Best cheap folder for traveling to Africa

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Derek the Destroyer

Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
449
Hey all,
I am going to Zimbabwe this summer for a month and I was planning on taking my Spyderco Mili and a couple of moras to trade with. Well, It turns out that my grandfather was there a few years back and he said not to pack anything of real value into your check back because the people who work at the air port will steal it. So, Now I am faced with this dilemma... What folder to take?
I have been doing some research and I find that the svord pesant knife and the opinel #9 seem to fit the bill. However, I am concerned with the Svord's lack of a lock. I do really like it's blade shape though. and it's price tag.
Next is the Opinel #9. I would have bought one already had I not read about how the blade gets stuck when the handle becomes waterlogged. I also like the blade shape of this one but I am a little turned off that it is a 2 handed opener.
I would really like to hear some opinions/past experiences about these 2 knives and their strengths/limitations. No, I don't plan on battoning through a bayobab tree. No, I don't plan on using these for sd, but worst case scenario, which one would do better at stabbing?
Finally, is there any other recommendations for a folder that is $20 or less? I know there is the Ka-Bar Dosier but I want something closer to a 4 inch blade for utility purpose. Thanks everyone for your time and your help. There is no way in hell I am going to Africa without a folder.
 
Hmm. Consider a Camillus Cuda folding knife. I own two. They are great knives and hold up to a lot of use and beating. I picked mine up at a local wally world (for around 30 dollars). Also a great knife for the price is my Puma one hand knife #314711 ($20). Both Puma knives (www.pumaknifecompanyusa.com/) and Camillus (www.camillusknives.com) Make excellent knives in a $20-$70 price range.

My Puma #314711 is my current EDC knife and I have been carrying it everywhere with me for almost a year now with absolutely NO complaints. I did take out and replace *one* of the two silicon discs that separate the knife blade from the liners on either side because one disc was slightly smaller than the other, which caused the blade to touch the liner when the knife requires tightening (I think this is done intentionally). The steel holds and edge fairly well, extremely well for the price. I also switched the direction the pivot screw was facing so the knife can be tightened without removing the pocket clip. Other than those two adjustments, my puma folding knife is one of the best folding knives I have ever owned. Period. I have a lot of praise for the quality of their folding knives. FYI I did some quick research and Puma does not sell this knife in the US, and you have to go to their German website to purchase. I strongly suggest you consider this knife. Link to German site for PUMA: www.Pumaknives.de
Specs: PUMA TEC one-hand knife
Item Number: 7314711
Blade length: 80 mm
Blade steel: AISI 420
Length closed: 115 mm
Knife weight: 133 g
Scales: aluminum, belt clip
Price € 20.00
Including 19% VAT plus shipping costs



My Camillus Cuda 9" was my EDC all of last year and the summer before that and is still going strong. I have used it to carve, open packages, pry doors open and just about everything else. It is a great knife for the price as well as for carrying as an EDC. The Camillus Cuda has a coating on the AUS8 blades that is tougher than nails. The steel on mine holds an excellent edge. It is robust and can take a lot of hard use and abuse.
Specs: 9'' Carbonitride Titanium® Cuda® Folding Knife with Quick Release and G10 Handle
AUS-8 Japanese Steel / Carbonitride Titanium won't flake, blister, chip or peel and is up to 10x harder than untreated steel so the blades stay sharper, longer. Hollow ground blade. Quick-action blade release. Ergonomic G10 Fiber handle. Lifetime Warranty.

Just some suggestions.
 
I love both the Opinel and the Svord Peasant.
While the Svord doesnt have a lock your hand holds the tang in place so it shouldn't close on you under normal circumstances. It also takes a great edge, holds it well and is pretty tough. You will probably want to spend a couple hours working on the edge and making the handle scales work for you. A bit of customisation goes a long way.

Opinels are great. They can be susceptible to the blade sticking if the get wet. One suggestion I have heard is to soak the lock/pivot area in mineral oil to give it a measure of waterproofing. It seems to work. If you go Opinel I would suggest the stainless for travel.

