-kept carbon steel...I feel it adds character to a blade.

http://www.knivesplus.com/media/SC-108OT.jpg

heavy duty) Benchmade Panther, plain edge clip-point.

This is my "tank"...it's been used and abused, and it holds up great. This is also the only plain edge one I have ever seen in person, the bulk of them being combination serrated/plain edges. I rarely carry it though, since I find carrying a tactical folder a bit overkill.

http://www.coltelleriazoppi.com/images/C377000405.jpg


I also have a Case XX "whittler" stag handled folding knife that I need to do some rust removal on before I can use it for any carry. It will make a nice middleweight knife when done. It's similar to the Old Timer, just quite a bit larger.

Here's a pic of another stag case whittler...mine has a nicer looking dark stag handles and lacks the plating on the ends: http://www.bvbranchknives.com/stag/image278.jpg

[teenagefrank]

If you want a great folding pocket knife that you can whip out in a flash, try this knife by benchmade. its a thumb assist model, which means with a flick of your thumb the blade springs out as fast as an automatic knife ( its legal) to own.
Oh the cost about $100.00 same as a good badger brush

[prophet]

I love my Kershaw Chive by Ken Onion, 2" straight blade, assisted opening with index finger trigger...its basically a legal switchblade. Has a safety and pocket clip, and is just about the handiest knife I've ever carried, and I've carried a few.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KS1600CKT

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/kershaw/images/ks1600ckt.jpg

[JohnP]

Wickedest "tactical" (or otherwise) folding knife I have ever carried:
http://www.emersonknives.com/pics/knives/commander/large/Commander_BTS.jpg
picture lifted from their website, here: http://www.emersonknives.com/
If you want to spend a little more, I cannot recommend Emerson's knives enough. Built like a tank, cuts like crazy, made from U.S. made 154CM steel, sharpens easily and holds an edge. Had to cut some thick ropes with it the first week I had it. I was just astounded as the knife snipped through the rope as if it were a piece of thread. Instantly all the guys wanted to see the knife....:biggrin:
John P.

[chef8489]

I use microtech auto socom's, benchmade auto stryker, and master of defense knives.

[Dave_D]

Make that another one for the Lg Sebie.
Been carrying one for 7 years, the BG42 series blade I think.

[Moustache Man]

For work: a Schrade-Walden Stockman with 2 blades--a Turkish clip and a Spey. It has a drill that is perfect for cleaning out around zirc fittings.

For dress: a Case seahorse shape with a Wharncliff, Spey and pen blades.

A guy without a pocket knife might as well hand in his Man card. To me it's almost required equipment. Not a 'Multi-Tool', not a pen knife. A KNIFE.

Moustache Man

[Mr.Benn]

My preference would be a Gerber knife (http://www.gerberstore.com/).

While there are certainly fancier and more expensive knives available, I'd say Gerber are top-notch when it comes to getting the best bang for your buck. I own an E-Z Out and a Gator knife, and they both hone razor sharp and hold their edges well. They've absorbed plenty of abuse over the years and have proven to be extremely durable. They also have comfortable and reliable grips. And since they're reasonably priced, I wouldn't lose any sleep if I were to lose 'em.

[moses]

My preference would be a Gerber knife (http://www.gerberstore.com/).

While there are certainly fancier and more expensive knives available, I'd say Gerber are top-notch when it comes to getting the best bang for your buck. I own an E-Z Out and a Gator knife, and they both hone razor sharp and hold their edges well. They've absorbed plenty of abuse over the years and have proven to be extremely durable. They also have comfortable and reliable grips. And since they're reasonably priced, I wouldn't lose any sleep if I were to lose 'em.

Good stuff. My EDC for a while was a Gerber Hersey Air Ranger. Lightweight, but sturdy, and amazingly grippy with checkered Al scales. Great little knife.

