Beach Proof Folder

saturnine138

saturnine138

Joined
Dec 15, 2005
Messages
241
I got a job at the beach for the summer and so far I've been using my Buck 105, which was my EDC back at school(I go to environmental science and forestry school, so a fixed blade is no big deal). But down at the beach it's a bit too big, and I've frightened a few sheeple. It's also my only decent knife, all of my folders are old knockoffs and barely work anymore. I've found the 105 is too large for the stuff I need to be cutting, just the other day I was cutting plastic zip ties and they were to close to the wire fence they were on, and I slipped and knicked the blade a bit. I really dont want to damage the 105 as it was a gift.

So now I'm looking for a decent, moderately priced folder. I'm not looking for a work of art, since it's going to get dinged up a bit. I need something that preferably wont get clogged by the sand, or if thats not possible, something thats easy to clean. Thanks guys.
 
For sand-proof utility, I'd look at a Leatherman or Gerber Multi Tool.

Of course butterfly knives work well but if frightening sheeple is an issue, then I'd recommend against.

If a folder is what you want, I'd suggest a simple lock-back design. The Spyderco Salt H1 would also offer the advantages of a sure grip when wet and a blade that is as rust-proof as you'll find. Highly visible if dropped as well.

sp88pyl.jpg
 
Excellent question. I've been searching for something like that for a while.

While the Salt might be an excellent suggestion from the blade steel end, I wished the frame was a bit more open to aid in cleaning. I always hate opening a nice folder after a day at the beach and feeling the grit as it opens.

I've gotten to the point where I carry a small, unobtrusive fixed blade with a drain hole in the sheath when I go, just to get around the pivot fouling issue.

Let us know if you find something that works, and good luck.
 
I'm not really a fan of spiderco's designs, I like more traditional lookings knives, but maybe I'll give one a try. Wouldnt a multi tool just have more stuff to get sand into? I dont see how that would be more sandproof, unless I'm missing something.
 
saturnine138 said:
Wouldnt a multi tool just have more stuff to get sand into? I dont see how that would be more sandproof, unless I'm missing something.
Click to expand...

Yes, a multi tool has more joints and places for sand to get into but they are usually built to take quite a bit of abuse. I've used mine for years around dirt, water, dust, sand, sawdust etc. Most are relatively rust-proof as well. At worst I'll get some very small orange-ish rust spots that come right off with some fine steel wool.

I'm usually not going to use it someplace where quick deployment is needed (asside from the pliers when fishing - Gerber has 'em all beat in this regard). When dirty, I toss it in the dishwasher or blast it with the garden hose. The older Gerbers could even be taken apart with an Allen wrench and cleaned, IIRC.

Maybe its just me but when it comes to multi-tools, a little grit in the joints doesn't bother me at all. That, and the fact that the Military uses the Gerber tools in Iraq with no real issues has me sold on multi-tools in less than favorable conditions.
 
I would strongly suggest a little something from the Spyderco Salt Series! I have a Pacific Salt & Salt 1. They are my beach knives.
 
TheKnifeCollector said:
I would strongly suggest a little something from the Spyderco Salt Series! I have a Pacific Salt & Salt 1. They are my beach knives.
Click to expand...

Kindly, Please tell where can one purchase one of these Spyderco Salt Series knives inexpensively on-line??
 
I'm thinking maybe I should just go with a smaller fixed blade. I'm thinking of finding an old steak knife or something and grinding it down to around two or three inches and wrapping the handing in parachute cord. Anyone know if that'll work?
 
Stay away from using a multi-tool around a beach enviroment. I stuck an
el-Cheapo Chinese one in my fishing bag, and took it along when I went on my first saltwater trip. I carried it in a bag, and in a cargo pocket, while on the beach and in water up to my waist or so. I still find some sand stuck in there, and getting at all the places that may have been contacted by salt spray was nearly impossible (didn't rust....hmmm....may actually be stainless). That's also why I am not going to recommend you a Swiss Army nife. Actually, sand has a nasy habit getting into folders. Get a small neck Knife (I like my Shoshonee with a 2.75 inch blade), and keep it sheathed in your pocket if the neck chain doesn't work out.
 
How about an Ontario Rat-3. Small fixed blade and built like a tank. D-2 isn't stainless, but it's very close.
 
I ended up getting a CRKT Sting. It isnt as people friendly as I wanted, but it seems like it can take a beating. The blade is coated so it shouldnt rust as easy, and the handle is metal so I dont have to worry much about that.
 
It was $27. I probably should have asked about it here before buying it, but I was in the store and it looked so nice. Anyone have any expierience with it? Is it a decent knife? I'm thinking about maybe dulling down one edge to get around the no dagger law, if I choose to do that, what's the best way to do it? Thank you to everyone who helped me, I checked out everything you guys sugested. I liked the Queen's Big Chief folder, but I decided a fixed blade would be easier to maintain. I've always wanted a boot knife, but could never justify getting one. I'll probably end up getting a folder when I get paid, knives are addictive.
 
Spyderco Salt 1 or Pacific Salt are the ones I would suggest for beach use. I have both of the knives I mentioned. They will not rust. Perfect for beach use!!
 
If you like a more traditional looking knife you might want to check out David Boye's folder. Its made for marine use but it is like $135. Completely rust and free non magnetic and basically made for the salt water environment though. Many marine and sea faring folks use them. Its a very light weight folder that comes in both a really nice blue color and a yellow and I think two different blade style options and a spike if you want it for untying ropes and such.

If you can carry a fixed blade the BM Nimravus is a good choice or the Gerber River knife. The river knife is small and pretty much a good choice all around. I use mine in the kitchen a lot and for canoe and kayak trips.

STR
 
Since you are at the beach, for you folder a marlinspike knife would be cool, not to mention nautical. Yep, they can be very addictive.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top