For the price maybe consider both, work on them for a couple hours and tben make a decision :)
 
What about the Utillitac II? Can be had for ~$25 on the bay. May not be long enough for you but at 3.5" it is plenty long for most tasks. Modern amenities as well. Liner lock, one hand opening, AUS8, Zytel handle, multi position clip.
 
SAKs, Opinel, Douk-Douk, any of those would be fine. Personally I'd go with a SAK for the extra tools. Perhaps throw in a couple of basic Moras depending on the activities you've got planned.

If, as you mentioned, self defence is a factor, the get a RAT-1, Cara-Cara or Tenacious. They'll be faster to open with one hand, do check if they're legal where you're going.
 
For stabbing and cheapness I would say ontario rat 1 . I own utilitac but rat 1 is a super excellent stabbing blade. Blade is straight so easier to sharpen than utilitac 2
 
I know it's not a four inch blade, but I always travel overseas with Swiss Army Knives - very functional with lots of tools, and not very expensive in case they get stolen out of my checked luggage.
 
[video=youtube;4Lc0zIUc0Yg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lc0zIUc0Yg[/video]

I EDC the Svord Mini Peasant. No issues with rust, accidental opening, or accidental closing. It has answered the call every time.

[video=youtube;tRSFC--GDkI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRSFC--GDkI[/video]
 
What makes you think they won't steal a cheap knife? Get something like an Endura and turn it into a knife kit. Put the blade in your checked bag and carry the handle in your carry on. Assemble the knife when you get to your destination and reverse the process on your return. I just did this on a trip to Puerto Rico.
 
tiguy7 said:
What makes you think they won't steal a cheap knife? Get something like an Endura and turn it into a knife kit. Put the blade in your checked bag and carry the handle in your carry on. Assemble the knife when you get to your destination and reverse the process on your return. I just did this on a trip to Puerto Rico.
Click to expand...

^ I've never even considered that as a possibility. That's definitely getting your cake and eat it too.
 
Franciscomv said:
SAKs, Opinel, Douk-Douk, any of those would be fine. Personally I'd go with a SAK for the extra tools. Perhaps throw in a couple of basic Moras depending on the activities you've got planned.

If, as you mentioned, self defence is a factor, the get a RAT-1, Cara-Cara or Tenacious. They'll be faster to open with one hand, do check if they're legal where you're going.
Click to expand...

My thoughts as well, having traveled everywhere with the military. I'd just say SAKs and Moras (if fixed blades won't get you in trouble, you need to find out). SAKs are good just about everywhere. Try and have a fixed blade if you are able. Moras are cheap. Leave it if you have to. Africa always wins. Let it have your knife, and not your life if it comes to that. Africa can be rough depending where you are, and if you're white.
 
tiguy7 said:
What makes you think they won't steal a cheap knife? Get something like an Endura and turn it into a knife kit. Put the blade in your checked bag and carry the handle in your carry on. Assemble the knife when you get to your destination and reverse the process on your return. I just did this on a trip to Puerto Rico.
Click to expand...

Great idea. Although, luggage gets lost or stolen too. Puerto Rico is not Africa either. I'd say travel light, nothing of value. Lots of quality knives that are not expensive.
 
Cold Steel Kudu or Pocket Bushman, ridiculous bang for your buck with either one.

Speaking of Buck, you can't go wrong with a 110....
 
Mail yourself the knives you want to have with you and mail them back when you leave. The cost will be a little more but you will have with you what you want in a knife.
 
Larger SAK witk a lockable,blade. Then youd have the added advantage of the tools, which might come in handy.
 
Opinel all the way. Can't say enough good things. Get one in stainless. Oil the pivot and don't think about it again. I have swam with mine several times (carbon even) and it was not too hard to open even after being wet for hours. I love the #10 too. Shoot, you could get an 8, 9, 10, 12 and still be out very little money.
 
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