-Mo

[jnich67]

I'm under the impression that the knife carry laws are pretty strict here, so I just bought a Spyderco Navigator 2. I think its small enough to look benign and carry comfortably in my pocket, but still seems to have enough blade for most jobs day to day. So far so good.


Jordan

[murchmb]

If you want a great folding pocket knife that you can whip out in a flash, try this knife by benchmade. its a thumb assist model, which means with a flick of your thumb the blade springs out as fast as an automatic knife ( its legal) to own.
Oh the cost about $100.00 same as a good badger brush

I had one up for sale here in the Sale forums a while back. Fantastic, fun knife. It just wasn't getting any pocket time as the blade length was a bit too long for me to carry on the military installation I work on. That and the fact I got a small Sebenza :)

[xballer4life818x]

I love kershaws there the best and how can you beat the lifetime warrenty on the knife.

[moses]

...there the best...

:lol: :lol:

[StaticFish]

I know this will be frowned upon, but I just love the simplicity!

:cool:

[knlgskr]

The Knifemakers Guild lists makers of folding knives and Jess Horn of Red Bluff, CA is one of the best. They have been called "Pocket Jewelry" and are also very functional.

[Woknblues]

great topic.

i use a kershaw assisted opening for my "blue jeans" days
a CRKT 1" blacked out skeleton w/ 24k accents for dress wear
and my batangas made balisong on the days when my kershaw would rather stay home.

I love knives, and have had some great ones. never expensive ones though. My butterfly cost an astounding 6 USD, and it has bone accents on the handles.

[LX_Emergency]

I'll be getting my first REAL victorinox soon. A simple one but I've always wanted one.

When I was a kid we'd buy imitation ones and go out into the park to make bows and arrows and swordsticks and treehuts with them. I've had at least 5 of them and they used to fall apart all the time. I'd love to get a quality one. in the future I might even get it customized or customize it myself once I get a workshop.

[Crag]

In my opinion, you're hard pressed to beat the Sebenza! They are on the pricey side but that are da bomb! Any problems, just send them back to Chris Reeve and he will take care of it including any tune-up needs and sharpening for free. Great customer service and one tough knife.

Large Sebenza bocote wood inlay
Small Sebenza African blackwood inlay
Small Sebenza bocote wood inlay

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=3072

My brother has one just like that top one, except it's like a foot long and weighs a friggin TON!

[mysticmaster]

Case Sodbuster Jr (or Camillus Electrian's knife gov't issue) and a hankerchief everywhere I go!

[tim8557]

I always carry a pocket knife as I have about 30 and they vary by occassion.
Some are dressy and some are casual. My collection is primarily Spyderco and Benchmade.

[Jim]

Wow this thread has moss on it- still going since July! :biggrin:

[TheYoshi]

I love my Kershaw Chive by Ken Onion, 2" straight blade, assisted opening with index finger trigger...its basically a legal switchblade. Has a safety and pocket clip, and is just about the handiest knife I've ever carried, and I've carried a few.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KS1600CKT

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/kershaw/images/ks1600ckt.jpg

I'll second this knife, I absolutely love mine.

[catatonic]

I was looking for a new knife as of late...and I'm getting pretty unimpressed with the way knives are going. Less utilitarian designs and more "tactical" designs.

Yes, Tactical knives look good, but they are overkill for daily carry IMO. And the compact locking blades are all strange designs with extremely skeletonized parts, etc....what ever happened to clean designs like the BM panther, or the old ball-lock folders that were popular in the 90s?

[Dennis]

I was looking for a new knife as of late...and I'm getting pretty unimpressed with the way knives are going. Less utilitarian designs and more "tactical" designs.

Yes, Tactical knives look good, but they are overkill for daily carry IMO. And the compact locking blades are all strange designs with extremely skeletonized parts, etc....what ever happened to clean designs like the BM panther, or the old ball-lock folders that were popular in the 90s?

