Easy to clean folder for fishing and edc?

G

GEC

Joined
May 8, 2007
Messages
950
Wow, It's been a while since I last posted on here.
Anywho, can anybody recommend a good folder for fishing that is easy to clean and something I can used for edc/hiking? I kayak fish and sometimes I like to keep what I take down to minimum. Especially when I set up camp too. So I need something to be easy to clean in field and on the water. Without the worry of it getting all sticky in the pivot area.
I was looking at the BM griptillian and RAT 1 folder. I currently used a LM wave for it, but it's a PITA t clean after a couple of days of fishing,food prep, hiking,etc
Can anybody recommend me a decent folder for these tasks?
 
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...but you may want to check out the Zero Tolerance 0500 MUDD. It has a sealed pivot and some of the gunk that people have put them through is amazing. It's more expensive and much larger than a Mini-Grip or RAT1, but you should at least take a look.

The other knife that gets a lot of mention in fishing topics around here is the Spyderco Salt series (Salt 1, Pacific Salt, Atlantic Salt, etc.) H1 is a rust-free steel (completely, not just stainless) and that would be one way to not have to worry about clean-up.

Again, this is just things gleaned from reading here at BFC. I don't have any personal experience with any of these knives. (I wish!)
 
My orange Military has been my go to fish knife for 2 years now.
Really easy to clean with the open scales.
Is pretty good at filleting with the tip and grind.

My Rat-1 folder has been great as well, same open frame and probably the best folder for the price I own. You really can't go wrong for around 30$.
Good flat grind as well.

both of their liner locks are easy to rinse/pick out debris
 
Never owned one myself, but I have heard nothing bad about the RAT1 folder... The ones I have seen have been pretty well put together. Couldn't go wrong for the price.
 
One of the most important things to consider is the solid reality that you may lose your knife while fishing.
You also want it to be lightwieght.
You also want a one hand opening knife.

( I base this upon what I would look for in a folder )

So taking those into account , lightwieght , easily replaceable , easy one hand opening - I would take a look at the Kershaw Chill.


Tostig
 
I have a BM griptillion and love it. Its my EDC and has handled many ducks and fish on my hunting trips. Is currently on its second deployment and has yet to have any issues with sticking.
 
I`d say take a look at the Buck Vantage, easy to clean, raor sharp and opens onehanded like nothing I`ve ever had before...
And it`s a really affordable price to it, (don`t have to fear loosing it)
 
TheGame said:
Never owned one myself, but I have heard nothing bad about the RAT1 folder... The ones I have seen have been pretty well put together. Couldn't go wrong for the price.
Click to expand...

Might as well wait and get the new ESEE IZULA Folder !;):thumbup:
 
The RAT1 is a great blade, and would be easy (relatively) to hose out, but I still think this niche should be reserved for fixed blades. I can't believe I'm doing this, but I'd recommend checking out the Gerber Paraframe... the action is super exposed and thus very easy to scrub out once it gets full of built up sticky crap and sand.
 
Just out of curiosity, why a folder? A small fixed blade will do all you have talked about, can be very lite to carry (Mora), and be easier to clean. Unless it is an issue at your locale (and looking at your location I can see that being an issue), I can't see any advantage in carrying a folding knife over a fixed blade.

Again, just curious.
 
+1 for the Spyderco Salt knives. I have used them plenty in fresh water and salt water with great results. I usually just rinse it with clean water to take any dirt particles off and wipe it dry on my shirt. Good thing is, you don't have to worry about getting every drop of water dry on it. It won't rust!

Also, though it may be a bit pricey for a fishing knife, I don't think any folder is easier to take apart and clean thoroughly than the Sebenza. I love it because I tend to get a bit anal about cleaning dust out of all the cracks in my knives.
 
+1 for a Salt series folder from Spyderco, especially in/around saltwater. They are lockbacks, not very open construction. The mechanism doesn't really get gunked up; I just wipe the crud off the blade, stick it in the water, swish it around, then stick it in back in my pocket or little clip-on kydex sheath I made for it. Super lightweight, totally immune to salt water, good edge retention. I can't tell you how many fish I've cleaned with my Salt 1. I've done a lot of beach camping with just a Salt 1 and Ladybug salt, and they've done everything from cutting bait and cleaning fish and to preparing meals.
Salt 1:
IMG_3143.jpg


IMG_3146.jpg


Ladybug Salt:

IMG_3558.jpg
 
I have an Ahti folding Puuko that I like for those tasks sometimes. I also use it in the yard for all kinds of things, including opening bags of mulch, etc. just for the reason you stated; it doesn't get bound up and is easy to clean. Inexpensive, stainless steel puuko style blade with scandi grind. It folds and is easy to clean; doesn't get bound up with grime. I bought mine from Ragnar, but I don't see them on his site anymore. I've seen it by many other names like the Hackman balisong, CIA butterfly knife, Vietnam knife, etc. Cost me under $20 I think when I bought it from Ragnar. Maybe he can get some more if you email him.

This is what they look like. Mine is red and didn't come with a pouch. I must say, I don't see much advantage to it over a cheap fixed blade like a Mora other than the fact that you can safely carry it in your pocket without a sheath.

1190825515-9692.jpg
 
Ok I didn't expect so many replies lol. So if I forget to answer you don't be offended.
Riley: that blade is ideal! I am considering it many because it specializes in what I'm looking for. So I might even get that one because of that reason alone. Thanks!

As for the person who suggested the folding knife that looks like a butterfly knife. That would be a no no in just about every where I go just because of the way it looks. So that one would just get authorities breathing down my neck. You just never know how people would react or you are around any more. Lol

Fixed blade mora is also a good choice, but I have those
already. I might as well just carry one with me. Thanks.

To the one that said pretty much I will loose a knife. Yes I hear ya! I don't want to spend alot on a knife that I will loose and feel bad about. Good points.

The salt would be about the right one too, but I don't have any experience with H1 steel. So I'm just a bit Leary of it. I imagine I could just suck it up and go for it to try it out.

Thanks everyone for the info. This is why I really never post as much I used to just because I find more info by looking for it on here.
 
The H1 is really pretty good steel for most uses. And the ladybug will only cost you around $30 or so. Try it out
 
GEC said:
The salt would be about the right one too, but I don't have any experience with H1 steel. So I'm just a bit Leary of it. I imagine I could just suck it up and go for it to try it out.

Thanks everyone for the info. This is why I really never post as much I used to just because I find more info by looking for it on here.
Click to expand...

You won't be disappointed with H-1 if you don't mind scratches (H-1 scratches very easily.) It's not a "super steel" by any means but its edge retention increases with use and sharpening through a process of work hardening. It will not rust during normal usage. It is easy to maintain the edge with the most rudimentary of sharpening devices. I used an Atlantic Salt commercial fishing for over a year. The only reason I don't still carry it is because the Byrd I carry now has by far the most effective serrations I have used and I can sacrifice corrosion resistance for cutting ability. All in all H-1 is probably the perfect all around steel for use around water.
 
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