Have you looked at BM knives recently? They have several classic styled folders with good locking systems. Usually sub $100 bucks as well.

Dennis

[DoubleE]

Have you looked at BM knives recently? They have several classic styled folders with good locking systems. Usually sub $100 bucks as well.

Dennis

Benchmades, in my opinion, are the best production made knives on the market. Excellent guarantee, lifetime free sharpening, etc! Lots of style to choose from and are well made.

[tim8557]

Well said MM. There has been one, of some sort, in my pocket for years. I'm primarily a Spyderco and Benchmade guy but have several Kershaws (wickedly sharp out of the box). Someday I want a William Henry as they are very classy. Though I've never owned one, the Sebenza's have never appealed to me aesthetically but they are supposedly a hell of a knife.

[thegratenate]

I like a knife in my pocket, but not a folder.

If that got anyone's attention you may want to look up the Graham Brothers. I like their Razel a lot and it's edge retention has put my Griptilian to shame without even flinching.

I prefer the simplicity of a fixed blade, the lack of moving parts brings the potential for failure to zero. Please don't think that I am against folders, I just feel more confidence in a solid piece of S30V with micarta scales than I could ever feel with a folder.

[rusirius]

I carry the Benchmade 670S Apparition with combo blade... It's a little big for a pocket knife, but still qualifies, and I can't begin to tell you how often it comes in handy. It might as well be a multi-tool... :biggrin:

This may be a little off topic, but just had to throw it out there anyway since the discussion is after all blades... If you want to keep your knives sharp, and by that I mean far sharper then even hand sharpening can get, look into the Edge-Pro Apex. I've used one for a couple years now and from pocket knives to kitchen knives EVERYONE is always amazed at how sharp my blades are. I've never had anyone use one of my kitchen knives that HASN'T commented on how sharp they are.

I can actually shave with my meat cleaver! Seriously... I've done it... :eek:

[LX_Emergency]

I'd like pictures of that :)

I've just started carrying the Victorinox Huntsman. Simple and quitet sharp. I like it a lot.

[setherd]

usually it's this, but in my scrubs at the hospital i often switch to a spyderco endura

strider sng

[Johnny_Z]

Can't go wrong with the good ole SAK. I have a blue Farmer (limited edition I think) and a blue classic that I've been carrying recently. The only reason for the Classic is the Farmer doesn't have scissors. :sad:

[RJSquirell]

I've been eyeing' one of those Smith & Wesson tactical pocket knives on ebay. They're about $10-$20. Anyone have any experience with Smith & Wesson knives?

VERY_VERY_VERY Sharp. Be cautious of the safety catch if it does not catch you will have very sore fingers. Got mine from LA Police Gear, promptly cut fingers and resigned it to my camera bag.

[Johnny_Z]

On the topic of the S&W tactical, a friend of mine had two and he complained all the time about how it wouldn't hold an edge for long. His was 1/2 serrated and he ended up using the serrated part pretty much all the time as they stay sharp longer.

My bud is an EMT/fire fighter so his blade sees constant use. He switched to a CRKT and likes it far better.

For what it's worth...

[El Bigote Magnifico]

Leatherman or gerber multi-tool. Otherwise I have to ask, why carry some of these knives? It's difficult to actually know the law here in Cal. Each town/city can make the length limit. I've had the same type of folder confiscated by the police, and then (same brand new knife), had officers say that it's totally legal in the same city. Also, a knife out here is a bigger offense then a handgun, when carried conceled by someone NOT on parole. On duty (medic in Oakland) we carry shears, never needed a knife.

[ScottS]

I have knife A below, except in plain ATS-34, not VG-10 Damascus. A nice hunter.

http://www.agrussell.com/var/storage/original/image/php9mDyRk.jpg

I've carried a knife almost every day since junior high. They've gotten much smaller over the years, but I still feel antsy without one. The above isn't my every day carry. That's a leatherman micra.

[Doc4]

I don't carry knives on a daily basis, but have a couple of pocket knives lying about. My favourite is a $5 cheapie made, in all places, in Ireland. My dad gave it to me and it's great for opening letters & parcels.

I also have a Wenger multi-tool knife in my truck which I get to use occasionally.

But really, my favourite knife isn't a pocket knife at all, it's a honkin' big outdoors sheath knife from Muela in Spain, with a straightforward blade, black rubber handle, and a balance so nice it's hard to put the thing down.

[qhsdoitall]

I've carried a pocket knife since I was ten and it's the same one. A flat steel one blade, screwdriver, scissors and nail file combo. My grandfather gave it to me. I have various Swiss Army knives people have given me and one large lock blade very very sharp knife that I don't remember the name of that I keep in the truck in case I have to cut horses loose that are tied and in trouble.

[confusion]

I have always carried a knife, excepting now a days on a/c and govt installations.
Currently really old leatherman, husky folding razor (replaceable blades- great loaner knife, papercutter).

[Patrick D]

I carry an old Gerber for opening boxes and such, but for a self defense type blade, I have a Cold Steel folding tanto. I've also gotten a couple of Katana's from them, superb quality and materials, imo.

http://www.coldsteel.com/

[Lucien]

I have several knives but my regular EDC's are my Benchmade Griptilian and or my Emerson Commander.

Both are set up for lefties and the Commander has the wave feature which i love. People drool over that thing when you whip it out.

Thanks to "thegreatnate", my next knife will be a Graham Brothers "Razel". That thing looks downright awesome and purely functional.

Thanks for the headsup on that one! :biggrin:

[Woknblues]

Leatherman or gerber multi-tool. Otherwise I have to ask, why carry some of these knives? It's difficult to actually know the law here in Cal. Each town/city can make the length limit. I've had the same type of folder confiscated by the police, and then (same brand new knife), had officers say that it's totally legal in the same city. Also, a knife out here is a bigger offense then a handgun, when carried conceled by someone NOT on parole. On duty (medic in Oakland) we carry shears, never needed a knife.

I have nothing but respect for police, so take my comment as an observation only. Cops are human, and I believe that as human, they are sometimes though infrequently woefully misinformed. I have heard cops and law enforcement say the craziest things that they claimed "true" I once had a huge blow out at an airport over some personal products that customs/immigration thought were somehow inappropriate I spent almost two hours recovering my personal property, and got a letter of apology in the mail two weeks after from the superior. Having said that, the anti knife crusaders, (I can't imagine who that might be) imagine a world were only people with knives commit crimes, and I keep my gear under wraps, and never break the law anyway, so I have no reason to worry. If you are speeding or whatnot and pulled over, just declare it. I did, and not only did I only get a warning for the speeding (ok, 8 miles over), but the officer didn't even want to look at the knife.

I know a dozen critical points on a would be assailants body to strike with a ball point pen that could easily do more harm than a 2"swiss army or case toothpick, and I can carry those around everywhere. seems kind of silly, doesn't it?

[Graham]

I have always carried a knife in my pocket ever since I was in short trousers, a Swiss army knife, Huntsman model.

[DirtyDave]

I carry a Swiss Army knife I received as an anniversary gift for surviving five years at a company I left shortly after getting the knife. It is my only fond remembrance oh my time there. I don't know the model, but it been extraordinarily useful throughout the years. It has two knife blades, a I-have-not-a-clue-what-it-is-for-thing, a fingernail file, a pair of scissors, a pair of tweezer and a toothpick. I think every gentleman should have pocket knife on his person.

[qhsdoitall]

I think every gentleman should have pocket knife on his person.

Tell that to the TSA

[DirtyDave]

Tell that to the TSA
Twice I have forgotten to take the thing off of my key ring. The airport here in Houston has an automated service near the TSA check points that allow someone like me to mail the knife back home. It's exorbitant, but the machines do take credit cards.